Cheshire Observer

SCRATCHED DAY AND NIGHT lady Suffered Tortures with Itching Scalp Humour- One Box of Cuti- ) cura Ointment and One Cake of Cuticura Soap Cured Her. WILL NEVER BE WITHOUT CUTICURA "My scalp was covered with little pimples and I suffered tortures from the itching. I was scratching all day and night, and I could get no rest. I washed my head with hot water and Cuticura Soap and then applied the Cuticura Ointment as a dressing. One box of Cuti- cura Ointment and one cake of Cuticura Soap cured me. Now my head is entirely clear and my hair is growing splendidly. I have used Cuticura Soap ever since, and shall never be without it. (signed) Ada C. Smith, 309 Grand St., Jersey City, N. J., U. S. A." CUTICURA GROWS HAIR Crusted Scalps Cleansed and Puri- fied by Cuticura Soap, Assisted by light dressings of Cuticura, the great skin cure. This treatment at once stops falling hair, removes crusts, scales, and dandruff, destroys hair para- sites, soothes irritated, itching surfaces, stimulates the hair follicles, loosens the scalp skin, supplies the roots with energy and nourishment, and makes the hair grow upon a sweet, wholesome, healthy scalp when all else fails. Complete external and internal treat- ment for every humour, from pimples to scrofula, from infancy to age, consisting of Cuticura Soap, Ointment, and Pills, may now be had of all chemists. A single set is often sufficient to cure the most distressing cases of torturing, disfiguring, itching, burning, bleeding, scaly, crusted, and pimply skin and scalp humours, ec- zemas, rashes, irritations, and chafings, with loss of hair, when all else has failed. Cuticura Soap, Ointment, and Pil1ø are sold throughout the world. Depots: London, 27 Charterhouse Sq.; Paris, 5 Rue de laFaix; Australia, K. Towns & Co Sydney. Potter Drug C h em. Corp., Boston, U. S. A., So!c i?rop8. ell Send for "How to Cure Every Humour," and "How to Have Beautiful Hair." blaledfree. IT POST EARLY ? FOR YOUR I FRIENDS ABROAD. OF JS CHRISTMAS B GIFTS II Only a few Really Useful Articles ?? are easily transmitted by post. || Of these the SWAN J FOUNTAIN PEN IS DESERVING OF CHOICE. A Large Selection FROM 10/6 EACH, j N M Always in Stock at AlliNSHIJLL &,iUEESON7s Eastgate Bow, Chester. J. P. DAVIES & SONS, MAKERS OF TENTS, MARQUEES, LADDERS, &c. COAL MERCHANTS. TENTS and MARQUEES for Garden Parties &nd Weddings supplied, with or without Floor. CART SHEETS. TARPAULINS, HORSE CLOTHS, &c. SUN BLINDS for Shops. Addresses4, COAL EXCHANGE; 1, VICTORIA ROAD; and CRANK STREET, CHESTER. Enamelled WARE OF BEST QUALITY. DURABLE & CLEANLY. 1 Illustrated Price List of Useful Articles will be sent on request, J. E. BRASSEY & SON, LIMITED, CHESTER. START WELL BY USING SYMINGTON'S EDINBURGH COFFEE ESSENCE TO BREAKFAST EAULIMAI#"& ELIMINATE& PAl" I Eliminating trials reduce the number of really safe and useful massage lubricants to one, ELLIMAN'S. For the rollmfot Aches and Pains as Rheu- matism, Lumbago, Sprains, Bruises, Sore Throat from Cold, Cold at the Chest. Chromo Bronchitis, Neuralgia from Cold. Chilblains before broken, Cramp, ess, Soreness of the Limbs alter CnuDpÓy;'ôgftr&oft &iter MASSAGE with ELLIMAN'S UNIVERSAL EMBROCATION is known to Vre bMt results. TO MASSAGE IN AN EFFICI NT WAY can ea;8;r be :r:d Ib obtaining a copy of the ELLIMAN R.E.P. BOOK (RUBBINO BASES PAIN HANDBOOK). 256 pages, Illustrated, Cloth Board Covert. Full of those items of First Aid Knowledge, both R ea and -edl-I which are indispensable to the HoUMhOld."—LONDON DAILY EXPBBSS. Four ways of o<)ta/M/?«)ef/Ma<t?.f?. Book:- L Orderof NHman.SoM&Co.lt.pONttreetoaIIpMtt ot the world (Foreign stamps accepted); 2. Upon terms of the world (Forei ,T.ILI&Mxed to cartons contammg found & 2 a .us2n to ?U?.MAN? Univerma I!h soon; & Order at the Railway i==. Is. :o8.=ct:r ocr:r teT.ti.I'l ELLIMAN, SONS & Co., SLOUGH. ENG. K lEA TING'S t LOZENGES t ■ EASILY CURE ■ V THE WORST COUGH. I ■ I One rives relief. tAD increasing jale H of over So years is > (certain test of their W of nlae. Sold in Tms lSid. eaeb.

