Cheshire Observer

MALPAS. ANTHRAX.—Another case of anthrax is re- ported. A heifer belonging to a farme.r at Wig- land was found dead in the shippon, and the caso having been certified1 one of antlirax the carcase has been cremated

QUEEN S FERRY. LUNATIC AT LARGE.—Some excitement was caused on Thursday week by the report that a lunatic was at large at Queen's Ferry. P.O. Roberts found the man, who turned out to be a native of Birkenhead, who had escaped from Upton Asylum, at six o'clock that morning. The poor fellow was taken back to the asylum.

SANDYCROFT. LANTERN LECTURE.—A lecture was de- livered by the Rev. T. J. Martin in the Primitive Methodist Church on Monday night. on "Educa- tion. and Disestablishment." Mr. Atkinson, pre- sided. The lecture was illustrated with excellent lantern v; ews. YOUNG PEOPLE'S SOCIETY-The mem- bers of this, society held their weekly meeting in tho Presbyterian Schoolroom on Tuesday even- ing. An intciGetin? paper on the Right Hon. Joseph Chamberlain, M.P., was read by Mr. J. Coppack. memb, ers of the CHURCH PARADE.-Thc memoors of the 2nd Heavy Battery of the 1st Cheshire Royal Gar- rison Artillery (Vols.) attended divine service at Shotton Church on Sunday morning. There was an excellent, attendance, and the men looked ex- ceedingly smart. Cap,. H. F. Taylor was m command. The Connah's Quay Silver Band was in attendance. The Rev. W. H. Parkes (eurate- iH-oharge) preached on the words "Bo strong and of a ,,ood courage."

CONNAH'S QUAY & SHOTTON. COMPETITIVE MEETING.—In connection with the Ri vertown Congregational Church Saturday Evening Socials, a successful competi- tive meeting took place on Saturday. Prior to the meeting tea was served in the schoolroom to about 150 members, their wants being ably supplied by Mosdamce. J. Davies Jones, F. Collins, Mars- land, Firth, Millar, Davies, Walton, the Misses A. Walker, Coppack and S. Smaliman.-Mr. J. Prinoo, who presided, congratulated the pro- moters on being able to get together such a large number Saturday after Saturday. The competi- tions were keenly contested. The duet competi- tion was won by Messrs. G. Williams and Charles, the eolo competition by Mr. J. Charles for his excellent rendering of "The. Boy of Truth," stump speech competition by Mr. Phillips, and reading competition by Mr. B. Goulding. During the evening the Shotton Orchestral Band (under the conductorship of Mr. F. Pike) rendered several excellent itoms, Miss Pollie Humphreys accompanying on the piano. Miss Jennie Prince received quite an ovation for ht-r sweet rendering of By the Fountain and Idle Words." The arrangements were ably carried out by the secre- tal'Y, Mr. L. Maryland. taSryA, D DROWNING CASE.-A sad case of drowning occurred at the Connah s Quay docks last week. whereby a young man named Herbert Povey, aged 20 years, son of Mr. T. J. Povey, of 10, Clarance-street, Runcorn, and employed by Messrs. Monks & Sons, Liverpool, as fireman on board the s.s. Isabel, lost his life. After taking a cargo to Messrs. Summer s ironworks, the vessel came to the Quay wharf for the purpose of loading about 50 tons of bricks to convey to Mostyn. On Tuesday, the evening of their arrival at the Quay, deceased, in company with J. Parry, an engineer of the same boat, went as far as an hotel. On their return deceased was a little in advance of Parry The latter on ieaclnng the Isabel found the ladder, which was their only means of going aboard, lying between the four-foot. where they left it prior to going ashore, and stepped aboard, but could not find deceased anywhere. Nothing more was done until next morning, when Sergt. Walter Hill was notified, and he and P C. Blythan at once got many willinjr hands to work in search for tlin body. but their efforts proved un- successful. On Friday, Mr. William Bayfield, of Thomas-street. Runcorn, and captain of the Runcorn Dragging Brigade, set to work, assisted by Mr. Shaw, (Vnnssioner at the Sailors' Home Runcorn,) and two men named Taylor and Htigbes, of Connah's Quay, and succeeded in finding the body, which was lying on the inner side of the steamer between the boat and the Quay. It is surmised that deceased must have tripped over a rope, and fallen headlong into the river. This is the 54th body Mr. Bayfield has been the means of recovering by his dragging apparatus. He has also saved twelve persons from drowning.

I FARNDoN. I DANCE-On Friday evening, in Farndon Schooiioom, a succe&sfut dajicc was held in aid of I the Rifle Club. The mus;o was supplied by Mr. Pinnington. The duties of M.C. were carried out by Mr. Harry Brereton (secretary of the Rifle Club) and Mr. Frank Packer. I

I HARGRAVE. CONCERT.—A very successful concert was held in the schoolroom on Friday evening in aid of tho funds of the Hargrave Cricket Club. The ciub is a new institution, which; will undoubtedly prove to be of great. benefit to the young men and boys of the neighbourhood'. The Cricket Club Committee worked hard to make the concert a SU(;OO33, and they had the, satisfaction of seeing the room crowded. The following array of talent had bc.-on securedMiss Lloyd, Miss White, Mr. J. H. Ditchburn, Mr. E. Robinson. Mr. Loui Parry, Mr. W. W ildgooae, Mr. R. Athertoni and Mr. W. H. Hallmark, all of Chester; the vocalists being abiy accompanied by Miss Robinson, also of Chester. As might bo expected, those ladios and gentlemen provided a musical, intellectual and humo.ous treat, such aa the dwellers. in small j country vilagcs are but. rar&ly privileged to en joy, and the numerous encores, which wero gtnciou-sly responded to, amply pioved how de- lighted the large, was. Firianeldiy ro«u;.t was most, gratifying, the nctt proceeds amounting to LS. 7s. 5d. j

NOKTHOP.. RESIG.N,ATION.-The lWv. J. H. Davits, who for the LUlSt ten years has been in charge of the Nortbop Hail and Ewloe Green Caivinistic | Method st Churches, has resigned owing to ill- j APPOINTMENT.—Tho Nursing Committee umuiimousiy appointed Miss Williams, Caoliopa, | Ijanger, out of 20 applicants1, to the vacant post of district nurse- at a salary of £70. Miss vVil- liaiiw was tiaaied at a. Cardiff hospital, and has had four years' experience in district nursing, She commented her duties, on Thursday. BRITISH AND FOREIGN BIBLE SOCIETY. | —Tho annual general meeting of the Northop, I Nmihop HaJi and Soughtcn auxiliary was heJd j at the Soughton Reading-room on Monday even- ing. In the unavoidable absence of the piesi- dc-nt., Mr. J. Eldon Bankes, K.C., t h,- Rev. Ciomexit- Davics, vicar, war voted to the chair, Tho secretary, tho Rev. W. Acron Davies, pre- Rented b's annual report, which was considsncd highly satisfactory. The Rev. D. E. Roberts pro- pcavd'. and Mr. E. Ellis Williams seconded, a hea.riy vote of thanks to the officers and coilec- tors, which was carried unanimously. The, Rev. D. Charles Edwards. M.A., the society's repre- sontative in North Wales, attended as a deputa- t:on. In an interost:ng address he shewed the great work which the society had done.

HESWALL. I A ROBIN IN CHURCH-When the Rector and choir returned to the vestry at the conclusion of matins on Sunday an unusual vusite^r was awaiting them, in the shape of a robin. The bird did not stem frightened, and while the- con- cluding choral prayer was being sacd it flew across tine vestry to an open window and departed. FOOTPATH CONTROVERSY.—A peculiar footpath controversy is going on at the present time with regard to an alleged pathway leading from the south-west side of the churchyard. Before the railway was made it seems there was undoubtedly a pathway through the churchyaird and on down to the shore, but when the lines were laid the residents of that time do not ap- pear to have insisted on tho provision of a cross- ing. Paralled with the railway, however, on thp churchyard side, is a narrow roadway, and, hav- ing by the lap-se of years lost the right of a way over the railway, the inhabitants seem to be die- termined to assert their right to a pathway down to the narrow road above the railway. Thp peculiarity of the position is that in extending the churchyard in ordeT to provide additional burial ground, the Parish Council built a wall across the pathway. Their attention was called to the matter at the last meeting by Mr. Caldow, when it-was decided not to take any action unless a petition was presented by the inhabitants, as the Council had fully considered the matter be- fore deciding to leave no break in the wail. On Sunday morning it was found that a, considerable break had been made in the wall by somebody who evidently is not at one with the Council over tho affair, so that the position grows in interest. Prior to this it is understood the attention of the Wirral Footpaths and Open Spaces Pre star- vation Sod'.ety had been called to the matter.

