Cheshire Observer

[PUBLISHED BY SPECIAL ABBANGEMENT.] A SEALED BOOK. BY ALICE LIVINGSTONE, Author of "The Silence of Maurice Armitage," "A Man's Angel," etc. CHAPTER XV.—(Continued.) "Wait, eir you haven t heard all yet. I went home, thinking I'd killed the vicar. It was then about half-past two in the afternoon. After an hour or so in the house I got a restless fit on me, and strolled into the Hand and Key, a public-house near by. The first thing I heard was that the Rev. Aylmer, who is worshipped in the village, had been found lying unconscious on the common two miles away, badly wounded in the back, but not dead. According to the doctor there were even chances whether he lived or d,ed; and all Stoke Mendon was in a furore. Some children had brought back the news, and a party had gone out at once to fetch the vioar home. "There was a hue and cry for the man who had done the deed, but nobody seemed to think of me, though it was known that I was on bad terms with the Rev. Alymer. I was on knter- hooks, but I kept my nerve, and talked with the rest, vowing the wretch who had struck the par- eon ought to be punished; and perhaps, that was what kept their minds off me. All went well until late evening. I didn't go home till past eleven, for I'd been gathering up news. rne first tning my mother gives me was a note from my girl. I tears it open. Just a few words in- side to say that her mother—who hates me—had said to one of the neighbours, 'I shouldn't be surprised if Ben Wade's hand 16 in this. He was to have met my daughter on the common this afternoon.' She blurted out that before Liilie could stop her, and the girl was afraid it might get round to the police and set them on my track. "I was for brazening it out at first, and 1 went to bed; but I couldn't sleep, and something seemed to keep saying inside me the best thing I could do was to go. About four or five I couldn't stand it any longer. I got up and dressed, and packed a few things in a bit cf a parcel. I was pretty safe for the next few hours- till the light came, anyhow-for as the police hadn't been down on me before midnight, they weren't likely to come before dawn. I had but 410 few shillings by me, for I'd had bad luck over a horse with what I'd got off you, sir, and the best thing I could do was to tramp to London, a nest where a chap can always hide. Perhaps, too, it would be better that way, I: says 'to myself, for if I walked I couldn't be tracked at railway stations. As there's no more than fifteen miles or so between town and Stoko Mendon, I didn't much mind, anyhow. To strike the road I had to pass by the vicar's gate, and I wasn't far from it when I saw that same electric carriage I told you about, or the twin of it. I dodged out of the way and out of sight, and the carriage drew up before the vicarage gate. The driver—don't they call him a chauf- i feur?—got down, opened the door, and out stepped a woman." "Was it the same woman you had seen?" broke in Gerald, eagerly. I "Well, I took it for granted it was, sir." "But you were not sure?" "I couldn't be sure. I just saw a lady in a long cloak jump out, and almost run to the gate. Three or four minutes afterwards, there was a flash of light, which told me the door of the hou-ie had been opened to let her in. Then, in a second, all was dark aga' 'n, and the electric car- riage drove away in the direction of London. I would have liked to catch on behind, if there'd been good foothold and handhold, but there wasn't." "When had you last news of the vimr?" "I heard from a man who came into the Hand and Key about fifteen minutes before closing-up t.me, that he had mot the village doctor who attended him. Then the news was that Aylmer was getting on as well as could be expected. It was still a case of sink or swim, nobody could tell which. Anyhow, I'm best out of it. I came into town, went to see a friend of mine, and now I've brought you the word you wanted, air; the lady's at Stoke Mendon, in the vicar's house. I don't see that, for the present, I can do any more for you in this job, so we may as well settle up, and I'll be off. If I could-as I said to my friend I've been talking with—I'd get out of England altogether, till this blows over." Gerald looked at Wade sharply through the spectacles which were part of his disguise. "How do you know I won't give you away?" he asked. The other amiled unpleasantly. "I feel pretty I saie, sir, and do still, be said. ffly apln.an is, you don't want to get yourself mixed up in this affair. There is a thing you were keen to find out, why, I don't know; but you have found it out, through me, and it rests w.th you now to push your own investigations farther, since the game is trapped. As for me, you'll do best to let me go; and I don't doubt you see it 'in that light. lig1h4 1 t. certainly neither &-sire nor intend to harm you," returned Mr. George Denham benevolently, I "though I think you might have served me better. Here are five pounds, and very easily earned. You seem to have made a mess of things rather for yourself. I wish you well out of the business. Gerald gave Wade a five-pound note; and when the man had gone the epsodo between the two I appeared to be closed. While- he listened to the story of what had happened at Stoke Mendon, Gerald had made a pretence of e-at.ing h:s luncheon, and now all appetite was gone. Dis- I satisfied as he was with Wade's management of his affairs, he determined to make the most of the information received. As the woman in the electric carriage had ar- rived so late at the vicarage, it was reasonable to suppose that she intended to stay for some time—through the day, at all events; and his chance of fathoming the Stoke Mendon mystery was good. But to leave London before fitting together several necessary pieces of the puzzle (pieces needed to oomplete the elaborate pattern of the design which began to shape itself) would be a mistake and Gerald Darke was anxious now to avo.d all mistakes. He rang the bell, and when the servant came, said that he wished to see his landlady. Should he go to her, or would she come to him? The answer was the appearance of Mrs. Notman her- self, looking so worn as to verify the maid's statement that the. "missus" wasn't very well. Gerald began by asking questions ooncening his comfort as a lodger. He said that the chimney smok ed, and that there was a crack in his win- dow. He complimented the cooking, announced that he would be out for dinner that night, and finally remarked: "Oh, by the way, Mrs. Not- man, I found this on my floor this morning. How it came there I don't know. But before throwing it in the fire, I thought I had better ask you if it is of value to anybody." So saying he took from his pocket the old telegram which he had found on the night of his return to London, crumpled into a ball, on