Cheshire Observer

CHESTER STEAM LAUNDRY. VICTORIA ROAD (CliOSB BT THE NORTHGAT* STATION). AU the arrangements are GI tke moat approved I modern system for Washing, Ironing, Drying, Packing, &o., and the management most effioient. W. H. LIPSHAM, Secretary & General Manager (Chester Steam Laundry Co., Ltd.). Iiir Inspection is specially invited on any day excepting Mondays and Saturdays. TELEPHONE 68. EVANS & CO., WINE & SPIRIT MERCHANTS, THE EASTGATE, CHESTER. WINES & SPIRITS OF FINEST QUALITY. FINDLATER'S NOURISHING STOUT. HEINEKEN'S LAGER BEER. BASS' PALE ALE. PRICE LIST ON APPLICATION.

CHESHIRE I COUNTY COUNCILLOR RESIGNS. I VACANCY IN WIRRAL. I Mr. Colling wood Hope, who represents the II Neston District on the Cheshire County Council, has resigned his seat.

NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL I UNION. The adjourned general meeting of the National Agricultural Union was held on Wednesday at Anderton's Hotel, the president, Mr. R. A. Yer- burgh, M.P., in the chair.—Mr. Yerburgh, in moving the first resolution for the re-construction of the union, explained that since the last meeting the General Purposes Committee had decided to some extent to extend the objects of the new society so that it might include almost every mat- ter connected with the farming industry, and he hoped the members present would adopt the rules which had been for some years in use by two other important agricultural societies so as to save valuable time and enable the new society to com- mence work as soon as possible. As a proof of the support already given, and likely to be given, to the new society, £ 150 in annual subscriptions had already been received for the current year-After a short dis- cussion resolutions were passed to the effect that the National Agricultural Union be dissolved on March 1, and that it be immediately re-constituted under the name of the National Agricultural Or- ganisation Society under the Industrial and Provident Societies' Acts; that the first committee of the new society should consist of Mr. R. A. Yerburgh, M.P., chairman, Mr. Lawrence Hardy, M.P., Mr. D'Arcy Wyvill, Mr. R. Orlebar, Col. Fry, Mr. Nowell Harvey, Mr. E. Lord, Mr. R. Vigars and Mr. St. John Phillips, with power to add to their number.—On the motion of Mr. Nowell Harvey, seconded by Colonel Goodall, it was decided "That the objects of the new society shall be to carry on the industries, trades or busi- nesses of accountants, publishers and commercial and agricultural advisers and agents, with a view to secure the co-operation of all connected with the land, whether as owners, occupiers or labourers, and to promote the formation of agricultural co- operative societies for the purchase of requisites, for the sale of produce, for agricultural credit banking, and insurance, and for all other forms of co-operation for the benefit of agriculturists."

WHIST. CHRIST CHURCH INSTITUTE v. ST. JOHN'S MEN'S RECREATION CLUB. The first match of the season between these clubs was played at Christ Church Club, Victoria-road, on Thursday evening, and re- sulted in a win for Christ Church by 36. Details:- CHRIST CHURCH. ST. JOHN'S. E. Dutton ? Reg. Oliver "1 ^„ J. Bidley. 5 ? T. Argyle j E. Owen. 7 ? C. Evans 5 J. Lloyd j A. Weston J. Shaw 7 91 E. Hignett } W. Foster ? J. Newns .5 A. Bonner 7 9, F. Weston ") c W. Dowson j ? J. R. Hignett C. Carm&n. )ni J. Price  J. W&nseU .j A. Whelhams ?' J. Egerton q S. Cheers 121 J. Foster — ) W. E. Hignett f -G. Thomas 7 A. Jones   A. Archer 3 H.MitcheU 3 18 135 99

BILLIARDS. I OLD ST. MARY'S v. ST. PAUL'S. ST. MARY'S. ST. PAUL'8. Mr. C. Stewart 150 Mr. Thomason 146 Mr. McIndoe 150 Mr. Tushingham 140 Mr. E. Webater. 150 Mr. Harrison 142 Mr. H. Edge 123 Mr. Campbell. 150 Mr. J. Potts 114 Mr. Brinkler 150 Mr. B. Brownson 150 Mr. Smith 84 Total. 837 Total 812 Majority for Old St. Mary's, 25. CHESTER AND COUNTIES LIBERAL CLUB v. RUNCORN LIBERAL CLUB. Played at Chester on Wednesday. Score :— CHESTER. RUNCORN. P. Williams 87 H. Wright 100 W. Warmsley, 100 W. B. Brimelow 85 C. Stewart .100 R. Owen 37 H. Davies. 100 W. Page 33 G. Crawford 100 J. Elliott 92 B. Griffith. 83 J. Green 100 J. Walsh 99 Chadwick. 100 J. Morgan 100 J. Cragg 53 J. Lunn. 100 R. Moore 66 T. Turner. 100 J. Arden 47 W. Nixon. 100 J. O. Williams 81 H. Thomas 100- E. Carter. 72 1169 866 1169 866 Win for Chester by 303 points. DODLESTON v. PULFORD. On Saturday evening the members of the Pulford Billiard team journeyed to Dodleston to play the return match with the latter team. As on the previous occasion the game resulted in a win for Dodleston, but this time with an increased majority. Mr. Bebbington was the only Pulford player to win his game. The scores were as follows :— DODLESTON. PULFORD. J. Hughes 101 E. Roberts 87 J. Evans 86 L. Bebbington 100 8. Evana. 100 J. Baylis 57 1 J. Lawrenee. 102 T. Pate. 65 H. Lloyd 101 E. Davies. 57 G, Milton 101 D. Davies 81 591 4471 Majority for Dodleston, 144.

PUBLICANS CONVICTED AT NANTWICH.—At Nantwich on Monday, John Mallalieu, landlord of the Talbot Hotel, was fined C5 and costs for permitting tip it" playing. Constable Bates, professing to be an invalided soldier, engaged in play with a number of customers, the winnings being spent in purchasing beer. The officer admitted having represented that he was at the siege of Mafeking, and that he wanted to get into the confidences of the people. Mr. Williams, defending solicitor, severely criticised the manner in which the cases had been got up. George Henderson, landlord of the Black Horse, was fined 95 and costs for permitting domino playing.

