The Chester Courant and Advertiser for North Wales

Sales by MESSRS. CUNNAH & ROBERTS. Dec. 18—At the Hooton Smithfield-Christmas Show and Sale Dec. 21—At West View, Hawarden-Housebold Furniture and Effects By MESSRS. CHURTON, ELPHICK. ROBERTS & RICHARDSON Jan. 7, 1908-At the Auction Mart, Foregate-st.- Household Furniture and Effects By MR. S. R. FEARNALL. Ðcc. 18—At 25. Faulkner-street, Hoole, Chester —Grocer's Stock-in-Trado, etc. Dec. 31 At the Agricultural Hall, George- street, Cliel-t&,r-Fiat Cattle, Sheep, etc. By MESSRS. PATERSON & THOMAS. Dec. I8-At the Law Association Rooms. Liver- pool—Residence, near Nekton .%ale bo Suctton. I AUCTION MART, FOREGATE-STREET, CHESTER. ESSR.S. CHURTON, ELPHICK & CO. MESSRS. CHURTON, ELPHICK &; CO. i will hold a Sale of Miscellaneous FURNI- TURE and EFFECTS, on TUESDAY, 7th January, 1908. Early entries invited. THIS DAY (WEDNESDAY), Dec. 18th, 1907, Twentieth GRAND ANNUAL CHRISTMAS SHOW and SALE at the SMITHFIELD, HOOTON. MESSRS. CUNNAH & ROBERTS will hold their Twentieth ANNUAL CHRIST- MAS SALE, when PRIZES to the value of B30 will be awarded. The present Entries include- 100 Prime Fat HEIFERS, BULLOCKS and COWS. 10 Grand Fat BULLS (heavy weights). 480 Ripe Fat SHEEP (Wethers). 80 Prime Bacon and Porket PIGS 35 Ripe Fat CALVES. Further Entries respectfully solicited. All Stock should be in the Yard not later than 3 a.m. Judging to coaimenco at 9-30. Sale to commence at 11 o'clock prompt. Order of Sale Calves, Sheep, Pigs, Cattle. Catalogues may lie obtained from the Auc- tioneers, Grosvenor Buildings, Chester. On SATURDAY NEXT, Dec. 21st, 1907. Sale of HOUSEHOLD FURNITURE, WEST VIEW, HAWARDEN, two minutes' walk from the Station. MESSRS. CUNNAH & ROBERTS are instructed by Mrs. Wright (who is leaving the district) to SELL BY AUCTION the HOUSEHOLD FURNITURE, including har- monium, mahogany table, mahogany couch, two oak tables, two mahogany chests of drawers, painted ditto, bamboo, kitchen and other tables dressers, chairs, bedsteads, mattresses, washstands, wringer, stone pig trough, wheelbarrow, water butt, etc., etc. Sale to commence at Two o'clock. Grosvenor Buildings, Chester. Under a Deed of Assignment, by order of the Trustee, Mr. S. M. Hughes, Parr's Bank Chambers, Chester. THIS DAY (WEDNESDAY), Dec. 18, 1907. Sale of Household Furniture, Shop Fixtures and Fittings, and Grocer's Stock-in-Trado, at 25, FAULKNER STREET, HOOLE, CHESTER. SIDNEY R. FEARNALL has received in- structions to SELL BY AUCTION the whole of the GROCER'S STOCK-IN-TRADE, SHOP FIXTURES and FITTINGS, Safe, and HOUSEHOLD FURNITURE. I Sale of Furniture and Shop Fittings at 2 o'clock prompt; Stock-in-Trado at 6.30 prompt. Auction Offices, Eastgate Chambers, Cheater. On TUESDAY, 31st Dec., 1907. SIDNEY R. FEARNALL will hold his S WEEKLY SALE of FAT CATTLE, SHEEP, PIGS and CALVES at the AGRI- CULTURAL HALL, GEORGE-ST., Chester, including 8 coloury 2-year-old HEIFERS, served for early spring profit. Early entries will be much esteemed). Sale to commence with Cattle at 10.30 prompt. Auction Offices, Eastgate Chambers, Chester. BY PATERSON & THOMAS, on WEDNES- DAY, the 18th inst., at Three o'clock, at the Law Association Rooms, 14, Cook-street, Liverpool— FREEHOLD RESIDENCE, "HTNDERTON LODGE," near Neston, Cheshire (five minutes' LO I walk from station), containing three entertaming- rooms, nine bedrooms, two dressing-rooms, and usual offices: with stable, coach-house, shippon, md other outbuildings, pleasure ground and meadow land, with frontage of 800 feet to main road, comprising altogether about 4 acres let on iease at yearly rental of £150, tenant paying rates, vixes, and tithes. For further particulars and orders to view apply to the Auctioneers, If), Cook-street, Liverpool; or