HAWARDEtf GUARDIANS. I BUCKLEY PROPERTY TRANSACTION. j REMARKABLE SITUATION. I MR. WYNNE ON HIS DEFENCE. On Friday the Hawarden Board of Guardians again discussed the situation arising out of the sale of a house at Buckley belonging to a woman on whose estate the guardians had & da.1m. It will be remembered that, according to the details which transpired at the last meeting of the Board, a woman named Mrs. Sarah Wiliiarne owned & cottage in Buckley-square. It became necessary that she should be removed to Denbigh Asylum, and in respect of her nra-utcnance there the guardians were liable for the payment oi £4G. The guardians appointed Mr. R. h ynne (a. mem- ber or tlie Boaruj to let the house and oohect the rents. When the woman died the guardians decided to continue letting the house, it ap- peared there was a mortgage on the house lor j&tiU, and last March the mortgagee (Mr. iidwa.;<i Jones) gave SIX months' notioe tnat he expected, h.s money by the 30th September. The notioe was given to Mr. Wynne, who was in reosipt 01 the rent, and he submitted to the guardians at a later date. The matter was leIi; in the hands of the Clerk and the Relieving Officer. At the last meeting the Clerk (Mr. h. Goodman Roberts) produced a statement of the result of the sale ot the property to Mr. P. Wynne (lather of Mr. R. Wynne) for LLGO, which, addvu to t;.e £ 10 which the turniture real.sed and a sum ior rent, left the. guardians with about £ 10 short ol their aocount lor maintenance, after tne mortgagee'b claim had been satisfied. Several guardians at the last meeting said there was a feeling that the house had not realised its full value. MI. Hughes now re-opened the quest.on, sug- gesting the appointment of a committee to in- vestigate the whole matter. The Chairman said a letter had been received by the Clerk from Mr. Wynne, senr., the pur- chaser of the house, stating that he considered he had paid full value, and he should not return or pay anything more. Mr. R. Williams asked if anybody had a right to sell the house. The Clerk said they had power to sell the house, and repeated his explanation of the cir- cumstances prior to the sale. He heard nothing more until the house had been sold to Mr. Wynne and that the money would be paid by the 30th September. Mr. R. Williams suggested that the mortgagee never sold the house at all. Mr. Hughes: We never knew about it until the whole thing was sold. Mr. Wynne, junr., said he was very glad the Press were present. He was very glad also to be able to speak for himself. He wanted to say a word or two plainly, straightly, and truth- fully about that matter. He was glad to tell them there that day, and he would like every ratepayer to know, that he neither sold the house nor bought it. He had told the Clerk that his father was going to buy it; at least, that he offered to buy it. He did not then know that his father would buy it, but he offered £ 100, and he (the speaker) brought it to the Board in the way in which everything should be brought before the Board, which was through the Clerk. He ■> had not acted in any corner, and he asked the members to judge for themselves who was the right person to bring it before the Board—he or I the CLerk. He wanted them to "judge righte- ously, to judge fairly, and to judge like men, not for his sake but 'FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS' SAKE. I The Clerk was the right man to bring it under the notice of the guardians. The thing was not done in any oorner. If the house was worth more, he had nothing to do with it; he was clear of the sale of it, and he was clear of the purchase of it. What he wanted was fair play. Mr. Roberts, of Well House, had suggested a. fortnight ago that he (Mr. Wynne) ought to have used his in- lfuence as a guardian for the place. He thought hio did when he brought it to the front and brought it to the Clerk. He did not wish any- thing to be done on the quiet. The offer was brought to the Clerk at the Workhouse and why should he (Mr. Wynne) be blamed for it? If he made an offer to the Duke of Westminster it would be through the agent; and in that case he had gone through the Clerk. The thing was done fair and square and brought to the front. Mr. R. Williams: No; it is not done "fair and square." Mr. Wynne: As regards my position in the matter; you understand what I mean. Mr. Dunn rose to his feet and made some re- mark. Mr. Wynne Mr. Dunn, ohair, please! Mr. Wynne: Who received the t20, Mr. Chair- man? The mortgagee received £ 80; who re- ceived the £ 20? The Chairman: I did not receive it. Mr. Wynne: I believe the clerk has already stated that he received JB20, and that he was trustee for it. What right has he to receive the £ 20? Who gave the clerk the right, to pay Edw. Jones, the mortgagee, his expenses, 5s., jf he- had nothing to do with it? Now, friends, look at the thing fairly and: judge righteously. I only want what is right, but don't blame me when I am innocent. Mr. T. E. Williams: From what I gather here to-day notice of the mortgagee, was given on the 28th March, whereas the clerk received that notice some day in June. Why should Mr. Wynne have kept it for three months without giving it to the clerk ? Mr. Wynne: I cannot tell you whether it was four weeks; it might have been three weeks or five weeks. But I forgot it. It was in my pocket all the time. Mr. R. Williams: You had the notice? Mr. Wynne: Yes; the mortgagee asked me if I would hand that over to the clerk. Mr. T. E. Williams: Was it not quite three months ? Mr. R. G. Roberts said that -so far as they un- derstood each other there was one remedy. The house' was not perishable goods. It was there new, and it had been, bought too cheaply. Mr. Wynne's father had the option of selling it rather than any reflection should be oast npon him. He couid claim for any expense he had been put to. ilhc guardians had lost money on the house, and he did not know whether it was owing to pressure of business on the part of the clerk that they did not know all about it. It was evident the guar- dians did not know as much as they might have known with refei-enck, to the matter. It was very unfortunat.e. that it was Mr. Wynne's father. (Hear, hear.) Perhaps it would have been better if the purchaser had been an outsider. There was one question with regard to the col- lecting of the Tent. He should like to ask whether Mr. Wynne would be entitled to charge any commission, as he understood it had been charged, for collecting the rents. He should be j oniy too happy if it could be cleared up to the satisfaction of all. I RENT-COLLECTING COMMISSION. Mr. Wynne: You know very well, Mr Chair- man, that it was placed in my hands to colket. the rents. It is part of my duty to cacet rents; I do it for other people. You could not expect me to go to that house three years for nothing. Would you like to do it yourself? The Chairman: What commission did- you charge? Mr. R. Williams: The law is against him. Mr. Wynne: Five; just the shilling. Mr. Roberts: Was it legal for him to charge commission? The Clerk: I believe Mr. Wynne is entitled to make that charge, but if he does it and receives money it disqualifies him from acting as guardian. Proceeding, the Clerk admitted that it was an omission on his part not to have told the guar- dians immediately -of the negotiations for the house. He, however, had tboaght everything was fair and square, and that the house had sold at its ordinary value. It never occurred to him that there would be any question. He was quite prepared to accept Mr. R, Wynne's statement that be neither bought nor sold the house, and that he told him (the clerk) that his father was going to buy it. The message was a verbal one, and he (the clerk) had no communication from Mr. Peter Wynne, who ultimately bought the house. The negotiations must have taken place outside of him (the clerk). He had asked Mr. Jones (the mortgagee) to let him have the deeds, and he never brought them. Mr. P. Wynne brought them to his (the clerk's) office. As to who received the JE20, he (the clerk) did, because the money was paid at his office. He deducted the ordinary charges which would be made in any solicitor's office, and he paid the balance to Mr. G. Alfred Jones, the ..collector for the guardians. Mr. G. Alfred Jones (relieving officer and col- lector) signified that it was correct. The Clerk added that he did allow the mortga.- gee 5s. for expenses, and he had a receipt for it. If Mr. Wynne was candid he would admit that Mr. Jones asked for 5s. for each of throe days, that he (the cierk) told him he could not charge for loss of time, and that afterwards he proposed to allow the five shillings to settle the whole thing, and Mr. Wynne nodded assent. He (the clerk) fully admitted not telling the guardians immediately; he had no suspicion. On the 21st November ha wrote to Mr. R. Wynne: "I notice in your account re Sarah Williams you deduct 9d. for commission. I think if you charge commission it disqualifies yourself as guardian under the Local Government Act. If you agree, would it not be better to pay Mr. G. Alfred Jones J31. 2s. 9d., and let me know by return of post, so that the aocount may be correctly pre- sented ?" Mr. Wynne's reply en the 22nd Nov. read: "I collected the rent of the above three years or thereabouts. Do you think it fair for me as rent collector to go to that house all that time for nothing? I shall leave it as it stands." Mr. J. Hampson said there were one or two points very vague. He should like to know how Mr. Wynne's father, who resided at Ruabon, got his information that the house was on offer month s before the guardians and others living around the neighbourhood. Mr. R. Wynne: I have already stated that the thing was brought to the clerk. Mr. Hampson: But how did your father cb- tain his information? It is not your bringing it before the Clerk. Mr. Wynne: I told him. I am not ashamed of it. A SCENE. Mr. Dunn You did not tell anyone else in the neighbourhood. Mr. Wynne: That is my business and- not yours, Mr. Dunn. You don't know whether I did or did not. I brought the thing here before the Clerk. Mr. Dunn You are our collector. Mr. Wynne: Chair, please! I was on my feet first. Sit down. Mr. Dunn Well, stick on your feet a bit. Mr. Wynne reiterated that he brought the matter before the Clerk. Mr. R. Williams: A brother member from the same parish and I knew nothing at all about it until I was tackled about it in Mold. I should l.ke it to be cleared up, and the proper parties got at. (Hear, hear.) Mr. Wynne: I am very sorry this thing has happened. Mr. R. G. Roberts: Stell the house again, Mr. Wynne. Mr. Wynne: It is not mine to sell. Mr. Roberts Use your own influence. Mr. Wynne: You judge wrongly. I might suggest this, although I have no authority to say it, that I might help you in this way: If father would sell the house to anyone who would offer JB150 and turn the balance over to the guardians, I might suggest that to father if you will deal fairly with me. I have no guarantee that he will do it. Mr. R. Williams: He distinctly refuses to do it. The Chairman said he had hoped that before that day there would have been a satisfactory reply from Mr. P. Wynne with reference to the property, and to the effect that he would either pay the difference or allow the property to be resold. It was with that feeling that he had refrained from giving notice to move at that. meeting that the Clerk take steps to cancel the agreement. He felt very strongly that Mr. R. Wynne, brother member that he was, had not been quite "honour bright." It was quite right that all information should go through the Clerk. Mr. Wynne: Hear, hear. The Chairman added that he did not blame the Clerk now as badly as he did, at the previous meeting in his own mind. After the finish of the last meeting he felt that it was merely an error of judgment on the Clerk's part in not thinking there was anything behind it. The notice was not delivered to the Clerk for three months and it was not sufifo-ent notice to sell the house. Mr. t Wynne: That is not correct, sir. Continuing, the Chairman said if Mr. Wynne and his father, instead of standing as it were on their dignity, had allowed the property to be re- sold it would have cleared the matter up and shewn there was nothing behind the soenes. Un- less that was done, before the next meeting he should give notice to move that the Clerk take such steps to resell the property or cancel the agreement as were necessary. (Hear, hear.) If their Clerk did not like to act in the matter, he would suggest that the guardians should put the matter into other hands. If he did not receive within four days a note to the effect that Mr. Wynne was willing to so clear the matter up, he should send his notice of mction to the Clerk. Mr. Roberts took it that after the opinion of the clerk, Mr. R. Wynne was either bound to refund his commission or resign. Mr. Millington said that-, after the explanation of the clerk, he felt more like acquitting him than he did a fortnight ago. The keynote to the whole i' thing was how Mr. Wynne, sen., got to know that the house was to be sold. Guardians and people anxious to purchase knew nothing about it. He agreed that the contract should be broken and the house re-sold. The Chairman raid he thought the matter not, only reflected on the guardians individually at the Buckley end, but on the whole Board. (Hear, hear.) I Mr. R. WIUIame: In any cafe, have it re-eold. Several members rose to their feet to speak, but the Chairman suggested that the discussion should go no further at that stage. I Mr. Manley: I think the chairman's intentions should satisfy us. j With this the discussion oeased. CHRISTMAS FARE. Mr. Manley moved and Mr. Millington seconded that the usual Christmas dinner to the inmates be allowed. Miss Thorn moved and Mr. T. G. Lewisj seconded an amendment that the words with a pint of beer" be added. j Six voted for the amendment and nine agai, nst, | The original motion was therefore carried. On the motion of Mr. Millington seconded by jI Mr. Manley, it was decided that during Christmas week the out relief be increased as usual by Is. II for each adult and 6d. for each child. HAWARDEN PARISH NURSE. Miss Thom moved that application be made to; the Local Government Board to sanction an annual payment to the Hawarden village nurse fund. She suggested a sum of J65. Mr. Dunn seconded. Mr. Hampson asked why they should pay money out of the common fund in support of a nurse for Hawarden alone. Miss Thom mentioned that the nurse's services were available for Shotton, Queen's Ferry, Broughton, St. John's, Ewloe, Pentre and Manoott. Mr. S. Vickers mentioned that there was a movement to provide a nurse fund for Shotton and Queen's Ferry district, and if the Board paid to the Hawarden nurse there would probably be an application for support of the Shotton nurse. Mr. Millington considered that it would be very unfair for the rest of the union to contribute without sharing the benefit of the nurse's services. Miss Thorn and Mr. Dunn alone voted for the motion, which was lost.

