Cheshire Observer

To OUR READERS. 1 + IN the Diamond Jubilee year we issued -L at a very great expense a splendid PHOTOGRAVURE PORTRAIT OF OUBEN VICTORIA. We have a limited number of these portraits left, and we offer them to our readers at SIXPKNCK EACH, or by post SBVBNPENCK. It is without doubt the finest porttait of Her Majesty that has been issued, and the production is the very best of its kind. OBSERVER OFFICE, CHESTER. CHESTER STEAM LAUNDRY. F VICTORIA ROAD (CLOSE BT TIDI NOBTHGAT* STATION). < All the arrangements are on the most approved modern system for Washing, Ironing, Drying, Packing, &c., ani the management most efficient. I W. H. LIPSHAM, Sooretary & General Manager (Chester Steam Laundry Co., Ltd.). v fy Inspection is specially invited on any day t' excepting Mondays and Saturdays. I TELIPHONK 68. EVANS & CO., WINE 4 SPIRIT MERCHANTS, THE EASTGATE, CHESTER. WINEs) & SPIRITS OF FINEST QUALITY. FINDLATER'S NOURISHING STOUT. HEINE KEN'S LAGER BEER. BASS' PALE ALE. PRICR LIST ON APPLICATION.

THE DUKFCS WEDDING. I THE BRIDESMAIDS. I As announced in ocr inner pages the wedding of the Duke of Westminster and Miss Shelagh Corn wallis- West wm take place on Saturday, February 16th, at St, Paul's, Knightsbridge. The date originally fixed, the 14th, was abandoned owing to its clashing with the open- ing of Parliament. The service will be con- ducted by the Bishops of Chester and St. Asaph- The bridesmaids will be as follows:- Lady Lettice Grosvenor, Lady Mary Sackville, Lady Myra Sackville, Honourable Alice Grosvenor, Miss Gladys Howard, Miss Victoria Sackville-West, Lady Lettice Cholmondeley, Miss Agatha Thynae. The pages will be Masters Robert Grosvenor and R. Wyndham. Mr. F. Laycock will act as best man.

SHOCKING MINING ACCIDENT. FOUR MEN KILLED. A shocking accident occurred late on Wednes- day night at the Mmera Lead Mines, near Wrexham. Four men. were being lowered down a shaft 430 yards deep, when a bolt which sup- ported the "carrier" snapped, and they were hurled to the bottom and killed. The bolt was examined a few hours before the accident and reported perfectly safe. It is thought that it may have been affected by the frost.

HUNTING. NORTH CHESHIRE. This pack resumed hunting on Monday, the fixture being The Lodge, Crewe. The morning did not look inviting, snow mixed with rain coming down fast, but on nearing the meet things looked better, as the fields were quite without snow but in a very wet condition. Gosdeu, the huntsman, found his first fox at Bradeley, and hounds ran over the lane leading to the Sandbach road. Here they turned for Oakhanger, losing the fox near Haslington. We then came back to the Fox Holme and another fox took us almost in the same direction as the last. Crossing the Sandbach road we ran for the Mosses, and turning to the right we came back nearly to Haslington. Here again we lost our fox. We then went to Grobey. Parker soon viewed away another fox which ran for Warmingham and on past Occleston, close up toMinshull Vernon. After some slow hunting we lost our fox close to the Manor House. We might have had a really good day's sport if acent had been better. Snow now began to come down heavily, so hounds were taken home. BLUBCAP. I ————————

HELSBY. CHESTER HOSPITAL SATURDAY COM- MITTEE.—The hon. treasurer begs to acknow- ledge the receipt of 28 Os. 3d., nett proceeds of a recent cycle parade jield at Hebby, per Mr. J. Potts, treasurer Cycle Parade Committee; also an additional donation of 10s. from the employes of the Helsby Telegraph Company.

MOLD. I PULPIT REFERENCE TO MR. KELLY.— On Sunday morning, at the Parish Church, Mold, a touching pulpit reference was made to the late Mr. Kelly. Before the service com- menced the organist, Mr. W. H. Adams, played "The Better Land." The preacher was the Rev. J. P. Poole Hughes (vicar). After a brief reference to the death of our late Queea the Vicar alluded to the death of Mr. Kelly, remark- ing that that gentleman held a prominent position in the county, and was. one of the kindest and most sympathetic of. nwn. as well as one of the most generous, ami it would no donbt be a comfort to his bcMt?ved f..w, to io?w how well he was loved ..4 r8p8CW by his fellow men. ——————

CHESHIRE CASUALTY. J The death is announced of Corporal E. Mend6s, J1 of the 2nd Cheshire Regiment, of entric. 

MOLD MAN'S LUCKY ESCAPE. I Private Ernest Cartwright, of the 29th Com- pany Imperial Yeomanry, in a letter just received at Mold mentions that at Lindley in a skirmish with the enemy a bullet entered his right shoulder and came out below his wind- pipe. The wound, however, was not a serious one.

COMFORTS FOR THE CHESHIRES. Mrs. Neville, wife of Major Neville, ^second in command of the 2nd Battalion Cheshire Regiment, requests us to announce that she will be glad to receive all sorts of comforts or money to enable her to purchase them, to send out to the regiment, which has now had such a lengthy experience of campaigning life. Mrs. Neville's address is Bredenbury Court, Brom- yard, Hertfordshire. Parcels sent by train should be addressed to Rowden Mill Station, G. W.R., aad those sent by post should be addressed to Bromyard.

LETTER FROM CAPTAIN MOSLEY- LEIGH. On Monday Mr. J. Arthur Cowley, hon. secre- tary of the Northwich South African War Bureau, received the following letter from Captain Mosley- Leigh: Capetown, January 16th. I have not been able to write for some time on account of not being with the company. I hear they are dwindling down to a very small number, what with sickness and other causes. I am on staff work here, and now that martial law is pro- claimed it is a very responsible position. I have a large staff and a lot of organising work to do, which, of course, keeps me exceedingly busy. I want very badly to get back to the front again, but the doctors won't hear of it, and say it would be simply madness. I had a slight cold lately, and it immediately brought back the fever, since which my legs and feet have been very bad again. I suppose I must be content to remain here until the Yeomanry go, for I certainly won't go home without them, unless I cannot help it. It has been awfully hard luck on me to be down here so long, but I suppose we have to be ruled by fate. I suppose you have had a fair number of the North- wich boys back again. We are very short of mounted men, and no one is allowed to go home unless they are actually invalided. I must con- clude by wishing you, though late, all the happi- ness you desire in 1901."

LETTER FROM CAPTAIN KEENE. THE PROLONGATION OF THE WAR. An interesting letter has been received at Mold from Captain T. M. Keene, of the Service Company of the 2nd V.B. R.W. Fusiliers now at the front, dated Britstown, January 13th. After explaining the nature of his duties-selecting horses, sending them on to De Aar, organising corps of native scouts and so on-Captain Keene says :— We have still got stray Boers knocking about in the district. I send some policemen out after them, but they always manage to get away. Some.day, if I can get enough mounted men, I shall organise a grand hunt, and see if I can't round some of them up. They visit the farms and take anything they like, and threaten the farmers. I think they are scouts belonging to the commandos that have been through, or else waifs and strays dropped behind. I wonder when this show is going to end. It looks like going on for ever; the only favourable sign is that very few of the Colonials are joining them. They are all sick of the war and want it ended, especially now it threatens their country. It's a serious thing for all business men who have partners or sons out here this prolongation of the war. I only hope people will make all allowances, especially for the men. It would be a standing disgrace to the nation if men who have been right through the war and stuck to it through thick and thin should be thrown out of work through doing so. I am writing a letter which I want you to get put in as many papers as possible, asking employers to take the men back.

