The Chester Courant and Advertiser for North Wales

THE DEMI-CAR. EXPERT'S VERDICT. The Electrical Engineer (Mr. S. E. Britton) presented a report on the demi-car to a special meeting of the Chester Tramways Committee. He said he, in company with a representative of Messrs. Raworths Ltd., had oompared the car with an ordinary double-deck car. The tests shewed the demi-car to be 9.5 per cent, more economical in current than the double-deck car. Considering that the demi-car was new, he considered that quite a satisfactory result. After the car had run some time, and the truck became easier, lie was confident that the economy in current would be well over 10 per cent, as com- pared with the double-deck cars. Last year the twelve double-deck cars ran 270,210 miles, an average of 22,517 miles per car. Taking the demi-car as doing 22,500 miles, and consuming, say, 10 per oent. less current than the double- deck car, a saving in current would result amounting to 216. 13s. There was considerable economy by the demi-car in wheels, brake- blocke, and general maintenance, owing to the fact of the act of switching off the current stopping the car without the use of brakes. He estimated this saving at C9. 7s. per annum. As to the question of a conductor, he was unable to see that one was necessary. If it was found that a demi-car could be run in Chester with a driver only, then a saving under that head amounting to JE61. 7se would be effected. Under thoso conditions the total economy per annum would be J387. 7s. The regenerative system of control had other advantages over series parallel system, but it was difficult to put a pecuniary value on these. A regenerative car was under greater control, thus it was freer from accidents. The greater number of speeds should tend to reduce the general maintenance; and it was easier to drive, therefore less fatiguing for the driver. With regard to the freely-expressed opinion of the man in the streets as to this car, he was bound to say that he had not yet heard a genuine objection to the car as a single-deck car. As a single-deck car, he was of opinion that it would be difficult to improve upon either in appearance, comfort, or general economy. If, however, it was eventually found noceesary to always carry a conductor, then, from a com- mercial point of view, the single-deck car had no practical advantage for Chester. The Committee have resolved to recommend the Council that the committee be authorised to purchase three additional tramcars, similar to the present cars, to be fitted with the regenera- tive control appliances, at an estimated cost of £ 1,800.

DUST-IJAYING IN CHESTER. SURVEYOR'S REPORT. The minutes of the Improvement Committee contain a report by the City Surveyor (Mr. Matthews Jones) on the dust-laying experiment by the committee. In the course of his report ho states:—"Your committee received an offer from the Akonia Syndicate to supply four tons of Akonia on approval. The experiment has been made on Upper inorthgate-st-xcft and Liver- pool-road, and began on July 30th. and con- tinued until August 27th. The surtax covered: WUI, appmxiniateky, 11,000 yards; the. total weight of Akonia used being 4 tons, 3owt. 3qr., and, inclusive of the firet. thorough dress- ing, it was applied four times with a total of 8,000 gallons of water. During the month when the experiment was being made it was showery on eight days, and heavy rain fell on nine days. The ordinary watering on these roads during the intervals of dry weather, between the rainy weather, would have consumed, approximately, 82,000 gallons of water, as against the 8,000 gaJ- lons actually used; but the cost of watering would have been about 23. 10st, as against £ 14. Ss. 5d. for the Akonia. There were other expenses not. taken in account, such as extra man with meter stand pipe; but this item can be dispensed with, and other items of expense may be reduced in connection with the future crushing, dissolving, and spreading of the Akonia solution, should the committee decide to uso it -on, a. lanrer scale- During: this season, on all the roadways in the city usually watered, 19,346 loads of water have been applied at a cost for epreading of about J6552. There are about ten miles of macadamised roadways (be- ing part only of the city roads) thaa the Akonia would be useful upon, but the cost for this material alone, at L3. 19.. 6d. per ton, is esti- mated at 2553. 10s. The experiment proves, firstly, that the solution, when applied to the road surfaces, keeps them damper and less dusty in dry weather, and less muddy in wet weather, and serves for a longer period than ordinary watering; secondly, the water used is very much less than with the ordinary watering; and thirdly, that the expense of the material is a large factor, when considering its use in Chester, owing to the water being supplied to the Cor- poration free of charge. In conclusion, I would recommend the committee to continue this or similar dust preventive experiments next sea- son."

