The Chester Courant and Advertiser for North Wales

CHESTER TOWN COUNCIL. + The monthly meeting of the Council was held in the Assembly Room at the Town Hall, on Wednesday, the Mayor (Mr. J. Gooddie Holmes) presiding. VOTES OF CONDOLENCE. THE LATE ALDERMAN T. Q. ROBERTS. At the commencement of the proceedings the MAYOR said since their last meeting they had lost one of the oldest and most respected members of the Council, Alderman T. Q. Roberts, a gentleman who was highly esteemed by all who knew him. Unfortunately for some years past he had not been able to occupy his place at the Council owing to ill-health, but in his day, and for upwards of half a century, he took a very useful part in the municipal affaiis of the city, and occupied the highest position his fellow-citizens could bestow upon him. To-day they mourned his loss, and he (the Mayor) begged to propose :rhat the mem- bers of this Council desire to record their deep regret at the death of Mr. Alderman Thomas Queilyn Roberts, J.P., who for 35 years faith- fully served his adopted city as councillor and alderman, and worthily discharged the duties of the Shrievalty in 1853, and of the Mayoralty in 1875, and to express to Mrs. Roberts and his family the sincere sympathy of the Council in their bereavement." The motion was seconded by Sir T. G. Frost, as the senior alderman, and carried. THE LATa COUNTY CORONER. The MATOR next referred to the loss that both the city and county had sustained by the death of Mr. Henry Churton, the venerable and much respected county coroner. Mr. Churton was a resident of the city for upwards of sixty years, and was well known and esteemed throughout the whole oounty. He proposed the following resolution:—" That the members of this Council deeply regret the death of Mr. Heary Churton, for nineteen years justice of the peace of this city, and for 57 years coroner for the Chester division of the county, and desire to convey to his son, Mr. Alderman W. H. Churton and the other members of the deceased's family the sincere sympathy of tue Council in their bereavement." This motion also was seconded by Sir THOMAS FBOST, and carried. THE ST. WERBURGH-STREET IMPROVEMENT. ALLBGBD SHABBY ACTION OP THE CATHEDRAL AUTHORITIES. A somewhat disconnected discussion arose upon the question of the St. Werburgh-street improvement. On the agenda appeared a recommendation by the Improvement Com- mittee That the Committee be authorised to contribute the sum of £ 1,000 on condition that the block of buildings at the top of St. Werburgh-street is pulled down and removed, and the proposed improvement effected." Alderman John Smith, however, stated that the committee did not desire to make any pro- position, but simply to lay the position of matters before the Town Council. Since the recommendation was passed on the 13tu October last, it appnared that after crediting the pro- posed contribution by the Corporation of iEl,000, there was still about £ 700 short of the amount required. The MAYOR: What you want is £1.700 ? Alderman SMITH Yes, but I have only a resolution for £1,000. and it is now placed before you for your consideration. The Town CLERK explained that the matter bad been before the Improvement Committee for a long time. When the St. Werburgh- street improvement was proposed the Council, after pulling down the houges and shops which wore bought, sold off the remaining land to Mr. Douglas, the architect, and he (the Town Clerk) thought Mr. Douglas in carrying out that contract had given undoubted satisfaction not only to the Council, but to everybody who visited the city. While that work was in pro- gress, it was found that these houses at the top of the street, which the Council had not acquired, were under offer to a syndicate, and the syndicate, as far as could be ascertained, had no other object in buying them except to make a profit out of them on the re-sale, to the Corporation. Under those circumstances Mr. Douglas had to decide in about 48 hours whether this property was to be allowed to pass into the hands of the syndicate, or whether he would take the risk and responsi- bility upon himself of securing them. He decided upon the latter course, and gave in hard cash for the buildings £ 2,300. He now offered the property to the Corporation for iE2,400, the difference being represented by the cost of the conveyance to himself, and interest on his outlay. In buying the property Mr Douglas did not want to make any profit for himself, and simply wished to see the improve- ment carried out in its integrity. In that hope he was grievously disappointed that there had not been a response either from public subscriptions or from the Cathedral authorities. With respect to the former, most of the leading men in the city had been approached, and with few exceptions their reply was that this was an improvement to be done not by public subscription but out of the rates. The only subscriptions promised were.—The Duke of Westminster, £ 100; Mr. Hugh Lyle Smyth, £100; Alderman Charles Brown, £ 50; and himself (Mr. Smith), £ 50; total, E300. In addition to that the Cathedral authorities offered a sum of X100 upon condi- tion that a right of road now existing through what was supposed to be the churchyard from St. Werburgh-street to the back of these premises was given up, and the land put back into the churchyard. Messrs. Dicksons Limited had also offered £100 for a small portion of land as an adjunct to their premises, if the present plan was carried out; while if the roadway now leading from the implement yard to the Walls was moved a little lower down, so as to enable him to build an additional house and shop, Mr. Douglas had promised to give S250. The aggregate amount available, whether voluntary or for quid pro quo, was thus E750, as against E2,400 required to acquire the property, leaving an absolute deficiency of about £1,650 or £ 1,700. He did not know whether subscrip- tions might follow that discussion of the matter in the Council, but he thought that was what was in the minds of the Improvement Committee in bringing it forward. If it was thought subscriptions towards the object would follow upon the state of affairs being made public, the question might be adjourned for a month. The only drawback would be that I the property was being kept empty with prac- tically no rents coming in, so that there would I be a further loss of interest to Mr. Douglas en his £ 2,300, but that was not a serious matter. Mr. JOHN JONES (Boughton) was of opinion that the Cathedral authorities were not contributing their fair share towards the improvement. Alderman GILBERT urged that the money would be much better spent in removing the projection at the opposite corner. Mr. J. F. Lowm regarded the two old build- ings as a great disfigurement to the Cathedral, and moved that the Council pay the sum of XI.700 required, but this was not seconded. Mr. THOMAs BROWNE considered the offer of the Cathedral authorities a mean one. Alderman JOBS SMITH maintained that if this opportunity of pulling down the buildings was missed, it would be the greatest mistake ever made by the Council. Mr. S. Moss, M.P., said it seemed to him the people who really ought to put their hands in their pockets were the Cathedral authorities, who were going to be infinitely more benefited than the city itself. Eventually, on the motion of Alderman GILBERT, seconded by Mr. EDGAR DUTTON, the matter was deferred for a month. IMPROVEMENT OF LOTS-STREET. It appeared from the minutes that the Town Clerk bad been in negotiation with Mr. Lamont, who has acquired Forest House, as to effecting a public improvement in Love-street, and the Improvement Committee recommended the purchase of a strip of land containing 250 square yards from Mr. Parrott's new buildings to Forest House (inclusive of the present boundary wall) for the widening and improving of the street at a cost of £ 250.