Welsh Newspapers
Search 15 million Welsh newspaper articles
16 articles on this Page
THE DEE LIGHTSHIP.
THE DEE LIGHTSHIP. Few travellers journeying up or down the North Wales coast perhaps bestow more than a passing glance and thought on the lightship moored at the very month of the Dee midway between the Point of Air and Hilbre Island lighthouses. To them the lightship is simply a big-looking hulk that rides at anchor in the tideway, and sheds its warning rays at night on passing mariners. They do not stop to inquire how the daily and nightly routine of life on that grim sentinel is arranged, nor how the men who are doomed to an existence of solitude there manage to pass the tedious hours away. A representative of this journal, being of an enquiring turn of mind, and desirous of seeing what was to be seen on board the lightship itself, made an attempt the other day to pay a visit of inspection to the isolated little colony. A cruise in the estuary of the Dee in fine weather is always a treat to those who inherit the nautical traditions of the sons of Britannia, and if we should fail in our endeavour to reach the far-off lightship, we could not be denied the pleasures of a sail along and across that noble waterway which divides Flintshire from Cheshire, and which to be seen at its best must be viewed when it is filled from coast to coast with a swelling 20ft. tide. It was our good luck to seize this opportune moment. The tide had only just begun to ebb when we arrived at Heswall from Chester, and stepped <m board the sailing boat that was to carry us an the day's trip. We say stepped on board' in a purely figurative sense, for, to be strictly accurate, we were all carried on board. The Heswall shore, where the cutter lay at her moorings, is rather muddy and fiat, and most landsmen are glad to entrust their bodies to the back of a sturdy tar, who carries them through the shallow water to a punt, thence to be sculled to the larger craft waiting outside. It was an ideal morning for sailing, a day that seemed to have dropped out of its proper place in the September calendar simply te oblige us. The tfte was now running out as only a Dee tide knows how the north-easterly breeze was bulging out mainsail and jibs, and the gallant little craft was skimming along at a lively pace and almost on an even keel. Had we been a party Of poets or artists, we should have immediately fallen into a deep, calm reverie, gazing on the breezy heights of Wirral on the one hand and the bolder outline of the Flintshire hills on the Other, while, being imaginative, we should hare eworn the wavelets laving the Dawpool beach were shimmering, silver-crested on an azure ground. As a matter of fact, however, our party comprised neither painter nor poet, and, looking at things through ordinary eyes, we were obliged to confess that the waves which play over the mussel beds in that slimy region are anything but blue and silver, and do not possess the charming transparency of Douglas Bay. You have to steer out into the middle channel before entering .on the real sea-green water. It was doubtless the inexorable cravings of a healthy digestion that prevented us all from falling into the dreamy reverie to which the lovely surroundings seemed so naturally adapted. Ours is a fallen state, and not the sublimest landscape or seascape will appeal to the eye so long as the stomach remains empty. Given a good solid (also liquid) lunch in the cabin, and the veriest stoic will unbend himself under the influence of a post-prandial pipe while lounging on deck and gazing on the ever-changing scene presented to the voyager who scuds across the expansive estuary of the Dee. Hilbre Island was left far to the northward, and the whiLe walls of the Point of Air Light- house were becoming clearer every minute, when we hove to alongside the big lightship, with River Dee writ large on her.high sides. Unofficial visitors are not an everyday occur- rence to lightship men there is no at home' day marked in the diary of Captain Martin; still we were relieved to hear his cheery answer to our hail, coupled with an invitation to step aboard and see the ship. Although from a distant view there is nothing smart or attrac- tive in a nautical sense in the big hulk of a lightship, with her scanty rigging and absence of all decorative art; still once on board, the visitor finds everything in proper ship-shape order, and the interior as trim and neat as a chemist's shop. We were fortunately in time to see the lamp hoisted to the masthead for the night. As mariners are aware, the Dee Lightship shews a flash light every ten seconds. This regularly revolving motion is produced by an interesting clockwork contrivance, which requires winding up every 50 minutes all the night through. The beacon itself is a series of 10 lamps, arranged in a double circular row, while the flash is produced by revolving reflectors. Some idea of the intense brilliance of the light may be formed from the fact that it is well-nigh impossible to stare straight into the face of the reflectors from a short distance even in broad daylight. The flash that is sent out in all directions, and illuminates the sea for a con- siderable space immediately around tke ship, is visible from a distance of five miles. The effect, especially on a dark night, i3 weird in the extreme to those who are unaccustomed to the mysteries of the deep—a momentary glare all around, disclosing the hull and spars of the anchored ligntsliip, and the next instant all shrouded in impenetrable gloom. The vessel shews in addition an anchor light, to indicate how she is riding, as she swings round with each turn of the swiftly-running tide. On going below to have a look round, the visitor is shewn fathoais of ponderous cable which is held in reserve for the great storms that beat in on that exposed coast and make the lightship tug and strain at her moorings till ahe would break adrift, unless an extra length I were paid out. In fact, about a year ago despite all the seamanship of the captain and his crew of four men—and landsmen must understand that there is a good deal of seaman. ship required to handle a large vessel even riding at anchor in a strong tideway—the Dee lightship did actually part company from her moorings, and was in imminent danger of running ashore on the dreaded West Hoyle Bank, but by the help of the sails kept on board for an emergency of the kind, and by good management and good luck. the captain was able to bring the wanderer back to her appointed station without damage. The light- ship men have many a tale to tell of the tragedies of the West Hoyle Bank, the Goodwin Sands of the north, that vast expanse of innocent- looking beach at low water but which with the rising tide seethes and boils like a witch's cauldron, and has engulfed many a brave ship, and been the grave of many a hapless sailor It would have been the irony of fate indeed had the gallant lightship, which has warned hundreds of craft off that treacherous shore, itself fallen a victim to the hungry sands of the Hoy Ie Bank. It is, of course, a part of the lightship- men's duty to keep a sharp look-out for casual- ties, and signal to the adjacent lifeboat stations at Point of Air and Hilbre Island, both of which boats have done yeoman service in the rescue of storm-tossed crews drifting to their doom. These are the stirring moments of life on board the lightship. But what sort of existence the poor fellows, imprisoned there for two months at a spell, drag out may be more readily imagined than described. The men are confined to the ship for two calendar months without a break, and then they have a month ashore on some lighthouse station. During their turn of duty on the lightship they endure all the inconveniences of sea. life on a long-voyage vessel without a single one of the counter- balancing excitements, adventures, and changes of life and scene enjoyed by the average sailor. They have nothing to do beyond their daily and nightly routine of watching and cleaning. The only consolation to them is that they live in a well-found vessel with plenty of good, roomy accommodation, in fact theirliving room is almost big enough to receive a billiard table, only it is to be feared the game would occasionally be spoilt by the vagaries of the habitation in dirty weather, causing an unexpected stampede of the balls to one corner. The men fill in much of their spare time in making mats, an occupation in which they display all the skill and ingenuity of old salts.' The tedium of the two months' confinement is relieved occasionally by a wel- come visit from the Trinity yacht from Holyhead with stores, but beyond this there is,.no regular communication with the shore, and the monotony of existence is made tolerable only by the literature which comes in the men's way. The student of natural history would find the lightship a congenial abode for a week or two, were he immersed in the life history of sea fowl. These feathered visitors are always in attendance on or near the ship, circling round the lamp at night, and oftimes dashing them- selves with painful violence against the brilliant glass. But the lightship attendants have no chance of capturing the birds in the usual way, for the use of a gun is against the regulations, a shot being a signal, and there- fore not to be resorted to unless for purposes of communication. Time, however, was pressing, and our all-too short visit was brought to a close. The tide had now turned, and with a favouring breeze we soon sped up the wide estuary towards our objective, Mostyn harbour-if the narrow gutter that leads to the wharf there is deserv- ing of the name. Darkness overtook us long ere we reached the mouth of the gutter, and we had the agreeable experience of seeing what it is to navigate the shoals and narrow channels of the river Dee. The battered hulk of a wrecked steamer loomed through the darkness hard and fast on a bank near the entrance to Mostyn Gutter, and we went ashore quite half a dozen times in our efforts to make the channel. As the tide was flowing rapidly, the grounding meant no damage, only delay, our little craft always floating off a few minutes later, but it was nine o'clock at night when we touched the bottom last near the flagstaff at Mostyn, and then as the last train to Chester was almost due, we had to bundle incontinently into the punt and pull ashore, leaving the larger vessel to be got off as the tide gave her greater depth of water. If these are the difficulties to be encountered on a calm autumn evening by sea- men who are acquainted with every yard of the coast, what perils must our sands of Dee' have in store for the hard-pressed foreigner who seeks the shelter of the estuary in a mid- winter storm ?