TABLEAUX AND CONCERT AT WYNNSTAY. (BY A SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT.] 1 BRILLIANT SPECTACLE. I On Wednesday, by the kind consent of Sir Watkin Williams Wynn, and under his immediate supervision, a highly successful series of tableaux vivants and a concert were given at Wynnstay in aid of the Wrexham Infirmary. Sir Watkin, with his usual generosity, had entirely given up his I house for the occasion, and no thought or trouble had been spared by him and those who assisted him to ensure that complete success which un- doubtedly crowned their efforts. The perfor- mance took place in the large hall, across one end of which had been erected a gallery, which in- creased the accommodation to about 400 places; and so great an interest was taken by the neigh- bourhood in the proceedings that in a short time after the doors were opened not a vacant seat was to be found. At the upper end of the hall was placed a small stage, the scenery of which had been specially designed and painted by Mr. F. Walmsley Price, and needless to say it reflected the greatest credit on the artist, who succeeded admirably by a judicious employment of colour and design in shewing off the groups to the best possible advantage. As is usual in Amateur per- formances, the intervals between the tableaux were somewhat lengthy, but this was the oppor- T. tunity for the Euterpeari Urchestra trom Liver- pool, who played an appropriate selection of music, which contributed greatly to the enjoy- ment of an appreciative audience. A word must be said in praise of the limelight, which was most skilfully managed. The programme was as fol- lows: TABLEAUX. I "Where are you going to my Pretty Maid," Miss Williams Wvrin, Colonel A. Sandbach. "The Rivals," scene 1, the Lady Magdalen Williams Bulkeley, the Hon. A. Hill Trevor, Mr. F. Inigo Thomas; "Over the Garden Wall," scene 2, the Lady Susan Byng, the Hon. Lilian Douglas Pennant, Mr. C. Williams. "The Elope- ment," scenel, the Lady Magdalen Williams Bul- Kelev, Mr. F. Inigo Thomas, the Hon. Lilian Douglas Pennant, Miss Campbell, Col. the Hon. R. Stapleton Cotton, Mr. F. W. Hayes, Sir Philip Grey Egerton, Bart. "The Reconciliation," scene 2. "Jenny Jones," Miss H. Williams Wynn, Miss J. Parry, Miss Katie Jones. "Summer," Miss Pauline Stapleton Cotton, the Hon. Lilian Douglas Pennant, the Hon. Winifred Douglas Pennant. "Autumn," Miss Campbell, the Hon. Mrs. L. Brodrick, Miss G. Leche, Miss Pauline Stapleton Cotton, the Hon. Winifred Douglas Pennant. "Hunt Supper," Mr. F. Inigo Thomas, Sir P. Grey Egerton, Bart., Colonel the Hon. R. Staple- ton Cotton, Sir Watkin Williams Wynn, Bart., Mr. C. Williams, Mr. F. Hayes, Colonel Sand- bach. "The Century," Mr. J. A. Williams, Miss Phyllis Hayes. "The Queen of Hearts," Mrs. F. Hayes; Queen of Spades, Lady M. Bulkeley; of Diamonds, Miss Campbell; of Clubs, the Hon. Mrs. L. Brodrick. "King of Hearts," Sir Watkin Williams Wynn, Bart. King of Spades, Colonel A. E. Sandbach; of Diamonds, Mr. F. Inigo Thomas; of Clubs, the Hon. R. Stapleton Cotton. "Knave of Hearts," Mr. Cottrell Dormer; Knave of Spades, Mr. H. Barnston; of Dia- monds, the Hon. A. Hill Trevor; of Clubs, Sir P. Grey Egerton, Bart.; The Ace, Master Williams Wynn; Ace of Spades, Master C. Hope; House- keeper, Lady Susan Byng; Cellarman, Mr. F. W. Hayes; Ace of Diamonds, Miss P. Hayes; of Clubs. Miss M. Dunn. CONCERT. I Songs, afternoon: (a) "Still wie die nacht (Bohm), (b) "Absent yet present" (M. V. White); evening: "There's a land (Alletsen, Miss Katie Jones. Violin solo, Miss Amethe Leadbetter. Songs, afternoon: (a) "The Rose," (b) "The River and the Sea" (Noel Johnson); evening: "Echo" (Lord Henry Somerset), Mr. Seth Hughes. Harp solo, afternoon: Danse de Sylphes (Godefroid); evening: (a) The Black- bird," (b), Bells of Aberdovey," Miss J. Parry, Teleynores Lleifiad. Duet" 'Tis nae my bonnie Jean" (M. V. White), Miss Katie Jones and Mr. Seth Hughes; song (comic). Sir Philip Grey- Egerton, Bart. God Save the Queen." Miss Williams Wynn scored an immense suc- cess in three scenes of "Where are you going to, my pretty maid?" and looked quite charming in a large straw bonnet, after the fashion of one worn by Cheshire dairymaids in olden days. She shewed distinct histrionic capabilities in the scene "Nobody asked you, sir, she said. "The Rivals" and "The Elopement were among the master- pieces of the day,, especially the first scene of the latter. The whole effect of colour and grouping was extremely tasteful and attractive. In Jenny Jones" Miss J. Parry played delightfully on the harp, and accompanied Miss Katie Jones, who sang the national air. It was a great pleasure to hear them again in the concert which followed the tableaux. Miss Jones posses a very fine contralto voice. "Summer" and "Autumn" were most effective. Miss Campbell looked ex- tremely handsome in the latter, dressed in a purple robe with a wreath of golden leaves in her hair. receiving a cornucopia filled with fruit from the Hon. Mrs. L. Brodrick, dressed in blue. Where all looked well, Miss G. Leche may be said to have looked especially handsome in this group. The "Hunt Supper" met with great ap- plause. The hunters, who were dressed in early XIX century costume, sang "For he's a jolly good fellow" with much vigour. Mr. J. A. Williams impersonated the past century, yielding up the hour-glass of time to the demure "New Century," Miss Phyllis Hayes. The "Queen of Hearts" was a series of very prettily-arranged scenes, in some cases with action, after Randolph Caldecott's drawings. The four Queens, Mrs. F. Hayes, Lady M. Bulkeley, Miss Campbell, the Hon. Mrs. L. Brodrick-all appeared to great advantage, and among the minor characters, Lady Susan Byng, as "Housekeeper," and Mr. F. W. Hayes, as "Cellerman," were noticeably good. The tableaux were succeeded by a concert, and in addition to the performers already mentioned Mr. Seth Hughes contributed two songs in ex- cellent style, while to Sir Philip Grey-Egerton was reserved the triumph of earning an encore for "Mrs. 'Enery 'Awkins," sung after Chevalier in coster costume. The tableaux and concert were repeated in the evening before an enthu- siastic audience. Among those present may be mentioned Mrs. Williams Wynn,, Lady Mostyn, Lord Kenyon, Mrs. Leche, General the Hon. Savage and Mrs. Mostyn, the Hon. Mrs. R. Stapleton Cotton, Mr. and Mrs. Ormerod, the Hon. Mrs. Cecil Parker, Major and Mrs. Dunn, Captain and Mrs. Fenwick, Captain and Mrs. Wallace, Mr. and Mrs. Brounlow Tower and the Misses Tower, the Hon. Alexander and Mrs. Parker, the Hon. Mrs. Tighe, Mr. Philip Yorke, the Hon. Mrs. Ellis Roberts, Captain and Mrs. Griffith Boscawen, Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Ash- v.orth, Mrs. Henry Howard and Miss Howard, Mrs. Wilford Lloyd, Major and Mrs. Kearsley, Mrs. Hornby Lewis, Mrs. and the Misses Sand- bach, the Hon. Mrs. Trelawny and the Misses Trelawny, Mr. and the Misses Peel, of Bryn-y- pys, and Mrs. and Miss Barnston.

AUCTION SALES. PROPERTY AT WREXHAM. On Monday Messrs. Frank Lloyd and Sons con- ducted a property sale at the Wynnstay Arms Hotel, Wrex h ?rat y sale at the Wynj u t? y Arm. Hotel, Wrexham, when successful business re- suited. Lot 1 comprised the building known as the British School. The site contained 1,089 yards. Bidding started at L800, and at Ll,250 the auctioneer (Mr. Capper) declared it an open sale. Interest in the issue was aroused, and the property was ultimately knocked down at £1,460 to Mr. W. Wynn-Evans, solicitor. Lots 2, 3 and 4 consisted of a blacksmith's shop, six cottages and another shop, situate on the opposite side of the street to Lot 1. These were offered alto- gether, and were started at 28W. When £ 1,100 was reached the property was declared to be in the market, and it finally fell to the bid of;61,200 from Messrs. G. Bate and Son, brewers. Mr. Thos. Bury, Wrexham, acted as solicitor in both cases.

SIR ALFRED MILNER AND HIS CRITICS.—Sir Alfred Milner, writing to a Huddersfield gentleman, who had sent him a report of a meeting held at the Liberal Club in that town, to discuss the South African settlement, says if he were to attempt to deny all the lies or correct all the misrepresentations of which he is the object he would have practically no time to do anything else. Against attacks which were not bona fide-as most of those against him were not-it was useless to contend by bona fide explanations. It was better to neglect them, and to leave to time and the ultimate good sense of Englishmen to put things right in the end. CARBOLIC ACID SCHEDULED. The Privy Council have issued an order approving a resolution passed by the Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain that liquid preparations of carbolic acid and its homo- logues containing more than 3 per cent. of those substances should, except in certain cases con- nected with agriculture and horticulture, be deemed poisons within the meaning of the Pharmacy Act. It is understood that this action has been taken in consequence of the large and ever-increasing number of cases of suicide by taking carbolic acid, and. of the repeated recommendations of coroners and juries, nowhere probably with greater per- sistency than in our own county. Stark's Great Remnant Sale, for one day only, I Saturday next, January 26.—Stark, 93 and 95, Foregate-street, Chester.