Messrs. Whitley and Co., Solicitors, 41, Castle- itreet, Liverpool. QAVE YOUR OLD SACKS O such as Ashw. rlh, liibby, Silcocks, Moiassme or an.y Seooud-haDd Sacks. WE WILL BUY THEM FOR CASH, or Exchange to value in new bags, cart covers, horse cloth?, etc. Upon r(ceipt of a postcard we will send printed addressed labels. R. DAVIE, SENR., LTD., 28, BRUNSWICK ST., LIVERPOOL. ESTABLISHED 1870. "ISAAC WILLIAMS & SON, REGISTERED PLUMBERS, GLAZIERS & GAS FITTERS, CUPPIN STREET, CHESTER. Plumbers' Brasswork of all descriptions; Patent Water Closets, Lavatories, Baths, &c. Glass of all qualities and patterns kept in Stock. EXECUTORS OF THE LATE EDWARD WILLIAMS HOUSE AND SIGN PAINTERS, DECORATORS, PLUMBERS, &c., 33, NICHOLAS ST., CHESTER. PREPAID ADVERTISEMENTS OF THE FOLLOWING CLASSES:— HOUSES TO BE LET, APARTMENTS WANTED, HOUSES WANTED, APARTMENTS TO BE LICT, SITUATIONS WANTED, MISCELLANEOUS WANTS, SITUATIONS VACANT, LOST OR FOUND, ARTICLES TO BE SOLD. are now inserted in The Chester Courant at the following rates NOT EXCEEDING TWENTY WORDS— ONK INSERTION 1/- TWO INSERTIONS 1/6 THREE INSERTIONS 2/- EXCEEDING TWENTY WORDS, BUT NOT EXCEEDING THIRTY-FIVE WORDS— ONE INSERTION 1/6 TWO INSERTIONS 2/6 THKEE INSERTIONS 3/- Co be Let. T 1ST OF RESIDENCES, ISSUED MONTHLY. SENT PUST FREE ON APPLICATION TO W. & F. BROWN & CO., CABINET MAKERS & UPHOLSTERERS, EASTGATE ROW, CHESTER. TO BE LET, No. 16, WALPOLFi-STREET immediate possession. Rent £ 30 per annum. Apply Cunnah & Roberts, Auctioneers, Chester. SUPERIOR front BED and SITTING- S ROOMS TO LET, in Queen's Park; just vacant; bath (h. and c.), piano.-A-klr,-ss R 74., "Courant" Office, Chester. COTTAG E TO LET at Rowton; parlour, kitclLcn, scullery, 2 bedrooms, linen closet, large garden. Rent 4s. 6d. -clear.-Apply Johnson, West View, Rowton, Chester. UPTON PARK.—Early in new year, HOUSE, containing 3 sitting and 5 bedrooms, bath- room, kitchen, scullery, pantry, washhouse, aii<! largo garden; greenhouse by arrangement. Address B 48, "Courant" Office. WREXHAM, The Metropolis of North W Wales. "-TO LET, capital Lock-up SHOP, corner of main street, close to three markets; good windows, cellar, etc. Low rental. —Thomas Lewis, Incorporated Accountant, 57a, Hope-street, Wrexham. TO BE LET or SOLD, GLEN AUDLYN, Kilmorey Park; pleasantly situated, five minutes from General Station two entertaining, six bedrooms, bathroom, w.c., and out-offices. Excellent garden back and front.—Apply S. Davies, Estate Office, Mollington; or Fairfield, Kilmorey Park. o to Soli. PRIVATE GREETING CARDS from Is. 6d. dozen, Christmas-New Year Cards, Gift Books, Fancy Goods, etc. Don't forget !— Wright's, Watergate-street, Chester. 1168 SPAR GRAVEL, CHIPPINGS, Macadam, Limestone, &c., for Drives and Walks. Buxton and Welsh LIMES. SLEEPERS for all purposes. Quotations to any station.—Robt. W. Killon, A1 Coal Exchange, Cheater. Telephone 70. WHEELBARROWS. 500 for Sale, low W price; strong, hardwood, navvy barrows, 13s. (id.; general purposes, 15a. 6d. each. Prico for quantity on application. Builders send trade card for illustrated list of all kinds of Woodwork.— Jennings & Co., 3-13, Penny well-road, Bristol. HARTZ Mountain Roller CANARY, splendid songster day and gaslight, with cage, 12s. 6<L—9, Prince's-avenue, Chester. MARKET TRAP, with cratches, complete, in good order; also Horse-power, for Churn- ing, nearly new. Bethell, Bowling Bank, near Wrexham. LOVELY Blue, pure-bred Persian Male KITTEN, also Yorkshire Terrier PUPPIES, FOR SALE.-46, Watergate-street, Cheater. TURNOUT, comprising Bay Cob, 5 years, about 15 hds. handsome Float and Brass- mounted Brown Harness. All new. The cob is free from all vice and a free goer. Open to any trial or examination.