HA WARDEN PETTY SESSIONS.…
HA WARDEN PETTY SESSIONS. 0 THUttSDA Y.- Before Messrs. H. Hurlbutt, J. Watkinson, and R. Podmore. Tiiic FERRY HOTEL.-N.fr. Reynolds appeared on behalf of the owners and occupiers of the Ferry Hotel, at Queen's Ferry, to apply for the provisional licence to be made final, saying that the alterations that the magistrates had specified would be soon completed.—The matter was again adjourned for a month, in order that the alterations might be completed. HALF SOVEREIGN OR SIXPENCE?—Mary Ann Tipton of Back Bridge-street, Saltney, was summoned by Lewis Edwin Swift, a neighbour, for stealing a half-sovereign on October 30th. From the evidence of complainant's wife it appeared that defendant asked Mrs. Swift to lend her a halfpenny as she wanted to buya candle. Witness had a sixpenny-piece and a half- sovereign with other money in her pocket, and she gave Tipton what she thought was the sixpence, telling her to give back the change later on. Witness found out her loss when she went into Chester to make sundry purchases, and forthwith came back to claim her money. Defendant maintained it was sixpence that Mrs. Swift gave her.—P.S. McBride stated that he discovered that defendant had received and changed the half-sovereign.—Defendant was bound over in two sureties to come up for judgment when called upon. HOME TO MOTHER.—James Meredith, 4, Princess-street, Saltney, was summoned for assaulting his wife on October 29th.-Elizabeth Meredith, the complainant, stated that her husband came home between half-past ten and eleven o'clock. Her first words were, I thought you could not come in sober." One word led to another, and defendant struck her several times, the baby in her arms also receiving a blow. At last he hit her with the heel of his boot. and she was knocked senseless. It was not the first time he had done this kind of thing, and she asked for a separation order. She was living with her mother at present.— Cross-examined by defendant She did not strike him across the face first with a poker-- Defendant stated that his wife spent time and money drinking with her mother. The wounds she shewed were caused in the struggle for the poker.—The Chairman said that a man who lifted his hand to a woman was a brute. No man was justified in doing so, although women could be very trying, and give great provocation.—Several lively passages occurred between the parties during the progress of the case, and after an ineffectual attempt at reconciliation, the magis- trates fined defendant 5s. and costs, making no order as to separation.
Advertising
We aak the Public to insist on having CADBURT'S Cocoa. because adulterated cocoas are sometimes pushed for the sake of extra profit. CADBURT'S Cocoa is a perfect food,' and is not prepared with alkali or any mixture. It is absolutely pure,' therefore best.
PRIZE DAY AT THE QUEEN'S SCHOOL*…
PRIZE DAY AT THE QUEEN'S SCHOOL* ♦ On Friday afternoon, Miss Helen Glad- stone distributed the prizes and certificates to the successful students at the Chester Queen's School. The Lord Bishop presided, and the attendance included the Headmistress (Mrs. Sandford), the Ven. Archdeacon Barber, the Revs. J. F. Howson, Alexander (Alvanley), J. T. Davies, and Hickey; Captain Nevitt Bennett, Dr. Bridge, Dr. Archer, Messrs. G. B. Baker (Rode Hall), John Thompson, H. T. Brown, E. Gardner, &c. Countess Grosvenor, in a letter apologising for absence, said I am very sorry not to be with you to-morrow. It is always such a pleasant and happy afternoon. Please tell your young ladies how much I am thinking of them." (Applause.) At intervals an enjoyable programme of songs, &c., was rendered by the girls. The Misses Mary Minshull and Mabel Hamley played pianoforte solos, and the Misses Margaret C. Elwell and Alice Harding contributed a violin duet. A number of the girls also., sang a Christmas carol, Awake the Voice,' the words being by Robert Herrich, and the music specially com- posed for the Queen's School by Dr. Bridge. They also rendered a part song,' Jolly Winter.' The musical drills through which some of the girls went, it was evident, were greatly appreciated by the audience. Mrs. SANDFORD, in her report, reminded them that it was ten years ago this month since she gave a headmistress's address for the first time in the Queen's School at a prize distribution. After alluding to the advancement made in the secondary education of girls, brought about chiefly by such schools as their own, organised and worked upon what was known as the high school plan, she paid a tribute to Miss Glad- stone's valuable work at Newnham College in the cause of the higher education of women. Dealing with high school organization, she saw there were four great corner- stones upon which the whole educational edifice was founded. The first, of course, must be a strongly laid foundation of religious principle the next was bodily health; the third was the giving of instruction by perfectly qualified teachers; and the fourth was constant reliance on the co-operation of parents, while mention should be made of the importance of the growth of a' corporate spirit among the pupils. (Hear, hear.) In conclusion, j Mrs. Sandford explained that this year they were founding in connection with the Diamond Jubilee a union of past and present pupils of the Queen's School. Miss Gladstone having distributed the prizes, The BisHop proposed a cordial vote of thanks to her. Referring to Mrs. Sandford's remarks on the subject of bodily training for girls, he said that was a most important matter, and many of them would have learnt with interest that the day of the sombre processions of young ladies through the streets was rapidly passing away. One was glad not merely for the sake of the girls themselves, but for the sake of the modest male, who had to encounter them. (Laughter.) Which of them did not quail to meet an apparently in- terminable stream of smiling girls passing along a narrow walk ? (Renewed, laughter.) Alluding to the circumstances that one of the prizes given that afternoon was a dictionary of the English Church, his lordship said, quite recently the Lambeth Conference called atten- tion to the fact that in a great many of the popular readers in schools English history was taught upon lines as regarded the church which were really not in accordance with the soundest and best results of historical investigation, and therefore they were invited to do their best to see that in the schools, more especially the elementary schools, what was taught of English Church history was the best that could be ascertained and set forth. Only that morning he, and he supposed the other Bishops, had received a communication on the subject from the Church Historical Society. Nothing, he was sure, would be more abhorrent to any of the Bishops, or any true student of history, than that the history of the Church should be told unfairly on the Church side, and what they wanted was to get rid of all one-sided represen- tations. (Applause.) Miss GLADSTONE, in returning thanks, said she naturally took an interest in all high schools, and especially in one so near to her own home. She had had a great deal to do with the higher education of women, and that was of course led up to by the higher education of girls. She could recommend it to all as a pur- suit which was not only good and useful, but also very delightful. (Applause.) The following was the PRIZE LIST:- UPPER SCHOOL. Prizes for special subjects For Scripture, Mabel Warmsley, given by the Countess Grosvenor for knowledge of the Prayer-book, Gladys M. William- son, given by Chancellor Espin; for French, Florence Banister Jones, given by the Head Mistress; for geography, Louisa Darbishire, given by Mrs. Sit well; for English literature, Dorothy Walthall, given by Miss Ashington; for mathematics, Louisa Darbishire, given by Miss Birch; for Latin, Gladys M. Williamson, given by I Miss W. Anderson. I Class prizes Form IV.