I PKETTY WIRRAL WEDDING. Much interest was taken -at Burton tWirral) last, week in tho wedding of Miss Lilian Tickle, eldc-st daughter of Mr. Thomas Tickle, of Dun- stan Farm, with Mr. Henry Corner, second son of the late Mr. John Henry Corner, of C.apham. The bride's family are well known in the district, and the church was filled with well-wishers. The vicar of Burton (the Rev. P. F. A. Morrell) oliiciated The service was choral, and opened with the hymn "The Voice fliat. breathed o'er Eden." Mi. T. Bostock presided at the organ, and played appropriate selections of wedding music. The bride, who was given away by her father, wore a becoming travelling costume of pastel shade of grey tweed, trimmed with wiiit,, silk, silver biaia and velvet buttons, while her hat was of white beaver cloth, trimmed with satin and ostrich piume. The bridesmaids were her ssters, the Misses. Florenc-e and Minnie Tickle, WHO woie dresses of pale green uinuned with white siik and velvet buttons, their hats being of white felt trimmed with chiffon, and roses. They also woie gold brooches, the gifts of the bride- gioom. and carried bouquets of pink chrysanthe- mums. likewse the gifts of the bridegroom. The beit man was Mr. Ernest J. Corner, brother at the bridegroom- A largely-attended reception was atterwaids held at Dunstaji Farm. The honeymoon is being spent, in London. The wedr u;ng presents were as foliow Biidegroom to bride, go.d curb muff chain; mother of bnde, household linen; father of bride, cheque; bnde to bridegroom, travelling bag and gold Masonio pendant; mother of bndegioom, coal cabinet; Mr. F. A. Giaeser, Stratford, cheque; Mr. L. 1 Cooper. West Kirby, cheque; Mr. E. j. Corner, oak hall stand; lr. and Mrs. G. F. Adams, Chester, silver coffee pot; Mr. and Mrs. Merntt, Birkenhead, silver teapot; Mrs. and Mrs J. Cnarmiey, silver cake knife; Mrs. and Mrs. C. Wright, set of carvers; Mrs. Tickle and family. Neston, case of silver spoons; Mrs. Tickle and family, Barn Farm, silver salts and spoons; Mr. J. Corner, Jardiniere and oak stand; Mrs. Bates and family, silver jam dishes and spoons; Mr. and Mrs. Robinson, hand-painted azid brass fire scrccn; Misses Harrison, pair of pictures; Major Grundy, pair of silver photo frames; Mr. and Mrs. J. Pincombo and family, silver preserve dish; Mr. and Mrs. Marsh and family, silver cake stand; Mr. J. Fraser, Wrexham, fancy tablecloth and serviettes Mrs. C. E. Hope, of Bank House, embroidered silk table cover; the Rev. and Mrs. Morrell, Bible, and from their pet. dcg, drinking fountain; Mr. and Mrs. J. H. Pugh, silver cruet; Mr. and Mis. S. Johnson. Wiliaston, table cover; Mr. John Tickle, travelling trunk; Air. and Mrs. H. Marsh, brass and copper salver; Mr. E, Hoyle, pair of Crown Derby vases; Mr. and Mrs. Pil- beam, Westfie-ld, dinner eorvicc; Air. Sully and M:ss Alabel Salter, silver dessert cruet; Misses Cooper, West Kirby, silver sugar basin Mr. E. Fan- court.. silver jam dish; Air. and Airs. Howe, fancy candle shades; Mr. and Mrs. James, jardiniere; Miss ChcswoTth, tea set,; Mr. and Mrs. T. Fraser, b;5-cuit barrel; Miss Fraser, silver jam spoon; Mr. and Mrs. T. Tickle, Nestoai, siiver serviette j rngs; Mr. and' Mrs E. L Jones, silver cruet; Mr. H. Johnson, Ness, silver sugar basin; Miss F. Tickle, damask tablecloth; Miss M. Tickle, damask table cloth; Mr. and Mis. Edwards, Strand. London, W.C-, hand-ome pair flower vases; Miss K Tiklc. tab!e (ntre; Miss G. Ttck?e, brush and comb tray; Miss L. Tickle, cushion and tray cloths; Mi? HaJe, t'mepieee and va-,m; Miss L. Adams, ?et of toi!et mats; Mr. J. Pollard, silver butter dish: 1iss E. A. Tickle? tray cloth and d'oyleys; Mr Cosgrove, I ('mbroick>md cushion cover; Mr. and Mie. T. Swift, set of jugs; Misses &:er1ock, Ei;rcr butter d sh; Mr. and -Mm. Hnshaw, carriage clock; M'ss Heiishaw, fancy cup and saucer; Miss E. Bow. 2ock. photo frames; Misa S. Hinilics-, tray cloth,: Misses Alcock, table ceiitre and serviette | rings; Ail is. G. Postcsn and family, s-lver maimi- i lade jax; Air. and Airs. J. Hu'se. siiver biscuit- barrel; Air. and Mrs. J. Wilde and famiiiy. tea J service: Aliss J. Capper, silver "jam Qi?h; M:SΠ| Marley, tea cosy; Mr. and Airs. Fatquhar, dcyieys; Mr. and Mrs. Jobson ?d fa?ily? j damask tablecloth-; Air. and Mrs. T. Bostock, I photo album; Mrs. J. Pugh, d'oyleys; Air. and S D-avira, cushion cover and mats; Mr. and Mrs J. Lewis. Rock Ferry, box of scents; Mr. and Airs J, Aloalor, Birkenhead, travelling rug; Air. Mersey Jones, silver-mounted purse; Miss Cooper, Saugha.ll, crumb tray a-nd blush; ein- ployes at Dunstan Farm, silver preserve dish; | employes of the firm of Mr. Conrad Wm. Schmrdt (F. A. Glaeser), varnish manufacturers, Stratford, I cheque; m-mbers and friends of the Primitive, Alcthodist. Church, W i'last on. dining-room clock.

