The Chester Courant and Advertiser for North Wales

M BULL,^K KIUPULSED. W A.RTILLL.Li-t mis TRAPPED, ft LOSS OF ELEVEN GUNS. boioro one o'oiocij on Saturday uiorn- t»n>+CU0 VV,il *JUlv;o lcoUOU LUu lollOWing lUi- ^euerai jouiter to Secretary of State (l, tor War. J ^hieveiey Lamp, (j.20, December 16. ^overf^ LO reij0it' serious reverse. I Chievp iU IUii strengtn irorn camp near ate v l0y tins morning at 4 a.m. There Was lortlaoie piaceo in tne Xugela, ana it Ut 0i, mieiiwuii to iorce a passage tiirougn apar e or taein. Tney are auout two miies tfce auo. my intention was to force one or wiin one ongaae supported by a the Ui lJ1:lgAue. General Hart was to attack i-oaq ert Uiiu, General miuyarct the rignt to 7' Ulii Uenerai .Lyttelion in the centre that eitner. i^ariy.in the day I saw a »>. ^^eral iiart wouid not be able to iorce jjWSbagBj auu directed nim to witnaraw. Wtr U' nowever, attacked with groat gal- lt Han aua 1118 leaamS oattaiion, the toii- K. Coieia ^hgers, i tear, sunexed a great deal. K thenUeA iirooiie was severely wounaea. 1 R.~ tfhi h°ruerea General J-i-ihiyarci to advance, 116 Uui> ana lus leaning regiment, the the h^X rey, occupied Coieiiso oiauon and Hj0lXi ^°Ubeb near the bridge. ao tnat artueilt A heard that tne whole or the A hua sent back to tnat attacK, aHd anci btjth 1'ieia Uattenes gUtis liuyai tweive-pounder quick-iiriiig ?et«'oDt tVllole under (Joionel Jbung, xt.A., Long °|; aouon; as it appears that Uoionei 'range ^ls desire to be within enecuve tfovea taav'ailcect close to the river. it ?ei% on tu]1 of tiie enemy, who sud- kilhUe e.Xieci a galling lire at close range, S'ere *lf; llleir horses, and the gunners «ome otu^PeUed to stand to their guns. + e troon Waggon teams got shelter tor ieniPt8 wf 111 a donga, and desperate at- Ut tiie h made t0 k>rm £ out 1 he tieid guns' w»Se ^as too severe, and only two ?flVer8 ur by Captain Scholieid and some S0? &ana,0se Raines I will furnish. Another by „ lc attempt with three teams was set whose name I will obtain. hoteral of th fSes were killed, and as j.1 allow ^rivers were wounaed i would 0fe,yJvo«id k°^er attempt. As it seemed si e lo nsu a shell mark, sacriiicmg lots ,§6 Uri.s'j.. laQt attempt to force the pas- ro°ps t0 n! ?uted by artillery, I directed the j?r<ier. xthdraw, which they did in good fl0rCe of |jlr°uShout the day a considerable ajlk h + euemy was pressing on my right ^der T VT as kept back by the mounted men Baft "r01'<A Dundonald and part of General Ijq, °h's Brigade. The day was intensely C0llia!1(i most trying to the troops, whose ten ct Was excellent. We have abandoned guns and lost by shell fire one. The teavK 111 General Hart's Brigade are, I fear, ty0,lny; though the proportion of severely an,j is» I hope, not large. The litii *°sses Batteries also suffered severe CHIEVELey We have retired to our camp at e-ey.

^^THUEN'S BATTLE. FURTHER DETAILS. B°ERS WATERLESS. A fi () dated Mnrfri Second Edition message, further nar.+ er1 ^iver, Wednesday, gives ^lagersfont 10 ars 0 Methuen's battle at ^OiainiiijY ein' an(^ states the troops are llaPossible 111 P°8^tion, rendering investment to_d^y reports that the Boer toward R rTe Roving from the battlefield applies ac°bsdal, probably to secure ^aterifi as their present position is almost ^elj. s* Most of the wounded are doing ^•8 tirnprxBen^ ciieck, it is added, is affording tion an H Perfect our railway communica- Une or! the permanent bridge. Our low Monday was three and a half miles Xh ^iver e?Sagement resembled that of Modder enemy beihg a continuous shelling of the replied only when a movement troops gave them a target. The uere entirely cleared from the upper Xh nt- rly e ^asualties were almost confined to the oild tl oriiii-ig and during the retirement, cavalry reconnaissance. W,bllt horning, after a bitterly cold night, i*1 si*! request of the Boers and brought ehchp v6 Wounded from the front s> burying as many d«ad.

T it UEN'S ADVANCE. DESPERATE FIGHTING. ^^itish ATTACK FAILS. -a JJSapWa, Waa published on Wednesday of offi ^ybting north of Modder Kiver. s despatch ran as follows :— eetefo General commanding Capetown to °f State for War °Wn> Tuesday.—Lord Methuen wires ?*ery g^r 12:—(Begins) The artillery shelled c^ig, j. tPn8 position held by the enemy in a r» ^rom f°ur o'clock to dusk on a Gained hard last night. Highland houth a(-,ked at daybreak on Monday the jj^ck f -°* ^be kopje. Attack properly timed, j S^lanr?1^ Guards, as ordered, protected a? at»trv an<l rear. Cavalry, Mounted an<i Howitzer Artillery Battery anH oneuiy on the left, Guards on the <1 He centre, supported by Field Artillery Shal WI tzar Artillery. h- I 8enf position from daybreak, and at f l^^lan i u^e Gordons to the support of the if°Ht 0f t, "1-igade. Troops held their own in «r Posit 6Qemy'a entrenchments until dark, -l8tauCe l?n. extending, including the kopje, a J11 miles towards Modder Kiver. I ]?treQ f (Tuesday) holding my position, and <000. myself. I had to face at least Oti Ur ^oss is great. (Ends.)