—The recom- mendation was agreed to without discussion on the motion of Alderman Smith, seconded by Alderman Charles Brown. THE CHESTER BATHS. PROTEST BY ALDERMAN CHURTON. Mr. W. VERNON intimated that he desired to defer the following resolution, of which he had given notice:—" That it be an instruction to the Baths Committee, in considering the plans for the proposed new Baths, that only one large swimming bath be at present arranged tor." Alderman W. H. CHURTON, as chairman of the committee, entered a protest against a resolution of this kind being submitted to the Council before it had been brought before the committee. It had been stated in the Council that if they were to have baths at all they should have baths which were a credit to the city. To attempt to tie the hands of the com- mittee at the present stage before they had made any recommendation would be ridiculous. The very least Mr. Vernon could do was to first of all bring his suggestion before the committee, of which he was a member. Mr. VERNON: I have no objection to bow to the Chairman's wish. I thought it would only save the Committee trouble. Alderman CHURTON thought the baths were hardly likely to be a success if every one was expected to swim in the same bath. Mr. TKRNON added that while deferring his resolution for the consideration of the Com- mittee, he claimed the right to bring it before the Council afterwards. ANALYSING CHESTER WATER. IMPORTANT STEP. Dr. ROBERTS moved a recommendation of the Public Health Committee that they be authorised to have samples of water—(1) taken from an ordinary consumer's tap, and (2) taken at the Waterworks, as passed into the delivery main-sent to Dr. Percy Frank land, of Birmingham, every three months, for bac- teriological analysis. Dr. Roberts said he wished it to be distinctly understood there was no cause for alarm, for in adopting this step they were only following the example of other cities and large towns, some of them in the neighbourhood of Chester. The number of typhoid cases in the city this year bore very favourable comparison with previous years, and up to date there were oaly 46 cases during the whole year. In November, a month when typhoid fever was as a rule very prevalent all over the country, there was only one case, and the same this month. The results of examinations made by Mr. Crowe proved the most efficient system of filtration carried on at the Waterworks. The reports of the chemical analyses by their own medical officer (Dr. Kenyon) were also highly satisfactory, but it was felt that to be abreast of the times and to make assurance doubly sure, they should also submit the water to bacteriological examination by an expert. He had written on the subject to Dr. Thorne- Thorne, the head of the medical department of the Local Government Board, who in his reply stated: rhoro is a distinct advantage in having frequently—say weekly—examinations of water supplied for potable purposes, and I think the bacteriological method of examina- tion to be that which promises best. But too much must not be expected of any such examination, whether bacteriological or chemical, for by the tima the results are known the water from which the samples were derived will already have been consumed. And even when water-conveyed infection is in ques- tion by reason of the occurrence of disease, it has to be remembered that no examination of water which is made after disease—say enteric fever-has arisen, can determine what was the condition of the water used two or three weeks before, and which served as the vehicle of the infection." The British Medical Journal had taken up the subject of water analysis very warmly, and in the last issue a leading authority expressed the opinion that chemical and bacteriological examination, if to be of any practical utility, should go together, and be done frequently. Dr. STOLTERFOTH, in seconding, said it would be hardly fair to take one of the samples of water from a consumer's tap, and to hold the Waterworks Company responsible for that if the water left the works in an absolute y pure condition. He thought it would be sufficient to take one sample fron the waterworks and the other from the mains. In answer to Mr. R. Lamb, it was stated that each examination would cost E5, and as two samples would be submitted every three months this meant eight examinations per annum, costing X40. Mr. LAMB did not think such an expenditure necessary in fact, he regarded it as a waste of money. Dr. Tborne- L'horne spoke of bacterio- logical examinations in such an indefinite manner that he did not think they were justified in going to the expense. Mr. Moss, M.P., said the Waterworks Com- pany could not control the cisterns of people in their private houses, and they had no possible check cn the water taken from a consumer's tap. On that ground he should certainly oppose the first part of the resolution, for he did not think it was fair to the Waterworks Company or to the town. Mr. J. M. FBOST considered it would be more satisfactory to the citizens if one of the samples was taken from their taps, in order that they should know what they were actually drinking. Dr. ROBEBTS admitted that there was some- thing in the argument that though the water I left the waterworks perfectly pure, it might become contaminated in the surface pipes, but he still thought it would be better to take a sample from the consumer's tap. Alderman CHUBTON thought the town would not be at all opposed to spending any amount of money that might be necessary for proving that the Chester water was-as they believed it to be at the present moment—thoroughly satisfactory. (Hear, hear.) The proposition of Dr. Roberta that water became impure in consequence of passing through pipes was a rather startling one. That was what he (Mr. Churton) had been urging for many years in favour of the Chester water supply as against Liverpool. If the water became impure before it reached the consumer at Chester, they could quite understand the amount of pollution it might gather in travelling through pipes from Lake Vyrnwy all the way to Liverpool. The old- fashioned cisterns in private houses had long been a bugbear, and most people were trying to get rid of them,-for notwithstanding that cisterns were necesesary for hot water purposes, the drinking water could be supplied by a tap direct from the main. The resolution was then carried. THE DEE FISHERIES. On the motion of Mr. WM. BROWN, seconded by Mr. J. LIGHTFOOT, it was resolved to con- tribute X50 to the funds of the Dee Fishery Board. MEAT INSPECTOR. Mr. Alfred Crewe was appointed to succeed his father as meat inspector at a salary of £26 per annum.