the hearth in Evelyn Montault's boudoir. He had smoothed it out, and now spread the form on the table, where Notman could read the. words. As she peered at the paper, her glasses on her nose, Gerald watched her face. She looked puzzled at first, then startled, and the blood mounted up to her forehead, between the neat L-ands of grey hair. "You found this here, in your room, sir?" she repeated. "Yes. it was crumpled up. I opened it out, tl, Inkiii. it might be some paper which belonged tc me. But, as you see, the telegram is addressed to Mrs. Marie Notman. I suppose it is yours, and you must have dropped it in my room." "J "euldn't have dropped it, Slr:" the old woman exclaimed impulsively, then stopped, with a frightened glance at her lodger—"that is, I might, of course," she went on more slowly. "But I thought it had been destroyed as long ago as to the date on which it was sent. It is not of any importance. I will take it, sir, if you pleasi?." "So your name is Marie?" remarked Gerald. No, sir. This telegram yas sent to a lodger of mine, and a distant relative. She comes only occasionally." The, lodger who has your best rooms, per- haps? I am inclined to envy her." "She keeps them all the year round, though she doesn't occupy them half that time." "She prefers the country, perhaps? I happened to notice that the telegram was dated Stoke Mendon. Again Notman became red like a winter apple. "Do you know the place, sir?" Gerald thought it wiser to profess complete ignorance, hoping that, if he did so, she might become more communicative; and he was not disappointed. "No I have never been to Stoke Mendon, and probably never shall go," he replied, meaning, as he spoke, to go that very afternoon. "The place is a mere name to me. Notman's face lightened visibly. "It's but a village, sir. My cousin hAs some relations there, I think, who write or wire to her sometimes when she is staying here." "I wish." said Gerald pleasantly, "that when she is in the country she were inclined to sub- let her nice rooms in your house. She is at Stoke Mendon at present, perhaps? How long is she likely to be away?" The old woman was absolutely unsuspicious now. "No chance of her letting any one, no matter who, into the rooms, sir," she replied. "I'm afraid my-my cousin has had bad news from her relatives, and she may be away for some tim/3 from London. On the other hand, she may pop in on me any day, and everything must always be ready. I'm sorry if you're not comfortable here. Gerald hastened to be reassuring. The house was an excellent one, he said; and though he would have been glad of larger quarters, he was well satisfied for the present where he was. He was equally well satisfied with the information fee had managed to draw out; but that fact he kept to himself. "The woman who calls herself Marie Notman, and has rooms in this house, does go to Stoke Mendon," he repeated, when he had been left alone. "She has had 'bad news,' and is there now. The old fool Notman practically admitted as much. Was that 'bad news' from the vicar- age? And why should Marie Notman's telegram; lie crumpled in the fireplace in Evelyn Mon- tault's boudoir?" A few minutes later he was out of the house, looking exceedingly respectable and incon- spicuous in his disguise as George Denham. He had no fear of being reoognised, even by his most intimate friends; and, taking a cab, he drove to Sir Campbell Montault's house, where he asked for Mies Montault. His plan was, if Evelyn were at home, to pretend that he had called in the interests of a oharitable society. But the footman informed him that she was away. "I am sorry to hear that," said Gerald, pur- posely shewing deep dismay. "I understood that a friend had made an appointment for me. Was Miss Montault's going very sudden?" "I don't think so, sir," replied the servant. "She went yesterday, sent alt-tirwaras for her maid, and I cannot say when she will return." Mfr. George D- nham looked disappointed, and asked for Sir Campbell, who had only just oomie back from the country. After a moment's ab- sanoe, the footman asked the visitor to step into the library; and there began now to be a certain stealthy amusement for Gerald in the situafon. Sir Campbell looked at him without any sign of recognition, and hearing that he had had an appointment with Evelyn, deignted to explain that Miss Montault had gone to visit an old governess of hers in the country. This lady was an inyalid, and,, according to Sir Campbell, Evelyn went quite often to see her, staying a day or two at a time. He expected his daughter back to-morrow, but was not sure, and Mr. Denham might call on the chance of finding heir at home I about lunchon-time next day if he ohose. Gorald was duly grateful, in the character ot the decent, elderly Denham, and departed, hav- ing found out all that he could expect to learn. in,?f Evelyn had been in her father's hou&a th0 chief incentive for a. visit to Stoke Mendon would cease to exist. But there was still one thing to be done before going there, as he now meant to do. He went into a restaurant, ordered something to eat and drink for appe.aranoo sake, and wroto a letter, which he sent by a district messenger summoned from an office near by. The letter was written in his own name, and addressed to Sir Campbell Montault. "I have been trying "-it began—"to hire an Ielectric motor for this afternoon, but everything seems to be out. Have you and Evelyn each an electric brougham, with separate chauffeurs? Some one told me you had. I forget who, unless it was yourself. In caoe you are so well supplied, could you lend me one for a few hours? It would be a great favour." In twenty minutes the answer came. Sir Camp- bell was sorry that his e lectric brougham had broken down a couple ot days ago, anct was stiu laid up for repairs. Evelyn, unfortunately, did not possess an electrio or any other carriage of her own, except her viotona, a horse-drawn vehicle. If any one had told Gerald that re were two electric carriages in the family it was quite a mistake. b" Gerald had not really wished for the loan of the vehicle, but desired to make sure whether, if Evelyn Montault possessed such a one, it was without the knowledge of her father. At. a matter of fact, he was aware that Sir Campbell's electrio brougham had broken down, or he might have been embarrassed by the offer of it, having other business for the rest of t,he day. There was no railway station within three miles of the village of Stoke Mendon, but Mr. George Denham booked to the nearest. He there took a fly, and telling the driver where to go, was driven directly to the gate of Justin Aylmer's house. Gerald's pulses were tingling now with excite- ment. He was sure of safety in his disguise, and he felt himself on the edge of a tremendous di&- covery (To be continued.)