—Apply George Thompson, Cuddington, Northwich. GENT'S CYCLE, "Victor"; 26in. frame, free wheel, two rim brakes; a second-hand machine in good condition cash price, with lamp and bell, £ 4. A good selection of other SECOND-HAND CYCLES (lady's and gent's). J. E. BRASSEY & SON, Ltd., Chester. ESTABLISHED 1832. TzL. No. 258. 1ART and LURRY TARPAULINS, \J LONG and LOIN CLOTHS for Horses, COAL and CORN SACKS, equal in price and buality to any in the kingdom. Ladders, Blocks, Pulleys, Rope of all sizes. TENTS suitable for all purposes. Decorations if required. Prompt atten- tion to enquiries either for Sale or Hire of above.— Apply DAVIES & SONS, Crane-sfc., Victoria- road, and 4, Coal Exchange, Chester. STEAM ENGINES AND BOILERS, SAW BENCHES, ETC. ELECTRIC MOTORS supplied, and con- nected to existing or new machinery, etc. REPAIRS to every description of Steam. Gas and Oil Engines, Motor Cars, etc. SHAFTING, PULLEYS, etc., kept in stock. LANCELEYS, ENGINEERS, CHESTER. SHanteU. J" A Young Lady REQUIRES Re-engagement after Christmas, as Daily or Morning GOVERNESS, in or near Chester.—Address A 55, Courant" Office. BOARD-RESIDENCE in private family re- quired after Christmas, by a lady. Tcrme moderate; bath, piano.—Address W 60, "Courant" Office. WANTED, at once, Furnished Detached Country HOUSE or COTTAGE, within reasonable distance of Liverpool. Rent must bo moderate.—Address N 22, "Courant" Office, Chester. WANTED, after Christmas, comfortable APARTMENTS, sitting-room and two bedrooms, for three young gentlemen. State teams, with board preferred, to F 39, "Courant" Office. AB.C. GUIDE TO STOCK EXCHANGE. 0 —1907 Edition (27th). The simplest and be:it Guide to every description of Stock Exchange transactions. How to open an account with small capital. Contains highest and lowest sales for last 15 years. Gratis and Post Free from Pub- lishers. —FKESBORN, lr ANKLIN & Co., 12 Bank- street, Royal Exchange, Manchester. +X* BAKER & SONS JIAMILY & J^ANCY JJREAD J>AKERS BAKERS TO HIS GRACE THE DUKE OP WESTMINSTER. CONFECTIONERS, BRIDE CAKE MAKERS, HAVE NOW READY THEIR FIRST SUPPLY OF RICH CHRISTMAS CAKES PLUM PUDDINGS, MINCEMEAT, GAME PIES, GALANTINES TURKEY, SPICED BEEF, JELLIES, CREAMS, GATEAUX, DESERT ICES. ICE PUDDINGS (A SPECIALITE). WEDDING BREAKFASTS, BALL SUPPERS, ESTIMATES GIVEN. RECEPTIONS, &C. PLATE AND CUTLERY ON HIRE. 48, BRIDGE STREET, CHESTER. TELEPHONE 47. SPECIAL NOTICE. We are offering a SPECIAL PURCHASE of ENGLISH AXMINSTER CARPETS AT 4/9 PER YARD. TILL DECEMBER 31sT ONLY. RICHARD JONES & CO., LTD. BRIDGE STREET, CHESTER. ———— I ^CanteU. WANTED, a good, steady GENERAL, age 25 to 30, with good references.— Apply Red Lion Hotel, Bickerton, Malpas. WANTED, additional MILK SUPPLY; full dairy, mid-week or week-ends.— Apply, stating terms. Co-operative Society, Ltd., Walkden, Manchester. 1162 THE Rev. J. C. C. Pipon, late headmaster of Arnold House School, Llandulas, has a VACANCY for a PUPIL in January. Special attention to delicate and backward boys.- Toddington Rectory, Dunstable. MHO TAILORS and Clothiers.—WANTED, jL by leading firm, fashionable SUITS and OVERCOATS to Cut, Make-up and Trim best workmanship.—For particulars, address H 50, 11 Courant" Office^ 1167 (NOAL TRADE.—COLLECTORS and CAN- j VASSERS WANTED for Cheshire, Shrop- 8hire, and North Wales. Must have knowledge of trade and good connection. Wages and liberal commission to suitable men.—Apply by letter to T. H. Billington & Co., West Kirby. 1172 WANTED, superior GENERAL; good homo, private family.—Apply Mrs. Slater, Encfeleigh, Old Colwyn. WANTED, a good GENERAL, one able to wash; country girl preferred.—Apply Mrs. Youd, Imperial Hotel, Preseot. WANTED, after Christmas NURSERY GOVERNESS for three children mornings; only.