The Chester Courant and Advertiser for North Wales

CHESTER MUSICAL SOCIETY'S CONCERT. This society has just entered upon its fourteenth season, and on Wednesday an extra subscription concert was given in the Music Hall, before a fairly good audience. The pro- gramme was one entirely out of the usual routine, consisting for the most part of a 'grand historical pianoforte recital' by M. Josef Slivinski, a Pole, we believe, by nation- ality, who has made for himself a renown equal almost, if not quite, to that of Paderewski, who has already been heard at the Musical Society's concerts. To compare the perform- ances of the two artists would require one well versed in pianoforte technique, and therefore we shall content ourselves by saying that from an amateur's standpoint, we fail to distinguish anything in the style of playing which would lead us to give one or the other the precedence. Paderewski visited Chester with a reputation already famous, while Slivinski came com- paratively unknown. Further, the former had a better scope in his programme, inasmuch as he had unlimited choice of style, while the latter laid upon himself the task of interpreting the various styles of composition, beginning with The king's hunting jig,' John Bull- 1563-1628, through a series of styles including sonatas by one who introduced that form of writing in the 17th century and continued in the next, a Bach fugue, barcarolles by Chopin and Rubinstein, impromptu by Schubert, a valse by Liszt, down to the latest form of 19th century compositions for the pianoforte. Thus handicapped, if the term can be applied to such a comprehensive programme, the executant laid himself open to wide criticism were it not for the fact that his performances were above it. In every style he excelled, and from beginning to end his rendering of the pieces set down was superb, and one can scarcely say which was enjoyed best. It was indeed a revelation in technique and delicate phrasing, the trickling accompaniments being subordinated to the melody where required, and the phrasing of the various movements beyond cavil. The choral programme necessarily partook of a secondary nature, although affording welcome relief from the pianoforte selections, and here again we had part songs ranging from the middle of the sixteenth century by Benet to the nineteenth century style of Macfarren, and the latter, be it said, were not the least pleasing items. To Dr. Bridge belongs the credit of unearthing the two madrigals by Francis Pilkington, a minor canon and precentor of Chester Cathedral, who died in 1638, and which, if we remember aright, were introduced in one of his lectures at the Museum a little while back, and which, according to the custom of the time, although opening in the minor, finished in the major. The only solo vocalist was Miss Margaret Stone, a contralto, who was formerly a member of the Chester Musical Society, but who has studied lately at the Royal Academy of Music. She got a hearty reception from the chorus on her first appearing, which served to place her at home on the platform. Her selections, too, were con- ceived in the spirit which pervaded the programme, opening with a song from Purcell's King Arthur,' 1659-1695, and, taking Farmer, Haydn, and Schubert—in 1797-1828- and in each she was highly successful. Alto- gether the programme was well conceived and executed, the society's efforts, if wanting at times in the refinement usually expected in unaccompanied part-singing, being on the whole good. The concert closed with the National Anthem.

WREXHAM NOVEMBER HORSE SALES.—Mr. Frank Lloyd's great November horse sales at Wrexham are advertised for Tuesday, Wednes- day, and Thursday the 23rd, 24th, and 25th. Owners of horses wishing to patronise these sales should send in their entries at once. As will be seen by our advertising columns, they finally close by Saturday's post. The demand for all classes will be exceptionally good, the November sales always being considered the best of the year. In November, 1895, over 7,000gs. worth of wagon horses were sold in one day. THE DARING ESCAPE FROM SHREWSBURY PRISON.—At the Shrewsbury Police Court, on Saturday, Walter Roach, a notorious criminal, was brought up in custody charged with breaking out of Shrewsbury Prison on the 30th ult., at which time he was awaiting trial on a charge of burglary at Wbiteburch. Mr. Craig prosecuted on behalf of the Public Prosecutor. The evidence adduced was to the effect that between three and five o'clock on the afternoon in question Roach sprung the lock of his cell door and made his way dawn a flight of steps into a water-closet. He then removed a window, and forced his body through the bars, feet foremost, and thus reached one of the prison yards. After climbing over some buildings, he secured a scaffolding pole, and this enabled him to scale the outer prison wall and get clear away. The same night be committed a burglary at Shawbury, and was not re-arrested until the following afternoon.—The prisoner said he damaged nothing and injured no one, so he could not have broken out of prison. He got out of prison at Cardiff in the same way, and the judge had said that he could not be punished as he was awaiting his trial at the time.—The prisoner was committed to the Shropshire Assizes.

The Editor is not responsible for the opinions of hia- correspondents. All letters must be authenticated by the sender's nam* and address, not necessarily for publication.

HOME TEACHING OF THE BLIND. Sir,-I shall be very greatly obliged if you. would allow me, through the agency of your paper, to urge upon kind-hearted folk in Chester the pressing claims of a very deserving I mean the home teaching of the blina. It is a work very little en evidence, carried on unobtrusively and altogether unadvertised; but in spite, or rather perhaps because of this, it is very well worth supporting. The modus operandi is extremely simple. There is a paid teacher, himself a blind man, who goes round to the homes of such blind people as he can hear of, and teaches them to read, and then circulates among them a well- chosen library of books, printed in raised type. which includes, besides the Bible, a fairly large selection of standard literature. The enormous happiness given to many whose lives would else have been very vacant, and whose interests must have been unaroused, may well be imagined, and not the least of the benefits given is the religious influence which Mr. Golledge, the teacher, has been able to exert upon many of his pupils. To meet the expense of paying the teacher's salary and providing the books a number of annual subscribers have for many years contributed. This number has of late been seriously reduced through death and removal. The treasurer of the fund if. Mr. John Thompson, of Netherleigh, and I know that he will gladly receive and acknowledge donations, or (better still) annual subscriptions. My excuse for writing this letter is that my mother used to take very great interest in the work, and was one of the original promoters of it in Chester.—Very faithfully yours. J. F. HOWSON. Egerton House, Chester, Nov. 15th, 1897.

WEEKLY STATE OF THE CHESTER INFIRMARY ENDED Saturday fiABi. IN-PATIENTS. In-patients are admitted on Tuesday mornings at Eleven o'clock. IH-FATIKKTS DISCHAA6KD. IH-rATlKKT8. Cured 10 Admitted IL 6 I Remain in the Hoose .124 Made Out-Patients 0 Unrelieved 0 Dead ] Unrelieved. 0 Dead ] House Visitors—Mr. Hubert Potts and Mr. S. Spencer. OUT-PATIENTS. medical cases are seen on Monday, Wednesday, aad Saturday merningrs at Eleven o'clock. Surgical cases are seen on Thursday mornings at Eleven o'clock Ophthalmic oases are seen on Friday morning at Eleven o'clock. Dental eases are seen on Tuesday and Saturday morauun at Ten o'clock. HOME PATIENTS. DISCHXR&ED* I ADMITTED Cwod 34 | Admitted S4 Believed 30 Remain l» Hade In-Patients 2 Dead 6 | Ont-Fatieotfi admitted since Saturdav last S&

ME M O R I A L S, AT ALL PKICES, IN MARBLE, GRANITE, STONE & ALABASTER. On View, and to Order. HASWELL" & SON, MASONS, KALEYARDS, CHESTRIL MTIXATE8 AND DESIGNS.

