Cheshire Observer

MILLIONS OF WOMEN USE Cuticura Soap I <. FOR THE HANDS h/ur AND SKIN For beautifying the Vki^Tfor the stopping of falling hair, for softening' and whitening red rough hands, for annoying irritations, for too free or offensive perspiration, in washes for ulcerative weaknesses, for many sanative antiseptic purposes, and for all the purposes of the toilet, bath, and nursery. Price, Is., o'.l Chemists, or DostDaid by F. Nr?wBBRY, London, 6. C. P(? T? 11 1). ?'D C. CORP Sole Props., Boston, U. S A, All about tae Ilimds, Hair, and kin, free.  a you tried SYMtKCTOM'S? Edinburgh Dandelion Coffee Essence ? |> ? It is mHch used by persons of weak or ? feeble digestion. From all Grocers. ? 0 73 @ <?????@@!*XS?')S?@??@@<*?'???'S<?? THOMAS J^OEBPEY (Fellow of the Institute of Sanitary fcngineera), REGTST EKED PLUM BER, GLAZIER, AND AUTHORISED GASFITTER, 2 6, 0 HABLES s 1 R E B T, B O O L E TELEPHONE 173. Any Orders left at NOBBUKY'S City Dining Iioonm. 20. Furosutn 5t wíl rwieivo nrerv attention. C. D7 J O N E 8* h, STOCK TO BE -tY (Mg CLEARED 4  WITH GOOD DIS- JLj» COUNT, jIfjL To make room for NgF pSPRING GOODS. ? { CHILD'S f |ptfcj|j MILLINERY, PELISSES, \| IllSP COSTUMES, IWP; FROCKS' § PINAFORES, &c. Ajg; LADIES' Underclothing ???? AND CORSETS. ?J??S? GENERAL AND FANCY DRAPERY. THE BABY LINEN STORES, I 53, FOR EG ATE STREET. [ The well known vitalizing affects of a cup of strong Coffee can be k secjred directly by using Symington's jjf 4 Edinburgh CafFie Essence. 76 JJ 7 e, THREE R()xf.1 FOR 2s. 9D. ,??'?OFm????? C s JzW^WttsoLC PROi>mfTOw>^y o ? ?!?????T? 5' s ???IM?S?'? ? ra ALL RHEUMATIC AFFECTIONS^] C \?\ KIDNEY & DVER DISORDERS ?/ m £ MO\ STIFF* ENLARCEO JOINTS JtQul o>p B Y3»\ COUT. LUMBAGO. SCIATICA /W G V^CLANDULARSWELLINCS/V/  JX ?. YCXSKJN COMPLAINTS Hj) \???f??/ § ^§^§0?' P (REGIS TEKWD.)  A MEDICINE THAT DORS NOT AcCtTMftl.ATK IN THE SYSTEM. FOH SPRING AND AUTUMN, Oft VOtt GENKRAI. FAMILY U8E. PROMOTES THK ACTION OF LIVEB, AND PREVENTS CONSTIPATION. FOR PAIN IN THE BACK, AND ALL RHEUMATIC AFFKCTIONS. DIURETIC, TONIC, DFPURATIVE. IS 8 NOT DIRECTLY APERIENT. I THOROUGHLY EFFICACIOUS & SAFE. I PREPARED ONLY BY D FRANK H. W I LLIAMS, Old Phoenix Laboratory, 36, Brook-st., Chester | j» WATCH & CHAIN FOR ONE DAY'S WORK .?  A JIoy and Girls can get a NICKFT? ? l?L) WATCH, ls(? a CHAIN and ?!? I?.? ?t CHAR? for SK))inj; 1? d?zen p.tck)tges of Sp\r?-? r% HLUiNK at g, each. Send your ^3 fun adI1t6S. inc?udin? name of County, by retu'n mail, aivl we will forward the Bluine, post paUl, and ii Inv^ premium list. No moo/y required. BZ^UitNE Co. iDepartment PD 341, Gipsy Road, West Norwood, London. S.E. THE SAFEST MEDICINE FOR Bilious and Liver Complaints, Indigestion, Wind, Spasms, Fowl Breath, Nervous Depression, Loss of Appetite, IrritaMlir-y, Lassitude, Dyspepsia, Heartburn, Lownens of Spirits, Giddiness, &c. AS A GENERAL FAMILY APERIENT MEDICINE DR. SCOTT'S PILLS ARF. UN EQUALLED, BEING composed of the Finest Drags tha.t can be Bobt4tine,l, are M mild and tonic in their action &s they are certain in their curative effects. They give a healthy toije and vigour to the different secretions, causing the necessary organs of the Stomach and Liver to resume their activity, thus restoring the appetite, pro- moting digestion, and strengthening the whole system. DR. SCOTT'S PILLS .should be kept at band by all Heads of Household, to resort to on auy slight occasion of ailing an the part of those under their charge, as by paying attention to 'he regular action of the Stomach, Liver, and Bowels many a severe illness is avoided or mitigated. They will be found in slight cases by a single dose to restore health to the body with a happy frame of mind. WOMEN and CHILDREN can take them with safety, as they contain no Mercury. DR. SCOTT'S PILLS Are prepared only by W. LAMBERT, 173, SEYMOUR PLACE, LONDON, W. Do not be persuaded by anyone to buy any other Medicine instead, hut insist upon having the right thing, which is u rapped in a square green package. By post for 14 or 34 stamps. Q Ask your Grocer for a bottle g gof SYMINGTON'S Edinburgh g 8 Coffee Essence. You will like g 8 it Sold in every town. g 0 75 0 QOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO U^.I 1 ?— ORtG??NAL ? I | CARBOUC DISINFECTAHTS9 |i S I SOAPS, TOOTH POWDER, 1 S ETC., p! Have been awarded 100 Medals and HI H [] Diplomas for Superior Excellence, and R {J should be used in every Household to S tM prevent Infectious Diseases. [j 11 Illustrated UaPost free on applicauon. H _??? ICALVERTS | 1 CARBOLIO I I OINTMENT !!j is oae?ca//e? as Remedy for M 111 BURNS, CUTS, PILES, THROA {jj 111 COLDS, SCALDS, EARACHB, |3 NKURALGIC AND RHEUMATIC |IUn PAlND. RINGWORM and 6K1N FIL I•IJI L PAINS, AILMENTS generally UJ Mm) ) Large Pots 1/1% each, at Chemists', etc.; or post free for value. HI F. C. CALVERT& Co., Mancitester. |j^»y|3Br^«^^y'SigS85gj5aa'ig5^SBbftrt53g

THE SOUTH AFRICAN WAR. I THE COLONIAL DEFENCE CORPS. Capetown, Monday. General Brabant has arrived here to organise a Colonial Defence Corps. The Africander mem- bers of Parliament have resolved to send Messrs. Merriman, Sauer and Hofmeyr to England to represent the state of affairs in South Africa.

DELAiiEY DRIVEN OFF. I Capetown, Monday. Generals Babington and Gordon were engaged yesterday with Delarey's force at Naauwpoort and Zandfontein. The enemy was driven from both I places, the Witwatersrand being thus cleared of I their presence.

BR IT 18 11 REVERSE. I BODYGUARD CUT UP. I Lord Kitchener on Monday reported two fights, one at Naauwpoort, in the Transvaal, the other near Lindley, in the Orange River Colony. In the former action the British losses are reported Slight, the Boer casualties being put down at twenty killed and wounded, while Commandant Dupreez is a prisoner in the British hands. The Lindley affair was more serious. The engagement was fought between a detachment, 120 strong, of the Commander-in-Chief's bodyguard attached to General C. Knox's column, and a much larger number of Boers, evidently from De Wet's force. The British losses were heavy—three officers and fifteen men killed; two officers and twenty men wounded.