FASHION AND THINGS FEMININE. By MISS IDA MELLER. —- A CHIFFON BLOUSE WITH EMBROIDERED YOKE-PIECE. The shops are very gay with Christmas novel- t ies, and there are many temptations at the bazaars to empty one's purse and buy of the thousand and one things that are alluringly dis- played amid dazzling surroundings. All the pretty little nic-knacks of div-ss assume addi- tional importance at this season of the year, by reason of their suitability as gifts and the sug- gestive way lin which they are, for this purpose, disposed about the counters. Handkerchiefs, jabots, collarettes, belts, lace berthes, and se- quined corsage garnitures—tiheae atr.3 a few of the more obvious trifles that catch the eye and sug- gest presents. Very pretty are some of the em- broidered yokes that fashion has introduced for high and low-neck blouses, and that offer them- selves as charming gifts, being complete in them- selves. Among the most elegant are yokes of white net embroidered with bunches of flowers or grapes very much raised from the surface, the embroidery being in natural colours or in tar- nished gold and silver; and from certain of the yokes depend centre-straps that trim the front of the blouse with which they are worn, and descend- to the waist. A PINK CLOTH TOILET GOWN. Eviery season. brings with it selections ot new materials, and among those for the winter are soft fleecy woollens, in a range of fashionable co lours, suitable for dressing-gowns and breakfast wrappers. Wonderfully thick and soft aiie these new stuffs, which are not nearly as expensive as oamel-hair, but quite as delicate to the touch and as fine in textune as the well-known Pyrenees woollens. Double cashmere is also used for bed- room robes, and this Or the new fleecy material alluctad to would serve excellently for the com- position of a wrapper built on the simple tnes of the one described, thie oringinal of which, is carried out in shrimp-pink cloth, with a frilled oollar of soft silk to match, and ruffles of silk at the wrists, the flronts crossing one another and fastening with a large button of pink velvet, over which is sHpped a loop of pink silk cord proceed- ing from that which edges the robe. A dressing- gown should be cut long in the first instance to allow for shrinkage at the wash, and the simpler the lines on which it is modelled the better. The sleeve ruffles are sometimes inoonvienient and aoil quiokly, and some wom-en might, there- fore, prefer to dispense with them and substitute turned-back cuffs. Dressdng-jackets are, broadly speaking, built either on sac lines or suggest shortened kimonos, the same materials being used in their composition as for dressing-gowns. A simple toilet sac of pale blue cashmere is gathered to a yoke turned back at the throat with a oollar frilled with soft silk, the frilling appear- ing again down the front of the jacket; whiile other negligees are arranged with detachable collars of muslin and lade. SUGGESTIONS FOR CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR GIFTS. Nicknacks of the toilet are such important aids to the success of a dress that offerings re- lating to belts, neckwear, fichus, etc., are most acceptable to girls. A gauze or lace eciarf for wearing over the shoulders at theatres is one of thoee little things that one refrains from buying for oneself, but is so glad to receive from a friend. A lace dr ohiffon fichu, fancy oollar, jabot, Direotoire stock-collar, dainty kid belt— all these trifles suggest pretty gifts, together with the new violet leather hand-bags, cihain purses (those of gun-metal are very smart and durable), muff-chains, and fancy combs for the hair. Unless one is absolutely sifre of the cor- rect size in gloves and shoes, it is unwise to buy such things for gifts; but a pretty underskirt is generally sure of a welcome, and, of course, a fur set, when the purse. will run to it, is the most charming of gifts for the winter. APPROPRIATE EMBROIDERY. The present-giving season brings about a good ¡ deal of energy with the needle on the part of these given to fancy work, and perhaps, therefore, one or two suggestions for appropriate lines, from the poets, to be embroidered on sachets and so forth may not be amiss. For a music Tûll: "Give me some music." For a mus7?iZc d of love. "Music—the food of love." For a letter case: "Let me heair from thee by letters." "Kind letters that betray the heart's deep history." "Kind messages from land to land." "Go, little letter, apace, apaci-, fly!" "The welcome news is in the letter found." For a picture postcard album: "Dost thou love pictures?" "A picture is a poem without words. For a book cover "We turned o'er many books together." "The best of a book is not the thought it oontains, but the thought it suggests." "Books are not seldom talismans and spells." For a soent sachet: "The perfumed tincture of the roses." For a night-dress case: "Give you good-night." "Now the hour of rest hath come to thee." "Fair land of sleep! Beside thy gates, an angel nightly for me waits." "Good angiels tend thee. For a calendar: "Write it on your heart that every day is the best day of the year." For a glove case: "Gloves as sweet as damask roses. For a shoe bag: "Where the shoe pinches." For a jewel case: "I have a jewel bepe." "I'll give my jewels for a set of beads."

AN EVANGELIST'S CASE. I BILE BEANS CURE NEURALGIA. I ) The praises of Bile Beans have been sounded by the most respectable sections of the commu- nity. Praise that will carry great weight comes now from the wife of Mr. Samuel Morris, of "Hillside." Guestling, near Hastings, 40 years an Evangelist prominently connected with the Sus- sex Congregationalists. "For many years I was a. great sufferer with my head. The doctors said it was due to chronic neuralgia. There were pains in my face but mostly at the back of my head. I tried many doctors, more medicines than I can remember, poultices, and other things, but I derived no benefit. My illness lasted many years, and I really felt that I should never be able to regaini my health and strength. The pains lasted for three or four days at a time, and were so bad occasionally that I had to take to bed, being completely helpless; and my room had to be darkened. When I was ill I was unable to retain food on my stomach, and even rejected water. It was my sister who advised Bile Beams. I had often heard about this medicine, but I was in despair, having tried so many other things. My sister bought a box of the Beans for me, and I promised to persevere with them. In a. very little time I found I was benefiting and my con- dition improved day by day, until at last I had completely regained my health and become well and strong. My husband says I am like another woman. I can now get about and do my work without any trouble. I have recommended Bile Beans to several friends and neighbours, who all speak in the highest terms as to their efficacy." "Bile Beans for Bilioussnese" make food do you good, convert it into rich, warm blood, which, in its turn, nourishes the nerves and so banishes all "nerve-aches," such as neuralgia, apiatica, and lumbago. They are a true tonic because they repel influenza and soon brace up the system after a weakening illness. Remember, it was the genuine medicine that cured Mrs. Morris, and which will alone cure you; not a spurious imitation or cheap substitute!