THE LATE -MRsTURN:ER, NESTON. I THE LATE MRS. TURNER, NESTON. The funeral of Mrs. Turner, wife of the Rev. Canon Turner, vicar of Neston, whose death we recorded last week, took place at the Parish Church, Neston, on Friday afternoon and was an affecting spectacle. Deceased was an honoiary member of the Neston Female Friendly Society, and between 20 and 30 members, attired in deep mourning and bearing the white wands of the society draped with black crape, formed in order as the head of the pro cession. The casquet was covered with floral tributes. The latter, over -40 in number and formed of exquisite blocnis, were in staking contrast to sombre suriouiidmgs and the leafless trees and hedgerows througa which the cortege moved on .ts way to the church. A large number of broughams and ot mourners cn foot followed, every portion ot fee parish being represented, alia: syintxfcs of mourning appeared allajong the route. The parish flag had remained at hall-mast, on the ccurch tower, and as the cortege came nto \"1W a muffled peal sounded lrom tne belfry. At the churchyard entrance the ladies at tne head of the procession filed to the rght and left, and the remains of the dewased sister member were Roome shoulder -high through, the gateway, and the el-ergy-the Rev& Hamilton Sherwin Graham, Bull, and Moirrell—and the. surpliced choir, led the way to the porch, the Rev. H. R. Snerw-n re- «ting the opemng portion of the bunaJ service. The scholars from the Neston, Park gate and Ness Holt Church schools were drawn up on either aide of the path, and the church was filled with pansh.oners who, almost without exception, wore mourning. Appropriate selections from the principal composers had been rendered during the interval by the organist (Mr. R. G. Howick). and tnese closed with a solemn funeral march as tne (:i'squet w&s borne up the nave. The service was choral, including the hymn- "k-) God our help in ages past" and "Thy will be done." The customary lesson was read by the Rev. H. J. Graham, and the Dead March from "Saul" pealed from the organ as the cortege, followed by the congregation, moved out to the grave by tne belfry. The prayers at the gra-vesid-, were offered by the Rev. C. W. Hamilton, and the hymn "Rock of Ages" was finely sung by the entire gathering. The interment was made in a new grave cut trom the native red sandstone, and the breastplate bore the simple inscription, "Harriette Turner, died 4th Decem ber, 1905, aged 64 years." Among the chief mourners were the Rev. Canon Turner (widower), the Rev. C. W. Hamilton (vicar of Broughton, York- shire), Messrs. F. Graves and H. Graves (nep- hews), the Revs. T. H. May (Heswall), H. A. Bull (Thornton Hough), J. Torr (Eastham), P. F. A. Morrell (Burton), Walsham Postance iWiilaston in Wirral), H. R. Sherwin (Chester), H. J. Graham (Neston), G. McNeile (Neston), Mr. J. B. Yeoman, M.D., Dr. Lewis Grant, Messrs. P. I N. Stone and J Pemberton, Colonel Lloyd, Mr R. L. Price, Captain R. Houghton, the Rev. J. Towert, Messrs. J. Maclean Graham, A J. Bus- ton, J Johnson, J. Gilbert, F. Russell, T. Moly- neux, W Jones (Broadlake), Ariel Gray Crajner- R,oberts W. H. H. Quinsey, T. Jennings, M. Liverm?re J. G. Lee, W. A. Higginbottom, F. Kidman, A. Jamieson, J. Begg, G. H. Millman, J. Royden, J. Basnett, T. Oxton, G. Hunter, T. Cottrell, T. B. Swift, R. Ostle, John Birch, E. Rooke, J. Cottrell, G. 0 l"ell Bridge, W. M. Coventry and Sidney H. Pemberton, Mr. J. S Warren, MT. J. S. Worsam, M, H. Stringer, Mr J. E. Evans, Mr. R. Jones, Miss Fairbrotller, Mies Sheard, Miss Mealor, Miss Jones, Mass Shone, Miss Caunoe, Miss Jones. The Neston Female Friendly Society were represented by Miss Mary Lyon and Miss Roberts (honorary stewardesses), Mrs. T. Comber, Mrs. W. F. Bar- rett, Mrs. Theodore Ilathbone, Mrs. Ariel Gray, Mrs. Pemberton, Mrs. A. S. Grenfell. Mrs. R. L Price and Miss Lacy (honorary members), Miss Webb and Miss Henderson (benefit stewardesses), Mrs. J. Coventry, Mrs. Roberts, Mrs. M. Bushell, -:11, T 1 1111 y. jilts, o. rurcn, ivirs. Jones, Mrs. S. Davies, Mrs. Parry, Mrs. J. Ellison, Misses Bushel! (Park-street), Miss M. J. Kameen, Aliss E. Kameen, the Misses Oxton (benefit members). Wreaths were sent by the following—"Her bereaved husband," "Sarah and Eliza," Dr. J. B Yeoman, Mrs Bushell and Miss Lilian Hope Bushell, Mr. and AIts. R. L. Pnoe, Mrs. Thomas Comber, Mrs J. G. Churton, Mrs. C. W. Yeoman Miss Roberts, Miss Lydia Roberts, Mr and Airs! W. Jones (Broadlake), Miss Clarke, "Tom and Georgy," Alir. and Mrs. J. Pemberton, Mrs. Theodore Rathbone and Miss Rathbone, Mrs. Heaton, Mr. and Mrs. G. O'Neil Bridge, the Misses Gamon, Lilian M. Stevens, Mr. and Mrs. P. N. Stone, Mrs. and Miss Watson (East-borne), Mr. T. Clarke (Eastbourne), Mr J. S. Harmood- Banner and Miss Banner, "From all at Spring- field," Mr. and Mrs. H. A. Bull, Miss M. E. Young, Messrs. A. and J. K. Fleming, Mrs. Ghat- terton and family, Mr. and Mrs. Ariel Gray, Miss Clarke, Mr. J. Maclean Graham, Mr. E. T. Turner and Miss Turner, Sister E. Wulff, Mr., Mrs. and Miss Livermore. "Ellen" (Mrs. Swain), Mr. and Mrs. Herbert Rimmer, Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Williams, Misses Cowan, Mr. and Mrs. Crametr-Roberts, teachers and scholars Neston mixed school, teachers and scholars Ness Holt school, Parkgate school, Neston infant school, Neston Quoit Club, Ashton House Committee, 'The Mothers' Aleeting," and "N urse," etc. A muffled peal was rung upon the church bells on Sunday morning, and the funeral jiymns were repeated at the morning service, and a special sermon, but containing no direct reference to the sad event, was preached by the Rev. H. J. Graham. At the close of the service the congre- gallon remained standing while the Dead March waC" played by tho organist. References to Mrs. Tittver were made at the Neston Presbyterian 4-,hurch on Sunday morning and evening by the Rev. J. Towert. The funeral arrangements were carried out by Messrs. Oakes and Griffiths, Chester House, Neston.