A novel surgical operation was performed on Tuesday in Dublin. A man named Ryan. who had been discharged from the Army and suffered from ophthalmia, having lost las eye- lids, had the eyelids of a newly-killed pig stitched into the place where his own had been, the operation being performed by Dra. Maxwell, Mooney, and Large, of the Eye and Ear Hospital. This, it is said, is the first operation of the kind ever performe4 in the United Kingdom, and the surgeons hope fox a success- ful result.

NANTWICH. A BILLPOSTER SENT TO PRISON.—At the Nantwich Petty Sessions on Monday, Michael Sexton, bill-poster, was sentenced to two months' hard labour, for grossly misconducting himself in the presence of two married women at Swanley Bridge, Faddiley, on the 2nd inst.

MAYOR'S SUNDAY. THE BISHOP ON *THE DIGNITY OF BUSINESS. On Sunday morning, in accordance with a good custom, the newly-elected Mayor of Chester, together with the Corporation and magistrates, and a large number of citizens, attended divine service at the Cathedral. The usual reception was held in the Assembly-room at ten o'clock by the Mayor and Sheriff, both of whom wore their insignia of office. There was the customary gathering of the general public on the Town Hall Square. At half-past ten the pro- cession, marshalled by the Chief Constable (Mr. G. L. Fenwick), walked to the west door of the Cathedral, in the following order :— Blue Coat Hospital Boys (led by Mr. Hardy). Earl of Chester's Volunteer Fire Brigade (under the command of Captain Clemence, Lieutenants J. Lightfoot- Walker and George Harrison, and Superintendent Shone). Mace and Sword Bearers. Town Clerk (Mr. S. Smith). The ex-Mayor The Mayor (Mr. B. C. ROBERTS). (Mr. J. G. HOLMES). Clerk and Deputy Clerk to the Justices (Mr. F. W. Sharpe and Mr. G. Davison). Aldermen and Magistrates: Sir T. G. Frost, Messrs. Charles Brown, L. Gilbert, H. T. Brown, J. P. Cartwright, J. Smith, W. H. Churton, George Dickson, J. Cullimore, H. Churton, John Thompson, F. Bullin, R. L. Barker, George Dutton, and J. R. Thomson. The Sheriff The ex-Sheriff (Mr. J. W. Huke). (Mr. J. F. Lowe). Councillors Drs. Roberts, Stolterfoth, Archer, and Elliott. Messrs. Thomas Smith, John Jones (Boughton), R. Cecil Davies, J. J. Cunnab, E. S. Giles, R. Jackson, J. G. Frost, J. P. Davies, W. Vernon, Edgar Dutton, R. Lamb, S. Coppack, and T. Browne. Corporation Officials: Messrs. G. L. Fenwick (chief constable), E. Brassey (city coroner), F. J. Beckett (city accountant), I. Matthews Jones (city surveyor), W. Peers (clerk of committees), W. Ffoulke-3 Lowe (public analyst), H. Wharton .(nuisance inspector), G. Avery (school attendance officer), Dr. Kenyon (medical officer of health), H. Price (market superintendent), P. Davies, J. Johnson. Citizens Dr. Wright, Messrs. T. M. Lockwood, F. F. Brown, C. P. Douglas, J. M. Nicholson, F. J. Warmsley, J. H. A. Hall, C. Greenhouse, R. B. L. Johnson, Lawrence Booth, T. Ryde Jones, W. O. Brigga (Stoke-on-Trent), C. Cooper, S. and G. Satter- thwaite (Lancaster), W. Shone, G. R. Griffith, G. H. Rogerson, E. C. Kendal, J. Sheriff Roberts, J. R. Rae, Alfred Barker, Henry Taylor, T. Wood, Reddish, W. Haswell, J. E. Haswell, Hart Davies, W. Turnock, G. W. Dutton, A. Blayney, R. J. Williams, J. Scott, H. Beswick, A. Lamont, senr., A. Lamont, junr., W. Schroder, J. McMichael, R. P. Bradbury, G. R.Baker, J. E. Henderson, J. M. Seiners, W. F. J. Shepheard, W. Brown (Upper Northgate-street), H. W. Lovett, F. Ellison, Arthur Jones, G. Baxter, J. Raymond Harris, H. Small, F. Tait, J. Guy, G. Parker, A. Bradley, G. Barnes, J. Musgrave, C. Miilington, R. S. Johnson, with the following, representing the Chester and North Wales Commercial Travellers' Association Messrs. J. G. Hardie (president), M. S. Sunter (ex-president), T. Owen (vice-president), Joseph Elliott, George Davies, T. Mayo Johnson, and W. T. Adams. The procession was met at the entrance to the cathedral by the Dean, clergy, and choir, and as it filed down the aisle Dr. Bridge played up God save the Queen' on the organ. In addition there was a large congregation in the Cathedral, including Major-General Swaine, and the girls from the Blue School. The lessons were read respectively by the Rev. Canon Feilden and the Very Rev. the Dean. The Lord Bishop preached the sermon, taking for his text Seest thou a man diligent in his business ? He shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men —Proverbs xxii., 29. They would readily understand, his lordship remarked, why he had chosen the sub- ject of business for their serious and prayerful consideration that morning. They were welcoming in their midst those to whom had been entrusted, for the main part, the public business of their city, and they also had in their midst those children who represented the busi- ness men and women of the future. He wished to say one or two words about the two Blue Schools, on behalf of which he had to ask their contributions. The two schools dated, as many there knew, from the beginning of the last century. The school for boys was founded under the auspices of Bishop Nicholas Stratford, liberally supported ,by the church- people and townspeople of Chester. The Blue School for girls was founded in 1718, about eighteen years later, under the auspices of Bishop Gastrell, so that both schools had been going on for nearly two centuries, doing solid work. They were in the very van of education, and their work was not yet done. It would be a great misfortune if the educational system of this country became too monotonous, if there were not different forms of meeting the needs of different classes. These schools filled a par- ticular need; they took under their charge, clothed and fed, as well as educated the mind and the character of, a certain number of children. There were 18 girls brought up at the Blue School; body as welb as mind was cared for, and he was sure many there would bear him out when be said the education given was of a very solid kind. They were dependent mainly on the liberality of those who had gone before us. It ought to be quite clear, however, that the school for boys was not sup- ported and could not be supported in any degree by the funds of the ancient hospital-tbat ancient hospital which had come down to us, he believed, from the end of the twelfth century. The schools depended first of all, and chiefly, upon ancient contributions dating from the beginning of the last century, which had been invested-and they know how those investments were apt to decrease rather than increase in value-and then upon donations and annual subscriptions and that offertory. Three-fourths of the offertory went to the boys' school and one-fourth to the girls' school. He was quite sure they would wish that the support of the present generation should not be unworthy of the generations which had gone before us. The school for girls was economically as well as skillfully managed, and out of a total expenditure of not much more than 4300 a year, X227 came from interest upon investments. He asked those present who might be donors to think over the question, and to become donors and governors of the school permanently; and those who could and ought to be subscribers to become subscribers, and those who could contribute to the offertory to do so according to their means. He was quite sure the more they knew about the schools the more willing they would be to give their sub- stantial support. Those who were being trained there for the business of life were about the age when our Lord went up to Jerusalem and was found by His parents in the Temple, not as was sometimes supposed, as a teacher, but as a learner, hearing and answering questions, and He was there about His Father's business. They trusted that all the children in our schools throughout the borough