NKHAL WAUCHOPE KILLED. ^er °^ message from General Forestier jh Mstlin 80 d^ted Tuesday, was as follows :— ~611 wires :—General Wauchope killed yesterday."

jj0 E It S STRONGLY ENTRENCHED. AIPTIJUEN RETIRES. "b,i Ivas followed by news of Lord Methuen's So. 0fti ..I ne(l ih the following:— ?_retarv ,e0 <^onei'al, Cape Town, to the J°aPeTo» State for War. f n* Wednesday, 3.30 p.m.—Following Tufto^m Methuen:—Modder River, 7.30 >.e,lcKe8 Kfay" A-8 the Boers occupied the fc&fv^t this morning I retired in fr0tor .r8' wbere I am in security. I with and from Boers speaking terribl that their losses have 6y hav6 80nie corps being quite wiped out. Q 4 most kind to my wounded.

DEMONSTRATION AT MODDER RIVER. "A SPECIES OF GIBRALTAR." A ,Tim,-g" second edition Modder River telegram says :—There was a demonstration in force on Friday. Our artillery opened fire at 5.30 a.m., and shelled the Boers with lyddite, the enemy answering for the first time when we were retiring about 7 o'clock. There was nothing important in the way of result. The Boers have made further entrenchments, and have strengthened those they already had. Their evident intention is to create a species of Gibraltar, which the kopjes rather resemble, commanding the railway.

THE LATE GENERAL WAUCHOPE. A REMARKABLE CAREER. STRANGE PRESENTIMENT. Major-General Andrew Gilbert Wauchope C.B., C.M.G., who has been killed at Magers- fontein, was appointed to command the 3rd Brigade of our forces at the Cape, and was Lord Methuen's most able officer in his march to the relief of Kimberley. The son of Mr. Andrew Wauchope, of Niddrie Marischal, Libyrton, Midlothian, he joined the Black Watch at the age of twenty. It was not until 1873, however, during the Ashantee campaign, that opportunity was afforded him. He was placed in command of the Winnebah Company of Rnssel's Regiment from the Prah to the Adansi Hills, and afterwards served as staff-officer to Colonel M'Leod, com- manding the advance guard, and participated in the capture and destruction of Adubiaosi, the capture of Berborassie, the battle of Aiiioaf til, and the capture and destruction of Becquah. In the advance guard engagement of Jarbmdah he was slightly wounded, and after being constantly engaged in skirmishes and ambus- cade affairs between Adwabin and the river Ordah, he was severely wounded in the battle of Ordahus. For his services in the Ashantee campaign he was mentioned in despatches, and secured the medal and clasp. His next campaign was that in Egypt in 1882-4. He fought at Tel- el-Kebir, and got the medal and star and the bronze star. In the Soudan, in 1884, he served as Deputy Assistant Adjutant General and Quartermaster-General, and was severely wounded at the battle of El Teb. He again secured mention in despatches, got two clasps, and the brevet of lieutenant-colonel. In the 1884-5 Soudan fighting he was severely wounded in action at Kirbekan, and two addi- tional clasps were awarded to him.. In the Soudan last year he commanded a brigade, and was present at the battle of Omdurman. He was again mentioned in despatches, and raised to the rank of major-general for distinguished services. He afterwards received the thanks of Parliament, in addition to the British medal with clasp. As a military commander, his energy, bravery, and consideration for his men were,highly appreciated. He had the power of inspiring great devotion, while maintaining the strictest discipline, and he was always to be found in the thick of the fight. He first appeared as political candidate in 1892, as opponent of the late Mr. Gladstone. His genial manner won him many sup- porters. He made a record in the number of meetings addressed, and with his assiduous nursing d the constituency he suc- ceeded in reducing Mr. Gladstone's majority from 4,631 in the81885 election to 690. Major Wauchope was succeeded as Conservative candidate for Midlothian by Major Dalrymple Hamilton, who was wounded at the recent Battle of Belmont. In June last General Wauchope contested South Edinburgh in the Unionist interest aerainst Mr. Arthur Dewar, and was beaten by 831 in a poll of nearly 11,000 votes. A pathetic circumstance connected with the death of Major-General Wauchope is the fact that his wife was making inquiries in the ladies' lobby of the War Office only a short time before the telegram announcing his death was posted. An Edinburgh gentleman says that Major- General Wauchope, before departing for the seat of war, expressed to friends at Niddrie his presentiment that he would never return.

ANOTHER DASHING SORTIE. BOER HOWITZER DESTROYED. TROOPS FIGHT THEIR WAY BACK. From Sir Redvers Buller to Secretary of State for War. Frere Camp, 2.5 p.m., 12th December. Following telegram received from Sir George White to-day: -(Begins) 11th December.—Last night Lieutenant-Colonel Metcalf, 2nd Rifle Brigade, with 500 men of his battalion, made a sortie to capture Surprise Hill, and destroy the 4.7 howitzer mounted there. They reached the crest of the hill undiscovered, and drove off the enemy. The gun was destroyed by gun cotton successfully by Lieutenant Digby Jones, R.E. When returning they found their retire- ment barred by the Boers, but forced their way through, using the bayonet freely. Boer losses considerable. Our losses are:- 2ND RIFLE BRIGADE. Killed: Lieutenant Fergusson and ten rank and file. Wounded: Captain Paley, Second-Lieutenant Davenport, Second- Lieutenant Bond, and 40 rank and file. Six men 2nd Rifle Brigade, who remained in charge of the wounded, were taken prisoners. ROYAL ENGINEERS. Rank and file.—Killed, one; wounded, one.

IN TOUCH WITH THE ENEMY. Frere Camp, Monday, 5.15 p.m. A section of Bethune's Horse came in touch with 500 Boers to-day to the south of the Tugela, near Colenso. Some firing took place. Seeing a squadron of the Royals the enemy retired. Everything is quiet otherwise.— Morning Post."