HUNTING. I SOUTH CHESHIRE. I A fine day's sport took place with Mr. Corbett's pack on Friday, the fixture being Brindley Lea. Hounds commenced by finding in the Bath Wood a fox which took them a ring towards Spurstow, and went to ground in a drain, where he was bolted and killed. A grand fox was found in Peckforton Wood, and took hounds smartly up to Ridley. Going through the wood they ran down the valley towards Cholmondeley. Leaving Higginstield on their right, they ran tor Cholmondeley Schools into the Wrenbury country. Passing the Teld cover, the Black Firs and Starkey's Gorse at a nice pace, they ran by Baddiley. Here our fox must have made a sudden turn or been headed. However, hounds carried on the line up to Wrenbury Heath, and were soon afterwards run out of scent, after one hour and twenty minutes' hunt over a tine line of country. Another fox from Chesterton Wood ran past the Bath Wood, then to the lett for Peckforton Wood, and was killed in some gardens close to the Beeston and Cholmondeley road. Among those who en- joyed this fine day's sport were the Duchess of Westminster, the Marquis and Marchioness of Linlithgow, Lord and Lady Arthur Grosvenor, Lord Gerald Grosvenor, Mr. Hugh L. FitzPatnck, Mr. Hubert Wilson, &c. NORTH CHESHIRE. Astie Hall was the fixture on Saturday. With- vrigton -Gorse provided them with, a fox, which kept thorn busy for tho next thirty minutes. He van past. Blakedon F I rs, thence for Gailey Piece and up to Peover. Here hounds were run out of eccut. A Gailey Piece fox took hounds again for Peover, but owing to a bad scent he also was given up. Monday brought this pack to Ince Hall, the residence of Mrs. Park-Yates. The home coders were drawn without finding. Dunham Gorse held a fine-looking fox, which ran for Ince, ajid then down the meadows below Elton. Here one hard-riding lady slipped into one of the big drains, but fortunately without any injury to edther horse or rider. Nothing more couldi be made of our fox's line after reaching the Chester- road at Horn's Mill. Dunham Willows held our next fox, whioh ran towards Alvanley, but turned to the right by the railway. Hounds ran fast for Ashton Hayes, but just under Manley the fox got into a culvert, under the railway. This was a fast twenty minutes over a rather difficult coun- try. The next fox was found in Barro w MORE, but alter being got on his logs he was killed in cover without any sport. A couple of covers werre drawn without any result, hounds being then taken home. BLUECAP. SIR W. WYNN'S HOUNDS. I Sir Watkin Wyrm's Hounds met at Fenn's Bank Station on Saturday, when there was a large com- pany, which included the Marquis of Cholmon- deley and Lady Lettioe Cholmondeky, The Mar- quis and Maj-chiones9 of Linlithgow, Lord Arthur G-rtoevaiKKj, Lord HarLech. Lord 'Gerald Gros- venor, Sir Wyndham Hanmor, Sir Walter Cor- bett, Oolcxnel Rivers Bulkeley, (Daptaiin and Mrs. Ethelaton, Mr. and Mrs. W. Thorn, Mr. Jones, Mr.. Dugdalo, Mr. and the Misses Greenshields. the Hon. A. Parker and Miss Parker, Mr. K. Davies, and Miss Moss. Hounds found almost im- media-tcly at Alkington, and went out past Doarnford Hall and on to Sir Wm. Honeyman's estate, and round again to the district of Alking- ton. whero they lost after a hunt of half-an-hour, in the course of which wire had been encountered. Finding again at The Fenn's Wood, hounds made for Bettisfield1 Park, and on noaily to Greding- ton, the homo of Lord Kenyon; veering round, they got across to the Wychee, on to the Higher' Barns, and to Wychangh, where they killed after an hour's run. IN DISTRESS IN THE DEE. I An accident is reported as having occurred during a run with Sir W. W. Wynn's Hounds on Freday. An attempt was made by Colonel P. A. Kerma. of the 21st Lancers, and Mr. J. Hope Nelson, son of Mr. W. Nelson, of Acton Park, Wrexham, to cross the river Dee in the neigh- bourhood of Pickhill Hwll. The water was much deeper than they had anticipated, and although Mr. Hope Nelson got safely across. Col. Kenna was less fortunate. Seeing he, was in difficulties Mr. Nelson went promptly to his assistance, and he also got into danger. A younger brother of Mr. Nelson then went to their rescue, and even- tually 411 tohree gwt safely :to bank, THOUGH* GREATLY exhausted. NORTH STAFFORDSHIRE. I AT DODDINGTON PARK. I The meet of the North Staffordshire Hounds on Monday at Doddington Park, Nantwich, the Cheshire seat of Sir Delves and Lady Broughton, proved very popular, the field including many followers of the Cheshire Hounds. Wheatley, who hunted the hounds, found Chapel Wood alive with foxes. Going away with one that crossed the park, hounds ran through the belt by Doddington Mere, 'and, reaching open country, hunted merrily away to Wrinehill. Crossing the brook below Wrinehill Hall, they rose the high ground beyond and headed for Blakenhall. Afterwards hounds took a ring right back to Doddington, and then, carrying the line into the South Cheshire country, they were run out of scent after a nice run of 46 minutes. Subsequently, from Wybunbury Bogs, hounds were well served by scent, and they ran at an excellent pace down to Hough village and thence to Blaken- hall, where they accounted for their fox. There were many falls in this run, and Wheatley got a nasty shaking over wire, his horse being severely mauled. The field included Sir Delves and Lady Broughton, Major Dobson acting as master for Lord Huntingdon. THE CHESHIRE BEAGLES. On Thursday, 14th December, these hounds mot I at Back ford Hall, tho residence of Mr. Birkejihead Glegg, and 'there was a fair field present. A haro was soon found upon a fallow field in the occupation of Mr. Hughes, but after being hunted for a few minutes she went through the Lodge gates at the ball, and hounds ran into her in tho grounds. We afterwards crossed over the brook, and the- pack took up the line of a travel- ling haie in a ttubble field, and ran to close by the railway. whore the hare. was viewed coming back again. I-loiiiids ran very fast past Backford and straight on for thirty-five minutes without a. check. We had almost reached the meadows and Ellosmore Port was loonvng before us in the dis- tance, when the lxarc probably got headed, as she turned straight back again. We lost, her near to Rake Hal'i, after a short but very enjoyable run. As wo wero returning to Backford wo got. upon her lino again, only to lose her immediately afterwards upon tho high load. Later a hare was found upon the Damage Farm. which afforded a nice run of about, forty minutes. Then hounds wore stopped and all adjourned to the Hall, where the Squire hospitably entertained us at luncheon. On Saturday a large field assembled to meoet, the hounds at Calveiey Static.I, some of whom were Mr. Peicy Roberts (master). Messrs. R. Parry and G, W. Morrison (whips), Mr. C. B. R<ypds,"Mr G. Stuart. Gen. Owen Williams, Col. Hunt, Mr. and Miss Robartes, Mrs. Littledalc, Mr. and Mrs. Fred Blain. Miss B. Corbett. Miss. Maclaran, Mr. A. Smyth. Mr. O. M. Legh, Mr. J. Urmson. Mr. A N. Wyat" Mr. J. Hadweu, Miss Samuel, Miss Ruth Bud, Mr. Guy Rutledge, Mr. W. Oceles- ton, Mr. J. N. Evans, Mr. W. K. Gallagher. Mr. Edw. Comrrford, Mr. W. H. Mathews, etc. We soon found in on,' of Mr. Johnson's pasture fields, and hounds ran hard in the direction of Town's Green. Then, turning right-handed, they crossed th(1 Wettonhall Long-lane, and raced up to Mrs. John Ravenscroft's faimliouse. Scout was good, and in about five and twenty minutes they ha? her almost beaten, but soon afterwards changed to a fresh hare. From this time we keut on changing hares throughout the afternoon,' until at last we succeeded in getting one to go straight. Passing to the right of Page's Wood, hounds ran in tho direction of Oulton Lowe, but. we wero obliged to stop them near to Philo to catch the train home again, after they had been running continuously for about throe hours. On Tuesday we met at Oak Bank, Hoole. the residence of Mr. and Mrs. Edward Powell. A wet and stormy morning accounted for A rather small attendance. A hare was soon found on Mr. Dutton's farm, but we lost her again immediately immp d '?lato l v during a cold rain storm. Mr. William Hayes's farm at Wov.n supplied us with another, but SHE was not a very stout, one, and after running for a short while close at her scut. hounds obtained a view and rolled her over. The next one, how- over. was made of different stuff, and ran to Pieton. where she swung round right-handed, and leaving Mr. Hayes's faim on the right, sank the hill and ran parallel with the canal for a good dis- tance before crossing over it near to Little Stan- ney She. soon ro-erossed at one of the bridges, and made a wide dot-cur over the water meadows, during which s lie cro?sed the river Gowey twice. SIK* eventually ran hounds out of scertt after a hard run of two duration, when all were to return to the welcome shelter of Oak Bank, wirer" we were hospitably entertained by Mrs. PoweU. I LEVERET.