would be taught early in life to realise that their business, their home duties, their recreations, all alike properly regarded were part of their heavenly Father's business-their training for those higher privileges and responsibilities which, if God spared them, would lie before them in this life, and which if they were early taken away would be carried on in that state of which it was written, His servants shall serve Him.' And now to come to the subject of business. How should they approach it, how was it well they should approach any great subject ? From high ground. It was always so in ourprayer book. If they took Holy Communion, holy matrimony, holy orders, they would find that the method of the Church was to bring a great matter before her children from high ground, teaching us to consider the dignity of this or that, and the holy mystery of the institution. He asked them to consider the dignity of business. In the first place he would ask them, what was the ideal of the man of business, what the qualifications should be, what as a matter of history had been looked for in men of business ? He would begin by giving one or two pictures from writers with whom we were very familiar, and who had only just passed away from our midst. Sir Arthur Helps said The consummate man of business is almost as rare as the poet, rarer perhaps than the saint, and the philosopher.. How many attributes he must have-discretion, tact, the power, of taking infinite pains over details and apparent trifles, and then combined with that an imaginative power which can look down a long line of probable events, and place the details in their proper place. He must have a profound knowledge of human character; he must have self control of temper," and he said, the consummate man of business is geneially found to be a man of great enthu- siasm, who has the art of disguising that enthusiasm." Turning from him to Carlyle, some of those present would probably have read in Past and Present' of that wonderful, picture of Abbot Samson, of St. Edmundsbury, and they would remember how that Abbot Sampson, as a man of business, had the power, the determination, and the skill to bring the chaos he found into order; and so Carlyle put him before us as a consummate man of business. If they turned to the Bible, they found the qualifications of the business man defined. In Exodus, for instance, they found Jethro counselling Moses about the importance of his delegating his judicial duties, at least the least grave of them, to fit and proper men, and how were these fit and proper men to be marked out ? They were to be, Jethro said, able men, men of capacity, God-fearing men, men of truth, hating covetousness. How much stress they must lay on the quality of truth. We had no sound foundation to go upon unless we had trutlf, and how anxious we should be that in our criticisms of others we were scrupulously honest and truthful. If they turned to the Bible or to church history, they would find that business broadly interpreted was placed on a very high pinnacle indeed. He had brought them up to the fount from which business power came to all the sons of men, the fount from which we must seek it for ourselves, for the Church and State. They would remember how, in the book of Exodus, Moses, in his triumphal song, said "The Lord is a man of war; the Lord is His name," and reverently it might also be said The Lord is a man of business," Let them consider the business of the creation, which was a theme in itself. The more we learnt of the creation, the more the telescope taught us of the heavens, the more the microscope taught us of God in the most minute of his marvels the more we learnt that the Creator of this world moved in a mysterious way His wonders to per- form. He was quite sure that the revelations of science-and might God grant them to us more and more abundantly as the reward of patient investigation and research-would in- creasingly bring home to our minds the fact that the Creator of the world was the supreme and consummate source and example of all busi- ness power. And again with regard to the incarnate son of God, the creation of th Church of Christ was a consummate achievement of business. In this connection his lord- ship quoted the last paragraph of that valuable work Ecce Homo, and proceeding he exhorted them to live up to and dignify the various parts of life which were so intimately and essentially necessary for the welfare of all. The broad word of God was Rtill Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with all thy might, do it diligently, do it zealously, and with thy very best self." At the recent Diocesan Conference one of the speakers quoted a satirical epitaph said to be upon a tomb in France, He was born a man and died a grocer." There was nothing dis- creditable in the useful and serviceable employment of a grocer, an employment to which we were all so much beholden. I'hat was not the point of the satire, which might be applied to a man who was born a man and died a bishop, to a man who had allowed himself to be narrowed down to some- thing which was far smaller than the scope of his manhood. In this particular instance the grocer had allowed himself to be exclusively wrapped up in his grocery, in his seeking of gain, and had forgotten the other interests and employments of man's mind. We were all, in some shape or another, in danger of a cor- responding mistake. We wanted to re- member the relations of our employment whatever they might be to the employments of others and to the welfare of the whole, and on such an occasion as that we must put before ourselves those employments in par- ticular which bad in their charge the public welfare. He asked them to look at all the services of life from their public side, and not from a purely selfish and private side. There were employments voluntarily undertaken, as for example, employments taken by those who had charge of the business of this city, voluntarily undertaken with an exclusive eye they doubted not to the public welfare. Was it out of place that on an occasion like that they, the citizens of Chester, should make a public acknowledgment to those who in the past in various ways and degrees bad given their thought, their labour, their substance, for the public weal. We thanked them; they would not ask us to say that in every point and respect their policy had been perfect, but let him who on that score would throw a stone at them, be the man in whose transactions of these things, and in whose life there was nothing with which fault could be found. Most of us surely were rather of the generous mind, which would acknowledge the services that had been rendered to us, and our city as a whole. We also thanked those who had come forward, God helping them, to undertake during the coming year, the new responsibilities and difficulties and privileges which lay before them. We thanked them, and we felicitated them because it was a great joy to serve; there was no joy in life like the joy of service, true service to God and to men. They had come there that day, and we had come there because we believed that the spring, the source, the centre of business was to be found in our Father's house. It was in His Father's house that our Lord was doing His business. What we were must depend in the long run chiefly upon was what we were in our inmost hearts, and therefore, we who were men of business—for who was not a man of business within those walls that day ?-in order that we might discharge that business fruitfully and loyally to the best welfare of the public and to the glory of God, must pray that He would by His holy spirit make us clean and true and sincere within. The offertory amounted to 419 Os. 2d., com- pared with £208s. 2d. last year, and 921 14s. 3d. in 1895.