THE CHESHIRE YEOMANRY. I ON THE TRACK OF THE BOERS. I 176 MILES IN SIX DAYS. We are enabled to publish the following ex- tracts from a letter of an officer with the 21st (Cheshire) Company of the Imperial Yeomanry: To-day (January 2nd) we are making a morning halt; the fact is the column is quite done up. My last note was written on Christmas Day, just before leaving Britstown; so, having a few minutes while trying to graze the horses, I will mention what we have been doing. On December 26th one column under De Lisle moved north-westwards, and we (Thorneycrofts) moved along an almost parallel road to the east. The Boers were expected to be along our road. Thorneycroft's column consisted of his own Mounted Infantry (400), the Sharpshooters (200), 6 guns (15-pounders), pompom, and one troop from each of the Cheshire Yeomanry Regiments. About midday on the 26th December heavy firing sounded on our left. This was the Boers attacking De Lisle's column; he had ten casual- ties and the Boers had some, but how many we do not know. They retired. The Boers had moved from blocking our road to De Lisle's. We encamped that night at Jackalsfontein. 27th December. The plan to-day was for us to make a forced march of 30 miles early and get the Boers between us and De Lisle, but just as we were starting word came that the Boers had turned due west, so our direction was changed. At Houwater we had to cross a morass, which took the transport alone three hours to cross, and each gun had to have double teams to pull it over. An English farmer had his place pulled to rack and ruin by the Boers here. everything being taken and burnt. We had stayed at this farm on our way from Upington, when everything was quiet and the idea of Boer raids 200 miles into the colony not thought of. Our column was getting very short of forage; the B.T?; had cleared off everything; we came to a bit of cut wheat, and it was a quaint harvest home to see every man in the column seize a bundle and tie it to his horse encamped at Holpan. 28th December. Off again at 4.30 a.m.; reached Karee Puts at 8 a.m. Here the Boers had spent the night, and signs and remains of their camp lay all around. At 12.30 we came in sight of Cosburg (Processfontein), and De Lisle came up on our left slightly ahead. He came into touch with the Boers and shelled them, but they got away. The Boers were starting to loot the place, and outside the stores were cases and supplies ready to put on their wagons, but not a. thing were they able to take away; the only damage I saw was an iron telegraph post broken in half and the wires cut. Our horses were falling off with short rations of forage; all the farms we passed were cleared by the Boers of forage and horses; not one thing did they pay for. It is different with everything we take; a receipt and compensa- tion has always to be given. The Boers tell the farmers in the colony-" You will get compensa- tion from the British, so we shall not pay you." Occasionally they give notes on the Transvaal Government, but they never pay for anything they take. In most cases farmers are friendly to them, but they are all getting tired of the Boer method of looting. There are 1,000 in the commando we are pursuing, and the head com- mandant is Brandt, with Hertzog under him. 29th December. Off at 4.30 a.m. We (Cheshire I.Y.), on the right flank, had some very heavy work clambering up several kopjes on foot, while on our horses we did fifty miles. At 9 a.m. we received orders to make a flank attack on a kopje across the road which the Boers were holding. For two miles we had a furious gallop round some small kopjes and then dismounted to attack. As we came over a small brow to the kopje away went the Boers as fast as they could gallop. By the time our. guns got up the Boers were 5,000 yards away, and we were not allowed to pursue. It was a fine sight to see through glasses 10 miles ahead the main body of the Boers. At dark we en- eamped on the spot where the Boers had halted an hour before. Sunday. 30th December. Off at 4.30 a.m. Went slow ten miles and halted for a few minutes where the Boers had just left, and then orders were given for the column to trot 20 miles. We started, but the guns ooold not do it. For five days we had been trekking hard, with praoticolly no forage;. we did not catch thqpa. Next day we were off again as hard as our horses could go On halting that night Colonel Thofneycroft ve it up. We had done 176 miles in- six consecutive days, on the smallest rations and forage, only what the Boers had left at the farms. One man coming in after the column told me the road was lined with dead horses and mules, men dragging horses along or carrying saddles. We turned towards Victoria West to get a convoy of food and forage, having been on short rations of food. On January 3rd we met the convoy 20 miles west of Victoria West. We have plenty of food and forage now. January 9th. Reaohed Fraserburgh; 1,700 Boers are south-east. We are still very hard up for horses. It is very hot by day but cold at night. 'Œl1- ¿L.