DISTRICT COUNCILS. I TARVIN RURAL. Mr R. 0. Crtcn presided, ever a meeting of this Council held ouli Sa.turc.ay at Crypt Cliajn- ¡ bers, Chester. IMPROVEMENT AT HUXLEY. I The committee, appointed at the last meeting [ to ?nsp<??t. an aJJe?<? daig-erous omuer at, Huxley it ported, that they did consider the spot, daj?er- ous. but thcugHt an improvement could be effected at small cost by piping the ditch and taking ten 1 feet off adjoaling iiedd, the property of Lord Haddington, f-or a ?distan of 35 yards.—A better was received from his lordship's agent agreeing to gave the land—Mr. Piggott (surveyor) esti- mated the cost at L16. 12s.— The committee's re- commendation was adopted. BARTON SEWERAGE. I The Clerk (Mr. H. Grant Baileyi reported that I the balance of the cost of the Barton sewerage scheme to be borne by the D'sti et Co-unc l wae 1;30, the trustees of the Carde«u estate having agreed to pay £05 toward s the estimated cost. It was for the Council to decide if any por- tiOfi of the- balance was to be made. a. ciiarge on the district as a highway improvement, and whether the work was to be done b-N- tenclei- or not-—On the motion of iali. Mullock, seconde d by Mr. Rowlands, it was resolved that the surplus of the cost after the L65 had been expended should be- divided between Barton and the general district, and that tenders be invited forth- with. I MALPAS. I A meeting of the Malpa.s Rural District Council was held on Wednesday under the presidency of I Evan Langley. TRIBUTE TO THE CHAIRMAN. I Mr. Evan Langley. who had been unable to attend the ia-st meeting of trie Council through iilncoe., received a warm welcome from the mem- bers. Mr. John Done rose prior to the com- meilec-ment of and said ne was express- ing the feelings of everyone present when he said they were pleaded to see their chairman able again to discharge his duties. As they all knew, Sir. Langley had been very ill, and they desired to congratulate him upon hie recovery, and they trusted that he would be spared to occupy that chai r for a very long time to come and that he would be thoroughly restored to his former good health.—Mr. Langley expres&ed hie warmest thanks for the kujc»cxpregion s which had fallen from the lipb of Mr. Done. I HOUSING PROBLEM. I The Clerk stated that he had been in com- munication with several persons with reference to the loan for the proposed workmen's dwellings, but he did not- find -he could get better term*- than those offered and read at the previous meet' ing.-Mr. Morgan said he had made very diligent enquiries, and he did not see any prospect of getting better terms, having regard to the present state of the money market and the long period for which the loan was required. He had been a&ked several times how long they would be before they could get the houses ooady for habitation, and the ratepayers were anxious for the scheme to be proceeded with. He moved that the clerk con- clude the loan at £ 3. 17s. 6d. per cent, with the additional inclusive charge of £ 21 for law cor-s. etc.—Mr. W. Penk seconded, and the motion was carric-(I.-M-r. Morgan moved that the Building Committee be called together and that the archi- tects should be instructed to invite tenders for the work ready for the next meeting of the Council.—Mr. Jones seconded, and the motion was carried. I DR. KENYON S APPOINTMENT. I The Local Government Board approved the joint appointment of Dr. Kenyon as medical officer of health. I UNEMPLOYED RETURNS. A circular letter from the County Council's Clerk with reference to the unemployed in the j district, and enquiring the number of unemployed and what was being done in respect of them, wan read, and the ckrk was instructed to say that there was no such lack of employment in the district as to call for the Council' s intervention. I SANITARY MATTERS I The inspector reported that, the district was I free from infectious dteeaee.

NESTON. HOMING SOCIET-Y.The Neston and Dis- trict Hemilng Society held their twelfth aiinual o-athering o? 'fu??y, Mr. E. Chnznes jdresid- ing. The balano?heet, shewing a small Amount in favour of the society, was passed. The Chair- man distributed the pr.aesi won during the various competitions. Mr. J. R. Tokt came first with the following wins to his credi-t, namely, Craven Arms 1st, Bath 1st and 3rd, Weymouth 2nd and 3rd, Guernsey 1st; young biixis' race, Craven Arms 1st, Bath 1st, produce race 1st, old birds' average English races 1st (velocity 1,168), old birds' average all races 1st (velocity 1,097), average old and young- birds' combine 2nd; total amount pr-i»eis £ 3. 17s. The second was Mr. C. Grimes, who won old birds' Craven Arms 3rd, young birds' Craven Arms 2nd and 3rd, Hereford 1st and 3rd, West Cheshire Federation 1st (velocity 945), Coleford 1st and 2nd, produce Bath 3rd, average English i-aci-s old and young birds' combine 1st (velocity 1,129), average young birds' 1st (veloo.ty 1,103) prizes Tozer's silver challenge cup and gold centre medal and £ 2. 5s. cash prizes. Mr. J. Medcalf was next, having won old birds' Hereford 1st, Bath 2nd, Weymouth 3rd; prizes JE1. 4s. E. Chrimes, old birds' Hereford 3rd, young birds' bath 3rd, pro- duce 2nd; 16s. Next came Mr. J. Oxton, whose successes weire-old birds' Hereford 2nd, young birds' Bath 2nd; 12s. Messrs Stone and Booth won fhe old 2nd, Guernsey 3rd, young birds' Cole-ford, 3rd; 12s. Other successes were Messrs. Hall Brothers, old birds' Craven Arms 2nd, Guernsey 2nd., 12s.; Mr. J. Wood, young birds' produce 4th, 4s. Messrs. Smith Brothers, English races 3rd, average velocity 1,083. A "WEIRD CHARACTER —At Neston Petty Sessions on Monday before Colorel Lloyd and Mr. S. Sanday, a Heswall man named William Price, 32 years of age who had been remanded from the previous Saturdav. was charged with being a rogue and vagabond. Prisoner was found by Constable Oultram sleeping in a shed in Pensby-road, Heswall, and when brought before Colonel Lloyd on Satur- day be presented an extraordinary appearance. Notwithstanding many ingenious applications of string, his ragged garments of many colours barely hung on to his slouching figure. His long uncombed auburn locks stuck out stiffly from his brimless hat, pointing in every direction like the spokes of a .wheel, and this had evidently excited the envy of an unkempt billy-goat beard that was also trying to struggleofftoevery point of the compass. His brogues were so loosely held together with twine that they threatened at every step to part company with his feet, and the small portion of his snout that pro- jected from the dishevelled locks and beard was of a deep bronze, several shades darker than his hair. His whole appearance was that which might be supposed to characterize Rip Van Winkle after his twenty years' sleep, and in a beauty competition the average scarecrow could have given him several points and won with ease. For reasons best known to themselves the police officers kept a most respectable distance from their shambling prisoner, and the passers-by looked with astonishment at the grotesque figure on its way from the cell to the local hall of justice. The bench having decided to convict, Sergt. Wharam submitted the prisoner's record, from which it appeared that he had been nine times convicted of similar offences since 1902. Colonel Lloyd, in sentencing the prisoner to three months imprisonment with hard labour, said the apparently severe sentence was really an net of kindness to the prisoner, who at the age of 32 had allowed himself to get into such a deplorable state. He advised him at the end of his term of imprison- jnent to enter the workhouse instead of returning to his old mode of existence.