CITY POLICE COURT. MONDAY,—Before the Mayor (Mr. J. G. Holmes), Mr. Chas. Brown, and Dr. Stolterfoth. DRUNK.- WiUiam Rowlands, Lineuball-street, wan fined 10s. and costs, or fourteen days, for being drunk in Watergate-street on Saturday. THE GIPSY AND His HORSE.—The Chief Con- stable informed the Bench that in obedience to their order, Richard Taylor, who was summoned on Saturday for cruelty to a horse, had since destroyed the animal. This, therefore, met the case. NEIGHBOURS AT VARIANCE.—Elizabeth Lloyd was fined 5s. and costs for using abusive language to Mary Ainsworth on the 10th inst. Both parties live in Mount-street. YESTERDAY (TUESDAY). Before the Mayor (Mr. J. G. Holmes), Messrs. Charles Brown, George Dutton, J. J. Cunnah, and Dr. Stolter- foth. A RUNAWAY FROM EOJlR. Alice Shaw, a respectable-looking girl of nineteen, was charged in custody with loitering in Cuppin-street, and annoying passengers there on the previous night.—Detective Thomas Hughes stated that shortly before twelve the previous night he found prisoner loitering with several young men. She had been in the city for a week past, and complaints had been made about her. She had stated that she left her home at Shipbrook, near Northwich. a week ago, and came to Chester.—Questioned by the Mayor, prisoner gave no reason for her coming here. The Bench remanded her till to-morrow for enquiries to be made.

Mr. Henry Herbert Wainwright, county treasurer of the National Union of Con- servative Associations, died at Blackpool on Saturday. ELECTRIC LIGHTING SHARES.—A very accurate method of ascertaining the relative value of Electric Supply Companies' shares is to com- pare the capital per kilowatt of plant. Nearly all the companies get the same price per unit, and the cost of producing the unit is gradually approaching a uniform figure. The only wide divergence between the companies is in their earning power and the capital it has taken to create the earning power. The following table, drawn from the Board of Trade returns, shews the position of the Metropolitan companies. The amount following the name of each company is the approximate amount of capital per kilowatt :—St. James's and Pall Mall, £ 88; South London, £ 88; House to House, £100; Kensington and Knightsbridge. R123; Country of London, £ 125 Westminster, £ 127; Chelsea, £ 163; Charing Cross and Strand, £ 172; Metropolitan, £ 190; City of London, £ 195; Notting Hill, 9227. The accuracy of this method is shewn by market prices. The companies at the head of the list are also highest in market quotations, except the South London Company, which has only commenced to supply current. It will only be a question of months, however, until the South London takes the same place in the share list that it takes in the capital per kilowatt.

