Cheshire Observer

CHESTER STEAM LAUNDRY. VICTORIA ROAD (CLOS. BY THE NORTHQAT* STATION). AH the arrangements are on the most approved modern system for Washing, Ironing, Drying, Packing, &0., and the management most efficient. W. H. LIPSHAM, Secretary & General Manager (Cheater Steam Laundry Co., Ltd.). tSF Inspection is specially invited on any day excepting Mondays and Saturdays. Telephone 68. EVANS & CO., WINE & SPIRIT MERCHANTS, THE EASTGATE, CHESTER. WINES & SPIRITS OF IPINIST QUALITY. FINDLATER'S NOURISHING STOUT. HEINEKEN'S LAGER BEER. BASS' PALE ALE. PRICK LIST ON APPLICATION.

STRAWBERRY PICKER'S LUCK. [SPECIAL TELEGRAM.] I [FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.] I Charles Parrot, one of the 1,000 strawberry pickers employed in the strawberry fields at Holt had good news when going to his work yesterday morning. A letter was banded to him by the postman. The contents stated that he had won a prize of S550 in a Hamburg lottery. Parrott has given up picking for this season. —————— —————

CORONER IN TRAP ACCIDENT. 1 [SPECIAL TZLEGRAM.] I [FROM OWN CORRESPONDENT.] While driving between Gresford and Wrex- ham, Mr. Wynn Evans, coroner for East Denbighshire, met with what might have been a serious accident. When near Hewllpwllkilyn smithy his horse took fright at a passing object and plunged up the hedge bank. He was thrown out and left sitting on the road. The horse bolted and did not stop until it reached the stable. Fortunately, neither Mr. Evans nor the horse was hurt, but the trap was badly damaged. —————— ——————

RUSSELL TRIAL. HISTORIC SCENES. With the traditional quaint and imposing forma Earl Russell was on- Thursday indicted for bigamy before the House of Peers. The scene in the King's Gallery at Westminster Palace was a very impressive one. His lordship, under the advice ot counsel, pleaded guilty, and Mr. Robson then addressed the Court in extenuation of the offence. The prisoner afterwards made a state- ment, affirming that he had acted in good faith, and had had no intention of defying the law. After a retirement to the House of Lords for about a quarter of an hour, the tribunal returned, and the Lord High Steward announced that the sentence would be one of imprisonment for three months in Holloway Gaol as a criminal in the first division.

KING AND CHESHIRE YEO- MANRY. PRESENTATION OF MEDALS. Instructions have been received at Chester this week regarding the presentation by the King of the war medals to 3,000 officers and men of the Imperial Yeomanry. The presentation will take place on Friday. Forty men of each company be- ing allowed to attend, each member of the two Cheshire companies was communicated with from headquarters, and about the required number from each replied that they were willing to proceed to Xiondon for the purpose at their own expense. These will accordingly journey to London, and the arrangements are that they meet at the Tivoli Restaurant in the Strand at 8.30 o'clock on Friday .morning for breakfast. They will parade at half- past nine under their own officers and march to the Horse Guards parade, where they will take up the place allotted to them. The parade before the King is to be a dismounted one, and they are to wear khaki if in their possession. Officers will wear a crape mourning band on their left arm, and will not draw swords but salute with the hand. Non-commissioned officers and men will not carry carbines or rilfes. The men will receive their medals from the King in alphabetical order. The medals for the men who are not going to London will probably be forwarded for local presentation. ——————— ♦

THE RADICAL SPLIT. I LORD ROSEBERY'S MANIFESTO. I Lord Rosebery on Tuesday night sent an impor- tant letter to the members of the City Liberal Club, London. His lordship deals with the recent meeting of the Opposition, and says the Liberal party, in order to preserve the appearance of har- mony, has conceded a liberty of action and speech Tegarding the war which is in effect universal liberty, and he holds himself, therefore, absolved from the restraint he imposed on himself when he resigned the leadership, but he has no desire to re- enter the arena of party politics. The attitude of the party to the war is neutrality and an open mind. That, he contends, is an impossible attitude, and one that spells Liberal impotence. The differences in the party are not the result of per- sonal jealousies, are not simply on the war, but arise from sincere fundamental and incurable an- tagonism of principle with regard to the Empire at large and our consequent policy. One section is avowedly insular, the other Imperial, and one or the other must prevail if the Liberal party is again to become a force.

ATTEMPTED SUICIDE AT I CHESTER. PAINFUL CASE. I At an occasional county police court at Chester cn Wednesday evening, an elderly man, named Edward Jones, residing in Filkin's-lane, Boughton, was charged with attempting to commit suicide.-Police -Sergeant Bottom said prisoner had been ailing for a considerable time. He was formerly in business in Chester, but lailed, and has been living with his son-in-law since. His wife was lying at death's door at present. He bought some meat for dinner that afternoon, and then went into the canal from the towing-path at Great Boughton after taking off his coat, hat and boots. A man named Walter Axon, in the employment of Mr. Frost, of Boughton Hall, saw prisoner leap in to the water, and had great difficulty in rescuing him with a boat hook. He pleaded to be allowed to stop in the water. He had given his wife a double dose of medicine that morning, but fortunately she seemed no worse for it. In his coat pocket was found a letter commencing "You will be sorry that I have taken this step," and after making allegations against relatives and relating to family matters concluding: "Find the cemetery churches and bury us both together. Let us both lie buried together. Yours ever, Ted."—Walter Axon gave evidence as to rescuing prisoner.— Police-constable Roberts said when he appeared on the scene prisoner was sitting on the towing- path dripping wet and saying, "Let me alone; let me go into the canal and stop there. Prisoner, in reply to Mr. G. A. Dickson, who presided, said he had nothing to say. He had had a good bit of trouble at home. His wife was very ill, and he did not know what to do with himself.—Prisoner was remanded to the Work- ouse until to-day (Saturday), when he will be brought before the justices at Chester Castle.

DUELLING IN THE GERMAN I ARMY. Berlin, Sunday.—An incident is reported from Saxony which has aroused great interest in military circles. A young lieutenant attached to a regi- ment stationed in the country, while under the in- fluence of drink, struck an officer belonging to the same regiment. The following day the aggrieved officer sent a comrade to ask why the blow had been struck. The young lieutenant, who remem- bered nothing of the incident, tendered his apolo- gies, which were accepted. Nevertheless, the matter was referred to the decision of the officers df another regiment, composing a court of honour, and the officer who was struck and accepted the apologies offered was dismissed from the Army on the ground that he had sent a comrade to the offender with an intimation that a peaceful settle- ment would be welcome. The colonel of the regi- ment, m announcing the decision of the court to the officers, appeared much agitated, and said, "I can only advise you, gentlemen, in all cases, to challenge, at any rate, to a duel with swords." -» ——————

THE WAR. II SUCCESS IN ORANGE COLONY. I THE BOER "GOVERNMENT"CAPTURED.] NARROW ESCAPE OF STEYN. I The following despatches have been received at the War Office Lord Kitchener to Secretary of State for W ar. Pretoria, July 13th (6.50 p.m.) In Cape Colony, Scheepers burnt .public buildings in Murraysburg and some farms in vicinity. Fetherstone's Columns and Dixon's have reached Zeerust, having met some opposition and made captures. Our casualties: Lieutenant B. C. Noel, Imperial Light Horse, killed, and three officers and 24 men wounded. Elliot's Columns have reached Heilbron from East. During march, Broadwood's Brigade surprised Reitz, capturing Steyn's brother and others. Steyn himself escaped in shirt sleeves. -July 14 (11.30 a.m.). Referring to my tetegfata of yesterday, so- called Orange River Government and papers were captured, Steyn and one man only escaping.

SCHEEPERS'S LAAGER CAPTURED. I The Press Association's correspondent writing from Desolation Kop on Sunday (via Graaf Reinet, Sunday), says :-The rush of four columns into Camdeboo, though sudden enough in operation to be almost dramatic, had been carefully planned for over a fortnight. Colonel Scobell, who was following Fouche in the Stormberg district, was abruptly ordered to entrain for Graaf Reinet, while Colonel Wynd- ham, who was ostentatiously marching towards Murraysburg, was recalled during the night and took up an allotted position. The other colunftis feinted in a like manner until the critical moment. Colonel Scobell, leading the attack, detached Colonel Lukin, commanding the Cape Mounted Rifles, with instructions to assail the position from the east side, while, with the 9th Lancers and some Yeomanry, he himself got right round to the west of the position. The Boers were very nearly caught, but not quite. Scheepers himself escaped by precipitous paths with the main body, but Colonel Scobell captured the laager, 25 prisoners, 56 horses, and 25 rifles, with ammunition and stores. Our casualties were nil. Nearly all the prisoners were found to be rebels. Liebenberg, Scheepers's adj utant, was captured, as was also Lieutenant Luy. Of the seven Boers who were ambushed by Lieutenant-Colonel Doran, one was killed and one wounded, the others being taken prisoners.