CHESTER AND B.-P.'s POLICE. I LOCAL RECRUITING STATION. I The Yeomanry Offices, Chester, have been ap- pointed a recruiting station for Badon Powell's South African Constabulary. Applications, on being received, will be dealt with as early as possible. The men required are those who are likely to make efficient policemen and, on the com- pletion of their engagement, useful, self-support- ing colonists. Single men between 20 and 35 years of age, of good physique, sight and hearing, good shots and riders are preferable. Candidates who fail to pass the required test will be at liberty to proceed at their own expense to Aldershot, Edin- burgh or Cork, where they will receive a free training to enable them to qualify for service in the Constabulary.

THE ANNEXED COLONIES. I GOVERNORS APPOINTED. I The Queen has been pleased to approve of the I following appointuients:- Sir Alfred Milner, G.C.B., G.C.M.G. (Governor of the Cape of Good Hope), to be Governor of the Transvaal and of the Orange River Colony, in addition to the office of High Commissioner for South Africa, which he now holds. The Honourable Sir Walter Francis Hely- Hutchinson, G.C.M.G. (Governor of Natal), to be Governor of the Cape of Good Hope. Brevet Colonel Sir Henry Edward M'Callum, R.E., A.D.C., K.C.M.G. (Governor of New- foundland, to be Governor of Natal. Major Hamilton John Goold-Adams, C.B., C.M.G., (Resident Commissioner for the Bechuanaland Protectorate), to be Lieutenant Governor of the Orange River Colony.

RECRUIIING AT THE CAPE. j I ENEMY'S ACTIVITY. I RHODES ORGANISING A CORPS. I A correspondent at the Cape telegraphs that the local recruiting is somewhat hanging fire, owing to the want of adequate information regarding the conditions of service. It is stated, however, that at least six thousand men can easily be raised at short notice in case of emergency, provided proper guarantees are given by the Government. A total of one thousand had enlisted up to noon on Friday. The enemy in the Transvaal had been exceedingly active during the past week, making daily attacks on trains, convoys and isolated posts. In the majority of cases, however, they were repulsed. Some two hundred of the enemy have re-crossed the Orange River and are retiring northwards. The Russian commandant, Petrowsk Duplooy, was killed at Utrecht on Christmas Day. Lord Kitchener is calling for five thousand men to guard the Rand Mines. From Vancouver (British Columbia) it is announced that a cousin of Mr. Cecil Rhodes is organising a corps of one thousand mounted polico to join General Baden Powell's force.

I THE WELSH HOSPITAL. Viscountess Parker, president of the Ladies' Committee of the Welsh Hospital for South Africa, sent the report recently issued by the committee for submission to the Queen, and has received the following letter: Osborne, January 1, 1901. Dear Lady Parker,—I have laid before the Queen the report of the work done by the Welsh Hospital in South Africa, which you sent for submission to her Majesty. The Queen desires me to thank you and say how gratified she is to know of the admirable work done by the hospital. At the same time her Majesty grieves for the loss of the valuable lives among the staff in the fulfilment of their noble, Belt-sacrificing work.—Yours very truly, AETH.UR BI-QGE."

CHESHIRE IMPERIAL IEOMANHY. I NEWS FROM THE HON. R. GROSVENOR. 22ND COMPANY ALL WELL. By the courtesy of .Lady Ebury we are enabled to publish the following interesting extracts from letters which her ladyship has received from her son, Lieut. the Hon. R. Grosvenor. It will be re- membered that Lieut. Grosvenor was originally attached to the 21st Company of Imperial Yeo- manry, but on their arrival from U ping ton at Prieska at the end of November he was transferred to the 22nd Company on account of that com- pany's scarcity of officers. The extracts are as follow: Worcester, Dec. 15th. Since I last wrote you we have passed through many vicissitudes. We got a sudden order to leave Petriesville for De Aar having no idea what our destination was to be. To our astonishment and disgust we were ordered down here as they feared a rising. We were ordered to get here as quickly as possible. You will have seen that the people who are pursuing De Wet have had an awful time. I can assure you that we have had just the same kind of time, but it will not be put in the papers. This (Worcester) is a charming old place. it was originally built by one of the Somerset family, who was Governor of this Colony in 1816, and is very prettily situated, and some of the houses are delightfully old-fashioned and quaint. A great meeting of would-be rebels was, as no doubt you know, held here a few days ago. The country people were very much astonished when they were met by three batteries of ar- tillery, by Canadians, a lot of Australians and the Imperial Yeomanry. The meeting passed off quite quietly. I do not think they ever intended to fight. All their sons and brothers have been fighting, and these people do not want to fight a bit. What they like doing is talking, and they are exceedingly good at it. There is a strong rumour that De Wet has at length been captured, but we do not believe in it. Thank you very much for your most acceptable parcel. I was very nearly clotheless, and Capern was much pleased with his. He was in rags. We are to march to-morrow to a place called Wellington, and then I believe are to make a tour of the Colony. This is quite the prettiest part of Cape Colony, and I am looking forward to seeing it, as I do not suppose they will send us up again. Wellington Station, Dec. 18th. If you look at a map you will see that we are close to Capetown, but cherish no flattering hopes in your maternal heart, because this morning, at 5 a.m., a staff officer arrived in camp to tell us to be off this afternoon, and I am snatching a rest in the intervals of wrestling with the Cape Government Railway Company re trucks, horse- boxes, etc. Heaven knows where we are going, but there has been a bad defeat somewhere, and they are clamouring for mounted troops. This is a most charming place, and it will be rather hard going back into the desert again, where I ex- pect we shall soon be. The 21st Company have gone on in front of us to De Aar, where we are to join them, but as a matter of fact I do not much exdect to see them again all well. R. V. GROSVENOR. I

LORi) ROBERTS'S RETURN. I MESSAGE TO LONDON. I "HIS BRAVE COMRADES." Lord Roberts on Friday issued an address to the inhabitants of London expressing his hearts felt and sincere thanks for the generous reception accorded to him on Thursday, and which, he says, touched him more than he can des- cribe. He regarded the welcome not only as one tendered to him personally, but also as a testimony from the people of their appreciation of the valour and endurance of his brave comrades who had fought, and were still fighting, the battles of the Empire in South Africa. It was impossible for him to describe what he owes to them for their services. The only way he could ever hope to repay the debt was by devoting himself to furthering their interests. With this object in view, he strongly supported the recent appeal of the Princess of Waies on behalf of the Soldiers' and Sailors' Association.

FREEMASONRY.—A meeting of the Loyal Clarence Lodge of Freemasons was held on Thursday evening, the principal business being the installation of Bro. Edward Johnson, W.M. A bauquet was given at six o'clock, and a toast list was gone through, songs and solos being rendered at intervals to enliven the proceedings. It was stated that a. halanco of about R25 stood to the credit of the lodge. Among the visitors was Sir Horatio Lloyd, D.P.G.M. To MOTHERS.—Mrs. Window's Soothing Syrnp has been used over fifty years by millions of mothers for their children while teething with perfect aaocess. It will relievo the poor sufferer immediately. It ilil pleasant to taate: it produces naftirF.1 quiet sleep, by relieving the child from pair, and the little oherab wakes up "as bright M a button." Of aU Cfeemiflta, lB. lid. per bottle