CATTLE DEALERS AND THEIR FREE TICKETS. I « PROSECUTION AT CHESTER. I On Saturday, at Chester City Police Court, before the Mayor and other magistrates, James Entwistle and Benjamin Hood were charged, the former with travelling, on October 20th, on the London and North-Western Railway, with- out having paid for a ticket, and with intent to avoid payment, and the latter with parting with the ticket and also with aiding and abetting the other man. — Mr. Fenna, who prosecuted on behalf of the London and North-Western Railway Company, stated that Entwistle was a cattle dealer in a large way at Rawtenstall, near Manchester, Hood being a man in the same way of business, living at Pendleton. The railway company, to encourage trade, granted cattle dealers free tickets in respect of consignments of cattle between Ireland and England, and one of the regulations in regard to this was that the tickets were not transferable. Hood obtained one of these tickets on September 20th. and exactly a month later Entwistle was found in the boat express at Chester and pro- duced a ticket that the collector saw had been used before. Defendant said it had not been used, and it was taken from him, the collector wiring in advance of the train, and at Holy- head Entwistle was seen to go to the booking- clerk and say he wanted to pay his fare from Manchester. He was told to go to the collector. He did so, and was engaged in con- versation by Detective-Inspector Birch, to whom he had admitted his name was Entwistle. He said he had a ticket trom Manchester, which had been given to him by Hood, taken away from him at Chester.—Various evidence was given, and each defendant was fined 40s. and costs, or 14 days.

CLARKE'S B 41 PILLS are warranted to cure, in either sex, all acquired or constitutional Dis- charges from the Urinary Organs, Gravel and Pains in the back. Free from Mercury. Estab- lished upwards of 30 years. In boxes 4«. 6d. each, of all Chemists and Patent Medicine Vendors throughout the World, or sent for sixty stamps by the makers. The Lincoln and Midland Conatidi Drug Company, Lincoln.

HAWARDEN COUNTY SCHOOL. PRIZE DISTRIBUTION. The first annual prize distribution in connec- tion with the Hawarden County School, took place in the Hawarden Gymnasium on Wednes- day afternoon. The prizes were handed to the successful pupils by the Hon. Mrs. W. H. Gladstone. The Rev. R. Jones, Mancott ('.hair- man of the Governors), presided, and a good attendance included Mr. P. P. Pennant, the Revs. Stephen Gladstone and Watmough (Penymynydd), Dr. Roberts, Messrs. Henry Swetenham, Hugh Davies, E. S. laylor, p. Wilcock, J. T. Humphreys (Connah's Qua), T. B. Barnett, Arthur Lyon, M A. (head master),. Hutchings (art master), &c. Apologies for absence were received from Mr. Horace May how and Mr. Richard Jones, Liverpool (formerly of Connah's Quay). During the proceedings SO interesting programme of music was gone through by the boys. The HEAD MASTER in his report on the school,. said they opened the school m Dt-cember, 1896, with 22 boys, and they now had 43 boys, so that* they had practically doubled thuir numberS. That, he thought, was a complete demonstration of the need of the school in the district. One point which lessened their gratification waS that about half of the boys who had come to them had stayed with them such a snort that it was quite impossible to make any re*1 impression upon them. That was a matter for parents to consider. They had every reasoff to be satisfied with the result of their first year's work, and the report from the Central Welsh Board was very encouraging. After explaining the school's curriculum, be m0?' tioned, in conclusion, that provision was nia1» for the bodily development of the boys as "6** as for their mental development. The CHAIRMAN, in calling upon Mr. Pennant to address the gathering, said from the coc*" mencement of the movewent to est an intermediate school in Hawarden that had no better friend than Mr. Penn8,11. (Applause.) When their fortunes were at their lowest, they received the best encQurageØlentí from Mr. Pennant, and it was through thl* I encouragement .they proceeded to eztabll" ø the school in temporary premises. They wer going to get into debt over this enterprise they were going to set upon a building for which they were not fully provided with fun1 but they had every confidence the money woo* come in when wanted. (Hear, hear.) Mr. PENNANT remarked that the school not absolutely a new one, as Hawarden known what an intermediate school waa though it had not had a county sC^°0j before. The old Hawarden Grammar existed for many years, and this, be took it, a continuation of that school, under some^P different circumstances. It was phttin» new life into the old Grammar School, and hoped it might be a prospwrous iife. It quite clear that so far it had started was evident from the headmaster's report. The congratulations of everyone must be given ø the headmaster for having in so short a tl brought the school to the condition it whic^ it was at the present time. # Although a start had been made they were not yet °u^ the wood, and the local governors had a & g deal before them. He hoped that before they would be in their own premises, but tbe 8 would be a good deal of work before that ed brought about. The chairman had rernar ø" that the fee of £ 6 seemed a good deal for 8° people to pay, but there were two things to borne in mind. The first was, what was article they got in return for their mone1. They might depend upon it that the value c1 very inu5h more than 96. He believed it would have been most dangerous for the govern.orsbif. have charged a lower fee. Parents opinion had not yet learnt a due appreci*^ of the value of education, but that apprecia^1 was increasing every day. A very few years *1^ education was considered of really little this country. Our views on the subject n however, altered, because we were finding gr selves falling behind continental nø.tleø, There was Germany, Denmark, and Swe and later on France, shewing a greater apP g ciation of education than we were, and a was experieneed throughout the country ug our trade and commerce were likely to endangered through the greater advance 10 in education in other countries. Thepeopl0^ to this eountry he thought were now aliv0 the danger, and the appreciation of educa^g. was growing among the parents. One o^.r^i first effects of that he hoped would na& pupils would be kept longer at school present. (Applause.) Mr. The CHAIRMAN mentioned that the lAot of W. H. Gladstone gave them a subscriptIon £ 200 towards the new school. (Applause.) ggf Mrs. Gladstone then distributed the and at the close was cordially thanked for services. The prize list was as follows :— r<1a88: London University Matriculation.