-UU_- CONNAH'S QUAY DOCK MYSTERY, -_u- ADJOURNED INQUEST. The inquest on the body of Herbert Povey, whose death is recorded on page 3, was resumed by Mr. F. Llewellyn Jones, coroner, at the Con- aah's Quay PoLioo Station yesterday (Tuesday) morning. On behalf of the Great Central Rail- way Co. there attended Mr. Dallmeyer, solicitor, London; Mr. Allen, engineer, Manchester; Mr. F. Barton, assistant traffic manager, Liverpool. Mr. Hilditeh, Inspector of Factories, etc., was MS()I present The only witness called at the opening of the inquiry was the father, who iden- TIFIED the body. itohm Parry, engineer, Portmadoc, who gave his evidence in Welsh, was THE first witness. His statements weie interpreted by the Coroner him- self. He said he was employed on the Isabel. The Coroner told him that he ought to have at- tended on the last occasion, and witness said he missed the connection at Runcorn. On Dec. 4th, said witness, his ship arrived in Connah's Quay, and the accident took place on the following night. They worked all day on Tuesday and went ashore about 7.30 p.m. Deceased and he went together to the Quay public-house. They stayed there until closing time (10 p.m.). Deceased had three or four glasses of beer. They went out together. There were six people in the house, but ho did I not know them. Oil leaving, deceased and he went in the direction of the ship. Both were quite sober. On the way to the vessel witness stopped for a short time about 200 yards from the ship, and deceased went on. Witness followed almost immediately, but he did not see deoeased again. The ship was close by the side of the quay, and there was a ladder from the quay to. the deck. It was a light night, and the ship carried no light. The quay lamps were alight, and there was one lamp not far from the vessel, witness heard nothing as he got to the quay. He did not hear deceased fall. He looked for de,. oeasod on the vessel, but he was not. there. He did not report the matter that night, as he thought deceased might have returned to the shore. He knew deceased intended to sleep on the vessel, but he was in no way anxious about him. They had had no quarrel that night. By the Coroner: He considered the quay at that point very dangerous. It was light enough that night. Mr. Hilditch: Why is the quay dangerous?- The crane rail is close to the side of the quay, and a man might trip over the rail. Was the ladder lashed to the ship?—No, I put it down. By Mr Dallmeyer: The moon was shining. The crane rails were continuous, and if a man followed the rail he was all right. The Coroner: If there was some protection in the way of a chain, it would do away with the danger?—Yes, but I do not think there is room. The rail runs close to the edge. Mr. Dallmeyer: If a man follows the. rail he is quite safe. The Co:ONER: But if he is crossing the rail he might trip on it. P.S. Hill (to witness): Do you think it possible for a man to try and jump on the vessel?—yes. By the Coroner: It would be risky to jump, and there was a rope over which a man might trip. Thomas Jones, carter, Albert-place, Connah's Quay, deposed to seeing- deceased and the last witness in the public-house. They had two glasses of beer in his presence. They were both sober and friendly. James Eiisha Rogers, 7, Jubilee-terrace, Shot- ton, an employe, at the, Ironworks, corroborated J o nes. William Byfield, 13, Thomas-street, Runcorn, said he was informed that doceased, was missing on Dec. 8th. He started grappling at the quay at 2 p.m. on the 8th. He recovered the body at 4.30 the same afternoon. The, body was about six yards from the quay in a hole in the bed of the river, near where the steamer was on the night of deceased's disappearance. John Hilditch. Wrexham, Inspector of Fac- tories, said Ire exercised supervision over the docks so far as they were under the Factory Acts. The lobulations were that all dangerous parts should be fenced. The Coroner: Would the point where the ship was berthed come undc the regulation?—I should say not. It means that if that part. is to be fenced all docks must be fenced all round. Witness said certain other parts of the docks were dangerous, and he had visited the place and discussed thm with the agent and harbour master. A notice concerning them was sent on Jan. 9th. 1905. He had walked along the dock that morn- ing, and he had not noticed that anything had been done. Mr. Dailmever said the railway company had had the matter in hand before the accident hap- pened, and they were going on actively to put in order the requirements of tiik, Factory Inspec- tor. It was quite impracticable to fence the whole straight edge of quays and docks. In summing up. the Coroner sa.id there was a feeling among jurors regarding tho proper pro- tec-(ion of the quay. From what the Inspector had said, they would see that so far as the regu- lations were concerned, there was no power to order the fencing of that part of the quay. It was satisfactory to have an assurance on behalf of the owners that steps were being taken thati dangerous places should be pioteetrd. The jury returned a verdict of "Accidental death." A juryman thought deceased's companion should be reprimanded for not making inquiries about deceased on the night of the accident. The jttry retired to. consider the question, and de- cided that the man's conduct was not blameable They represented to the representatives of the company that, a mortuary was needed, and that the Port Sanitary Authority would build one if the company would give the land. The jury were advised to make a formal application to the com- pany on the su bject.

ISOLATION HOSPITAL. I TO THE EDITOR. I Sir,—The word "Isolation" appeals- to us as something very dreary at this time of the year, and contrasts very severely with the ideas or forms we picture to ourselves of what Yuletide should be. May I appeal through your hospitable columns on behalf of the children who will be isolated throughout the festive season? There are some who are always thinking of them, and there are others who feel equally as much. but whose business attentions require someone to give them just a reminder. I know Good old Chester," sir. and therefore need not say more.- Yours faith- fully, CESTRIAN. I

I CHESTER VOLUNTEER PRIZE DISTRI- BUTION. I TO THB EDITOR. Sir,—My attention has been called to a report in iast week's "Observer, where Co!. Wilford LLoyd mentions "they had placed a Morris tube riilo range, in the Drill Hall." As this may give tiio impression that it is a range made and erected by the Morris Tube Co., Ltd., I wish to explain that the range alluded to, also the one in use by the Rifles, are not the Morris Tube ranges, but :ny patent miniature rifle ranges. These ranges are suitable for any rifle or air-gun adapted to miniature rifle shooting, including the Morris Tube. Thanking you for inserting this correction, I remain, yours faithfully, JOHN GORST. I Ciieyney-road, Chester, 19th Dec., 1905.

DISTRICT COUNCILS. I WIRRAL. I A meeting of this Council was held on Monday I at Birkenhead, the chairman (Mr. T. Davies) pre- I siding. UNCERTAINTY OF ARBITRATION. I Mr. Charles E. Linaker, arbitrator appointed to settle the amount to be paid by the Council as compensation for damage caused by the carry- ing of a æwer through certain land, awarded JB8. 9s. 6d., and further ordered the Council to pay the costo. The Chairman pointed out that that demon- strated the glorious uncertainty of arbitration. The claim in this case was for J640. and the arbitrator had awarded JB8. But the Council had to pay the expenses. Mr. Priest (engineer) said it was unfortunate the Council had to pay the costs, because they would have to pay about as much as was asked. That, however, did not really matter, because if they had paid JB40 in this case they would have had to pay five times as much in other cases. It was far better to pay L30 or J340 now and then than to settle at a ridiculous cost. He did not wish to set himself against the opinion of solicitors, but he thought they should make a definite offer in other cases. If they did that he did not think the arbitrator would award costs against them. They got. out very well on all the cases they had fought. In seven miles of the Fender Valley scheme they had only one case sent to arbitra- tion, and -that they had won. CARRIAGES AT HOOTON RACES. I A letter was received from the Chief Constable (Colonel Hamersley), intimating that at the last Hooton Races it was considered that there were too many vehicles plying for hire to the course, and that half the number would have been sufficient. A member stated that the carriages came as early as three o'clock in the morning, and Mr. Latham said they were there practically all night. At the last Races they were going backwards and forwards with nobody in them. The Council decided to call the attention of the inspector of cabs to the subject and to recommend that in order to reduce the number the Liverpool vehicles should not be licensed in the future. I HESWALL LIGHTING. The Local liovernment Board wrote enclosing a oopy of a letter which they had addressed to the Heswall Parish Council, pointing out that if they had properly adopted the Lighting and Watching Act it was competent for them to proceed with the lighting after obtaining the authority of a parish meeting. The Local Government Board pointed out to the Parish Council that the District Council had urban powers in the matter, and they suggested they should communicate with the District Council on the subject. Mr. Ledsom said the Heswall people wanted the District Council to give way to the Parish Council in the matter. It was decided to withdraw the District Council's urba.n powers in this respect and allow the Parish Council to proceed with the work. I NO UNEMPLOYED. A letter was read from Mr. Potts, clerk to the County Council, asking if there were any unem- ploved in the- district. The Chairman said there were no unemployed in the district- Mr. T"Posom: The conditions are normal. Mr. Latham: We have plenty in the workhouse. There a-re,, however, no unemployed in our district we. have had these sewage schemes. Mr. Dousrlas: It seems to me they are organising the unemployed now, and it is a very bad thing. The matter then dropped. ELLESMERE PORT URBAN. The monthly meeting was held on Monday. Mr. Stockton presided. Owing to Mr. Hoult's holding a. political meeting here on the same even- ing the attendance of members was thin. As requested, the Clerk read a statement shewing ;he cost of making King-street, and the time for the p"Operty owners' paying their nrst instalment ? v?M Sxed.—Mr. Dobbing, Eiard-street, wrote, stating THAT his SEN, when going an errand, foil over a manhole in the new street now being made. There wa.- no light fixed by the contractor to warn pede-striais. Trie boy had severely cut his neck, which necessitated surgical attention, and he ASKED for compensation.— The Council denied liability. Th« Chairman again drew attention to the railway crossing. He know a man who had U.MJRI kept there a considerable time owing to the gates heirg coscd, and the delay resulted in a considerable loss to him. Mr. Thorne had acknowledged their last communication. In an earlier letter he had spoken of making alterations at the crossing, and he suggested that the Council should demand something more definite. This tho Council unanimously decided to do. and in the event of continued inaction the Council resolved that at the next meeting they would approach- a, higher power.—A specimen of the recent water supplied by the West Cheshire Water Company was handed round the table. The councillors thought it was unnecessary, as they WCOf well aware of the state of the water.— The Surveyor stated that the mains used to be regularly-flushed, but under the new management that practice had ceased, hence the impurity of the water.-The Council agreed to send another strongly worded complaint to the water company. —The Committee appointed to deal with the slaughter-house difficulty presented their report, which shewed that a suitable building might be rented at Whitby for that purpose. The rent asked was 10S. a week, and it would require JE50 to make the alterations necessary.—The Council decided not to go on with the matter.