I HUNTING. NORTH CHESHIRE. The fixture was Darnhall iiall on Saturday. A little law was given for late comers, Mr. Verdin having given a ball the previous night. It looked very like taking hounds home again, as the fog was very thick for some urns. Gosden, however, made a start by soon finding a fox, and we ran past the old church at Over, eventually losing "ur fox behind Wineford. We then drew the Dingles at Ashbrook, and went on into Wettenhall Wood. Here we pushed a good fox out on the Calveley side, starting at a slow pace for want of scent. Matters improved as we ran by Oulton Low. Leaving Philo Gorse on our right we hunted him past Page's Wood, then up to Tilstone. Our fox not caring to stop here we ran over the i'arporley and Nantwich road, the fox beiug marked to ground in some sand banks at Bunbury Locks. This was a nice hunt of about fifty minutes from the time of finding at Wettenhall. We then went to Calveley New Gorse, and finding a fox here we ran past the hall across the big pasture to Page's Wood; from here a stale line was carried into Philo. Our fox was seen here twice, but refused to leave. This was a very slow hunt, as after leaving Calveley there was not an atom of scent to push our fox. Hounds were then taken home. I am sorry to say we have not had the Master, Lord Enniskillen, out with us this week, as he has caught a rather severe cold, but by all accounts he is improving, and hopes to be in the saddle again in a few days. SOUTH CHESHIRE. I The meet for this pack on Friday was Burleydam. The fog rather tended to make hunting a little difficult. We found a fox in the long belt near the lodge in Combermere, but after we had hunted him a short distance he was lost on the Whitchurch-road. Another fox from the Long Wood ran through the Cocked Hat Cover, and crossing the Nantwich-road he held slowly on close to Hopetown Gorse. Here the fox turned to the right for Wilkesley, where nothing more could be made of him. A brace of foxes were found in Court's Gorse, and hounds got divided. Afterwards the hunt was carried into Combermere without any success. Hounds were then taken home. Among those who have taken part in the sport with these packs this week have been Lord Cbolmondeley, Mr. R. A Yerburgh, M.P., Capt. and Mrs. Higson, Mr. Massey, Mr. Birkett, Mr. and Mrs. Littledale, Mr. Walter Jones, Mr. Dewhurst, Mr. Frank and H. Tinsley, Colonel Walker, M.P., Mr. Hugh Lyle Smyth, Colonel Hamersley, Mr. James Tomkinson, M.P., Mr. Wilbraham, Mr. W. R. Court, Mr. Alfred Ashton, Mr. Arthur Knowles, Mr. Jameson, Mr. B. Jones, Capt. Baldwin, Mr. Charles Reynolds, Mr. Hornby, Mrs. Hornby, Mr. Lee Townshend, Mr. Walter Starkey, Mr. Verdin, Mr. Arthur Brockiehuist, Mr. and Mrs. Lonsdale, Miss Mortimer, Mrs. L'insley, Mr. and Mrs. Pilking- ton, Mrs. Hollius, Mr. Hornby Lewis, Mr. Stocks, M P., Mr. H. Brassey, Mr. E. Brassey, Mr. Blain, Mr. H. Hewitt, Mr. and Mrs. Jarmey, Mr. George Davies, &c. BLUB CAP. THE CHESHIRE BEAGLES. On Saturday these bounds met at Mr. Jefferson's, Peel Hall, Mouldsworth. Among those present were—Mr. Alfred Blain, Mr. Percy Roberts, Mr. and Mrs. N. Wyatt, Mr. T, G. Frost, Mr. A. G. Schwabe, Mr C. Caswall, Mr. T. Watson, Messrs. Cohen (2), Okell (2), Lewis, Frost, Gunton, etc. A hare was soon found upon Peel Had Farm, and passing to the left of Ashton village puss went on until close to the church, where she doubled back, and took us across Peel Hall, in the direction of Barrow Railway Station. She lay up upon a fallow, and when hounds put her up shewed unmistakable signs that the run had begun to tell upon her. She now took a fresh line, and, crossing the brook, hounds went straight on nearly to the Chester road between Tarvin and Stamford Bridge. Here she turned left-handed and ran up to Tarvin village, and from there to Barrowmore Hall, where she passed through the shrubberies close to the house, but we afterwards made very little more of her, and hounds were evpntually stopped to catch the train home again, after a nice run of over two hours and a half. LEVERNT. I

SIR W. W. WYNN'S HOUNDS I MEET ON Saturday, January 12, Macefen at 10.45 Monday, January 14, Brynypys at 10 45 Tuesday, January 15, Rednal at 10 30 Thursday, January 17, Broughton .at 10.45 j Saturday, January 19, Prees Heath at 10.30 I

ANOTHER POISONING CASE. REMARKABLE DISCLOSURES. I In a report to the North Derbyshire I Advertiser a remarkable case of poisoning has come to light. It occurred in Hadfield, Derby- shire. The details have been fully authenti- ¡ cated. Hawthorn Cottage, Brosscroft, Hadfield, is the residence of Mrs. H. Wyatt, a lady well-known and esteemed by all classes in the district. She is a busy woman, for in addition to home matters she directs with great success the chemical business of her late husband. Mrs. Wyatt said: "I enjoyed good health up to the time of my husband's illness, but con- tinaal nursing and anxiety wore me down. Then came the poisoning. I was suddenly seized with paralysis in both my hands, and I was utterly powerless, there being no use in them from the wrist, and the thumbs were drawn towards the palms of the hands. I had medical attention, and one of the doctors told me I was suffering from lead poisoning. I had been in the habit of drinking half a glass of water every morning from the fresh-water cistern that supplies my bath, and to this and my worn-down condition the doctor attributed my illness. I could not attend to business, and instead of being able to attend to my children they had to do everything for me. The doctor used to ask me to try to move my hands, to see if there was any change for the better, but I had no use in them, and they remained quite powerless." But you seem all right now," ventured the reporter. "Yes," replied 'Mrs. Wyatt, opening and shutting her hands quickly, and working her fingers. I suffered and was helpless for five months, when one day a pamphlet was thrown in at the door. Among other matters it described the case of a man who was paralysed on one side and had to be carried up and down stairs, and who was cured by the use of Dr. Williams' pink pills for pale people. I thought if they had cured him they might cure my hands, and I sent for a box. From the first box I felt better in health, and I persevered. When I had nearly finished the third box of Dr. Williams' pink pills the use came back in my lftft hand, and just a week after, on the Sunday night, the use returned to my right hand. I kept on with the pills until I had taken eight boxes altogether, when I left off, considering myself perfectly cured, and I have had no recurrence of the complaint. It is about three years ago, and since then I have only taken a pill occasionally when I have felt a little out of sorts. My doctors complimented me on my recovery. Mrg. Wyatt added, "We are never without the pills, and my family have benefited by the use of them. I have given lots away. I gave almost half-a-boxful to a friend from New Mills. She had rheumatism in her shoulder, and they have done her a great deal of good. Although they are not a purgative, these pills, owing to the remarkable property they possess of enriching and re-vitalibing the blood, can do more than any medicine we are acquainted with to expel poisons and poisonous humours from the system. In this case of Mrs. Wyatt's the disorder had taken the form of paralysis (a disease indicated by loss of sensa- tion or of the power of motion in any part or parts of the body), and Dr. Williams' pink pills for pale people have in numerous instances directly cured paralysis even in its worst form- locomotor ataxy. Other nervous diseases of less severity, such as St. Vitus' dance, epileptic fits, neuralgia, sciatica, and asthma have been even more frequently cured. They can be obtained wherever medicines are sold, or post free at two and ninepence a box from Dr. Williams' medicine company, Holborn Viaduct, London (six boxes, thirteen and ninepence). It is a safeguard against substitution to ask dis- tinctly for Dr. Williams', and see that name on the wrapper. Substitutes are absolutely use- less. The great reputation of the real pills proves their quality. Anaemia, eczema, rheuma- tism, and all the effects of impoverished or vitiated blood have been cured in the most won- derful way-always by the genuine pills, never by any substitute—owing to their property, already mentioned, of enriching the vital fluid and expelling all poison from the system.