CHESTER TEMPERANCE I SOCIETY. ANNUAL MEETING. TT" On Tuesday evening, in the Temperance xiaii, the annual business meeting of the Chester Christian Temperance Society was held. Mr. John Gibson presided. There was a good attend- ance. Among those present were Pastors M. A. Collins, B.A., and R. Dobson, Messrs. W. Vernon, B. Adams, G. F. Adams, J. Storrar, A. Storrar, Partington, Richardson, Brooker, Woollam, Mason, Bennion, E. Thomas, Weaving, Hawkins, T. S. Bowles, and W. T. Williams.— On the motion of Mr. J. T. Partington Mr. John Gibson was unanimously elected president for the coming year.—Tne annual re- port, which was read by Mr. Charles Bailey! (secretary and agent) testified to the remarkably successful work accomplished in various ways locally and throughout the country, and due acknowledgment was made of the valuable ser- vice to the cause by Messrs. J. W. Travis (the late agent), W. T. Williams, Hutchins, Richard- son, W. Wood, J. Lawson, and the Misses Clough, Miss Lloyd, Mrs. Marchant and others. Hearty wishes were expressed for the success of the coffee cart enterprise of the local branch of the B.W.T.A., and appreciating reference was made to the presentation made to Mr. Beresford Adams upon his relinquishing the hon. secretaryship of the society after 25 years' service. Mention was made of the valuable help rendered by Mr. J. H. Spencer in many ways during his term of presi- dency. The financial statement, shewing the receipts and disbursements for the year, was pre- sented by Mr. A. Storrar. The Band of Hope report was read by Mr. W T. Williams; the registrar's report, indicating the condition of the membership of the society, by Mr. G. F. Weaving; and the particulars with regard to the 100 pledges directly obtained through the society, in addition to the numerous pledges secured through connected societies, were given by Mr. J. Lawson.—On the motion of Mr. J. Hawkins the reports were unanimously adopted.—Mr. J. H. Spencer was elected a vice-president of the society. The officers of the society were thanked for their services, and Messrs. A. Storrar, W. T. Williams, G. F. Weaving, J. A. Lawson, J. Partington and E. Noel Humphreys were re- elected to fill respectively the positions of financial secretary, band of hope secretary, registrar, pledge steward, and auditors.—The following gentlemen were requested to serve on the com- mlttee:-Messrs. Chirnside, T. B. Davies, J. Bennion, Edwards, Moss, W. H. Barnes, Richard- son, Woollam, Morris, A. L. Hibbert, T. S. Bowles and J. Green.—Hearty votes of thanks were accorded Miss Lloyd for her attention to the work of the cafe at the P.S.E. entertainments, and to the committee of the local branch of the B.W.T.A. for the improved condition of the hall. I ANNIVERSARY MEETING. I oFEECJtl BY MR. W. S. CAINE, M.P. The sixty-seventh anniversary of the Chester Christian Temperance Society was celebrated on Wednesday evening, when a public meeting was held in the Town Hall. The president (Mr. Beresford Adams) presided over a fairly large audience, and was accompanied on the platform by Mr. James Tomkinson, M.P., Mr. W. S. Caine, M.P. (London), the Rev. E. Collett, M.A. (rector of Hughley, Shrewsbury), the Rev. John Morgan, the Rev. William Jones, Messrs. E. Benson (Shrewsbury), T. W. Hall (Liverpool), Edward Thomas, J. Storrar, sen., J. Storrar, jun., Chirnside, J. Bennion, W. Ward, J. Lawson, Richardson, W. T. Williams, G. Brooker, J. T. Partington, G. Heath, Hawkins, Priddey, and Charles Bailey (general secretary and agent).— Letters of apology were read from the Rev. Jas. Travis and Mr. J. H. Spencer. The Chairman said they were there that night for a threefold purpose. He believed they first wanted to encourage one another in the practice of their principles and in the doing of temperance work. They would agree with him there was some cause for discouragement, and one of the most discouraging things that had happened to the temperance party in recent times had been the refusal of the most powerful Government of modern times to lend its aid to the passing of a most moderate temperance measure-a measure to which political parties and churches of all creeds were agreed in order to prevent the sale of intoxicating liquors to children. That was certainly a cause of discouragement. They were present in the second place to stimulate 'each other to increased activity in the cause, and in the third place to produce conviction in the minds of those who, as yet. had not abstained. The Rev. E. Collett, in an interesting address, said they should realise that the important part of temperance work in the future would not be done by inebriates' homes, but by the Christian Church. If the work was to be done by Christian ministers, they must wash their hands of the drink traffic. He spoke of the altered attitude of medical men with regard to the temperance question during the last twenty years, and de- plored the increase of intemperance among women. He believed that hardly a single philanthropic effort made for the poor and the public at large would be necessary if it were not for drunkenness. The subject of the housing of the poor was one of the most important that was exercising the minds of the public, yet he was prepared to say that if it were not for strong drink the poor would house themselves. (Hear, hear.) Mr. Caine next addressed the meeting. He said he had a good many times in the course of his life addressed meetings in connection with the Chester Temperance Society, and Mr. Beresford Adams was a friend of his of thirty years' standing. Every decade had brought distinct progress in the temperance movement, and he believed it was infinitely stronger at the present day than it was ten years ago. At the same time there had been a blunting of their work. There was only one simple method of suppressing the drunkenness of the country, and the terrible attendant evils, and that was by total abstinence for the individual and prohibition for the State. He had seen a great growth in the movement during the past forty years, in which period the number of pledged teetotallers had increased from six or seven hundred thousand to seven million. He knew of no movement, political, social, or even spiritual that shewed greater growth and more solid progress than the temperance movement, and they had every reason to take courage. An important feature of the movement was the remarkable awakening of the public conscience all over the Empire. There was now hardly a civilised nation in the world without its temperance movement. Even Russia had been making a great experiment lately, and one of the signs of the times was that the Foreign Office there was continually publishing temper- ance tracts. By way of experiment the Russian State had taken over every liquor shop and almost completely annihilated the publican, with the result that it was claimed there had been a considerable diminution in the consumption of intoxicating liquor and a considerable increase in the revenue. At the last general election he col- lected about one hundred election addresses, and found there was not one in which a direct refer- ence was made to the temperance movement. If Parliamentary candidates had not almost unani- mously made reference to the temperance ques- tion they would have been pressed very strongly upon it. That was an important sign of the times. 'The temperance party had got nothing out of the last Parliament, and the laws relating to the sale of intoxicating liquor were precisely the same as they were in 1895. They might get something out of Parliament, in spite of the opposition of the leaders of the Government. There were fourteen recommendations of the Royal Commission upon which both the majority and the minority reports were agreed, and the temperance party would be quite prepared to accept them. If they were turned into a Bill he would vote for the second reading of that Bill gladly, and there was no doubt it would pass the House of Commons without a division. Three or four of those recommenda- tions were sound, good, and important ones, being the raising of the age of children who might buy drink to sixteen, the reduction of the hours of sale on Sunday, and there was the recommenda- tion with regard to clubs—one of the most im- portant questions of the day to temperance re- formers. Those people who thought the tem- perance party would be lowering their flag in accepting those recommendations were speaking nonsense. If Lord Peel's report were turned into an Act of Parliament it would effect within seven years the closing of 50,000 liquor shops in this country, and they would get a direct veto power for Scotland and Wales. He was afraid there wa.s not much prospect of getting any benefit from Lord Peel's report during the present Parlia- ment, and they might employ the next five years in increasing the number of teetotal voters. Mr. James Tomkinson, M.P., moved a vote of thanks to the Rev. E. Collett and to Mr. Caine for their interesting and instructive speeches. He remarked this was the first time he had had the honour of appearing on a temperance plat- form in Chester since he became what he sup- posed was called a legislator—(applause)—though whether he would have much chance of becoming a legislator in the temperance cause for some years he did not know. Mr. Tomkinson pro- ceeded to say that in his contest at Crewe he took a firm stand on his advocacy of the reforms suggested in Lord Peel's section of the Licensing Commission. He thought that was the platform upon which temperance workers had agreed to stand for practical measures of reform. He con- demned strongly the tied house system as being bad both for the public an d the publican, and in the interests of the public it should be the object of the Legislature to see that tied houses should be properly conducted, and not be too numerous for the legitimate requirements of a neighbour- hood. The licensee of a tied house ought to be protected against harsh treatment or unfair con- ditions, and be made responsible to the magis- trates, and the magistrates alone, for the proper conduct of his house. Having alluded to the opposition he met with from brewers, Mr. Tomkinson said he was bound to say the publicans of Crewe behaved extremely well, and as far as he knew they remained neutral. Altogether, his was an election to be proud of, and he believed there was not a soberer election in England. Mr. Benson (Shrewsbury) seconded the resolu- tion, which was heartily carried, and the proceed- ings terminated.

THE VICTORIA CRoss.-Notification was given in Tuesday's "Gazette" of the fact that Victoria Crosses have been awarded for conspicuous bravery in Ashanti to Captain C. J. Melliss, Indian Staff Corps, and Sergeant John Makenzie, Seaforth Highlanders, and for similar gallant conduct in South Africa to Major E. D. Brown, 14th Hussars, Lieutenant E. T. Inkson, Royal Army Medical Corps, Lieutenant A. C. Doxat, 3rd Battalion Imperial Yeomanry, Sergeant T. Lawrence, 17th Lancers, and Private A. E. Curtis, 2nd Battalion East Surrey Regiment.

FREEMASONRY IN NESTON. TO THE EDITOR. Sir,—An able article, critical and historic, called the Cestrian Lodge," appeared in Satur- j day's issue of the Observer." To Cheshire men, and especially those interested in the county history of the ancient craft of Masons, the article alluded to must be deeply interesting. During the past year remarks, both vague and indefinite, appeared in the Observer pointing to there being, in the distant past, a Masonic lodge in Neston. Of such the oldest inhabitant had no recollection, neither had tradition left the most faint trace. Therefore it is not surprising that old residents who remembered the place from the early years of the century just closed should have been sceptical with regard to there having been in Neston such a lodge. From the article, however, of "The Cestrian Lodge we have both definite and indisputable evidence that some one hundred and twenty years ago such a lodge, and perhaps the first and only one in Wirral, was established in Neston. From this article we learn that the Rev. Thomas Crane was initiated and passed into the Royal Chester on 20th June, 1777. He became Master June 12th, 1781, and was appointed by the P.G.M. (Sir Robert Salisbury Cotton) as the first P.G. Orator of Cheshire. The Rev. Thomas Crane delivered famous orations, or sermons, at the church of St. John the Baptist at all provisional meetings from 1782 to 1786. After that Brother Crane's name disappears from Masonic gather- ings. For ten years only, he was the shining literary light of Cheshire Masonry. He was further Master of the Neston Lodge, No. 301, meeting at the Golden Lion, Neston, in 1780, which lodge, a few years after, became dormant, and finally was erased in 1812. Here is a concise but authentic history of the Neston Masonry, which evidently flickered for a short time and then died out. Of the Rev. Thomas Crane and the gentlemen brotherhood of those early Neston Masons we would be pleased to know more. Of that brother- hood we may imagine the two vicars of Neston, father and son in succession, the Revs. Abel and Thomas Ward, both intimately and officially con- nected with the Cathedral church. The notes, however, from an antiquarian point of view, are valued, and have doubtless been read with interest, and thanks are due to the writer, not only from Masons but from also the general nnblic. r-' GEORGE GLEAVE. I 12, Hamilton-street, Old Trafford, Manchester, Jan. 15th, 1901.