FOOTBALL NOTES. I RESULTS. I CHESTER SENIOR CUP. Saltney 1. Oonnah's Quay T. 0 CHESTER AND DISTRICT LEAGUE. Little Sutton 3, Helsby R. 0 OTHER MATCHES. Northwich 3. Chcste-i 0 Buckley Engineers 2, Mold Alyn Waiidercvrs 0 Prince's Park Rangers 4, Shotton Swifts 1 Fiodsham 2nd 0, Arpley 0 George-street P.M. 4, Queen-street Athletic 0 The Chester committee spent a. vacant Satur- day afternoon by sending their team to meet Northwich in a friendly match. Parry, of Greenfield, was tried vice Delaney at centre, and R. Hallmark, of the Chester Wednesday team, ap- peared on tho outside right. The whole team gave a disappointing display, and were deservedly beat&n by three goals to ntll. The game through- out was most uninteresting. It is hoped that the Cestrians will shape better to-day (Saturday), when Middlewich are visitors at Whipcord-lane. Trinity G.F.C. had Sealand-road Athletic as Tisitors on Saturday. Sealand started with the wind in their favour, and scored four goals in twenty-five minutes. C. Catherall opened the home account just before half-time, when the soore was—Sealand 4, Trinity 1. On resuming the home side scored five goals, which made the final soore--Trinity 6, Sealand Athletic 4. The scorers for Trinity were Catherall (2), Birch (2), Dutton and Powell one each. Tho semi-final tie of the Chester Senior Cup be.- tween Saltney and Connah's Quay Twenty was decided on the Whipcord-lano enclosure on Satur- day, in fine weather, before a good gate. The game opened with the Quay pressing, and from smart work on their left Bloomer received in a. good position, but shot wide. From the goal kick Crawford put his forwards in motion, and G. Bennion missed the mark by inches. A minute later Dobson tested Haswell with a low shot. Midfield play followed' for a while, and from a free kick against Saltney, Roberts put well for- ward, and Lumberg sent the ball past Thorley, I the whistle having previously gone for an in- fringement of the offside rule. The game was played at a fast pace, neither side having much advantage. From a throw in on the right S. Bennion obtained and put out a long pass to C. Davits, who gave Saltney the lead with a long shot, the ball quite deceiving Hae- weB in its flight. From the centre B. Jones and R. L'umburg tried hard to get. through, but Lloyd and Smith played a good game. at. back. S. Ben- in,on again put Davies in possession, who hit the bar with a hard drive. B, Jones, the Quay s light back, twisted his ankle and had to retire. End-to-end ploy ensued. Williams and Dobson j forced a comer on the Saltney right, and fioin the ensuing kick S. Bennion put the baJI just over the bar. This half had been well contested, Saltney having had a shade the better of the argu- ment. On turning round, Bennion and Davies got away on tho loft, but the latter was forced ovor the lino. Baird Jones started, but soon had to re- tire, tho Twenties resorting to the one-back game. Tho Quay pressed on the right. Dobson got pos- session, and. running clean through, oaily had the keeper in front of him, when that worthy ran out and took the ball clean off his foot. The. Quay ag-ain attacked, but bad shooting ended all their efforts. J. Roberts headed in, Thorley just rrianaging to put the ball over the bar. From tno corner Lloyd relieved. Good defensive work by Lloyd and Smith repeatedly saved the situa- tion. A good effort by H. Green was weil fielded by Tltoi-ey. The Saltney forwards were often pulled up for offsides. A free kick against Craw- toid close in was smartly saved by Tnorley. The Twenties were pressing when time wa& called, with Saltney loading one clear goal- The second half was spoiled from a spectator, s point by the out-back p.ay, but this should noi have been so, as it is time the Saltncy forwards learnt to circumvent this practice a little. Herbert Gixx^i, Potois and Haswell played well for the Twenties, and Crawford, G. Bennion, Lioyd and Thoney did well for Saltney. Frodsham should have received on Saturday as visitors under the auspices of the Widnes League, the Runcorn junior team, who failed to come, their excuse being inability to raise an eleven. The Frodsham second string journeyed to Arpley, and throughout a hard fought game neither side succeeded in scoring. Shotton Swifts were entertained at Buckley on Saturday by the newly-formed Prince's Park Rangers. Play veered around the visitors' goal for a brief period. The Swifts (who commenced with eight men) then cleared, and Jabez had hard lines. Just a moment later Hill worked himself into a good position, but his shot was a trifle too high. The Brothers Dawson and Smallman air- rived, and the Swifts now had their full eleven. Jones and Tudor made play on the right, and from the latter's pass Griffiths was unfortunate. Griffiths was again going through, but Dawson handled within the dreaded penalty area, and Hughes oonvertedi the 'resultant kick into a goal. The visitors attacked and' forced two corners, and Nock, Edwards and, Smallman each tested the custodian. A free kick against Thomas again put the visitors on the defensive, and Rogers looked all over a scorer, but the Dawsons cleared judiciously. Half-time-Buckky 1, Swifts nil. i Upon this resumption the home side were soon seen to advantage, Boswell and Jones on the ex- treme wings getting away at express rate and centreing finely, but Griffiths was too slow, and each time Peters clipped in. Through a misun- derstanding between the Brothers Dawson, J. W. Jones got through, and after a grand irun h:l beat Garratt rather luckily, the latter fisting through his own goal. The visitors now began to exert themselves, and Williams centred from Smallman's pass, but Hill was just too late to turn it to account. Rogefrs got away on the right, and Garratt saved several times from a ruck of players, but he was eventually beaten with a slow shot by Hughes. Things were now looking cloudy for the Swifts. Clarkson placed to Hill, but before the latter could get in his shot he was thrown by Evans inside the penalty area, and Peters opened the scoring .for the visitors. Encouraged by this Shotton attacked with Tenjewed vigour, but were ofttimes repulsed by their much heavier opponents. A fusilade of shots was poured in upon Garratt, and he wag eventually beaten for the fourth time by Rogers. The Swifts tried desperately to reduce the margin against them, but were unsuccessful, and had to retire beaten by four goals to one. Littlo Sutton were the visitors to the Helsby ground on Saturday, meeting the local reserves in a Chester and District. Senior League match. The home side inoluded several of the first team players, who were without a match, but, in spite of this fact, the visitors, who played a capital game, secured the verdict by three goals to none. After a few exchanges, a little looseness on the part of the home defence let the visitors in. and they notched the first goal, the ball just rolling into the net. The Little Sutton custodian saved a grand attempt by Hughes. End to end play was then the order, after which the visitors' custodian saved from Cooke. Several attacks by the visitors were repulsed, and Cartwright rni.?d a capital chance of equalising by shooting over with only the goalkeeper to beat. A fierce struggle in the visitors' goalmouth followed, but the ball was eventually worked away. Helsby were now almost continuously on the attack, and the visitors' custodian cleared from Cartwright, Hughes, Lloyd and Lockett, several corners being also gained