I CHRISTMAS AND OTHElt WEATHER. I [BY J. ARKLE ] In the good old times there was a grand old glee, which may even be heard again as mixed voieos become fashionable. Here are the words: The wintry winds arc blowing, The wintry sils are snowing, Troll we the song through the dull night long While the genial a:e is ilowiag. Let rich and poor be here to share our Christmas cheer; The Squire's wide hall hath room for all; No cold distinction fear! What a picture of departed joys on which history may repeat itself! No cold distinction—and genial ale flowing with musical accompaniment to strong digestions and equally strong heads! And the conventional Christmases with snowing skies, have they, too, departed as final evidences of an ice age? Is this all an improvement; nay, are we ourselves the fittest or mere survivals of the fittest, to be killed off by substitutes, street or- gans and arsenical beer? At any rate, as far as the weather is concerned, let us borrow the language of Pilate and ask, "What is truth?" History, as far as can be gathered, shews that the Christmases of old were much as they are now. For there was always a Gulf Stream warming the air above these islands, just as there was always a cruel north and east wind, ready to pounce upon us and drive the warm gales back across the Atlantic. In the latter case the face of Nature blanched and grew white, in the other the desert rejoiced and blossomed as the rose. How these climatic changes come about we cannot tell, for the laws of condensation are complex and operate in regions aerial and vast. Explore these areas we cannot., except to do little more than ascend and descend a few thousand feet, and always at our peril. It may be considered the reverse of orthodox, from a scientific point of view, to form any definite opinions from weather obser- vations founded upon the past twelve or thirteen years, but it may be interesting. On Christmas Day, 1900, it was possible to make a Chester bouquet of tea-roses, stocks, wall-flowers, yellow jasmine, marigolds, primroses and ferns grown in the open air. Strawberries, raspberries, and even plums were gathered in the neighbour- hood, and new potatoes were reported from the Isle of Wight. What though the flowers were scentless, and little could be said of the fruit and vegetables as to quantity and quality! Very different was the weather of Christmas Day, 1899, with its showers of sleet and hail, and north-west winds. It happened on a Monday—an unlucky day, according to the superstitious, for the en- suing year. An old poem on the subject says: — If Christmas Day on Monday be Great winter that year shall ye see, And full of winds loud and shrill; But the summer, truly to tell, Shall be sterne with wind also, And full of tempest. In addition to these meteorological disasters a plague among cattle was due; and, indeed, the only redeeming feature about a Christmas Mon- day is that those who are born on it are bound to be "strong and keen." Snow fell on December 28th. The succeeding January, on the whole, was a cold month; but February fully bore out the prophetical lines. The Dee was frozen over on the 7th with 17 deg. of frost, and the river was skated upon on the 13th. My impression is that the summer of 1900 had more than the average share of wind, but this will be settled by the admirable tables of the Rev. J. Cairns Mitchell, B.D., F.R.A.S., which will be published in the report of the Chester Natural Science Society. Looking back at the Christmas Days from 1900 to that of 1888, there are only four exceptions to the chronicle of mild weather. Robins and thrushes sang in 1898, and violets blossomed in the open air in 1893. The four exceptions were—hard frost in 1897, snow in 1896, the Dee frozen over and skated on in 1892, and hard frost again in 1891. These observations, however, only refer to Cheshire—Chester especially—and they cannot be taken as describing Christmas weather in the rest of Great Britain. Snow frequently falls in counties farther south than Chester, and the climate of the western coast is warmer than that of the midlands or of our eastern shores. So the hydrangea will live through the winter in sheltered spots in Wales, the calceolaria occasionally sur- vives at Chester-and it is a matter of speculation whether the geranium has not done the same thing. The reason for all this is our exposure to the full influence, or nearly so, of the Gulf Stream. It. is commonly said that a green Christmas makes a full churchyard; in other words, that a mild Christmas like the present one is peculiarly unhealthy. It would be strange if this were so. The hard weather stops out-door work, cuts off supplies, attacks the poorly fed, the poorly clad and the weak and aged of all classes. The un- healthiest English weather begins after Christmas. "As the day lengthens the cold strengthens," says a wise old saw, and the reason is that whereas westerly winds prevail from June to December, easterly winds prevail from January to May. Those who take an interest in weather observations may have noticed a distinct break about the 20th of May. This is commonly known as the May storm. Since 1888 the disturbance has been chiefly one of strong gales accompanied by heavy rains and a marked fall in the temperature. The most prominent examples are the following —In 1890 the chestnut bloom was entirely spoilt by the 25rd, shewing that the previous weather had been ex- ceptionally mild; in 1891 the Welsh hills, including Moel Fammau, were covered with snow on the 16th; we had snow even in Chester, and people in the streets jocularly wished each other a happy Christmas; in 1894 we had frost at Chester on the 19th, and snow was reported from other counties, and even France; and in 1900 the 19th found itself once more in "the cold week," when "people had again to take to fires." But it is not always that winter lingers in the lap of May. The month was marked in 1889, in 1892, in 1895, and again in 1898 by thunderstorms, although they were comparatively light. But in 1899, on May 15th, two young farmers, it is sad to relate, were killed by lightning near Tatten- hall, as they were driving home. Another notori- ous weather disturbance usually occurs about the 13th of August, when high winds, or low tempera- tures, or heavy rains and sometimes thunderstorms give warning of the decadence of summer. Among the climatic curiosities of this uncertain month are the following:—On the 11th, 1892, the maxi- mum temperature was 61 deg. in the shade at Holyhead, whil,* on the same day, 1893, the highest shade reading in London was 83 deg. The difference in latitude and other small matters does not make a comparison impossible. It is interesting to observe that the path of thunder- storms in the Chester district is usually from south-east to north-west, and vice verso, On August 3rd, 1900, one of these passed over the city from the south-east, accompanied by high wind-by the way, quite in keeping with the prophetical lines. Just off Liverpool it was forced back by a fierce gale from the north-west, and the spectator on the line traversed had a double thunderstorm, but with drenching rain, together with the bight of such a battle between a couple of Nature's forces as does not always happen in a lifetime. And so the harmonious Plan goes on. and the weather changes, and changes, and changes. For humanity does not find happiness in monotony, but in change and sharp contrast. Chester, Dec. 25th, 1900.

FREE CHURCHES. I Preachers for next Sunday in the various I Free Church places of worship:— Congregational, Qneen-Rt-reot- • 10.4f, Rev. W. Evans 6 30, Rev. J. P. DaTies, M.A. Congregational, Upper NortM?»t.e-Htrp»* 10. Af, Rev. F. Barnes, B.A.; 6.30, Rev. A. W. Ward, •D A U,n. Congregational Welsh Chapel, Albion Park 10.45 and 6.0, Rev. Ivor Jones. Cougresratioual, Great Boughton 10.45 and 5.30, bupply. Congregational, Handhridge s 10.46, Rev. W. Jones 6.30, Rev. J. Travis. English Presbyterian. Oifcy-road • IO.3rt Rev. D. Treborth Jones 6.30, Rev. J. B. Jones. Presbyterian Cbnrchoi Engiauu, iSew^ate-0trR» 11.0, Rev. J. Cairns Mitchell, B.D., F.R.A.S.; 6.30, Rev. F. Barnes, B.A. Baptist, Grosvenor Park: 10.45 and 6.30, Bev. J. B. Morgan. Baptist, Milton-street 10.45 and 6.30, Supply. Baptist Mission Hall, Hoole 10.45 and 6.30. Welsh Baptist, Peuri Memorial: 10.30 and 6.0, Rev. J. Nicholas. Baptist, Hamilton-place 10.45 and 6.30. Wesleyan Methodist. St. Johii-stros-t 10.30, Rev. J. B. Jones 6.30, Rev. D. Wynne Evans. Wesleyan AIetiiodimt. City-road 10.30, Rev. A. A. W. Ward, B A.; 6.30, Rev. J. A. Cheeseman. Wesleyan Methodist, ciarden-iaue ii u and 6.30, Mr. Watson. Welsh Wesleyan, Queen-street: 10.30 and 6.0, Rev. J. Wesley Hughes. I Welsh Calvinistic Methodist, St. John-street. 10.30, Rev. J. Piyce Davies 6.0, Rev. D. Treborth Jones. Primitive Methodist. George-street: 10.45, Mr. W. H. Jones; 6.30, Rev. E. L. Perry. Primitive Methodist, Hunter-street: 10.45, Rev. J. Crompton 6.30, Rev. J. Cairns Mitchell, B.D. Primitive Methodist. Boughton 10.45, Mr. A. E. Goodman; 6.30, Mr. T. Woollam. Methodist New Connexion, Pepper-street; 10.45, Rev. E. L. Perry; 6.30, Rev. W. Jones. Church of Christ, Northgate-street: 10.45 and 6.30, Pastor M. A. Collins. Unitarian, Matthew Henry's: 11.0 and 6.3o, Rev. H. E. Haycock. Unsectarian Mission Church, Hoole: 6.30. Boatman's Mission Hall, Victoria-place: 6.30, Society of Friends, Frodsham-street: 11.0. Waverton Presbyterian 10.45 and 6.30, Jttev. D. Manuel, M.A.