COUNLTY INSPECTOR'S APPEAL. INACCURATE TRADE DESCRIPTIONS. in the King's Bench Division, was an appeal by Mr. W. D. Laird, chief inspector of weights and measures under the Cheshire County Council. The original case alleged that Mr. G. C. Dobell and Mr. R. B. Dobell, at Minshull Vernon, sold to Mr. C. B. Davies as food for cattle five tons of finest Galveston decorticated cottonseed cake meal, and described it in an invoice as containing 58 per cent, of oil and aibuminoid, whereas it con- tained only 56 per cent. The- defendant's case was that. this amount formed part of a cargo of 200 tons, and that they had sent samples of the cargo for analysis to Mr. Alfred Smetham, of Liverpool, a member of the Society of Public Analysts, etc., and had received a certificate that the samples -oltained" over 60 per cent, of oill and albuminoid- THE defendants, therefore, believed 58 per CEOY to be a .true description, and they relied on THE certificate, as to which Mr. Smetham gave evidence before the just-ices when the original case came on. The justices held that the defendants had not knowingly given a false de- scription and dismissed the case. They also dismissed a further case alleging that the defend- ants had failed to give an invoice within roason- able time of the delivery of the article, as required by the Act.—On this second point the King's Bench Division Court, consisting of the Lord Chief Justice and Just loes Lawranoe and Ridley, upheld the decision of the justices, and dismissed Mr. Laird s appeal. On the first point the Lord Chief Justice said the case was a hard one, be- cause the respondents took all the steps they could to get an analysis of the meal before soiling it But he was satisfied that a description had been sent out whioh was incorrect, and therefore on that summons the appeal must be allowed, and the case remitted to the justices. Justices Law- ranoe and Ridley concurred.

ARMY AND VOLUNTEERS. I CAERGWRLE VOLUNTEERS. I The annual supper and distribution of prizes took place in the Drill Hall, Caergwrle, last week. Capt. Clark presided, being supported by Col. C. E. Willes, Lieutenant Gordon Allison, the Rev. G. H. Duder, Messrs. Trevor Roper, S. G. Allison, J. R. Pearson, Sam Eccleston, S. J. Young, etc. Captain dark referred to the work of the com- pany for the past year. They ended up with a etrength of 98, 96 being efficient. The two in- efficients were injured' in the course of their em- ployment which oompelled them to refrain from takmg any part in active Volunteering. The battalion musketry returns shewed they were the best shooting oompany for the year—(loud cheers)—64.4 being their figure of merit, the next being 59 points. Sergeant W. Piercey was the best company shot-(hea r' hear)-with a soore of 99, equal with the best shot of the battalion. He congratulated the company on the work they did in camp. F Company at the Flint County Rifle Association meeting this year nearly suc- ceeded in carry off the Ladies' Bowl. With the oonsent of the oommanding officer he was going to purchase a special target machine which he had seen in London and had explained to him by the inventor personally. With this machine they I would find that all of them oould improve them- selves by thirty or forty per oent. Average shots I after a few weeks' training with the machine would be very good shots. Before asking Colonel Willes to present the prizes, he asked them to drink his health. They were all conscious that Colonel Willes in taking over the command of the company from Colonel Sheriff Roberts had paid the battalion a very great compliment. Colonel VVtlles, on rosing, was lustily cheered, this being his first appearance at Caergwrle sinoe he has taken command. He congratulated the company on being one of the best in the battalion. Camp was a most important thing for a Volunteejy and he hoped in the coming year they would have a fortnight. camp. lie con- gratulated the company on their very excellent officers. They were lucky enough to secure an excellent subaltern in Mr. Allison. Although only lately joined, he would make an excellent soldier. (Hear, hear.) Moreover, he thought that Mr. Trevor Roper would be likely to join th-em-(Ioud cheers)—and when they got him they would have their full complement of offioers, and with Sergt.-Instructor Ridings they would have all they possibly wanted. He thought the next camp would be at Conway. It was very likely that his Majesty the King would have a review of Welsh Volunteers, and he had attended a meet- ing at Hereford for that purpose, and the result was that the authorities at Shrewsbury would be asked to approach the King. He hoped if this oame off the battalion would turn up to a man. He was very glad to be back again in the 2nd Battalion. (Loud cheers.)—Colonel Willes then presented the prizes, some of them being:— Subscription prize for trained Volunteers: Bugle Major E. Gnmthg. JB2; Sergt. Wm. Roberts, £ 1 15S.; Col.-Sergt. Trevor Jones, :Cl. 10s. Drill prizes: Sergt. Wm. Roberts, J62 and the Duke of Westminster's cup; Lanoe-Sergt. A. L. Wynne. jBl. 15s.; Q.M.S. Tom Davies, jBl. 10S. Mr. Sam Ecclestone's match rifle was won by Bugle-Major Griffiths, who also won Captain Breese's cup. This cup having been won three times, becomes his own property. HAWARDEN VOLUNTEERS. I SUPPER AND PRIZES. I I .? I ine annual supper and distribution of prizes in connection witli the Hawarden Company of Volunteers (2nd Battalion Royal Welch Fusiliers) took place at the Glynne Arms Hotel on Tues- day. Captain H. Swetenham presided, and among others present were Hon. Colonel J. Sheriff Roberts, Captain Clark, Captain Hurlbutt, Majpr Dyson, Col.-Sergeant W. Kelly and Col.-Sergeant Morgan, and Sergt.-Major Claridge. Colonel Willes (in command of the battalion) was un- avoidably absent.—Captain Swetenham said the efficiency of the company was well maintained. Morris tube shooting was now provided at Queen's Ferry. He thought that the difficulty which had arisen in connection with the band was now over. They had the kind assistance of several members of the F and K Companies, and the total number was now 24, which exceeded the former number. He felt confident that in the course of a few months they would have one of the best bands in the neighbourhood. The captain touched on the recent review of the Scotch Volunteer forces bv the King, and expressed the hope that it might be found possible for the Welsh Volunteers to be similarly favoured. He expressed his thanks to the generous donors of prizes, and stated that next year's camp would probably be at Conway,, and would be for a fortnight. The prizes were then distributed by Hon. Colonel J. Sheriff Roberts (late commanding officer of the 2nd Battalion), as follows:—Challenge Cup (drill CLSUSS company shooting), Sergeant Catherall 171 points. Cup, best corporal, Lance-Corporal R. Jones, 161 points. Cup, best ordinary member, Private E. Bellis, 130 points. Cup, best recruit, Private D. BrotherstoYie, 180 points. Drill Prizes: 1st section, Sergt. Bellis; 2nd section, Sergt. Catherall; 3rd seotion, Sergt. Davies; 4th section, Sergt. Bailey. Band Attendance Prizes: Lance-Corporal Bellis, Private E. Bellis, Private H. Bellis, Private T. A. Croft, Private McDonald, Private W. Jones and Private W. J. Williams. Best Section: Sergt. Bellis (No. 1), points 19.2. Recruits' Prizes; Private Brotherstone, 23 points; Private Latham, 19 points; Private Welsh. 17 points. Marksmen's Prizes: Sergt.-Major Claridge, 1; Sergi., Catherall 2; Lance-Corporal R. Jones, 3; Sergt. H. Jones 4; Serst. J. Bailey. 5: Co moral F. 11 r, l l Col. Sergt. G. Bailey, 7; Lance-Corporal Fennah. 8; Lance-Corporal F. Bellis, 9; Private A. Hughes. 10; and Private E. Bellis, il. Marks- men, 2nd Class: Private H. Jones, 1; Private Evan Ellis, 2; Private McDonald, 3. Maxin Gun Firing: Private C. Williams, 1; Private E. Ellis, 2; Private H. Ellis, 3. Shooting Club Prizes.: 1st Class, Sergt.-Major Claridge, I: Sergt. Catheradl, 2. 2nd Class: Lance-Corporal R. Jones, 1; Sergt. J. Bailey, 2; Lance-Corporal F. Bellis, 3. A pleasing feature of the evening was the presen- tation to Hon. Colonel Sheriff Roberts of a silver card basket from the non-commissioned offioers a.nd men of the 2nd Battalion on his retirement from the command. The gift was inscribed as follows: Presented to Colonel J. Sheriff Roberts by the non-commissioned offioers and men of the 2nd V.B. Royal Welch Fusiliers, as a mark of their esteem and regard, and with every good wisii for his future success. 1905. The presentation was made by Sergt.-Major Claridge in suitable terms. —Colonel Roberts said he wa.s deeply touched at this token of goodwill, and would treasure it. He had already received another PRESENT from the offioers. The records of the battalion were enough to make anyone proud to command it. He had received the loyal co-operation of the officers and also the non-commissioned officers and men at all times, and he gave up the command to his successor with great regret. He would always take the greatest interest in the battalion and further it's interests. He was still connected wth the battalion as honorary colonel. (Applause.) The remainder of the evening was spent in a con- vivial way.