MAJOR BURTCHALL CAPTURED. Major C. H. Burtchall, of the Royal Army Medical Corps, captured at Magersfontein, is one of the officers who came to Chester prior to leaving for Dover to join one of the hospital corps leaving for the front.

BOER ATTACK ON GENERAL FRENCH. Late on Thursday night the War Office issued a telegram announcing that General French had had another engagement on Wednesday with a Beer force advancing apparently towards Naauwpoort. The Boers numbered about 1,800, and they were eventually compelled to retire with a loss of forty killed and wounded.

A CESTRIAN AMONG THE SLAIN. Among the killed in Lord Methuen's engage- t, ment at Magersfontein is a former Cestrian, Sergeant B. J. Kelly, of the 1st Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, nephew of Mr. John Kelly, of the Chester Royalty Theatre Orchestra. Sergeant Kelly was well- known in Chester, where he resided for a number of years. He had great prospects, the officers of his regiment being especially interested in him. Commencing service in the 8tb Hussars, he was transferred, after about six months, to his present regiment, with which he has served eight years, and gained his ser- geant stripes. Sergt. Kelly is son of the late Bandmaster T. P. Kelly, who served 41 years in the old 91st, now the Argyll and Suther- land Highlanders, and retired in 1886. Sergeant Kelly had also two uncles in the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, and his grandfather and some other relations served in the old 91st. Sergeant Kelly bad numerous friends and acquaintances in Chester, by whom his death while gallantly facing the foe is deeply regretted. Much sympathy is felt for Mra. Kelly and relations in the loss they have sustained.

THE CHESTER SOLDIERS' RELIEF FUND. 22 CASES RELIEVED. A meeting of the committee appointed for the administration of the Chester tund for the relief of soldiers' and reservists' families, was held at the Town Hall yesterday afternoon, under the presidency of the Mayor (Mr. H. T. Brown). The attendance included Mrs. T. Gibbons Frost, Miss Swetenham, the Rev. A. E. Farrar, the Sheriff (Mr. Robt. Lamb), the ex-Mayor (Dr. Stolterfoth), Alderman Chas. Brown, Councillors B. C. Roberts, Wm. Brown, C. W. Dutten, and R. Cecil Davies, Dr. Archer, and Messrs. H. B, Dutton and G. Avery.—Mr. VV. Peers (treasurer of the fund) reported that the total amount of subscriptions received up to date was £1,428 19s. 4d., of which sum £ 1,393 had already been paid into the bauk, leaving about 130, which represented sub- scriptions promised, but not yet paid. These subscriptions would no doubt have been paid had he reminded the gentlemen who had promised them, out he did not deem it necessary to do so for the present, as the sum already in the bank was ample for the time.—The Mayor pointed out that although the applications for relief were not at present very numerous, they would increase considerably as time went on. He therefore proposed that a limited number of gentlemen should act as a sub-committee to assist the secretary (Mr. Laybourne) in dealing with the various applications for assistance which came before him. That course would be found necessary, as many of the applications had to be dealt with as quickly as possible. So far every case had been most carefully inves- tiga.ted by Mr. Lijbourne, and although they had been few in number, they had entailed a great deal of trouble upon him. With tlw increasing number of cases in the near luture, that trouble would be largely increased, but it would be a satisfaction to the public to know that they bad individually been most carefully looked into, and, as far as possible, assisted to the utmost out of the fund.—Mr. Laybournt4 reported that up to the present he had administered relief in 22 cases, but there had been some cases in which he had found it necessary to refuso assistance. lhe monej already expended in relief amounted to £ 50.— The committee then proceeded to deal with several tresh applications for relief.

CHESHIRE INFIRMARIES FOR WOUNDED SOLDIERS. On Wednesday, the management board of the Victoria Infirmary, North wich, resolved to intimate to the War Office that they are pre- pared to make provision for six soldiers re- turniug wounded from the war. The Winsford branch of the same infirmary will undertake a similar responsibility. The secretary, who was responsible for the suggestion, intiaiatea that the medical board were prepared to give their services free of charge.

CO IS CERT FOR THE CHESTER RESERVIST FUND. A concert in aid of our Local Reservist Fund was given in the Church of Christ, Upper Northgate-street, on Wednesday night. Every little help towards such a deserving object is very acceptable, and it would be a good plan, and would certainly help to swell the fund, if more persons would follow the example of the promoters of the concert on Wednesday. The room was well crowded, and a very successful programme was gone through. The Sheriff (Councillor Robert Lamb), in his uniform as major, occupied the chair, and the Mayor (Alderman H. T. Brown) also paid a visit to the enter- tainment. The proceedings were opened by a duet being creditably played by the Misses Ellison, which was followed by a sweetly- rendered song entitled Old and New," by Miss Maggie Pritchard. Mr. Hughes gave "Let me like a soldier fall," and also con- tributed another item in the second part, while Miss Ellison was well received for her violin solos. Miss Violet Monk was heard to advantage in her rendering of "Angus McDonald," and for an encore gave "I want you, ma honey." She also received a well- deserved encore for her contribution in the second part, entitled "True till death." Miss May Thomas accompanied Miss Monk in her usual efficient manner. Mrs. Thomas Coleman impressively recited "Tobe," while Mrs. W. H. Denson gave two very acceptable items, Beauty's Eyes" and When this old world was young." The comic element was well sustained by Mr. T. D. Mills (Liverpool), who on each occasion was loudly recalled. Mr. Thomas Williams sang very impressively The Death of Nelson," and Miss Matthews Jones and Mr. C. Bellis were responsible for a well-played and pretty mandoline and banjo duet. One of the best items of the evening was the recitation of The Absent-minded Beggar" by Mr. E. Holland. The piece was met with loud enthusiasm, and a collection by two riflemen in uniform resulted in the sum of C2 4s. IOtd. being sent to swell the Daily Mail" fund. Miss A. M. Ellison proved herself a very efficient accompanist.