—1st 0 D. T. Jones. Science and Art Department.- athern ge1 Advanced stage, D. T. Jones elementary 8: J. F. J. Dean. Electricity and magnetism '• e<l Dean, H. Jones. Freehand drawing: A-dv^ stage, W. E. Blane; elementary stage (1st ci F. J. Dean, E. Coppack. C. W. Watmough» Jones elementary stage (2nd class), H. Jones, C. S. Lindop, A. Astbury, H. Conway, A. PrineO, g, H. P. Haswell, C. A. Coppack, J. F. Hug es, • j. Dean. Model drawing: 1st class, E. Jones, Dean; 2nd class, C. A. Coppack, E. oppa; Astbury, C. H. P. Haswell, W. S. LindoP« yf, Conway, H. Jones, A. Prince, B. S. Dean, Watmough. Head Boy.—W. S. Lindop. « Class I.—Mathematics and science, F. J. tjafe Latin and French, W. S. Lindop Eng*1 subjects, C. W. Watmouth. -g. Class II. — Mathematics and science, Hughes Latin and French, H. J. Neff English subjects. E. Jones. j Class III.—Mathematics and science, B. &-r-a0iet Latin and French, W. H. Jones English sub] J E. H. Hill. "tiollsp Special prize for success in science examin bf F. J. Dean special prize for drawing, gIve Mr. Hutchings, F. J. Dean. jg* Scholarships and Bursaries awarded School Year.—W. E. Blane, H. Jones, F. J- 6* F. L. Hopwood, H. Conway, A. Astbury< tjjlb Lindop, C. H P. Haswell, E. Jones, J. E. &• J. F Hughes. 213a Scholarships and Bursaries awarded t'L, \>- School Year. — H. Jones, F. J. Dean, f. Hopwood, A. Astbury, W. S. Lindop, \i bes, Haswell, E. Jones, J. E. H. Hill, J. F. J. E. Phillipson, R. Shepherd, J. A. Edward Honourable Mention in the Central Welsh Report.—Geography, J. I. Brooks. F. L. Hop tjo £ arithmetic, A. Astbury, F. J. Dean, F. L- j C- wood, W. S. Lindop physics, A. Aftbury- 0g. Brown, F. J. Dean, F. L. Hopwood, B* jot, W. S. Lindop.

(RUDINAT ION ♦- DIOCESE OF CHESTER. The Lord Bishop of Chester held an ordination in the Parish Church of St. John the Baptist, Cheater, on Sunday, when the following were ardained:- DEACONS. William John Davies, B.A., of the University of Durham, licensed to St. Thomas' Stockport. William Dtm.,s, B.A., of Emmanuel College and Ridley Hall, Cambridge, licensed to Frodsham. Arthur Geore Hodgson, B.A., of Emmanuel College, Cambridge, and the Clergy School, Leeds, licensed to St. Matthew's, Stockpoit. Robert David Hughes, B A., of the University of Durham, licensed to Northenden. John St. Clair Mayne, B.A., of Brasenose Collie, Ox-ord, and Lichfield Theological College, licensed to St. Paul's, Chester. Charles Robert McKee, B.A., of St. John's College, Cambridge, licensed to St. Paul's, 5L&lsby • Ernest Scales Oliver, B.A., of Oriel College, Oxford, licensed to the Parish Church, Bunoorn. PRIESTS. Sidney Marston, B.A., of Worcester College, Oxford, and Lichfield Theological College. Harold Broadbent Moore, M.A., of Brasenose College, Oxford. John Christian Melville Rees, of St. Michael a College, Aberdare (on letters dimissory from the Bishop of St. Asaph). Frederio Roper, B.A., of Queen's College, Oxford. The gospel was read by the Rev. C. R. McK,,o, B.A., newly ordained deacon, and the sermon preached by the Ven. Archdeacon Goldwyer Lewis, B.A., B.D., rector of Aldford, from St. John xx, 21v., and St. Matthew xxviii., 20v.

FATAL CYCLE ACCIDENT AT CHESTER. OLD MAN RUN DOWN. INQUEST AND VERDICT. An unfortunate bicycle accident happened on the Parkgate-road, near the College, on Sunday sight, when William Snell, aged 57, a brick- maker, residing at the Bache Cottage, was run down, and sustained injuries to his head. It appears that the deceased was standing in the roadway with a friend shortly after ten o'clock, when the latter saw a bicycle approaching. The men parted, and the cyclist endeavoured to pads between them, but the deceased seems to have walked into the machine, and caused the accident. After being medically attended, be walked home, and was apparently pro- gressing favourably, but on Tuesday morning he became much worse, and died the same evening from a paralytic stroke. The cyclist, a young raau named Brooker, of Ledsbam, was also injured about the face. An inquest on the body was hold by Mr. J. C. Bate, county coroner, on Thursday morning, at the Bache Hotel. John Shea, living at 16, Parkgate-road, stated that be m-t the deceased at the bottom of Rocky-lane at ten o'clock on Suuday evening. Witness was accompanied by his brother-in- law, Timothy Donovan, and the deceased was with a man named Joseph Moorea. They all stood talking, and about five or seven minutes later witness saw a light h t, approaching from Chester, and within eight or ten yards of them. He heard no bell ring. At that moment witness and deceased were stand- ing near the side of the road, about three yards from the parapet, the others being some little distance behind. Deceased, who was going up Rocky-lane home, stepped forwards instead of backward when witness cried out 11 Step back," and took three paces towards the middle of the road. He made some remark that he would be on the other side before the bicycle was upon him but witness told him to come back, as he had not much time. The front wheel of the bicycle struck him in the side, and he was lifted off his feet, falling with his forehead on the ground. His head struck the ground twice. The cyclist came down at the same time They picked the deceased up, and found he had a cut on his fore- head and down the right side of his face, and was bleeding from the mouth. The cyclist also had a. cut near his eye. and said he had had four teeth knocked out. The deceased was quite stunned, and had nothing to say. The cyclist also lay in the roadway until he was picked up, but was the first to recover. They went to a chemist together. He could not judge what pace the bicycle was travelling at, but it came upon them quickly, and it was downhill.