WILL OF MR. JAMKS COTTLE.—Mr. James Cottle, of Burn Brae, Rock Ferry, and of James Cottle (Limited), of Liverpot 1, cafe proprietor, baker, and flour dealer, who died on the 11th of November, leaving peisonal estate of the nett value of £ 64,955 14s. lid., and the whole of whose estate is £ 133,786 10s. 8,1., appointed as his executrix and executors bis widow, Mrs. Sophia Cottle, his son, Charles James Cottle, John Kellett, and Thomas May Smith. Mr. Cottle bequeathed £100 to Dr. Barnardo's Homes, zElOO towards a Primitive Methodist Church, and he bequeathed to the secretary and lady secretary and the foreman of James Cottle (Limited) each 50 shares of X5 each in James Cottle (Limited). VALUABLE JJISCOVERY FOR THIC HAIB.-If your hair is turning grey or white or falling off use the MEXICAN HAIR RENKWKR, for it will positively restore, in every case, grey or white hair to its original colour. It makes the hair charmingly beautiful, as well aa promoting the growth. Price 3B. 6d. per bottle.

I TIDE TABLE. I HIGH WATER AT CHESTER MOM, AT. EVES. JANUARY. T. i". 1- teu.(.ur<laj 4 So j 13 8 4 5^ i:i 5 16 1,, a 5 4?, -.uL d Ly 14 Cd.,uUa.y ■ 6 19 ] it 6 £ ><• ¡ ¡[F:;E;f:j); ¡ I 1; I 1 > Vv CJiit.s^ay ij „ iy 17 lbur».lay y JS 13 ± io lri Friday lo Si j 14 11 u 0

WIIISKJ-.R STATE OF rii CHESTER INFIRMARY hlsuEi) SAJUEDAT I,AST. IN-PATIENTS. iii-patieuts are iui'inu«a on l uesctay mornings at Eleven o'clock. 10-PATIXNTB DISCEASttSD. | IN-PATIRSTS. Cared 1? Adnutt?i 17 ReUaved. 7 t HUMMS in the HouM BO Made Out-P&tMnta 0 UmreUeved. 021 DEAD ? House Visitors—Mrs. Hy. Barker and Mrs. A. Dixon. OUT-PATIENTS. Medical oases are seen on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday mornings at Eleven o'clock. Sorgieol cases ilro ueeu on lliuruatLy morumgg at Elev^. o'clock Ophthalmia oases are seen on Friday mornings at Elùv, o'clock. Dental cases are seen on i'uesUay aud Saturday moriuu at Ten o'clock. Out-Patienta adnlltou biikc oaLurduv lani 50

M A R K E T S. SALFORD CATTLE, TUESDAY.— At market: Cattle 2,831, very good,demaud sheep 7,864, brisk demand for all classes; calves 86, trade fairly good, prices being well maintained. Quotations Cattle, 5d. to 6d. sheep, 6d, to 9d. calves, 6d. to 8d. per lb. W KKXUAM. CATTLE. MONDAY.—Despite the severe wintry weather to-day there was a satis- factory supply of stock in the market, and a good business was done. There were a useful lot of heifers and bullocks sold, while dairy cows were also well represented, and these made up to £ 19 5s. each. Pigs maintained their high position, making fromSs. 6d. to 9s. 9d. per score lb. Beef realised from 6d. to 5J. per lb., And mutton 7d. to ad., LIVERPOOL CATTLE, MONDAY.—There was an increased supply of stock in market to-day. Demand for cattle slow but firm, prime quality making late rates; other descriptions rather lower. Sheep in demand at higher prices all round. Prices:-Beef, t-id. to 5d.; mutton, 8fd. to 6d. per lb. At market:—1,452 cattle and 3,8o3 sheep. LONDON CATTLE, MONDAY. Beast supply 850 more than last Monday, there being. a much larger number of butchering cows and bulls, and for these there was a good demand, but the excessive supply resulted in lower rates having to be accepted. For fat beasts trade ruled slower with a marked downward tendency in value top value primest Aberdeen 4s. 9d., exceptionally 4s. lOd. per 81b. Sheep supply chiefly Downs and half-breds; weather being unfavourable affected the attendance of buyers trade slower, and lower rates had to be accepted. Pig trade firm. Prices: Beasts, 2s. 6d. to 4s. 9d.; sheep, 3s. 2d. to 5s. 10d.; pigs, 2s. 10d. to 4s. 6d. per 81b. MANCHESTER HAS AND STRAW, MONDAY.— Hay, 4d. to 4 £ d. clover, 5d. to blt-d,; ditto, Lincoln, 7d. straw, wheat, 3d. to 3;td.; ditto, oat, 2id. to 3!d, per stone of 141b. BRADFORD WOOL, MONDAY.- Business on this wool exchange is still somewhat affected by the Con- tinental holidays. The chief feature in raw materials is some increased demand for fine cross- bred tops in consequence of the rilile in merinos; lower class crossbreds are going steadily, and there is perhaps a little more doing in bright English wools, but in both cases prices are un- affected. Piece trade dull. CUESHIRlt iJUTTiiK AND EGG, FRIDAY.— Moderate delivery of home dairy butter and new- laid eggs; latter much easier to buyer. Latest prices :—Stockport (Friday): Butter, Is. 3d. and ls. 4d. per lb.; eggs, 7 for is. Altrincham (Tues- day): Butter, Is. 4d. per lb.; eggs, 7 for is. Macclestield (Tuesday): Butter, Is. 2d. and Is. 3d. per lb.; eggs, 7 and 8 for Is. Crewe (Friday): Butter, lB. 3d. per lb. eggs, 9 for Is. Sandbach (Thursday) Butter, Is. 4d. per lb.; eggs, 8 and 9 for Is. Congleton: Butter, Is. 4d. per lb.; eggs, 8 for Is. Northwich: Butter, Is. 3d. per lb.; eggs, 8 and 9 for Is. Nantwich: Butter, Is. 3d. per lb.; eggs, 9 for Is. Knutsford Butter, Is. 4d. per lb.; eggs, 8 for Is. Runcorn Butter, Is. 4d. per lb.; eggs, 7 and 8 for Is. Chester Butter, lB. 3d. per lb. eggs, 9 for Is. CHESTER EGG AND POULTRY, SATURDAY.— Prices at this market were :—Butter, Is. 2d. and is. 3d. per lb.; eggs, 8 for Is.; chickens, 2s. 6d. to 3s. each; ducks. 3s. to 38. 6d. each geese, lOd. per lb, turkeys, lOd. and Is. per lb. pheasants, 5s. to 5s. 6d. a brace; partridges, 5s. a brace; hares, 4s. to 4s. 6d. each; rabbits, Is. to Is. 3d. each; pigeons, 8d. each. CHESTER CORN, SATURDAY. Wheat is in small supply, and any choice lots offering command a ready sale at prices which are the turn against buyers. Beans and oats are each firm at full values. Very little doing in barley. American maize rather lower, and, foreign wheat dearer on the week. Quotations:— NEW. OLD. S. 1). 8. D.! S. D. S. D. Wheat, whit. per 751b.; 50. 10). to 4 3' 0 0 to 0 0 Whe?t, red „ 7Mb.; ? 0—? 2J0 0 0 0 Mfdtia? BARLEY. „ 601B. J 0 0 0 O| 0 v u GRINDING DO. „ FTIIU.J 0 0 0 I: 0 c,, -o C oats 461 .1 3 -2 6> 3 6—3 9 Bea us BOLL.. 4 6 4 tit 5 3 0 0 ¡ Beans, EGYPTIAN 2401B ^2 T,-33 1; 0 0 -0 0 Indian Curü, ii40lu. 0 0-0 dill 3 -11 6