LORD DURHAM CRITICISED. Speaking at the banquet of the Liverpool Shipbrokers' Benevolent Society on Saturday, Lord Stanley said at the present moment there was only one class of representative in the House of Lords who appealed to the public mind. It was the class who, not content with the humdrum life of an' English landlord, was content on the field of battle to take its part with all ranks of society. (Hear, hear.) They had two classes of Peers. They bad the one who could command like Lord Methuen—(cheers)—who could lay down his life like Lord Winchester. (Cheers.) They could do with as many of them as they could find. (Hear, hear.) There was another class— the Peer who criticised actions in the compara- tive safety of a fat stock sale. They could do with as few of those as they could get. (Pro- longed cheers.)

MR. GEO. WYNDHAM AND THE WAR. RESPONSIBILITY OF BRITAIN IN SOUTH AFRICA. SETTLEMENT OF THE TRANSVAAL PREMATURE. Speaking at a public meeting in connection with the Yorkshire Union of Conservative Associations, at Rotherham, on Thursday, Mr. Geo. Wyndham, Under Secretary for War, said be would not have chosen another place to speak, but, without discourtesy, he would have chosen another time. Anyone who, like himself, was associated with the War Office, felt that this was the time not for speech but for action. We now realised the vastness of the interests and responsibilities involved in South Africa, and he claimed that by every title known to man, we, and we alone, were responsible for good government in South Africa. If we did our duty we should have to add it the confraternities of our empire in Canada, Australia, India, and other parts of the world. Our brothers had their lands invaded and their property destroyed, and the dominions of the Queen had been violated, and until our brother had been vindicated and compensated, he supposed there was no Englishman who would not spend his last shilling in bringing this war to an end. (Applause.) The speaker thought wtf betrayed a certain lack of humour if we set about saying what we should do with the territory of the enemy who, for the time being, was in our territory, while we were not in his. (Laughter.) It was ridiculous to talk of what we should do until the war was over, and language of the kind which bad been used by a certain section of the people could only serve to encourage our opponents in per- sisting in war to the bitter end, be- cause they would believe that the longer they persisted the better terms they would get owing to the kind intervention of the gentlemen in this country. To describe exactly Low we are going to redistribute the map of South Africa would, he believed, raise distrust in the mind of our colonists as to our intention to do our duty to them, whereas he knew there was no solid ground for any such distrust Replying to criticisms of Sir Henry Campbell- Bannerman, the speaker said he seemed consti tutionally incapable of saying what was in his mind in plain English. He liked Sir Henry as a man, but as a politician he was driven to the conclusion either that he meant nothing in particular or that he was covertly bringing charges not against the administrative capacity, but against the good faith of the Government and against the good sense of Sir Alfred Milner. He denied that the Imperialist policy bad been actuated by greed or glory. With regard to the charge that we HAD NOT SENT MOKE TROOPS AT AN EARLIER DATE, Mr. Wyndham urged that had we done so then, and then only, would they have deserved the reproaches and condemnation of Sir Henry Campbell- Bannerman, because we could not mix up the patient and unwavering pursuit of diplo- macy with the menace that would have been involved by sending out large bodies of troops The Sixth Division would commence to sail next Saturday, and he was prepared to expect that they might be called upon to make even greater efforts. He contended that a great emergency had been met in a noble spirit of energy and self-denial. He also referred to the magnificent m inner in which the Reservists had responded to the calls made upon them. He admitted they could not draw upon cavalry like infantry, but if Sir Redvers Buller asked tor more, he should have them.

LORD ROBEITTSS SON KILLED. An official intimation has been received of the death of Lieutenant the Hon. F. li. S. Roberts, ouly son of Field Marshal Lord Roberts ot Kandahar. He was shot in the abdomen, and although the bullet was extracted by Sir William M'Cormac, hope of recovery, usually slender in such cases, was practically non- existent. News was received of his very grave condition, and on Sunday intelligence of his death was transmitted to the Government, occasioning the keenest regret. A private telegram stated that he was wounded in the stomach in the Tugela River en^a^ement, being at the time with a L).Ai,ty which was trying to rescue the gun, and his bravery under fire was so remark- able that, if he had lived, be would have been certain to have received the Victoria Cross.