-Addres3 X 46, "Courant" Office. WANTED, thoroughly experienced single- handed GARDENER; very strong, active and hardworking; married. Must have tirst-rate character.—Address H 49, "Courant" Office. WANTED, good COOK-GENERAL, three in family, nurse and boy kept; English, good charaoter; £ 20- £ 24.—Mrs. Eric Byron, Llanfair P.G., Anglesey. WANTED, a good GENERAL; plain cook- ing and washing. Small family. State wages; references.—Apply School House, Guilden Sutton. MESSRS. F. WOODFIN & CO. ELECTRICAL ENGINEERS, 20, FRODSHAM STREET, CHESTER. A Large and Valuable UP-TO-DATE STOCK kept on the Premises. TELEPHONE No. 455. GAS COKE. HOUSEHOLDERS may economise their coal consumption by using COKE ALONE, or MIXED WITH COAL. The Combined Fuel can be used for all Fires and gives GREATER HEAT, is Cleaner, lasts longer, looks bright and cheerful, and is the CHEAPEST FUEL. The CHESTER UNITED GAS CO. deliver quantities of 5-Cwt. or more, in BAGS, at 10D. per Cwt., including Cartage and Porterage within One Mile of Chester Cross; or LOOSE in Carts at 8D. per Cwt., cartage extra. ORDERS received at the GAS WORKS, ROODEE or OFFICES and SHOWROOMS CUPPIN STREET, CHESTER. ^ptrrog, hotels, Set. QRAIGSIDE HYDRO, LLANDUDNO ACCOMMODATION FOR 200 VISITOBS. FOUR TENNIS COURTS AND TWO COVERED COURTS. TURKISH AND SEA WATER BATHS. Telephone, Llandudno, No. 4. R. E MUNRO, Manager. FINEST HEALTH RESORT IN NORTH WALES. RHOS ABBEY HOTEL, COLWYN BAY. Facing the Sea. Pure, bracing air. Charming scenery. Elegant apartments. Every home com- fort. High-class Cuisine. 'Bus meets principal trains. Excellent Golf Links by the sea within half a mile. Exclusive sea fishing in weir facing hotel. Motor Garage. Charming Grounds, etc.— Apply F. C. MEIn. Proprietor (late of Windsor Hotel, Glasgow), Telephone, 0198 Colwyn Bay. COLWYN BAY HOTEL, OVERLOOKING THE BAY. MUSIC AND SPECIAL ATTRACTIONS FOR CHRISTMAS WEEK. Telegrams Colwyn Bay Hotel, Colwyn Bay. Telephone No. 9. VERY FINE SCOTCH AND IRISH WHISKEY. "OLD CRYPT" PURE MALT SCOTCH 3/6 per bott. "OFFICERS BLEND" FINE OLD SCOTCH. 3/8 „ „ "VOL" VERY OLD LIQUEUR SCOTCH 4/- „ „ ALSO Finest Irish Whiskies, 8 to 12 years old, at similar prices. QUELLYN ROBERTS & Co., THB OLD ÜRYPT, WATERGATE-ST., CHESTER. CHESTER STEAM LAUNDRY, VICTORIA ROAD (Ouess BY TaB: NaaraaATK STATION). All the arrangements are on the most approved modern system for Washing, Ironing, Drying, Packing, &c., and the management most efficient. W. H. LIPS HAM, Secretary & General Manager. (Chester Steam Laundry 0. Lti.) TELEPHONE No. 411. em- Inspection is specially invited on any day excepting Mondays and Saturdays.

MURDERED HIS MOTHER.—The execu- tion of George Stills, a collier, who was only thirty years of age, took place on Friday morning at Cardiff Prison. When sentenced to death at the Glamorgan Assizes for the murder of his mother at Pontycymmer, he called down Heaven's curse on the witnesses for the prosecution, but a few days afterwards, in the condemned cell, he became contrite and prayed earnestly. Stills rose early on the morning of his execution and paid great attention to the ministrations of the Wesleyan chaplain, with whom he left a message for some personal friends. The culprit quietly submitted to the pinioning process, and, walking to the scaffold without assistance, met his death with great fortitude. The brothers Pierpont were the exeoutioners.

DIARY OF COMING ENGAGEMENTS. Dec. 18, c.- Varieties at Royalty Theatre. lS-Frodsham Petty Sessions. 19-Chester Chuess Fair. 18-Chester Union Education Committee. 18- Wh itchurch ef District Ploughing Match. „ lS-lrfuseum Schools Prize Distribution. 19-Chester Cattle Fair. 19-Bebington and Neston Education Com- mittee. „ 20-Hawarden Guardians. 21-Tarvin Guardians. 24-Chester Guardians. 24—Wirral Guardians.