-Frances Mill (Scripture, history, German), given by the Misses Wilbraham; Mary Minshull (Scripture, English grammar, botany), given by Miss Glascodine. Cards of j merit for praiseworthy improvement in one or two subjects have been awarded to Gladys Williamson (Scripture, English history), Hilda 1 Davies (German), Elsie Heywood (botany), Elsie I Holland (botany), E. A. Sandford (Scripture) Form V. Margaret Breffit (Scripture, English history, German), Miss Howson. Cards of merit for praiseworthy improvement in one or two subjects, awarded to Florence B. Jones (Euclid), M. Bellamy (Scripture), Dorothy Walthall (French). Form IV. Margaret Lewis (arithmetic, Euclid, algebra, English grammar), given by Mrs. Pitcairn Campbell, Charlotte Major (arithmetic, algebra, English grammar), given by Mrs. H. T. Brown. Cards of merit for praiseworthy improve- ment in one or two subjects awarded to Beatrice Cawley (algebra, French), Alice Harding (French), Daisy Tait (Euclid, Latin), Dora Webb (English history). The Queen's scholarship, founded in commemoration of Her Majesty's jubilee, has this year been awarded to Alice Dorothy Delves Walthall. CAMBRIDGE LOCAL CERTIFICATES. MIDDLE SCHOOL. Prizes for special subjects.—For Scripture: Olive Burgess,.given by the Archdeacon of Chester; for French Lucie Veerman, given by Mademoiselle Girard. Form III. A: Annie Finchett (English literature, arithmetic, Euclid, Latin Roman history, dictation, drill), given by Mrs. Pitcairn Campbell; Olive Burges (Scripture, English grammar, and botany), given by Mrs. Powell. Cards of merit for praiseworthy improvement in one or two subjects have been awarded to Helen Burston (dictation, Latm), Margaret Bird (dictation), Elizabeth Isaac (dictation), Elsie Jones (dictation), Jessie Williams (arithmetic, dictation). Form III., B: Frances Curwen (botany, English history, English grammar), given by Miss Howson Lucie Veerman (arithmetic, French drill), given by Miss Howson. Cards of merits for praiseworthy improvement in one or two subjects have been awarded to Marion Beswick (English, grammar, botany), Alice Viggars (sewing and drill), Olive Carter (arith- metic;, Ada Darbishire (arithmetic), Elizabeth Nay lor (English grammar), May Savage (French). LOWER SCHOOL. Prizes for special subjects: For arithmetic, Ethel Baillie Hamilton, given by the Head Mistress. Class prizes: Form II., Florence Dobie (for general improvement), given by Miss E. Giles. Form I. a, Gertrude Finchett (English grammar, French, dictation), given by Mr. H. T. Brown. Special prizes: For pianoforte playing, Mabel Hamley, given by Miss Macdonald; Dora Nicholls (general improvement), given by Miss Macdonald Mary Minshull, Fraulein Friedlaender. For violin playing, Alice Harding, given by Mr. Veerman. For drawing and painting, Irene C. Coplestone, given by the Head Mistress. For drill, Upper School, Nellie Finchett, given by Mrs. Sitwell; Lower School, Dorothy Ellis, given by Miss Sloan. For sewing, Form IV., Jessie Cowap; Form III. a, Winifred Pegler Form III. b, Eva Hewitt, Ada Darbishire. Conduct prizes Upper School, Christina Fraser; Middle School, Annie Finchett Lower School, Eileen Archer given by Mrs. Martin Stewart. Special prize given by the Head Mistress in the Lower School for having obtained the largest number of entries in the Excellence Book during the last two terms, awarded to Phyllis James. The following examinations have been passed by pupils of the Queen School during the past twelve months :—Cambridge Higher Local Examination This examination is intended for candidates over 18 years of age. Group B (Modern Languages); December, 1896—Passed, Etheldreda Burston, com- pleting her certificate French Isabel Violet Burges, French and German. June, 1897: Maud Enock, German. Group C (Mathematics). Decem- ber, 1896: passed—Isabel Violet Burges, com- pleting her certificate. Group G (Political, physical, and historical geography): June, 1897- Eassed Louisa Darbishire, Evelyn Holland. Cam- ridge Local Examination, December, 1896. Seniors passed—Louisa Darbishire, distinction in drawing; Christina Fraser, Frances Mill, Mary Minshull (distinction in botany), E. A. Sandford, K. C. Whitehouse. Juniors. Honours, 3rd Class Margaret F. Breffit. Passed-G. M. Bellamy (dis- tinction, Old Testament): M. C. Coplestone, E. M- Holland, E. G. Jones, E. B. L. Mence, N. E. Pegler, R. Scott, M. E. Warmsley, G. M. William- son, H. A. Whitehouse. The Associated Board of the Royal Academy of Music, and the Royal College of Music, Local School Examination. Piano, higher division passed, M. F. Breffit, C. Dobree, Evelyn Holland, F. Thompson. E. B. Mence, Ella Douglas. Lower division Passed- Dora Nichols. Singing, higher division—passed with distinction: Ella Douglas. Passed: C. Dobree, M. Enock, E. A. Sandford. The Royal Drawing Society of Great Britain and Ire- land. Division I. (freehand), honours: A. Darbishire, F. Dobie, D. Finchett, E. M. Horton, B. Jones, E. Langlands, M. Lee, M. E. Savage. A. Viggars. Passed: F. Beckett, O. Burgess, H. Burston, B. Cawley, M. Coplestone, E. Douglas, A. Finchett, N. Baillie Hamilton, E. Isaac, M. Linaker, E. F. Maitland, C. Major, E. B. Mence, E. Naylor, M. D. Nicholls, L. Richmond, E. Wells. Division II. (curves in perspective). Honours: L. Darbishire.* Division III. (models). Honours: F. Andrew, J. Cowap. Passed: F. M. Baird, A. Harding, A. Pritchard, M. S. Tait. Division IV. (plant drawing). Honours: L. Darbishire.* Division V. (shading). Honours E. A. Sandford. Passed E. M. Holland. Division VI. (painting): Honours: Irene C. Coplestone. *A fall certificate has now been obtained by Louisa Darbishire. To gain this a candidate must have taken honours in five divisions. The usual exhibition of drawings, paintings, and other exercises, done by scholars in the various schools that take the society's examination was held in London during the spring of this year. All the specimens sent from the Queen's School were accepted. Irene Coplestone received a bronze star for an original drawing of a Gnome she was also commended for an outline drawing of a palm and a water-colour drawing of daffodils. Louisa Darbishire was commended for water-colour drawings of flowers, and Gladys Breffit for brush work from nature. London Institute for the Advancement of Plain Needlework. —The following pupils have obtained certificates :—Grade 1, very good, Ada Darbishire, Eva Hewitt; good, Bessie Jones. Grade 2, very good, Winifred Pegler good, M. Bird, F. Lloyd, M. Lee, E. Jones, M. Horton. A. Finchett. Grade 4, good, A. Caldecutt, M. Lewis, D. Webb very fair, C. Major. Grade 5, very good, Jessie Cowap good, Ruth Alexander very fair, M. C. Elwell, A. Harding.