THE CALL TO ARMS. J 30,000 MORE MEN TO STRENGTHEN LORD KITCHENER. The urgent need for reinforcing Lord Kitchener with a large and mobile force of mounted men has been recognised j by his Majesty's Government. On January 17 a call was made for a force of 5,000 Yeomanry. This was raised in twelve days, but it was obviously insufficient to grapple with the situation in South Africa. The authorities are now determined to increase the South African Field Force by 30,000 men. The notice to this effect, which was issued from the War Office on Wednesday night, is as follows In view of recent Boer activity in various directions, his Majesty's Government have decided in addition to the large forces recently equipped locally in South Africa to reinforce Lord Kitchener by 30,000 mounted troops beyond those already landed in Cape Colony. The recruiting for Imperial Yeomanry has proceeded so rapidly that it is anticipated not less than 10,000 will be shortly available. The South African Mounted Con- stabulary, including those enlisted in the Colonies, may be relied upon to the extent of 8,000. The new Colonial contingents, to replace those withdrawn, will probably reach 5,000. The remainder of the force will be made up by cavalry and mounted infantry from the home establishment. The enlistment of Volunteer companies to replace those who have served a year in South Africa is also being proceeded with. Arrangements have been made for the prompt equipment and transportation of the force, and the first consignment will leave in the Scott on Saturday next." CHESHIRE'S RESPONSE. I YEOMA.NRY RECRUITING. I VOLUNTEERS IN TRAINING. I Chester is again the centre of military activity and scenes that were familiar to us twelve months ago are once more presented. The raison d'etre is the recruiting of more men for the Imperial Yeomanry, and the order received recently which authorised the mobili- sation of another company of Cheshire Volun- teers to relieve the Special Service Company which went out to South Africa under the command of Capt. Thornely. Notwithstanding that Cheshire has despatched two companies of Imperial Yeomanry to the Front, the response to the call for more issued recently has been most patriotic. Recruiting, examining, testing, and attesting are actively proceeding at Chester under the supervision of Major Earle, Acting Adjutant of the 9th Yeomanry Brigade, which includes the Lancashire Hussars Yeomanry Cavalry, and the Earl of Chester's Yeomanry Cavalry. Major Earle is being ably assisted in a true patriotic spirit by Lieutenant Barnston and Lieutenant Swetenham. Lieut. Barnston's duties became so arduous that Lieut. Swetenham was called in to share the work, and he right willingly commenced work on Wednesday. Lieut. Barnston being a justice of the peace is enabled to administer the oath to the men. and thus their departure is con- siderably facilitated. The two companies of Imperial Yeomanry, which now, represent Cheshire at the Front, underwent a thorough course of training at Chester, whereas in the present instance the instructions are that the tactical training of the men is to be carried out in South Africa, where Lord Kitchener is making arrangements, and all that is necessary before the despatch of the men from Chester and the other centres is for the officers to see that they are medically fit, that they are of the requisite physique, to test them in riding and musketry and to give them a course of simple drill. The range used for the shooting tests is that of the 1st Volunteer Battalion Royal Welch Fusiliers. The riding tests are conducted on the Roodee. On Wednesday last about 36 candidates for the Imperial Yeomanry qualified in respect of marksmanship. They were tested in horseman- ship on the Roodee on Thursday, and 29 were returned as efficient. These men having been finally approved, left Chester yesterday (Friday) for Aldershot, where they will undergo further training. This makes a total of about 65 men already sent from Chester to Aldershot, and they hail principally from Liverpool, Wavertree, St. Asaph, Brom- borough, Nantwich, Northwich, Sandbach, &c. The applications from Horthwich have been very numerous even now a considerable number remain to be dealt with. It is also noteworthy that some forty of those who have been despatched from Chester are civilians who are capable riders and marksmen. On Wednes- day night the following telegram was received at the Chester Yeomanry office, the headquarters of the Brigade: War office sanctions recruit- ing for further 5,000 men for the Imperial Yeomanry. Fuller information by post. A continuance of the valuable assistance hitherto rendered by you, which has been much apprecia- ted by Lord Roberts, is confidently hoped for.- (Signed) DEPUTY ADJUTANT-GENERAL, Imperial Yeomanry, 16, Great George-street, Westmin- ster." This means a continuance of the active recruiting, and it is gratifying to learn that the authorities at Chester have every confidence of being able to despatch a satisfactory propor- tion of the extra men called for. Indeed, one official said it was quite possible that by the end of next week the new body of Imperial Feomen would include a hundred efficients sent from Chester. Whether this be so or not, there is ample ground for the be- lief that Cheshire will, proportionately be well represented. With the object of creating local interest, there is a scheme proposed whereby candidates can register their names with the chief citizens or whoever may be appointed, in the boroughs and urban districts of the county, who will make a rough selection and despatch the approved candidates to Chester to undergo the prescribed examinations and tests. Whether this scheme will be adopted by the authorities is not certain at the time of writing. For the guidance of candidates it may be mentioned that the required height is 5ft. 3in.; chest measurement, 34 inches; weight not less 1151b. They must be able to ride and shoot fairly well. The rate of pay is 5s. per day to commence from the day of attestation. There is in addition a separation allowance for wives and families at the rate of Is. 2d. per day for wife and 4d. per day for each child, to commence from the day the married Imperial Yeoman leaves his home. Yeomen may also make an allotment of their pay. Any amount named can be deducted and paid to whoever is authorised to receive it. This arrangement, it is pleasing to note, has been largely taken advantage of by the men who have already left Chester as Imperial Yeomen. The selection of men at Chester has taken the following order up to now :-Monday and Tuesday, passing the doctor and swearing-in Wednesday (and, if necessary, Saturday), shooting; Thursday, riding; Friday, completing of documents and despatching of men. The 29 men who were despatched to Aldershot yesterday (Friday) morning were paraded at the Chester Office and proceeded to the station under Sergt.-Major Souden. An assembly of persons in the station gave a hearty cheer as the men departed by the 10-7 a.m. train. One hundred men have been summoned to attend at Chester on Mond&y and Tuesday for medical examination. THE VOLUNTEERS. I To say that the order for the formation of another Special Service Company was welcomed in the ranks of Cheshire Volunteers is to convey but a faint idea of the joy which prevailed in every town possessing its Volunteer company on the re- oeipt of the communication. So enthusiastic has been the response that, it has been computed, an average of between forty and fifty men have vol- unteered from each of the five battalions, whereas only 116 are required altogether. The medical tests are, however, severe, and this time the line standards of height and chest measurement are strictly enforced. Notwithstanding these exacting qualifications the real difficulty has been not in raising the company, but in selecting the best men. Just as a year ago so many men were disappointed by having their services rejected, so it is now, and we are led to the conclusion that, were it necessary, every man who wears the uniform in Cheahirè 'would abandon the comparative luxury ife for the hardships of the battlefield, and this nght willingly. The patriotic pulse never beat more strongly than it does to-day in Cheshire. and the'desire to fight for the King is just as keen fts was the wish to fight for the Queen a year ago. Of such quality is Cheshire patriotism of such loyalty are Cheshire men. At the time of writing 94 men have been enrolled, a proportion of the number being Volunteers who were retained on reserve pay. These men have been drafted into the city from the various headquarters during the week, and the remainder were expected in the oourse of a few days. The authorities were some- what exercised in their minds as to how the men were to be-billow, there being no room at the Castle,; where the company now out at the front were Quartered during their period of, training. The culty was, however, overcome by the direoMOT of the GhesWr Racecourse Company, Limited, through Mr. J. J. Cunnah, managing; director, placing Sleeping, cooking and mess-rooms In th general stands at their service. Here the men have really very comfortable quarters, and there is the advantage of being practically on the Roodee, where they are drilled daily. The whole business of forming and getting this second company ready for embarkation is being carried on with the utmost despatch under the personal supervision ot Captain Abercrombie, of the G Company of the 3rd Vol. Bat. Cheshire ie!?-h. will go out in command of the company. All the clothing has arrived, and, in contrast to what was expenenced a year ago, the equiqment is being proceeded with at the Castle without the slightest delay. Captain Abercrombie, who is popular and able Volunteer oSicer, has for his subalterns Lieut. Frost (Birkenhead), of the 1st Battalion, and Second Lieut. Moir, of the 5th Battalion. Officers and men are already on excellent terms, and the training is being entered into with spirit and zest, and is being conducted on I lines best calculated to fit them for campaigning on the South African veldt. So far the drill work has consisted of skirmishing and doing the attack. Firing practice is to commence shortly. Captain Abercrombie sleeps in the stands, while the other officers have been allotted quarters at the Castle. Sergt.-Instructor Constable, 5th Battalion, is the sergt.-instructor to the company. Everything has been done to secure the comfort of the men at the stands. One apartment has been converted into a reading-room, where those who are so dis- posed may pass "off duty" time very pleasantly. I MORE MOLD VOLUNTEERS FOR THE FRONT. On Monday four additional members of the local Volunteer company left Mold for Wrexham, and subject to passing a medical examination at the depot will depart immediately for the I front. The names of the men are Corporal Luther Jones, Bugler A. Maddocks, Lance- j Corporal McQue and Private Wigley. VOLUNTEER ENGINEER SECTIONS TO BE RAISED. A special Army order was issued on Tues- day night notifying the decision of the military authorities to raising fresh sections of Volun- teer engineers for service in South Africa, and detailing the conditions of such service. The Volunteer Engineer Corps from which sections are to be raised include:—1st Cheshire, Flint- shire (sectioned), and Cheshire (Railway). With the exception of the 2nd Cheshire Engineers, which will be allowed to raise two sections, every corps mentioned may raise one section, consisting of 25 men and one subaltern. Enlistment must be for one year or the duration of the war. SIR WATKIN'S PATRIOTISM. Sir Watkin Williams Wynn, Bart., has been notified by the War Office that any wishing to join the drafts of the 31st and 49th Companies of the Montgomeryshire Imperial Yeomanry are to report themselves at the headquarters of the 15th Yeomanry Brigade, Wynnstay, Ruabon, as soon as possible, for the purpose of being medically examined and attested. From the date of attesta- tion they will receive 5s. per day and allowances, with an addition of Is. 3d. for quarters, unless provided with such, prior to being finally ap- proved. In the case of married men separation allowance to wives and children is granted at Army rates, and on completion of service a gratuity of 25 is granted. Men discharged in consequence of wounds, injuries, or disabilities contracted whilst on service will be entitled to a pension in accordance with the Royal warrant for pay, etc., of the regular Army, while third- class railway fare from home to place of enlist- ment will be allowed in the case of all finally attested candidates. The following are the conditions of service:- Imperial Yeoman to enlist for one year, or if war lasts longer, for the war. In the event of war being over in less than one year, he will have the option of being discharged at once, or completing one year's service in South Africa. He must be between 20 and 35 years of age. Before being approved must satisfy commanding officer that he is a good rider and marksman. Must be of good character and the following physical standard: Height 5ft. 3in. and upwards, chest measurement 34in. and upwards, weight 1151b. and upwards, medically fit for active service. Facilities will be given, when possible, for families of married men joining them in South Africa on termination of hostilities, should they wish to remain there. Sir Watkin desires to say that any recruits who may be somewhat deficient in riding or shooting can have the advantage of six days' training at Wynnstay.