CONSTABULARY ATTACKED. GUN CAPTURED. Lord Kitchener reports from Pretoria that on Thursday a South African Constabulary post at Houtkop, to the north-west of Vereeniging (the station where the railway crosses the Vaal), was attacked by the Boers, who succeeded in capturing an old 7-pounder screw gun. The enemy was afterwards driven off. Our casualties were three killed and seven wounded. Lord Methuen's column was engaged on the 5th to the east of Zeerust, when three Boers were killed, 43 captured, and some wagons, ammunition, and cattle taken. Our casualties were two men wounded. —————— 0 ——————

BISLEY MEETING. ENGLAND WIN THE ELCHO. At the Bisley meeting on Friday the annual trial of skill between representative eights of England, Scotland, and Ireland, took place for the Elcho Challenge Shield. The shoot is one of fifteen shots at each of the long ranges, with match rifles, and since Lord Elcho established the competition in 1862 England has won a score of times, Ireland twelve, and Scotland seven times. The Scots have the honour of the highest score made in the competition—1,696 eight years ago-and gallant little Wales has had a record of quite another character in the hopeless task of finding teams to battle with her big rivals. England led finely until the last range, where the failing light at seven o'clock told its tale upon the scoring. England felt this atmospheric pressure" most, and her rivals drew closer. The Englishmen recovered a little when some dozen points remained of their lead, and, holding their rivals splendidly to the last, won an exciting match by the highes score for five years, all the teams scoring more than the Irish winning total of 1,537 last year. The scores were :-England, 1,609; Scotland, 1,595 Ireland, 1,585. In the Prince of Wales Service Rifle Competition Sergeant J. Welch, 1st V.B. West Kent Regiment, won the badge and 9100, with a score of 96. Corporal Simcock, 2nd V.B. Cheshire Regiment, won £ 3 with a score of 92. EXCELLENT SHOOTING. I At Bisley on Saturday, in the "Daily Graphic" competition, there were twenty-five highest possi- ble scores of 35, and nine competitors who made 15 points on tie shots will again fire for the cup. In the "Graphic" competition at 500 yards there were twenty-four possibles, and five of those who were equal on tie shots itill also shoot again. The "Daily Telegraph" Cup competition also ended in a tie. In the Barlow competition at three ranges the first prize was won by Private John Craig, 5th Lanark. As the result of shooting further ties, Corporal T. Lewis, 2nd V.B. Welsh, won the Daily Graphic" Cup, and Corporal J. Shannon, 3rd V.B. Welsh, the "Graphic" Cup. The "Daily Telegraph" tie was also fired, and the winner was Sergeant Cowan, 3rd K.O.S.B. The winner of the Duke of Cambridge Prize was Sergeant Fulton, Queen's Westminsters. WINNER OF THE BRONZE MEDAL. I The shooting concluded on Tuesday in the first stage of the King's, with the result that Private Morris, Glamorgan, with an aggregate of 101, won the bronze medal. Earl Roberts's Cup went to the team of the 2nd Volunteer Battalion Oxford Light Infantry. The Chancellors' Plate was won by the eight representing Cambridge and the Lucas Challenge Cup by the Glasgow Brigade. The Volunteers again carried off the United Service Challenge Cup with 743 points, the I Regular team being second, and the Militia third. Sergeant Wallingford, School of Musketry, who tied with Lieut. Miller, 1st Derby, for the Wimbledon Cup, won on further tie shots. LOCAL SCORES. I The local scores in the final of the King's first stage were:—Sergeant Forster, 5th V.B. Cheshire, 31 at 200 yards, 33 at 500, 32 at 600, total 96; Sapper J. Capper, 2nd Cheshire Engineers, 33, 32, 30, total 95. In the Lucas Challenge Cup competition, the Cheshire Brigade made 1,387 points, the Glasgow Brigade (winners) scoring 1,498. Corporal Williams, 2nd Cheshire, won 92 with a score of 48 in the Armourers' Competition. Appended are the local scores in the King's first stage, those who made over 90 being entitled to shoot in the second stage:— 200 500 600 Tl. Private Munro, 3rd Cheshire 30 33 26-89 Corporal Newall, 3rd Cheshire 31 21 18-70 Colour-Sergt. Brown, 5th Cheshire 23 21 23-79 Col. -gergt. Pickford, '?th Cheshire 31 30 27-88 Q.M.S. Leigh, 5th Cheshire 26 30 17-731 Sergeant Forster, 5th Cheshire 31 33 32-96 Sergeant Whittaker, 5th Cheshire 28 29 28-85 Lance-Sergt. Bowker, 5th Cheshire 30 27 23-80 Colour-Sergt. Cullen, 4th Cheshire 29 24 29—82 Private Willis, 4th Cheshire 23 26 32-81 Sergeant Johnson, 2nd Cheshire. 31 29 27-87 Q.M.S. Williams, 1st C. & C.V.A. 28 27 23-78 S. Major J. Jones, 1st Cheshire 27 26 20-73 Colour-Sergt. Acton, 3rd Cheshire 32 32 30-94 Q.M.S. Smith, 3rd Cheshire 32 27 24-83 Sergeant Whitehead, 3rd Cheshire 30 34 25-89 Arm.-Sergt. Parry, 2nd Cheshire. 32 27 35-94 Corporal Simcock, 2nd Cheshire. 31 30 25—86 Lance-Sergt. Lyon, 2nd Cheshire 31 30 25-86 Corporal Williams, 2nd Cheshire. 31 27 27-85 Private Taylor, 1st Cheshire 27 31 27-85 Sergeant Harrison, 1st Cheshire. 33 28 29-90 Lance-Sergt. Stoddart, 1st Ches. 30 30 16-76 Private Sprigings, 1st Cheshire 31 32 25-88 Private Tipping, 1st Cheshire 30 33 28-91 Corporal Jones, 1st Cheshire 28 24 28-80 Private Hughes, 1st Cheshire 27 29 15-71 Private Anning, 1st Cheshire 25 28 25-78 Private Butler, Royal Welsh Fua. 29 22 18-69- Staff-Sergeant Marr, 1st Cheshire 32 28 29-89 Sergeant Campion, 1st Cheshire 33 30 30—93 L-Sergt. Jones, 1st Welsh Fus. 30 21 23-74 Private F. Jones, 1st Welsh Fus. 31 26 25—82 Sergeant King. 1st Welsh Fas. 31 26 28—85 Private Tilley, 1st Welsh Fus. 35 31 25-91 L-Sergt. J. Jones. 3rd Welsh Fus. 33 30 28-91 Sergt. H. Jones, 1st Welsh Fus. 31 26 29-86 Sergeant Aston, 3rd Cheshire 26 31 28—85 I

THE AFFAIRS OF A RHTL HOTEL.—At Monday's sitting of Bangor County Court, before his Honour Sir Horatio Lloyd, Mr. Lewis Jones, Rhyl, applied for the winding up of the Belvoir and Pier Hotel Company, Rhyl. He said that there had been continual adjourn- ments, and since the time when the application was made additional creditors had come for- ward in support of the application.—Mr. Widdosen, Manchester, who opposed the appli- cation, said that the interests of the share- holders would not be served if the company was wound up. There was a mortgage on the property.—The Judge said that the matter had been before the court for a very long time, and at the last court he deliberately stated that unless the creditors were satisfied he would make the order. As the creditors had not yet been satisfied he had no alternative but to make the order, with costs.