ST. MICHAELS SALE OF WORK.…
ST. MICHAELS SALE OF WORK. + On Wednesday afternoon the interior of the City Soup Kitchen presented a much more inviting appearance than is its wont, and served a purpose quite as praiseworthy as the one for which it was constructed. The occasion was the sale of work in connection with St. Michael's parish, which was held in order to raise the wherewithal to defray the expenses incurred by the recent alterations made in the church, and for other church purposes. The large room where in the winter-time the soup is distributed to the poor of the city was prettily decorated, and the several tastefully arranged stalls, on which innumerable articles of clothing and other necessaries of almost every description were placed, made a very pleasing and effective show. There was a fairly large attendance present when the sale was opened by Mrs. B. C. Roberts. The Rev. A. Radford (vicar) in an introductory speech, said they were all deeply indebted to Mrs. Roberts for coming to their little sale of work. For his own part he was also deeply grateful to those ladies who had so kindly organised the sale at no little trouble to themselves. The debt they wanted to clear off was a compara- tively small one, but they would be glad to realise as much as possible, as there were other little wants. It was only a small effort, but it was the result of combined work and interest, and for the sake of those ladies who had worked so hard, he hoped it would be a success. Mrs. Roberts, in declaring the sale open, wished it every success, after which business became brisk, and it was expected that a sufficient amount would be taken to wipe off the debt. The following were the stallholders:—Mrs. Radford, Mrs. Ward, Mrs. Kemp, Mrs. Taylor, Mrs. Tait, Mrs. H. Knight, the Misses Fluitt, Gibson, Knight, Bather, F. Lloyd, Jones, Bennett, Radford, A. Snelson, D. Parkes, E. Parkes, Daisy .Tait, and Lily Richards. Flower stall: Misses Wall and Hand During the evening entertain- ments, in the shape of nursery rhymes, etc., were given by the school children, and also humorous sketches by the Rev. E. Farrar (chaplain to the Asylum). Since the above was written we learn that the proceeds of the sale amounted to over X60.
NOMINATION OF HIGH SHERIFFS.…
NOMINATION OF HIGH SHERIFFS. + On Friday being the morrow of St. Martin, the annuaVceremony of nominating the sheriffs for the counties of England and Wales, with the exception of the Duchies of Cornwall and Lancaster, took place at the Royal Courts of of Justice, London, in the Court of the Lord Chief Justice of England. The Chancellor of the Exchequer (Sir Michael Hicks Beach) pre- sided. Three names are provided, and the first name on the lists is invariably 'pricked' as the sheriff for the ensuing year unless the gentleman happens to be disqualified. Appended are the local mominatioffs t- Cheshire: 1, Mr. Richard Hobson, The Mar- fords, Bromborough; 2, Mr. Thomas Hard- castle Sykes, Cringle House, Cheadle; 3, Mr. Benjamin Chaffers Roberts, Oakfield. Shrop- shire: 1, Mr. John Townshend Brooke, Houghton Hall, Shifnal; 2, Sir Walter Orlando Corbet, Bart., Acton Reynold, Shrewsbury 3, Mr. Hugh Ker Colville, Bellaport Hall, Market Drayton. Staffordshire: 1, Sir Thomas Fletcher Boughey, Bart., Aqualate, Newport, Salop; 2. Augustus Leveson Vernon, Hulton Park, Wolverhampton; 3, Godfrey Wedgwood, Idle Rocks, Stone. Den- bighshire 1, Mr. Jas. Sparrow, Gwersyllt Hill, Wrexham; 2, Mr. John Duncan Miller, Glanaber, Abergele; 3, Sir George Everard Arthur Cayley, Bart., Llanerch Park, St. Asaph. Flintshire: 1, Mr. Michael Antonia Ralli, Morannedd, Rhyl; 2, Sir Edward Percy Bates, Bart, Glyon Castle, Llanaxi; 2, Sir George Everard Arthur Cayley, Bart., Llanerch, St. Asaph.
WIRRAL BOARD OF GUARDIANS.
WIRRAL BOARD OF GUARDIANS. AN IRREGULARITY. The fortnightly meeting of this board was held at Clatterbridge Workhouse on Wednes- day Mr. Knowles presiding.—Mr. J. A. Hignett, the relieving officer, referring to the revision of the poor law cases, said he was placed in a very awkward position by Mr. Charles Morris revis- ing the cases at New Ferry, and he wished the board would take some action in the matter.— Mr. Morris remarked that when some of the guardians were engaged in this work a fort- night ago he said it was hardly the thing for a guardian to revise the cases occurring in the district which he represented, but Mr. Hignett told him to go on with it. He did not want to revise his own parish. It was rather a reflection upon him to be singled out, and he did not like it at all. He thought that the list which had been revised should be rreon- sidered.—Mr. Thomas Davies thought at they could surely trust the vice-chairman to do the work as long as he was deputed to do it.—Mr. Hignett said that Mr. Morris was the only guardian who revised the cases from his own parish, and if he did not mention Mr. Morris's name he would be casting a reflection upon the whole Board.—Mr. Morris replied that during the eighteen years he had been a member of the Board it had been done.- Mr. Hignett: Not to my knowledge. Nobody has done it except yourself.—After some further discussion it was decided that in future the re- vising be done by the whole Board.—Colonel Lloyd afterwards remarked that although as a Board they agreed with Mr. Hignett that no individual guardian should revise the cases from his own parish, yet the way in which Mr. Hignett bad spoken that morning cast a reflec- tion upon Mr. Morris. As a Board they were quite sure that whatever Mr. Morris did was done in a conscientious manner.—Mr. Morris admitted that he felt hurt at the insinuations that had been made, and considered some explanations by the relieving officer should be forthcoming.—A letter was read from Colonel Cotton Jodrell, M.P., stating that he should give the Bill for extending the powers, of guardians to children his careful attention when re-introduced.