BISHOP EDWARDS ON WELSH QUESTIONS. DISESTABLISHMENT POLICY OF THE FUTURE. l THE CHURCH AND VOLU, NTARY SCHOOLS The February number of "Young Wales" con- tains an interesting statement of the views of the Bishop of St. Asaph on Welsh questions. Re- viewing the history of Welsh Nonconformity and its changes during the century, his lordship says: "The old Methodist revival preacher, and his stern and rigid theology, unbending in its conser- vatism, stand in startling contrast to the young Methodist minister of to-day, with his University degree, his modern culture, his eager appetite for new theologies, and the elasticity of his political and economic theories—hpth products of their age, but the latter less the master of it. We never heard of the old Methodist revival preacher com- plaining that his congregations were Gospel-proof and sermon-proof. Taken as a whole, I believe the clergy to-day are less hampered by social pressures, are free from many disabilities, and are inspired by larger conceptions of their work and service, and that their general influence is proportionately larger, and increasing." Asked "How does the Church in Wales now stand in relation to the Disestablishment move- ment?" the Bishop replied: -"The special form of attack has passed away, not, I believe, to re- turn. But the idea remains. The Disestablish- ment party, in attacking the Church in Wales, thought that they had got hold of the invalid member of the family. But the country has since learned that the strength of the Church in Wales is quite as great as it is elsewhere, and any future attack, therefore, will probably be directed against the whole Church of England. It would be strange if the Disestablishment party did not see their opportunity in the troubles that have re- cently come to a head within the Church herself." "That rather suggests that the Disestablishment movement is finding recruits from within the Church?" "Well, there are people of a particular type of character who, when they do not get exactly what .t k tdho e not get exactly what they want, meet you with the threat—'I am going in for Disestablishment.' There is, I think, more peevishness than principle in the threat, and when the real battle comes these people are generally found where they were before. My own convic- tion is that Disestablishment and Disendowment will never take place in England until the people of England are convinced that it will be for the good both of the Church and of the State, and I believe that the devotion and services of the clergy are making that conclusion more and more remote. As to Disendowment, that is taking place already. Falling tithes have reduced clerical in- comes to such a point that many incumbencies are now of less value than curacies, and there are few inoumbencies, especially in larger parishes, which any married man can venture to accept without possessing considerable private means. But the English people are generous, and it is not likely that they will take away from the clergy this re- maining, but yearly decreasing pittance?" Speaking of Welsh education the Bishop says: During the earlier stage of the University and intermediate school movements Churchmen did little more than subscribe to both. Their sub- scriptions formed a large percentage of the total, but whatever may have been the reason there can be little doubt that their influence and interest in the movements were not commensurate with their financial contributions. Both the University and the county school have come to stay, and it must be recognised that as State-paid institutions they are doing excellent work. Many graduates of the Welsh University are seeking Holy Orders in the Church in Wales, and the number is in- creasing, and this is altogether a matter for re- joicing. The intermediate schools are settling down, I believe, to the work of education, but it is too early yet to speak of results. The elemen- tary school question affects the whole Church directly, and no true friend of education can acquiesce in the present position of affairs. Human character depends upon nature and nurture, and nurture can do everything short of creating nature. The Church believes that the most important part of this nurture is the education of the child in distinct religious principles-in the words of Plato, in the turning the eye of the soul to the light. The denominational principle will not be banished from elementary education in the country. Mr. Yoxall, at Denbigh some time ago, pointed out the complete failure of the attempt to banish it in other European countries. As things are at present, Churchmen are securing the privilege of religious teaching at an unfair cost. On the one hand, the Churchman pays Tate to the Board school as well as his subscription to the National school. Because he believes in definite religious teaching he is thus blackmailed. On the other hand, the education given in the Voluntary schools I is pinched for want of funds, and it is a testimony to the strength and vitality of the principle at stake that the Voluntary schools so far have been able to maintain such a high standard of educa- tional efficiency. But the strain is too great, and a new compromise is necessary which shall secure fair play all round. If, however, the Voluntary schools are to have a share of the rates, they must be prepared to accept popular representation on their governing bodies. It is idle to discuss any proposal for rate-aid which does not accept the principle of representation." In concluding a "Message to young Wales" the Bishop says:—The Celtic temperament is con- stitutionally liable to hypertrophy and self- consciousness, and it will be well for the youth of Wales to study that Platonic self-control or tem- perance, the essence of which is obedience to authority, and the opposite of which is that spirit of which Plato calls insolence or 'beyondness'— the general spirit, in a word, of setting oneself up against what is higher than oneself."

I TARPORLEY. I CRICKET.—The Rev. F. Clifton Smith and Captain the Honourable Baillie Hamilton have been re-appointed captain and vice-captain respectively of the cricket club. A good cricket season is looked forward to, matches having been arranged with Tattenhall, Northwich, Cheshire Gentlemen, Wistaston. Sandiway, Helsby, Bunbury, Eaton Hall, Weaverham, St Mary's, Lymm, and Mrs. Gordon Houghton's team. At then annual meeting of the club Bfr. H. Vernon was presented with a timepiece, for the best battiog, average of the season, and Mr. E. Smart was the recipient: of a ball and pedestal for the best bowling average.

PEDESTBIAWISH.—A running match, for a I friendly wager, took place at Chester on Thursday between Mr. R. Watkins, of Chester, and Mr. T. Ratter, farmer, of Bunbury. The event had exercised considerable interest, and the race was witnessed by about 300 people. Mr. Rutter, despite the fact that he weighs over 18 stone, is a remarkably speedy runner, and though his competitor is a light weight, the result of the race was never in doubt, Mr. Rutter winning with comparative ease. The distance was 120 yards.—[The above appeared in our last Saturday Evening Edition].

THE FLINTSHIRE TRAP I ACCIDENT. SINGULAR EVIDENCE. I On Tuesday the Flintshire Coroner (Mr. R. Bromley) held an inquest at the Police Station, Connah's Quay, as to the death of James Lamb, 37 years of age, whose death is reported else- where. From the evidence given it appears that on the previous Friday Lamb and a man named Thomas Jones went to Holywell to fetch home a trap which he had bought. They drove as far as Bagillt, where they stopped to light the lamps. While Lamb was getting out of the trap the horse suddenly bolted, and, coming into contact with the steps of the Royal Oak Inn, the trap was overturned and one of the wheels passed over the lower part of Lamb's body.—Thomas Jones, in reply to questions by the Coroner, said Lamb remained on the steps of the Royal Oak half an hour before he was taken into the house.—Samuel Jones, an eye-witness of the accident, said Dr. Keys, a local medical practitioner, came to Lamb in ten minutes, and then went away for the police. The doctor returned in a quarter of an hour. There was no suggestion to take Lamb inside the house, though the weather was cold and sleet was falling.—Thomas Griffiths, who was on the spot directly after the accident, said Dr. Keys arrived ten minutes afterwards, asked for a policeman, and then went to look for one.—The Coroner: Did it not strike you as an extra- ordinary thing for the doctor to go to look for a policeman?—Yes it did. The witness, continuing, said when the doctor came back he said the police- man was in Holywell. Lamb was taken into the house, and when the doctor had bandaged him he said he wanted to go home. The witness went to Connah s Quay with Lamb in a trap. Lamb was put in the trap in a sitting posture, but when near Flint he was put to lie down, as he could not sit up any longer. The doctor did not say any- thing as to how he was to be treated on the way. Lamb died before they got to Connah's Quay.- The Coroner decided to adjourn the inquest to give Dr. Keys an opportunity to be present and give evidence.

BUCKLEY PARENTS AND MOLD SCHOOL BOARD. A VEXED QUESTION SETTLED. Until recently some of the children attending the Buckley Board Schools were allowed to go out of school shortly before twelve o'clock to enable them to take dinners to their parents employed at the different works. Within the last few weeks, however, this permission had been refused, with the consequence that a good deal of irritation had been created. To consider the matter the inhabitants held a public meeting last Thursday, and drew up a petition to the members of the Mold School Hoard, asking them to withdraw the restriction, and appointed a deputation to wait upon the Board, with the result that a special meeting of that body was held on Wednesday. The memorialists were represented by Mr. Joel Williamson, Mr. Enoch Burrows, and Mr. John Humphreys. They presented the petition, which was to the following effect: -We, the undersignedj workmen of Buckley, on behalf of ourselves and fellow workmen, petition the Mold School Board to make arrangements that the children attending Bistre Board Schools shall be liberated from school each day at 11.30, to enable them to take their parents' dinners to the works by 12 o'clock. The present arrangement being most inconvenient, we beg that the Board will call a special meeting as early as possible." Mr. Joel Williamson explained the hardship inflicted upon a body of men who, if they were not allowed to have their children to take their meals to them, would have to go without, and asked the Board to revert back to the original order.—Mr. Thomas Jones, headmaster of the school in question, who was present, asked the Board to allow the matter to remain in his hands, as he could carry out the arrangement without creating any friction.—Ultimately the Board resolved on the motion of the Chairman, seconded by Mr. J. T. Morgans, that henceforth all parents or others requiring the services of children to take dinners to the works for them should be allowed that privilege on presenta- tion of a written request signed by the em- ployers, the foremen of works, or by the members of the Board, and that the children should be allowed to leave the school at 11.25.— Mr. J. Catherall called attention to the falling off in attendances at the evening continuation classes. He had the previous night visited the class presided over by Mr. Jones and found only six students, three of whom were from outside the Board's area. He suggested they ought at once to give the necessary notice to close this class, and it would also be as well if the Board got a return from each of the classes to ascertain if they were worth while carrying on. The Clerk was accordingly instructed to obtain this information.

V ALUABLJ: uiscovEBT FOR TH* H.UR.-If your hair is turning grey or white or falling off use the MEXICAN HAIR RENBWKR, for it will positively restore, in every oase, grey or white hair to its original oolonr. It makes the hair charmingly beautiful, as well as promoting the growth. Price 5s. 6d. per bottle.