CHRISTMAS PRESENTS.-Stiltm Cheese, ripe and blue, York and Cumberland Hams in prima condition.—Thompson, Son and Clemence, 10, Northgttet-street. 17. FAstgate-street, 16, Fore- I sate-stroe*. and 1. Market Hall.

MARKETS AND FAIRS. I LIVERPOOL CATTLE, MONDAY. -The supply of cattle in market to-day was smaller than last week. Notwithstanding this the demand was slow, and prices in sympathy with country markets were lower. Sheep shewn in increased numbers. Trade, contrary to expectations, was very dragging, and to effect sales lower prices were accepted. Quotations :—Beef, 6id. to 4. mutton, 9d. to6d. per lb. LONDON CATTLE, MONDAY. To-day's supply of beasts compared with Monday last shewed I a decrease of 1,900. For both prime and second quality fat beasts trade ruled dull with a decline in value in most cases to the extent of folly 2d. per l 81bs. Trade for Irish beasts was also sluggish, a decline of 2d. to 4d. per 81bs. having to be made to effect sales. Fat butchering cows and bulls met poor inquiry, and difficulty was experienced in ob- taining late values. Top prices per 81bs.80st. to 90st. polled Aberdeens 4s. 10d., Devons 4s. 6d.; 90st. to 95st. Herefords, 48 4d. to 4s. 6d. 90st. Norfolks, 4s. 2d. to 4s. 4d.; 95st. runts, 48 to 4s. 4d.; 11 lOOst. shorthorns, 4s. 95st. black polled Irish, 4s. 4d. lOOst. plain, 3s. lOd. to 4s. ;90st. fat cows, 3s. 6d. fat bulls, 2s. lOd. to 3s 2d. Sheep trade extremely dull at a decline of 3d. per 81bs., chiefly attributable to overstocked state of dead meat market. No Scotch sheep offered, season being now about over. Irish 2d. per 8lbs. lower. Lambs met very limited inquiry, salesmen having to accept 2d. per 81bs. less money to effect sales. Calf trade nominal. Quotations per 81bs. :-Beast& 2s. 10d. to 48. 10d. sheep, 4s. 8d. to.6s.; lambs, 4s.8d to 76'1 MANCHMTER HAY AND 8TRAW?, Mto"- DAY.-Clover 5?d. to 6d., straw (wheat) 3M. to 4d. Der stone BRADFORD WOOL, MONDAY -The market is very quiet. In strong cross-breeds it is slightly weak, and decidedly irregular. Merinoes and fine- cross- breeds are steady. Nothing doing in English., wools. Mohair and Alpam. are marking time. Con- tinuance of Russian trouble disturbs the export yarn trade. Mohairs are quiet, but particulars come freely, and spinners generally are busy. In the- piece trade manufacturers are fairly well occupied, especially makers of bought goods. SALFORD CATTLE, TUESDAY.-Supply of cattle about the same as last week; trade slow.; rather fewer sheep, quiet business. Large show of calves, trade worse. Quotations:—Cattle, 6CT. to 6id.; sheep, 6ID. to 9 £ d. calves; 5d. to 8d. per lb. BIRKENHEAD AGRICULTURAL PRO. DUCE, TUESDAY.—Hay, 57s. 6d. to 60s. clover, 75s. to 80s. ditto, second crop, 67s. 6d. to 70s. wheat, straw, 37s. 6d. to.45S. oat straw, 40s.; .barley straw, 35s. to 40s. per ton. MANCHESTER CHEESE, TUESDA.Y.The trade in home-made cheese to-day has been chiefly for small parcels for filling up, most retailers having laid in stocks in anticipation of Christmas some weeks ago. Arrivals at present are small. Finest lots are well cleared, at- generally unchanged rates. Quotations Finest Cheshire, white and- coloured, 73s. to 78s., with a few shillings more for prize dairies; fine. 68s. to 70s. medium qualities, 6QB. to 648. Lancashire, finest. 73s. to 78s.fine, 68S. to 70s. Finest ripe Stiltons, lid, to Is green Stiltons, 8d. to 9W. Cheshire Stiltons, 8d. to 8d. Canadian cheese The market is a shade quieter owing to, the near approach of the holidays, but prices are as- firm as ever, and the next change is most likely to. be up- wards. To-day's quotations are: Finest white and ooloured, 62s. to 64s., according to quality. There are very few cheese now on the market of any kind to be had around 60s. and 61s. CHESTER EGG AND POULTRY, SATUR- DAY.—Butter. Is. 2d. per lb. eggs, 7 for Is. chickens, 2s. 6d. to 3s. each ducks, 3&. to 3s. 6d. each turkeys, lid. and Is. per lb. geese, 9d. and lOd. per lb. pheasants. 5S. to 5s. 6d. per brace partridges, 3s. to. U 6d. per brace hases, 3s. to 3s. 9d. each pigeons. 8d. and 9d. each. rabbits, 9d. and loci- h- I CHESHIRE BUTTER AND EGG.—Home dairy butter and new-laid eggs at MODERATE quota- tions. Markets freely supplied, and a steady trade. Prices :-Stockporb (Friday): Butter,. Is. 2d. and I Is. 3d. per lb. eggs, 6 and T for Is. Crewe (Fri- day) Butter, Is. 3d. per lb. eggs, 6 for Is. Northwich (Friday): Butter, Is. ID. per Ib. eggs, 7 for Is. Sandbach (Thursday): Butter, Is. 3d. per lb. eggs, 6 and 7 for Is. I%iacclesfield Butter, Is. 2d. and Is. 3d. per lb. eggs, 6 and 7 for 18. Congleton: Butter. 1& 3d. per lb.; eggs, 6 for Is. Altrincham: Butter, 118.. 3d. and Is. 4d. per lb. eggs, 6 for Is. Nantwich Batter, Is. 2d. per lb. eggs, 7 for Is. Knutsford Butter, Is. 3d. per lb.; eggs, 7 for Is. Runcorn Butter, Is. 3d. per I lb.; eggs, 6 for Is. Chester: Butter, Is. 2d. and. Is. 3d. per lb. eggs. 6. and 7 for 18. CHESTER CORN, SATURDAY. Market, quietly steady for English grain. Wheat in small supply. Oats firm with a moderate enquiry.. Barley very slow. Feeding staffs generally in gccd demand. Bran and thiras may be quoted 3d. to. 6d. per sack dearer. Indian corn, with largest arrivals, favour buyers 3d. TO 6d. per 2401b. on THE. week. Flour steady, unchanged. Foreign WHEAT firm, at recent quotations. BXW I OLD ]KNNW L D.!L D. OLD a A Wheat, whim per 751b.! 0 0 to 0 0: 0 0 to 0 0 Wheat, red. 761)1. i 6, 0 4 6 0 G (), <* Maltin? Barley. ,t Mb. 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Grinding do 641-b. 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Oats 461b. 25 — 2 8: 0 0 — C). Co Beans Skllb. 0 0 0 0 0 0 0. 0 Egyptian Beane" 240!b. 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 (I Indian Oorr. 9401b. 12 6 12 9 13 0 — IA S