CHESHIRE VOLUNTEERS IN CAMP. A ROASTING WEEK. [BY AN EX-VOLUNTEER.] I Perham Down Camp, Thursday. One does not thoroughly realise the vastness of Salisbury Plain until one sees a few thousand men set out for military manceuvres on its downs, and almost disappear from sight in a few minutes. Perham Down, where the 2nd V.B. Cheshire Regiment are again encamped, is a delightful spot for the purpose, its only draw- back being its remoteness from Chester. The railway journey is most tedious particularly in the present torrid weather, but if our Volun- teers are to attain that degree of efficiency which the nation expects of them it is imperative they should visit the best manoeuvring grounds that can be found. The Cheshires, it will be remembered, form part of the 30th Volunteer Infantry Brigade of the Field Army far Home Defence, and associated with them in the camp are the 1st V.B. Royal Welch Fusiliers, 1st V.B. Liverpool Regiment, and the 1st V.B. South Lancashire. The total of all ranks under canvas is 2,819, being composed of 84 officers, 187 warrant officers and sergeants, 178 band and drummers, and 2,370 rank and file. The strongest regiment numerically is the Welch Fusiliers with a total of 815; the South Lancashire come next with 770, the Cheshire are third with 640, and the 1st Liverpool last with 580. The Brigadier is Col. the Hon. Sir Frederick Stopford; Major Scrace Dickins is the Brigade Major, and the duties of A.D.C. are discharged by Lieut Bryant. Colonel T. J. Smith is in command of the Cheshire Regiment, and the other officers in camp are Captain and Hon. Major Harrisson, Captains H. I. Thompson, G. F. Ashton, F. O. Evans, C. E. Bromley, S. Thornely, H. Davison, E. L. Clarke, W. E. Burton, A. Timmins, and C. Edwards, Lieutenants R. L. Nicholson and W. A. V. Churton, Second Lieutenants A. G. Hamilton, C. F. Bell, and R. A. Weismuller, Quartermaster Williamson, Captain and Adjutant D. B. Thomas, and Hon. Major T. Woolley. The strength of the regiment is made up as follows:—StaS officers and sergeants, 8; A Company (Chester), total 41; B (Chester), 37; C (Chester), 44; E (Chester), 57; F and G (Runcorn), 53 and 64 respectively; H (Hart- ford), 70; I (Frodsham), 71; K (Saltney), 71; L (Hartford), 60; Cyclists, 58. The 2nd V.B. Cheshire really belong to the Cheshire Brigade, with which they underwent their training last year on Salisbury Plain, and it was intended that they should go under canvas this year with the same brigade at Conway. They were, however, attached to the 30th Brigade, which may be taken as an appreciation by the authorities of theii effici- ency. Several corps that had been included in the Field Army for Home Defence, were unable to raise the requisite number of men for a fort- night's training, and it speaks well for the patriotism of the Cheshires that they have come forward so willingly. Many have done so at a considerable sacrifice, as the whole of their holidays will be devoted to volunteering. In view of the somewhat exceptional service that is being requested of the men their pay has been slightly increased. Formerly a private received Is. a day; now a single private is being allowed 20a. for the fortnight; a single lance-corporal is receiving 21s.; and a single corporal 22s.; while a married man holding any of these ranks is being allowed 10s. extra. The I grant to the sergeants is 5s. each, and out of this they pay for their mess. I THE WEEK'S WORK. The Chester Companies left Chester on Saturday about two o'clock, and they were joined en route by the outlying companies. The battalion, after a trying journey, arrived at Ludgershall Station, which is the nearest to the camp, about midnight, and after detraining the luggage reached camp about one o'clock, it was rather a surprise after the fine weather at Chester to find that it had been raining heavily in this district. As a result the Downs presented a muddy and cheerless appear- ance. Everything that could be desired had been done by the advance party to make the men comfortable, and a much appreciated feature was wooden floors to each tent. Bedding and blankets were all in readiness, and after par- taking of slight refreshment at the canteens, which were allowed an extension, the men retired to their tents, and were soon asleep until the bugles sounded reveille. Breakfast over the men formed up in companies to receive a pair of army boots, shirt and slouched hat. The heat was now intense, and the men soon found the value of the slouched hat. There was no church parade of the Cheshire Regiment, but a service was held in the lines of the three other battalions, viz., 1st Welch, 1st South Lancashire, and 1st Liver- pool, to which a large number of Cheshire men went. The camp was early astir on Monday morning, and the work of the week commenced at 6 o'clock with company field drill by company officers. After breakfast the men paraded in shirt sleeves and slouched hats, and were formed up for inspection by the Brigadier, the Hon. Sir Frederick W. Stopford. The gallant officer has lately returned from South Africa, having been in command of one of the brigades in Natal, and he expressed himself highly pleased with the smart and soldierlike appearance of the men and hoped they would continue to keep up the high opinion he had of them. The battalion then marched off to practise the attack, extending, and judging of distances, while the Cyclist Company, reconnoitred in thA direction of Andover. Dinner was served at one o'clock, and then the battalion had a sham fight. On Tuesday and Wednesday the regiment was put through company field training from six o'clock to eight o'clock, and then again from nine o'clock to one o'clock, but the afternoon drill was wisely dispensed with in view of the great heat, and it is hoped it will continue to be so during the encampment. The men do not mind how much work they do in the morning if they can have the afternoon for resting. So far the various battalions in the brigade have drilled independently of each other. A favourite spot with the Cheshires is a hill which last year was christened Spion Kop, a name that still sticks to it. On Thurs- day morning before breakfast the battalion practised the attack on a position, and from a quarter-past nine till one o'clock they were kept hard at work on outpost duty. To-morrow (Friday) will be a field day; on Saturday the regiment will called up to strike, clean and re- pitch the camp; on Sunday the men will attend church parade, and next week will be given up i to brigade field operations. Sir Redvers Buller and some mounted troops from Alder- shot are expected to visit the camp on Thurs- day, and manceuvres on an extensive scale are expected. The battalion will return home on Saturday, their departure being fixed for seven a.m. SOME INNOVATIONS. I The first things that strike anyone who has had any experience of volunteering in the past, are the practical methods that are now adopted, and the desire shewn to depart from the red tape traditions that hitherto have crippled, not only the auxiliary forces, but the army as well. Take the question of dress. What a sensible change has been made in this direction. For- merly, no matter how sweltering the heat was, the men were obliged to parade in kerseys with their stiff collars, and belts, and on inspection days they donned their still heavier tunics and helmets. Now officers and men alike parade in picturesque slouch hats, and in their shirts with the sleeves rolled up. The result is they are capable of performing double the amount of work with less fatigue. The regiment thus garbed has an exremely business-like look, aud the effects produced by the uniform swing of the men's bronzed arms is curious. The heat has been so excessive during the week that under the old conditions many of the men would have been hors de combat. As it is on Wednesday morning two men fainted. On Thursday in one of the tents 94 degrees was registered, and the temperature would have been unbearable on the Plain but for the pleasant breeze that played round the hills. The battalion is deprived of the services of its Bearer Company during this encampment. Under the system that formerly prevailed each regiment in the Cheshire Brigade contributed its quota to the Bearer Company, but this arrangement was unsatisfactory, and it was decided that the 2nd Battalion should furnish the whole of the company. This has been done, and the consequence is that the company, and the medical officers attached to it, will go under canvas with the Cheshire Brigade at Conway. It is fortunate that the health of the men has been so excellent for there is no adequate hospital accommodation in the camps on Perham Down, though this defect will shortly be remedied. It is evident from the alteration in the drills that the lessons of the Boer War have been taken well to heart. In days gone by much time was devoted to practising the march past, and other ceremonial features, but for this has been substituted useful work such as skirmishing, sending out advance guards, attacking positions, &c., and the men enter into the manoeuvres with great zest, especially when they can blaze away at one another with blank ammunition.

HESWALL. I THE RECTOR BETTER. The many I friends of the rector, the Rev. T. H. May, will be I glad to learn that he is recovering from his I serious illness, though he is still confined to his I room. He returned from Leeds on Monday.

I SANDYCROFT. I LADY CAVENDISH AT THE SUNDAY SCHOOL. On Sunday afternoon Lady Frederick Cavendish distributed prizes to the successful scholars attending St. Ambrose's Sunday School. Lady Cavendish gave an instructive and entertaining address on Sunday school work.

I BUCKLEY. ACCIDENT.—Mr. W. H. Roberts, Tyddyn, the well-known agriculturist. has met with a severe accident. It seems that a cart laden j with hay was overturned, and Mr. Roberts went to take the horse out of the shafts, and in doing so the horse jumped and kicked him. We are glad to know that the patient is progressing as II favourably as can be expected. I--

HOPE AND CAERGWRLE. I BAZAAR AT PLAS TEG.—A bazaar in aid of Hope Church Organ Fund was held, by kind permission of Mrs. Chas. Trevor Roper, in the beautiful grounds of Plas Teg, on Monday. The proceedings were opened by Mrs. Cooke, of Gwysanney. The jumble stalls were in charge of Mrs. Jones, the Rectory; the refreshment stalls, Mrs. and Miss Price and Mrs. Evans and the flower show, Mrs. and Miss King. I