DISTRICT RELIEF. BUN BURY. A most successful b-li was given in the Public Hall on Wednesday evening, about 150 being present. Originally arranged for the benefit of the Buibury Cricket Club, it was decided later that. the proceeds should be applied to relieve the wives and families of the reservists now at tho cf war in South Africa, which idea met with a hearty response by all interested in the promotion. The hall was beautifully decorated for the occasion, patriotic mottoes being prominent. The refreshments were liberally contriouted by the local gentiy, this department being kindly undertaken by Miss Biain (Mayfields), who, with Mrs Blain and Mr. A. Blain and a large house party, was 7 present at the dance. In course of the evening a collection was made. with the result that the proceeds were increased by the sum of L7 8s.9d. Messrs. A. Sheen, and Mr. G. F. Duttun ablj acted as M.C's., and Mr. A. Finney's String Band supplied the music BACKFORD. On Wednesday evening the children attending the Backford National School gave a very successful miscellaneous concert in aid of the Backford Parish War Fund. In spite of the snow-covered roads and the bitterly cold wind that prevailed, there was a crowded room, and the repeated and enthu- siastic applause testified both to the excel- lence of the programme and the successful efforts of the children to carry it out. The Rev. R. J. Fairclough, vicar of Backford, and chairman of the local War Relief Com- mittee, was to have presided, but he was unfortunately confined to the house by a severe cold, and Mr. Teare, organiser of the entertainment and secretary to the Relief Committee, took his place. The special features of the programme were some ex- tremely pretty drills (handkerchief, Chinese umbrella, and tambourine), a patriotic scene, and a humorous musical sketch entitled "The Washing Day." The patriotic scene con- sisted of a recitation on the Union Jack, during which the- national flag was gradually put together in a frame; a capital soldier and sailor's song ,with chorus, the solo parts being sung in character by Alfred Moulsdale and Thomas Johnson; "Rule Britannia," and the reciting of The Absent-minded Beggar" by John Roberts. The latter was well received, and the little tambourine" in its tour of the room gathered in a little over a sovereign, which was for "The Daily Mail" fund. As the Backford people have already contributed something like 960 to the local fund, and many of those present had gone to great expense in providing appropriate costumes to enable their children to take part in the concert, the collection was considered very satisfactory. The musical sketch provoked roars of laughter. A tiny mite of four, named Florrie Tunly, received a special ovation for a recitation called "The Reason Why." Mr. Teare moved a vote of thanks to the children and parents, and Mr. John Ashton, Church Farm, proposed a similar compliment to Mr. and Mrs. Teare, and to Miss Annie Wilkin- son, Frodsham, who accompanied. A public meeting was held on Wednesday MALPAS. in the Jubilee Hall by the inhabitants of Malpas and district to consider what steps should be taken in aid of the funds being raised for the soldiers' and sailors' wives and families engaged in the war in South Africa. The Rev. the Hon. A. R.. Parker presided. The meeting was not a large one, owing to the severe weather. Several letters were received expressive of sympathy with the meeting and offering support. Mrs. Assheton Rasbotham sent a list of contributions that had already been subscribed and which were yet incomplete. The amount already realised was L105, which had been collected by the following ladies:—Mrs. Rasbotham, Mrs. Wolley-Dod, Miss Wolley-Dod, Miss Greenshields, Lady M. Gore, and Mrs. Sandbach. Ultimately it was unanimously resolved to hold collections in church and the various chapels, and that a com- mittee be formed to thoroughly work the district, and thus obtain aid from those who had not yet given to the fund. The com- mittee were appointed as follows, as repre- senting the various churches, chapels, and districts —The Rev. the Hon. A. R. Parker, the Hon. G. Ormsby Gore, Dr. Jordison, the Rev. O. Morgans, Messrs. R. L. Green- shields, M. H. Danily, G. S. Morgan, J. Barlow, H. T. Hesketh, C. Chesworth, R. Roberts (The Hill), R. Davies (Round House), and T. Overton (Bickley). Mr. Danily was elected hon. secretary. Con- siderable discussion took place as to what particular fund the money collected should be devoted to, and eventually it was moved by the Chairman, seconded by Mr. Green- shields, and carried unanimously, that the amount realised be devoted to the itwo branches of the War Fund, namely, the Soldiers' and Sailors' Families' Association and the fund for the disabled soldiers and sailors. HELSBY. On Sunday collections were made at the United Methodist Free Church on behalf of the war relief fund, with the result that the village fund will be augmented by X3 12s. 2d. ° TARVIN. On Wednesday night a dance took place in the Public Hall, the proceeds of which will be given to the fund in aid of the families of our soldiers and sailors engaged in the war. The hall had been beautifully decorated for the occasion with evergreens and flags of various descriptions. One noticeable feature was the cross flags of the Union Jack and the Stars and Stripes, which were placed in prominent positions. Several mottoes were displayed, such as God Save Our Queen," God Speed the War," "Help our Defenders," &c. Dancing commenced shortly after eight o'clock, and was continued till the small hours of the morning. The arrangements were carried out by a representative committee, with Mr. T. Dutton and Mr. Carroll as M.C.'s. Messrs. Barker Brothers gave their services as musicians free. There was a large num- ber present, and the fund should benefit substantially. JiiLiLESMERE PORT. This committee met in the Bank Building on Tuesday night, under the presidency of Dr. Finney. T he secretary presented a very favourable report. Contributions con- tinued to be liberally given, and the com- mittee were looking well after the families in residence here. At the conclusion of the business the committee passed a resolution expressing their deepest sympathy with Mrs. Shepherd and family in their sad sorrow. Mr. Shepherd was a member of this com- mittee. NESTON. A very successful entertainment, in aid of the War Keiief b und, was given at the Presby- terian Lecture Room on Monday evening. Mr. d. G. Grenfell presided over a large audience, and the following very full programme was rendered:—Miss Olive Jamieson, pianoforte solo Mr. T.J. Gleave, soiig, Soldiers ot the Queen;" Miss 1 ranter, sung, "Home Deary tlome Mr. R. M. Morrison, recitation, Sergt. Buztuz's Addrebs," from Pickwick; Mr. Mann song, "Old Grenadier;" Mies Scott (Penkith House), song, "Angus McDonald;" Miss Connie Smith, recitation; Mr. Samuels, song, i'lie Village Blacksmith;" Mrs. Porritt, song, Soldiers from the War;" ventriloquiai. sketch, Mr. C. Taylor; violin solo, Mii-s A. Whitehead; Mr. Mann and Mr Asiiley, dUttt; Joseph Mealor, junior (Ness), tiong," Hearts of O,tk;" Miss Jeilicoe and Mr. Ashley, duett; Mias Cunnio Gill, recitation, )!uuisiiinelit of the Wicked;" Mr. Mann and Miss Scott, duett; Mr. Mann, song, An Irish Fair." Aliss Scott acted as accompanist, and encores were numerous. During the interval Mr. Morrison delivered an address on the all- prevailmg topic—the war-and a special collection for the Relief Fund, which was taken up, realised 386d. Before the coins were counted, the chairman, in the course of Sume humorous remarks, put up the entire collection to auction, and after some brisk bidding the "lot" was knocked down to Mr. Ashley, who acted as proxy for some buyer unknown, for JE2 16s. It is estimated that the concert will realise altogether about £10. At the close a cordial vote vi thanks was proposed oy Mr. J. G. i'houison, seconded by Colonel Lloyd, and carried with much applause. MOLD. A largely attended meeting of the Sir Watkin Ludge, Moid, 1477, of Freemasons was held at the Masonic Hall on Monday, when the follow- ing resolution was unanimously passed:- that whereas the sum of 1,000 guineas has been voted from the funds of Grand Lodge to be paid over to the Mansion aous Transvaal War Fund for distribution in the following proportions:—400 guineas for the wives and children of those serving in South Africa, 200 guineas for the widows and orphans, 200 guineas tor the sick and wounded, 200 guineas for the disabled soldiers and sailors; that in addition the Sir Watkin Lodge make a contribution of two guineas to the Moid lo,al fund."