CHARITY DISPUTE AT SAUGHALL. LIVELY PROCEEDINGS. A parish meeting bad been called at the Saughall Schools at 7.30 on Monday evening to consider the new draft scheme received from the Charity Commissioners for the distribu- tion of Ann Powell's charity. Subsequently Mr. H. D. Trelawny, of Shotwick Park, as the executor of Ann Powell's will, issued notices calling a public meeting at the Town Hall half an hour earlier. At the invitation of Mr. Trelawny, Mr. John Davies, Crabwall Hall, took the chair, the room being well filled with parochial electors. The CHAIRMAN explained that Mr. Trelawny, as the original trustee of the property, was anxious to take an expression of opinion from the ratepayers of Great Saughall as to whether it was desirable to sell the propertyc onnected with the Ann Powell Charity, or retain it and do their best with it. He then read a copy of the will, which was dated 17th Dec., 1818, by which the testator left JE300 to be invested by the lord of the manor of Great Saughall, and directed that the income accruing therefrom should be devoted by the churchwardens of the parish of Sbotwick to the purchase of whole- some bread, which should be distributed by them every Sunday, after morning prayers at the parish church, among such of the poor residing within the manor of Great Saughall, and regularly attending divine service at the said church, as the churchwardens and lord of the manor should think most deserving. It appeared that with this money four cottages in the parish of Shotwick were purchased together with certain land adjoining, and the churchwardens, after defray- ing the expense of repairs, distributed the residue of the rent in bread. From this fund about 23 threepenny loaves were distributed at the church every Sunday after morning service, in the presence of the clergyman and church- wardens. (Applause.) When the Parish Councils Act came into operation, an order was made by the Charity Commissioners that two representatives of the Parish Council should also become trustees of the property, along with the lord of the manor and the two churchwardens, and he understood that at the present time the trustees were so constituted. Of late the property had not been so remunerative as it ought to have been. For some time no rents had been received, and he thought the trustees were responsible for that. (Hear, hear.) Some of the trustees were now of opinion that if the property were sold by auction, and the proceeds invested, it would yield a larger income than could be got by way of rental, while others (perhaps the majority of the trustees) were in favour of retaining the property as it was, as they looked upon it as a monument of the charity, and they were such good Conservatives in Saughall that they did not want to do away with old institutions. (Laughter and applause.) That was a ques- tion, he thought, more for the trustees than for a meeting of that character to decide, but Mr. Trelawny, as the senior trustee, was anxious to take an expression of opinion from the ratepayers, and he (the chairman) had it in writing from him—which he thought was very honourable and noble-that whichever way they decided, he would bow to that decision. (Applauso.) He bad no doubt if the property was to be retained the trustees would exercise every precaution in the selection of their tenants, and do the best they could for the benefit of the poor of Saugball. Mr. TRELAWNY observed that for some time the management of the charity was entirely left to their old friend Mr. Cross, who seemed to have paid the rent for a year and a half out of his own pocket, but he (Mr. Trelawny) had no knowledge of this until Mr. Cross' de- parture. Mr. NOTT at this stage read a letter from Mrs. Trelawny, addressed to the trustees, stating that she wished to become tenant of the house and land lately occupied by Mr. John Wood. It has been represented to me," Mrs. Trelawny wrote," that much is done for the young men of Saughall, but nothing for the young women. I should like to remove the grounds for the reproach by renting the cottage aforesaid, and making it a recreative room for the girls of Saughall. I should like to have the power of underletting the field, part of the garden, and the stable, and 1 should retain some of the garden for out- door amusements in the summer for the girls. In making this proposal I wish it to be distinctly understood that 1 have only the good of the village in view, and wish to bring to a peaceful ending a state of friction. There can be no possible personal gain to me in the matter." Mrs. Trelawny intimated that she was willing to carry out the necessary repairs to the property on a lease, and she offered as rent 19 per annum for the first two years and 91Z per annum afterwards. Mr. TRELAWNY said that was the first he had heard of his wife's proposal. Mr. NOTT considered the offer an excellent one. Mrs. Trelawny was a lady who did every- thing she possibly could for the good of the place, and it would be a grand thing for the village to have such a recreation room as she suggested. Mr. KELLOCK also regarded the offer as a magnanimous one, and failed to see that any- thing better could be done with the property. Mr. PETER STEPHEN then proposed the following resolution :—" That this meeting is in favour of retaining the property of Ann Powell's charity as a memorial to the donor." Mr. J. HYATT WILLIAMS, who as vice-chair- man of the Parish Council is one of the trustees, seconded, arguing that it would be more profitable to let the property than to sell it and invest the money in consols. They had a tenant already. Mr. TRELAWNY I deny that. Mr. WILLIAMS: We have a tenant at present. The property has been let to him. Mr. TRELAWNY Who by ? Mr. WILLIAK8 By the trustees. Mr. TRELAWNY I beg your pardon, it is not so. Proceeding, he said it was distinctly under- stood that when the tenant's name was brought forward, he was accepted conditionally on his setting down on paper the repairs he was pre- pared to carry out. That condition had not been complied with, and Mr. Williams was not empowered to accept the man as tenant, failing that. In answer to Mr. Trelawny, Mr. W. T. HARVEY, another trustee, said before the tenant took possession of the cottage, he stated that he would put it in tenantable repair. Mr. WILLIAMS maintained that it was on Mr. Trelawny's own proposition, seconded by Mr. John Ball, that the man Frank Wood was accepted as tenant. Mr. Trelawny subse- quently signed the minutes as being correct. (Applause.) Mr. TRELAWNY Yes, but if I did it was on condition that he was to send in written par- ticulars of what he would do. Mr. WILLIAXS: It does not say so on the minutes. Mr. TRELAWNY No, because you wrote the minutes. He was your man, and you brought him forward. Mr. WILLIAMS Yes, and I am going to stick to him. He added that Wood was to pay 99 rent for the first three years, and 410 after- wards, and Mr. Trelawny thanked him (Mr. Williams) for having obtained such a good tenant. (Applause.) Since the man took posses- sion, Mr. Trelawny, having heard some of the slanders which went about the village, asked Wood for the key. He did this without the sanction of the trustees, and followed it up by sending a policeman to demand the key. Mr. Trelawny had no right to send that policeman for the key, whether he was a J.P. or not, and it was time this tyranny was put an end to. Mr. TRELAWNY: It is quite true I did ask the policeman, because it was village property, and I wanted to shew other people the house. Continuing, he said that he had called upon the solicitor who was drawing up the agreement of tenancy with Wood, and said he refused to sign it, and wanted to be out of the matter. The lawyer replied, Your's is the only signa- ture that is any good; the others need not sign." ("Oh, oh.") They might say "Oh, oh," but it was a fact. Half of what Mr. Williams had said was not true. Mr. WILLIAMS: Tell me which part is not true. The CHAIRMAN: I don't think we need discuss. this any further. Mr. WILLIAMS: Fairplay, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Trelawny charges me with saying what is not true. (Applause.) The CHAIRMAN: The proposition before the meeting is that this property be not sold, Mr. WILLIAMS: It is hardly fair to charge a man with saying what is not true, The CH4JSWAN: You have had a good long Mr. WILLIAMS I should like to know what I have said that is not true. (Applause.) Mr. TRELAWNY You have said so much that I cannot remember it all. You bad no business to keep the key. Mr. WILLIAMS: But I have got it. Mr. TRELAWNY: All I say is that I decline to sign the lease. I never told the man to go there. He ought not to have gone there until be bad got the signatures of the trustees, and he never had a single signature. After further discussion Mr. TRELAWNY read an estimate from Mr. Freeman, who stated that if it was intended to make the cottage suitable for occupation, it would require an expenditure of from £80 to E90. The resolution was then put to the meeting, and carried by 25 votes to one. Only rate- payers of great Saughall were allowed to vote. Mr. HARVEY said it would have saved a great deal of unpleasantness if Mrs. Trelawny had made her offer at the outset. It was now a question whether having gone so far, and given instructions to the solicitor to draw up the deeds with Wood, they could rightly and honourably unde what had been done. Mr. KELLOCH asked if Wood would be inclined to accept any compensation. The CHAIRMAN was sure the trustees would act honourably so far as Wood was concerned, and he heped some amicable arrangement would be come to. The proceedings concluded with a vote of thanks to the chairman, and the greater part of the audience then adjourned to the school- rooms, where the parish meeting was held, under the presidency of Mr. Harvey, chairman of the Parish Council. The scheme submitted by the Charity Commissioners was read out, and the Chairman said what they wished to take objection to was clause 15, which ran as follows:—" Subject to the payments aforesaid the yearly income of the Charity shall be applied by the trustees in making contributions towards the provision of nurses for sick and in- firm persons bona fide resident within the manor of Great Saughall." There was a strong local feeling against this proposed diversion of the funds in view of the plainly expressed intention of the testator. Mr. STEPHEN said the present scheme was very different from the terms of the will, and what they wanted to know was where did this scheme originate. (Hear, hear.) He did not think the people of Saughall, who had been in the enjoyment of the fund for a very long period, ought to consent to its diversion. Bread was the most acceptable gift they could make to these poor people. (Applause.) Mr. DAVIES (Crabwall Hall) remarked that as the voting power of the five trustees under the scheme was equal, he did not know how one trustee could be of more importance than another, as Mr. Trelawny seemed to suppose. (Laughter.) It transpired that for the past four months no bread had been distributed. Previously 99 was received as the rent of the cottage, and ten 3d. loaves were given out each week to five recipients, costing S6 a year. A Voice: Where has the other 93 gone to ?" (Laughter.) Eventually, on the motion of Mr. WILLIAMS, seconded by Mr. MAWBY, a resolution was car- ried unanimously objecting to clause 15 of the scheme in so far as it related to the nursing fund, and recommending that all the income of the charity should be expended in providing bread for the poor of Great Saughall.