Advertising
THROAT AFFECTIONS AND HOARSEN Ess.-BROwN's Buom. CHIAL TBOCHES, which have proved so successful in America for the cure of Coughs, Colds, Hoarseness, Bromhitis, Asthma, Catarrh, or any irritation or soreness of the throat, are now imported and sold in this country at Is. 1. per box. Put up in the form of a lozenge, it is the most convenient, pleasant, safe, and sure remedy for clearing and strengthening the voice in the world. No family should be without them. The genuine have the wards •' Baoww'g BRONCHIAL TaocHBB" on the Govern. ment stamp around each box.—London Depot, 33, Far. ringdon-road, and of all Patent Medicine Vendors.
THE FREE PUBLIC LIBRARY. 0
THE FREE PUBLIC LIBRARY. 0 A CHAT WITH THE LIBRARIAN. Whatever may be said of other municipal institutions, the Public Library in St. John- street is now doing a good work in a modest way, and at a comparatively small outlay. Such institutions are a necessity of the times, and are now provided by practically every municipal body in the kingdom. With free and compul- sory education, continuation and technical schools, the demand for books, periodicals, and newspapers has enormously increased and is increasing, and to meet this demand Free Public Libraries and Reading-rooms have been established. After what might almost be called a long struggle, the prospects of the Chester Library are now very bright, and nothing would delight the Committee of Management more, I am sure, than to see twice or even thrice the present large number of bor- rowers and readers avail themselves of the advantages it offers. As it is, it is more and more appreciated by the citizens every day, and with its cheerful rooms, its large stores of books and supply of papers, and the courtesy and attention of the staff, it cannot fail to become more popular still. It is 23 years since the Free Libraries Act was adopted in Chester, and 20 years ago since the Free Reading-room was thrown open to the public. The nucleus of a library had been taken over from the old Mechanics' Institute. Un- happily the new institution was a little embar- rassed in the matter of funds, as the penny rate to which the management was restricted was barely sufficient to make ends meet. Unfor- tunate appointments, too, were made by the Council, apparently on the principle that such posts were made for particular men, instead of securing the most highly-trained men for the post. These.drawbacks greatly hampered the committee for many years. On the other hand, however, the committee was fortunate in its chairman, who not only stuck manfully to the work but most generously put his hand in his own pocket in order to provide the present handsome and commodious reading-room in commemoration of the Queen's Jubilee. Quite lately the institution may be said to have turned the corner, and the outlook at the present moment is bright and encouraging. With the view of seeing for myself (says a correspondent), I lately paid it a visit, and had an interesting interview with the recently- appointed librarian, whose courtesy and thorough knowledge of his work have already justified his selection for the post of chief librarian. How many volumes have you upon your shelves, Mr. Caddie ? I asked. "In the lending department we have in round numbers 10,000 volumes, and in the reference library 8,000, and additions are con- stantly being made. A large proportion of the books in the lending department is, of course, fiction, but there are many very valuable works in all departments of literature in the reference library. For instance we have such works as the Encyclopwdia Britannica,' 9th edition (the latest), in 24 volumes; the 'Dictionary of National Biography,' about 60 volumes 'Chamber's Encyclop»dia,' in 10 volumes; Roberts s Holy Land,' a magnificent work which I believe cost X40. Then there are local histories:—Ormerod's, Hemingway's, Hanshall's, and many others. Indeed, there are on our shelves some 70 works on Cheshire and Chester alone." "There are books on history, archaeology, topography, and so on ?" \es, and on art, science, and natural history. Here is Rosenberg's famous work, Geschichte Kostums (a history of costumes), with splendidly coloured plates, and charmingly bound in five volumes; Owen Jones's « Grammar of Ornament,' Lord Lifford's Birds of the British Isles,' a magnificent work, with many hundreds of exquisite plates; Audsley's well- known but rather expensive work on the Ornamental Art of Japan,' and thousands of others. The Reading Room is on the ground floor. We take 17 dailies, 60 weeklies, 90 monthlies, as well as books of reference, guides, reports of the learned societies, and so on. The room is now exceedingly comfortable, having, with the rest of the building, been re-decorated, and fitted with electric light. Ladies ? Yes, the reading room for the exclusive use of ladies is upstairs, a beautifully light and airy room, which is well attended, and much appreciated. In the entrance hall the latest telegrams are posted daily." A saunter through the building bore out all that the librarian had said. There was an air of general comfort which it was very pleasant to see, and the reading-room especially was well patronised, even at the rather early hour at which my visit was made. As to the cost of the institution, I fancy many people will be surprised to hear that it is all possible for a penny rate. It is true that there is, at present, a small balance on the wrong side, which is perhaps not very creditable to those who hold the purse strings of the city, but applica- tion is to be made for an extra halfpenny rate, which should be very cheerfully granted, when the position of the institution is properly understood and appreciated. It is one of the most satisfactory investments which could be made, especially for the rising generation of Cestrians. Last year the penny in the £ realised E777 fines and sales, 930; grant receipts for University extension lectures (a valuable addition to the work of the library) during the winter months, £48; total receipts, 9854. On the other side of the ledger the pay- ments were (including R100 to capital account) JE953, or X98 in excess of receipts. I I think I have said sufficient to prove that this excellent institution is doing good work, I and has strong claims upon the public. If any- one should doubt it, I suggest that he should follow my example and pay an early visit to St. John-street, and I have no fear what the verdict will be.
ALLEGED BIGAMY BY A CHESTER…
ALLEGED BIGAMY BY A CHESTER WOMAN. At Westminster Police Court on Thursday, Mary Coyne, aged 36, giving Blendworth-bill, Horndean, Hants, as an address, was charged with bigamously marrying Arthur Loudwell. Prisoner was attired in black, and wept on being shewn into the dock.—Inspector Brazier said prisoner surrendered herself to a constable in the King's-road, Chelsea, on Wednesday evening. He was unable that day to call any evidence as to the first marriage, the witnesses being in Chester, where the first husband John Coyne, was employed as a railway porter. —P.C. Thompson, 52 BR, said the prisoner spoke to him on Wednesday evening, and asked to be directed to the nearest police station. When he inquired what she wanted, she replied. If you come with me to No. 10, Overdale-road, Chelsea, you will know all about it. My husband wants to lock me up." On reaching the house, a man named Arthur Loudwell came to them and said, I will give this woman into custody for bigamy." Prisoner said '• Yes, I will give myself up. I married this man three years ago." In reply to the charge at the station she said, "I thought my husband was dead when I maried Loud- well.In answer to Mr. Dutton, solicitor for the defence, the constable said prisoner did not say she had heard that Coyne had gone to America and died there.—Mr. Sheil ordered a remand, offering to accept bail-two sureties in X10 each.—Loudwell offered himself, and Mr. Sheil said he had no objection if the police were satisfied.