ROOLE SCHOOL CRISIS. The Cheshire Education Committee, who arc badly infected with the building mania, seem to take a positive delight in setting various localities by the ears and exasperating them with expensive school building echemee. Hoole is tho latent victim singled out for this scourge, and unletss the ratepayers make their voices beard, they will be burdened with an under- taking which is bound to be a costly white elephant. Hoole ie admittedly short of some school accommodation, but the deficiency could be provided in an inexpensive way by the erection of an infants' school adjoining the present Westminster School, to accommodate three hundred scholars, and at a cost of between £ 2,000 and £ 3,000. Instead of taking this reasonable course, the county authority insist upon the building of a Council school, to cost some £ 5,500. At the preceding meeting of the Hoole Council Mr. Wallace had tho temerity to liken the Westminster School to a dungeon or a gaol, and on Monday evening he adhered to the former description, calling to witness a report by a Government Inspector. What may be the ideals of a Government Inspector we know not, but we have abundant testimony that the school is an excellent building and in every way suitable for its purpose. Mr. Crowder stated that the teachers working in it had informed him that they could not wish to serve in a better school, and they utterly repudiated Mr. Wallace's description of it. Mr. Crowder him- self has examined the building, and as a practical builder he says it is perfection. On a matter of this kind we prefer to take the judgment of a builder to that of a Government Inspector, who may entertain ideas of palatial architecture for echool purposes. It is all very well for inape-etom to pick holes in school buildings; but the people who have to find the money for their erection and maintenance think twice before committing themselves to costly building schemes. Tho Council, we aro glad to see, passed a resolution, instructing their representatives on the Education Sub-committee to make a further representation to that authority, with a view to a mora economical scheme. This course, it is important to note, was resisted tooth and nail by the Radical members of the Council. We are giving this dispute considerable publicity, not because it is, as some people might infer, a small, parochial concern, but because it ie typical of the policy pursued by a certain section of the County Education Committee in many quarters of Cheshire. We have had the eame polioy exemplified at Heswall, at Neston, at Inoe, and now we find the autocratic County Education Committee seeking to impose upon the Hoole ratepayers a new school twice as big and twice as dear as the necessities of the case demand. Significantly enough, this programme of extrava- ganoo has been promoted throughout by the Radical party, led by Dr. Hodgson, and the smaller fry of the Radical party in Hoole have been suffioiently stupid to follow the lead of Dr. Hodgson. For better or for worse, the Radical party are branded with extravagance, and they actually en- deavour to justify their attitude on merely sentimental grounds. It is time the ratepayers rose in rebellion against their taskmasters. It has taken the public some time to appreciate the true position, of affairs, but a steadily rieing rate 13arometer has do-no much to re- mcvo the scales from their eyes. Tho pocket is perhaps the most sonsi-tive part of an Eng- lisfhman, and there is evidence that he is be- ginning to feel the pinoh. Cbunty council and municipal elections have indicated a strong re- vulsion of feeling against the reckless expendi- ture of the Radicals or so-mlled, Progressives. The best plan which can be adopted by rate- payers threatened, as Hoole is., by extortionate demands upon their purt-es for unnecessarily laxge schools is to hold indignation meetings and protest with all their strength against the proposed imposition. Another ieimedy, but a tardier one, is to dismiss tho representatives who have been responsible for all this waste of publio money whether on county or district oouncils. .A.

CHURCH TEACHERS COMBINE. A movement is afoot for the establishment of a National Council of Church Sdhool T>siacth<ers on a thoroughly comprehensive scale. In tho now organisation thore is no idea of a.nte.goniem to the National Unicm of Teachers, in fact the preliminary conference breathed a spirit of friendliness to that body. At the same time, the unsettling) proposals of tho Government with regard to religious educa- tion are such as domand the necessity for a special organisation of Church teachers, cap- able of giving an effective voioo to their desiree regarding their schools, their consciences, and the religious instruction they profess to give. If the Clhurcih teachers wore efficiently or- ganised, they would be able to give expression to their views touching religious education in a manner that could not fail to have its effect upon Parliament. In the truest interests of religious instruction, it is to be hoped the nprw National Council will be carried to a successful issue. If it looks aftor the initerQ&ts of Church teachers co ;i so ioxitio u sly, the National Council will find sufficient employ- ment, in protecting teachers who 3:ro likely to auifer on uoco'-ait of their rehgious or political opinions. Already we have heard of cases ■wfasre Ohurofi schoolmasters are "marked men" by certain virulent Radical members xd odncatioin committees mwply- beoawe those teachers have dared in the past to exercise the ordinary citizen's privilege of shewing their political opinions, of course, out of sdhool hours. We have known cases, again, of Non- conformist teachers who have glorified in ex- hibiting their political partizanship, even in being active workers for their party, and who have suffered no martyrdom. 4

That the feeling of dissatisfaction with the ex- travagunt policy of the Chesiiire Eduoation Cbmmittee is growing apaoo was proved by a strong prt?t<?st from the Naiitwich Board of Guardians, on Saturday. The Finance Com- mittoo had recommended for payment a bill of £1,627 to the County Council, but so obnoxious has the recent conduct of the County Education Committee become that Mr. Emberton moved an ame-ndment deferring the rneater until the next meeting as a protest. lie reminded his feHow-guardians that tho County Education Commiitteo proposed to build a training college at Orowa, and to that end had acquired a site, costing the preposterous sum of L605 per acre. It was pointed out at the meeting of the Education Commit- tee that land) could have been acquired within a abort distance of Crewe, and in a much better situation, besoauso removed from the smoke of the town, at E150 per acre, but the committee had determined to give JB605 per aoffo. The Guardians decided to defer the bill, and tOO County Council will receivo the pro- test. This is only the beginning of the trouble, for the extravagance of the County Education Committee, led by Dr. Hodgson, has aroused the county ratepayers, as recent elections have shewn.