DEATH OF MR. ED. THOMAS. « AN OLD TRADESMAN. We regret to state that Mr. Edward Thomas, one of Chester's oldest citizens, passed away on Saturday at 18, Pepper-street, at the advanced age of 83. Deceased was born in Liverpool in 1823 of Welsh parents, and at the age of two and a half years, he, with his parents, came to reside in Chester. In 1832 he was elected a. King's Scholar on the nomination of the Rev. Canon Slade, and remained at the school until 1836, and at the time of his death was the oldest surviving member of the Old King's Scholars' Association, of which he had been president. As a Cathedral chorister he, among others, sang before the late Queen when she, as Princess Victoria, came to Chester to open the Grosvenor Bridge. He served his appren- ticeship to his father, the late Mr. Thomas Thomae, printer and publisher, and afterwards succeeded him in hce business, which was car- ried on in Eastgate Row (North), and later at Oaxton Buildings, Pepper-street. He also qualified as a chemist in 1850, and later became a member of the British Pharmaceutical Society, and carried on the business of a. homoeo- pathic chemist, being a member of the British Homoeopathic Society. He always tcok an active interest in temperance work, and had practioally been a life-long abstainer, having signed the pledge at the age of 14 years, con- tinuing a^taunch teetotaller to the end. For many years he was an active member of the Chester Christian Temperance Society, of which he was a former president. Mr. Thomas was married in 1851 to Miss Agnes Dodd Haynes at St. Mary's-on-the-Hill, and had six daughters and four sons, nine of hie children surviving him. As a boy he was brought up at Commonhall- street Welsh Chapel, and from that dime has always interested himself in Christian work. Later he joined Queen-street Congregational Ohapel, where for over twenty years he was honorary organist, and was a deacon of the church. For tie last 27 years he attended St. Peter's Church, of which he wae sidesman for nearly the whole of that time. Mr. Thomas was a good Welsh linguist and took great intereet in all matters concerning the Principality. He was a vice-president of the Cymdeithas Cymry Caer, and aJeo of the Welsh branch of the British and Foreign Bible Society, and was local secretary of the Re- ligious Tract Society. He was on the commit- tee of the Chester City Mission, and for some years was overseer of the poor for St. Mary's Ward. Always fond of music, he formed the old Chester Glee and Madrigal Society. In politics he was a Liberal. Mr. Thomas had been gradually failing in strength for some time but took to his bed only a week before l,- death. The funeral takes place at the Cemetery at 2.30 to-day (Wednesday).

LECTURE ON THE DEE.—Mr. W. Shone, LF F G S. gave an interesting and enjoyable lecture before a large audienoe at the Grosvenor Museum on Thursday on "The Topography of the Roman Dee and Port of Deva." The lecturer dealt with the many changes that have taken pfeoe in the Dee and at the port from the Roman occupation up to the present time, and his remarks were most instructive. A number of capital views were thrown on the screen. At the close & cordial vote of thanks was accorded Jdx. Shone for hie excellent lectin*.

THE SEWAGE WORKS. 41 The Sewering Committee have recently had under consideration the condition of the Sewage Works. The Town Clerk reported his recent correspondence with Major Tulloch with refer- ence to Major Tulloch's application for sanc- tion to purchase, ae an experiment, 16 tons of alumino-ferric, at a cost of J642, to be used as a precipitant at the Sewage Works; also with reference to his request for certain portions of c' the material in the filters being washed, to en- able him to satisfactorily carry out the experi- ments with the precipitant. Major Tulloch ex- plained hie proposals, and the Assistant Oity Surveyor reported that the cost of carrying out the experiments proposed, including the wash- ing of the material in the filters, and the cost of the precipitant would exceed £100. It was resolved that the application be deferred until Major Tulloch has furnished the statement and report referred to in the resolution of the Committee of the 4th October, and that in the meantime the Superintendent be instructed to continue his laboratory experiments with alumino-ferric and that the Assistant City Sur- veyor proceed to wash the filters, and that a separate account of the cost of such washing be kept and reported to the Committee. At another meeting Major Tulloch reported on his visit to the Sewage Works at Hanley, in Staffordslure, and he applied for the Commit- tee's consent to alterations at the works. The Committee passed a resolution declining to con- sider the applications made at this and the pre- vious meeting until they were in possession of Major Tulloch's promised report and statement of facts for the Local Government Board; and, failting the receipt of these within three weeks, they would present a report to the General Purposes Committee of the Council, with a re- commendation that the Committee be author- ised to take such further expert advice as they might deem necessary.