THE ARMY AND VOLUNTEERS I 1ST CHESHIRE AND CARNARVONSHIRE VOLUN- TEER ARTILLIMT.-FegiMental orders by Lieut.- Colonel Wilford N. LLoyd, commanding, for week- ending Saturday, 16th February, 1901. Chester, Thursday, 7th February, 1901. 1. Drills and Parades: Tuesday and Thursday, foot drill and physical drill. Officers' class Tuesday after parade, and Wednesday 6 p.m. Sword drill for officers and sergeants Thursday after parade. The adjutant will visit out-stations as under Monday, Sandyeroft; Friday, New Brighton. 2. Drill Attendances: The attendance of the 3rd Position Battery is not as good as it should be. This battery has everything to learn, and it is absolutely necessary that every member attend every drill. 3. Volunteer Aceident Fund Society: The attention of all members is drawn to the advant- ages to be derived from membership of this society. The annual subscription is Is., and the agent for Chester Quartermaster-Sergt. J. Seller. 4. Detail for ensuing week: Orderly officer, Lieut. V. H. Dickson; orderly sergeant, Sergt. G. Jones; orderly trumpeter, Trumpeter J. Edge.—By order (signed), C. E. FORESTIER-WALKER, Captain R.A., Adjutant 1st C. & C.V.A. 2ND (EARL OF CHESTER'S) VOLUNTEER BAT. TALION CHESHIRE REGIXICNT.-Headquarters, Chester, Feb. 6th, 1901. Regimental orders by Lieut.-Colonel T. J. Smith, V.D., commanding. For week ending Saturday, 16th February, 1901. 1. Parades: Headquarter Companies (Trained Volunteers), Wednesday, 7.30 p.m. (plain clothes); squad drill, paras. 9 to 22. Recruits—Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, at 7.30 p.m.; Saltney recruits, Tuesday and Thursday, at 7.30 p.m. 2. Promotions: The following promotions and appointments will take effect in the band from this date:—Corporal J. Edge to be lance-sergeant, Lance-Corporal J. Cunnington to be corporal; and Private H. C. Hibbert to be lance-corporal. 3. Recruits: Young men desirous of joining the corps are requested to come forward for enrol- ment at once. Detail: Orderly officer for the week, Sec.-Lieutenant A. G. Hamilton; battalion orderly sergeant, Sergeant J. H. Sconce company orderly sergeants: A, Sergeant H. Dew; B, Sergeant E. Dyke C, Lance-Sergeant E. Harper; D, Colour-Sergeant D. M. Roberts; E. Sergeant A. J. Red; K, Sergeant W. H. Lewis. The orderly bugler will be furnished by D Company.—By order (signed), D. B. THOMAS, Captain, Adjutant, 2nd Volunteer Battalion Cheshire Regiment.

LITERARY NOTICES. I FEBRUARY ^MAGAZINES. I [FIRST NOTICE.] I In Blackwood's," for the current month, an admirable number as usual, a new light is thrown on the problem of the housing of the poor, by an article on Foreign Undesirables." The writer, in shewing how the Jew in London is elbowing out the English and the Irish labourer, states:— Wentworth-street buildings and Booth-street buildings, holding 1,032 and 700 persons respec- tively, took the place of Whitechapel slums early in the eighties: they were both filled with foreigners. Last year the London County Council dwellings at Shoreditch were opened with a pro- digious blast of the humanitarian trumpet, on the site of Mr. Arthur Morrison's Jago." London Irish used to live in the old hovels the present palaces are occupied in some blocks by a popula- tion that is more than half Jewish. Is that the way to house the urban poor of these islands ? The inhabitants of the ancient Jago, except an ex- tremely small percentage, have mostly dispersed into the neighbouring courts some must have been driven down into Poplar, others into the re- moter parts of Bethnal Green. And every- where the Jew creeps after them, select- ing the line of least resistance, as Mr. Askell acutely observes. They move along the great highways, especially Whitechapel-road and Commercial-road, and into the streets immediately off these thoroughfares. In streets not directly connected with the main roads, and not readily reached, the influx has been slow and comparatively recent." It is into these back alleys that the London very poor retreat. The police cf Whitechapel and St. George's-in-the-East may rejoice over the decrease of crimes of violence, though not of pilfering and unblushing perjury before the magistrate. The social reformer must confess that his schemes end too often in helping the alien at the expense of his fellow-countrymen. From the standpoint of the public health merely, immigrant Jewry may not damage itself by its mode of life, but it unmistakably inconveniences its neighbours. Mr. Wrack has to deal with com- plaints arising from its bad drainage, and bad smells created from its filthy yards and rooms. Miss Elizabeth L. Banks, writing in "Cassell's Magazine "-which it may be re- marked is a capital number-on points of Similarity and Difference between London and New York," says :— If he has arrived in New York early in the morn ing, as he is very apt to have done, he will be surprised to note how very much more alive is the "city," part of New York before eight o'clock in the morning than is the city part of London at I that hour. He sees that the side-walks have been long ago swept and scrubbed, the brasses polished, the doors and windows unbolted, the office curtains pulled up high to admit the sun. Now the "city" part of his native London is, he will reflect, quite like a city of the dead at eight o'clock in the morning. Who chases the golden sovereign on Lombard- street at this ghostly hour ? Nobody! Hardly are the charwomen, the office boys, and the house- keepers beginning to rub their eyes at eight o'clock! Yet in "down town" New York our visitor sees the banker, the broker, the merchant, the specu- lator, the" bulls" and the "bears" flying past him and into their offices in hot pursuit of the almighty dollar," and he suddenly realises that in New York the business man has been down town, made a fortune, lost it, and has begun all over again to make another one before the London business man has had his breakfast. The Argosy for February is an excellent number. The illustrations are few in number, but they are very fine, and are undoubtedly an attractive feature. Among many interesting articles is one by Charles Bruce-Angier, entitled The Reign of the Dandies." The writer describes and tells some excellent stories of the fine gentleman of our grandfather's time, with his strange fashions and his carefully cultivated eccentricities. Having introduced his readers to the beaux of an earlier period, the writer deals with Fielding, who stands on record as the best-looking of beaux." The cadet of a good family, he was intended for the Bar. But he soon grew tired of musty law- books, and launched out into the temptations of fashionable life. Charles II. was so struck with his figure when he first appeared at Court that he called him the handsome Fielding," and from that moment he became, of course, one of the most conceited fops about town. His courage was of the same quality as Wilson's: his greatest piece of heroism being to run a helpless link-boy through the body in St. Martin's-lane. One evening, how- ever, in pushing forward to show off his fine clothes in Lincoln's Inn Fields (at that time a fashionable promenade), he trod upon the foot of a lawyer named J* uliwood, who thereupon instantly challenged aud wounded him. Singularly enough, the man of law was himself killed in a duel the same night. An amusing incident is recorded in connection with Fielding's seemingly unlawful assumption of the arms of the noble house whose name he bore. On the strength of the name he ventured to have Lord Denbigh's arms emblazoned on his own coach panels, and drove about the "Ring" as proud as "the rook with the pur- loined peacock feathers." At the sight of this immaculate" coat on the chariot of his less fortunate brother, all the blood of all the Haps- burghs" flew to the head of the then Earl of Denbigh, who in a high state of wrath and fury at once procured a house-painter and ordered him to daub the armorial bearings completely over, in broad daylight, and before all the company in the Ring. The Beau seems to have thought with "Falstaff that discretion was the better part of valour, and, after all, the insult had not been offered to his arms! Fielding's excesses and extravagances at length consumed his patrimony, whereupon the gaming-table became his banking- house. The better and more easily to repair his shattered fortunes he married the daughter and heiress of Lord Carlingford. By this lady—a zealous Catholio-he was converted to the Romish taith, and induced to attach himself to the cause of James II., for whose service he raised a regi. ment in his own county, and whom he also followed to France, where he lived comfortably on his wife's remittances. He espoused en secondes noces an individual who assumed for the ocoasion the name and character of a Madame Delaune, a person of great wealth. Discovering the fraud when too late, he soon deserted her, and married instead Barbara, Duchess of Cleveland, then in her 63rd year, whom he treated with insolence and brutality. This occasioned a prosecution, and the following year our Beau was tried and found guilty of bigamy at the Old Bailey. However, when the sentence-tat he should be burned in the hand— was pronounced, he produced the Queen's warrant for duspension of sentence, and was admitted to bail.

RADICAL'S SAD CASE.—The Hon. T. A. Brassey, speaking at a Radical meeting at Bournemonth on Wednesday night, strongly urged the absolute necessity of a reconstruction of the Legislature so as to provide for Imperial representation in irariiament. The present congestion of work was most unsatisfactory. The position of the Liberal Party was not satisfac- tory. Ever since the retirement of Mr. Gbjstomr certainly ever, since that of theEarlofHosebary, there had been no leader of the whole patrf^r, and fisr latt -two ^n.eral «4e<tt4bijs ,Itid,bei; fought by" Liberal candidates praccic&lJy^ without help from «ny deader or from any united organisation. Those who had won seats had done so off their own bats, and that was, not an encouraging state of things for Liberal- ism. The party was also divided against itself by reason of a great deal of prejudice felt against Imperial Federation, and he had come to the conclusion that no leader, however eminent, was going to unite them by himself. What was needed was a great cause that should appeal to every section of the party and call forth its energies to that end. Not until the Liberal Party was animated by one great purpose could it become what it ought to be, a great political force.