-By a Juror: There was a gas-lamp at the bottom of Rocky-lane, and the cyclist could easily see them. The cyclist said he had rung his bell, but witness did not hear it, nor did his companions, who were twenty or thirty yards higher up the road. Dr. Parry said the deceased was brought to his surgery about 10.30 on Sunday night. His face was covered with blood, and his coat with mud, espeoially down the left side. He had a wound over his left eyebrow, which was bleed- ing, several bruises on his face, and a cut on his left arm just above the wrist. Witness dressed his wound and told him to call again the next day. The men did not bring the cyclist in. On two occasions the deceased declared there was no light on the bicycle. He came again on Monday evening, and said be felt much better, except for a headache. Witness regarded the injuries as very trifling indeed, and was pleased and surprised to see the man so well. About half-past three on Tuesday morning witness was sent for, and found him in bed uncon- scious, suffering from a kind of stroke, produced by injury to the brain. He could not say positively that this was entirely the result of the accident, but the coincidence was rather strong, and any pre-disposition to stroke would be accelerated by the accident. Some years ago the deceased had a heat stroke when working in the fields during the summer, and he would never completely recover from the effects of it. He should imagine the man's brain could not be in a healtby condition at the time of the accident, and it did not necessarily follow that the paralytic stroke from which he died was caused by injuries or violence. The deceased's father, grandfather, and one of his brothers died from stroke, but they were much older than he. The deceased's sister told him she was not at all surprised that he had died in that way. Witness was certainly surprised to find him in such a condition on the Tuesday morning. I Richard Brooker, the cyclist, was then called, and said he was an under-gardener living at the Oaks, Ledsham. He was in Chester with his bicycle on Sunday, and started home from the Glynne Arms about ten o'clock. When he was riding down Parkgate-road he saw two men standing in the middle of the roadway near Rocky lane, apparently talking together. Witness had a lighted lamp and bell, which he rang at a dis- tance of 20 or 30 yards from them. They parted, one on each side of the road, and witness was making to get between them when the man on the Rocky-lane side came back across the road towards his companion and walked side- ways into the machine. Witness had not time to pull up, though he was riding steadily at the rate of six or seven miles an hour. The deceased was thrown back into the middle of the road, and witness fell on the kerbstone on the left side of his head. Deceased afterwards said witness did not ring his bell, but he was positive he did. Witness lived about eight miles from Chester, and he usually got home on his bicycle in three-quarters of an hour, or an hour. The CORONER thought there was no evidence of culpable negligence on the part of the cyclist, and the jury returned a verdict of 'Accidental death.'

THE ALLEGED MURDER OF A CONSTABLE.— At Birmingham Assizes on Thursday, James Franklin (19), was indicted for the murder of Poliee-constabie Snipe. Deceased was con- i veying a prisoner to the police station, when a crowd set upon the officer, and it was alleged Franklin struck him on the head with a brick, causing death. Franklin was acquitted. ADVICS TO MOTHERS !-Are you broken in your rest by a sick child suffering with the pain of cutting teeth ? Go at once to a chemis and get a bottle of MRS. WINSLOW'S SOOTHING SYRUP, which has been used over 50 years by millions of mothers for their children while teething, with perfect success. It is pleasant to taste produces natural, quiet sleep by relieving the child from pain, and the little cherub awakes as bright as a button." It soothes the child, it softens the gums, allays all pain, relieves wind, regulates the bowels, and is the best known remedy for dysentery and diarrhoea, whether arising from teething or other causes. Sold by Chemists everywhere at In. lid. per bottle.

EXTRAORDINARY COUGH CUBE. Powell's Balsam of Aniseed-For Coughs. Powell's Balsam of Aniseed—For Colds. Powell's Balsam of Aniseed -Coughs.-AstbmiL. Powell's Balsam of Aniseed-L;oughs.-Bronchitia. Powell's Balsam of Aniseed-Coughs.-Luug Troubles. Powell's Balsam of Aniseed—Coughs.—Night Coughs. Powell's Balsam of Aniseed-Coughs.-Influenza. Powell's Balsam of Auiseed-Coughs.-Relievealustantly Powell's Balsam of Anisee(I-Coughs.-Safe and Reliable. Powell's Balsam of Aniseed-Cougho.-Estab. 70 Years. Powell's Balsam of Aniseed—Coughs.—Bef use Imitations Powell's Balsam of Aniseed—Coughs —^Sold by Chemists. Powell's Balsam of Aniseed-Bottles. 1/1 J, 2/3 & upwards. See Trade Mark—Lion, Net, and Mouae, on Wrapper.

COUNTY POLICE COURT. ♦ SATURDAY.—Before Messrs. John Thompson, R. T. Richard son, and Joseph Pover. Boys' FOOLISH FSEAK,- rbroo small boys, named John f hos. Faulkner, Chas. Roberts,and John Newman, who are lust over thirteen years of age, were charged with stealing a pony, harness, and shandry, value X28, the property of Thomas Guest, farmer, Rough Hiil, The Lache.—The Deputy Chief Constable (Colonel Cope) said on Monday the pony and trap were given into the charge of one of the boys by Guest. When he returned about half an hour afterwards he found that the pony and trap had disappeared. He gave information to the police, and it was ascertained that they had gone in the direction of Back- ford. When the police looked for them, the boys were met in the city returning. Thomas Guest said on Monday he came to Chester with his pony and ahandry to get some provender. He afterwards went to the Ermine sale, Hoole, arriving there about two o'clock. He drove into the slip by the Great Western stables, and the boy Faulkner came up and asked if he might hold the pony. Witness allowed him to do so. He was away about a quarter of an hour, and on his return he found that the pony and trap had gone. After seven o'clock the same evening the pony and trap were brought to him by Inspector Pearson.