RURAL HOUSING. -4 The report of the Housing Committee was issued on Friday. The present house famine," it says, is incontestable. It is due largely to neglect of their duties and powers by rural oounoils, to bad landlords (some of whom are practically of the came olaes as the tenants, and even are members of the councils that should administer the law more strictly), and to some slackness in the Local Government Board that those houses are insanitary. Magistrates have a difficulty in convicting while the district council cannot build new cottages to pay and are reluctant to load the rates." The Committee holds that the county council should administer the Sanitary and Housing Acts, because they could borrow on a larger scale and could pay for the whole time of medical and other inspectors. Experts could be co-operated by a Housing Committee. Land- lords should be compelled to supply data for a housing register so that the state of the property could be seen at a glanoe. Councils might combine to build a reservoir, and so cheapen a rate supply. Rate liability for new houses should fall partly on the county and partly on the parish which directly benefited. The Committee is emphatic that the rural labourer should have land attached to his cot- tage, and the Bill which the Committee con- sidered enlarges the amount of that land from one-fourth of an acre and 23 annual value to a maximum of three acres and 210. There should be compulsory power to purchase land for housing. The tied cottage system is con- demned the labourer should pay his rent to the landlord, and not to the farmer; and should not feel that he gets a cottage for nothing when its value really comes off his wages. That is in practice a violation of the Truck Acts. To meet the admitted difficulty that cottagere will not pay at the present rental, the committee recom- mends that the councils (or building societies formed for the purpose) should be able to borrow more cheaply and at larger periods of redemption. The Local Government Board should supply model plans for housing. Cottages in pairs can be erected for between £ 150 and 2175 eaoh, perhaps as low at JB120, but no rental under 2s. 6d. will pay even at 2 per cent. interest on lo. While the committee acknowledges that a loss must fall on the rates, or a grant be made from the Exchequer—small in comparison, it contends, with the money spent on the un- employed-yet it would be cheaper in the long run because it would relieve some of the cost of maintaining workhouses, asylums, etc. It cal- culated that the rate to meet the loss on 500 cot- tages, with land, costing 2200 each and rented at 2s. weekly (allowing 3 per oent. interest for fifty yeans) would exoeed Id. only in two coun- ties—Huntingdonshire and Westmorland.

PILOTS OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT. 4 At the annual meeting of the Association of Clerks to the District Councils and Guardians of Cheshire, held on Wednesday at the Queen Hotel, Chester, Mr. Samuel Knight, aJerk to the Bollington Urban District Council, was elected president for the ensuing year, and Mr. J. Fred May, clerk to the Macclesfield RuraJ District. Council, vice-chairman. Mr. CaJdecutt, clerk to the Hoole Urban District Council, was again appointed hon. secretary and treasurer to the association.—The Chairman referred to the death of Mr. J. F. Adams, the auditor for the North-Western Counties District, and there was a unanimous expression of regret, and also of the high regard in which he had been held by all those with whom his offioial duties bad brought him in contact for so many years.—The hon. secretary was instructed to send a copy of the resolution to Mr. Fred M. Adams, the dis- trict auditor for Cheshire, and to express the sympathy and condolence of the association with himself and his relatives at the loss they had sus- ta.in.ed.-The question of the duties and salaries of clerks to education administrative sub-oom- mattees was discussed, and a general feeling ex- pressed that the duties of these officials ha.ve moneased to an enormous extent without any increase of the salaries aittaobed to the office- An important resolution was passed that the association be now extended, so as to comprise the various municipal and' local government officials throughout the county and to form a Cheshire Association of Local Government officers, the same to be federated subsequently with the National Association of Local Govern- ment Officers, Lozxdom-Mr. J. R Cowley, olerk to the Northrwich Urban District Cbuncil, opened a discussion on the dust problem. He stated that in the Northwich urban district ox- periments had been tried with several of the preparations on the market, but the most Mc- oessful results had been obtained by the use of oaJcium chloride It had been proved that roads treated with calcium chloride under (uoeptional conditions would last for three weeks without further treatment, and in several irngtan/ro* mote than a month elapsed before the dust began to rise. A great saving had been effected by his Council during the dry season of the year, and the surveyor was convinced thai the roads treated with calcium chloride had been gener- ally improved by its use. A general discussion on the subject followed, and Mr. Cowley was thanked for his remarks -Mr. Cowley also dealt with the question of audit reform, and stated the present system of looal government audit might with advantage be reformed, though he was against any systesn which would have the effect of destroying the principle of centralis- ing control. More uniformity might be secured in allowances, and auditors might be required to qualify in accountancy according to a standard to be set by the Local Government Board. The period between the close of the financial year and the audit should be shortened, and the Local Government Board should exer- cise their powers under section 3 of the Local Authorities (Expenses) Act, 1887, nwm gmer- ally than they do at present. Mb-. Cowley put it forwaird as a point for discussion whether the Local Government Board ought not to sanction a prosecution before an auditor can take pro- ceedings for default, and he urged timA there should be a consolidation of all statutory pro- visions, regulations and orders relating to local government audits. In oondusion, the speaker referred to the fact that local authorities were celled upon to pa.y stamp duty on expenditure for wotka oat of loan, and also on the repayment of principal of the same loan.—In the diaoussion which followed, Mr. Cooke (Winsfoed), Mr. Whyatt; (Hale), Mr. Knight (Boiliogton) and the Secretary spoke and dealt with the various points raisecL-The usual votes of tkajilra were passed to the chairman and 1Î16 hon. awwasa-y and treasurer for tbesr services dmocc the put lear.