[No title]
Beyond doubt HORNIMAN'S PURE TEA is of wonderful value, refined flavour, delicious to the palate and invigorating to the system. Chester: Spencer, 36, Bridge-st. Co-op. Society; Turverj chemist; Woolley, confectioner; Roberts, chemist; A.Evans. Birkenhead: Dutton, Haywood, chemist' Packwood, Dixon and Osmond, Hessler, Co-op! Society. Rhuddlan: Roberts, grocer. NewFerry: Fawcett, chemist. Upper Brighton Somerville, Garratt, chemist. West Kirby Atherton and Co. Bromborough Pool: Co-op. Society. Mynydd lsa: Co-op. Society. Northop Smith. Frodsham: Baker. Tarporley Dunning. Port Sunlight: Provident Society. Tattenhall: Morgan.
FASHIONABLE QUEEN'S FERRY…
FASHIONABLE QUEEN'S FERRY WEDDING. + MISS M. ROWLEY AND MR. R. W. STRICKLAND. Although it was intended by the parties concerned to have the wedding of Miss M. Rowley and Mr. R. W. Strickland kept as quiet as possible, a great amount of outside interest was evinced in the event. This was exemplified by the free display of bunting in the locality, the large number of people who assembled to see the bride off, and the overflowing congregation at the church, as well as by the fact that the admirable oppor- tunity the day afforded was seized upon for the opening of the new bridge over the railway on the road leading from the bride's residence to the main highway. The bridge was gaily decorated with long lines of streamers running more than the whole length of the structurb, while at the Shotton end was a pretty arch, which bore the words, Health, wealth, and prosperity to Mr. and Mrs. Strickland.' Miss Maud Rowley, the bride, is the daughter of Mr. Jos. Rowley, of Dee Bank, Queen's Ferry, while the bridegroom, Mr. Roger Walter Strickland, is the son of Mr. Walter Strickland, J.P., D.L., of Sizergh Castle, Westmoreland, and a member of one of the oldest and best connected Catholic families in the kingdom. His ancestors came over with the Normans, and have retained their Catholic faith and traditions to this day. The ceremony, which took place at St. Francis' Church, Chester, on Wednesday morning, was conducted by the Rev. Father Joseph Strick- land, S.J. of St. Beunos' College, St. Asaph, assisted by the Rev. Father Seraphin. Long before the time announced for the celebration of the nuptials the sacred edifice was filled by an assembly of Protestants and Catholics. As the wedding party entered the church the choir sang the voice that breathed o'er Eden,' this being followed by several hymns and the Ave Maria,'—words by Sydney C. Sharp to music by Arthur Plumpton. Miss Agnes Dooge was the soloist, while Mr. J. Massa rendered a violin obligato, and Mr. P. Massa presided at the organ. Before the marriage ceremony proper, Mass was celebrated, and after the knot had been tied, and the party were signing the register, the organist played Mendelssohn's wedding march, and the Nancy Maud wedding march, a piece expressly composed for and dedicated to Miss Nancy Maud Rowley on the occasion of her wedding by Mr. Althaus Bernhatd. The bride pre- sented a perfect picture, being. attired in a regal gown of white satin, cut en Princesse, veiled with accordion pleated chiffon, and embroidered in pearls and silver. Her Court train, which hung from the shoulders, was of embossed satin in pattern of narcissi, and bordered with ostrich feathers. She carried a white vellum Psalter (the gift of Mrs. Drew) instead of a bouquet. Her loose veil was fastened with diamond stars over a coronet of real orange blossom and she also wore a pearl necklace with diamond pendant. She was attended by two little bridesmaids, Miss Gladys Rowley (sister) and Miss Marguerite Kennedy (niece of the bride). Their costumes consisted of charming frocks of white satin, embroidered in pearls and silver. They also wore white veils and wreaths of orange blossom, with turquoise heart lockets and gold chain, the gifts of the bridegroom. Mr. Nortz Nortz acted as best man, and among those present were Mrs. Rowley, mother of the bride, who wore sapptiire blue velvet and black lace, with gold bonnet, and bouquet of yellow chrysanthemums Lady Strickland in black and gray striped silk gown, white fox mantle, and steel bonnet; Miss Strickland, black and helio- trope, and grebe hat; Miss Henrietta Strick- land, gray silk and black, and silver passe- menterie, with large plumed hat; Miss Mary Strickland, black and heliotrope, with white trimmings; Mrs. Dunstan, black satin, and gold bonnet; Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Spafford, black velvet gown, and black hat, with white plumes and diamond ornaments; Mrs. Myles Kennedy, petunia velvet and chinchilla, with large Gainsboro' hat; Miss A. C. Rowley, black silk and turquoise blue velvet, and black plumed hat; Miss May Rowley, gown of black accordeon pleated chiffon, and rose coloured silk, with jet toque; Miss Brenda Rowley, black glace silk and turquoise miroir velvet and black plume hat; Mr. and Mrs. Alex. Sparrow, the latter in blue poplin; Mr. and Mrs. Harry Hancock, the latter in violet corduroy velvet,and Miss Franklin, in purple and heliotrope. Showers of the now fashionable confetti greeted the happy pair as they passed out to the strains of the once more played 'Nancy Maud' Wedding March. A small reception was afterwards held at Dee Bank, but the proceedings passed off quietly, owing to both families being in mourning. During the afternoon Mr. and Mrs. Gladstone and Mrs. Drew drove over to congratulate the bride, and to present her with their gift of a picture of Mr. Gladstone, by Millais. Part of the honeymoon will be spent in North Wales, the bride departing in a travelling cos- tume of dark blue cloth, with Russian leather blouse, trimmed with astrachan, and picture hat trimmed with turquoise blue and violets. The honeymoon will be concluded at Wandel, Surrey. The following is a list of the presents :— Bridegroom to bride, diamond ring, diamond and turquoise brooch, turquoise and pearl pins tur- quoise links, turquoise heart pendant, driving coat, &c. bride to bridegroom, gold signet ring, turquoise pin, ebony and silver hair brushes, &c.; Mr. Strickland, cheque Mr. Rowley' cheque Mrs. Rowley, dressing case with fittings • Miss Strickland, silver flask and work basket • Miss Henrietta Strickland, silver powder box and silver flask Miss Mary Strickland, silver comb and work case Mr. H. Butler Rowley, crocodile and silver cigar case Mr. Leonard Rowley, gold pin Miss A. C. Rowley, Russian leather writing case Miss E. Maye Rowley, silver inkstand Miss E. Brenda Rowley, silver pencil Miss uladys Rowley, gold horseshoe pin Mr. and Mrs. Marks, cheque Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Spafford, cheque Mr. and Mrs. Miles Kennedy, cheque Mr. and Mrs. Alex. Sparrow, silver card case Mr. Harry Hancock, turquoise rings Mrs. Harry Hancock, gold-mounted