CHRISTLETON. I CAMPANOLOGY.—On Saturday, a mourn- I ing peal with the bells muffled, and consisting of 1,903 changes of Grandsire triples was rung before the funeral service by the following ringers, of whom nearly ail had-assisted in ring- ing peals on both the Golden and Diamond Jubilees of our late beloved Queen: -J. Roberts, R. Lunt, J. Mayers, J. V. Wright, H. Astle, W. Mayers, T. Weaver, A. Beech. W. Mayers (conductor).

CAERGWRLE. I PETTY SESSIONS.—There was no business of public interest at the petty sessions on Thursday. The magistrates on the Bench were Messrs. W. Carstairs Jones (chairman), Wm. Davies, and H. H. Hughes. Reference was made by the justices to the national calamity in the death of Queen Victoria, and, on the proposition of the Chairman, a vote of sympathy was passed with the King and Royal Family in their bereavement. The Chairman also referred to the loss sustained by the county of Flint in the death of Mr. T. T. Kelly, clerk of the peace and clerk to the County Council, and a message of condolence was ordered to be conveyed to Mrs. Kelly in Ler affliction.

SAUUHALL. CHOIR TEA.—On Tuesday evening Miss Lilian Trelawny entertained the choir of All Saints' Church at Shotwick Park. Nineteen sat down to tea, and afterwards various games were indulged in. In addition to this there was a beautiful little present for everyone, and a most pleasant evening was spent. The Vicar, during the course of the evening, expressed his indebted- ness to Miss Trelawny for her self-sacrificing efforts as voluntary organist, and in the name of the ohoir thanked her for providing such a treat as the one they were enjoying. Miss Trelawny returned thanks for their good wishes and also expressed her appreciation of the admirable way in which the members of the choir had supported her by coming to church and to the practices so regularly, through all weather.

I WHITBY. THE CHURCH ARMY.-On Wednesday this organisation held a successful demonstration in the parish. The proceedings commenced with a public tea in the Mission Room. After tea a procession, led by the visiting officers, proceeded to the Church Schools at Ellesmere Port. Captain Short's Mission Band. strengthened for the occasion by members of the local bands, headed the procession. This was the first visit of the band to the Port, and much interest was taken in their debut, and the comments made by the public were very complimentary to Captain Short, the resident captain. On arriving at Ellesmere Port the procession proceeded to the Church Schools, where a largely attended meeting was held under the presidency of the Vicar. Ad- dresses were given by Captains Codling (Birken- head), Powell (Warrington), and Whitehead (Dutton). A lecture by Captain Wolstenholme (the Liverpool Diocesan Pioneer Missioner) was given, entitled Early days of the Church Army." The Rev. W. Bidlake complimented Capt. Short and the Church Army on the work done in the parish. During the evening Captain Short also addressed the meeting.

MALPAS. I TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION. On Wednesday telegraphic communication was opened up between Malpas and Threapwood. This has been a much-needed want. The wires were busily engaged throughout the day. SUNDAY SCHOOL TREAT.—On Wednesday afternoon the scholars attending the Church Sun- day school were given their new year's treat in the Infants' Schoolroom. They numbered up- wards of 112. The tea was provided by the rector (the Rev. the Hon. A. R. Parker). After tea numerous gifts and presents were made to those scholars who had made good attendances. There were present the rector, the Rev. L. Armitstead, the Misses Cox, Mr. A. D. Callcott (superinten- dent) and the teachers—Miss Williams, Miss A. Eaton, Miss Mackintyre, Miss Baker, Miss D. Tomlinson, Mr. H. Mercer, Mr. DamTy, the Misses Mercer, Mr. C. Dutton. LADIES' HOCKEY MATCH.A hockey match was played between the Malpas Ladies and Miss Chetwode's (Oakley Park) teams on the Malpas ground on Thursday afternoon, the home team winning by five goals to nil. The goals were scored by M. Everard (3), A. Parker (1), E. Wybergh (1). Miss Chetwode's team included: Goal, Mrs. Cog- hill; backs, Mrs. Sutthery and Miss Archer; halves, Misses Meyrick, Evelyn Payne and Edith Payne; forwards, Misses Bull, Stagner, E. Steed- man, Chetwode and Knight. Malpas XI.: Goal, Lady M. Ormsby-Gore; backs, Misses W. Hutton and A. Jordison; halves, Misses M. Hutton, F. Jordison and Lady Lettice Cholmondeley; for- wards, Misses M. Brassey, E. Wybergh, M. Everard, A. Parker and A. Gordon. CANTATA.—On Wednesday night a successful cantata was given in the Jubilee Hall by a band and chorus of sixty performers, representing the combined choirs of the Congregational Churches of Malpas and Threapwood. The Rev. J. Ogmore Morgans conducted. There was an excellent attendance. The sacred cantata selected was entitled "Esther, the Beautiful Queen." The characters were capably represented by the fol- lowing:—Queen Esther, Miss Maggie Walmsley (soprano); Abasuems, the King, Mr. Arthur Pog- son (bass); Haman, Mr. W. C. Madeley (bari- tone) Zeresh, Miss Frances Moore (contralto); Mordecai, Mr. G. H. Plant (tenor); First Maid of Honour, Miss Lily Hughes; High Priest, Mr. W. H. Madeley; Hegin, Mr. Arthur Pogson. There was a chorus representing Jews, messengers, maids of honour and prophets. The instrumen- talists were: First violins, Messrs. Jesse Lynes and J. Huxley; second violin, Mr. W. Hughes; picolo, Mr. A. E. Williams; 'cello, Mr. Herbert Lynes; bass, Mr. T. Jones; piano, Miss Huxley. The latter, besides acting as accompanist, also ably accompanied the songs in the second part of the programme. The band discoursed some good music, and the Rev. J. Ogmore Morgans is to be congratulated on his initial musical effort at Malpas. The second part of the programme was as follows: -Overture, "Le Myosotes," Band; song, "The Storm Fiend," Mr. A. Pogson (en- cored); duet, "Maying," Miss Walmsley and Mr. Plant; song, "Sunshine and Rain," Miss Hughes; song, "Three Sailor Boys," Mr. Madeley (en- cored); song, "Ailsa Mine," Mr. Plant (encored); song, "Angus Macdonald," Miss Walmsley (en- cored) finale, "God save the King." It is worthy of mention that before the commencement of the evening's programme the National Anthem, "God save the King," was heartily sung by the chorus and audience standing, this being the first occa- sion in Malpas that an entertainment has been held in the new King's reign. WEDDING.—On Monday afternoon the wedding took place at Malpas Parish Church, )f Miss Josephine Clutton, of Church-street, kigllpas,.and Mr. Caleb Medealf, of Urmston, Manchester. The bridesmaids were Miss Olive Dlutton and Miss Bessie Medcalf, sisters *espectively of the bride and bridegroom, and the bridegroom was supported by Mr. H. Antrobus, Manchester, the bride being given away by her brother, Mr. Arthur J. Clutton, of London. The ceremony was witnessed by many friends and well-wishers. The bride wore a Parisian costume of pastel blue cloth, with hat to match, trimmed with cream ostrich feathers. The bridesmaids wore navy blue costumes and cream hats, and the bride and bridesmaids each carried choice bouquets of white roses and maidenhair fern, and each wore a gold brooch, the gift of the bridegroom. Later in the after- noon the bride and bridegroom left for Liver- pool en route for Ottawa, Canada, where Mr. Medealf has been appointed to a lucrative post. The presents included :-Bridegroom to bride, gold watch and chain; bride to bridegroom, gold sleeve links; mother to bride, linen; teachers at Cheetham Higher Grade B.S., timepiece; Mrs. Elder (Edinburgh), table linen; Mr. Antrobus, satin eider down quilt; Mr. George Huxley, gold brooch, set with turquoise and pearls; the Misses Kate and Bessie and Messrs. Eldred and Frank Medcalf, Queen Anne tea service; Mr. Taylor (Manchester), silver and ivory fish carvers; Mr. T. Garner, cheque; Mr. and Mrs. Salt, afternoon tea s"us and tongs in case; Mr. and Mrs. F. Battar?? silvar?alts ? Mr. E. H:ed<taK (?em?a!). d?aner and ?esaert knives <fcc. j Mtv H. ^ldc»^o4duM)a^jro^« Mr: 35. B?kc?y (M?acbMter), en?-aYin?e j? Lei?n' ?on?JM.t.? B. CAHoot?sitvM fmit spoon; MtW 'T. Garner, house linen and worked slippers Mr. Arthur Clutton, case of cigars; Mrs. Reeves (Birmingham), silver fruit stand; Mr. and Mrs. Wright (Birmingham), silver butter dish; Miss Olive Clutton, d'oyleys; Mr. and Mrs. H. Mercer, breakfast cruet; Miss Mercer, table centre; Mr. H. Clark (Manchester), time- piece; Mr. and Mrs. Garner (The Firs, Calve- ley), silver augar basket and tongs; Mr. Reginald Clutton, pickle fork; Miss Catherine Cluttou, afternoon tea cloth; Mrs. Taylor, case of handkerchiefs; Mrs. Robinson, duchess mate Mr. A. J. Clutton, gloves, &c.; Miss Irene Clutton, writing case; Miss A. Williams, antique cream ^ug.&c.