GARDEN PARTY AT HOOTON. I HIGH SHERIFF'S GUESTS. I On Thursday the High Sheriff of Cheshire and Mrs. Brocklebank (The Roscote, Heswall) held a garden party at Hooton Hall, at which between 400 and 500 guests were in attendance. The j weather throughout the dJLy was of the most beau- tiful description, and the gathering, which was probably the largest that has been seen at a garden party at this picturesque hall, was one of the most interesting and enjoyable social functions that have taken place in Wirral. During the pro- ceedings the Euterpian Orchestra, Liverpool, per- formed a high-class musical programme, and many of the guests found enjoyable sport and recreation in playing croquet, tennis and other games, for which the spacious lawn in front of the hall is so admirably adapted. Refreshments were served in the banqueting hall. The following is a list of the invited guests:—Mrs. and the Misses Adam, Hes- wall; Mrs. Aspinall, Tarporley; Mr., Mrs. and Miss Atkins, Rock Ferry; Mr. and Mrs. Aldersey, Chester; Miss Aldersey; Mr. Mrs. and the Misses Armstrong, Spital; the Rev. S. H. and Mrs. Armitstead and Miss Agnes Armitstead, Sand- bach; the Rev. J. and Miss Armitstead, Sand- bach; Mr., Mrs. and the Misses Brodrick, Hoy- lake; Mr., Mrs., the Misses and Messrs. Beau- sire, Nocturam; Canon and Mrs. Blencowe, West Kirby; Mr., Mrs., Messrs. and the Misses Leadley Brown, Heswall; Mr., Mrs. and the Misses Brancker, Heswall; Mr., Mrs., Miss and the Messrs. Bushell, Bromborough; Miss Bushell, Hinderton; Mr., Mrs. and Miss R. Bushell, Neston; Mr. and Mrs. Buston, Neston; Mr., Mrs. and the Misses Harmood Banner, Neston Mr. and Mrs. Bushby and Mr. W. Bushby, Rock Ferry; Mr. and Mrs. Baring, Chester; Mrs. and Miss Barett, Neston; Archdeacon and Mrs. Barber, Chester; Mr. and Mrs. R. C. Beazley, Oxton; Mr. and Miss Babington, Eastham; Mr. and Mrs. W. Blain, Bromborough; Mrs. L. Brooke and Mr. H. Brooke; Mr. R. Brocklebank, Tarporley; Mr. H. L. Beckwith, "'Liverpool; Mr. and Mrs. Ball, Thornton Hough; Mr. and Mrs. A. Blain, Mr. R. E. Bogtlingk, Hooton; Mr. and Mrs. A. W. Bibby, Liverpool; Mr. R. M. Brocklebank, Great Malvern; Lieutenant H. C. R. Brockle- bank, R.E., and Mrs. Brocklebank, Sheerness; Mr., Mrs. and the Misses Beckett, Bebington; Mrs. Bower, Heswall; Mr. E. Braumeller, Bir- kenhead; the Rev. J. W. Royds Brocklebank; Mr. R. Eric Royds Brocklebank; Captain and Mrs. Beyts, Chester; Captain and Mrs. Bremner, Inde- fatigable Mr. and Mrs. Beaumont, Bromborough Colonel and Mrs. Bland, Chester; Mrs. Churton and Miss Lloyd, Neston; Mr., Mrs. and Miss Comber, Parkgate; Mr. and Mrs. Cochrane, East- ham; Mr., Mrs. and Miss Congreve, Burton; the Rev. A. and Mrs. Charlesworth, Thurstaston; Mr. and Mrs. E. L. Chambres, Willaston; Mrs., Mr. and Miss Cripps, Bromborough; Mr. Thos. Clarke, Neston; Mrs. and Mr. A. Pitcairn Camp- bell, Chester; Mr., Mrs. and the Misses Crowe, Birkenhead; Mr. and Mrs. A. Chambres, Little Trafford; Mr. and Mrs. P. H. Chambres, Rhyl; Mr. and Mrs. H. Chambres, Eastham; Mr. J. Clarke, Willaston; the Rev., Mrs. and Mr. L. Bell Cox; Mr. and Mrs. W. Caine, Spital; Mr. Colt, Moorland House; Mr. and Mrs. J. Catto, Willaston; the Rev. T. Cooper, Hooton; Mr. J. Crewdson, Sutton; Mr. and Mrs. Cullimore, Chester; Mr. and Mrs. Glover, Willaston; Mr., Mrs. and Miss Corbet, Hoylake; Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Churton, Chester; Colonel and Mrs. Courtenay, Chester; the Rev. and Mrs. J. H. Chell, Bidston; the Bishop of Liverpool and Mrs. and Miss Chavasse; Colonel, Mr. and Miss Compigne; Major and Mrs. Cooke, Major Creighton, Mr. and Mrs. Percy Churton, Oxton; Mr. and Mrs. R. Cor- bett, Nantwich; Mr. Cox, Frankby; Mr. and Miss Dobie, Heswall; Dr. and Miss Dobie, Chester; Mr., Mrs. and Miss Duckworth, Eastham; Mr., Mrs., the Messrs. and Misses Dennis, Arrowe Park; Mr., Mrs. and Miss Dempsey, Hoylake; Mr. and Mrs. Cluhie Dale, Bromborough; Mrs. Duncan, Heswall; the Dean of Chester and Mr. and Miss Darby; Mr., Mrs., the Misses and Mr. H. L. Duncan, Bromborough; Mr. and Mrs. G. L. Dewhurst, Lymm; Mr. Daniell, Moorland House; Lieutenant-Colonel Bromley-Davenport, M.P.; Colonel and Mrs. Dixon, Chelford; Mr. G. C. Dobell, Claughton; Colonel and Mrs. Duke, Chester; Mr., Mrs. and Miss De Wolf, Oxton; Mr. and Mrs. Drinkwater, Isle of Man; Mr. and Mrs., Mr. G. and the Misses Eaton, Willaston; Mr., Mrs. and the Misses E. Evans, Spital Old Hall; Sir Philip and Lady Egerton; Mr., Mrs. and Miss J. Evans, Brackenwood; Lieutenant H. C. Ellis, Chester; the Rev. Chancellor Espin; Mr., Mrs. and the Misses Fox, Bromborough; Mr. and Mrs. Forbes, Hoylake; Mr., Mrs., Miss and Mr. E. Meadows Frost, Heswall; Mrs. Aylmer Frost, Heswall; Sir W. and Lady Forwood and the Misses Forwood, Bromborough Hall; Mr. and Mrs. Feilden, Chester; Miss Feilden, Bebington; Canon and'Miss Feilden; Mrs. Fleming, Mr. N. and Mr. W. P. Fleming, Chester; Mr. and Mrs. Gibbons Frost, Mollington; the Rev. S. Firman, Liverpool; Mr. and I Mrs. F. H. Cox, Ledsham; Sir Thos. and Lady Frost, Chester; Mr. and Mrs. J. Frost, Boughton Hall; Mr. and Mrs. J. Meadows Frost, Chester; Judge Wynne Ffoulkes, Chester; the Rev. A. and Mrs. and the Misses Glenn, Barnston; Miss Gore and Miss Whittall, Heswall; Mr. and Miss Gardner, Heswall; Mr., Mrs. and Miss M. Graham, Neston Mr. and Mrs. H. Gair, Bromborough; Mr., Mrs., the Misses and Mr. J. Glynn, Willaston; Mr. and Mrs. A. H. Graves, Capenhurst; Mr. and Mrs. V. Grainger, Upton; Dr. and Mrs. Garson, Bebington; the Rev. H. Grantham and Miss Grantham, Chester; Miss Gold-Edwards, Mr. James Gordon, New Brighton; Dr. and Mrs. Granger, Chester; the Countess Grosvenor and Mr. Wyndham; the Rev. T. and Mrs. Green, Bromborough; Mr. and Mrs. R. Greenshields, Malpas Lady Lettice Grosvenor; Major, Mrs. and Miss Green, Poulton Lancelyn; Mr. B. Glegg, Backford Hall; Mr. Maxwell Glegg; Mr. and the Misses Gorst and Mr. A. Gorst, Birkenhead; Mr. J. Baskerville Glegg, Chelford Captain and Mrs. Gaskell, Woodstock Colonel and Mrs. Gilbert, Chester; Mr. and Mrs. Hutton, Heswall; Mr., Mrs., Mr. J. and the Misses Hubback, Heswall; Mr., Mrs. and Miss Hobson, Bromborough Mr. and Mrs. Hope, Bur- ton Mr. and Mrs. A. Houghton, West Kirby; the Rev. W. and Mrs. Hollowell, Calday Grammar School; Mr. and Mrs. Gray Hill, Birkenhead; Mr. and Mrs. E. H. Harrison; Mr. and Mrs. Oswald Harrison, Bromborough; Mr., Mrs., Miss and Mr. R. Johnson Houghton, Neston; Lieut.