AUCTION SALES. — ♦ CHESTER, NEWTON, AND FARNDOJf PROPERTIES. On Saturday, at the Grosvenor Hotel, Chester, Mr. Cunnah held one of the most important sales that we have had in Chester for seme time. 17be interest taken was evi- denced by the crowded state of the saleroom. The first lot offered, consisting of the com- modious freehold residence at Newton, known as The Firs, together with the surrounding grounds and the adjoining field, containing in the whole 9a. lr. 31p., was started at X2,500, and when 93,200 was reached the auctioneer announced he,was reluctantly compelled to with- draw this lot. A piece of freehold land adjoining the last lot, and containing 4a. 3r. 38p., was sold to Mr. Johnson Dickson for 95M. The freehold residence, Dingle Bank, situate in Curzon Park, Chester, was started at XI,500, and knocked down to Mr. Lawrence Booth for £ 2,000. The two freehold houses, Nos. 24 and 26, George-street, Chester, were started at £ 500, and after somtf spirited bidding were purchased by Mr. M. Barrett for £ 645. The next lot, a freehold house at Farndon, called Bridge View, was also very actively competed for, and finally acquired by Mr. J. P. Moore, Liverpool, for X625. Two freehold fields and a garden at Farndon, containing in the whole lOa. lr. 29p., were sold to Mr. Charles E. Davies, Addiscombe, Surrey, for £ 765. The freehold block of business premises' Grosvenor Chambers,' Newgate-street, Chester, was after- wards put up and started at £1.500, and when £ 2,250 was reached, knocked down to Mr. W. E. Little for £ 2,250. Messrs. Birch, Cullimore and Douglas, Chester, and Messrs. Jones Parry and W. R. Evans, Wrexham, acted as solicitors to the respective vendors. CREWE HORSE SALES. Messrs. Frank Lloyd, Nuttall, and Co. opened their prize quarterly three days' sale of horses (the last for the year), on Tuesday. The cata- logue comprised 600 animals. Tuesday was confined to hunters, high-class harness horses, and match pairs. The prize for best mare or gelding 15.2 and over, was awarded to Mr. U. Major Adderley with a grey gelding; reserve, Mr. D. Donellan, Warrington. with a dark bay gelding; v h c, Mr. R. Whitworth, Halifax, with a bay gelding and h c, Mr. Moses Smith, Wilmslow, with a brown gelding. The sale was very successful, and excellent priees were realised. On Thursday 200 high-class cobs and ponies, principally 15 1 and under, were oifered; and on Friday 200 heavy town lurry and van horses were put up.

LIGrHTING-UP TABLE. All cycles and other vehicles must be lighted up as stated in the following table P.M. Wednesday, Nov. 17 5 6 Thursday, Nov. 18 5.4 Friday, Nov. 19 5.2 Saturday, Nov. 20 5.1 Sunday, Nov. 21. 4.59 Monday, Nov. 22 4.53 Tuesday, Nov. 23 4 57

AWARD OF MERIT. HER MOST GRACIOUS MAJESTY THE QUEEN H.B.H. PRINCESS HENKY OF BATIENBERti. H.M. THE QUEEN & ROYAL COURT OF KOUMANIA, HAVE SPECIALLY APPOINTED w. & c°" ROYAL FURRIERS, In recognition of the Sterling Qualities and High-Class character of their productiose in Furs. FINE FURS of Guaranteed Excellence and Durability A VAST S1 OCK of RELIABLE SEALSKIN GARMENTS of highest fabhiou Direct from the Manufacturer to the Wearer. A SAVING OF 20 PER CKNT. GUARANTEED. Everything marked in plain fit: urea at Manufacturere prices strictly. Fur Alterations skilfully executed on the premises. 56, BOLD STEEET> LIVERPOOL.

Btrtts, JEarriagis, anti BRRTHS, MARKIAOKS, and DELTas are charged at the rate of 20 words for Is. (prepaid). If not prepaid, the charge will be 2a. 6d. The announcement must be authenticated by the Signature and Address of the Sender. BIRTHS. JACKSON—November 15, at 12, Massey Park, Liscard, the wife of E. N. Jackson, of a son. ORCHARD-November 13, at 21, Croxtetb-avenue, Liso&rfl, the wife of Wallace Orchard, of a son. SLATER—November 13, at 2, Mcrfynenx-drive, New Brighton, the wita of Alfred Slater, of a son. DEATHS. BRADLEY-November 15, at the residence of his brother- in-law, Chetwynd Knoll, Newport. Salop, of typhoid fever, James Oliver Bradley, aged 34 years. MATE-November 14. at Parr Green, Shocklach, near Malpas, John Mate, aged 77 years PHILLIPS—November 10. at Bubenstein, West Kirby, Maria Alice, wife of John Phillips, in her 78th year. .RoBERTs-November 11, at 28. Clifton-road, Birkeulead. the wife of Captain J. H. Roberts.