LOCAL NEWS. « The Earl of Haddington has arrived in town from Tyninghamo House, East Lothian. The Marchioness of Ormonde has gone from Upper Brook-street to Kilkenny Castle. The Right Hon. R. B. Haldane, M.P., is at Crewe Hall on a visit to the Earl of Crewe. The Earl and Countess of Crowe left Curzon- street on Friday for Crewe Hall. They have arranged to leave for the Engadine at the end of next week. Mr. W. J. P. Storey, ex-High Sheriff of Flint- shire, has again generously undertaken to defray the cost of the Christmas hot-pot distribution by the Rhyl Poor Relief Committee. Viscountess Cole's hunting mishap a few days ago was a very slight one, and she was able, on Saturday last, to be out with the Earl of Harring- ton's hounds. The Countess of Shaftesbury and Captain Viscount Crichton were in attendance on the Prince and Princess of Wales who on Monday left Marlborough House for Brocket Hall, on a visit to Lord and Lady Mount-Stephen. Although the Earl of Shaftesbury is making a good recovery after his recent accident in the hunting field, he is still obliged to wear his arm in a sling, and it will be some little time before he will be quite right again. A marriage will take place on Tuesday, the 21st January, 1908, at Christ Church, Higher Bebington, between Henry Brancker, second son of Richard Brancker, of Heswall, Cheshire, and Winifred Caroline, third daughter af George Henry Eaton, of Gorsey Hey, Bebington, Cheshire. The shooting at Ingestre this year has been wonderfully good, despite the general badness of the season. Lord Shrewsbury recently bad another party staying with him, including Lord Kintore, Lady Alexander Paget, Major and Lady Gwendoline Little, Captain Johnstone, Lady Hilda Keith-Falconer, Major Talbot, and Lord and Lady Ingestre. Theresa Lady Shrewsbury and other members of the family will spend Christmas with Lord Shrewsbury at Ingestre. The Earl of Crewe is entertaining a house party at Crewe Hall. The Home Secretary and Mrs. Gladstone are among the visitors. Lord Crewe and party attended a village concert held in Crewe Green Schools on Saturday evening. Lady Cynthia Crewe-Milnes contributed several piano- forte selections, which were warmly applauded, and Mrs. Herbert Gladstone charmingly sang two songs, and responded to an enthusiastic encore with a third. The Hon. Mrs. Arthur Stanley also delighted the audience with three songs. Lord Crewe and Mr. and Mrs. Gladstone attended service on Sunday in the village church. The Hon,. Cecil T. Parker has been olected to the new Tuberculosis Committee of the Royal Agricultural Society and kindred cattle and dairy bodies. Mr. Justice Channel! is announced to take the Chester and! North Wales Circuit for the coming Summer Assizes. Both civil and criminal business will be taken. An engagement is announced between Lieut. Ffetober, son of the Rev. Canon Fletcher, rec- tor of Marohwid, and Miss Winifred Ormrod, oeoand daughter of Mr. Peter Ormrod, of Penylen. Priooe Arthur of Connaught is expected to arrive on Monday, the 6th January, at Carden as the guest of Col. and Mrs. Houldsworth. There will be a few days' shooting, and on the 8th January Mrs. Houldsworth is giving a ball. WREXHAM CHURCH BELLS.-The work of rehanging and refitting the bells of Wrexham Parish Church has been completed and they will be rung for the first time on Christmas morning. The work has involved an expenditure of close upon £500, all of which has been raised by public subscription. If funds permit an additional clock face will be placed in the tower. POULTRY AND PIGEON SUCCESSES.- At the Langshan Society's annual club show, held last week in conjunction with the Leeds Smith- field Show at Leeds, we notice Mr. R. Clarke, of Eaton (Tarporley), won 1st prize, silver medal and 20 guinea challenge cup with the Langshan Juliet that won the 10 guinea cup at the Crystal alace. The Oriental Frill Club also held their show at Leads. Mr. John Roberts, of Tarvin- road, Chester, won 2nd and 3rd in Turbit hens, 1st and trophy for hen bred in 1907, 2nd for Black Blondinettes, 3rd for Silver Blondinettes, and lot for any other colour Blondinettes. INTERESTING PORTRAIT EXHIBITION. Miss Edith Trantora, a well-known Liverpool artist, announces in our advertisement columns that she has rotur-ned from London for a few months to pa,int, some local portraits at the studio, 1, Sandown Terrace, and will be "at hewne" at the Grosvenor Hotel on Saturday rrorl, to exhibit some pictures in pastel. Miss Trantorn, who studied in Paris under the gT-A master Boug uereaii, has applied herself with distinction to tho art of portrait painting, hav- ing been an exhibitor for several years at the Liverpool Autumn Exhibition. Part.icular.y interesting is ht-r work from the fact that she has reoantly devoted herself almost entirely to pastel work, of which many striking examples will be exhibited. Similar to crayon work, but producing much deeper and richer effects, pastel offers great possibilities to the experi- enced artist. An objection has been urged againsit pastels that they a.re not