- Colonel and Mrs. Hamersley; Mr. T. Hassall, Great Saughall; Mr. Hoult, M.P., and the Misses Hoult; the Rev. C. and Mrs. Hylton Stewart, New Brighton; Mr. R. Haigh, Birkenhead; the Rev. F. E. and Mrs. Hicks, Rock Ferry; the Rev. J. F. Howson and Miss Howson, Chester; Mr. and Mrs. H. Hind, Birkenhead; Mr. and Mrs. T. Hannay, Upton Mr. and Mrs. Rowland Hughes, Liverpool; Mr. and Mrs. M. Higginson, Rock Ferry; Mrs. Harvey, Bebington; Mr. and Mrs. and Miss W. Hope, Oxton; the High Sheriff of Lancashire and Mrs. Bibby Hesketh; Miss Hill- yard, Chester; Mr. and Mrs. Marton Hull, Wal- lasey; Captain and Mrs. A. A. Howell, Chester; Captain, Mrs. and Miss Hicks, H.M.S. Akbar; Mr. and Mrs. and Messrs. Jones, Hooton; Mrs. and the Misses Ismay, Dawpool; Mr. and Lady Margaret Ismay; the Bishop of Chester and Mrs. and Miss Jayne Miss Jacobson, Chester; the Rev. Canon Herbert Jones, Liverpool; Dr. and Mrs. Royds Jones, Tarporley; Colonel, Mrs. and the Misses Cotton-Jodrell; Mr., Mrs. and the Misses and Mr. W. Johnston, Bromborough; Mr. and Mrs. E. Johnston; Mr., Mrs. and Mr. R. Jack- son, Claughton Mr. and Mrs. Ker, Heswall; Mr. and Mrs. Kellock, Shotwick; Mr. and Mrs. C. Kay, Northwich Miss King, Oxton Mr. and Dr. Alice Ker, Birkenhead Mr. E. Sneyd Kynnersley Mr. J. Kewley, Liverpool; Mr. and Mrs. Lockett, Barnston Towers; Mrs., Miss and the Messrs. Laird, Birkenhead; the Misses and Mr. E. Laird, Claughton; Mrs. J. and Miss Laird, Oakhurst, Claughton; Mr. and Mrs. H. Lrd, Prenton Hill West; Mr. and Mrs. J. MacGregor Laird, Bid- ston Court; Mr. and Mrs. Lea, Heswall; Colonel, Mrs. and Miss Lacy, Neston; Mrs. and Miss Littledale, Broxton; Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Lever, Thornton Hough; Mr. and Mrs. Lonsdale, Hooton; Sir Elliot Lees, M.P., and Lady Lees; Mr. and Mrs. C. Latham, Bromborough; Mr. J. Lawrence and Miss Lawrence, Liverpool; Sir Horatio and Lady Lloyd, Chester; Mrs. and Miss E. Logan, Chester; Captain and Mrs. Evans Lombe, Chester; the Rev. and Mrs. Lambert; Mr. and Mrs. Langlands, Oxton; the Lord Lieu- tenant (Lord Egerton of Tatton) and the Duchess of Buckingham and Chandos; Mr. and Mrs. and Miss Morton, Hooton Mount, Eastham; Mrs. and the Misses Main, Heswall; Dr. Main, Heswall; the Misses Mackee, Heswall; Mr., Mrs. and the Misses McIver, Birkenhead; the Rev. T. H. and Mrs. May, Heswall; Mr. and Mrs. G. McIver, Heswall; the Mayor and Mayoress of Chester (Colonel and Mrs. H. T. Brown); Sir Philip and Lady Mainwaring, Knutsford; the Mayor and Mayoress of Birkenhead (Alderman and Mrs. Cook); Mr. and Mrs. R. Marquis, Oxton Mr. and the Misses Macfie, Rowton Hall, Chester; Mr. and Mrs. Moore, Bromborough; Mr. and Mrs. Midwood, Bebington; Mrs. Mitchell, Brom- borough; Mr., Mrs. and Miss James Mackee, Bid- ston; Mr. and Mrs. Morecroft, Bromborough; the Lord and Lady Mayoress of Liverpool; Major and Mrs." Meredith, Chester; Captain, Mrs. and Miss Miller, Conway; Mr. and Mrs. Nicholson, Spital Hall: Mr. and Mrs. C. Nicholson, Mollington; the Rev. W. Norman, Heswall; Mr., Mrs., Miss and Mr. H. Newsom, Hill Crest; Mr. Neame, Hes- wall; Mr. and Mrs. Hugh Nicholson, Little Sut- ton; the Rev. H. and Mrs. Nixon, Oxton; Mr. and Mrs. R. Naylor, New Brighton Mr. and Mrs. Naylor, Liverpool; Mr. and the Misses Owen, Canenhurst; Colonel and Mrs. Ommaney, Chester; Major and Mrs. Oxley, Chester; Mr. and Mrs. Porter, Hooton; Mrs. Park, Hooton; the Rev. W. and Mrs. Postance and Miss Dawson, Willaston; the Rev. W. and Mrs. Pollock, Birkenhead; Mr. C. L. Pennell, Liverpool; Mr. R. Pierpoint, M.P., Warrington; Baron Pilar, Ledsham; the Rev. C. D. Pater, Liverpool; Miss Pownall and Mr. Pownall, Neston Mr. H. B. Price, Menai Bridge; Mr. and Mrs. G. Paterson, Hooton; Mr. and Mrs. T. Paterson, Rock Ferry; Mr. and Mrs. R. Potts, Chester; Miss Potts, Chester; Mr. and Mrs. de F. Pennefather, Calveley Hall; Captain, Mrs. and Miss Peel, Rock Ferry; Mr. Walter Peel, Mr., Mrs., the Misses and Messrs. L. Peel, New Ferry; the Hon. and Mrs. Cecil Parker, Eccleston; Mr., Mrs., Mr. T. and the Misses Royden, Frankby Hall; Mr. and Mrs. W. Rooke, Heswall; Mr. and Mrs. C. L. Rooke, Lyndhurst; Mrs. and Miss Rae, Redcourt; Mr. and Mrs. E. Rae, Courthill; the Misses Roberts, Neston; Mrs. and Miss Rathbone, Backwood; Mr. and Mrs. Rawson, Heswall; the Rev. P. and Mrs. Robin and Miss Robin, Wood- church; Canon and Mrs. Royds, Coddington; Mr. C. B. Royds, Chester; Miss Royden, Frankby; Mr. and Miss Richardson, Capenhurst Hall; Mr. and Mrs. B. C. Roberts, Chester; the Rev. Cradock Royds, New Brighton; Mrs. Russell, Neston; Mr. Rowe, Liverpool; Mr. and the Misses Rodger, Spital; the Rev. A. L. and Mrs. Royds, Sandbach Mrs. and the Misses Robin, Chester; Mr. and Mrs. I M. Rigg, Chester; Mr. and Mrs. Rooper, Chester; the Misses Rovds, Bunbury; Miss Royds, Bar- ford Mr. H. H. and Miss Springmann, Neston the Rev. R. Sandars, Hoylake; Mr. and Mrs. L. Squarey, Upper Tranmere; the Rev. J. and Mrs. Sladen, Burton; Mr., Mrs. and the Misses Steven- son, Bromborough; Mrs. Stanton and the Rev. W. J. Stanton, Warrington; Dr. and Mrs. Speechly, Neston Canon and Mrs. Stewart, Liver- pool; the Rev. H. and Mrs. Segar and the Misses Segar, New Ferry; Mr., Mrs. and the Misses jBegar, Hoylake; IMr. Sillar, Moorland House; r. and Mrs. A. Squarey, Birkenhead; Mr., Mrs. tand Miss G. R. Sandbach, Rossett; Mr., Mrs. and Miss Sandbach, Malpas; Mr. and Mrs. Smith, New Brighton; Mrs. Stewart, Chester; Mr., Mrs. and Miss Lyle Smyth, Chester; Mr. and Mrs. W. O. N. Shaw, Monmouth; Mr. and Mrs. Solly, Birkenhead; General, Mrs. and Miss Swaine, Chester; Colonel, Mrs. and Miss Savage, Chester; Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Smith, Chester; Mr. and Mrs. Stone, Neston; Mr., Mrs. and Miss L. R. Stevenson, Oxton; Mr. and Mrs. Summers, Hooton Park; Mr., Mrs. and Miss Shand, Chester; Mr. J. N. Stolterfoht, Liverpool; Mr. and Mrs. J. Thorburn, Hooton; Mr., Mrs. and Miss A. Thor- burn, Oxton; the Rev. W. E., Mrs. and the Misses Torr, Eastham; Mr. and Mrs. H. Todd, Willaston; Mr., Mrs. and the Misses Trelawny, Shotwick Park; Canon and Mrs. Turner, Neston; Mrs., Miss and Mr. A. Tobin, Eastham; Mr. E. Taylor, Birkenhead; Captain and Mrs. Tyler, Neston; Mr. and Mrs. R. Thorneley, Neston; the Rev. C. Tansley, Heswall; Mr. and Mrs. Tompkinson, Tarporley; Mr.. Mrs. and Miss Threlfall, Tarpor- ley; Mr. and Mrs. W. C. Thorne, Bebington; Major and Mrs. Terry, Chester; Lieutenant C. H. and Mrs. Toler, Chester; Captain and Mrs. Brodie Thomas, Chester; the Rev. H. Tanner (of Florence); Mr. and Mrs. Wolfe, Heswall; Mrs. and Mr. F. Wignall, Spital; Mrs. and Miss Wat- son, Neston; Mr., Mrs. and the Misses Watson, Spital; Mr. and Mrs. WyettT Hooton Priory; Mr. and Mrs. Wilson, Oxton; Mr. and Mrs. William- son, Neston; the Rev. C. K. and Miss Watson, Tranmere; Mr. and Mrs. Walford, Bromborough Mr. and Mrs. Ward, Eastham; Colonel, Mrs. and Miss Winter, Chester; Captain and Mrs. M. C. P. Ward, Chester; Captain T. Ward, Chester; Captain and Mrs. Forestier-Walker, Chester Mr. and Mrs. Whineray, Neston; Mr. and Mrs. Wels- ford, Hoole; Mr. and Mrs. Wilson, Holmes Chapel; Mr. R. A. Yerburgh, M.P., and Mrs. Yerburgh; Mr. and Mrs. Yates, Northwich; Mrs. Park-Yates, Ince.