Ei ¥,m ,j No. 10. Colmans i ?? After a days Jolo outing a spoonful of Colman's Mustard makes a bath wonderfully refreshing. "The simplest and most econo- mical remedies are often the most effective. It is perfectly safe and free from irritation, while the refreshing and invigorating feelinf, •it imparts, especially oner a df-.y on the links or in the sf.ddle, must be experienced to be realised. Try a lablespoonful in a ba.th of about 30 gallons, and then less cr more to :suit yourself. Col' -,m 'nS D. S. P. Follows I the Flag. Re" S.M.lI. Kefr S.H.U.

I INCti. RLMMAGE SALE.—A rummage sale took I place in the Parish Room on Saturday evening. The opening ceremony was performed by the Vicar (the Rev. F. Clifton-Smith). The rum- mage stall was in charge of Miss Ellis (secretary), assisted by Mrs. Thos. Darlington, Mrs. Green- way, Mrs. Crowder, Mrs. Ellams, while the re- freshment department was superintended by Mrs. ILùwetts, assisted by Mrs. Brown, Mrs. F. Dar lington, Mrs. Poliitt and Mrs. Partin. The sum of JE11 was realised, and the proceeds will be devoted to the cricket club and the church funds.

I CREWE. MR. TOMKINSON'S ABSENCE.—A meeting of the Radical party of the Crewe Division took place on Saturday, Alderman W. M'iNeill presid- ing.—The Chairman said they wero met under rather peculiar circumstances. They were faced with the prospect of an election in the near future, and as they knew Mr. Tomkinsou had left for India for a rest and change after his severe family bereavement. He did not think he would be able to return in time for the election and he hoped that his interests would not buffer on that account.—On the motion of Mr. Benjamin 8. Bostock, seconded by Alderman J. Briggs, and supported by Mr. E. Harthan, Mr. M. Boyer, the Rev. W. Howe, and others, Mr. Tomkiuson was adopted as the Radical candidate in view of an election, and the meeting pledged itself to use every effort to secure his re- turn.

I FLINT. I RECTOR'S TWENTY-FIFTH ANNIVEI-T- I SARY.—On Saturday the Rector of Flint com-1 pleted his 25th year as rector of the parish, and to celebrate the event 125 members of the church dhoirs and church officials were entertained at supper. The Rev. T. J. Roberts presided, and in proposing a vote of thanks to the rector referred to the material and spiritual progress of the church during the last quarter of a century. Two infant schools had been built and also a much- needed ohurch, while the number of confirmation I candidates and Easter communicants was un- paralleled in Wales. He also stated that as a Il preacher, scholar, educationist, volunteer chap- lain, and Freemason the rector was woil known, uhile he enjoyed thle unique distinction of bo.ng the only rector who was a member of the North I Wale" County Council. A message of oongratu- lation, proposed by Mr. Rowland Hughes and seconded by Mr. T. B. Bellis, was forwarded to the rector.

DUDDON. I j RECHABITE MEETING.—Und r the aus- pices of the local ticnt a public temperance meet- ing was held on Tuesday night in the We&Ieyan schoolroom, which was crowded. Each item, of the programme was well rendered, the, audenoe being especially pleased with, t,he,,efforts of the younger petrformeis, and the solos. Th<e special speaker was Mr. Henry Taylor, Police Court lVLssionaryl of Warrington. His addfress was marked by much humour and fervour, and his auditors were not sparing in th,?ir apprccia- tion of his efforts. At tho" close eight pledges were taken. Mr. P Carter, Cotebrook, took the chair, and gave some enjoyable selections on tho gramophone. A hearty vote of thanks to the chairman, speaker and performers, proposed by Mr. Bingham and seconded by Mr. Jos. Wood- ward (secretary), brought to a close orte of the most successful temperanoe meetings fever held in Dudd-on. The programme was as follows:- Hymn; recitation, ''Welcome," Mary Young; chairman's address; recitation, "Five, little pussy cats," Lucy C. Bingham; solo, "Soldiers of Tem- j pcra^jce," Miss L. Bosley; re-citation, "Do you hear," Alex Thomas; recitation, "Just a little thing," Mabel Young; recitation, "ThD spider and the fly," Jessie Gidman; solo, "Slign the pledge," encore, "Answer them 'No' M.63 A. Bosley; recitation, "Johnny Bates and Me," Lucy Nicholas; reading, "A monst?r obstacle," j Mr. Jas. Wilhams; solo, "Songs in the night," encore, "Tell mother I'll be there," Mr. T. Mor- I rev; recitation, "The tempter and 'his victim," Mr. F. Woodward; solo, "I'll go where you want me to go," Miss L. Walker; "A closing rcAta- tion," Alice Ann Woodward; hymn, benediction. ——————— ———————

I MOLD. EXPEDITIOUS AND PROFITABLE.-Bv a jumble sale held! at the National Schools on Sat- urday, in aid of church funds, JB14 was realised as a result of a few hours' work. APPOINTMENT.—Miss Amy E. Thomas, of this town, at present an us-sistant at the Fiint National School, has been appointed to a similar position in the boys' dopa-rtme-nt of the Mold National Schools. CHURCH FINANCES.—The annual state- ment of accounts relative to matters connected with the church in the parish of Mold is issued this week. In the customary address to tho parishioners' the Vicar (the Rev. J. P. Poole Hughes, M.A.) claims earnest attention to the two funds for the maintenance of the assistant clergy. Both the Church Extension Society and the Sunday evening lecture fund accounts looked a great deal better than they were; one shewed a. slight deficiency and the other a small balance. This year there was to be no sale of work. They ehouJd thus require some £ 15 in the way of ad- ditional subscriptions. The Clothing Club funds were in a satisfactory condition. This was mainly to be attributed to. the kindness of Miss G. Davies- Cooke. who handed over to the, tieasurer a sum of £ 10. being the proceeds of a theatrical enter- tainment. The church schools continued to claim our support. All those who subscribed 2s. 6d. and upwards, providing they wero bcnia- fide members of the Church of England, were en- titled to a vote at the triennial election of foun- dation managers. He expressed his deep indebted- ness to Miss Hamilton for her valuable services in the. collection of subscriptions. In his acknow- ledgment of indebtedness he also included Mr. C. P. Morgan, layman in charge at St. James's, the churchwardens, school managers, choirmasters, Mrs. Robert J ones, honorary organist at St. John's Church, tha secretary of the Church Council, superintendents of Sunday schools, members of choirs, district visitors, Sunday school teachers, and sidesmen.

I SUGAR CURED HAMS, Smoked or Pale, I from 5e. each.—Thompson, Son, and Clemenoe, 10, Northgate-street, 17, Eastgate-street, 16, Foregate-6treet, and 1, Market Hall. „it.