OUTRIGGED BOATS. + LICENCES TO BE GRANTED. The Watch Committee of the Corporation con- sidered the question. of licensing- out-rigged boats, and application by borit proprietors for the reduction of the fees for licensing boats, or for consent to an application to the Local Government. Board to increase the scale of fares for boats. It was resolved to recommend the Council that, subject to specifications being agreed to between the committee and the boat proprietors, to wlnoh all out rigged boats to be hereafter built shall conform, the committee be authorised to licence a proportion of outrigged boast not exceeding 25 per cent. of the total number of boa.ts licensed (excluding whiffs) for each boat proprietor, upon condition that the person hiring an outrigged boat, shall sign his or her name in a book to be kept by the boat proprietor, declaring that not less than one- lralf in number of the persons intending to occupy or use the boat were able to swim. It was also resolved that no alteration be made in the amount, of fees for licensing of boats and steamers now paid to the Corporation, or in the list of rates of hire of pleasure boats, etc., on the river. At another meeting the committee approved the following specifications as the minimum re- quirements for outrigged boats: -(1) Boat to carry two persons, extreme length 18ft., extreme breadth 3ft. 2in. (2) boat to carry three or four persons, length 24ft., breadth 3ft. 5in (3) boat (Randan) to carry five or six persons, length 28ft., breadth 3ft. 6in.

THE LATE MR. W. HUGHES. + The funeral of the late Mr. Wm. Hughes, of Flint, took place on Thursday at Flint Cemetery, when the town was in mourning for the lose of one who was most dearly respected. Blinds were drawn in every household, and business entirely suspended, and long before the funeral cortege wended its solemn journey the townsfolk assembled in large numbers and lined the public streets. The funeral proces- sion left C'deshill at 2.30 for the parish church, preceded by the clergy-the Rev. T. J. Roberts, p- Flint (owing to the indisposition of the Rector, the Rev. W. IL Nicholas), the Rev. Protheroe vicar of Llanasa), and the curate of St. Mark's Church, Connah's Quay—followed by the minis- ters of all other denominations, including tho Rev. G. R. Griffiths, the Rev. Williams, Father Jennings and others. They preceded the hearse, together with the members of the Connah's Quay Urban Council, who included Mr. Walter Reney, Mr, T. J. Reney, Mr. E. G. Copley, Mr. J. W. Connell, Mr. J. Forber, Mr. T. G. Conway, Mr. Samuel Vickexa, Mr. R. Cecil Davies (Chester, consulting surveyor), Mr. W. E. Hughes (surveyor), Mr. J. Frater (Lloyds Bank, treasurer). Then followed the coffin con- veyed in an open hearse, which was literally covered with elegant floral tributes. In the fixst carriage were Mr. Thomas William Hughes (brother), the Rev. Enoch, of Coedpoeth, Wrex- ham (a close friend), and Mr. Pyers Edwards, Holywell. In the second carriage was Mr. Piggott, of Hoylake (uncle). Carriages follow- ing were sent by the Mayor, Mr. J. L. Mus- pratt, the Rev. W. Ll. Nicholas, and many others. Then followed the office staff, which in- cluded Mr. J. Bibby Denny (chief clerk), Mr. Joseph Lloyd, Mr. Gillott, Mr. William Carr and others. Next in order came a large detach- ment from the Unionist Club, of which the deceased was treasurer since its inception. They included Messrs. Thomas John Morris, George Clews, T. B. Bellis, P. D. Jones, E. Poynton, J. Gibson, Dr. Marston, and a very large number of members. They were followed by the mem- bers of the Flint Cricket dub, of which the deceased was sub captain since its inception. Among the latter were Mr. Ben Hawkyard, Mr. J. Morgan (Bagillt), Mr. J. Ellis, Mr. J. M. Kemp, Mr. R. Parry, Mr. T. Flaherty and others. Then came representatives of the Flint United Football Club (of which club the de- ceased was a vice-president), led by Mr. R. N-esbitt. At the borough boundary the proces- sion was met by the members of the St. Mark's Lodge (Connah's Quay) of Freemasons in their regalia, of which lodge the deoeased was a mem- ber, and the male members of the Flint Choral- Society, of which the deceased was secretary since its inception. At the Town Hall the Mayor joined the funeral cortege, in his chain and robes of office. He was preceded by the Sergeant-at-Mace (Inspector Williams), carrying the mace deeply draped, and followed by the Deputy Mayor (Mr. A. B. Lloyd), Mr. T-. T. Sill and Mr. Isaac Taylor (borough magistrates), Mr. Henry Taylor (clerk to the magistrates), Aldermen E. J. Hughes and Joseph Hall, Coun- cillors E. A. Hughes, C Jones, J. Griffiths, Shem Davies, H. Powell, T. 0- Donovan, R. H. Evans, Mr, J. Parry Humphreys (sanitary in- spector), Mr. P. Harding Roberts (clerk to the Holywell Guardians), Messrs. O. W. Jones, John Lloyd, W. Lloyd, Jesse Winter (overseers), Mr. John Williams (assistant overseer), Mr. J. Marsden (Holywell, assistant. overseer), Messrs John Kendriok and Thomas Hughes, of Oaken- holt (overseers), Mr. T. Burges3 and Mr. R. Jones (elective auditors), Mr. Hugh Hughes (eac- town councillor), and others. At the parish church of St. Mary's the female members of the Flint Choral Society and the Primrose League were in waiting. The organist, Capt. E. J. H. Williams, pre- sided at the organ, and played a solemn volun- tary The Rev. T J. Roberts opened the ser- vice, which was fully choral, the lesson being read by the Rev. Mr. Protheroe. Two hymns were sung in the church most im- pressively, namely, 'Days and momenta quickly flying" and "There is a land of pure delight," many of the con- gregation being brought to team The oortege left the ohurch for the Cemetery, the organist playing with much effect the "Dead March." Ait the graveside the concluding por- tion of the burial service was read by the Rev. T. J- Roberts, and the special Masenio servioe at the grave was conducted by the Rev. Mr. Protheroe, two hymns being sung and an im- pressive address delivered. Mr. M. S. Rogers had full charge of the funeral arrangements, and the coffin was borne to the grave by member of the Flint Unionist dub. Magnificent floral tributes were sent from the following, among others:—"His laving brother and sisters," 'Sadie and Muriel," Freemasons (Connah's Quay), the offioe staff, Mr. J. Bibby Denny, Mr. and Mra. Joseph Jones and Phoebe, Mm Chas. Johnson and Mrs. Jones (Halkyn), Buckley Cricket Club, Mrs. Smith and Mr. Ball (Hal- kyn), Mr. and Mrs. Muspratt (Comist), Mr. and Mrs. Isaac Taylor (Cbleshill), Mr. and Mrs. Blane and family (Connah's Quay), Mr. and Mrs. Jones (Post-office, Flint), Mr. and Mrs. M. & Rogora, Dr. and Mrs. Williams, the Primrose League, "with warmest sympathy for his family and deep regret at the loss of a true friend and loyal knight," Flint Choral Society, Major Dyson, Flint United Football (tub, Mrs. and Miss Edwards (Heathfield), Mr. and Mrs. J. W. M. Evans, Flint Conservative Club, Mold and County Ooa»erva±ive Club. Among the general public, of which them w, L very large number, were Mr. J. Ivor Davies (Deputy Chief Constable, Mold), Mr. Olilive (CbiKrty Council), Mr. Llew. Jones (Coroner for Flintshire), Mr. S. Evans (County Surveyor), Mr. T. & Adams (Mold), Mr. R. Stewart Kelly (Mold), and many of the legal profession.