QUOITS. NESTON v. GARSTON. This Northern League match was played at Garston on Saturday, and resulted in a win for the Neston team by a majority of 45 shots, after conceding 80 shots to the Garston team. Each man of the Neston team won with the exception of W. Cartmel and G. Bell, both of whom lost by one shot only. The county match (Lancashire v. Cheshire) takes place on the Neston ground on Saturday. Scores:— GARSTON. NESTON. E. Grimwood 25 W. Cartmel 24 J. Scott 14 E. Cartmel 25 T. Scott  6 J. Mcdcalfe 25 H. Thoma. 25 G. Bell 24 J. Adair 12 J. Clarke 25 A. Marsden. 20 R. Peers 25 J. Milnes 15 R. Kameen 25 W. Grimths. 6 Ev. Grundy. 25 R. Bell. 10 W. Gittins 25 W. Golder 14 T.Hare 25 J. Phrophet. 15 S. Medcalfe. 25 W. Phrophet 11 J. Prosser 25 173 298 Handicap 100 Handicap 20 273 318 Majority for Neston, 45 shots.

MOLLINGTON V. CHESTER WESLEYANS. — Played at Mollington on Saturday. Score:— Mollington, 70; Chester Wesleyans, 44. ARNOLD HOUSE SCHOOL V. WILLASTON SCHOOL.—Played at Nantwich on Saturday. Score: W illaston, 150 (for three wickets); Arnold House, 57.

I -0 TARVIN. stLJjJfhLl^jKDS' Jj'ijisTl V AL. Tarvin was thoroughly given up to holiday keeping on Wednesday, on the occasion of the seventh an- niversary of the Loyal St. Andrews Lodge of the Ancient Shepherds, Hawarden District. About 90 members, adults and juveniles, led by the Over Silver Band, processioned the neigh- bourhood. A special feature of the procession was the beautifully decorated lurry (drawn by two grey horses), and containing the Shepherd and Shepherdess dressed in sheepskins and white respectively. Mr. E. Johnson was the Shepherd, and Miss Lucy Crimes the Shep- herdess. There were also six little girls dressed in white with red sashes and hats to match. The brethren attended Divine service at the church, when the Rev. B. N. Atkinson preached an ap- propriate sermon. Dinner was served in the Manor House Lecture Room. Mr. S. T. Williamson, who presided, submitted loyal and other toasts. Doctor Tom Moreton proposed The Loyal St. Andrews Lodge," coupling with it the visitors. Mr. George Cromar, cor. secre- ) tary of the district, suitably responded. Other toasts were "The Honorary Mem- bers," "The Medical Officer," and "The Chairman." The lodge is in a very flour- ishing condition; though one of the young- gest it is one of the strongest in the dis- trict. At the present time there are nearly 160 members on the books, 120 being adults. There are also 50 honorary members. In glancing at the annual report the worth of the lodge on December 31st was X266 15s. 7d., and after paying away in sick pay zC23 7s. 6d. and meeting all liabilities, there was a gain on the year's working of a sum of L71. An adjourn- ment was made to a field, where sports and dancing were indulged in and amusements were I provided.

IMPERIAL PARLIAMENT. I HOUSE OF LORDS. I THE CONCENTRATION CAMPS. I in the House ot Lorcis, on Monday, Lord Raglan replied to a question put by Lord Windsor in reference to the condition of the concentra- tion camps. He said he thought that the refugees themselves were generally satisfied with the treatment and the arrangements made for their comfort. The mortality, which at one time was very high in these camps, especially in the Trans- vaal, was now rapidly decreasing, and in one of the camps the death-rate last month was nil. He announced that the Secretary for War was now in process of forming a committee of ladies, whose names would be published in the course of a few days, to go out to South Africa and visit the camps and report on them to the Government. Earl Spencer said the undertaking was a gigantic one, and he doubted whether sufficient arrange- ments had been made to meet the necessities of the camps. Lord Reay moved a resolution expressing dis- approval of the evening schools minute of the Board of Education. The Duke of Devonshire defended the minute, which, he contended, had only brought the regulations of the Department into conformity with what had been declared to be the law. The minute and the Bill combined indicated clearly the policy of the Government, that in the future the secondary education authority would not be the school board. He was not sorry that the school boards had realised, as they seemed to have done fairly accurately, the principal points of the present position. The Earl of Portsmouth, the Bishop of Hereford, and Earl Spencer supported the resolution, which on a division was defeated by 69 votes to 18. 1_ HOUSE OF COMMONS. I THE SHOOTING OF WOUNDED SOLDIERS. I ?- I ?, in tne liouse ot Ooinmons on Monday several questions were asked regarding the report that wounded soldiers had been shot by Boers at Vlakfontein. Mr. Brodrick informed Mr. Dillon that Lord Kitchener had telegraphed that he had made no communication to the Boer leaders re- garding the shooting, as it was unlikely to have any effect. Even if the Boer leaders disapproved of the atrocities, they had no command over the men. Subsequently, however, Lord Kitchener telegraphed that he was sending sworn deposi- tions regarding the affair to Delarey. Lord Kitchener stated further that he had not heard that the British hospital at Vlakfontein had been in the enemy's hands. A copy of General Dixon's despatch on the action had been forwarded to the War Office. mL- TT .LIlt:' *™use went into committee on the Educa- tion (No 2) Bill. Instructions standing in the names of Mr. A. E. Hutton and Mr. Corrie Grant having been ruled out of order, Mr. Channino- moved the omission of the first sub-section, which made" temporary provision for certain school board schools. The amendment was sup- ported by Mr. Bryce, Dr. Macnamara, Mr. Tre- velyan, Mr. A. E. Hutton, and others, and was opposed by Sir J. Gorst and Sir A. Rollit. Sir W. Hart-Dyke said that in his opinion the only chance of settling the question was by members meeting together and trying to work out some solution. Mr. Balfour said he was confident that all the prophecies about schools being closed as the result of this Bill and all the political rubbish masking under the guise of educational enthu- siasm would be absolutely exploded by the ex- perience S J:h° nexMew months. He suggested that the debate should now come to an end. Sir W. Harcourt protested against the Bill being allowed to pass without full discussion. The debate was continued by a number of members. At midnight the discussion stood adjourned. — ♦ —-

PENRHYN INTIMIDATION CHARGES. THE MEN ACQUITTED. ¡-, threat excitement prevailed at Carnarvon on Saturday, when a number of men were tried before Mr. Justice Grantham and a specially impanelled jury on charges of intimidation arising out of the recent processions at the Penrhyn quarries. The jury satisfied both sides, but one, a farmer, before being sworn told his lordship that he was a tenant of Lord Penrhyn, and he was excused. Mr. Gill, K.C., opened for the prosecution in a crowded court, and pointed out how necessary it was that trade unionists should grant liberty of thought and action to non-unionists. A- number of police officers and an official at the quarry gave evidence as to the crowds which met men coming home. The particular instance to which exception was taken occurred on June 11th when crowds followed John Evans and others cry- ing "Traitors," "Tale-bearers," "Let us shoot the cowardly set." All the witnesses for the prosecution alleged that tho accused young men, seven of whom stood in the dock, took a prominent part, shouting, hoot- ing and threatening. The defence of Mr. Samuel Moss, M.P., was a complete denial that the defendants took a promin- ent part, though it was admitted they were in the crowd. Defendants and a long array of witnesses were called, who swore contrary to the police, and much evidence of good character was produced. His Lordship, in summing up, explained how unlikely it was that accused, who were unionists, would not side against the men who had returned to work on terms which were distasteful to the majority. He also explained the law off mtimida- nnrl tnlrl the juy "h. -bhoy h<u:l been specially called because the defence had challenged the other away in order to give the defendants the fairest trial possible. The jury returned a verdict to the effect that, while condemning the demonstrations at Bethesda, they considered that the cases against defendants were not proved. This was received with loud cheering in court, taken up by the thousands who had congregated outside, and when the defendants, their counsel and solicitors appeared in the street, they were followed by a delighted crowd, cheering excitedly. The prosecution, in face of the ver- dict, withdrew the other charges against the men and lads. Precautionary measures against out- bursts of feeling had been made by drafting a strong force of police to Carnarvon from Cheshire, Anglesea and Denbighshire. RIOTOUS QUARRYMEN. I The Bangor justices were engaged for some hours on Tuesday in hearing charges of assault and resistance of the police at Bethesda. They dismissed the charges against Robert Pritchard and Robert Roberts and a cross summons against P.C. William Jones. They fined John Evans and Thomas Griffith 10s. and costs each for obstructing the police, and R. J. Williams 5s. and costs for being drunk and disorderly.