umbrella and opera cloak Mrs. Strickland, cheque Lady Strickland, luncheon basket and dessert service Mrs. Charles Strickland, Limerick lace and embroidered handker- chief Mrs. Dunstan, cheque; Miss Rowley, cheque; Mr. and Mrs. Walter .Rowley, lace and ivory tan; the Misses Mildred and Dora Rowley, silver- mounted scent bottle; Sir Gerald and Lady Edeline Strickland, cheque; Mr. James Sparrow, leather writing case; Mrs. Drew, portrait of self by Burne Jones, and Psalter; Mrs. Hewitt, cut glass jug Mrs. Sparrow (Gwersyllt Hill), jewelled purse Miss Sparrow, folding photo frame; Mr. Montague Ainslie, Croation needlework em- broidery Mr. and Mrs. Stubbs, Japanese curtain Mrs. and Miss Franklin, silver cigar case; Mr. Newby Wilson, silver matchbox; Sir Humphrey and Lady de Trafford, diamond links; Fraulein Kubler, embroidered cloth; Mr. and Mrs. Hughes, china tea service; Mrs. Fred Stubbs, gold embroideries; the Right Hon. Herbert J. Glad- stone, sapphire locket; Miss Mabel Kennedy, gold muff chain; the Misses Hurlbutt, pearl swallow brooch; Mr. and Mrs. Charles Fisher (Distington Hall), turquoise and pearl crescent; Mrs. Parrott, Limerick lace handkerchief Mr. de Cliffe Vigors, silver scent bottle; Mr. and Mrs. Waterall, brass inkstand; Mr. and Mrs. Williams, oak clock Miss Davison, silver paper knife; Miss Coleman, leather photo case Miss Violet Kennedy, travelling clock; Mr. and Miss Marks, Irish linen tablecloth; Miss Evans, silver and ivory tables Mrs. and the Misses Fox, em- bossed silver scissors Mr. C. Dunstan, embroidered toilet cover and d'Oyleys Mr. D. K. Irwin, silver shoehorn; Mr. Sydney Woolley, Russian leather album Captain A. A. Kennedy, silver scent bottles; Mr. Lindop, eider- down quilt; Mr. C. Wilson (Oxenholme), cheque Mr. and Mrs. Leigh Hancock, diamond and ruby pendant; Miss A. M. Power, embroidered slippers; Mr. and Mrs. Sydney Taylor, silver hat brush Mr. and the Hon. Mrs. H. N. Gladstone, mother-of- pearl and pompadour fan; Miss Emma L. Kennedy, turquoise and pearl brooch Miss Simmonds, silver and ivory paper knife; Dr. and Mrs. Archer, silver dishes; Mr. and Mrs. Lionel Leader, travelling rug; Servants at Dee Bank, silver dish; Professor Althaus, music Mr. and Mrs. Watkinson, set of silver dessert spoons Miss Joynson, silver buckle; Miss Penny and Miss Cranke, embroidered fan and girdle Colonel and Mrs. H. F. P. Lewis, morocco and gold-mounted purse; Nurse Roberts, hand mirror; Mr. and Mrs. Harry Wilson (Lynwood), tilver hairpin box Mr. and Mrs. Pryce (coachman), set of china jugs; the Rev. Stephen Gladstone (rector of Hawarden), picture Mrs. Stephen Gladstone, silver scent bottle Miss Margaret Davison, work case with fittings; Mr. Albert Hills, diamond bracelet; Mr. and Mrs. Prince, gold curb brooch Mr. Andrew Foulkes, shell ornament; Dr. Purdon, brass letter-stand and case; Mr. Malcolm Hills, silver tea tray; Mr. Earnest Rowley, ivory and silver fish carvers Mr. and Mrs. H. Swetenham, Russian leather writing case; Mr. Arthur and Mrs. Walker Wadham, pearl bracelet; Mr. and Mrs. Toller, engraving, 'The Angelus;' Mr. Grindley, Russian leather case of scissors Miss Marguerite and Miss Guinevere and Mr. Nigel and Mr. Hugh Kennedy, set of silver brushes; servants at Sizergh Castle, dressing case and silver and ebony preserve spoons and pickle fork; Mr. and Mrs. W. Wilson, travelling clock; lr Mr. Irwin, leather holdall r -Mr. and Mrs. Gandy, dressing case; Mr. Arthur Spafford, jewelled belt and turquoise hat pins; the Misses Strickland, diamond and turquoise bracelet Mr. and Mrs. North (Newton Hall), set of silver spoons Mr. A. K. North, silver cigarette case; Mr. A. North, silver casket Mrs. Hughes, em- broidered chair back Mrs. J. Hughes, pair of photo frames Mrs. Green, old china Mr. and Mrs. Ellis, satin-lined work basket Mr. aud Mrs. David Graham (Stapleton), old silver buckle Mrs. Roberts, pair of china ornaments Mrs. W. Latham, afternoon tea cloth Mrs. Davies, antique shoe horn Mr. and Mrs. F. Thompson (Corrig Castle), silver shoe horn and button hooks Mr. A. Hamilton Cochrane, The King's Daughter Mr. and Mrs. W. A. Hills, silver teaspoons and sugar tongs Miss Bertha Bunnel, pair of china plates Mrs. Hermann Borner, diamond and opal ring Master Mervyn, Master Norman, and Miss Freda Spafford, gold muff chain Mrs. Radcliffe, cigarette box; the Rev. Father Joseph Strickland, picture of the Pope with his signature and blessing Mrs. Roberts (Shotton), old china cup and saucer; Mrs. Murray, cream jug and sugar basin Mrs. Strickland (Anstey), picture and Florentine frame Miss Lily Haswell, handker-, chief sachet; Mr. Charles Kennedy, cheque Mr. and Mrs. T. WYBne, photograph frame Mr. and Mrs. Astbury, case of silver spoons; the Right Hon. W. E. and Mrs. Gladstone, picture by Millais, &e.
A BRAVE DEED RECOGNISED. ♦
A BRAVE DEED RECOGNISED. ♦ Mr. Charles Bennett, of Saltney, secretary of the Chester Licensed Victuallers' Association, has just received an interesting present in recognition of his bravery in saving a life at the risk of his own. Mr. Bennett was going home on Oct. 18th, when he saw a pair of horsey which had been attached to a load of straw, making for a narrow lane at the back of Hough Green. The animals, evidently frightened, were going at a furious rate, and Mr. Bennett, to his great alarm, saw a nurse girl with a perambulator, in which was a baby, standing right in the way. The nurse girl had evidently lest her presence of mind, and Mr. Bennett, at once grasping the danger of the situation, rushed to them. Telling the girl to look after herself, he pushed her into the ditch, and then seizing the perambulator he literally raced for life down the lane, hoping to be able to turn a corner and get into safety. Finding, however, that the horses were close at his heels, he pushed the perambulator and baby into the ditch, and fell in the ditch after them. He was just in time, for immediately the infuriated animals dashed past. But for Mr. Bennett's courageous action the horses would motfc- certainly have run down the nurse girl and her charge. The child was the little girl of the Rev. W. N. and Mrs. Mayne. Mr. Mayne, it will be remembered, was formerly curate at St. Mary's without the Walls, and his wife was Miss Coombe, of Glan Aber, Saltney. They fully appreciate Mr. Bennett's bravery, and in addition to over- whelming him with thanks for saving the life of their little daughter, they have presented him with a silver salver, and also an enlarged framed photograph of the child and nurse in the perambular. The salver bears the follow- ing inscription :_U Presented to Charles Bennett, by the Rev. W. N. and Mrs. Mayne, as a small token of gratitude for having at the risk of his own life saved that of their child, Edith Kathleen Ida, from a runaway horse and cart in a narrow lane-October 18th, 1897."