NESTON. I DEATH OF MR. J. BREEZE.—The death took place at Neston on Sunday, after a few days' illness, of Mr. John Breeze, who for several years was a signalman at Park gate Station, but had latturly been in the employment of Mr. A. G. Grenfeii, of Mostyn House. Deceased, who was only 32 years of age, was very popular with his fellow employes and the local public generally, and much sympathy is felt with his young widow, who was also well-known in the neighbourhood, and who is now left with two young children. The funeral took place at Neston Parish Church, on Wednesday after- noon, the Rev. Bowell, curate otNeston, con- ducting the service. The deceased had been employed for about 13 years on the railway, having acted as signalman at Hooton before coming to Parkgate, and Messrs. James Jones (foreman platelayer, Neston), Thomas Peacock (signalman, Heswall), Eli Banner (signalman, Hooton), and Samuel Worrall (signalman, Parkgate) acted as bearers. Among the relatives and others present were Mrs. Breeze (mother), Richard Breeze (brother), Mrs. Humphreys, Mrs. Pugh, Miss Bethell, Mrs. Bethell, and Mrs. Harris (sisters), Mr. Harris (brother-in- law), Mrs. and Miss Beck (Hoylake), Mrs. Jones, Mr. Glenton, Mr. Aldrad, J. Coy, T. Coyle, W. Maddock, junr., Amery, Thomas Woollam, E. Crimes, H. Vicars, W. Gleave, C. West, A. Hill, John Ithell, J. Birch, B. Lawrence, Mrs. Watson, &c. Wreaths were forwarded by Mrs. Breeze (widow), Mrs. Breeze (mother), Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin Bethell, Mr. and Mrs. W. Bethell, Mr. and Mrs. J. S. Harmood Banner, Miss Ball (Ashfield), Mr. and Mrs. John Birch and family, Sister Emilene, Nurse, Mr. Thomas Woolam, Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence, Mr. and Mrs. James Jones. A special wreath from the railway employes bore the inscription :—" Given by a few of his old fellow- workmen on the West Kirby line." VOLUNTEER PRIZE COMPETITION.— The annual New Year Shcoting Competition in connection with the Neston Company, 1st V.B. Cheshire Rifles, took place in the Drill Hall on Saturday, for prizes presented by the local gentry and tradesmen. The Morris Tube was used, and good scoring was witnessed. The following is a list of the prize winners:—Private J. Lewis, Private Metcalf, sen., Private P. Swift, Colour-Sergeant C. Swift, Private E. Grant, Private John Smith, Private T. Cottrell, Private J. Byrne, Private J. Mealor, Private T. Coventry, Private J. Mousley, Corporal John Jellicoe, Private W. Prosser, Private W. Abel, Private J. Tilley, Corporal Bennet, Private J. Johnson, Private W. Evans, Private O. W. Williams, Corporal T. Jellicoe. Private C. Duffy, Sergeant Pritchard. Corporal J. May, Private E. Jellicoe, Private R. Griffiths, Private S. Bartley, Private E. Kenny, Lance-Corporal Fowler, Private Jos. Smith, Private E. Grundy, Private W. Briscoe, Private W. Hughes, Lance-Corporal Minshull, Lance-Corporal C. Anyon, Sergeant W. M. Coventry, Sergeant Chrimes, Private W. Mealor, Private J. Birch, Private J. Edwards, Private H. Swift, Colour-Sergeant H. Jellicoe, Private T. Matthews, Sergeant J. Bartley, Private J. Coventry. Private E. Flood, Private H. Young, Private J. S. Williams, Lance.-Corpl. J. Fleming. Sergt. F. Birch, Private G. Griffiths, Private J. Bartley, Bugler C. Coventry, Private E. Parry, Private T. Maddox, Private W. weaver, private U. Meters, Jfrivate D. Metcalfe, Corporal M. Flood, Private R. Evans, Private R. Matthews, Private T. Evans, Private J. Anyon, Private F. Anyon, Private J. Campion. The donors of prizes included Mr. William Jones, Wirral Colliery Company, Limited, Messrs. Allsopp, Messrs. Walker and Sons, Birkenhead Brewery Company, Major Grundy, Mr. Charles Hope, l Captain Anderson, Dr. Yeoman, Mr. Delamore, Mr. W. Jackson, Mr. J. G. Lee, Messrs. Yates and Son, Mr. Goodwin, Mr. M. Flood, Mr. J. Kemp, Chester Northgate Brewery Company, Mr. Scruby, Mr. Joseph Johnson, Mr. T. J. Gleave. Mr. Porritt, Messrs. Oakes and Griffiths, Mr. W. A. Gray, Mr. T. W. Jones, Mr. Conway, Mr. T. Tickle, Mr. W. Pritchard, Mr. Gilbert, Mr. Wilde, Mr. Hutchinson, Mr. J. Fleming, Mr. Cosgrove. Mr. Joseph Gray, Mrs. Scott, Mr. Nixon, Mr. A. Fleming, the Rev. T. Sladen, Mr. Collis, Mr. Millman, Mrs. Acton. Mrs. Vickers, Mrs. C. Swift, Mr. W. Briscoe, Mr. J. Birch, Mr. J. Byrne, Mr. Jack- son, Mr. Tranter, Mr. T. Swift, Mr. Scarrett, Messrs. Trantoms, Limited, Tom Noddy, Mr. John Johnson, Captain Tyler, Colour-Sergeant 1 Swift, Misses Johnson, Mr. M. Pyke, Mr. H. Williams, Mrs. H. Swift, Mrs. Hancock. Mr. T. Cottrell. Mr. T. Molyneux, Mrs. Cassell, and Mrs. Youds.

E PPS'S COCOA. The most nutritious. JQPPS'S ^iOCOA. Grateful and comforting. |^PPS S COCOA. For breakfast and Bupper. "J^IPPS S "iOCOA. With natural flavour only. jgPPSb CÕëOA. From the finest brands. I r OLD STORY7'" OLD STORY t  t but the moral ? ? ?p-to <!ate AS ?ver. There are still aome N^ ? A « ??!k TXIE LMRE DID, AND go bragging about ¡f,O what th:>y could buy caah down if they chose to, but some- I HOW IT HAPPENS they are STILL WITHOUT ?o?-?ch '1? ?? &&$ £ &^ Y FSY'  rockets, uno THEY never KNOW where they are to half-an- I f '4; i' "?'?.T?th&'??dygoi?g TORTOISE sort of man has been T BEG' < j e ;L 7' uittl:y I:uttjng ??lu ave SLNUIN £ E a month towards the _???r? ?r?rTtT? ¿ "1.'xpreEs" Engih Lever, nd. besides purchasing tbe ? T ?chBueMt? i? has the use ofthe?w?h? and TROVES ? ?r???!??? WTB??S?? <'?-????S?? value EVER SINCE the first payment. THE PLAN IS to merely AI'W !•, < BEND 5S* AS A DEP<»SIT, AND J. G. Gmyes will torward ||1 /WV&F? J Y R <. THE EXPRESS W (REGISTERED) T 4 ENGLISH I IV *^3S ?' In massive Sterling ilver Cases, and fitted with Chronometer Balance, Impen-ious Dust and Damp-proof Cap. and tiie Latest 4 Improvements. If you are completely satisfied, yon complete the purchase   T FJPFTKV' WLR MONTHLY pyments of 5s. IF you ARE not J. R Graves' T YF satisfi?e i with the watch, send it back, and ANY ADDREJS II8ENT FREE T0 1 ''IS? Y0UR DEP0SIT IS INSTANTLY REPAID PFWEF WORKMEN'S TOTES', FRLXX °UTLERY AND | < ??!Z?-?'???? To make money In your spam time yon should apply for an agency. Write for terms and particulars. F V J. G. GRAYES, Dept. ?4 The Midland Direct Supply Warehouse, SHEFFIELD. T '?\??\ ? ? ? ? < ?——:————?——:——?:——:——<——?————?- < e- j;