IRISH NATIONALISTS AND MR, CHAMBERLAIN. DISGRACEFUL SEDITION. A placard couched in the following terms was freely posted on Wednesday in the streets of Dublin by the Irish Transvaal Committee:—" Fellow-citizens, Trinity College is about to honour Joseph Chamber- lain, the author of the present war in South Africa. Attend on Sunday next at Beres- ford-place and denounce the attempt to fix a stigma on the name of your city. The Municipal Council of Dublin on Monday last, by the cowardly action of 44 so-called Nationalists, defeated a resolution brought forward in condemnation of the robber war being waged to-day by England. Attend in your thousands at Beresford-place on Sunday next to shew the world that Trinity College and the Dublin Corporation represent in no way the feelings of the people of Dublin. The chair will be taken at one o'clock by Mr. John O'Leary.—By order, Irish Trans- vaal Committee. God Save Ireland." The police have made no attempt to destroy these placards, which are posted in prominent places in every quarter of the city. It is understood, however, that the authorities are seriously considering the advisability of proclaiming the meeting. The following advertisement appeared in last Wednesday evening's "Evening Herald":—"Monster meeting under auspices of the Irish Socialist- Republican party, next Monday night, at 8 o'clock, to celebrate Gatacre's defeat at Stormberg. Long live the Boer Republic." The Irish Socialist-Republican party is com- posed of a number of the most extreme and least reputable representatives of the dis- affected Nationalists of Dublin. They pro- pose to hold their meeting in College Green at a point almost directly in front of Trinity College, and at the hour when Mr. Cham- berlain is expected to visit the college as a guest at the banquet. It is extremely probable that the police authorities will not permit the meeting to take place. Mr. Chamberlain is expected to arrive in Dublin on Saturday evening, and to remain at the Viceregal Lodge as the guest of the Lord Lieutenant until the following Wednesday.

THE IRISH MAIL DISASTER. 0 GOVERNMENT INQUIRY IN A RAILWAY SALOON. Colonel Yorke, on behalf of the Board of Trade, held an inquiry near Norton Bridge, on Wednesday, into the cause of the disaster to the Irish mail. The inquiry was held in a special railway saloon, which was run to the spot where the disaster occurred. The officials included Mr. Turnbull, superinten- dent of the London and North-Western Railway • Mr. Dent, Liverpool; and Mr. Tandy, Crewe. Several witnesses were ex- amined, including the driver, the fireman, and the guard of the Irish mail, and the fireman and the brakesman of the goods express. The driver of the goods express was reported as suffering from effects of the accident, and unable to be present. The evidence shewed that the Irish mail en- countered a bale of cloth on the fast up line, and this threw several passenger coaches off on to the slow line, where they were smashed into by the goods express. The bale of cloth was found cut into small pieces. It had been consigned from Batley, Leeds, to London, and fell off a goods train which passed the spot several hours before the accident. How the bale of cloth got from the slow line in front of the Irish mail was a mystery. The inquiry was closed.

FIRST SYMPTOMS. 0 BANISH THE LITTLE ACHES AND PAINS THAT LEAD TO SERIOUS DISEASES. DODD'S KIDNEY PILLS IS THE MEDICINE THAT GIVES THE SUREST AND BEST RESULTS. Men and women naturally love life, yet it is astonishing how careless and indifferent they are about the first symptoms of grave troubles, the sharp and piercing pains in joints and limbs, those ominous pains over the kidneys. Not one person out of fifty realises the im- portance of healthy kidneys; they do not know that these organs are intended by nature to purify the blood from the poisons that are in the body, in other words that they are nature's scavengers. When naturally weak, or made so by overwork or disease, the blood must be im- pure. Then the poor sufferer from kidney disease first feels a pain in the back; this is the way the kidneys make known the fact that they are not able to do what nature intended them to do. Then is the time to commence taking Dodd's Kidney Pills, and the effect is simply wonderful.. Thousands of people have proved the truth of this statement. Wise men and women take Dodd's Kidney Pills, and so restore the shattered nerves, purify the impoverished blood, and build up a hale and lusty strength that defies the attacks of Bright's Disease, Diabetes, Dropsy, Lumbago, Rheuma- tism, Female Complaints and all other Kidney Diseases. Sold by all Chemists at 2s. 9d. per box, or six boxes for 13s. 9d., or sent post free on receipt of price by the Dodd's Medicine Co., 23, Far- ringdon Avenue, London, E.C. See that you get D-O-D-D-'S, the original. "Bad Attack of Influenza and Bronchitis, and never seemed to recover her previous good health and spirits." EMILV GERTRUDE WiDDOWSON. (From a photograph.) It is the delicate children which cause the most anxiety, and especially those that are always ailing without what seems to be any reasonable ca.use. In tho condition of health the foregoing sentence suggests, it is usually ,,o I absolutely unnecessary to administer powerful drugs or tonic3; their effects are not lasting, and they often do more harm than good. The best way to treat these cases is revealed in the following letter:— 7, Biundeil-road, Spirkhill, Birmingham, March let, 1899. Gentlemen,—I feel it my duty to write and tell you of the very great benefit my daughter —aged five years and six months-ha3 derived from your remedy Scott's Emulsion, which in her case has thorougbly justified all you say about it. Last March she was laid up with a bad attack of influenza and bronchitis, and although she was pulled through by a com- petent medical man, she never seemed to recover her previous good health and spirits. On waking in the morning her tongue would be coated over and lips rough and sore, and the child never seemed to enjoy her food and always appeared ailing. In January of this year I determined to try the effect of Scott's Emulsion, and after the first few doses she took it readily and without after-effect—as was the case with pure oil when tried-aul I soon bag-in to notice a change for the batter both in her general appearance and appetite. She woke up in the morning in a more cheerful spirit and seemed to enjoy her food. Her skin became naturally white and fair, and all who knew her could see the improvement, for she rapidly put on flesh. Some people will no doubt think these statements overdrawn, mere puff, but the camera cannot lie, and I have pleasure in enclosing photo, which you are at liberty to make public with this letter, as I feel your remedy should be in the hands of -,ill parents of weakly children and cannot be Luli,i- too widely known.—Believe me, yours vpry truly, I cr (Signed) A. W. Widdowson." Nobody disputes the value of cod liver oil in raising the standard of health. The problem which presenta itself is the best way to take this oil, aud if you will try Scott's Emulsion, we believe you will be convinced of its superior merit. Scott's Emulsion is eminently practical, because it is sweet to the taste Hiid does not disturb digestion. It is also readily absorbed without much digestive effort, and this prepar- ation has the great advantage of combining with cod-liver oil, hypophosphites of lime and soda, and glycerine. Hypophosphires have many uses, and the glycerine prevents fermen- tation, assisting in the steps which lead to a quick absorption of the oil. ¡ You can obtain a sample of Scott's Emulsion hy sending threepence to cover postage to Scott and Bowne, Ltd., manufacturing chemists, 95, Great Saffron Hill, London, EC., and mentioning this paper. All chemists sell Scott's Emulsion.