I WELCOME HOME. I I LORD CHESHAM ARRIVES. I Lord Chesham, who has been in command of the Yeomanry at the front, arrived at South- ampton on Friday by the Scarisbrook Castle. In the course of a conversation he said the Yeomanry had done very well on the whole. His lordship was met by Lady Chesha-m and the Marquis of Ormonde. Lord Chesham was accorded a warm reception on Saturday on his arrival at Chesham. His lordship was accompanied by Lady Chesham and the Hon. Lilah Cavendish. He was escorted by 80 Imperial Yeomen, under Major H. L. W. Lawson, to the Broadway, where the Chairman of the Urban Council presented an illuminated address of welcome. Lord Chesham, who was enthusiastically cheered, said in reply: It is quite impossible for me to find words adequately to express what I feel on this occasion. I feel the same pride that is felt by all of us who have served in South Africa in coming home to find that what we have tried to do has seemed good in your eyes. (Cheers.) It is to you men in khaki (indicating the Yeomen in front, who formed the first line) and to the officers engaged with you that all the thanks are due, to you Yeomen of England who came out with readiness and courage at your country's call. (Cheers.) And to you at home here our deepest thanks are due, because you con- tinually sent us cheering messages of encourage- ment and also generous comforts, which shewed the men. at the front that the kind friends at home had not forgotten them. (Hear, hear.) To you people at home our thanks are most heartily due. I assure you that your kindness to us shall never be forgotten, and we shall always cherish the recollection of it as one of the bright spots in the, campaign. Your help was invaluable to us, ana your welcome home makes the things in the past that we have undergone seem to have passed very quickly. Speaking personally, I am sure I cannot find words adequately to thank you for the welcome you have accorded to my wife and myself. But that welcome has been won for us by those men you see there (pointing to Colonel Lawson's Company), and the thanks of the whole community are due to them because, when this great war broke out, they one and all proved themselves equal to the occasion, and gave their best for King and country. (Loud cheers.) This address which you have presented to me to-day I shall always treasure as one of the most valued possessions I shall, ever hold. (Hear, hear.) I cannot thank you deeply enough in the name of my wife and myself for all you have done. When I go back in a few weeks' time to South Africa the memory of this occasion will always be fresh to me. There is one incident in connection with it which I wish to mention, which enhances it very much to me, and that is the presence of one of the most distinguished officers of the Army in South Africa, General Smith-Dorrien. (Loud cheers.) Weare proud to greet him here among us. (Hear, hear.) I can tell you one thing, you men of Chesham and of the countv of Bucks. and I am very happy to be able to tell you, that we had a few days under General Smith-Dorrien's command during the campaign, and he was kind enough to say that t'he work done by the Yeomen was entirely satisfactory to him. (Cheers.) That, coming from a man like General Smith-Dorrien, we took as being as great a compliment as we wanted. (Cheers.) I will not detain you longer, but will only say, in the name of my wife and myself, that this day will be memorable to us for ever, and I venture to express the hope that we may always deserve and keep that feeling in the county which you have manifested upon this occasion. (Cheers.) Major-General Smith-Dorrien and others delivered speeches. Lord Chesham's carriage was drawn round the town by Yeomen amid great cheering. The streets were .decorated for the occasion.

NESS. SEPTUAGENARIAN'S DEATH.-The death- took place at his residence in Ness on Monday of Mr. John Green, sen., aged 73. The deceased, who was a native of Bedford Leigh, near Bolton, married a daughter of the late Mr. Joseph Cabry, of Ness, and took up his residence in the town- ship of Ness as a farmer, under the Stanley family, about the year 1873. He was very widely known and respected throughout the Wirral Hundred. The funeral took place at the Neston Parish Church on Wednesday afternoon. The- hearse conveying the remains was followed by several broughams with the mourners. There. were no flowers, by request, and the customary burial service of the Church of England was read by the vicar (the Rev. Canon Turner). Among those present were Messrs. John Green and Joseph Green (sons), Henry Smith, J. R. Turton and Major Grundy (nephews), Mrs. Francis and Miss Maylor (cousins), Mrs. Pakenham Walsh, Messrs. R. L. Price, W. Jones, R. Bridson, James Wilde, J. G. Lee, S. Mealor, T. Molyneux, J. Woodward, etc.

ROSSETT. FATAL ACCIDENT TO A BOY. On Monday evening Mr. F. Wynn Evans, the East Denbighshire coroner, held an inquest at the Nag's Head Inn, Lavister, Rossett, upon the body of Charles Matthews, aged three, son of a reservist now in South Africa. The evidence shewed that the boy and three other children were playing at the side of the road when a load of hay passed. After it had gone by it was discovered that the boy had been injured, and he expired in a few minutes. The child in trying to get some hay from the back of the cart fell against the wheel and was crushed.- The Coroner said it was a pity there was no place the children could play in instead of being on the roads.—A juryman said he brought the question of a playground before the Parish Council and got laughed at.—The Coroner: Bring it forward again now.—The jury returned a verdict of Accidental death." -9

MALPAS. VANCK-In the evening following the sports on Wednesday a dance was held on the Rectory lawn, by the kind permission of the Rector, under the auspices of the Institute. The Ightfield Band was in attendance. Mr. Eaton Mercer had charge of the arrangements. The proceeds are in. aid of the Institute funds. FLOWER SERVICE.—A flower service was held in the Parish Church on Sunday afternoon when the Sunday scholars came laden with choice offerings, the quantity and quality being far in excess of previous years. On Monday morning the flowers were despatched by an. early train to the Convalescent Home, Rhyl. SPORTS.-On Wednesday afternoon the sports took place in the Ox Heys, by kind permission of Mr. T. Dodd. The several events created some interest, but there was not a large attendance, owing no doubt to the harvest operations. The judges were the Rev. the Hon. A. R. Parker and. Mr. J. M. Compton Burnett, the starting being entrusted to Mr. J. Done.

I" LITTLE NESTON. TRIPLETS.—Mrs. Mousdale, wife of John Mousdale, a labourer living in Little Sutton village, gave birth to triplets-two boys and a girl-on Monday. The father, who was formerly in business near Connah's Quay, came to Little Neston about seven months ago, and has latterly been working on the Birkenhead and Chester Railway extension. The mother is a Little Neston woman. The parents are in poor circum- stances, and the vicar of the parish (the Rev. Canon Turner) is making an application for the King's bounty. One of the triplets, a boy, died on Wednesday, and another has since passed away. The last instance of the kind in this locality was that of the wife of Lemuel Mellor, a Neston fisherman, who gave birth to three boys. On the suggestion of the late vicar (the Rev. Canon Gleadowe) these were christened "Tom," "Dick," and "Harry," after his three sons, and as they were exactly alike they were distinguished by different coloured ribbons tied to the arm. Two of these only survived a few days. Our correspondent wired yesterday (Friday) that General Sir Dighton Probyn had replied stating that the King was pleased to give £3 to poor respectable parents in such cases as an act of charity, but only when the children survive. ♦

I CONNAHS QUAY. WORKMEN'S COMPENSATION.—At Chester County Court, on Thursday, an application under the Workmen's Compensation Act was down for hearing, in which the plaintiff was John Thomas BaHam and the defendants Messrs. John Summers and Sons, Limited, iron founders, Hawardett Bridge.—Mr. E. Brassey, who appeared for them plaintiff, stated that his client had come to an ar- ieilt had come to an ar- rangement by which he accepted an order for 158. a week.—His Honour: There will be a formal award drawn up for that amount. POACHING.—On Monday, at Mold, Peter Jones, a collier, was charged with night poach- ing on the Wepre estate, between Northop Hall and Connah's Quay. About twelve o'clock that (Monday) morning several keepers were on the watch, and saw a number of men on this land. They secured the prisoner, but the other men got away. The principal keeper, who now gave evidence, came back to Jones and found that be had a number of pegs and a stick in hi0 possession. ^hey also found two nets and several rabbits close to. Prisoner admitted the offence, and was fined X2 and costs.

NESTON. THE NEW LIBERAL CLUB.-Tbree foundation stones in connection with this club, which is now nearing completion, were laid on Saturday afternoon. The stones were laid by Mrs. Stephen Williamson, of Copley, Thornton Hough Miss Maud Owen (" chairman of the club), and Miss Atherton. Miss Emma Hoult, of Birkenhead, who was unable to be present to lay one of the stones as had been arranged. forwarded a cheque for X20. Speeches were made by Colonel Lloyd, Messrs. A. G. Grenfell, T. Rees (the architect), Mrs. Williamson, Miss Atherton. and Mr. Owen. DEATH OF AN OLD RESIDENT.—Mr. Richard Evans, formerly landlord of the Sawyer's Arms Inn, Parkgate, and a well-known fisherman, died at Clatterbridge Hospital on Sunday, aged' 69. The inn mentioned has been occupied by members of the same family for many genera- tions in succession, and a daughter of the de- ceased is at present the holder of the licence. Richard Ouldredo another well-known Neston. fisherman, died in the same institution on Satur- day, aged 72 years. The interment of the latter took place at the Neston parish church on Tues- day and that of the former at the parish church on Wednesday. In each case there was a large attendance of relations and general mourners, fishermen largely predominating among the latter.