Useful pcasents for Christmas and NEW. Year. Splendid selection of new goods at THICIRP'IS Hosiery and Glove Depót. The Eastgatp (opposite Grosvenor Hotel). FOOTBA-LL.-Many a goal is misssd' by reason of faulty Raota. Hewitt's Boots are faultless. Try pair, and raise your average. -HIRWITT, Abbey Gateway. SUGAR CURED HAMS, Srooksdi or Pale, from 5s. each.—Thompson, Son, and Clemenoe, 10, Nocthgate-sireet, 17, Et, 16, Fore,-a,t,e-treet, and 1, Market HJALL., THE PEACEFUL JAP is the title of Horniman's artistically colowed Almanack for 1906. This interesting pictiire is now being given away Tty over 20,000 retaileia of Hornimfin's Pure Tea. So.I<l- by t- Chester: W. Alun Daviea, 10, Commoniaii stwt (wholesale wtixt); Co-operative Society; Cryer, 25, Christleten- rood; Hoi born KeBtaurant, 29. Forogate 8t. Little Sutton; SwtwUllFi. Khudcllan; Roberts, srrooer. Bromborough l:\iol: Co-op. Society. Mynydd Isa: Co-op. Society. MoM Junction: Co-op. Society. Hoole: Jones & Davias. Wrexhara Walton. Saltnev: Robins an. WiiiEfoard: Whitehead. TatteakaB: jtokwii, Oroce j|— CLIBRANS. I SPECIAL CHEAP OFFERS* A FRUIT TREES, ROSES, ORNAMENTAL TREES, 13 I AND SHRUBS, HEDGE PLANTS, &c., a ■ IN ORDER TO CLEAR GROUND FOR OTHER CROPS, WE ARE OFFERING ft I EXCEPTIONAL VALUE IN THE ABOVE ■ APPLES. Extra Fine Trees, fruiting size, of the best Cooking and Dessert Varieties, for growing in Cheshire. STANDARDS, 12 ]5 and 18.1- per doz. PYRAMIDS and BUSHES, 9/ 12'- and 18/- per dozen. I PEARS, PLUMS. & CHERRIES. Splendid Trees of the Best Varieties. PRICES AS APPLES. CURRANTS. Best Black, White and R,?d Fruiting Varieties, 2/6 to 3/6 per Doz., 16/- to 20/. per 100. RASPBERRIES. j Extra Strong Fruiting Canes, 1/6 and 2/- per doz., 8- and 10, per 100.. STRAWBERRIES. Finest Cropping Varieties. PREPARED RUNNERS, 2/6 per 100. r 11 in pots, 12'6 per 100. RHUBARB; Large Strong Clumps of the most prolific and best flavoured varieties, 5 and 6/- per doz. ROSES. Finest Hybrid PERPETUALS, CLIMBERS, MOSS and OTHER ROSES, extrli strong, in best varieties, 5/- and 6 per dozen. TEA & H. T. ROSES. 9 Splendid Plants, 9 and 10 per Dozen. ft. ORNAMENTAL TREES. K Splendidly grown, shapely and well-rooted. ■ Choice distinct varieties of ASH, BIRCH, K CHESTNUT, LABURNUM, POPLAR. V WILLOWS, and others, from 6d. each HV upwards. Select and Beautiful Varieties of ALMONDS, 9> FLOWERIMG CHERRIES, & THORNS, ■ MAPLES, ACACIA, &c., from 1,- each B upwards. 12 Distinct Trees, in 12 choice ■ and Beautiful Varieties, for 7 6. ORNAMENTAL SHRUBS. 12 Distinct and Beautiful Sorts from 4' 100" „ „ „ „ 50/ CONIFERS. From 4 Dozen upwards. HEDGE PLANTS. Millions in Stock, extra Fine and Strong. THORNS from 2 per 100 upwards. HAZEL ,,3!G PRIVET „ 4- MYROBELLA 3/- All our Hedge Plants are Extra Tran^piaited, grown in an exposed position, and spit nJidly rooted  SPECIAL QUOTATIONS TO LARGE BUYERS. N j DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUES of Fruits, Rc?es, Trees and Shrubs* GRATIS and POST Free. FT B COME: AND: SEE THE STOCK AT THE NURSERIES ft I HALE, ALTRIN d MANCHESTER HALE, ALTRINCHAM, \nt  Also Acre-lane, Bramhall. m an d the Aged. N7 7 BEJNGER'S FOOD can be en j oyed: and assimilated when other foods disagree. It forms a deliCatC End highly nutritive cream,, rich all the elements necessary to maintain WjjjijVUmlij yff Pwwyfl vigorous health, but entirety free from rough Wjl/iljJMk and ind'Sestible particles, which often produce WinjjljMm irritation in delicate stomachs. $ /w r "Retained when? all other foods are rej ected. Be,igrr?s Food is soad in Tins

FREE CHURCHES. Preachers for next Sunday in the various Free I Church places of- worship I Congregational, Queen-street: 10.45 and 6.-30, I Rev. Wynne Evans. Congregational, Upper NortbLgate-street: 10.45 and 6.30, Rev. W. H. Towers. Congregational Welsh Chapel, Albion Park: 10.45 and 6.0, Revolver Jones. Congregational, Great Boughton: 10.46 and 6.30, Rev. J. LI. Jones. Congregational, Handbridge: 10.46 and 6,30, Rev. W. Jones. English Presbyterian, City-road: 10.30 and 6.3Q; Rev. R. Jones, B.A. Presbyterian Church of England. Newgate-street: 10.30 and 6.30, Rev. J. Mitchell, BJ)., F.R.A.S. Baptist, Grosvenor Park: 10.45 and 6.30, Supply. Baptist. Milton-place: 2.30 and 6.30. Supply. Baptist, Hamilton-place 10.45 and 6.30, Supply. Welsh Baptise, Penri Memorial: 10.30 and ó.v, Supply. Wesleyan Methodist, St. John-street: 10.30,. Rev. R. Wormwell; 6.30, Rev. T Wheatley. Wesleyan, Methodist. City-road 10.30, Rev. T. Wheatley; 6..304 Rev. R. Wormwell. Wesleyan Methodist. Garden-lane: 11.0, Mr. E. Walker 6;30, Rev. W. A. Prunell. Welsh Wesleyan, Queen-street: 10.30 and 6.0;, Supply. Welsh Calvinistic Methodist. St. John-street: 10.30 and 6.0" Rev. John Smallwoed. Primitive Methodist, George-street: 10.45 and 6.30, Rev. F. Jones. Primitive Methodist, Hamilton-street, Hoole: 10.45. Rev. J. Travis 6.30, Mr. T. Nixon. Primitive Methodist, Hunter-street: 10.45, Mr. E. Williams; 6.30, Mr. T. E. (iiaine. Primitive Methodist, Saltney: 10.45 and 6;30, Mr. C. BalL Primitive Methodist, Boughton: 10. and 6.30, Mr. E. Gteen. Methodist New Connexion, Pepper-st eet: 10.45- and 6..3Q1 Rev. D. G. Ellwooi. Waverton Presbyterian: 10.45 and 6.30, Rev. IX Manuel, M.A. Matthew Henry. Unitarian: 11.0 and 6 30, Rev. Iii. E. Haycock. Church of Christ, Upper Northgate-street: 10.45 and 6;3* Supply. Church of Christ, Saltney: 10.46 and (*.30, Pastor Dobson. New Jerusalem Church, Temperance Hall: 6.30, Supply. iSia-Friends, Frodshaaa^street: 11.0.ani

TIDE TABLE. I SIGH WATER AT CII-ESTER. DECEMBER. „M0Bf i _H^_ DECEMBE&? H. a. j. H. M. | t i 24 Saturday 9 ? B 9 9 53 24 Sunday i 10 18" IT i 10 44 25 Monday 11 in I 18 8 11 35 36 Tuesday 1 0 19 6 — 27 Wednesday .¡ l 25. 19 2 It 49 23 Thursday 1 12 19 1 1 34 29 Friday 1, £ .6. I 18 6 a 18

n CHESTER I DISTRICT NURSING ASSOCIATION. i I 9,? WATER TOWKS-STREET. I I W3tlKLY REPORT. I Old co?m S4 I New eam  17 Cured.?.?.10 Relieved 2 I I Bamoved 2 &ta £ i>8 3 On books 84 I Visits 562 II IS. BATESON, Lady Superintendent. I I December 16, 1905.