AUCTION SALES. « MESSRS. CUNNAH AND ROBERTS'S CHRISTMAS SALE AT HOOTON. On Wednesday, Messrs. Cunnah and Roberts held their fourteenth annual Christmas show and sale at Hooton Smitbfield. The supply of stock, owing to the heavy fall of snow, which made the roads nearly impassable in some places, was smaller than last year; but, had the weather kept fine, the sale would have been a record both in quantity and quality of stock. The judges were Messrs. R. Hayes (Chester), T. Swift (Neston), and John Evans, jun. (Birkenhead), and their awards in every instance gave unanimous satisfaction. The champion beast of the show was a splendid polled Galloway bullock, with beautiful sym- metry and very heavy fleshed, fed by Mr. Peter Owen, The Elms, whose bailiff (Mr. Ellams) deserves every credit for bringing out one of the best beasts seen this Christmas. In fact, had he been shewn at Chester, it would have been a hard fight between him and Mr. T. Smith's champion bullock. The following are the awards with prices realised and purchasers, viz.:—Calf, 1, h c, and c, J. Wright (£6, JE5 12s., and JE4 14s.); 2, R. Jones (X4 143.) Pige 1, J. Russell (Xll 10s., E. Jones); 2, F. Burgess (£12 12., J. Evans) h, c, J. Pugh; c, J. Chesworth. Sheep: 1, S. Jones, Poole Hall (£13 5s., P. Swift); 2, J. Russell, Brimstage Hall (£12 12s. 6d., W. Roberts); 3, Geo. S. Brown, Bankfields (£12 10s., J. J. Byrne). Bullock 1 and 3, P. Owen, The Elms (£34 and 924, J. Banks); 2, Geo. Ledson (£27 5s., J. Banks, Liverpool); h c, Exors. of the late Mr. C. Bushell, Hinderton h c and c, E. H. Harrison, Plymyard. Heifer 1, P. Owen (422 2s. 6d., J. Banks) 2, J. Lee, Burton; h c, E. H. Harrison; c, Jas. Ball, i Cow: 1, Geo. Ledson (£25 10s., J. Mosford); h c, Jas. Russell c, R. Dawson. Bull: 1, Geo. Ledson (£25, C. McHugh); 2, J. Russell (£26 15s); 3, Thos. Davies (925 12s. 6d.); h c, J. Delamore; c, F. Jones. The entries com- prised 133 beasts, 10 bulls, 365 sheep, 87 bacon and porket pigs, and 38 calves. PROPERTY SALE AT CHESTER. Messrs. Churton, Elphick and Co. disposed of some valuable property in Waverton and Rowton, at the Grosvenor Hotel, Chester, on Saturday afternoon. Lot 1 consisted of a com- modious dwelling-house, with shippon, stable, J and other outbuildings, garden, orchard, and three pieces of valuable land in old pasture, on the south side of the main road from Chester to Whitchurch, late in the occupation of Mrs. Mary Fleet, deceased, containing four acres or thereabouts. After some competition, which started at £500, the lot was finally sold for E870 to Mr. W. E. Brown, for Mr. J. Wynne, of Waverton. The second lot, which comprised a valuable piece of land, also in old pasture, known as Little Sea Ditch," adjoining lot 1, and containing 2a. 3r. 30p. or thereabouts, was given over to Mr. Wm. Williams, of Green Fields, Rowton, for the sum of £ 185. Mr. Jones, of Saighton-lane, purchased lot 3 for the Duke of Westminster, for R225. It consisted of a very valuable piece of land, known as Town Field," situated close to the Black Dog Inn, at Waverton, containing something like 2a. lr. 10p., in the occupation of Mr. John Walker. Mr. Williams, of Greenway Fields, showed the lots.