TARPORLEY. A HEN'S CURIOUS NEST.-On Friday a. cross-bred Indian game hen belonging to Mr. Smith, of the Lime Tree Farm, at Luddington Hill, was found with eight newly-hatched chickens  a nest she had made in some decayed leaves i•n n ftu he f/ ork i of a noble old lime tree adjoining tb? house. The nest was some fifteen feet from the ground, and the hen to get to it had to fly some four feet on to an overhanging arm of the tfee. A more secret nesting place the hen could not have found, and it would have been interesting to have learned how she intended to get her progeny to terra firma. DEPARTURE OF THE REV. F. CLIFTON SMITH.—A great number of parishioners at- tended the services at the parish church on Sun- day, the occasion being the 'farewel j. sermon of the Rev. F. Clifton Smith, who has been curate of Tarporley since 1894. Mr. Smith left during the week, and will be inducted as vicar of All Saints' Church, Daresbury, on the 26th inst. All Saints' is a church -built of stone, having an em- battled tower with pyramidical roof, and contain- ing a clock and bells. It has a sitting for 500, and has a register dating from 1617. It has in it a fine monument of white marble with symbolical figures Under the name of "The White Church of England, it was the subject of some remark- able predictions by William Nixon, a "prophet" said to have lived in the reign of Edward IV. It is proposed to make a fitting presentation to the Rev. Mr. Smith at the garden party on Wednes- day as a mement9 of his connection with Tarpor- ley, and a token of the regard with which he if held by the parishioners.

LATEST MARKETS AND FAIRS. LIVERPOOL CORN. FRIDAY.—Wheat, slow trade at id. to ld. over Tuesday; No. 1 Northern spring old, 5s. 7d. to 5s. 8d.; No. 2 Kansas, 53. 6d. to 5s, nd. Beans, Saidi, 29s. to 29s. 3d. Peas. 6s. Id. Oats slow white 3s. to 3s. 2d. Maize improved demand but rather slow, a turn easier; old mixed, 4s. 4d. to 4s. 4d.; new, 4s. lid. to 4s. ld. Flour unchanged. LONDON CORN, FRIDAY.—Wheat and flour un- changed, barley firm, oats and maize 3d. dearer, other articles unchanged. American quotations of wheat came rather irregular, but corn dearer. CHESTER CATTLE, THURSDAY.—A small fair and a quiet demand. Buyers were few and cannot be expected to muster in great force during the continued drought, especially as prices keep so high. The day's business was little more than sufficient to test quotations, which remained at about the same as last fair. CHESTER HORSE, THURSDAY.—Although there was a pretty good show of horses at this fair the prices were small for a July fair. Neither was there the large attendance of buyers which formerly characterised this fair. There was a good demand for the best lots at satisfactory prices, but other sorts were not much wanted, and quotations were very irregular. Prices :—Best dray horses, S60 to £ 75 good cart horses, X40 to £ 50; trap horses, X18 to £ 35 and vanners, X20 to £30. CHESTER CHEESE, WEDNESDAY.—There was a pitch of about 45 tons. The market opened with a good attendance of buyers, attention being given at the commencement to the best lots which were sold at prices from 48s. to 55s. Medium realised prices down to 40s. Owing to the gre^t beat the market was hardly as sharp as expected, but the tone indicated firmness. Printed and published for and on behalf of the Cheshir, and North Wales NewsnaDer Company, LIIDJted. r JAMES ALBERT BIRCHALL, at the Observer Office. 8, Bridge-street, in the City of Chester,—SATC • July 20, 1901.

I CRICKET. I I (See also page 2.) I I BOUGHTON HALL v. BIRKENHEAD PARK. I Magnificent weather favoured the annual meeting of Boughton Hall and Birkenhead Park on Wednesday, on the splendid ground of Boughton Hall. Twelve aside were played, and our premier club was represented by about the best side it was possible to place on the field. Winning the toss the Boughton Hall skipper took advantage of the excellent batting wicket, and sent in H. Hack and W. Jones. A fair start was made, the first wicket falling with 31 runs on the board, Hack being caught off Graham for 12. The score rose steadily, Jones, Ravenscroft, Gore, and Henshall all being found in a scoring mood, while the last pair, Douglas and Hodkinson carried the score from 147 to 169, when Hodkinson was smartly taken by Holden off Faulkner. Douglas carried out his bat for an admirable 21. Birkenhead on going in to bat had to face the by no means formidable score, under the circumstances, of 169. The excellent bowling and fielding of the Boughton Hall team, however, made run- getting a great difficulty, and too much praise cannot be given to Hack for the capital way in which be bowled throughout the entire innings. With the exception of Bennett, who batted in taking style for 38, Holden 18, and Curwen 14, none of the visiting cracks appeared at all com- fortable with the bowling, and the whole side was dismissed for a total of 113. The match thus ended in a Well-earned victory for the home side by 56 runs. Major Oxley also bowled well for the Hall team, taking three wickets at the small cost of seven runs, while for the Park Holden bowled extremely well, and his fielding was as energetic and clever as usual. Appended, aro the scores:- BOC&HTON HALL. I BIRKENHEAD PARK. H Hack c Sub b GiahaM 12 C Holden c Hack b Darby 18 W Jones b Hack .33 H Graham c Hodkinson b J Bavenscroft c Williams Hack 0 b Faulkner 25 B Bennett b Hack 38 J P Gore b Timmis .34 R H Taylor b Hack 0 E J Hughfs c Hebble- J Curwen c Douglas b t?waite b Ho!den. 9 Darbv .14 Major Oxley c Taylor b S A Williams b Douglas. 5 Holden. 4 D W Hebblethwaite c J Henshall c Taylor b Eavenscroft b Oxley 6 Holden 16 C Barry run out 8 E H Darby c & b Timmis. 1 F Aspinall b Hack 7 G Heasman b Holden. 0 C G Douglas c Heasman J C Trampleasure c & b b Major Oxley 5 Holden. I W Timmis not out 0 J P Douglas not r>ut 21 Faulknerc Darby b Oxley 4 E Hodkiuson c Holden b Faulkner 4 Extras .L..??.? 6 Extras 8 Total .169 Total .113 In the second innings Boughton Hall scored 53 for two wickets. WILLINGTON v. CHESTER BANKS. <8 .o vuester iiangs bacl a most enjoyable outing on Wednesday afternoon, when they journeyed to Willington for the purpose of engaging in friendly combat with a cricket eleven of that village. The home men had first turn with the willow, and knocked up a creditable score of 132. Towards this J. E. Tomkinson batted exceptionally well for 41, while he had excellent coadjutors in Fenton and Walker, who scored 37 and 23 respectively. Boys was much in evidence in the trundling department, dismiss- ing seven batsmen at a cost of 26 runs, while Jones claimed the remainder at a cost of 25. A poor start was made by the Chester team on their going in to bat, Hallmark being, dismissed ere two runs had appeared on the board. From this point, however, the bowling was fairly collared, Myles Williams, in particular, playing a splendid innings for 43. Double figures were also made by Barlow, Boys, Crockett, Whitfield, Rigg and Howard, and the Willington total was eventually passed by 25 runs. Tomkinson bowled well for Willington, taking five wickets. Score WILLINGTON. CHESTER BANKS. J E Tomkinson c Jones b M Williams b Tomkinson.43 Boys 41 W R Hallmark b Fenton.. 0 F Walker c Rigg b Boys..22 C Barlow b Fenton .18 W R de W Fenton b Jones37 P B Jones b Astbury 0 Capt B Hamilton c Whit- E J Boys b Tomkinson .22 field b Jones 3 A C J R Crockett lbw b Jackson c Myles b Jones. 0 Tomkinson 16 J Winfield b Boys. 1 G W Wbitfield not out .22 J Winfield b B Boys, W Rigg b Tomkinson 12 A Astburv b oy. 0 W Rigg b C Winfield not out .10 W Buruess b Fenton 2 Hisrgs b Boys 4 W K Howard c Fenton b Rathbone c Jones b Boys. 0 I Astbury 10 Gidman b Bo?s ?8: 0 H Ellis c J Winfield b Tomkinson 1 Extras 13 Extras 11 Total. 132 Total. 157

MOLD. (See also page 3.) CLARENCE BOYS' INSPECTION.—ColoneJ Sheriff Roberts, of Chester (2nd Volunteer Battalion R.W.F.), held an inspection of the Clarence Boys on the Recreation Grounds, New- street, in the presence of a large number of spectators. This was the final inspection of the boys prior to their removal from this district.

FRODSHAM. I (See also page 3.) CONSERVATIVE CLUB PICNIC. The I Frodsham Conservative Club held their annual I excursion on Monday to Carnarvon.