CHESTER INFIRMARY. I 41. I WBKKLY STATE, E?CL>KD SATURDAY LAST. I In-Fatieuts are admitted on Tuesday Morning at, I Elewen o'clock. In-patients Discharged. C?Md 12 1 2 1 I&elie-ved 3 MMe Out-patients ?. 0 1 Unrelieved 1 I Irregularity 0 Dead 1 In-patients. Admitted 24 Remain in the House y6. OUT-PATIEKTS. Medical Gases sure seen on Monday. We, and Saturday mornings at Eleven o'clock. Surgical Cases are seen on Thursday moraiaga afe Eleven o'clock. Ophthalmic Cases are seen on Friday moraings at Eleven o'clock. I Dental Cases are seen on Tuesday and Saturday mornings at Ten o'clock. Out-patients admitted sinoe Saturday last. 69 1

BUY FRISTER AND II P^|L rossman'S SEWING MACHINES, £ 2 :16 0 R. JONES & Co., LTD., CHESTER. ■ A Wonderful Remedy OIL PillS k For Liver Complaints. j = —? Sold by all Chemists at Illi and 2/9. THE GENUINE ARE IN A SQUARE GREEIi PACKAGE. I DISINFECT WITH"SANITAS" I "SAHITAS" BEST DISINFECTANT. I IIOAFCTLTAC*' B FRAGRANT AND I O?Kt t n? NOM-t?OtSOMOUB ■ "CAUITAQ,f FLUID, POWDER I Oftmino AND SOA?a I Of all Chemists and Stores. H* SEND FCR ILLUSTRATED PAMPHLET. ■ 1- The 'SANITA6'~C<L, Lint., LimehMse, London,C. R. Davies and Co.. 26, Bridge-street. Chester. has the largest variety of Xmas Novelties, fillecr with Chocclane. in Chester. With reference to the recent distribution of prizes to the Volunteers, Colonel A. Hot-vey Talbofc and the offioers of the 2nd Volunteer Battalion Cheshire Regiment, take this opportunity of thank- ing the undermentioned business firms for kindly giving arizes in kind :-M,essm Bolland and Sen, Messrs. Brassey and Son. Messrs Beckett and Co.. the Birkenhead Brewery Co., Messrs Bradlevs, Messas. G. J. H. Brown a.nd Son, Mr. W. N. Bates. Mr. Baguley, Mr. J. Barber, Messrs. Butt and Co., Mr. W. Blackmore, Mr. Geo. Barlow, Mr. W. Clarke, Messrs. Cheers and Hopley, J.Ir. Ë. Cooper, Messrs. Chapman and Son, Mr. Alfred =r.l.Zrr W. H Corlett, Mr. Geo. Day, Mr. H.. B. Dutton, Messrs. Denson and Sons, Messrs. J, P. Davies and Son, Messrs. J. Rowe Dutton and Sen. Messrs. Francis and Co., Mr. E. Green. Mr. DI L. Hewitt. Messrs. Huke's Library, 14r. H. S. Hohaan, Q.M.-Sergt. F. T. Holland. Messrs. Richard Jones and Sons, Messrs. Jones and Stephens, Mr. R. Knowles, Messrs. Lowe and Sons, Meosrs. Hugo Lang and Co., Mr. E. LloJd. Messrs. J. Laycock and Co., Mr R. T. Millington, Messrs. H. Martin and Co., Messrs. P. Morris and Co., Mr. J. Milling, Messrs. Morris and Craeby, Mr. G. H. Moss, the Northgate Brewery CeO, Mr. J. E. Newman, Messrs. Nicholls and Co., Mr. J. C. Okell. Messrs. J. Okell and Sons,. Mr. Partin. Messrs. Phillipson and Golder. Messrs Shuttle- worth and Sons, Mr. J. Simon, Mr. J. D. biddall, Mr- W. E. Taplin, Miss Thomas. Sergt. F. J. Thomas, Mr. H. F. Thomas, Mrs. W. C. Wright, Messrs. J. Wiseman, Mrs. Whittingham, the Wilderspool Brewery Co., Mr. Yates (Mortons). SUGAR CURED HAMS, Smoked or Pale, from 5E. each.—Thompson, Sqn, and Clemenoe, 10, Northgate-street. 17, Eastgate-etreet, 16, Foregate-street, and 1, Market Hall. XMAS PRESENTATION GOODS ■ AT THE LOWEST POSSIBLE PRICES. IPI1, COAIPLETE FURNISHING STORES iriVM llilJ Lt 9 to 19. BOLD ST., LIVERPOOL. I Send for attractive Illustrated Christmas and other CATALOGUES and Terms Free. I FOR CASH ■ ALL PURCHASES OVER 40/- DELIVERED FREE OR ON i TO ANY RAILWAY STATION IN GREAT BRITAIN. I EASY TERMS B

ST. ASAPH DIOCESAN CONFERENCE Tho election of seven clerical and seven lay members of the Standing Committee of the St. Asaph Diocesan Conference has been made by means of voing papers with the following- result: —Clerical members (the first seven elected): Canon Fletcher 255, Canon Hugh Roberts 247, Rev. W. Ll. Nicholas 222, Rev. T. Lloyd 214, Rev. J. F. Rcece 188, Rev. J. Silas Evans 183, Rev. W. Pell Edmonds 170, Rev. D. Jones 169, Rev. James Davies 162, Rev. J. W. Thomas 127, Rev. 0. Davies 122, and Rev J. R. Roberts 114. Lay members (the first seven elected): Lord Mostyn 298, Mr. Stanley Weymaii 289, Sir W. W. Wynn 288, Mr. W. B. Yates 265, Mr. A. Wynne Corrie 259, Colonel Howard 229, Mr. W. Y. Har- greavee 169, Mr. J. Watbinson 151, Mr. H. A. Cope 143, and Dr. O'Connor 130. Three hundred and sixty-six voting papers were received. Two, which wero unsigned, and another sent in too late, were not counted, but these papers would not have altered the result of the election. I

I SIR WATKTN WYNN'S MEET ON I ?MAV, December 23, Mnlpas at J0.4O Frid ady a ??e et rlr 26,, u lford Friday, Decemher 29, Overton Cross at 10,45 Saturday, ?e c- en I r b? er 3 Pr(, ?es Heath at 11.0

FOOTBALL.—Many a goal is missed by reason of faulty Boots. Hewitt's Boots are faultless. Try a pair, and raise your average.—HEWITT, Abbey Gateway CHRISTMAS PRESENTS.-St-iltoi-i Cheese. ripo and blue, York and Cumberland Hams in prime condition.-Thomp.-on. Son and C'emence, 10, North gate-street. 17. Eastgatc-street, 16, Fore- gate-street. aild 1, Market Hall.

I VANITY FAIR. I I I I MEN OF THE DAY. I —From Vanity Fair." COUNT ALBERT MENSDORFF. Count Albert Mensdorff.Pouilly-Dietrichstein- to give him the full title by which nobody knows him—is a fascinating gentleman of exalted pedigree. He is a cousin of the King twice over. For his grandmother was a sister of the Duchess of Kent and of Ernest I., Duke of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, the father of the Prince Consort. He is naturally pleased about it. He was educated at home, and subsequently at the University of Vienna. After a year's service in the Dragoons, he entered the Foreign Office, and was appointed Attache to the Austro-Hungarian Embassy in Pans. His diplomatic duties next led him to London, then removed him to St. Peters- burg, and finally sent him to London again with the rank of Councillor and First Secretary. In 1903 he acted as Minister Plenipotentiary, and in 1904 he became Ambassador. Being but 42, he was, and is, the yorangest man to hold that rank in Europe. Count Albert Mensdorff is an inveterate bachelor. Sometimes he seems on the point of effecting a matrimonial alliance, but the flutterings of the female heart are never allayed by a proposal. Match-making mothers speak of him with despair. Yet the fact has not prejudiced his position with the sex, among whom he is vastly admired. He is always to be found at the best houses, in the best clubs and the best set. The King likes him. He is an habitue of Chatsworth. He is fond of racing, though he is not a great sportsman. He admires the beautiful in art, and is a consistent opera-goer. He is particular about his dress. He is proud of his pedigree, being, as I have said, a cousin of the King. JUNIOR. JEHU JUNIOR. HARD CASE No. 1,495. I Mr. B, a rich parvenu, meets with an accident in the hunting field, and is carried into the house of the A's-people of position, but poor. They attend to him for some days until he is able to leave. Soon after Mrs. A gets a letter from B, saying he has directed a Christmas hamper to be sent to her young people, and hopes the contents will give pleasure. Mrs. A writes to thank B, and says the children are eagerly looking forward to the hamper. Christmas comes and goes, but nothing comes from B. What should Mrs. Ado? JUDGMENT IN HARD CASE No. 1.493. Mr. A can either take his leave, or, if he does not desire so to do, make an excuse, such as the pony is rather restive, and getting beyond the control of the boy holding it whereby he can go out and speak severely to Master B. If Master B still persisted, it would be open to Mr. A either to go or to complain to the father. The latter would be the common-sense course.