which, however, were not improved upon. A free kick to Little Sutton enabled them to attack, but Jones cleared easily. They, how- ever, nearly scored again from a subsequent' attack, the ball just passing outside when Jones was practically beaten. Half-time then arrived with the score Little Sutton one, Helsby none. On resuming, Helsby played ten men only, R. Jones, centre forward, being unable to turn out through an injury in the first half. Although handicapped, Helsby had the best of the exchanges for some time, but,, like the previous week, their opponents' goal seemd to be charmed, as the ball would go anywhere but through. Tine visitors' custodian effected several excellent saves, while the backs also defended well. The visitors then got away, and as a result a second goal was scored. Helsby then pressed strongly, gaining several corners, but they could not score. Thus the game continued up to the finish, Helsby doing most of the pressing without result, while the vuators occasionally broke away, and just before the close they scored. The game was certainly one of the poorest seen on the Helsby ground for some time. The visitors, however, deserve every credit for the form they displayed against a team which, on paper, appeared much ouperior. The Buckley Engineers were on Saturday the guests of the Mold Alyn Wanderers, when there was a large attendance of spectators. The Engineers were very smart on the ball, but Lewis was on the alert, and on two occasions brought off some fine saves. The pressure on the home goal was maintained, and Lewis had an uninter- rupted opening, but he shot prematurely, and the effect was nullified without the intervention of Lewis. Upon a flying visit to the other end, Mil- lington and Williams forced a corner, and the Engineers' custodian had to fist out. The Wan- derers now commenced to art themselves, and a free kick in their favour caused the Buckley defence some trepidation, but they succeeded in averting disaster. The Wanderers on several occasions looked like scoring, but eventually play was transferred to the other end, where Lloyd, in attempting to clear, incurred a penalty, from which Buckley scored. The Engineers were flocking round the home goal, and the Wanderers were defending valiantly, when half-time arrived with the score one goal to nil in favour of the visitors. After the resumption the home side went off in great etyle. Macfarlane centred finely, but Mil- lingtorf neaded over the bar. The left wing of the Brfcgineers got away, but his career was cut short by Alec Davies. Next followed a fine sprint by MacFarlane, but he finished off with a terrific shot which just missed its billet. With a measure of good luck Buckley retaliated, and Jenkins beat Lewis with a fast shot. Close on time Maddocks scored for the Wanderers, and an interesting game terminated in favour of the Buckley Engineers by two goals to one. Hawarden Bridge were at home on Saturday in a Flintshire League engagement with Aston Hall. Half-time arrived with the score one each, and an interesting game resulted in a draw of three goals each. Today (Saturday) SaJtney mect? Birkc'llhead I Combination in the 3rd round of the WinaJ Senior Cup, and the team will be selected from the fol- lowing —Thorlov. Lloyd, Smith, Warburton, I Haddock. Roberts. Crawford, Davies, G. Bennion, S. Bennion, Do bson, Dodd and Williams. In connection with the Lipsham and Wilkenson Benefit Committee, we are requested to state that there is in Chester a small working committee in conjunction with one in Sheffield. FIXTURES. I The following fixtures will be played on the I ground of the first-named to-day (Saturday). COMBINATION. Chester v. Middlewich CHESTER AND DISTRICT LEAGUE. Saltney C.W. v. Connah's Quay T. Hooie Y" Handbridge St. Mary's Y.M.C.A. v. Rossett WIRRAL SENIOR CUP. Saltney v. Birkenhead Christ Church v. Trinity Gymnasium COMBINATION. I RESULTS UP TO DATE. (—Goals—\ P. W. L. D. F. A. Pts. Whitchurch .12. 7 2 3 .39 .12 .17 Nantwich.13 8 5 0 .28 .30 .16 Druids .12 (> 3 3 .27 .14 .15 Crewe Alexandral5 7 7 1 .29 .19 .15 Chester 10 6 2 2 .30 8 .14 Broughton .12 6 4 2 .25 .22 14 Tranmere 11 6 3 2 .21 .17 .14 Port Sunlight.13 5 5 3 .26 .27 .13 Glossop .11. 6 5 0 .13 ..14 .12 Oswestry 11 5 6 0 .22 .19 .10 Birkenhead 8 3. 4 1 9 .13 7 Chirk 9 2 4 3 .16 .27 7 Bangor 11 2 6 3 ..13 .33 7 Rhyl 10 2 6 2 .25 .31 6 Middlewioh.12 1 .10 1 .18 .54 3 CHESTER & DISTRICT FOOTBALL LEAGUE. DIVISION II. RESULTS UP TO DATE. ,_Goals-.s P. W. L. D. F. A. PtB. Kaleyards Works A.C. 9. 8. 0. 1.47.17.17 Chester Albion 9. 7.. 0. 2.36.12.16 Sealand Albion 9. 6. 2. 1.33.13.13 Mold Junction 9. 6. 3. 0.33.23.12 Great Western Locos 8. 2. 4. 2.16.19. 6 Trinity United 8. 3. 5. 0.17.24. 6 Y.M.C.A 9. 3. 6. 0.16.29. 6 Inoe 9. 2. 7. 0.11.24. 4 St. Werburgh's .10. 2. 8.. 0.22.53. 4 Handbridge S. Mary's. 8. 2.. 6. 0. 9.26. 4 *LittleSutton Reserve. 0.. 0. 0. 0. 0. 0. 0 Withdrawn and record expunged. I The New Zealanders on Saturday defeated the I Choshire Rugby fifteen at B=ead by two goals and eight tries to nothing.

CHESTER WHIST LEAGUE. I ST. FRANCIS'S v. ST. WERBURGH'S.— Played at St. Francis's Institute. Score :— ST. FRANCIS'S. ST. WERBURGH'S. W. Nolan T. Ludden ) oi J. Whelan. ) D. Ludden ) W. Jar vis ) E. Evans J. Flynn f T. Feeney, J T. Rafferty 11C J. Gallagher | 91 J. J. Rahill J J. Murphy /? J. (,abill 9 Jas. Beatty I 91 G. Goading. ) H. Lloyd ) J. Higin8. ) 91 J. Clunan 114 J. Higgins t 2 l J. Butler H. Savage.) J- Butler J1* J. Handley 1,0 Jno. Bentty 1 Q1 C. Reynard Jlb T. Dolan .j 94 99 Majority for St. Werburgh's. 5. OLD ST. MARY'S v. ST. BARNABAS'S.— Played at Old St. Mary's Institute. Score :— OLD ST. MARY'S. ST. BARVABA.S'S. A. Kil ick W. Whetnall ) J. Potts.J? J. E. Barton J A. Jones .)<, R. Mason '-21 J. Jones.? W. 0. FrMce j? J. Underbill ) ? S. G. M:?on. 0. T. Dempsey J J. Dutton J R. 11. Stiels Oli R. H. Snelson 110 T. P. Tushingham ) ni E. Taylor i tig W. Ellis j21 J. Sconce .).e E.F.HoweIl 01 T. E. Hughes J Lb G. Lee f S. Catherall 1.19 W. Lythgoe i 91 J. Moulton J Jno. Savage .j 105 121 Majority for St. Barnabas's, 16. CHESTER WHIST LEAGUE. RESULTS UP TO DATE. Played. Won. L't. D'n. For. Agst Pts. St. Werburgh's 7. 5. 2. 0. 739. 645.10 St. Francis's (; 5. 1. 0. 662. 580.10 Campbell Mem. Hall 6 4. 2.. 0. 685. 582.. 8 Old St. Mary's C.C. 7. 4. 3. 0. 700. 728. 8 St. Barnabas's 6. 3. 3. 0. 622. 594. 6 St. Michael's 5. 2. 3. 0 534. 484. 4 Old St. Mary's 5. 2. 3.. 0. 488. 521. 4 Handbndge 7. 2. 5. 0. 642.. 759. 4 Ches. Fire Brigade. 7. 1 6. 0 603. 782. 2

I THE CURRANT BOOKLET. I Amongst the good oheer which will contribute all over the world to make the ooming Chirstmas merry, greater importance should be attached to currants, the delicious little dried berries coming to us from Greece. They are abundant in nutri- tion, and rich in certain acids which are most valuable aids to health and strength. There are many methods of cooking currants, and numbers of delicious dishes suitable for the festive season can be made from the fruit. Your grocer has a supply of small booklets giving various recipes for preparing the fruit, and you can have it free of charge. You should know that there is a special variety of currants sent from Vostizza in Greece, which are used as dessert. They are de- licious eaten alone, and also a suitable accompani- ment to almonds or grated cocoanut. Everyone wishful to add a wholesome, welcome and econo- mical delicacy to the table this Yuletide should make a point of asking the grocer for the little book.