- Sergeant Farnworth stated that Inspector Pearson met the boys with the trap when they were returning. Faulkner afterwards said he took the pony and trap tor a drive, and picked the other two boys up at the Ermine sale yard. — The Chairman warned the defendants not to play pranks of this kind in future. They had rendered themselves liable to a prosecution for felony. The case would be dismissed. BAD CASK OF WIFE DESERTION.—Alfred I Crawford, compositor, was charged with deserting his wife and three children, and leaving them chargeable to the Chester Union. -Harry Anderson, relieving officer, said the guardians had allowed prisoner's wife and children 4s. 6d. a week for 55 weeks, the total amount paid being R12 2s. 6d. The woman applied for relief nearly four years ago, and witness wrote to prisoner, who was in Bir- mingham, and he replied that he would give her the choice of two things, either to go in the workhouse or he would maintain her in Birmingham. He immediately left Birming- ham, however. Prisoner had been in good work, and had earned 35s. to R2 a week. It was one of the worst cases witness had brought before the court. They bad been looking for prisoner for twelve mouths, and he had dodged them at Wrexham and elsewhere.—Prisoner, who pleaded guilty, said he had suffered from rheumatic gout, and bad in consequence been out of work for many weeks. He had not been in regular employment.—The Chairman characterised the case as one of the worst ever brought before them. Prisoner left his wife and children to be kept by the ratepayers, who had quite sufficient burdens to bear. He must go to gaol for two months' hard labour, and the Bench hoped be would take care to support his family when he came out. NEW DEVELOPMENT IN POACHING.—Charles Ainsworth was summoned for trespassing at Eccleston, on the Duke of West- minster's estate in pursuit of game, and Thomas Blades was summoned for aiding and abetting. The defendants did not appear.—Mr. J. 1'. Cartwright, who prosecuted, said on Sunday, November 12th, about 3 30 in the afternoon, Robert Youde, assistant game- keeper, in the employment of the Duke of Westminster, saw the two defendants in a plantation at Eccleston. Afterwards, on hear- ing the discharge of an air gun, he went to them, and took them to the Eccleston Police Office. Some pellets were found upon Ains- wortb, and an air pump upon Blades. After- wards Youde returned to the plantation and found an air gun hidden under some leaves. While he was there the two defendants re- turned, and one of them was heard to say They have found it." This air-gun business was a new development of poaching, and it gave considerable trouble, especially on Sundays.—Robert Youde produced the gun, which he said could be divided into two parts. It was known as a walking stick gun.' When discharged it made a noise (like the crack of a whip, and anyone who did not understand it would not notice it. The gun would fire about 12 or 16 shots without being refilled with air and it would kill at a distance of 40 or 50yards. This nuisance was increasing on Sunday, and for the last two months he bad heard air-guns discharged just before dusk. He had seen these men about. Pheasants were in this plan tation.-P. C. John Heeson having given evidence, Colonel Cope said Ains worth was fined £1 and costs in 1893 for assaulting Detective- Inspector Pearson while in the execution of his duty, and be had been fined in the city for dis- charging a firearm, and for a breach of the boating bye-laws.—The Bench expressed their determination to put a stop to this practice, and fined each of the defendants the maximum penalty of 40s, and costs, also ordering them to pay the advocate's fee. CHRISTMAS AND GAMB TF.ICSPASS.-Harry Jenkins, Guilden Sutton, was summoned for trespassing in pursuit of game on land at Stam- ford Bridge, over which Mr. Hugh Lyle Smyth has the right of shooting.—Mr. Brassey, who prosecuted, said it was obvious this was the season of the year when this practice was in- dulged in. On December 11th, about four o'clock in the afternoon, a gamekeeper in the employment of Mr. Smyth, found defendant with a gun on land near Stamford Bridge, close to the Gowey, tenanted by Mrs. Hester Nevitt, and over which Mr. Smyth had the right of shooting. Defendant admitted that he had not permission to be there, and that he had been caught. Defendant had been frequently cautioned. Evi- dence having been given by Wm. Hughes and Joseph Morgan, gamekeepers in the em- ployment of Mr. Smyth, defendant was fined 10s. and costs. SLANGING MATCH AT HOOLic.-Sarah Fraser, a married woman, living at Faulkner-street, Hoole, was summoned by Hetty Ashley, and Edwin Ashley, neighbours, for assault. There was a cross-summons for assault. Mr. A. C. Lockwood was for the Ashleya and Mr. Brassey for Mrs. Fraser. The parties live next door to one another, and the Ashleys keep a little shop. On November 29th Mrs. Fraser sent her little girl into this shop, and it is alleged that Mrs. Ashley attempted to pump her as to her mother's movements. Mrs. Fraser, who it was stated was the worse for drink, then rushed into Ashley's shop, and strongly expressed her disapproval of Mrs. Ashley's curiosity. A slang- ing match ensued, and according to the evidence blows were exchanged. SerKeant Finchett, who witnessed a portion of the disturbance, gave it as his opinion that it was a case of six of one and half-a-dozen of the other.-John Hulse, master shoemaker, Faulkner-street, said the man Ashley roughly ejected Mrs. Fraser from his house. causing her to fall on her back on the footpath. He thought Ashley used un- necessary force.—The Bench fined Sarah Fraser 5s. and costs in each case (30s. altogether) and dismissed the other case.