Lord Penrhyn is entertaining a large shooting party at Penrhyn Castle. ANGLESEY HUNT.-Mr. Eric Platt has been -elected comptroller for 1893, Mr. Reginald R. Duff being deputy comptroller, and Miss Pritchard Rayner, of Troscawen, lady patroness- CHESTBR VOLUNTEER BALL. We are re- quested to say that this ball will take place -on the 20th January instead of before Christmas, as has been the custom for several --years. —— The Queen has been pleased to bestow the silver Jubilee medal on Mr. W. H. Verdin, of Darnhall Hall, High Sheriff of Cheshire. The Mayor of Chester, Mr. J. Gooddie Holmes, has appointed the Rev. H. Grantham, rector of St. Mary's, to be his chaplain during his .mayoralty. i The Duke of Westminster has taken Ash- ridge, Earl Brownlow's place at Berkhampstead, -for a month for the shooting. The Duke and -Duchess left Eaton for Grosvenor House, -London, on Friday, and on Saturday they pro- -ceeded to Ashbridge. MADAME ANTOINETTE STERLING. This 7universal favourite, assisted by a talented com- pany, will give a popular concert in the Music Hall on the 27th inst. Madame Sterling's .rendering of old ballads has long since secured for her a unique position among our popular vocalists. LOCAL SCHOOL INSPECTOR CALLED TO THE BAR.—The teachers of the district will be interested to know that Dr. Williams, formerly an examiner of schools in this district, has recently obtained his certificate of fitness for call to the Bar from the Council of Legal Education, Lincoln's Inn. CHESTER EigTltDDFOD.-The entries for the Chester Eisteddfod close on Thursday, the 25th inst., and an excellent programme has been prepared. There are half-a-dozen entries in the chief choral competition (Mr. Yerburgh's prize), and an interesting contest is expected for the Duke of Westminster's prize for mixed choirs. HOOLE AND CHESTER FREE LIBRARY.— The Chester Free Public Library Committee have received a letter from Mr. Peccival B. Dick, of 17, Peploe-street, Hoole, enquiring if it is possible by paying down a deposit to become a member of the Free Lending Library." The committee have deferred their decision. It will be awaited with considerable interest by residents in Hoole. CHESTER SHORTHAND WRITERS' ASSOCIATION. -A general meeting of this association was held in the Grosvenor Museum on Tuesday evening, presided over by Mr. J. Bairstow, to re-consider the rules of the association. There was a large attendance of members, and considerable) alterations and amendments were made. It was also decided to change the title from the Chester Shorthand Writers' Associa- tion to t,he Chester and District Shorthand Writers' Association, and Mr. J. Bairstow, F.C.S., F.I.S., was elected president in place of the late Mr. E. J. Baillie, F.LS., who had occupied the presidency from the first establish- ment of the association. THE NEW MAYOR.—At the City Police Court on Wednesday, the Mayor (Mr. J. G. Holmes) sat as chief magistrate for the first time. He was attended on the bench by Sir r. G. Frost, Messrs. B. C. Roberts, H. T. Brown, Charles Brown, L. Giibert, R. L. Barker, J. Thompson, ■J. J. Cunuah, J. R. Thomson, and Dr. Stolterfoth.—The Chief Constable (Mr. G. L. Pell Miek) informed the Mayor and his brother magistrates that there was not the usual sheet COntaining a list of cases, and therefore, there were no cases to be dealt with that morning. He Was sure his worship would be pleased to hear + £ absence of business.—The Mayor said that he was gratified at hearing that there was no business, and congratulated Mr. Fenwick and the police. HOSPITAL SUNDAY.—The secretary of the Chester General Infirmary begs to acknow- ledge with thanks the receipt of the follow- ing church collections: — £ 5 5s. from St. Werburgh's Roman Catholic Church, per the Very Rev. Canon Lynch £4 10s. from Bruera Church, per Rev. J. C. Berkeley; £ 1 19s. from Biokerton Church, and £ 1 Is. from Bulkeley Church, per the Rev. J. M. Hall; X2 4s. from Plemstali Church, per the Rev. W. Rowley. Legacy bequeathed by the late Mrs. Heron, of Manley Hall, Frodsham, of 1200, free of duty, *nd interest £ 3 17s. 4d., per Mr. Charles P. Douglas, Friars, Chester. MASHONALAND MISSION.—On Tuesday even- ing an interesting address on this mission was given in the Refectory by the Rev. Douglas Pelley, of U w tal i, Mashonaland. The old 'refectory was filled with a sympathetic audience, and the Right Rev. the Lord Bishop occupied the chair. The proceedings were opened with prayer by the Rev. Minor Canon New. The lecture was illustrated by a number "Of limelight views, under the careful manipula- tion of Mr. E. Siddall. The lecturer touched ■^Pon the disastrous nature of the two Matabele Wats, and closed with a strong plea fer help in so encouraging a work. The Hon. Cecil T. -Parker proposed a vote of thanks to the Bishop 'lor his presence in the chair, the Very Rev. the i)ean for the use of the room, and the Rev. Minor Canon New for his efforts in bringing -about so successful a meeting. During the •singing of a hymn, a collection was made which realised £ 12. .P CKEWK BOY'S MISFORTUNE. — Robert Kobinaon, thirteen years old, was recently found by a constable asleep at the foot of nnu^u11 8 ^ta^ue' *n l'rafalgar-square, London. J. he boy was ragged and starving, and he J a terrible tale of privation and endurance. Turned out from his home at Crewe more than two years ago by his father, he had tramped from place to place, visiting Warrington, Liverpool, and Oxford, and Teturning to Crewe from time to time only to hear first of his father's death, and then of his mother's, and of the breaking up of the home. He was taken to Bow-street Police Station, and then sent by the magistrate's orders to the ,workhouse. A marked change for the better was already manifest when he was brought up -on Saturday. Mr. Hall, the court missionary, >?°W that he had found a home for the 'boy, and it seemed a fitting sequel to the incident that the boy who was found asleep at 'Gordon's feet should be received in the home erected to the General's memory at Dover. The magistrate discharged the boy with a few kindly words of advice. MR. CHURTON'S RETIREMENT.—The British Medical Journal says :—Mr. Henry Churton, the venerable coroner for the borough of Birken- head, has notified to the Town Clerk that his duties will in future be performed by the deputy- coroner. Mr. Tibbits. That Mr. Churton "has been well-advised in yielding to the pres- sure of advancing years, and relinquishing the active duties of his office, all who are acquainted with the circumstances will probably be agreed. A difference of opinion is, however, likely to be manifested as to whether he is within his rights in retaining the emoluments and dignity of the office after his declared in- tention of no longer discharging its duties. The Coroners Act of 1892 cap. 56, section 1 (3), states that a deputy may act for the coroner during his illness or during his absence for any lawful or reasonable cause, or at any inquest which the coroner is disqualified from holding, but not otherwise.' The question whether permanent incapacity can be regarded as lawful and reasonable cause,' within the mean- ing of the Act, will, it is reported, be raised. CHESHIRE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY.—A meet- ing of the General Committee of this society was held at Crewe on Monday, Mr. George "Garfitt (Northwich) presiding. A letter was read from the Mayor of Macclesfield (Alderman Eaton) inviting the society to hold its next show in that town, and offering a guarantee on behalf of the committee to raise R140 towards the expenses. The letter was referred to the meeting of members. It was stated that it was 25 years since the Cheshire Society held its last show at Macclesifeld.- Mr. C. Edwards said that under the present rules farmers who pur- chased their farms and ceased to be really tenant' farmers were not allowed to compete in the tenant farmers' section. They were regarded as landowners. The rules were never intended to shutout practical farmers from com- petition at the shows, and he knew of several members who had left the society because of the operation of this rule.—Mr. W. Coomer said the rule never contemplated shutting out men who depended upon their farms for their livelihood. It referred only to the great landed proprietors, who were invited to compete in the open classes.