I NEWS OF THE WORLD. I The British pilgrims in Rome were rk-ceived I by the Pope on Tuesday. The Duke of Norfolk read an address and the Pope spoke in reply. A terrible fire occurred at an orphan asylum at Rochester, New York State, on Tuesday morning, twenty-eight lives being lost. Signor Marconi, the wireless telegraphist, thinks it may be possible to send a message to Mars, but doubts whether there would be a reply. One officer of the Warwickshire Yeomanry who went out to South Africa spent no less than zCl,500 in organising and raising his company. The Weobley Guardians have refused a gift of pictures and books from Mr. W. T. Stead on patriotic grounds, although sent through Lady Henry Somerset. For practising palmistry at the waxworks exhibition in Islington Mary Louise Roy, 23, married, was fined ten guineas on Tuesday at Clerkenwell Police Court. I I The imports of Australian wines into the United Kingdom for the twelve months ending December 31st were 823,503 gallons, against 744.495 gallons in the corresponding period of 1899. At the annual dinner of the Edinburgh Merchant Company on Tuesday, Mr. John McMillan, chairman and Master of the Company, died immediately after concluding a speech pro- posing the health of the Queen. The Press Association has reason to believe that the meeting of Parliament will be later than usual this year. February 14 has been mentioned, but the actual date will probably be even later-namely, Tuesday, February 19. A man named John Garnett was charged at Manchester on Wednesday with the theft of a sixpenny magazine from the Newton Heath Free Library, and was committed to gaol for 14 days. Lady Curzon of Kedleston has invented a new form of entertainment. She invites her guests to an "elephant party," which means that the guests all ride, one couple on each elephant to a rendezvous where tiffin is pro- vided. Bressi, the assassin of the King of Italy, is watched night and day by a warder, and kept in the closest solitude. Twice a day he takes I exercise, but he is not seen by any of the I other convicts in the great prison, and does not see them. A presentment in favour of the lash for garotters was made by the grand jury at the Central Criminal Court on Tuesday. In several cases which came before him subse- quently the Recorder ordered the prisoners to be flogged. At the Suffolk Quarter Sessions on Tuesday, William Benjamin Buxton, surveyor of the Bumstead Rural District Council, was sentenced to six months' hard labour for making false entries in cash beoks with the object of defraud- ing the council. The defalcations amounted to about £ 100. The death is announced at Oxford of Mr. George Cozens, of Edgware-road, from injuries received by a fall from his horse on Stad- h amp ton Common when returning from a meet of the South Oxfordshire Hounds. The accident occurred a month since, and Mr. Cozens had been in a semi-conscious condition ever since. According to a French newspaper correspon- dent, the trials of the submarine boat Morse at Cherbourg have proved highly successful. The vessel is said to have remained for a considerable time at a depth of 20ft. under water, and it is claimed that satisfactory results were obtained from the periscope, by which the navigation of the craft is directed. On Wednesday, at Blackburn Bankruptcy Court, Robert Blazeby, who belongs to Northampton, and who last year was in partner- ship with Charles Beck, his son-in-law, appeared for his adjourned examination. His bank- ruptcy, he says, is due to Beck having absconded to Australia with nearly £ 400 of the firm's money, and he informed the Court that he was literally starving, and could not get work. Mr. George Chamberlain died on Tuesday at the age of 75 at Southport. He was one of the best-known figures in financial circles in Lan- cashire, and was a member of the Liverpool Stock Exchange and the chairman of many public companies. He was chiefly responsible for the extension to Soutbport of the Cheshire Lines Railway, which is to be sold to the Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway Company. Another rifle club has been formed in Surrey, this being at Shere, where Mr. R. M. Bray, Q.C., Recorder of Guildford, has offered a rifle range in a chalk pit on his property. There are now eleven or twelve such clubs in the county, with an aggregate membership of several hundreds. Dr. Conan Doyle states that the club which he has formed at Under- shaw, Hindhead, is a great success, and he hopes soon to have a hundred good riflemen. The Paris Gaulois states that Queen Victoria's lease of the Royal wing of th9 Excelsior Regina Hotel at Cimiez for the months of March and April contains the proviso that her Majesty may arrive, if she desires, before the beginning of March or prolong her stay after the end of April. These stipulations are thought at Nice, the Gaulois" adds, to indicate that her Majesty may make a longer sojourn in France than usual. The annual conference of the Assistant Masters' Association was held on Tuesday at Christ's Hospital. Resolutions were passed declaring that no scheme for the organisation of secondary education can be satisfactory in which provision is not made for obtaining and considering the views of assistant masters, also that the interests of secondary education require that the recommendation of the Bryce Commission relative to the non-employment of unregistered teachers in secondary schools should be made law.

I WREXHAM. I SCHOOL-BOARD ELECTION.—On Tuesday voting took place at Wrexham for the election of seven members to form the School Board. Snow fell nearly all day, and interfered con- siderably with the voting. Much interest was, however, taken in the contest, it being many years since there had been such an election. The result was declared as follows:—Hugh Evans (Labour), 2,672; J. Whittingham (Church), 2,062; Rev. Bickerton Jones (Roman Catholic), 1,417; Ll. Hugh Jones (Church), 1,415; Rev. R. J. Hopkins (Church), 1.374; John Francis (Nonconformist), 1,147; R. Sauvage (Nonconformist), 1,101; Wm. Thomas (Nonconformist), 1,081. The poll was a very heavy one.

I GUILDEN SUTTON. CHRISTMAS TREE.—The Christmas treat to the children attending the Guilden Sutton Schools took place on Friday evening under the superintendence of the Vicar. The bead- teachers (Mr. and Mrs. Healey), Mr. and Mrs. Cathcart Smith, Mrs. Cooper, Miss Rowley, and others also gave valuable assistance in enter- taining the children. Span after assembling the children were given buns and tea, after which a quantity of apples and oranges, kindly supplied by Mr. Cathcart Smith and Mr. Charles Millington, was distributed, as also a quantity of sweets and nuts. Some time was spent in a variety of games, at which the youngsters thoroughly enjoyed themselves until the time arrived for lighting up the Christmas trees. It was found necessary to provide a couple of trees this year to hold all the beautiful presents and toys, owing to the increased number of children attending the school during the past twelve- months. The distribution of the presents, which were both useful and ornamental, was the occasion of much excitement among the young folks, who all received something. Afterwards the Vicar (the Rev. W. Rowley) presented medals for regular attendance to four children who had not missed a single attendance during the past year. The happy recipients were Elizabeth Manley, Wynne Manley, Frank Dutton, and John Large. In addressing the parents, of whom a good number were present, the Vicar remarked on the greatly improved attendance, and hoped that a still further advance would be made in the coming year. An enjoyable evening was brought to a close by the singing of an evening hymn and by the children again receiving an orange each as they left the schoolroom.