I MR. HOULT AT HESWALL. 4 0 I SUCCESSFUL PUBLIC MEETING. I CONFIDENCE IN MR. BALFOUR. On Friday evening Mr. Joseph Hoult, M.P. for Wirral Division, addressed a large and enthusi- astiic meeting at Heswall. The Assembly Room, where the, gathering took plve, was brightly decorated with bunting and evergreen, the plat- form being choicely embellished with lfowering i plants. A prominent feature was an inscription chalked on a large mirror—"One Government for England, Ireland, Scotland and! Wales," while on the wall behind the platform was displayed a portrait of Lord Beaconsfield framed in laurels. Air. Charles Mclver presided, and the attendance* included Messrs. J. S. Harmood-Banner, M.P. (chairman of the Wirral Conservative Association), Leadiey Brown, A. G. Ker, Harold Jager (Liver- pool), W. M. Edmunds, Percy Gamon (Heswall), T. B. Auchterlonie, J. H. Raisbeck, J. W. Shore, T. Barlow, A. E. Ellis, E. Evans, J. Caldow, S. Ellis, T. Roberts, J. A. Liabiesehut, J. A. Rowe, T. Jackson, C. Dorricot and A. Birkctt (agent). Prior to the arrival of the member and his plat- form supporters an enjoyable vocal programme was perlormed, and the audience, joined m the singing of the National Anthem. The Chairman, at the opening, pointed out that although political events of great importance Had occurred during the last few days, tne meet- ing had not been cabled speoaUy on that. account, It had been tlio habit 01 their member to meet them periodically and give an address, and tiiey were exceedmgiy pleased to see him. (Cheers.) The meeting piobabiy derived additional interest and importance, fiom the fact that great events were actually in progress at the present time. Mr. iloult, who wa's given a hearty reoeptkui, .<1Íd it had given him great pleasure to come to lie-swaii occasionally to say a few words, because they iuid always received him in a cordial maimer. When that meeting was fixed it was not antici- pated that the Unionist Government, would have resigned. it was fitting on this, the first occa- sion since the resignation of Mr. Balfour, thai. he should say a few words as to what the Unionist party had done for the country, and, he might tay, for the world. (Cheers.) THE GOVERNMENT'S RECORD. when the Unionist party accepted office the posi- tion of the country was what, might be called one of splendid isolation-a. very dangerous posi- tion—without a friend among the, nations ot the world, without power either in the Navy or the Army to make itself felt. or to protect its inter- ests. That was due to the obvious Radical mis- management. at that time. (Hear, hear.) The lws of the Soudan, the death of General Gordon and the surrender to the Boers hung heaviiy on this oountry. Egypt was held in a very precarious and uncertain manner, due to the declaration and the promise of Air. Gladstone that when order was restored there our mission would end. We had questions outstanding with Germany and France and the United States, and altogether the position of the country was a dangerous one which might well have been appalling to any l Government that was called upon to take up the reins of office as the Unionist Government was called upon. (Hear, hear.) What did the Union- iist Government do? They at onoe streaigthened the Navy-(applause)-thai, all-important defence, power and might of this country, on a sound foot- ing. When tho French established themselves at Fashcda it seemed as if the southern Soudan was to be lost to this country. He said without hesi- tation that had the Radical Government been in power the southern Soudan would have been lost. l to us. (Hear, hear.) It was due entirely to the tact that we had a strong Navy, and to the tact- fuiness, of that great statesman, Lord Salisbury— (cheers)—that, that serious matter was scttc-d m a maimer perfectly satisfactory to this count: y. Then the Spanish-American war gave us an cip- portumty of shewing friendship to the United 6tzLtc, -.vitliout at ti.?e 6z' ►states, without at tile eitriae time alienating our fr.oudship with Spain, and thus all our out- standing questions with the States were biought to a conclusion satisfactory to both peoples. Moie- recently wo had the settlement of out- standing questions with France, and had made- a j treaty wita i apaii-(ehe, rs)-t fie, importance of which, both to this country and Japan, could not bo over-estimated. There was no doubt that that treaty prevented tho war between Russia and Japan horn extending to other countries and in- volving Continental nations in the conflict. They knew that after Majuba the Boeis became very arrogant. It was natural that they should, and the Boer power was a danger for a, long time to South Afr.ca. The BOERS FORCED WAR I on this country. Nothing could obviate it unless wo were prepared to accept the Boer domin, on ;n. South Afuca. The Radicals might have done I w. but not so the Unionists (Hear, hear.) The Unionists were detcrniined to maintain the power and might of this country m South Africa, and when tljf Boers threw down the glove to us wo Ii took it up. As a result, the danger win oil threatened that Colony and the other Colon.es and the power of Great Britain was removed, and the vvhoie of South Africa, was now under the British liag. (Cheers.) Recently an agreement was conio to with France which finally settled, all questions outstanding between her and us. The Unionists had reason to be proud of this record; they had reason to be proud of the Government which had brought about the settlement of all those outstanding questions; and it was only right and fair that at this juncture we. should compare what we received from them with what we re- ceived under Radical administration. From our predecessors we received cliaos and danger; from the Unionist Government we had received a settlement of all questions outstanding with every I nation in the world. (Hear, hear.) Instead of standing in a position of splendid isolation we could now claim every nation on the earth as a friend. Mr. Balfour had resigned, and in doing I so had taken a patriotic course and had rendered a great service to the country. Had he met Par- I liament again and dissolved instead of resigning we would never havo had a declaration of policy from the Radicals. Did they realise that at this moment they had as Prim Minister a statesman N l ln, :Lster a stat-esniaii pledged to give I HOME RULE I to Ireland—(groans)—Home Rule in its widest sense? What did that mean? Mr. John Red- mond, who was the master of the situation, had declared what he meant. "When I speak of a settlement of this question," he said, "let me at any rate be clearly understood. I do not. mean a scheme of devolution. I do not mean a qualified Indian Council to control our ifnances. What I mean by a settlement of this question is an Irish Parliament and an executive responsible' to it." Proceeding, Mr. Hoult related the circumstances ) under which an Irish landowner and his wife were I last week the victims of an outrage, and remarked it was significant that the outrage occurred directly atter Sir Henry Campbell-Bannerman made his statement in reference to Home Rule. Were we prepared, he continued, to have the pro-I gress of this country dictated to by Mr. John Red- mond? (CriŒ of "Never 1") He took it they wc;o not prepared to vote in favour of anyone who. was in favour of Home Rule. ("No.) Before Mr. Balfour resigned the I Unionists were on the defence; now they at- tacked, and the, other side would have to be on tho defence. (A Voice: "We can always fight.") The Seeleys and the Outhwaites had Jost their vocation, and we would not hear much of Chinese labour from them. But they would from the Umon'sts. He would want to know why they did not abrogate the Ordinance. Of couise, they dared not. They had never hesitated to say it was slavery, though they knew perfectly well that slavery could not exist under the British flag, and it rested with them to abrogate the Ordin- ance, if it. was slavery. If they did not do it, It would shew they had been endeavouring to de- lude the people of this country. (Hear, hear.) The issue before the country was Home Rule. Home Rule meant the break up of the. British Empire (Hear, hear.) They would never find the British people agreeing to the. break-up of this Empircl--a heritage greater than any received by any people before in the history of the world. (Cheers.) QUESTIONS FOR MR. LEVER. Mr. J. S. Harmood-Banner, M.P., m-orved the following resolution —That this meeting de- sires to express its warmest appreciation of the valuable services rendered to the. nation and Em- pire by the Right Hon. Arthur J. Balfour and the Right Hon. Joseph Chamberlain, more particu- larly during the last ten years, in which they have held high office in the State and in the con- duct of affairs, whether foreign or domestic, and laboured unselfishly to maintain the dignity of the Empire and promote the well-being of the en- tire community. This meeting would further convey to. Mr. Joseph Hoult, M.P., its hearty acknowledgment of the able manner in wMch he has discharged, to the satisfaction of and advan- tage to the whole constituency, his duties as mem- ber of Parliament for the WirraJ Division of Cheshire and assures him of its contiinued and iinabated confidence." There was no doubt, he said, that the position of this country, after ten years of Conservative, government, was one to he pioud of. (Hear, hear.) They heard so even from the platforms of their adversaries, who said the country wanted no change, because its posi- tion was, splendid. The disgrace of Gordon's death lay at the doors of the Radical party, who did not provide the means to save that great patriot from the danger he was in. In the Liberal administration we suffered the defeat of Majuba. Now, at the end of the Conservative administra- tion, wo were esteemed by all nations more highly than at any previous time in our history. They wanted to know from Mr. Lever whether he was going to repeal the Education Act. Everyone agreed that that Act wanted some amendment, especially as regarded the incidence of the rates. They wanted from Mr. Lever a dear pronounce- ment on the. question of Home Rule. Was he going with Sir H. Campbell-Bannerman or with IiOrd Rosebery? Unionists must do their best to obtain in Parl iament, if not a majority, at any ,n;te a. sufficiently strong minority by which they could prevent a measure of Home Rule going through. (Hear, hear.) On that- question we had some striking object lessons in Norway and S-weden, and Austria and Hungary. They were determined, whoever was in power, to do their Utmost to present that consummation which meant not only-the division of the Empire, but a disastrous outburst of feeling against those who were more akin to us than anyone else. They wanted to know what Mr. Lever was going to do about the Agricultural Rates Act, that great boon to the farmers which in Cheshir, alone had made a gift out of the Government fundb cf L35,000 per annum. Mr. Lever had called that Act a sop to landlords. As a farmer himself, he (Mr. Baniner) was bound to say that he had ob- tained the benefits of that. Act, and he supposed every other farmer did. Did they think the Liberal Government would continue a measure .A.. which in Parliament they fought against by every means in thtiir power? (Hear, heai.) Having re- ferred to the benefits conferred by the Unem- ployed Act, Mr. Harmood-Banner pointed out that a great feature of that measure was that it sought to separate the really industrious who were out of work fiom those weary Willies who trotted aiong the road to every workhouse and who shirked every job. Mr. Lever, he noticed, was styled a prospective candidate for Wirral. He would like to know what that meant- Was it to avoid the penalties of the Bribery Act? It did soern, strange that he should1 be wandering about the country and spending money. not as a candi- date, but as a prospective candidate. It would iko very desirable to know what Lever's position was. MR. LEVER AND THE LIVERPOOL COR- I PORATION. Mr. Lever had said he. did not wish any more to be said about the waterworks which lie sold to the Liverpool Corpora (lion—-(laughter)—but many of them wished to hear more about that. matter. The citizens had had their rates very much in- creased by the interest and sinking fund they had paid for those works. Personally he, was very much disappointed in Mr. Lever, being quite under the impression that that gentleman, was one of those men who liked to have his own way, and who was determined to assert his rights. But he thought that having had his rights. Mr. Lever would have said to Liverpool, "Gentlemen, you know I have made a magnificent profit out, of this. It is very hard you should not only have to pay this large sum of money, but also the upkeep of the park. I will contribute back to you so much money which I consider the undue profit which I have received, and I will then be content with the remainder, which is a fair remuneration for the work which I have undertaken." (Hear, hear.) If Mr. Lever had done that he (Mr. Ban- ner) should have thought he was doing an action rather unlike Mr. Lever. But. he did expect it of him, and he did not expect Mr. Lever would tave taken that enormous sum of money which lay so heavily on the ratepayers, and which would for all time exact so much in the rates which Liverpool would have to pay. (Applause.) MIl. W. M. Edmunds seconded the resolution, which was supported by Mr. Haraid Jager, and carrtied with few dissentients. A vote of thanks to the chairman concluded the meeting