FRODSHAM. RUMMAGE SALE.—The rummage sale re- cently held in the Town Hall realised in the aggre- gate JB17 17s. 10d., and with the expenses being only £ 1 5s. 9d., left a balance to the good of J616 12s. Id. A FORMER FRODSHAM CURATE.—The Rev. F. C. Barmby, who was six years an assist-, ant curate in the parish, has volunteered for ser- vice as a chaplain to the forces in South Africa, and be left England on January 28th.

MICKLE TRAFFORD. VOLUNTEER RECRUITING.— An endeav- our is being made to. form a section of Volunteers in the village. With thig object in view, Sergeant-Instructor Edwards attended at the School on Wednesday to enrol candidates. Ten were accepted, one failing to pass the sight tests. As a section consists of thirteen it is hoped.that a few more will join, in order to secure the advantage of drilling in the parish. Otherwise the drills must be done in Chester.

BUCKLEY. WEDDING.—The wedding of Mr. John Wil- cock, of Treeton, Rotherham, and Miss Hall, Mill- road, took place on Saturday at Bistre Parish Church, the interesting ceremony being performed by the Rev. T. Dale-Jones (curate). CHORAL SOCIETY.—This society, which is under the auspices of Mold School Board, is proving a great success, the number on the books being 180. Much progress is being made with the performance of "Elijah," which it is hoped will take place in the spring. COUNCIL BUILDING.—This building is near- ing completion, and when finished i will be, from an architectural point of view, an institution and attraction of which Buckley will be proud. It will serve for the holding of the Petty Sessions and Urban District Council meetings. BAPTIST CHAPEL.—In connection with the 20th Century Centenary Fund a tea meeting for the chapel members of the two Baptists' places— Daisy Hill and Nant Mawr-and their friends took place on Monday. In the evening a public meeting was held under the presidency of the Rev. W. M. Rees, when addresses were delivered by the Rev. T. Coles (Llandudno), J. Raigmond and O. Tidman (pastor). DEATH OF MRS. JOHN HOPWOOD.—The death of this lady took place on Friday, to the great regret of all who knew her. She had been ailing for a considerable time, and suffered a great deal for the last six weeks. The funeral, which took place on Tuesday, was a very large one, the deceased being held in the highest respect. The burial was at iNorthop Parish Church, where lie the remains of her first hus- band. Much sympathy is felt for the children, who are now bereaved of both parents.

HAWA- DEN. MISS LEGGATT'S APPOINTMENT.—The Parish Magazine has the following :—" Miss Leggatt has again left England for South Africa. She sailed from Southampton on Sunday, Jan. 20th, for Tembuland Kaffraria, where she will be head mistress of the All Saints' Training College for native girls. It is hardly 15 months since she returned home after nearly four years' work in Grahamstown. We wish her every success and happiness in her distant abode. South Africa wants the best men and women we can send there." A LIGHT-FINGERED CUSTOMER.—Before the Mold justices on Friday John Wm. Jones, of no fixed place of abode, but said to be a native of Buckley, was charged in custody with two acts of larceny. It was stated that on the previous afternoon while in the Hawarden Castle Inn the accused walked off with a timepiece which he took down from the mantelpiece. Information was given to the police, and upon his being arrested the timepiece was found in his pocket, together with a bottle of beer, and an old brass candlestick which it transpired he had stolen the same day from a public house at Buckley. The prisoner, who pleaded guilty, was sent to gaol for seven days.

TARVIN. DEATH OF MR. JOHN MARSHALL.-The death of Mr. John Marshall, tailor and draper, took place on Wednesday morning after a severe illness. DEATH OF MRS. BECKETT.-The death of Mrs. S. Beckett, widow of the late Wm. Beckett, of Grove House, took place on Friday with painful suddenness. Her death is attributed tc syncope. The funeral took place at Tarvir Churchyard on Wednesday afternoon. She was aged 72 years. DEATH OF MRS. RUTH W ALLEY.-The death of Mrs. Ruth Walley took place on Thursday week, at the age of 54 years. Deceased was a familiar figure in the village, having followed the occupation of a nurse up till some 12 months ago, when sickness pre- vented her from doing so, and she passed away as stated, death being attributed to exhaustion. The funeral took place at Tarvin Churchyard on Tuesday afternoon. SUNDAY SCHOOL TREAT.—On Friday the scholars in connection with St. Andrew's Sunday School had their annual New Year's treat. The children were entertained at tea, their wants being attended to by the Rev. T. J. Evans, assisted by the teachers. Subsequently the parents and friends partook of tea. In the evening a magic lantern entertainment was given by Mr. W. Wilkes, and recitations given by the scholars. About 50 prizes were dis- tributed to those children who had made the best attendances during the year, and on leaving each child was given a bun. CONCERT.—On Wednesday evening a concert was given in the Public Hall in aid of the new organ fund in connection with St. Andrew's Church. The hall was crowded to its utmost capacity. The arrangements were kindly under- taken by Mr. and Mrs. H. M. Sacre (of Holme Bank), to whom great praise is due for the capital programme. The special attraction was Mr. Lawton, the well-known humorist and imper- sonator, who gave several of his comic songs and sketches. His popular song "Patriotism" (on the South African War, written and revised up to date) was cheered again and again. The other artists were Mr. Sinclair Jones, Mr. Veerman, and Miss Violet Monk, who were all well received. Mr. Herbert J. Miller was accompanist. The singing of the National Anthem brought the pro- ceedings to a close.

SANDYCROFT. DEATH OF MR. LLEWELLYN GRIFFITHS. -On Monday morning last the inhabitants of the village were shocked to hear that the eldest son of Mr. E. Griffiths (foreman boiler maker) had died of fever in South Africa. Mr. Griffiths was an engineer in a gold mine, and when the war broke out he gallantly volunteered to uphold the honour of the old country. He joined the Kaffrarian Mounted Rifles as a private, and rose to the rank of sergeant. He went through the whole campaign without a scratch. His company was disbanded at the end of last year, when Mr. Griffiths wrote home stating that he was in good health, and that he thought of resuming work. It therefore came as a painful surprise to all when Mr. E. Griffiths received the fatal news that his son had died in hospital on January 12th, after a short illness. He was a general favourite. Although he had ceased to be a soldier, he was given a military funeral. Great sympathy is felt for Mr. and Mrs. Griffiths in their terribly sudden bereavement. THE INSTITUTE.—The annual meeting of the institute was held on Thursday last week, Mr. E. S. Taylor presiding. In opening the proceedings Mr. Taylor paid a touching tribute to the memory of our beloved Queen, and asked the members to rise while he read a resolution to be placed on the minutes of the meeting. The resolution was as follows:—" The members of the Sandycroft Foundry Institute in general meeting assembled respectfully record their deep grief at the death of her Most Gracious Majesty Queen Victoria and their heartfelt sympathy with his Majesty King Edward VII. and the members of the Royal Family in their great bereavement, and they pledge their un- failing loyalty to him on his accession to the Throne."—The Chairman stated the accounts shewed a very satisfactory state of affairs.—A suggestion made by Mr. C. Jones that a debating society be formed was referred to the council.—The following officers were elected for the year :-President, Mr. F. Taylor; vice- president, Mr. E. S. Taylor; treasurer, Mr. H. T. Taylor; hon. secretary, Mr. H. P. Colville Kelly; council: Messrs. W. Kelly (chairman), R. Jones, W. C. Jones, T. Jones, E. Griffiths, T. Letman, H. McLeod, H. Ham,c J. Jones, D.C., J. P. Kellie, F. Harrison; auditors, Messrs. W. Harrison and F. H. Bellis.—The Chairman proposed a vote of thanks to the outgoing officers and council, and expressed his apprecia- tion of the manner in which they had fulfilled their duties. He also complimented the secre- tary upon the painstaking manner in which he looked after the institute.