RURAL DEPOPULATION- TARVIN DISTRICT COUNCIL'S VIEWS. I ANIMATED DISCUSSION.. At a meeting of the Tarvin District Council on Saturday under the presidency of Mr. R. 0. Orton, an animated discussion on the subject of rural housing arose upon a report which was sub- mitted by the surveyor (Mr. Carter) as to dilapidated cottages at Tattenhall. Mr. Weaver (Garden) said this matter of unin- habitable cottages had come before the Council from time to time, and although they talked a great deal, nothing was done. The Rev. Morris Jones, rector of Tils ton, said there were people paying £ 8 a year for cottageo in Tilston that were not tit for a pig to live in. A Member: Who is to blame? Mr. Jones: I suppose it is our surveyor, who has not brought it forward. Mr. Carter (surveyor) said he had not asked for a closing order. If the people were to be turned out of the cottages, where were they to go? Mr. R. Mullock (Waverton); There is plenty of room in the workhouse. The landlord will have to pay for their keep there while his houses arc getting repaired. Mr. R. Cathcart Smith: We are punishing the poor people for the faults of others. Mr. Youd moved that Mr. Carter should in- vestigate the large estates before he touched a little man at Tattenhall. The Rev. Morris Jones said they heard a great deal of talk about keeping the agricultural labourer on tho land, but it remained with the large landowners to bring this about. It was no use talking. He heard the other day a man talking at a public meeting in Chester about the way to get labourers back to the country, but it wae the fault of the landlords that labourers went into the towns. The landlords, instead of living on their estates and taking a practical interest in the welfare of their tenants, spent their time at Monte Carlo and Paris and in giving expensive dinners in London. They wanted to got those great swells to spend their money at home in the country. (Hear, hear.) For years they had been fighting for it, but they talked and did nothing. Mr. Norcross: Absolutely nothing. The Rev. Morris Jones: "Vo have got an Act of Parliament, and have never acted upon it. We were told at the Diocesan Conference when dis- cussing this question that there was a clause 14 or something of the Local Government Act, but what have we done for it? Nothing. What has my Parish Council done? It has spent a bit- of money, but it has never done a single thing for the parish. Mr. Weaver: They proposed to build cottages for Carden, but they have never done 60. The Rev. Morris Jones: We want to use our Act of Parliament to make things comfortable for the people living in the country. I have lived twenty years in my own place, and I ought to know something about the working-men in the country. I take the greatest interest in them, but what can I do single-handed? You do not back me up here. It does not matter what I say; you only talk. The Chairman: If cottages were built, how would the people earn their living in the country? Mr. Morris Jones: There is plenty of work for anybody round my place now. The Chairman: Not so in all districts. Before machinery was used a greater number of labourers was employed. A Member: It is impossible to get cottages. The Rev. Morris Jones: Yes and in our own village it is a disgrace. Mr. R. Cathcart Smith said he could endorse every word Mr. Jonen had "aid. Having lived in the country practically a!l his life, he could testify that it had been the scheme of landowners to rid the village of as many working people as possible. There was a twofold reason for this, viz., to keep down the rates, and to enable them better to preserve their game. The result had been that on many large estates old cottages had been virtually pulled down. and had it not been for people who owned small portions of land and built, cottageti there would not have been accom- modation for one tithe of the people in the vil- lages. He asserted an a fact that everything had been done by the landowners ever since he could remember to drive the people away into the town. Mr. R. Mullock thought Mr. Smith and Mr. Jones were making rather too sweeping a con- demnation of the large landowners. The majority of the large landowners in Cheshire provided little palaoes for their working people to live in. (Hear, hear.) The circumstances of which Mr. Morris Jones spoke were exceptional. There was one estate that had been very badly neglected. The Rev. Morris Jones assured the Council that his remarks were not of a specific nature. There were plenty of cottages equally as bad as those on the Carden estate. Mr. R. C. Smith I can venture to state that I can mention a nobleman in Cheshire the cottages on whose estate arc a disgrace to civilisation. Mr. R. Mullock had no doubt there were many cottages which required closing. He pointed out that the Council on one occasion sent out ques- tions as to whether there was a scarcity of cot- tages in the district, and the reply shewed that cottages wore not very badly needed anywhere in the district. Mr. R. C. Smith: The reason of that is that they all belonged to one man. He pulled the string and they all danced to it. The Clerk pointed out that Dr. Kenvon on one occasion submitted a report on the number of cottages ta.ken as samples, and on the considera- tion of his report the Council decided that, they would not exercise their power and seek authority to build cottages. The Rev. Morris Jones said he simply wanted to see the working-men in the country happier and more contented, but they felt sick to see the houses they had to live in. It was only the large landowners who could possibly bring about any improvement, and if they did not do so they would have the country more depopulated than ever. It was decided to issue notices in respect of the Tattenhall cottages, and the matter dropped.