DIED AT HIS DUTY.—On arrival of the Cambrian Railway Whitohurcb to Aberystwyth express art Ellosmcro at 11 aim on Saturday, the guard, William Morris, of Uanidloee, was found dead in his van, apparently from sudden failure of the heart. Morris, who is a married man with a. family, resumed duty on Wednesday after a. long absence from work through illness. The body was taken on to Oswestry, pending an inquest.

CRAWFORD'S "ROYAL GINGER" BISCUITS. THE NEW TEA TABLE DELICACY.

THE CHESTER SMITHFIELD. + A sub-committee of the Market and Baths Committee report negotiations between Messrs. Cunnali and Roberts, Mr. Fearnall and them- selves regarding the Chester Smithfield. They resolved at a recent meeting to inform Mr. John Griffiths, acting for Mr. Fearnall, that they were prepared to lecommend the committee to. grant Mr. Fearnall facilities for (1) selling on Tues- days, in such part of the Corporation Smithfield as .should be subsequently approved of; and (2) electing an open shed thereon at Mr. Fearnali's own expense; the design of such shed to be ap- proved by the committee, and the Corporation o have tiho use and occupation thereof at all times, except on Tuesdays. Instructions were given to the Town Cierk, that in the event of Mr. Fcai-nall accepting the above terms, that Messae. Cunnali and Roberts be informed of the arrangements proposed by the sub-oommii-ttee; and that lie ascertain whether Messrs Cuimah j and Roberts were, on further consideration, prepared to give up any portion of the holding proposed to be leased to them. Subsequently, the Market and Baths Committee granted licences to M-r. Fearnall to hold his Christmas sales in the Bowling Green Yard and the open Cattle Market- The Town Clerk also reported interviews with Mr. Geo. Davison, solicitor for Messrs. Cunnah and Roberts and the executors of the late Mr. J. J. C-unnah, who had made a "without prejudice" offer, on behalf of Messrs. Cunnah and Roberts, to give up the shed re- cently in the holding of Messrs. Cballinor, Row- son and Cballinor, and to revert to the arrange- ments existing prior to February; this "with- out prejudice" offer to be subject to the agree- ment of the terms of the I-pase.-It was resolved: "That "without prejudice" the offer made by Mr. Da.vison be accepted; that the question of the lease be referred to the Smithfield Le-fuse Sub-committee; and that, meantime, all nego- tiations with Mr. Fearnall for permanent ac- commoda-tion in the Smithfield remain in abey- ance.