THORNTON-LE-MOORS. SCHOOL FESTIVAL.—The scholars of the Sunday and day school, numbering about 70 boys and girls (bc-y3 preponderating), were entertained in the Paiish Room on Friday. A plentiful tea was provided at four o'clock by Miss Perryn, of Trafford Hall, and Mrs- Prichard, of the Rectory, and a number of willing helpers attended to a somewhat excited throng of guests. Aft,er tea, Mrs. Park-Yates, of Ince liall, who is always interested in the schools, and contributes materially to the funds of the day school, most kindly brought a num- ber of beautiful presents, a selection of which was judicious }y assigned to each scholar, according to age, sex, and taste, with an appro- priate word of encouragement. Knives, toys, sweets, dolls, crackers, trumpets and other in- struments of music delighted the young people, and the quality of their gifts was speedily tested, the fun and noise becoming somewhat overpowering. A hearty vote of thanks to the ladies who had provided the feast, and made everyone comfortable, concluded the pro- ceedings.

KELSALL. I DEATH OF DR. J. W. ALDRED.—Dr. John White Aidred, late of Owens College, Manchester, who was for some time in charge of the hospital at Kroonstad, and who had been suffering trom enteric fever, died on New Year's Day at Kroon- stad. Dr. Aldred was a son of Mr. B. Aldred. formerly of Hawthorne Bank, Altrincham, and now of Kelsall, near Chester, an agent of the sanitary department of the Manchester Corpora- tion. He was educated at the Altrincham Gram- mar School and at Brooklands School, Sale, and subsequently became a student at Owens College. He received his surgical training at the Man- chester Royal Infirmary, and had the good fortune to be associated with the late Dr. Leech and Dr. Tom Jones. By both these eminent surgeons he was held in very high esteem, and they prophesied for him a distinguished career. He took the de- grees of Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery at Victoria University in 1899, and for some months was engaged as locum tenens in Warrington. His first regular appointment was as house surgeon at the Barrow-in-Furness Infir- mary, where, although not more than 24 years of age, he won a high reputation as a thoroughly energetic and capable head. On the outbreak of the war in South Africa he offered his services to the Army authorities, and they were accepted. He left England for Capetown early last year, and on arrival at the seat of war he was placed in charge of the hospital at Kroonstad. Some days ago it was known in Altrincham that he was seriously ill, and the greatest sympathy was mani- fested with the members of the family. His early death is much lamented in Altrincham by many friends, who anticipated for him a successful career.

HELSBY. RATEPAYERS' MEETING.—A meeting of ratepayers was held in the National Schoolroom on Monday evening, to decide whether the Parish Council should make application to the Local Government Board for the loan of E900 to purchase and lay out land as a burial ground. Mr. James Taylor presided over a moderate attendance. After explaining the object of the meeting, the Chairman proposed the following resolution, which was seconded, and carried unanimously :— That this meeting of the rate- payers of Helsby hereby confirm the proposed application of the Parish Council to borrow a sum not exceeding £ 900 for the purchase and laying out of a burial ground." It was ex- plained that the X900 was made up as follows: Cost of ground, £325; surveyor's estimate for work required, E479 5s. Id.; law charges, sur- veyor's charges, and compensation to tenant and contingencies, £ 95 14s. lid. PARISH COUNCIL.—A meeting of the Parish Council was held in the National School- room on Monday evening, Mr. Jas. Taylor pre- siding.—Mr. Collins in a letter regretting inability to attend through illness, stated that the footpath to Wooahouses had been repaired, and be recommended that the Frodsham Lord- ship be urged to repair the portion, in their parish which was in a very bad state. He also suggested that a railing should be fixed on the short path leading from the church fields into the Rake-lane, which in its present state was very dangerous to pedestrians, particularly in the dark.—The Clerk read a letter from the Clerk to the Lordship Council, in which he stated that as yet there had been no meeting of their Sanitary Committee, but the matter of footpath should be brought b.f? them at the first opportunity. The Clerk (Mr. Britland) was instructed to again write, and point out that one portion of the path had been repaired and request them to attend to theirs, which was in a very bad state, at once. The question of the other footpath, which Mr. Collier drew attention to, was then discussed, and it was decided that the clerk should ask Mr. Helsby, the local blacksmith, for an estimate for supplying and fixing an iron railing to the same. PAROCHIAL MEETING.—A meeting of the Parochial Committee was held in the National Schoolroom on Monday, the follow- ing members being present :—Messrs. James Taylor (chairman), James White, W. E. Davies, W. Musgrove, W. B. Barlow, W. Griffiths, W. Davies, the Clerk (Mr. G. Ashton), and the Nuisance Inspector (Mr. Farrington). The Clerk read the following letter from the Medical Officer of Health (Dr. J. Adams), dated January 3rd I have to report that in accordance with your instructions I have examined premises in Helsby occupied by Jos. Jones, and owned by Mrs. Rodgers, near Collier's-square in Helsby, and I do hereby certify that the three pigstyes abutting on the adjoining house of Jos. Jones and drained upon the public road constitute, in my opinion, a nuisance dangerous to health and require abatement."—The Nuisance Inspector said he had seen Mr. Jones in regard to same, and he had promised to do away with them.—This the committee considered satisfactory.—The Nuis- ance Inspector also reported that he bad received a letter from Mr. Thornely complaining that rubbish had again been deposited in the Rake-lane in spite of the fact that a notice board had been put up warning persons not to do so. He (the inspector) had made enquiries and found that the party who had thus treated the warning with contempt was Mr. E. Pritchard, and he recommended that the committee take the necessary steps against the person in question.—It was decided to instruct the inspector to take proceedings against the party at fault. AMATEUR THEATRICAL PERFORM- ANCE.—The National Schoolroom was well tilled on Friday evening, when an amateur theatrical performance was given by a number of local ladies and gentlemen in aid of the school funds. In the first part of the programme an amusing farce entitled Popping the Question was given, in which the characters were impersonated as follows:—Mr. Primrose, Mr. Napier Nunn; Henry Thornton, Mr. A. J. McKee; Ellen Murray, Mrs. Jas. Taylor; Miss Biffin, Mrs. H. Smith; Miss Wmterblossom, Miss Thornely. The part of the methodical old bachelor, whose amusing blunders in his love making affairs created considerable merriment, was capitally pourtrayed by Mr. Nunn. Miss Thornely and Mrs. H. Smith gave an admirable interpreta- tion ot the jealous old maids, and Mrs. Higgin was decidedly good as Bobbin, while the roles of Ellen Murray and Henry Thornton were ably sustained by Mrs. Jas. Taylor and Mr. A. J. McKee respectively. "White- bait at Greenwich was the title of the succeeding piece, in which the cast was as follows:—Mr. Benjamin Buzzard, Mr. E. A. Jermyn Mr. Glimmer, Mr. H. W. Guest; John Small, Mr. F. Thornely Miss Lucretia Buzzard, Mrs. Whalley; Sally, Mrs. Brotherton. In this piece much amusement was caused by the matrimonial adventures of the Buzzard family, the membeis of which were admirdbly impersonated by Mrs. lvballey and Mr. E. A. Jermyn. Mr. Thornely gave a capital pour- trayal of John Small, whose remedy for tooth- ache and delusions as to his lost father created roars of laughter. Mrs. Brotherton was excel- lent as Sally, while Mr. H. W. Guest acquitted himself very creditably as Mr. Glimmer. Selections of music were well rendered by an orchestra of ladies and gentlemen at the opening and during the interval. The staging I ot the pieces, effects, dresses, and arrangements I generally were excellent. The programme was repeated on Saturday with equal success. It is expected that a very fair amount will be handed over to the school funds. •

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