THE NEW REGISTERS. NORMAL INCREASE IN CHESTER. Next year s register, on which the General Election will be fought, is of particular interest. There is a slight increase in the number of voters both in Chester and the county, but the increase ie only normal. Curiously enough, the number of voters in Northwich has not altered. In Chester the number of Parliamentary voters on the new register is 7,918, against 7,799 this year. an increase of 119, while the number of municipal voters is 7,112, against 7,017 this year, an increase of 95. The particulars as to the Parliamentary voters in the county are as follow:— 1905. 1906. Altrincham 15,877 16,492 Crewe 14,800 15,051 Eddisbury 10,885 10,988 Hyde 11,079 11,314 Knutsford 10,887 11,141 Macclesfield 8,609 8,636 Northwich 12,527 12,527 Wirral. 18,423 19,388 103,087 105,537 This is a total increase of 2,450. FLINTSHIRE. I We understand that the registers of voters for the county of Flint for the year 1906 will contain the names of 41,530 voters, sub-divided as follows: Out voters (Parliamentary), 125; Parliamentary voters, 10,405; county electors, 14,131; parochial electors, 16,869. The register for the current year contained an aggregate of 41,271, consisting of- Out voters (Parliamentary), 135; Parliamentary voters, 10.534; county electors, 14,191; parochial electors, 16,611. In 14 of the 24 districts into which the county is divided the number of voters has increased compared with the register for 1905. Notable increases appear in the Connah's Quay district (114), Rhyl (153), and Queen's Ferry (203). In the half score districts wherein a de- creastd number is shewn, a falling off is princi- pally observed in Holywell (163). The figures from the register relating to the contributory boroughs of Flint are not yet obtainable, but it is anticipated that in this register an increase will be shewn in the Mold and Caerwys divisions.

POOR'S CHRISTMAS CHEER.—At a meet- ing of the Tarvin Board of Guardians on Satur- day, Mr. R. O. Orton presiding, it was decided to give the usual dinner and tea to the inmates on Christmas Day. On the motion of Mr. R. Cathcart Smith, seconded by the Rev. Morris Jones, it was also agreed to grant to recipients of outdoor relief during Christmas week an additional shilling to each adult, and sixpence to each child. In reply to a member, the relieving officer (Mr. Willis) said the children's allowance was not always given direct to the children, but the parents were given to under. stand that it was a separate payment from their own. and was to be spent upon their children. RESCUE FROM THE CANAL.—About seve o'clock on Saturday morning a man named Albert Lowe, residing at Louise-street, heard a splash while walking on the canal towing path, near Cow-lane bridge. Turning round, he saw an old man struggling in the water, and went promptly to the rescue. By means of a boat hook he dragged him on to & flat, and with the assistance of the police conveyed him to the Infirmary in a very exhausted condition. The old man is James Garrity, about 74 years of age, a gardener, residing at 5. Union-street. He was going to work at the time, and in the dark. ness had ? -ruotably missed his footing and fallen in the water. Garrity is now making satisfactory pro- gress towards recovery. g. (Ths above appeared m our last Saturday Evenin Edition.)

DEATH OF MR. A. C. HUAIPHREYS- OWEN, M.P.-The death occurred on Saturday of Mr. A. C. Humphreys-Owen, M.P. for the county of Montgomery, at the age of 69. Deceased was taken ill early in the year while attending to his Parliamentary duties, and although he rallied some- what and was able to fulfil one or two public engagements, he had another breakdown, and passed away at Glansewern, his Montgomeryshire seat. _i.c "?:}:f:-f'  v in w m OW Wwgaw ow -IFAMW A  j! j S0App0WDER. I I A Royal Disinfectant. I I A Disease Destroyer. I A Safeguard in the Sickroom. I I A Perfect Soap Powder. ■ I A Powerful Deodoriser. I I For Scrubbing Floors, Paint= I I work, Lavatories, and All I I Household Cleaning. ■ I Cleans and s 8 disinfects at the I same time. j I fl. J I ■ LEVER BROTHERS, LIMITED, PORT SUNLIGHT, ENGLAND. I | The name LEVER on Soap is a guarantee of Parity and, Excellence. i

THE PEACEFUL JAP is the title of Homiman's artistically coloured Almauack for 1906 This interesting I picture is now being given away by over 20, XK) retailers of Homiman's Pure Tea. Sold br Ch,-ster: W. Alun Davies, 10, Commoriball street. (wholesale agent) Co-operative Society; Cryer, 25. Cbristleton- road; Holborn Restaurant, 29, Foregate street. Neston: Lee. Little Sutton: Swindell*- Rhuddlan: Roberts, grocer. Bromborougb .fool: Co-op. Society. Mynydd Isa: Co-op. Society. Mold Junction: Co-op. Society. Hoole: Jones & Davies. Wrexham Felton. Sa'.tnev r Robinson. Winsford: Whitehead. Tattenhall: Jackson, Grocer. Stoke Poges churchyard, the subject of Gray's "Elegy," is becoming rapidly filled, and the Parish Council has urged the provision of another burial ground for the district. J. G. GRAVES* ? I 'EXPRESS' I II THE ENGINE ROOM. 1 THE STANDARD BRITISH TIMEKSBPRI.. | r( Ii '¡I ,:¥' MR. F. S. ROBERTS, Wick, near Bristol. writes: y "I have had one of your 'Express' Levers lor cight rj years, and it keeps excellent time. I have never had j] anything done to it as reard repairing, except thai S 1 broke the plass and one 01 the hands once: » w cost me I/ in eiht years. [ c '? 'EXPRESS' ? ?? so/- Marl) Lever, I. of Ditih Mame.factu,e th VAQt"d in ad f ) *r tkoo ptxUei M. f < No. 1, Keywind, No. 2. "0.1. men l lighte, occupations. The INe. 2 Keyleas 'Express i- | ] & neat. ouapac*. waU'h. fitted ".j, jf 1 ic keyless .p;n.le J *I 5111 fully jeweileu. V.T' jue bair6prIn, cor.l,ensatir.; Pillustration, for bu&ir».> h st j i/i;;I' modern impro\"ement S j, Wamranted far vcn |, Yeam ;.¡ OTE Th.; 'Ex.,reEs [C,:1 ."PplieA v;"ith (:¡1){ilc "d "F 'i:¿; "lthO wlltch 1". e: tj .'eltt;\1a ';I:i ",illlJe im..ta",I:: .f; ■ tii::fh,d: ];{; S monthly "ymenw of I. or in on saaa vtth disocunt fef .d vantages. I taRP fun renponsHniity, and, i ail s- mI g « io refunding '"ur deposit in tut), wiil p._ io revurr. g -ta?ge if wituin ?v? d&Y8 you am not c?mp;ew, j' J K satisfied. ■ Illus. Watch and JewtUery Gaga&#,Vw Fret &n apylicaii# L. I AGENTS WaJTED. Gwd C-mimi. Kttm? ff* Worl4 rl w hourc, I J. 6. BRAVES, ? ??sHB?m:?- ? SHEFFIELD. v __y