DENBIGH COUNTY SCHOOL. DUAL CONTROL CONDEMNED. The annual prize distribution at the Denbigh County School took place on Friday, Mr. J. Harrison Jones, chairman of the governor*, pre- siding in the absenoe, through illness, of Col. Mainwaring. The Headmaster (Mr. D. H. Davies), in his report, pointed out that a good many of the internal arrangements of the county schools were under the dual control of the Board of Education and the Central Welsh Board. To serve and give satisfaction to two masters was, and always would be, a difficult task. To draw up a time table to meet the demands of the boards had become a task of infinite trouble. The Board of Education had a regulation to the effect that no pupil should sit an external ex- ¡ amination before the end of his third school year, so that a boy who was over 13 when he I entered the school would be over 16 before he was examined by the Central Welsh Board. Then, on the other hand, the Central Board had a regulation that a pupil who was over 16 would not receive "distinction" in any subject. Had it not been for these conflicting regulations the ten boys who secured junior certificate instead of gaining 13 marks of distinction would have gained 30, and one pupil instead of getting one mark of distinction on his certificate (gained on papers of the senior stage) would have had dis- tinction in all the ten subjects he took. The Chairman congratulated the school on its success, and referred to the fact that the candidates sent from Denbigh to sit the en- trance scholarships examinations were the most successful in Wales. (Applause.) One boy gained 633 marks out of 650, while five others ranged from 540 to 588. Lady Naylor Leyland, of Nantclwyd Hall, dis- tributed the prizes. Sir William Bailey, of Manchester, delivered an interesting address, and pleaded for a spirit of tolerance in educational and religious mat- ters. On the motion of Colonel Heaton, seconded by Mr. J. Parry Jones, Lady Naylor Leyland was thanked for distributing the prizes. A similar vote of thanks was passed to Sir Wm. Parry, on the motion of the Rev. H. Hum- phreys, seconded by Mr. D. S. Davies.

CHESTER CATHEDRAL. SEBVICB LIST FOR WJHSK COMMENCING DEC. 25. TUESDAY, DBCKHBKR 25TII (Festival of the Nativity of our Lord).—Morninsr, 8.0: Holy Communion. 10.30: Processional hymn, 61, verses 1, 2, 5, 6; Service, Calkin in G; Athanasian Creed; introit, hymn ZOO, Part 1; choral celebration, Calkin in G; preacher, the Dean. (Collection for Police Court Mission.) Evening, 4.30: Processional hymn, 60; Service, Calkin in G; anthem, "For behold darkness, See." (Handel); carols. "When the crimson sun had set" (Greatheed); "Shepherds shake off your drowsy sleep" (Besancon Carol). WEDNESDAY, Diegmilicit 26m (S. Stephen, D.M.).— Morning, 7.45: Litanv and Holy Communion. IC.TB Service, Smart in F; anthem, "And they stoned Stephen" (Mendelssohn). 11.15: Holy Communion. Evening, 4.15 Processional hymn, 65; Service, Smart in F; anthem, While shepherds watched" (Best); carol, Good King Wenceslas" (Traditional). THURSDAY, DKCBMBKR 27TII (S. John, A.K).—Morning, 8 0: Holy Communion. 10.15: Service, Hopkins in F; anthem, "How lovely are the messengers" (Mendels- sohn). 11.15: Holy Communion. Evening, 4.15: Pro- cessional hymn, 56; Service, Hopkins in F anthem, "In dulci jubilo" (Pearsall). Carol of the Four Days (Hughes). FRIDAY, DBCSJWER 28TH (Holy Innocents, M.M.).— Morning, 7.45: Litany and Holy Communion. 10.15: Service, Garrett in D; anthem, "Let us now Ita" (Hop. kins). 11.16: Holy Communion. Evening. 4.15: Proces- sional hymn, 68; Service, Garrett in D; anthem, Joy, ye people (Bridge). Coventry Carol (Traditional). SATURDAY, DKCEMBBR 29TH.— Morning, 8.0: Holy Com- munion. 10.15: Calkin B flat; anthem, "Behold I bring" (Goss). Evening, 4.15 Service, Calkin in B flat; anthem, Cradled all lowlY" (Gounod) SUKDAT, DECEMBER 3' TH (First Sunday after Christmas). -Morning, 8.0: Litany and Holy Communion. 10.S0: Processional hymn, 299; Service, Stanford in B flat; introit, hymn 312; choral celebration, Stanford in B flat (Benedictus and Agnus Dei, Tours in C); preacher, the Canon in Residence. Evening, 3.30: Processional hymn, 219; Service. Stanford in B flat; anthem, "The morning stars" (Stainer); hymn 164. 6.30: Service, Bridge in C; Processional hymn, 165 anthem, "There were shepherds, &c." (Handel); hymns 482, 484; preacher, the Dean. A selection of Carols will be sung. MONDAY, DECEMBER 31 ST.—Morning, 8.0: Holy Com- munion. 10.16: Service in Monotone. Evening, 4.15: Service, Bridge in G; anthem. "Arise, shine (Elvey).