THE STRANGE TALE OF A CREWE…
THE STRANGE TALE OF A CREWE BOY. -+- EXTRAORDINARY ADVENTURES. ONE OF GORDON'S KINGS. Referring to the case of Robert Robinson, the Crewe lad, who, as reported on Monday, was found sleeping at the foot of the Gordon statue in London, the Daily Telegraph says :—Probably no English boy since the legendary days of Dick Whittington ever made his entry into London city under more distressing circum- stances than the ragged little youth named- Robert Robinson, who on Saturday looked around upon the Bow-street Police Court with wondering eyes when charged before Mr. Lushington with the vague offence of wandering.' His story, which, if not precisely stranger than fiction, is infinitely more pathetic, amply confirmed the charge. Although only thirteen years of age, this little atom of humanity has been an outcast and a wanderer on the face of the earth for twenty-four months, h trudging about from place to place without a goal, without a shelter, and without a friend. The little fellow's sufferings, in so far as they assumed a peripatetic form, date from 1895, when his father, who was then living at Crewe, turned him out of house and home, and set him adrift in the world. We. have no clue to the motives for this unjusti- fiably harsh treatment, and as the eider Robinson has since been called to his last account, there is little likelihood of the mystery being ever cleared up. At the age of eleven this friendless little lad erred aoout through green lanes and along bleak country roads, in dust and mud, in sunshine and storm, never staying long anywhere, flitting by like a. miniature Wandering Jew. He had a married sister somewhere in Warrington, and the vague hope of finding her whereabouts, without having any definite address,! kept him for several months journeying to and fro on the road between that city and Crewe. But he, never discovered her dwelling, nor received her help. He remained absolutely alone as he pushed on through the open country day after day and month after month, listening to the bleak wind that thinned the autumn foliage and on wintry nights wistfully gazing on the cheerful lights in the comfortable farmhouses and cosy cottages by which he passed, thinking -e of the happy children who were snugly coiled up in their warm beds within, while he was left alone with the night and the warring elements, he knew not why. It is difficult for the most supple imagination to conjure up the keen sufferings, mental and physical, which this tiny waif of humanity must have endured. The greatest punishment, short of death, which the all-powerful Church of the Middle Ages could inflict upon an adult was to cut him off from communion with his fellow-men. But this child of eleven had not only no playfellow, but no chance comrade, nobody in the world to talk to, nothing in common with Jew or Gentile; and rarely even a crust of bread to keep the little body and soul together. He. was absolutely shut out from all human sympathy. At night he shrank beneath the lee of some rick or outhouse, or crouched into some dark doorways, and obtained the only surcease of sorrow that ever fell to his miserable lot-a night s sleep. Twice he found himself in Liverpool, but quite as far from human sym- pathy as in the Yorkshire moors. Four months ago his mother died, and he had no further motive to wend his weary way towards Crewe He walked to London instead, and by som& strange coincidence or preternatural instinct he. turned away from the never ceasing stream of seeming heartless humanity there and coiled himself up in the shadow of the statue of General Gordon, as if that cold and life- less effigy still hid the Christian and sympaWetic heart which once beat warmly for little lads of his ilk. When Gordon was a Colonel of Engineers at Gravesend he rescued scores of boys from the gutter, cleansed and clothed them, and got them berths on board ship. He used to call them his kin<*s,' and they in turn were wont to chalk on the fences, 'God bless the Kernel.' With what ardour would not the case of little Robinson have been taken up and provided for by the great general who wrote of himself, I own nothing, and am nothing. I am a pauper!" A constable who found the little outcast took him to the station where he was well warmed and fed—perhaps for the first time in his life. No wonder if he had exclaimed, like Barnaby Rudge, This must surely be my birthday." Little Robert Robinson was remanded to the workhouse for a week where he may meditate on the child's equivalent for the maxim, "Things past belong to memory alone; things future are the property of hope."
[No title]
EAST DENBIGHSHIRE ELECTION. TI. return of the candidates' expenses for the recent election in East Denbighshije has just been issued. The expenses of tie successful candidate, Mr. Moss, amounted to 9800 18s. 5d., against 91,101 14s. lOd. expended by his opponent, The Hon. G. T. Kenyon.
ALLEGED ASSAULT IN A CHESTER…
ALLEGED ASSAULT IN A CHESTER TRAIN. 4 At the Holywell Police Court, on Thursday, a young man named Thomas Jones, residing at Tyn Twll Farm, Bagillt, was charged with indecently assaulting Hannah Pritchard, a married woman, residing at Flint, in a railway carriage on the Chester and Holyhead Line, on August 31 last. Mr. Fenna, of Liverpool, prosecuted on behalf of the London and North- Western Railway Company, and Mr. F. Llewelyn Jones appeared for the defence.—In opening the case for the prosecution, Mr. Fenna said the case was a serious one as affecting the defendant, and it was also serious as affecting the travelling public. The company had no feeling against this young man in any shape or form; they had taken up the prosecution out of a sense of public duty. They has satisfied themselves that Mrs. Pritchard was a decent, respectable woman, whose word was to be trusted. Mr. Fenna then entered into the particulars of the alleged assault, and called his witnesses. Prosecutrix, who carried a baby in her arms, stated that on the date in question she was a passenger by the 9.25 p.m. train from Rhyl to Flint. At Prestatyn, when she was alone in the carriage, defendant got in, and after the train had started he asked her who she was, and when she told him he said he knew her husband well, and he also told her who he was. He then commenced to take liberties with her, but she told him that she was a married woman, and he ought to be ashamed of himself. He was then quiet for a time, but between Mostyn and Holywell he put his arms round her, and then assaulted her in an indecent manner. She resisted and struggled with him, and also screamed out, whereupon he stood up and cursed her, and raised his hand as if to strike her. When the train stopped at Holywell he got out and went into another carriage, and at Bagillt he alighted and she shouted out to him that she should report him.—Mr. Jones contended that the prosecutrix, who was enceinte and in a weak state of health, had imagined this assault while in a hysterical condition, and commented upon the improbability of defendant attempting an assault of this kind when the train was nearing a station.—The Bench committed the defendant for trial, accepting bail-defendant in E100, and two sureties of R.50 each.