WIRRAL DISTRICT COUNCIL AND MR. I SHALLCROSS. TO THE EDITOR. I Sir,—My attention has been called to the report of the Wirral District Council regarding the drainage at Holmfield, Great Sutton, and the references to myself which were made by the chairman of the Council at that meeting. I am sure, from the chairman's remarks, that he cannot have been acquainted with the facts, and I therefore should esteem it a favour if you would allow me to endeavour to correct any misapprehension which may thereby have arisen by inserting this letter in your next issue. The facts are these. The Council's surveyor attended at Holmfield, looked at the drains, and some days afterwards he wrote to me to say that he could not pass the drains as he did not consider their. fall sufficient. No levels were taken, nor was any testing of the drains performed by him; and, in fact, in a letter to me, the surveyor states that in regard to the testing of the drains my Council have no appliance for doing this at present." Yet the Council deems this perfunctory, guesswork examination by their surveyor to be sufficient upon which to condemn a drainage system which has not only been scientifically tested and proved to be satis- factory, in my presence, but which, in the opinion of others besides myself-and they are persons well qualified to judge—is exceptionally perfect and complete. The building bye-laws of the Council stipulate that drains shall be laid to a "proper" fall, and this stipulation has been amply fulfilled in the case of Holmfield. But the sur- veyor seems wishful to fix an arbitrary and irrational fall for drains, of so much per foot, quite indifferent to the exigencies of the case due to the nature of the ground and the depth of the outfall, and to condemn the Holmfield drainage irrespectively of whether it is, or is not, in fact, efficient. The chairman's remark that if Mr. Shallcross chose to build other houses, and that Council declined to pass the plans, he might turn round and say they had passed similar ones at Holmfield seems to me to be a very unfortunate one from the Council's point of view, since it is now. apparently, only necessary to cite instances of other drainage systems, within the Council's district, which have been passed, though having less fall than at Holmfield, to compel the Council to approve the latter, should my client desire such approval. A quantity of evidence to that effect could be produced if it is required. Considering that the Council never do "accept risk" under any circumstances, and always "hold responsible" an owner of property for any nuisance that might arise upon his premises," the decision arrived at by the Council upon the case of Holmfield drainage must be viewed, I think, as virtually an admission by the Council that there is no fault to be found with it.-Yours. &c.. T. MYDDELTON SHALLCROSS. I 6, Dale-street, Liverpool, January 11, 1901.

DEATH OF CAPTAIN JAMES COPPACK. We regret to record the death of Captain James Coppack, which took place on Sunday morning, about four o'clock, at his residence Nine Houses, Shotton, at the age of 84 years. Captain Coppack had been remarkably healthy and vigorous, and up to the time he was seized with an internal disease, was in the enjoyment of his usual health and activity. His disease was of such a character that he was unable to partake of any nourishment to maintain his strength, and as a result he grew weaker each day till the end coming as above stated. Captain Coppack, although not having the advantage of a modern education, was a man of a high standard of intelligence, he was a close student of theology, English history, and politics, and among his rural neighbours he exercised great influence and was justly respected and esteemed by them. In this village he was well and familiarly known. He had considerable interest in shipping property, being the owner and manager of several fine coasting schooners. He was also a director of the Dee Shipowners' Mutual Insurance Associa- tion, and his practical knowledge of shipping and sound judgment made him a highly valued member of the directorate of this important Association. During his early years he had followed the sea as an occupation, rising rapidly to the command of a ship. He took a deep interest in his work, proved an excellent ship's master, and was so successful in that capacity that he was enabled to retire when in the prime of life. In his later years he took a prominent part in politics, being an ardent Liberal. He was an active member of the Methodist New Connexion Church and a generous supporter of every good movement, and until precluded by advancing years an enthusiastic worker in connection with this cause. Locally bis genial presence will be sadly missed. Flags are at half- mast on the shipping offices and ships in port. Deceased leaves a daughter and three sons, one of the latter being Mr. Samuel Coppack, provision dealer, Chester, a member of the Chester Town Council. The interment of Captain James Coppack took place on Wednesday, amid every manifesta- tion of sorrow. Previous to the cortege leaving the deceased's residence, a short service was conducted by the Rev. J. C. H. Bevington. Along the route to the Methodist New Connexion Chapel blinds were drawn, shutters put up, and the deepest respect shewn. Arriving at the chapel a portion of the burial service was read by the Rev. J. C. H. Bevington, and the deceased's favourite hymn was sung. An impres- sive address was delivered by the Rev. Ezra Johnson, of Chester. Leaving the chapel the cortege proceeded to Hawarden parish church- yard, where the burial took place. The coffin, which was of polished oak with brass furniture, was covered with beautiful floral wreaths. The following was the inscription on the coffin :—" James Ceppack, died January 13th, aged 84 years." The officiating ministers at the graveside were the Revs. J. C. H. Bevington, T. Alty, and Ezra Johnson. The chief mourners were as follows:—Mr. S. Coppack, Captain James Coppack, and Mr. Joseph Coppack (sons), Mrs. J. Green (daughter), Mr. John Coppack (brother), Mr. J. Green (son-in-law), Mr. J. Dunn (brother-in- law), Mr. James Green, Mr. Arthur Green, Mr. W. Green, Miss Green, Mr. A. Coppack, Miss B. Coppack, Mr. S. T. Coppack, Mr. J. Coppack, Mrs. C. Cliff, Mrs. J. Ellis, Mrs, J. Green. Mr. J. Ellis, and Mr. C. Cliff (grand-children), Mr. J. Coppack, Captain James Coppack, Captain S. Hewitt, Captain John Hewitt (nephews), Mr. S. Dune, Mr. J. Coppack, jun., and Mr. W. Coppack. Among the public were Dr. C. S. Purdon, Messrs. J. Reney, B. Vickers, J. Vickers, S. Aston, C. A. Reney, A. J. Reney, Walter Reney. T. Conway, D. Ferguson, W. Butler. E. Coppack, W. Coppack, R. Edwards, J. Wright, H. Shaw, J. Ellis, J. Miles, R. Lloyd, J. Jones, E. Hewitt, and E. Jones, Miss Reney, and Mrs. Bevington, &c. Mr. W. H. Hallmark, of Chester, superintended the funeral arrange- ments.

ALLEGED THEFT OF A COAT.—At Mr. W. H. Churton's office on Tuesday morning a labourer named John Phillips, who is employed by Mr. Williams, a farmer, of Blacon-cum- Crabwall, was remanded until Saturday on a charge of stealing a coat, valued at 20s. belonging to a fellow workman named Patrick Cryan. Prisoner admitted the theft. ?.

CITY POLICE COURT. I YESTERDAY (TUESDAY).—Before the Mayor and Mr. George Dutton. A COMPLAINT AGAINST SHOPKEEPERS. —John Gough (16), living in White Horse-yard, Foregate-street, was charged in custody with stealing a pair of boots, value 8s. 6d., on Satur- day night from the shop of Mr. John Stanway, Foregate-street. It appeared that the boots when stolen were hanging on a hook outside the shop door about three feet from the ground. After they were missed prisoner endeavoured to pawn them at Mr. Dutton's establishment for 8s. 6d. The shopman, however, was suspicious, and sent for the police. When apprehended by P.C. Evans, prisoner, after alleging he had bought the boots, said his little brother stole t hem.— The Chief Con- stable produced a record of several previous con- victions of Gough for larceny. He was afraid his was a case of home influence, two of his brothers being on the Clio.—Prisoner was sen- tenced to one month's hard labour. The Mayor said the magistrates could not help expressing their great regret at the custom, so very common, of hanging articles outside shops an y tempting children to their destruction. Over and over again attention had been called to it from the Bench, and by the Recorder at the sessions. He wished tradespeople in the town would under- stand their responsibility in the matter. It was grievous to see children of the age of Gough sent to gaol simply because temptations of this sort were put in their way. THURSDAY.—Before Messrs. J. R. Thomson (chairman) and Geo. Dutton. WITHOUT LIGHTS.—A youth named Ellis Shikle was charged with driving a horse and dray about 6.20 p.m. on the 8th instant without a light. P.C. Adams proved the case. Defendant was fined 5s. and costs, the Chairman saying that the magistrates were extremely anxious to support the authorities in putting down this most dangerous and unnecessary practice.— Frederick Bentley, Christleton-road, was also fined 5s. for a similar offence. P.C. Clarke proved the latter charge. A CRUEL HUSBAND.—A tall, well-built man, named John Wilson, Clare's Court, was placed in the dock to answer a charge of assault- ing his wife, Mary Wilson, about eight o'clock on Tuesday night. Complainant said her husband, without the slighest provocation, locked her out of the house, struck her in the mouth, and pulled her by the hair, dragging her along for some distance. She screamed "murder," so that someone might come to her assistance.— Evidence was called to prove complainant's statement.—Defendant denied the assault, and said his wife had spent some of his money in drink.—Mrs. Wilson denied this.—The Chair- man said the case was clearly proved, and prisoner would be sent to gaol for 21 days.