ORDINATIONS. DIOCESE OF CHESTER. The Lord Bishop of Chester held an Ordination in Chester Cathedral on Sunday, the 23rd December, 1906, when the following were ordainecl DEACONS Alexander William Wesley Bowman, B.A., of the University of Liverpool asd of St. Aidan's College, Birkenhead, licensed to St. Mary's, Hirkc^hB&d Herbert Henry Corabie, B.A., of Bishop Hatfield's Hall, Durham, licensed to St. James, Latch- ford. Arthur Ernest Jackson, M.A., of the University of Cambridge, licensed to the Assistant Chap- laincy of the Training College, Chester. Henry Arthur Manning, of Trinity College, Dublin, licensed to Christ Church, Stalybridge. John Coverley Pearson, B.A, of St. Catherines College, Cambridge, and Well's Theological College, licensed to Davenham. Arthur Blomefield Sleight, B.A., of St. John's College, Cambridge, licensed to St. George's, Altrincham. PRIESTS Thomas Story Busher, B.A.. of Queen's College, John Herbert Davies, B.A., of Bishop Hatfield's Hall, Durham. Arthur Henry Fish, B.A., B.So., of London University jxnd of Owen s OoIIg^g, Manchester. r „ Thomas Monckton Tunnard, L.lh„ of University College, Durham, and Salisbury Theological 0^ gospel was read by the Rev. A. B. Sleight, B A. newly ordained deacon, and the sermon preached by the Rev. W. H. Binney M.A., D.D., vicar of Witton, from Psalms cxix. 162 v. ST. ASAPH AND BANGOR. At a general ordination of the Bishop of St. Asaph, held in his Cathedral Church on Sunday, the following were ordained DICAOON.Gonier Edwards, a literate. PRIESTS.—David Rees Davies, B.A., St. David's College, Lampeter, and St. Michael s College, Aberdare; Richard David Hughes B.A. Sth David's College, Lampeter; Edward Sculthorpe Lewis, B.A., Keble College, Oxford and St. Michael's College, Aberdare; Edward Joseph Williams, B.A., St. David's College, Lampeter, and St. Michael's College, Aberdare. By letters dimissory from the Bishop of Bangor.-Daniel Evans George Lloyd, B. A St. David's College, Lampeter, and St. Michaels College, Aberdare. The Bishop afterwards licensed Mr. Gamer Edwards to the oortty of Iiaaiairtalliairau,

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MINES COMMISSION. TO THE EDITOR. Sir,—In your issue of the 12th I was very much pleased to see the selection of Mr. James Newton by the North Wales Branch of the National Association of Colliery Managers. Fourteen collieries are represented by the Association, and the greater part of the men employed at thos4 collieries are Union men, and the greater part ot the men employed at the Buckley Collieries ar» non-Union men. The gentleman appointed should therefore be able to give evidence before the Commission and give more independent views as regarding mines and the Eight Hours Bill, which questions are very important for men and masters. I will not pretend to dictate what a witness should say before such a commission, but I will say the question of haulage is important. If a miner is allowed to expend half h:j energy on the haulage of his coal, and the other half in useing his skill in mining it, one half of his energy is wasted. In order for a miner to be profitable for himself and master, with self-preservation, his whole concentrated thought and skill, is wanted at the face of his work.—Yours faithfully, A BUCKLEYITE. December 15th, 1906.