—It was suggested that the word tenant' should be expunged, and that this would allow small landowners who farmed their Own land to compete. The point was left over for settlement by the committee who revised the prize list. It was stated that during the year the balance had been increased from 981 to £ 218. CHESTER TEMPERANCE HALL.—Mr. Richard Coad had a large audience at the Temperance Hall on Sunday evening. Mr. J. H. Spencer pre- sided, and Mr. Coad's address was listened to with much interest. Mr. Coad is in Chester for a six days' mission. For particulars see our advertising columns. THE LIGHTING OF CHESTER GENERAL STATION. —The Chester Station Committee have in- formed the Corporation that while fully appre- ciating the offer of the Corporation they have gone to great expense in making ample provision for the lighting of the station with gas, and under the circumstances they do not propose at present to make any change. The Town Clerk has replied urging at all events the lighting of the outside platform, and the road in front of the station. THE CHESTER WATER. At a meeting of the Public Health Committee of Chester Town Council, on October 19th, Dr. Ellott urged the desirability of having a bacteriological examination of the water made at least every three months, more especially after high tides. The subject having been discussed at some length, it was moved by Mr. J. G. Holmes, seconded by Mr. R. Lamb, and resolved, that enquiry be made from the Local Government Board whether in their opinion it is desirable to have a bacteriological examination of the water, and if so, how often. MR. GEORGE GROSSMITH AT CHESTER.—There was a large audience at the Music Hall on Friday evening to hear Mr. Geo. Grossmith's humorous and musical recital. The inimitable entertainer presented an almost entirely new programme, framed, however, very much on the old lines, and his efforts were warmly appreciated. There was, in fact, not a dull moment during the whole evening. The original sketch, Do we enjoy our holidays ?' was vastly diverting, and the clever way in which Mr. Grossmith took off' several pro- minent personages in the theatrical world was quite in his best vein. At the conclusion, he was accorded an enthusiastic ovation. THE IMPROVEMENT OF ST. WERBURGH STREET. At a recent meeting of the Chester Improve- ment Committee the question of purchasing the block of buildings at the top of St. Werburgh- street, to complete the street improvement, was brought forward, and the Town Clerk explained the position, viz., that the property has been secured at a cost of about C2,400 towards which about £1,700 remains to be found After a long discussion, it was resolved that the committee will recommend the Council to contribute the sum of £1,000 on condition that the block of buildings is pulled down and removed, and the proposed improvement effected. A CHESHIRE WILL.-The personal estate has been valued at X65,467 14s. gross and X26,536 6s. 4d. nett of Mr. Thomas Oliver, of The Water- house, Bollington, Macclesfield, cotton manu- facturer, who died on August 11th last, and of whose will the sole executrix is his widow, Mis. Maria Oliver, to whom the testator devised and bequeathed all of his real and personal estate absolutely, but in the event of Mrs. Oliver's death in his lifetime the estate was to be in trust for his three sons, Alfred Creswick Oliver, Edmund Lomas Oliver, aud Percy Creswick Oliver, in equal shares, as tenants in common, but subject to the payment by them of X6,500 each to his daughters. Payment of these sums to Mr. Oliver's daughters may be deferred for 15 years if interest at the rate of 4 per cent. per annum is duly paid within 30 days from its due date. GLEE CLUB LADIES' NIGLIT.-The first ladies' night concert of the present season took place on Tuesday evening. The audience was a very large one, the most attractive programme in- cluding the following items :—Glee,' Song of the Pedlar; song, Queen of the Earth,' Mr. A. Greenwood; quartette, The Letter,' the Chester Male Voice Quartet; glee, 'The Image of the Rose (solo, Mr. W. E. Snelson); piaso- forte solo, 'Valse Caprice,' Mr. R. Butterworth; glee, Summer Eve humorous recital, The Wail of the Banner-bearer,' Mr. John Phillips; song, 'All Love can say,' Mr. J. H.Thompson; glee, All hail to the ruddy wine;' song, Kate Dalrymple,' Mr. J. H. Ditchburn; quartette, Massa's in the cold ground,' the Chester Male Vioce Quartet; glee, When Evening Casts;' banjo solo, Bal Masque,' Mr. Richard Lang burlesque ballad, We don't know what it is,' Mr. Loui Parry; glee, To our next Merry Meeting;' God save the Queen.' The con- ductor was Mr. A. Millward,and the pianist Mr. R. Butterworth. ST. MARY'S-ON-THE-HILL SCHOOL. A very successful concert in aid of the funds of the school was given on Wednesday evening, when the schoolroom was filled with an appreciative audience. The concert was mainly promoted by Mr. Walter Davies, who had enlisted the kind services of many friends for the purpose. Mr. T. Huxley proved an excellent accom- panist. Mrs. Hamilton and Miss Finchett were, as was right, well received, and the part songs of the new quartette party (the Chester Glee Singers) were much admired. Mr. Atherton's recitations were given with faultless precision and considerable dramatic talent, and the humorous songs of Mr. J. Holmes quite brought down the house. Mr. Walter Davies and Mr. C. S. Rowley sang with much effect, and the cornet solo of Mr. T. G. Moore, and the violin solo of Mr. N. Hull were much appreciated. The Cathedral Hand- bell Ringers gave a selection of tunes with much spirit.—The Rector (Archdeacon Barber) was in the chair, and in the course of the proceedings said the managers welcomed such efforts for the increase of their funds, as they had been called upon to spend X68 in improve- ments in the last two years, and there was still much to be done. The school had earned the highest possible grant. The Archdeacon cordially thanked the various friends who had so kindly given their services to entertain them that night, and also the following, who had lent materials for the preparation of the room:—Messrs. Dicksons, R. Jones and Co., Mr. Gregg, Miss Nutting, Mr. Williams (the Castle), Messrs. Goode, Mr. Walter Davies, and Miss Brown. He also announced that Miss Brown would be happy to receive articles for another jumble sale. THE MUNICIPALISATION OF EVERYTHING.—At a meeting of the Chester Caledonian Associa- tion at the Oddfellows' Hall on Wednesday evening, the President (Mr. J. Niven) in the chair, an interesting debate took place on the proposition Should the performance of work on behalf of the community by corporations be extended as far as possible ?'-Mr. Wm. Fer- guson, who took the affirmative, submitted that the public light and water lupply and the tram and 'bus services should be in the hands of the corporation. In all towns above 10,000 popula- tion it should be obligatory on the corporation to provide public baths and wash-houses, while the removal of house refuse ought to be performed by the same local authority. The time was not yet ripe perhaps, but we might look forward to the time when corporations would own and work quarries for the materials to make and mend the roads, and run collieries. flour and clothing factories, to produce the necessaries of life for our teeming millions.— Mr. D. Robertson, who took the negative view, complained that his adversary did not go far enough, and advocate the municipalisatioN. of the public-house, and the municipali- sation of the newspapers, so that town councillors should not be too severely criticised. The extension of public work by a corporation led to the increase of the municipal staff, which in turn led to patronage, and that often opened the door to corruption. A glaring example of the latter was furnished by the Board of Works of the London County Council. The corporation ought to be restricted to the scavenging of its streets, the maintenance of its sewers and other strictly necessary works, while wherever a public company could be got to undertake the work at a reasonable cost, the corporation should avail themselves of the offer. The municipalisation of these public services was destructive of private initiative and enterprise. An animated debate ensued, in which the affirmative view preponderated.