IS YOUR SKIN "WELL-DRAINED." NATURE'S WONDERFUL SYSTEM- CARE NECESSARY IN THE WINTER. (Specially contributed to the Cneshirc Observer. ") The health of a town depends very largely upon efficient drainage and ventilation. Modern systems of drainage in our up-to-date cities are wonderful enough, but what could be more wonderful than the intricate system of skin- drainage carried out by means of the millions of pores in your skin? There are thousands of pores in a square inch of sk;n surface, yet Nature has fitted each one with its own automatic trap-door at the top, its pipe or tube through the tissue, and its sac or bag for collecting the refuse, whic'h is expelled through the "trap-doors" to the extent of two pounds per person per day. If one "drain" gets choked—if a single pore becomes stopped up—you notice fimt a blackhead and then a pimple, while if several fail to do their duty, more serious skin disease is sure to resut. Other signs of badly-drained tissue arc sallowness, blotches, excessive oiliness or dryness, and irritation. Skin diseases are more prevalent in winter beoauso the pores lack ventilation, and are not so frequently cleansed by perspiration as they are in eummer. People are confined more in- doors, and even when one does get into the open air, the ventilation of the pores is obstructed by extra clothing. Little wonder that the delicate structures get out of order, and little wonder, i too, that the use of course ointments makes matters worse. What is really needed is tho application of Z-am-buk, a refined combination of vegetable juices which constitutes the natural treatment for skin disease. Most ordinary preparations contain rancid animal fats and mineral products of a harmful nature. If the skin absorbed them they would do infinitely more harm than good, and they accomplish, nearly as much harm by staying outside and clogging up the pores. No preparation is so pleasant. to use, or so soothing and healing for chaps, chafings, cold- sores, chilblains, and the common winter dis- orders directly due to the cold weather, as Zam- buk. Not only every home, but every member of the family, sheuld have a one-and-three- halfpenny or two-and nine box for his or her own special ùse. i

THE IMPENDING DISSOLUTION.-At this season of the year a general dissolution of the contents of our purses takes place, and we are anxious to get the most attractive and suitable presents for our families and friends, and a very important question arises as to where to secure the best possible value for our out lay. Visitors to Liverpool can have all doubts removed by making their selection from the splendid stock on view at that popular furnishing establishment, The Pioneer, Bold-street, where the special Xmas windows are more attractive than ever. All who cannot pay a visit should send for the Pioneer illustrated Xmas catalogue crowded with good things at tempting prices. Notwithstanding the low prices, all pur- chases over forty shillings are delivered free to any railway station in Great Britain. I Marvellous value in Stockings, filled with Toys and Sweets, go to R. Davies and Co., 26 Bridge- street, Chester. The public all go. with one accord, for their novelties to please their children to R. Davies and Co., 26, Bridge-street, Chester. Their value is better than any other Shop or so-called Stores in Chester.

é" 44 0 he Standard off Highest "Purity" Qidbury's I-S Cocoa lone. There is more pure cocoa in a packet of Cadbury's; hence a given quantity makes more bever, age of a better quality.

I BOARDS OF GUARDIANS, I Witt HAL. I The- foänightly meeting of the Winal Board of Guardians was hold on Wednesday, Mr. H. A. Latham presiding. Six candidates for the position of children's caretaker at the workhouse were in- terviewed by the Board, and the appointment was given to Miss Dodd, of Liverpool. The salary is JE20 with uniform.—On the motion of M1. S. W. Gill, bills amounting to £ 487. 6s. lOd. were passed for payment. Mr. Gill stated that the balance in the treasurer's hands was £ 1,930 6s. 10d.-Col. Lloyd moved the adoption of a re- commendation of tho Finance Committee that an extra skHing be allowed to each house on the cutdoor relief list in Christmas week.—Mr. Gill second,ed.-Thg Clerk (Mr. J. E. S. Ollive) said thero, was a suggestion from some of the members that sixponce should be allowed for each child. The Hawarden Board of Guardians had written to ask the Board to pay Is. to each adult and six- pence to each child pauper belonging to them but residing in the Wirral Union area—Mr. W. Fryer moved that sixpence be allowed to each child and one shilling to each adult.—Mrs. Hannay seconded.—-The amendment was lost by nino votes to six.—Mr. Tapscotc (lieswall) moved ihat one shilling be allowed for each house, and sixpence- for each child, and this was agreed to.- On the motion of Mr. Fryer, this resolution was made to include non-resident poor.—The Chair- man said Mr. J. A. Hignctt (relieving officer) had several times spoken to him and had told him that he was smarting under what he considered an injustice.—Mr. J. Warbrick said the Board had I already settled that business. They had passed a resolution a month ago, and they would waste their time to go over it agaiii.-The Chairman: I want to have the matter settled.—Mr. War- brick: We have lopeatedly settled it.-Mr. Gill moved that the matter be discussed after six months had elapsed from the date of the passing of the resolution.—Mr. Warbrick seconded.—Tho Chairman: I don't like the idea that a servant of the Board should say he. is serving under an in- justice. and when Mr. Hignett explained the mat- ter to mo. I thought he had some ground for it. —The motion was earried. WHITCHURCH. I A meeting of the Whitchurch Board of Guar- dians was held on Friday, Mr. W. H. Smith, vice- chairman, pro.s;ding.-A letter was read from Mr. Langley expressing his thanks to the guardians for their kind message he had hoped to have been able to attend the Board meeting on Fii- day, but his doctor prohibited his going from home for the present.—-The Chairman said they would of course continue to hope that Mr. Lang- ley would soon be completely recovered. (Hear, hear.) The Relieving Officer's report shewed that the out-relief during the fortnight was as follows: 8th week, 141 out-paupers relieved at a cost of 213. 8s.; 9th week, 131, at £ 12. 18s. The corre- sponding period for last- year was: 8th week, 135, at £13. 10s.; 9th week, 134, at L12. 12s.-The Relieving Officer asked whether the guardians wished to give the additional out-relief to re- cipients for the Christmas week as usual.-It was pointed out that the usual allowance was Is. each for adults and 6d. each for children; and the relieving officer said this would cost about JB6. 10s. -On the motion of Mr. Woollam, seconded1 by Mr. Penk, it was decided to grant this as usual. The Relieving Officer said he had considerable difficulty in getting the instalments of mainten- ance contributions from many of the people who were under obligations of this kind, and he wished to know the gsardians' view of the matter. —In reply to questions, the officer said trade was certainly very bad; he had never seen so many men walking about the town out of work.—It was decided that the matter should be considered by the guardians at their next meeting, when full particulars would be laid before them. The Master's books shewed that during the last fortnight there had been 86 inmates in the house against 96 for the corresponding period of last year; and that 141 vagrants had been relieved during the same period against 120 last year.- The Chairman said the saddest feature of the statement in respect to vagrants was that there were so many children being taken about the country. (Hear, hear.)—The Master made the usual application for the Christmas dinner on be- half of the inmates, and it was decided, on the motion of Mr. Pearson, seconded by Mr. Vernon, that this should be granted on the same lines as usual. v