DEATH OF MR. J. G. CHURTON. We deeply regret to announce the death of Mr. John Gaitskell Churton, of Manor House, Neston. His health had been failing for some little time, but the end came suddenly. On Sunday evening, at a quarter-past eight o'clock, he was seized with a violent attack of heart failure, and notwithstanding the aid of Drs. Yeoman and Grant he died in an hour and a half. Mr. J. G. Churton was the second &on of the late Mr. Henry Churton, county coroner, and was born on the 25th of June, 1841, at Chester. He was one of the pupils of Miner Canon William Harrison, like many other of Chester's sons, and was a well-known wine merchant in Liverpool and the founder of the firm of Churton and Co., of 2, Druty lane, Liverpool, but he retired from business many years ago. Never of very robust health, Mr. Churton had for many years spent most of his winters in foreign travel, having been twice round the world. In the month of April, 1865, Mr. Churton married Miss Mary Lloyd, the eldest daughter of the late Col. Lloyd, R.A.C.B., whose tragic death at the Music Hall on the occasion of the presentation of the prizes to the Volun- teers will be so well remembered by many of our older readers. He never was blessed with children. Mr. Churton was one of the first Chester Volunteers, and had the good fortune to win the first prize at the first annual shoot- ing competition of the Chester corps at the old Waverton Quarry. The prize, which was a silver-plated revolver, he always valued very highly. Mr. Churton was of an extremely genial and cheery disposition. It may be truly said that he made hosts of friends and had never made an enemy. He was an enthusiastic sportsman, and was undoubtedly one of the best shots in the county. At Neston he will be greatly missed. He supported every good work both there and in the county, and often championed the cause of the Parkgate fishermen, who will sincerely mourn his death. Mr. Churton never took an active part in public matters, but he was for many years a member of the Neston Local Board, and Neston owes its Town Hall entirely to his exertions. Neston will be all the poorer for his death. His widow and two brothers, Mr. W. H. Churton and Mr. P. V. Churton, and one sister, Mrs. Gordon, survive him. Votes of condolence have been passed by the Neston and District Cricket Club, who have postponed their dance, and the Neston Town Hs¡,1l omns¡,nv- THE FUNERAL. I The funeral took place at Chester Cemetery I on Thursday afternoon, a special service being first held at Neston Parish Church. In the latter district there was everywhere evidence of general mourning. The flags at the cricket ground and other places were placed at half mast and blinds were closely drawn, while many of the business premises were closed. The cortege left the residence about 10.15, the hearse in which the body was conveyed being almost covered with lovely floral tributes. In addition to those who were conveyed in the numerous broughams, a large number of the general inhabitants followed the remains on foot, the gathering being one of the most imposing of the kind ever seen here. On arriving at the parish church the cortege was met by the vicar (the Rev. Canon Turner) and the surphced choir, who led the way into the edifice, where the coffin was placed on a specially prepared bier near the chancel. A choral service followed, and was very feelingly rendered by the choir and large congregation. At the close the Rev. E. W. Boswell (curate of Neston), who presided at the organ, played several selections, including I know that my Redeemer liveth and the Dead March, as the clergy and choir preceded the coffin and chief mourners down the nave, the congregation meanwhile remaining standing. The casket was afterwards placed in the hearse and the cortege proceeded to Chester. Messrs. William Caunce (Willaston), G. Tyson (Hinderton), W. Grundy (Neston), and C. Roberts (Neston) acted as bearers. Among those present were: Mr. J. Percival Gamon (Chester), Colonel Lloyd, and Messrs. W. Jones (Broadlake) and A. Jamieson (representing the Neston Town Hall Company), Messrs. D. C. Pugh, J. Wood- word, and H. Hancock (Neston and Parkgate District Council), Dr. Speechly and Mr. J. G. Lee (Neston and District Cricket Club), Mr. R. L. Price (North and South Wales Bank), Major Grundy, Capt. R. Johnson Houghton, Mr. and Mrs. T. Comber, Drs. J. O. Blunden, J. B. Yeoman and Lewis Grant, Col. and Mrs. Lacy, Mrs. Turner, Rev. W. Postance, Mr. and Mrs. R. Bushell, Mr. C. Hope, Mr. W. Congreve, Mr. and Mrs. T. Brocklebank, Mr. J. MacLean Graham, Miss Sybil Graham, Mr. Duncan Graham, Mr. J. Bushell, &c. There was a large attendance of mourners at the graveside at Chester General Cemetery. The officiating clergyman was the Rev. Canon Turner (vicar of Neston). The principal mourners in at- tendance were Mrs. J. G. Churton (widow), Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Churton, Miss Churton, Miss Lilian Churton, Mr. W. A. Vere Churton, Mr. H. L. Churton (Chester), Mr. and Mrs. P. V. Churton, Mr. Claud Churton (Birkenhead), Mr. J. G. Churton (Farnborough, Hants), Mr. Cecil Churton (Bradford), Mr. J. W. Churton (Whit- church), the High Sheriff of Cheshire (Mr. B. C. Roberts), Colonel and Mrs. Justice (Berriew, Montgomeryshire), Captain J. H. Lloyd (Alder- shot), Messrs. L. H. Lloyd and W. H. Lloyd (Wimbledon), Gibson Sinclair (Liverpool), Mr. and Mrs. James M. Sing (Aigburth), Mr. James Elphick, Mr. Andrew Anderson (Formby), Mr. McLean Graham, Mr. E. S. Giles, Mr. and Mrs. Comber, the Rev. H. R. Sherwin, Mr. Reginald Haigh (Birkenhead), Colonel and Mrs. Lacy, Mr. Roberts (Chester), Mr. J. Outram (Liverpool), Mr. Percival Gamon (Chester), Mr. and Mrs. H. Taylor (Chester), Mr. G. J. Townsend (West Kirby), Mr. R. Tomlinson (Colwyn Bay), Mr. and Mrs. Beauford (Liverpool), Drs. Yeoman, Grant and Blunden (Neston), Dr. Hamilton (Chester). Wreaths were contributed by the widow, Mr. and Mrs. Gordon, "Frank and Dollie," "Sissy Lloyd, Nellie, Tom and Willie," Mrs. Clavell Salter, Captain and Mrs. Lloyd, Mr. John Churton (Whitchurch), Mr. and Mrs. Beauford, "His sor- rowing servants," Mr. and Mrs. James Catto, Mr. and Mrs. Busby (Moorside), Mr. and Mrs. James Sing, Mr. and Mrs. G. K. Eaton, the Misses Roberts, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Comber, Canon and Mrs. Turner, Mr. Gibson Sinclair, Mrs. Russell, Dr. Lewis Grant, Mrs. and Miss Rathbone, Colonel and Mrs. Lacy, Mr. and Mrs. Johnson-Houghton, Mr. and Mrs. McLean Gra- ham, the Misses Young, Mrs. Pownall, Dr. Yeo- man, Mr. and the Misses Dunn, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Hope, "The coachman's wife and chil- dren," Mr. and Mrs. Meadows Frost, Mr. and Mrs. William Whineray, Mr and Mrs. Uvedale Corbett, "In loving remembrance from all at Hill Side, Mr. P. V. and Mrs. Churton, Mr. Claud Churton, Mr. John and Mr. Cecil Churton, "The staff of the Liverpool office." The funeral ar- rangements were carried out by Messrs. J. Smith and Son, Chester.

Stark's Great Remnant Sale, for one day only, Saturday next, January 26.—Stark, 93 and 95, Foregate-street, Chester.