permanent, but an inspection of Miss Trantom's present works ought to be sufficient to effectually re- move projudioo on that or any otheT point. Miss TVantom 'has perfected a method which en- sures absolute durability, and gives io the por- trait aU the strength of an oil pointing and all the deiioaoy of water-colours. Theso pastels aiio, indeed, indistinguisliablo from oils. They have been developed as a speciality. Although pastel work will occupy the chief space in the exhibition, there are atoo a few choice examples in oils which convoy an excellent idea of the artist's stylo. A particularly noteworthy foa- ture of har work is the graceful and life-like tuewtroent of hair and hands, in which respeote the pa-Wut.i ng- (Mm of great masters is often marred. BOUGHTON ENTERTAINMENT.—A pre- liminary announcement is made in our advertise- ment columns of a theatrical performance and waxworks to be given at the Campbell Memorial Hall on January 14th. Mrs. James Frost awl Mrs. E. A. Ould have the arrangements in hana, and further particulars will be given in doe course. MR. YERBURGH'S INTENTIONS. — Speaking at Blackburn, on Thursday night, Mr. Yerburgh referred to the hope expressed by a speaker that he would stand again for Parlia- ment. Mr. Yerburgh said: "At any rate I mean to have a good try. If I do win—and I ant going to win-I will do my best to safeguard thiC interests of our Church schools." WELSH UNIVERSITY APPOINTMENT. Mr. Clement Edward Davies, of Trinity Hall, Cambridge, has been appointed lecturer in Con- stitutional and Comparative Law at the Univer- sity College of Wales, Aberystwyth. Mr. Davies, who is a native of Llanfyllin, was educated at the county school there, and after- wards proceeded to Cambridge. He was first in first-class honours in the first part of the Law Tripos, and obtained a first division in the first- class of the second part. He has also gained some important college prizes and scholarships. He will take up at Aberystwyth the work vacated by Professor Jethro Brown. DEATH OF MR. H. W. HOWE.—We regret to announce the death on Sunday of Mr. Herberts William Howe, of Thornleigh, Yicar's Cross. Deceased was only 32 years of age, and during the short time that he had resided in the; Chester district, he had become widely known for his g-enerous and open-handed nature. He was the youngest son of the late Mr. James Howe, of Ashton-under-Lyne, and was exten- sively concerned in the cotton manufacturing business, and was a director of several mills in Lancashire, and was interested also in engineering work. He had been ailing for about 12 months, and bad been attended by Sir James Barr, of Liverpool, and Dr. Giffen, of Chester. He was a Unionist in politics, but took no active part ir public life. He had travelled largely, especially in India, and he was an enthusiastic motorist an2^ owned several cars. The funeral will take plat, on Thursday at Christ Church, Ashton-underl- Lyne, at noon. VOLUNTEER COMPETITIONS. — Thj annual physical drill competitions of the 2nd (E.C.) V.B. Cheshire Regiment were held at the Drill Hall on Saturday evening. The officeri present included Hon. Col. T. J. Smith, Capt. and Adjutant Roddy, and Capts. C. E. Bromley and W. A. V. Churton, and Lieut. Musgrave. The adjudicator was Major Mowle, assisted by Sergt -Major Ryan. The B and E companies of Chester each entered a squad, as did the Runcorn, Frodsham, and Hartford companies.-The winners were B company, under Col.-Sergt. Tilston, while E company, under Sergt. F. Weston, were second by only five points. Frodsham were third, and Runcorn and Hartford were bracketed equti.- Col. Smith in announcing the decision of the judges, said they had had a very hard task in selecting the best squad. He complimented all the men on the great improvement in their drlll.- This is the fourth year of the competitions, and the successes are now equally divided between the B and E companies. 'I'EACHERS' GARDENING SCHOLAR- SHIPS.-Tli,o Cheshire County Council, recog- nising the importance of a knowledge of gar- dening to teachers, especially in country diss- tricts, offer scholarships to teachers, tenable at the County Agricultural and Horticultural Col- lege at Holmes Chapel, and scholarships haw boon awarded to the following teachers:—R. Stowart, Altrmoham; L. Steams, Sale; J. S. Hill, Sale; C. E. Palmer, Bug!awton; H. Litherland, Seamon's Moss; T. Hancock, Whoelock; E. Harris, Mere; J. Heys, Staly- bridge; B. M. Moffatt, Sutton; A. S. Newton, High Logh; 0. Whittingham, Bickerton; E. Wood, Marbury; P. W. Atkin, Middlewich; A. W. A. Alien, Sandbach; W. J. Barker, Banv- ston; A. J. Blakeman, Bowdon; J. Child, Altrincham; F. W. Copage, Handforth; R. H. Daviee. Wavertoan; M. Earlam, Davenham; J. Elston, Bromborough Pool; and J. Griffiths, Wrenbury. CHESTER GENERAL INFIRMARY.