HIGHER EDUCATION. IMPORTANT CHESTER SCHEME. An important scheme for higher education and the coordination of all schools and scholarships in the city, has now been completed by the Higher Education Sub-committee of the Chester Educa- tion Authority, and has been circulated to the members of the Press, together with a memor- andum on the subject by the Direotor (Mr. A. E. Lovell). The proposals first Bet out the terms on which schools not under the control and management of the local authority Should be reoogiiised as complemiontary to the munioipal system. Ac- cording to the scheme the present elementary school system, subject to modifications by the Board of Education and the local authority, is to be accepted as tre first and most general type of public education, and as satisfying the demands of the compulsory clauses, of the Eduoation Act, 1870. Private elementary schools, namely, schools in which the fee is equal to ninepenco a week or less am not to be recog- nised as part of tho oo-ordiuated school system. HIGHER ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS. One of the most important changes proposed by tho sdheme is the establishment of what are. called higher elementary sohools. The sub-com- mittee state that the development of secondary sohools has ma.de it necessary to reconsider the eduoational needs of those scholars who cannot, afford the extended period for study which would enable them to profit by admission to a secondary school, but who can with advantage rvceive some education more advanced tnan that, which is given in an ordinary public ele- mentary school and differing some- what in kind. The oiroumstanoes of Chester are not suitable for upper standard sohools of tbjii kind generally contemplated. The sohools should adm;t pupils commencing at Standard 1. and should bo fee-charging. There would be no in- fants in these sohools. It is proposed to utilise (subject to satisfactory arrangements, with tho managers) the College School (Boys') and Hunter Street School (Girls'), as special eleirj -itary sohools; the local eduoation authority prov.d.ng a new school of two departments, which shRU, intor alia, take the place of the Chester Wes- leyan school, St. John-street. Accommodation will thu. be afforded for 1,200 scholar-, boys and girls being equally provided for. It is. sug- gested that one-third of the pup-Is shall be free sJholara, nominated by the managers of elemen- ta.ry schools, and the romainder are to pay a iee of ninepence a week (to include bcoks and other materials). The suggested curriculum is set forth, in the following clause:—"The curriculum, should be that of a good elementary school, but with differences. It must have for -to object the development of the education given in the or- ordinary public elementary school, and the provision of special instruction bearing on the future occupations of the scholars, whether boys or girls. A curriculum, will not be approved unless it provides, together with this special instruction, a progressive course of study in the English language and literature, in elementary mathematics, and in history and geography. Drawing or manual work must bo included in every case as part of the general or special instruction." I NEW INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL. Passing on to the next grade, the sub-comm.tieo foreshadows the erection oi a new City a-id County aohool for boys and girls, the accommodation to be for 200 of each sex. Tho sohools, tley sug- gest, should belong to the c.ty, and an agreement should be made with tho county for [he joint user of the school during the period granted by the Local Government Board for the repayment of the loan; the basis of contribution to the main- tenance fund for the two authorities to be ae- cording to the extent of user of the school by thorn arrived at on the average attendance for each school year. The county authority are to be asked to guarantee a minimum attendance of 75 boys and 75 girls, and they arc to be limited to a maximum attendance of one hundred boys and ono hundred gires, except with the previous consent of the oity. The kea for full-time pupils are. to be at least five ponude yearly. It is proposed to place the school under the direct management of a body of governors, oonsisting of seven members, appointed by the city and five by the county, with, in addition, the chairman of the City Education Committee (ex-ofifoio), who shall be the cliairinan of the body of governors. The oity director to b? correspon- dent and clerk to the governors. A clause is sug- gested that each authority is to undertake, not to erect another secondary school within, the area to be served by this school except by consent. Other local authorities arc to be charged on ac- count of pupils attending from their areas. The existing accommodation at the Museum) should, it is suggested, be used for evening classee and instruction in art, handicraft and domestic subjects. Pupils from the county should be ad- mitted for the same fees, the count;- a.uMoiitv paymg a capitation grant. I ICING'S AND QUEEN'S SCHOOLS. I .tile 1VlnS 8 and yueen 8 schools will, under the soheme, be recognised as upper suhools, and the proposal is that each shall receive an annual grant not exceeding £ 100. The Higher Educa- tion Sub-committee recommend a gnant-in-aid of £ 216 to the King's School towa.rds t,h oost of the rccontly equipped laboratory, and a grant, not ex- ceeding £ 200 to the Queen's School for the e-tab- lisrment of a laboratory; provided tha,t the c,.t,y elect an additional governor to each school, and that the school accounts be submitted to' this authority. The sub-committee close the sciheome wit h a oomplete system of scholarships, including three of an annual value of 250, tenable for three years at a university or institution of university rank, one to be awarded to a girl leaving the Queen's or similarly recognised sdh-ool, whose parents have resided in the city for three vears. THE COST. With regard to the oost, the sub-committee have accepted the estimates of the Director given in detail in his memorandum. The new city and county school is expected to cost £ 20,000. The report states—"With regard to the total nett annual Dost to the city of the whole soliomc, when brought into complete operation, the sub-com- mittee are of opinion that, assuming that the local education authority free all the primary pubhc! elementary schools after March 31,??t, 1907, this total, after giving credit for grants, may 0; taken to be 2800 per annum, or th. equivalent) of a penny rafte; but, s-noe the fee-3 received from the higher elementary schools, though in relief of the borough rate, will not be paid into the higher education account, the maximum total nett cost on such highor education account- will bo (approximately) £ 1,800, or the equivalent of a 2!d. rate; being an increase of about £ 1,050 per annum or the equivalent of a l £ d. rate beyond1 the expenditure upon higher education account- a.t the commencement of this our rent financial year; the elementary education account, at the same time, receiving a credit of about £ 1,000. At the meeting of the Chester Education Com- mittee, on Monday, it was decided to hold a special meeting on Wednesday, December 20th, to discuss the scheme. Mr. T. Mills gave notice that after the Chair- man had moved that the scheme be received, he would move that the further consideration of the scheme be deferred for twelve months until the elementary education of the city be put on a satis- factory footing. Mr. Egerton Gilbert: Is it intended that the Press be present at the meeting? The Chairman: I think so. Mr. Gilbert said he thought their proceedings might be shortened if the Press were not- ad- mitted, and no great harm would be done. Mr. Mills: So far as I am concerned the pro- ceedings will not be shortened whether the Press are here or not. Mr. Gilbert: I had nothing personal in my mind. Mr. Mills: I did not say you had.

You cannot possibly have a batter Cocoa than EPPS S COCOA It forms a welcome delicacy for the morning and evening meal. A fragrant, delicious, and most healthful beverage. As a food for quite young children it is admirable too, on account of its nourishing and strengthening qualities. EPPS'S COCOA is a valuable article of diet, and should be in every home.