LATEST MARKETS AND FAIRS. LIVERPOOL CORN. FRIDAY.—Wheat quiet, trade about halfpenny under Tuesday; No. 1 Northern Spring 6a. 3d. to 6s. 4d. No. 1 Northern Duluth 6s. 7d. to 6s. 8d.; No. 2 Kansas, 5a. lOJd. to 6a. Beans, Saidi, 30s. Peas, 5s. 8d. Oats, quiet, unchanged; new white, 2s. Sd. to 2a. 8d.; old, 3a. 4d. to 3s. 6d. Maize, quiet, trade about halfpenny under lliesday; old mixda, 3s. lOld. to 3s. lid.; • new, -3s. 9Jd. to 3s. lOd. Flour unchanged. LoNDON CORNV JPiilpA,T -Wheat and Hour, unchanged; barley, oats, and maize, quiet; other articles without change. American quotations wheat and corn came firm to trifle dearer. CHHSTER CATTLE, THURSDAY.—There was an average supply of store and dairy cattle, and a fair attendance of buyers. Owing to the high prices and the scarcity of best quality cattle, trade con- tinued quiet throughout the day, and at the close of the market many lots remained unsold. The prices were :-Miloh cows, iR14 to £ 20; oalvers, X12 to £ 18 barrens, 99 to X12; heifers, 99 to £13; and stirks, R6 to E8. Printed and published for and on behalf of the Cheshire and North Wales Newsftver Company, Limited, by JAMES ALBERT BIRCIlÂLL, at the Cheshire Observer Office, 8, Bridfre-street, in the City of Chester.—SATCBI'AT, February 9,1901.

WHIST. I This return match between St. Barnabas and St. Mary's Institute, Handbridge, was played at Handbridge on Tuesday evening. Score:— ST. BARNABAS. ST. MARY'S. J. G. Speakman R. Atherton  A. J. Blakeman j W. Davenport J W. Whetnall J. Rowson 501 W. Barton > T. Broadhurst )  Rev. G. C. Brings 7 ? A. Blake } 12 W. H. Whetnall 2o- W. H. Waters 112 W. Tullock ) ? A. Hoult > 1C W. Jenkins zi L. Whipp ;? W.France ?? S.Sheldon  501 T. P. Tushmgham. ) J. White ) S. Mason 7 <-i G. Tremlet 7 0 R. Mason )" J.Croaatey ) J. Savage 7 -.i E. A. David 7 c S. Howell J. Moulton ° J. Bowker 7 <?f A.CatheraU 71(- G. F. Tofta ) A. Newns ) 10 W. E. Hignett 7 ? E. Rogers 7 1<7 E. Howell .?'" T.Boae j?' W. H. Savage 7>t S. Harrison. on W. Prandle ) J. Prichard > 138 147 Majority for St. Barnabas, 41.

DISTRICT COUNCILS. I (See also page 3.) I I NESTON AND PARKGATE. I The monthly meeting of this Council was held on Monday evening at Neston Town Hall, Mr. J. Pemberton presiding. Also present were Colonel Lloyd, Messrs. J. Woodward, J. Conway, T. Tozer, H. Hancock, J. G. Thomson, with the law clerk (Mr. J. P. Gamon), the surveyor (Mr. J. Bourne), and the collector (Mr. W. Tranter). On the motion of the Chairman, seconded by Col. Lloyd, the following resolution was passed:- "That this Council desire to record their profound sympathy with his Most Gracious Majesty the King and the Royal Family on the lamentable death of her late Most Gracious Majesty Queen Victoria, whose reign had united the whole Em- pire in thankfulness to Almighty God for the wis- dom of her counsels and the example of her noble life; this Council also desire to record their loyal congratulations to his Most Gracious Majesty King Edward the Seventh on his accession, and trust that he may be blessed with a long and pros- perous reign." Reference was also made by the Chairman to the death of Mr. J. G. Churton, who, he said, for many years took a very great interest in local affairs, and was always found ready and willing to help forward any good cause. They would no doubt gladly embrace the opportunity of allow- ing him to voice their feelings in proposing a vote of condolence with Mrs. Churton in the great loss she had sustained; she had the sincere sym- pathy of them all.—Colonel Lloyd seconded, and said he remembered Mr. Churton as a member of the old local board for a great many years. He was a very useful and a very genial neighbour, always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone, and some of them would remember that for many years he very thoughtfully provided a repast at Christmastime for all the aged people; his death was a distinct loss to the neighbourhood, and was regretted on all hands.—The resolution was carried in silence. The brewery company in a sample of whose beer a trace of arsenic had been found wrote in reply that the trace was only one-two-hundreth part of a grain per gallon. They contended that the arsemc arose from something in the bottle in which the sample was taken, as the materials they used were guaranteed analytically pure.—It was de- cided to take no action in the matter. The annual report of the medical officer of health (Dr. Kenyon) was read, and stated that the population of the district at the middle of last year was 4,190. The births registered during the year numbered 118, as compared with 139 in 1899, and 114 in 1898, the birth rate last year being at the rate of 28.2 per thousand persons living in the district. The deaths numbered 77, as compared with 62 the previous year, and 83 in 1898, the death rate being 18.4 per thousand persons living. The percentage of deaths under one year of age to births was 17.8. In a small district such as that the death rate necessarily fluctuated largely from year to year from reasons quite apart from any f change in sanitary conditions. Under the noti- fication of Infectious Diseases Act 20 cases were reported, and precautions in the way of disin- fection and drainage remedying fulfilled. The water supply, recently analysed, was of the high- est standard of purity, and there was no ground for suspecting it or the milk supply as the source of typhoid fever. The sewerage system of the locality was in need of extension, but none of the cases referred to were traceable to that cause. The fever had been by no means confined to Neston, but cases had occurred in other parts of Wirral. He had visited the district from time to time, and found that the sewers were flushed regu- larly, while works were being planned for the extension of the sewerage system, and the sanc- tion of the Local Government Board for the power to borrow the necessary money had been applied for. The water mains had been extended 1,059 yards, and 23 new houses had been erected. Mr. Bourne made very careful and satisfactory re- ports, and stated that 158 houses had been specially inspected, with 419 re-inspections. No cases of overcrowding had been reported.—Colonel Lloyd (chairman of the Health Committee) thought the report, which was referred to that committee, satisfactory. He also mentioned that during Jan- uary nine deaths and eight births had occurred, observing that it was very remarkable for the for- mer to exceed the latter. Mr. Thomson, in moving the minutes of the Water Committee, stated that 2,906,000 gallons of water had been consumed in the district during January.—Tenders were put in for finishing the stonework at the water tower to the new height of the tank, and the law clerk was instructed to write and ask the executors of-the late Mr. J^ushell j if they Were prepared to make any contribution towards the cost.-rJt is their wish -that the work should be done. Mr; Prince, the Council's engineer, attended before the Council with a report to the effect that the well at the waterworks was giving way about a yard from the top. It had been defective for home time owing to the soft rock on one side, and -it was now getting dangerous. The surveyor was instructed to furnish a report upon the matter.

COJSNAH'S QUAY. (See also Page 3.) DEATH OF MRS. DAVISON.—It is with deep regret we announce the death of Mrs. Davison, wife of Mr. Charles Davison, which took place on Monday morning at Farfield Hall. The deceased contracted a severe chill while attending the scholars' concert about a fortnight ago at St. Mark's School. She was in the first instance attended by her medical adviser. Dr. Purdon, and later Dr. Elliott, of Chester, was called in, but pneumonia supervened and Mrs. Davison passed away on Monday. Deceased was intimately asso- ciated with the village during her many years' residence at Farfield, and she was beloved by all classes. Mrs. Davison was of a most philan- thropic disposition, and in her the poor of the district had a warm and generous friend. St. Mark's Church and Schools had in Mrs. Davison a warm and generous supporter. During the year of office of Mr. Davison as High Sheriff of the county Mrs. Davison, jointly with her hus- band, presented a peal of bells to the church, and the schools have largely benefited from time to time, by her munificence. Mrs. Davison took an active interest in the movement for the provision of a district nurse, and it was largely through her influence and the promise of an annual sub- scription of J620 that the appointment was made. She also rendered assistance to the Nonconformist churches in the district. Much sympathy is felt for Mr. Davison.