—The Board of Management appeal for new subscrip- tions. It is common knowledge that under the most favourable conditions the expenditure of tt. Infirmary exceeds its revenue by something approaching £ 1,000 a year. Not long since, by a special effort, the charity was relieved from debt; but at present the Board are making a systematic attempt to increase the list of annual subscriberic which, after all, should form the fianncial back- bone of the institution. There is constantly tendency for the list to dwindle as changes occur or old subscribers pass away, and we must look to new comers to identify themselves with so deserving a movement. It is found that a large number of patients come from the outlying counties, particularly along the estuary on the Welsh side where important industries and large populations have of late years settled down. The Infirmary is the only hospital available for these centres, and we are glad to see that the appeal extends to the neighbouring county districts which benefit so much from the working of the charity. The number of patients healed during the year was 8,000, and the daily average number of beds occupied was 93. CHESTER PAXTON SOCIETY. T'- annual general meeting of this society was held in the Groevenor Museum on Saturday, when Mr. A. W. Armstrong, chairman of the com- mittee, presided. The report and financial state. ment for the past year were submitted by the hon. secretary, Mr. G. P. Miln, and shewed the society to be in a healthy condition. The num- ber of members and subscribers at present on the books of the society was shewn to be 586, being 28 in excess of last year. The following were elected as officers and committee for the ensuing year:—President, Mr. T. Gibbons Frost; vice- presidents, Major MacGillycuddy and Mr. Jamea G. Frost; executive committee, Messrs. A. W. Armstrong (chairman), N. F. Barnes, J. Clack, O. Edwards, T. Gilbert, J. Jackson, H. G. Little, H. Lawson, G. Lyon, S. May, W. Pringle, W. Reeves, Jos. Ryder, W. Seddon, J. D. Siddall, E. Stubbs, J. Weaver and J. Wynne; districts' committee, Meesrs. J. Breen, J. Clarke, C. Flack, E. Jones, J. Macdonald, C. Nixon, W. S. Sharp and J. Shaw; consulting naturalist, Mr. R. Newstead, A.L.S., etc.; hon. secretary and treasurer (Mr. G. P. Miln). CANALS POSSIBILITIES. -Ab the Cale- donian Association's meeting, in the rooms of the Y.M.C.A., on Friday, Mi. Farquhar read a very interesting paper on British canals, their present condition and possibilities. Mr. Farquhar sought to prove that the present comparative unsuccess of British canals arose from the want of uni- formity of gauge, the multiplicity of manage- ments, and the fact that the railway companies had boon permitted to buy up several impor- tant connecting links in the interna I naviga- tion of the country. He admitted that any eclieme of re-organisation evolved by the prfi sent Canal Commission might not possibly pay for tho cost of construction at once, but urged that it should be given sympathetic oon- sideration as it would, he believed, ultimately benefit the commerce of the country. A lively discussion followed, taken part in by Messrs. Laird, Wm. Ferguson, MoMidha^l, Gardiner, MoKinley, McGill, San.jster, and Robertson, The laet-nam-od pointed out that, while he ha<f no objection to sympathetic consideration, care should be taken that those who were ta benefit by any scheme of canal reconstruction should pay for it, and that the cost should not fall on the general body of citizens, who wore only indirectly interested. CHESTER GUARD'S DEATH.—The City Coroner (Mr. E. Brassey) held an inquest at the Chester Infirmary on Monday, touching the death of Wm. Stockton, 32 years of age, of 23, Water Tower-view, Chester, who was a goods-guard in the employment of theL. and N.-W. Railway, and had died in the Infirmary following an accident had died in the Infirmary following an accident received while engaged in Bhunting operations at Mold Junction. Mr. H. G. Hope, solicitor. appeared on behalf of the widow.—Kftte Stockton, the widow, gave evidence cf identification, and said her husband was am assistant goods-guard, but had passed for a gocds-guard.-Wm. Roberts, a brakesman, oi Crewe, who was working at Mold Junction at the time of the accident, said be assisted to move Stockton to the Infirmary. Deceased, in explain- ing the accident, said he was lifting the coupling off the engine to hook on to the wapgon when his hand slipped off the coupling stick and was crawls I between the buffers.—Wm. Wells, 5, Linennall- street, Chester, a shunter, corroborated, adding that it. was a very wet day.—Jos. Daviee, Boughton, the foreman shunter at Mold Junction. said deceased was acting as brakesman and was engaged in attaching an engine to some coal waggons, which were stationary.—Robt. Carline, the district inspector, explained the regulations and methods of working, expressing the opinion tnat ID was a pure accident.—Dr. Edmunds^ saad the deceased was admitted on Dec. 4, suffering from a severely crushed left hand, the muscles being lacerated, and it appeared to have been caught between two buffers, as deceased explained, Deceased made no complaints about anybody. He died on the 14th inst. from tetanus (lock-jaw) following on the injuries —A verdict of "Acci- dental death" was returned.