TRAVELLING WITHOUT A TICKET. AN IMPUDENT STOWAWAY. At the City Police Court on Thursday morning a respectably-dressed man named Joseph English, about 45 years of age, was charged before Mr. J. R. Thomson and other magistrates with travelling from Euston to Chester without previously having paid his railway fare.—A ticket collector deposed that prisoner arrived at Chester Sfcatiojj by the 6.30 train from Euston the previous night. He had no ticket or money to pay his fare, and he said he was going to Dundalk, in Ireland.— Detective Weaver said he questioned prisoner at the station on Wednesday night, and he made a statement to the effect that he had stowed away on the steamship St. Louis at New York, and it was discovered on the voyage that he was not in possession of a ticket and wished to avoid pay- ment. On arriving at Southampton he was given into custody and was sent to Winchester Gaol for 14 days with hard labour. He had been 17 years in America, and wished to get back to Dundalk, from where he originally came.—Prisoner pleaded guilty to the charge. He paid for his fare from Southampton to Euston, and the reason he ob- tained no ticket at the latter station was because nobody ordered him to get out of the train. (Laughter.)—The Chief Constable said if English travelled from Southampton it would be necessary for him to change at Waterloo and cross over by 'bus to Euston.—The Chairman remarked that prisoner had apparently failed to benefit by his previous conviction, and he would now be fined 20s. and costs, with the alternative of 21 days' imprisonment. ——————— ——————

THE COMING CENSUS. I HOW IT WILL BE TAKEN. I In every parish in the kingdom arrangements I are now being pushed forward for the numbering of the people on the last day of March next. At Somerset House a staff of clerks are busily em- ployed in connection with the examin- ing and perfecting of these arrange- ments, and before the day arrives all will be in readiness. The first step taken by the census authorities was to instruct the 2,061 regis- trars to draw up plans of their divisions and ap- portion them into enumeration districts, allowing about 300 families, or 1,500 persons, to each enumerator. In sparsely-populated districts the figures will necessarily be fewer. With a total population for England and Wales somewhat over 32,000,000, the staff of enumerators will probably number about 40,000. The plans are first sub- mitted to the superintendent registrars, of whom there are 635, and after revision are forwarded to Somerset House. There again they are submitted to a severe scrutiny, and every possible difficulty smoothed; and, after being approved under the hand of the Registrar-General, they will be re- turned to the local census officials. The arrange- ments are then complete for the distribution and collection of the census schedules. The duty of the enumerator is to leave one of these schedules at every inhabited house or tenement on March 31, taking a note as he goes along of every person who receives one and of every house uninhabited at the time. Next day he has to collect the schedules, helping occupiers where necessary with advice as to the filling up of them. But his work is not yet complete. He has, between April 1 and 8, to copy every particular from the schedules into an enumeration book supplied him, to make certain summations, and to deliver his books and schedules to the registrar. The latter then re- vises the work of the enumerators, and hands it over to the superintendent registrar, who in turn endorses the figures and forwards them to the Census Office, there to be digested and tabulated and published in sections at intervals during the course of the next few years. The accuracy of the census mainly depends upon the thoroughness of the enumerator, and for the work accurate local knowledge, tact and intelligence are essential. In 1891 fees drawn by the enumerators and registrars amounted to 991,900; but this year that sum will be considerably exceeded. The enumerator re- ceives a retaining fee of one guinea, and for each hundred persons enumerated after the first four hundred he is to have 3s. 6d. instead of 2s. 6d. This concession alone will account for an ad- ditional cost of between £8,000 and £ 10,000.

DISTRICT COUNCILS. I TARVIN RURAL. I Mr. R. O. Orton presided over a well-attended meeting of this Council on Saturday at Crypt Chambers, Chester.—Mr. James Tomkinson, M.P., moved that a length of road leading from Fir Trees Farm, Duddon, to Willington, so far as it is enclosed, and a length of road from the junc- tion of the Tarvin, Kelsall and Willington-roads to Four Houses in Weetwood be taken over and repaired by the Council. He explained that the lengths in question were from 16u to 180 yards in length. The one leading from Fir Trees Farm, Duddon, was a public foot-road past Wiliington Mill to Kelsall and beyond. It was also a bridle road and a public road for carts going to Willing- ton Mill, and he believed a certain number of carts used it as a thoroughfare, and that there was a good deal of traffic. It was, however, very much cut up, and he thought under the circum- stances he was justified in asking the Council to take it over. The other length of road, which was practicably impassable, was also a public footway and cart thoroughfare leading to Four Houses, and to Weetwood and the mill. He suggested the Council should make a cinder track, which would be inexpensive, on both lengths about nine feet wide.—After some discussion the resolution found no seconder, and Mr. Salmon moved an amend- ment that the roads should not be taken over until they were put in proper repair.—Mr. Norcross seconded.—Mr. Tomkinson asked whether the Council would accept the responsibility of keeping the road in repair in the future if he first put it in good condition.—The Chairman suggested the ap- pointment of a committee to inspect the road before giving Mr. Tomkinson that assurance. If he put it in repair, and the Council afterwards found there was not sufficient traffic to justify them in making it a district road, its adoption would afterwards be a source of expense.—A mem- ber suggested that the repair of the road would improve Mr. Tomkinson's property.—Mr Tomkin- son replied that he only owned two of the four houses. He would, however, withdraw his motion that day.—On the proposition of Mr. Lea, seconded by Mr. H. Dodd, a committee con- sisting of Messrs Norcross, Swindley, Cooper, T. Salmon and Peter Dutton was appointed to in- spect the lengths of road.—An application was re- ceived trom Mr. Kowe tor permission to enclose a piece of land on the side of the road leading from Green Loom to Hargrave. Mr. Rowe stated that the land had always been used more or less by the tenant of the adjoining property.—Mr. R. Carth- cart Smith proposed that permission be given.— In reply to a member the Chairman pointed out that the Council had no power to sell the land, which was waste land, to anybody.—An amend- ment proposed by Mr. Toft that permission be re- fused was carried.—The Chairman reported that an abundant supply of very good water had now been furnished from the Beeston Waterworks, and had proved a great boon to the residents in the largely-populated townships of Beeston, Tiverton and Tilston. The only difficulty was that owing to the ground of the latter two townships being much above the level of the waterworks, the water was hardly supplied with sufficient force to extinguish a fire if necessary. Lord Tolle- mache had extended the supply to the whole of his cottages, and there was also a satisfactory de- mand for it. in the locality, and he believed the water would become generally used. It would be remembered that in the dry season five or six years ago seventy cottages in the neighbourhood of Tiverton were in the predicament of having no suitable water supply, the only water obtain- able, even for drinking purposes, being horrible stuff from cesspools, green and covered with slime. Although the undertaking had been a costly one, involving an expenditure of £ 5,350, it was hoped that in the course of some years they would be able to repay the loan, and supply the water free of any charge for the cost of procuring it. Their clerk (Mr. Bailey), who deserved every credit for the way in which he had conducted the negotiations, obtained the loan at the lowest possible rate of interest charged by the Local Government Board, 243 per cent., and the repay- ments would be in half-yearly instalments for 27 years. Had the Council borrowed the money at the present time they would have to pay 3i per cent. interest. Personally, he would be very giad to see other parts of the district that were badly off for water provided with the excellent supply from Beeston.— With regard to the proposed fencing of the road to Lea Mill, Ald- ford, alleged to be dangerous, the com- mittee which bad visited the spot recom- mended that it be done on condition that the Duke of Westminster gave the timber. The clerk therefore wrote to the Hon. Cecil Parker, the Duke's agent, who replied that as he could not see the object of fencing the road he could not recom- mend his Grace to supply the timber.—A member suggested that it was a private road, but it was pointed out that there was a cart road to the mill, and from that point onwards a bridle road, which was open to the public.—Mr. Phillips said from his own knowledge he knew it was danger- ous, and since coming into town that morning he had seen Mr. W. Fearnall, who thought it was not necessary to fence the road except for about 40 yards, which was dangerous, and which ought to have something done to it. It might be said that there were other places as dangerous, which was quite true, but as they could not do them all at once they must do them gradually, until there was not a dangerous spot left.—It was decided that Mr. Carter (surveyor) should prepare an esti- mate of the cost of fencing the road where it might be considered dangerous, and submit it to the next meeting.

-6 A WELSH COUNCIL AND PURE BEER. On Friday, at a meeting of the Wrexham District Council, the Clerk read a letter from the Local Government Board urging that the Council should exercise the powers they possess under the Food and Drugs Act to purchase samples of beer and other articles, such as jam, &c., in their district, for the purpose of analysis. Mr. William Wilde moved that the Council instruct their officials to take samples and have them analysed. He thought they should take steps I to put a stop to dangerous practices of this kind, and he also suggested that they should ask their members of Parliament to support any measure which might be introduced for the encouragement of the brewing of pure beer. This was seconded and agreed to unanimously. Stark s Great Remnant Sale, for one day only, Saturday next, January 26.-Stark, 93 and 95, I Foregate-street, Chester.

ITERRIBLE EXPLOSION.1 I HAT FACTORY WRECKED. I I 12 PERSONS KILLED. I A terrible explosion occurred on Monday fore- noon at the hat manufacturing works of Messrs. J. Wilson and Sons, Wilton-street, Denton, re- sulting in the death of 12 persons and injuries of a more or less serious character to close upon 20 other employes. The explosion took place in what is known as the proofing department, and the report, while creating the greatest consterna- tion in the town and immediate district, was heard for many miles around. The proofiing de- partment, where youths were mostlv emnlnvpH -C-J was completely wrecked, and two new buildings adjoining, devoted to "planking" operations, were also very considerably damaged, the whole of the windows and glass roofing about the works being shattered. A fire which occurred immedi- ately after the explosion charred altogether be- yond recognition several of the victims, whose bodies were only recovered with the greatest difficulty. The most seriously injured were re- moved to the Manchester, Stockport and Ashton Infirmaries, three of the deaths taking place at the first-mentioned institution. Two more deaths occurred during Monday night as the result of the explosion, bringing the total up to twelve. Still another death, making the total number of victims of the catastrophe thirteen, occurred in Manchester Royal Infirmary on Tuesday night.