THORNTON PARISH ROOM. TO THE EDITOR. Sir,—I have read with some interest the repo.t of the meeting held at Thornton-le-Moors on Monday, the 10th instant, in respect to a pro- posal to utilise the present parish room as a recreation and reading-room, and I am sorry tc see that the attempt has apparently ended in failure. The necessity of such a room is evidently admitted by the rector and practically the whole of the parish, and I feel sure no one, whatever hie position may be, who considers the average lot of those of the humbler clajas of parishioners in a country village or district such as Thornton- le-Moors and neighbourhood can help but. have sympathy in the movement. Accepting this position, as one must do by the report in your valuable paper, it hae struck me that there is no real difficulty to overcome if those concerned are really anxious, ae they profess to be, to help the matter forward. The great objection, I understand, is that it was laid down when the parish room was built some ten years ago that it should be used for "education purposes and none other," at least so your correspondent states. If this be so, it would be interesting to learn whether the room has ever been used for any other purpose. Of course anyone who knows the neighbourhood its aware that it has, as it is within my own know- ledge that bazaars, sales of work and rummage eakas have been held. I am sure no one can have any objection to such functions taking place in any room but my point is, and I wish to make it quite clear, can the functions named come within the strict literal reading of "educa- tional purposes"? If anyone can by a stretch of imagination bring the objects I have named within the meaning of these words, then I con- tend, if the desire existed, they could more reasonably open the room to the youth of the village for a recreation and reading-room. Indeed, I go so far as to say that the purposes for which this room is required are more of an educational nature than the other functions named, because while the reading-room would provide educational matter in the shape of books and papers and social intercourse which should bear its own fruits, and be the means of edu- cating morally as well as physically those con- cerned, bazaars and sales of work, very laudable objects in themselves, are certainly not educa- tional, especially when shooting galleries, and draws (which are illegal) are allowed to take place. I feel sure that when the building in question was first mooted it was within the minds of almost, every subscriber that the purpose for which it Ï6 now sought to use it was one of the principal objects of the promoters, and, further, I am confident that had the subscribers of Thornton, Elton, Trafford, etc., known other- wise at the time, the building would never have been erected, for after all it must be borne in mind that it was raised by public subscription. I think that the meeting acted very wisely in refusing to support the motion in respect to the erection of another building, as it is very, doubtful that one oould be built for the sum named, and after all there is no real need for one if the parish room can be utilised. Might I repeat the suggestion made at the meeting, namely, that the deeds for the room be submitted to another man of the law for con- firmation, or otherwise, of the statement ex- pressed by the chairman, as it is a well-known fact that lawyers frequently differ. UNBIASSED.

LIGHTING-UP TABLE. 1 All cycles and other vehicles in the Chester district must be lighted up as stated in the following table: — E. M. Tuesday, December 25 4.55 Wednesday, December 26 4.55 Thursday, December 27 4.56 Friday, December 28 4.56 Saturday, December 29 4.57 Sunday, December 30 4.58 Monday, December 31 4.59

BIRTHS, MARRIAGES & DEATHS. « BIRTHS, MARRIAGES and DEATHS ar-( charged at the rate of 20 words for 18. (prepaid).: If not prepaid the charge will be 2s. 6d. The announcement must be authenticated by the Signature and Address of the Sender. MARRIAGES. HAP-DING-RATRI(IR-On the 18th December, AT Lyonsdown Church. New Barnet, London, by the Rev. Go E. Gardiner, M.A., vicar. Archibald Seymour, only son of Mr. Edgar A. Harding, of Heatherhurst, Lowwoed-road, Birkenhead, to Ruby, second daughter of the late Mr. J. L. Hatriok, of Ohiswick, London, and of Mrs. Hatrick, of Wood Green, London. BOBERTS-ANDERSON-On the 19th December, at Holy Trinity Church. Brompton, by the Rev. E. E. Phiilips, vicar of Bredhurst, and the Rev. A. Gough, vicox of the parish, Francis Edward Roberts, of Chester, J.P., to Wilhelmina Christian, daughter of th& late Captain Robert Erakine Anderson, H.E.I.C.S., and the 107th Begt., and of Paignton, Devon. DEATHS. DA VIBS-On the 20th December, at PIal Eirian, Colwyn Bay, the residence of her daughter, Mra Roger Edwards, Mrs. Davies, widow of the late Mr Richard Davies, Lower House, Llansantffraid, Montgomery, aged 67 yeam FROST—On the 21st December, at Upton Lawn, Chester, Henrietta, wife of John Meadows Frost. FWST-ON the 22nd December, at Collin Croft, West Kirby. Eleanor Matilda Frost, elder daughter of the late Meadows Frost, Esq.. of St. John's House, Chester, aDd Meadowslea. Hope, Flintshire. Inter, ment Chester Cemetery, Thursday next. Servicc at St. John's Church, Chester, at 2 p.m. HUNTINGTON-On the 21st December, at Windle Hill, Neston, John Huntington, aged 63 years. HEADOWOROFT-On the 15th December: John Meadow" croft, of Hoole Park, Chester, clerk to the Upper Mersey Commissioners, also for 25 years manager of Runcorn Docks, third son of the late John Meadow- croft, of The Oaklands, Barton, Upton, IrweU. THOMAS—On the 22nd December, at his residence, l8» Pepper-street, Chester, Edward Thomas, Printer, ol this city, aged 83 years.

MEMORIALS MARBLE, GRANITE, STONE <k ALABASTER. CHURCH BRASSIV. ESTABLISHED 1774. W. HASWELL & SON, KALEYARDS, CHESTER. Estimates and Desigm free on application, TSLUILCibil No. 161A.