CITY POLICE COURT. + W EDNESDAT.-Before the Mayor (Mr. J. Gooddie Holmes), Dr. Stolterfoth, and Messrs. C. Brown, J. R. Thomson, and J. G. Frost. A NIGHT OUT.-Jamer, Menagban, a notorious character, of no fixed residence, was charged with frequenting the Eastgate and the neigh- bourhood with intent to commit a felony that morning.-Deteotive Hughes said at half-past twelve that morning he saw Menagban loafing about Foregate-street, Eastgate, and Northgate- street. His movements were suspicious, and witness arrested him.—Detective Wynne gave corroborative evidence, and prisoner, who said that in consequence of being refused shelter at the police-station at half-past eleven on Tues- day night, and having nowhere else to go, he bad to walk about the street, was sent to gaol for seven days. Tjiu RSDAY.- Before the Mayor, Dr. Stolterfoth, and Messrs. C. Brown, and J. G. Frost. DOMESTIC QUARRELS IN THE STREET.— Daniel Edge and William Edge, father and son, living as butchers in Brook-street, were charged with using bad language and causing a crowd to assemble on December 8th.—P.C. A. Smith proved the case.—Mr. Fenwick (chief constable) said this was a domestic disagree- ment, but they must not come out in the streets to do it.—Defendants were bound over to keep the peace in their own recognizances of 25, and a surety apiece of 50s. THE HORSE WITH THK BELLYACHE.'—John Morton, a torse dealer, was charged at the instance of P.C. Griffiths (6) with exposing a horse for sale in Seller-street to the annoyance of passengers on Thursday. The officer stated I that when he spoke to defendant about the matter, Morton addressed some very dis- respectful remarks to another man about him. The police had often had complaints about this kind of thing.—Defendant, who said his horse bad the 'bellyache' and that he brought it out for exercise, was fined 20s. and costs or 14 days. SHz OWED HER 7 £ D.—Mary Dobson and Mary Butters, two ladies who reside in Crook- street, bad a row on Saturday night, all because. Dobson said, she sent to Butters' for 7Jd, she owed her. Mrs. Butters used lawiul bad language.'—Inspector Culliford said they both used bad lauguage. They were bound over to keep the peace for three months. THE GRAVE CHARGE AGAINST A. SOLDIBB.- George Edwards, private in the East Yorkshire Foot Regiment, stationed at Tipperary, was charged on remand (the report of the first hearing appears in our inner pages) with forging a request for the payment of money (92 61.) on a post office savings bank withdrawal form, with intent to defraud; and further, with feloniously forging a receipt for that amount. Prisoner pleaded guilty.— Mr. Henry Taylor, solicitor, appeared on behalf of the Postmaster General.— Albert Watts, a comrade, said that prisoner occupied the same room as himself at Curragh camp, and would have access to witness' bank book, which he kept in his kit. He (witness) had £ 2'6s. in the Post Office Savings Bank. The signatures requesting the withdrawal of this money and the receipt for it were not written by witness.—Thomas Jones and A. Tatler, of the Chester Post Office, gave evidence as to the withdrawal of the money by prisoner, -F. W. Mann, of the G.P.O., London, deposed to tracing prisoner, and P.C. Fry, also of the Post Office, to receiving him into custody.—He was committed to the assizes. FRIDAY.—Before the Mayor, Mr. Chas. Brown, I and Dr. Stolterfoth. SERIOUS CHAKGE AGAINST A YOUTH: A BAD START.—Owen Thomas, a youth of about 16 years of age, was charged with stealing a postal order for a small amount, belonging to J. Hanmer Hutchings, carver, &c., St. Peter's Churchyard.—Miss Keith Douglas desired to say a few words in reference to the case. The boy was in the Working Boys' Home for nearly two years, and was subject to occasional fits of epilepsy, suffering from them two or three times a year. About a year ago he was apprenticed to Mr. Hutchings, who bad the lull approval of the committee of the home in the course he was taking. They had not only to consider the character of this boy but the characters of the other boys.—By Mr. Davison (deputy clerk) It would be impossible to take the boy back to the Home, even if he were discharged.—The Rev. H. S. Branscombe, assistant chaplain, said that he had written to the Rev. Adderley, a London clergyman who bad a mission in the East End, stating the full particulars of the case and asking if he could do anything with the boy. He had just received a telegram from Mr. Adderley, which ran—" Yea, temporarily, but permanent or financial help doubtful." If the Bench were willing to consider any other course except sending Thomas to prison, that was an offer to take charge of him, temporarily at any rate.— The magistrates therefore handed the boy over to the London clergyman.

CHESTER SCIENCE AND ART SCHOOL. ♦ ANNUAL PRIZE DISTRIBUTION. The prizes awarded to the successful students at the Chester School of Science and Art and Technical Schools during the session 1896-7 were presented by the Duchess of Westminster at the Town Hall on Thursday evening. The Duke of Westminster, president of the institu- tion, occupied the chair, a large company including the Mayor (Mr. J. Gooddie Holmes), and Mayoress (Miss Holmes), the Lord Bishop and Mrs. Jayne, the Dean of Manchester, Dr. Stolterfoth, Archdeacon Barber, Major Wilford Lloyd and Mrs. Lloyd, Major Bryan Johnson, Mrs. Keith Douglas, Messrs. A. Lamont, James Williams, C. R. Enock (clerk to the Governing Body), G. R. Griffith (hon. sec.), W. iG. Schroder (art waster), J. A. McMichael (head master of the Technical Day School), R. S. Johnson, &e. Dr. STOLTERFOTH, the chairman of the Governing Body, read the following report:- In presenting their report upon the session 1896-97, the governing body are glad to be able again to report that the general conduct, industry, and progress of the students continue to be satis- factory. The efficiency of the school has been maintained in all the departments, and numerous and valuable additions have been made in the equipment. The number of individual students in attendance during the session 1896-7 was 1,104, as compared with 891 in 1895 6 an increase of 213. All departments shared in the increase, the numbers on the various registers during the past session being as follows:—Technical day school, 59; art sohool, 230; evening science and general classes, 494 boys' evening continuation school, 205; domestic department (not including 212 elementary school children, who were also under instruction), 116. The day school has been conducted throughout the ses- sion under the new regulations of the department of science and art for organised science schools, and tlje superierity of the new system is fully confirmed the school providing such a com- bination of literary, mathematical, and experi- mental training as may best serve to develop all the latent faoulties of a boy. It cannot be too clearly understood by the public that the object of the scientific work of such schools is not the mere imparting of knowledge of scientific facts, but rather a training in the methods of experi- mental investigation and a development of the faculties of observation, and of independent thought and reasoning from experimental results; a. training which must be of advantage to all pupils, whether they make any practical applica- tion of their scientific knowledge or not. The methods adopted in this work are such as have met the approval of the highest scientific authorities, and also of eminent educationists, as is shewn by the syllabus of science instruction drawn up under the auspices of the Incorporated Association of Headmasters of Secondary Schools. In the art department of the school the past session has been a very successful one. We note with satisfaction that the tendency of the work done in this department is in the direction of art application to the various trades, professions, or handicrafts of the students. The South Kensing- ton authorities have again renewed the loan exhibit, and there is now displayed an admirable selection of exhibits illustrative of various processes of art workmanship in metal, leather, wood, &c., together with cases of porcelain, silver and goldsmith work, carved and inlaid Wood, and textile