DODLESTON. I SUNDAY SCHOOL TREAT.-The children attending the Church Sunday school had their annual treat, kindly provided by the Rector and Mrs. Gordon, on Friday. Over 70 sat down in the institute to tea, after which the tables were cleared, and various games, in which the Rev. J. C. Trampleasure took a leading part, followed. Afterwards toys and books were dis- tributed among the children. A magic lantern entertainment completed the evening's enjoy- ment. Previous to going home the children gave hearty cheers for the Rector and Mrs. Gordon, also for Mr. and Mrs. Edwards, who bad kindly provided the children with oranges and bon-bons. «

BROUGHTON. I ST. MARY'S SCHOOL.-A children's concert was recently given in the Schoolroom. A large and appreciative audience filled the room on each of the two nights. The first half of the programme consisted of miscellaneous items, including songs, recitations, drills, and a dance. Arthur Handley as "Doctor Quack," and Willie Jones as an Amateur Photographer," caused much merriment. The dance was exceedingly pretty, and deservedly encored. Maggie Robertson, Sallie Lloyd, and Lilian Powell sang sweetly. The second half of the programme took the form of a musical sketch, entitled Oh, the Washing Day," which was capitally rendered. Altogether the performance was most creditable. The Rev. G. F. Hodges was in the chair. The Sunday School children assembled on Tuesday for their usual Christmas treat. Tea was pro- vided. The little ones afterwards enjoyed themselves with games, singing, and dancing.

MOLD. MARRIAGE CUSTOMS.-At the weekly1 meeting of the Mold Cosmopolitan Society on Tuesday a paper on Marriage Customs in many Countries" was read by Mr. H. J. Tweddell (Efrogydd). The chair was occupied by Mr. J. E. Vaughan. THE CONSTITUTIONAL CLUB: THE SILVER LINING.-The annual meeting of the members of the Mold Constitutional Club was held on Monday evening. Mr. Philip Tatton Davies-Cooke was voted to the chair. It transpired that the financial affairs of the club had considerably improved. Twenty- three new members were enrolled. Mr. P. T. Davies-Cooke accepted the presidency, and Mr. William Bayne was appointed secretary.

BUCKLEY. I FLANNEL TICKETS—Thirty-five tickets for flannel have been distributed this week to the old and poor people of Bistre parish. This charity is in connection with the parish of Mold (to which Bistre was until 1844 attached), and the clerk is Mr. T. A. Keene, Mold. There were forty-six applications, and the committee had a great deal of work in deciding the most deserving cases. CONCERT.—A debt still remains upon the sil- ver instruments of the Royal Buckley Old Town Band, and a concert was held in the Central Hall on Tuesday. There was a crowded audience. The chair was taken by Mr. G. A. Parry, and the pro- gramme was as follows:—Selection, "Gabriana," Royal Buckley Old Band; song, "The Merry Monk," Mr. J. H. Ditchburn (encored); recita- tion and aria, "Take unto you," Miss Christiana Hewitt (Eos Fwyn Gwalia, Prize Medallist); patriotic part song, "Here's Life and Health to England's Queen," Chester Cathedral Quartette Party (encored); serenade, "I am waiting," Mr. Joseph Thompson; duet, "The Two Beggars," Mr. A. Greenwood and Mr. J. H. Ditchbum (en- cored) solo polka, "Bessonian," Mr. J. Griffiths (encored); quartette, "Patent Medicine," Quar- tette Party; selection, "Gems of Modern Melody," Band; ballad, "The Irish Emigrant," Mr. Alfred Greenwood; part song, "0' a' th' Airts," Quar- tette Party; song, "When the heart is young," Miss Hewitt (encored); song, "Drinking," Mr. Ditchburn (encored); cornet solo, "Robin Adair," Mr. J. Griffiths; nursery rhime, "Simple Simon," Quartette Party (encored). The concert was in every respects an excellent one. The Chester Cathedral Quartette Party is a great favourite in Buckley. +

I SANDYCROFT. CONGREGATIONAL TEA. The annual Congregational tea took place on Thursday week in the St. Ambrose School, and was followed by a short concert and dance in the Assembly Hall. About 85 sat down to tea, the tables being presided over by Miss J. Griffiths, Mrs. E. Griffiths, and Miss A. E. Jones. The Rev. W. T. Williams referred to the kindness and generosity of the Sandycroft Foundry Company in enlarging the school, which has now accommodation for 190 children. Mr. E. S. Taylor, replying on behalf of the firm, stated that what they had done had been done as a sense of duty as much as an act of generosity, and everything that could be done in the interests of education they would consider it their duty to perform. Mr. Taylor then intro- duced Miss Darbyshire, who has just commenced her duties as infant mistress. He also referred to the impending departure of the Rev. W. T. Williams, who has accepted the office of choral vicar of St. Asaph. He hoped that Mr. Williams would often pay a visit to his old field of labour. The company afterwards adjourned to the Assembly Hall, where a short programme was contributed by the following :—Miss Helen Gladstone, reading Miss Williams, song (encored), and Mr. Duder, song (encored). Mr. Williams presided. Dancing was afterwards indulged in to the music of the Darbyshires band. The St. Ambrose School re-opened on Monday, having being closed for nine weeks for extensive alterations, the entire cost of which has been defrayed by the Sandycroft Foundry Company.

CONNAH'S QUAY. DISTRICT NURSE APPOINTED.—Some short time ago Mr. James Rowden Freme, the owner of the Wepre Hall Estate, offered the Urban District Council a site for a Cottage Hospital, and E500 towards its erection. As the result of a public meeting called by the Council to consider the offer, a committee was appointed to go thoroughly into the whole question. The committee has apparently met with difficulties. The proposal to provide a cottage hospital has been deferred, and it has been decided to appeal for funds with a view of engaging the services of a qualified nurse for the Urban District of Connah's Quay. Mr. and Mrs. C. Davison, of Fairfield, have promised an annual subscription of E20, and Messrs. J. Summers and Sons, Hawarden Bridge Works, a subscription of £ 5 per annum. The committee hope that Mr. Freme will allow his generous offer to remain open, and that he will permit the X500 to be invested, the interest from the investment to be applied to the support of the proposed nurse. It was also proposed that with the consent of subscribers, the subscriptions already received towards the hospital be added to the nursing fund. The appeal to the public for subscriptions has met with a fairly liberal response, and a meeting was held in Central Buildings, on Monday, to make the appointment, which had been previously advertised. There were three applicants for the post, and Miss Harrison, of Sheffield, who it is understood is at present engaged in district nursing, received the appointment. Miss Harrison com- mences her duties a month hence.

HESWALL. CHURCH SCHOOLS-The interest shewn in the public school is increasing, as is shewn by the balance sheet just to hand. The public subscriptions amount to £92 7s., while the gross income is X632 8s. 8d. It is gratifying to note that the schools here earned the fullest possible grants. The followingisifrom H.M's. Inspector's report: Mixed School: The school continues to do very well in the elementary subjects, and geography is now carefully taught. In teaching composition efforts should be made to bring out the intelligence of the children, and the exercise book should contain nothing but the children's own work. Infant School: OrdA,, ..nn ;ngt.t>- to& tion give satisfaction." That the religious teaching in the school maintains its high standard is shewn by the Diocesan Inspector's report" The teaching in this school is genuine and good, and there is not any cramming. Repetition throughout the schools was quite well known. Singing good and impressive." Credit is due to Mr. Shaw, Mrs. Young, and the other teachers.