CHESTER Y.M.C.A.—A members' meeting was held last Tuesday evening at 28, Watergate- street (temporary rooms). Mr. W. Griffiths, Exton Park, occupied the chair. The winter programme includes a Bible class conducted by Mr. Cook, City-road, and a literary class conducted by Mr. W. H. Barrow Williams. CADBURY's COCOA, on the testimony of the Lancet, represents the standard of highest purity.' It is entirely free from all foreign substances, such as kola, malt, hops, &c., nor is alkali used to darken the colour (and so deceive the eye). Dr. Andrew Wilson, in a recent article in the Illustrated London News, writes Cocoa is in itself a perfect food, and requires no addition of drugs whatever.' CADBURY's Cocoa is absolutely pure, and should be taken by old and young, at all times and in all seasons; for Children it is an ideal beverage, promoting healthy growth and development in a remarkable degree. Insist on having CADBURY's, as other Cocoas are often substituted for the sake of extra profit. Sold only in Packets and Tins. 3 YOUR FRIENDS WOU-LD JjIKE B ROOKE9 TX)NDS' TEA AT QHRISTMAS I BECAUSE IT IS THE TEA that THEIR MOTHERS AND GRANDMOTHERS HAD SUCH PLEASURE IN DRINKING IN THE DAYS GONE BY the Tea that was drank on high days and holidays the Tea, in fact, that was always used when entertaining an honoured guest. This Tea you have now the opportunity of purchasing. It is well known that a small teaspoonfnl of BROOKE, Bonds' TEA is stronger and better than a large spoonful of other Tea. It is therefore no wonder that every day TWO MILLION PEOPLE (2,000.000 People) drink Brooke, Bonds' Tea; that 1 out of every 191 bs. of Tea consumed in the kingdom is sold by Buookk, BON II & Co.; and that their Thirty Thousand Agents (30 000 Agents) distribute to customers no fewer than Seventy Million Packets (70,000,000 packets) each year. There is no gift more acceptable than Tea, especially when packed in such pretty canisters as those of which Messrs. BROOKE, BOND & Co., Ltd., have the exclusive design. BROOKE. BONDS9 TEA CHRISTMAS A ND NEW YEAR GIFTS. The following favourite gifts consist of standard blends of Tea, packed in highly artistic Canisters complete, at the prices quoted :— A 1-lb. Canister of Most Enjoyable 1/4 TEA, 1/7 Do. 11 Most Admirable 1/8 1/11 Do. „ Most Desirable 2/- 2,3 A 3-lb. „ Most Enjoyable 1/4 4/6 Do. "Most Admirable" 1/8 „ 5/6 Do! „ Most Desirable 2/- „ 6/6 A6-lb. „ Most Enjoyable 1/4 8/8 Do. Most Admirable" 1/8 10 8 Do. Most Desirable" 2/- ,,1218 Carriage is paid by rail or post on all parcels of 31ba. and upwards. Indeed, any of our Celebrated Teas, at 10d., 1/ 1/4, 1/8, 2/ 2/4 & 2/8 a lb., packed by us in all-sized parcels, canisters and boxes, are most highly appreciated Christmas Presents. We pack Tea for Parochial distribution and for Charities, in one-ounce packets at I id., and in two-ounce packets at 3d. each. BROOKE, BONDS' AGENTS EVERYWHERE SELL THE gAME T EA. Immediate attention is given to orders, or to letters and post-cards seeking further particulars. gROOKE, J>OND & (JO., LIMITED, Tea Merchants by Appointment to The People. The Lancashire TEA Warehouses 17, Piccadilly, and 12 and 14, Long Millgate, Man- chester, and at Leeds, Bradford & London. CONFIRMATION Service. The Bishop of Chester held a confirmation service at St. John's Church on Friday afternoon, when over 60 candidates were confirmed from many outlying districts. ADVICE TO MOTHERS !-Are you broken in your rest by a sick child suffering with the pains of cutting teeth ? Go at once to a chemist 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 t&std, *es natural, quiet sleep by relieving the child from pain, and the little cherub awakes as bright as a button." It soothes the child, ifc- softens the gums, allay 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 ls. lid. per bottle

LATUY OF THE HIGHLAND BRIGADE. LED INTO A TRAP. Terrible flank FIRE. terribl that their losses have 6y hav6 80nie corps being quite wiped out. Q 4 most kind to my wounded. L^NTKY OF THE HIGHLAND BRIGADE. Led INTO A TRAP. Terrible flank fire. rj> ^0>fr^l8b ECn^SSOC1ATION Telegram.] UnaAay—Eart P' north of Modder River, tnoycJ? BriKafi^ yesterday evening the ^archt 0tlt from "Sr .Highland BriSade ThJ in a River camp, I liorth-easterly direction. tt"object"'I I)f thc, ghlan(I Brigade ri eastern Highland Brigade fSfn °f the Boer position. Allowed the bank of the river, while the Yorkshire Light Infantry moved along the river side. Just before daybreak the Highland Brigade arrived within 200 yards of a Boer entrenchment at the foot of the hill. As they had no suspicion that the enemy was in such close proximity, they were still marching in quarter column, and in close order. n They were met with a terrible fire on their flanks, and were forced to retire with heavy loss. Reforming under the shelter of a fold in the ground, the Highlanders held their ground with the utmost gallantry. They were joined later on by the Gordons, and the brigade then fought its way to within 300 yards of the enemy, displaying the most desperate valour and dash. Meanwhile, the Naval gun at Modder River, a howitzer, and the 75th, 62nd, and 18th Field Batteries, and G. Battery of Horse Artillery, opened a terrific fire on the Boer position, enfilading their trenches, and searching every portion of the ground. The enemy's guns remained entirely silent. The Boers then came into open ground in our direct front, and moved for the purpose of making a flank attack on the British force, but they were arrested by the Guards and artillery. In the evening the Boers opened on us with shell fire, but did no damage. Our men slept on the position, and it is expected that the fighting will be renewed to-morrow on the lines. The losses on both sides are very heavy.