objects. They also forwarded for exhibition a selection of the works submitted at the national competition of Schools of Art. which was visited by many of the cttizens interested in art, as well as a oon- siderable number of students, who freely made use of it for the purposes of study. The evening science and general classes have been well attended, and excellent results obtained. The domestic department and evening continuation schools are doing good work; the soope of the training given in these departments has been considerably extended. It may be well to call the attention of the general public more forcibly to the importance of the domestic classes, and more especially to emphasise the desirability of every girl having the opportunity of receiving efficient instruction in cookery, in the simpler laws of health, and in the principles of domestic economy. It cannot be too strongly urged that widespread ignorance of these matters is a fundamental oause of much unnecessary misery and suffering. The gymnasium continues to provide an ex- cellent course of physical training under the instruction and management of Mr. Rushton. The total Government grants earned for the session 1896-7 was X777 4s. 6d., as compared with £ 828 16s. in 1895-6, a decrease of Z51 lis. 6d. The Science and Art grant will in future cease to be paid directly on the results of the examinations, and will be calculated on the attendance and upon reports made by the inspectors of the department. As indicating to some extent the extent and ) complexity of the work of the school, no fewer than 64 public examinations of the students were held from March to June of the present year. In concluding this report, the Governing Body again desire to express their indebtedness to the Cor- poration of the City of Chester, and the Trustees 1 of Dr. Oldfield's Charity, for the financial assistance rendered* by them, and would venture » to suggest the foundation of one or more scholar- r, ships, for the purpose of enabling promising r students to go to one of the colleges of the Victoria » University for two or three years' science training, ) so as to qualify them for positions of responsi- } bility for which they would by these means be educated and fitted. Mr. JAMBS WILLIAMS, hon. treasurer, also submitted the financial statement. The DuxlI of WESTMINSTER, in moving the adoption of the report, alluded to the gratify- ing fact that there was an increase of no leas than 213 in the number of students. He was glad to say Mr. Thos. Watson had won his prize for the most successful science student of the session, and his was the best on record' for the year's work. He must be allowed to congratulate Mr. Watson upon his success. (Applause.) He was sorry to have to allude to the great loss incurred by the death of a very great friend, Mr. Baillie, who bad the institute thoroughly at heart, and whose demise, all too soon for them, was very much to be deplored on all accounts. (Hear, hear ) He was glad to see that Mrs. Keith Douglas in her separate report laid great stress upon the importance of the girls learning. very thoroughly the domestic economy-the subjects that were taught by the institution, cookery, laundry work, nursing and the ordinary sanitary science. He believed the committee of the Council, having now accomplished their desires in the establishment of the institute on a thoroughly satisfactory basis, were anxious that the Town Council should take over its management. If so they should hand over what it must be admitted on all hands was a very flourishing going concern,' and properly, he thought, it would come now under the management of those who ought to have it, namely, the Town Council of the city. With regard to the expenditure upon the Museum and the state of their finances, not only for last year but generally, it seemed that the whole cost of the Museum, from the laying of the foundation-stone up to this date-for the buildings, and fittings, including the purchase of the late Mr. Harrison's house and alterations suited for cooking and laundry-work—came in all to 919,000, which had been raised by voluntary effort. There was a debt of X2,150, but owing to the liberality of the Oldfield trustees they had received a loan of £1,500 to be repaid, capital and interest, in thirty years at R50 a year. The subscriptions promised and received amounted to iE625, and the Government grant on the new wing, which was now completed, X173, so that the only debt upon the whole thing now amounted to f50 a year, which he thought was not a very formidable sum. In conclusion, his Grace once more congratulated the council upon the success of their labours in the management of this excellent institution. The MAYOR, in seconding the resolution, remarked that it was only by improved educa- tion among the working-classes that they could hope to maintain their splendid commercial position among the nations, and banish that unfortunate phrase made in Germany.' He was sure the Corporation would take note of what his Grace had said with regard to the Museum. The resolution having been carried, the Duchess graciously distributed the prizes. The DEAN of MANCHESTER afterwards delivered an able and eloquent address upon I educational topics, congratulating the citizens on the work of the school. In Chester they had many adventitious advantages. They were all looking forward on the authority of the Duke I of Devonshire to a measure of secondary educa- tion, and if they wished to establish on the best possible basis all the systems of educa- tion, be would strongly recommend them to take time by the forelock, and as soon as possible so correlate and co-ordinate their various systems of education in this ancient city that they would be prepared with a body who mutatis mutandis would take charge of the whole area of education. They should have, by arrangement among themselves through the Corporation of the city, together with members co-opted for the purpose, such a body of people as would be likely to commend themselves to the sympathy and support of all concerned. I The LORD BISHOP, in a humorous speech, pro- posed a cordial vote of thanks to the Dean of Manchester. Speaking of the want of fair- mindedness in the present day, his lordship said it was one of the curses of our party politics that it put before the whole country unfairininded- ness to the extent of sometuing likw positive untrnth as a thing which was not only venial)- but almost honourable when it was done for the purposes of political partizanship. He called that a positively diabolical state of things. That we should under the colour of party politics be disseminating this diabolism throughout the length and breath of the land,- and so poisoning the mind of the country and habituating it to think a man might be in the sphere of public life as unfair, as partial as he liked, and in so doing he was not forfeiting his character as a man of honour, was a form of education which, he said, was educating the country downhill as fast as it could go. (Applause.) Major WILFORD LLOYD seconded the resolu- tion, which was carried with applause, and on the motion of Archdeacon BARBER, seconded by Mr. LAMONT, and supported by the DicAN of MANCHESTER, a similar compliment was enthusiastically passed to the Duke and DucbesB of Westminster for their presence and kind support.

At the inquest held at Cardiff, on J-oUnd on the body of Mrs. Halstrom, who was shot in a boarding house on Wednesday jury returned a verdict of Wilful roU against some person or persons unknowD. ted reels THE MESSAGE OF PEACE is always and respected by all true men, for many ot the time is not far distant when it may be g V* sally adopted by all nations. When this c je pass, happiness and prosperity will be the not the exception. In the meantime, Pills and Ointment have largely helped ^0lig^. not the exception. In the meantime, Pills and Ointment have largely helped ^0lig^. foreign nations understand thac JBnglishnie in alleviating pain and suffering These remedies have been blessed m many lan ,*eCt« relief they have afforded and the cures piai11'* They are' specially adapted for all 00 affecting the liver, stomach and kidneys» pjy. this season no family ahonld be without a