ELLESMERE PORT. SCHOLASTIC.—Miss Price, late of the Five Crosses Infants' School, Frodsham, had been ap- pointed head infants' mistress in the Primitive Methodist Day Schools here, and has just taken up her duties. THE URBAN COUNCIL COMMITTEE.— The committee appointed to prepare the necessary application matter has done its work, and Mr. Wilson, solicitor, had the document duly signed on Tuesday morning, and forwarded it to the office of the clerk of the County Council. It is signed by most of the influential men in the parish. The vicar, the Rev. W. Bidlake, who is from home, has in a communication to Mr. Flem- ing, the clerk of the parish Council, expressed his regret at being unable to sign the document, as he had intended so doing. SUNDAY SCHOOL.—Under the presidency of the minister, the Rev. T. Kynaston, the annual meeting of the Primitive Methodist Sunday School was held on Tuesday night. Mr. Wilfred Dutton presented a very satisfactory report. On the registers there are 345 names, with an average attendance of 257. The financial statement shewed that there was over £ 11 to the good on the year's working. Ten pounds was voted to the trust fund. The following officers were re-elected: Superintendent, Mr. J. W. Nicholas; assistant superintendent, Mr. A. Taylor; secretary, Mr. Wilfred Dutton; assistant secretary, Mr. Colin Stockton; treasurer, Mr. Breckon; harmonium- ist, Miss Stockton; assistant, Miss Bessie Pixton; librarian, Mr. Thomas Barrett; assistants, John Wilson and Jack Ellis; magazine steward, Miss Tomkinson; representatives to quarter day, Messrs. Walter Dutton, Thos. Stockton and Wil- fred Dutton; circuit Sunday School Committee, Messrs. M. White, A. Taylor and W. Dutton. The Band of Hope report was also considered satis- factory. There was an average attendance of 120. The oiffcers appointed were: Conductor, Mr. A. Taylor; assistant, Mr. W. Dutton; secretary, Mr. Thos. Manifold; and treasurer, Mr. M. White. CHORAL SOCIETY.—In the Wesleyan Mission Room, on Wednesday evening, the society, assisted by am efficient orchestra, gave their first concert, under the title of the "Black and White Concert." The bill of fare was most interesting and varied, and encores were frequent and enthusiastic. The soloists were Miss E. Williamson, Miss R. Rose, Miss F. Wright, Miss C. Iddon, Miss F. Currie, Messrs. E. Lovekin, A. Howard, W. Allerton, C. Barlow, C. Price, D. Thompson, W. Fogg, J. Flavell, C. Salter and T. Hand. Mr. Joseph Nicholas was the interlocutor. There was also a chorus of 50 members. The following local ladies and gentlemen formed the orchestra: Miss Coul- ter, Mr. T. Dobbin and Mr. Fowler, 1st violin; Mr. Coulter, Mr. H. Clutton, 2nd violin; Mr. R. Williamson, viola; Mr. G. Willamson, 'cello; Mr. J. Will Iamson and Mr. Thomas, flute; Mr. J. Garner, 1st cornet; Mr. W. Johnson, 2nd cornet; Mr. G. Garner, euphonium; Mr. J. Woods, trombone; and Mr. C. Taylor, horn; and under the baton of con- ductor Mr. Harry Clegg the band played well to- gether, the time and tune being satisfactory. The chorus sang well. Miss Louise Whitby accom- panied most of the songs on the piano. The room was crowded to excess. The society is doing a good work in the district. There is plenty of latent musical talent here, and Mr. Harry Clegg, the originator and inspirer of the society, is fully qualified to develop that talent. j

LATEST MARKETS AND FAIRS. CHESTER CATTLE, THURSDAY.—There was a rather small show of store and dairy cattle at this fair, and a fair demand in all classes. All the choicer lots were speedily sold at prices satis- factory to sellers, and before the close of the market a fair clearance was made of the remain- ing stock. There were no sheep on offer. The prices were :-Milch cows, zC14 to R21 calvers, £13 to £ 20; barrens, £10 to £ 13; heifers, 99 to £ 14; and stirks, X6 to £ 8. CHESTER CHEESE. WEDNESDAY. Mr. R. Challinor, secretary to the Cheshire Dairy Farmers' Association, reports as follows :-The pitch was about 18 tons as against 15 tons at corresponding fair of last year. The market opened with a good attendance of buyers, all on the sharp look out for fine lots, which were quickly disposed of at prices ranging from 64s. to 69s., medium lots down to 55s. per cwt. There were a few lots of new cheese which were readily disposed of at satisfactory prices. At the corresponding fair last year the pitch was less, while the prices were 10 or 12 per cwt. higher than the above quotations. 40

Stark's Great Remnant Sale, for one day only, Saturday next, January 26.-Stark, 93 and 95, Foregate-street, Chester. Printed and published for and on behalf of the Cheshire and North Wales Newspaper Company, Limited, by JAMES ALBERT BIRCHALL, at the Cheshire Observer Office, 8, Bridjre-street, in the City of Chester.—SATURDAY, January 19,1901.

TARVIN. I (See also Page 3.) SCHOOL TREAT. On Wednesday, the scholars of the Primitive Methodist Sabbath School, had their annual New Year's treat. The children were first entertained at tea, their wants being attended to by the teachers and friends. Afterwards, the teachers and helpers had tea, the tables being presided over by Mrs. A. E. Sadler, Miss Jackson, Miss C. Lee, and Miss L. Dodd. The chapel was full in the evening, when an enjoyable meeting took place. This was of a miscellaneous character, consist- ing of addresses by Mr. A. E. Sadler (chair- man), the Rev. W. Albert and Mr. J. Nield, recitations by Martha Jeffs, Fanny Jackson, and M. E. Jeffs, and special hymns and solos by the choir. At the close of the meeting the prizes for good attendance were dis tributed.

FRODSHAM. (See also paqe 3 J MUSICAL SOCIETY.—Miss Edith Wrench (Kingsley) and the Misses Amy and Lizzie Far- rail (Frodsham), pupils of Mr. C. H. Hibbertt, have succeeded in securing a second class in the recent London College of Music Examination in. musical theory. "YTT:'1 £"'jTTí'f'Tn l\tr" 1_J 1 1 .1 lit i'j nunuuiiB.—iviiss i-rice, late neaamistress of the Five Crosses Infants' School, who has re- ceived a similar position at Ellesmere Port, has been succeeded temporarily by Mrs. Langtry (nee Miss B. Green.) DRUNKENNESS.-On Tuesday, before Mr. John Murray, at the Petty Sessional Court Rooms, Frodsham, Joseph H. Phillip, a waiter, of Frod- sham, was fined 5s. and 5s. costs for being drunk in Main-street 011 the 7th of January.—Sergt. I Hunt and P.C. Dicken proved the case. LORDSHIP PARISH COUNCIL MEETING. —A meeting of the Frodsham Lordship Parish Council was held on Monday in the Boys' School, Mr. H. Tiley presiding. The only business of the Council was a resolution to repair a footpath run- ning through the field from Woodhouses to Helsby. Afterwards the Council sat as a Par- ochial Committee. A resolution was passed that £ 200 out of a total balance of JB520 be paid to Mr. Dale, contractor, in respect of the Water- works.—The Surveyor reported he had pressed Mr. Dale to commence two small extra con- tracts for sewerage. The contractor promised to commence the work in a fortnight. The Assistant Overseer re- ported that all the water rates for December had been paid except a small rate.-Notices were ordered to be sent to owners of about 90 houses to connect with the water main. FREE CHURCH COUNCIL.—The sixth an- nual gathering of the Frodsham and District Free Church Council was held on Monday evening in the Primitive Methodist Chapel. During the afternoon the Rev. J. T. Parr, of London, preached a sermon. After tea the annual meeting of the Council was held, and subsequently a well-attended public meeting took place in the chapel, Mr. E. Rhodes, president of the Council, presiding, and being supported by the Rev. J. T. Parr and the Rev. C. F. Aked, president of the West Lan- cashire and West Cheshire Federation.—The Chairman reviewed the work of the Council during the past year, and said the principal questions dealt with had been education in regard to the attendance of Nonconformist children at parochial schools and temperance.—The Rev. C. F. Aked explained the object of the Federation.—The Rev. J. T. Parr also addressed the meeting. RE-OPENING OF THE METHODIST FREE CHURCH.—On Wednesday afternoon this place of worship, after being thoroughly renovated and restored, was re-opened by Mr. James Brandreth, of Helsby, the first service being conducted im- mediately afterwards bv the Rev. C. H. Butcher. of Ormskirk. Tea had been provided. In the evening a public meeting was held, being pre- sided over by Mr. B. Parker, who was supported by the Revs. C. H. Butcher, S. Wright, H. Hooper, S. H. Bailey and G. C. Percival. -.Llvlr. Wm. Noden stated that the renovation contract price was £ 967; the heating apparatus would cost (in add Ition) ;CLOO, and the probable total would reach £ 1,100. Towards this sum £ 546 had been raised, and after paying C60 to clear off the debt on the old trust, they had in hand £486, exclu- sive of the day's takings and monetary promises not then reallsed.Tlie Rev. S. Wright said he felt sure that the good people who had built the old chapel, and who have passed away to the better land, were very well pleased with what they had accomplished. Since that date changes had be- come apparent. Every change was not always an improvement, but in this particular case everyone would concur with him that the alterations had been well done. He hoped that the time was not far distant when the whole of the deficit would be wiped off. (Applause.)—The Pastor stated that he had received a letter from Mr. F. Boston, en- closing a donation, and the chairman had handed a cheque for JE5. The choir favoured the audience with an anthem in an enjoyable manner, accom- panied by Mr. Peter Earlam.—The Rev. C. H. Butcher (the architect in disguise), who was heartily greeted, said that he had been coming to Frodsham under false pretences, but now instead of being only a layman, he was a poor parson. (Laughter.) He congratulated the friends at Frodsham upon the result of the work which had been entrusted to the contractor, Mr. George Gleave. The clerk of the works, Mr. Peter Earlam, had conscientiously carried out his duties.—The Revs. H. Hooper, T. H. Bailey and C. H. Percival also addressed the meeting, the latter calling upon Mr. Noden to present to the Rev. C. H. Butcher a purse of gold, in token of their heartfelt thanks for the arduous work which he had so ably performed in the role of architect. —Mr. Butcher expressed his thanks. The offer- tories of the day amounted to £ 27.