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RADICAL BUNGLING. I TO THE EDIIOa. I Sir,—Councillors Mills and H. B. Dutton, ac- cording to the "Observer," seem to have fairly revelled before the Liberal ladies on Friday night. The gentle sex must, surely have been amazed at tho intelligence imparted for their especial delee- tation. and, womanlike, may have excused the. loquacious councillors who held forth on such subjects as bungling and disestablishment. Some 1 of the ladies, I hear, would much have preferred I a dissertation on household management, and how best to keep the wolf from the door in these bad t;me,i. but instead '-they were compelled to listen I to OUO councillor on bungling-, of course, by a Unionist Government, for there never was a Radical Administration known to bungle, unless into the Crimean war, and again in allowing the fruits of that war to be torn into shreds by the late Lord Granville. Bungle indeed, the whole of I Mr. Gladstone s Administration was one con- tinued series of bungles, and it is astonishing that the ladies were not taken more into confidences. and told of the bungling that this country was led into and the war with Arabi Pasha, leading on to the bungling, betrayal and murder of poor Gen. Gordon. There was no bungling, of course, by the Radi- cal Government in 1880-1881 with Kruger, re- sulting eventually in that individual's flaunting d'fiance of England, and ordering us to clear out. These councillors m'ght haye referred to Majuba -,uid the disgraceful, unavenged massacre of Sir George Colley. The late Mr. Gladstone cared not upon whom in after years the charge of blood- guiltiness rested, or as to any expense England would bo put to, in the bungling he favoured bv his Administration. The result came, as we all know, in recent yeais, but the ladies were not informed in this way on Friday. They were just told sufficient to suit their little heads by intel- ligent councillors, who ought to have known how to deliver speeches on history properly rather than bungle, and omit all references to the shock- ing bungling of Mr. Gladstone in granting to grocers the facility of selling strong drink, and thus to increase the sale. as if, forsooth, drink was not already in sufficient evidence in this land of ours. No. sir, not one word of condemnation from the eouncillois, or from any of the Chester tee- total party, who, strange to say, as a rule, with I some few honourable exceptions, always ask for support to the Radical candidate at any election in Che31;er. Bungling indœd! The Radical party AIM? pa?t-m&sters of the art, and it is nothing if not amaxing to read CouncUlor H. B. Dutton's rcfe?eneo to di5ostablishmcnt. Can he profess I ignorance as to the intentions of this Radical Cabinet, who, as everybody knows but himself, have givan a decided promise to Welsh M.P.'s of their intention to once more slight and injure the Church of England. Radicals like the speakers on Friday night will, however, find that any at- tempt to confiscate Ohurch property will cer- tainly be followed by a measure to include, the chapels and all trust funds thereunto belonging. Nonconfcrmist Radicals must make up their minds to be placed in line whenever confiscation comes. In what way are Nonconformists not as equally established in the protection of the law as any parochial Church? Their antipathy savours too highly of hatred and' jealousy of the Established Church they seek to decry. In conclusion, there are many citizens who aro astounded that individuals in Chester can be found to malign and disparage our esteemed Mr. Yerburgii. the best member the old city ever had. Tliere can only be one ending and answer to Friday night's episode, and that. is in abueing our member. His majority will not fail him in the ultimate appeal, whenever it ';s made. Dr. Foster, Baron Halkett and Mr. Idris have each been a means to this end, and we thank them for their efFor: As Councillor H. B. Dutton wishes the Radical Mr. Mond to be allowed to do something, the opportunity, no doubt, will be afforded him and his party to follow in the steps of the would- be. do-somethings long since defunct, so far as old Chester is concerned —Yours verv trulv. Doc. 2']. 1005.. CESTRIAN. I

I 2TEWS OF THE WORLD. I A boat was wrecked on the bar at Bideford, on Tuesday, and the owner, named Bowden, and another man, named Jean, were drowned.. The contract for the new county bridge between Flixton, in Lancashire, and Carrington, in Cheshire, has been let to Mr. M. Hall, of Hull, for £ 3.595, this tender being B600 below the county estimate. Prestatyn Urban Council has accepted with regret the resignation of Mr. W. Thomas, town surveyor. When urged to continue in office Mr. Thomas declined, and said he felt that with the other interests he bad in Prestatyn he could noet conscientiously hold a public position. Two well-dressed men were arrested at the Union Hotel, Clayton-square, Liverpool, on Tuesday evening. They had entered a bedroom where a traveller for a London firm had left £ 10,000 of jewellery, and were there caught by the traveller, who, with assistance, detained them until the arri val of the police. On being searched over £ 700 worth of jewels were found on the prisoners, and also a complete outfit of burglars' tools. General Booth announces that 9100,0410 has bePn placed at his disposal by Mr. George Herring for the purpose of testing the practicability of home colonisation. It is proposed to set up selected men with their families, on five acre farms. The men are gradually to become the possessors, by purchase, of their holdings. The C100,000 is to go ultimately to the King's Hospital Fund for London, the Salvation Army paying it to the fund in twenty- five annual instalments of £4,000 each. I Lord Ashton is about to present to Lancaster, his native town, which he represented in the House of Commons for nearly ten years prior to his eleva- tion to the peerage in 1895, a new town hall, to be erected from the designs of Mr. E. W. Mountford, of London, at an estimated cost considerably exceeding £ 50,000. In front of the hall there will be a statue of the late Queen Victoria, costing over P,10,000, also the gift of Lord Ashton. In the King's Bench Division on Wednesday Mary Lowery, of the Stanley Hotel, Hoylake, appealed against a conviction by the Wirral magis- trates, sitting at Birkenhead, who fined her on an information for selling brandy not of the nature and quality demanded. The chief point of appeal was that the sample of brandy left with Lowery by the official purchasing it was not sufficient for the pur- poses of analysis, and on this the appeal was unani- mously a lowed and the conviction quashed. While at drill at the battery on Monday night. Sergeant Dan Kelly, of the Carnarvon Company of Artillery Volunteers, was accidentally shot by a recruit. The sergeant was apparently picking something from the flvor between the target and the recruit when the latter inadvertently fired, and the charge entered Kelly's neck at the back. He was soon attended by Drs. John Evans -and Tom Roberts, and removed to the Cottage Hospital. On Tuesday afternoon, his condition was reported to be fairly satisfactory, but the bullet had not been extracted. A fire. which assumed alarming proportions, broke out at Messrs. Bass and Company's new brewery at Burton-on-Trent shortly before five on Saturday evening. It commenced in No. 30 malthouse, a three-spanned building, which runs the entire length of the premises, and in which are stored many thousands of quarters of malt. Bass', Allsopp's, and the town fire brigade were brought into requisition. The flames caused an impressive illumination. Fortunately the floor was fireproof, and the debris fell on several inches of wet grain, and with firemen playing through trap doors the damage was re- stricted. At one time there was a ptospect of the fire extending over the whole top storey, and to Eadies' Brewery and many other structures, but j this was prevented. The damage amounts to many I thousand pounds.