The Chester Courant and Advertiser for North Wales

[COPYRIGHT.] Cfte g>f)eaf. THIRD SERIES. [Edited by W. FERGUSSON IRVINE and J. BROWNBILL.J Being Local Gleanings, Historicat and Antiquarian relating to Cheshire, Chester and North Wales, from many scattered fields. Oh, let me teach you how to knit again This scattered corn into one mutual Sheaf. Titus Andronicus, V, iii, 70, 71. NOTES. t6531 THE CHESTER HEARTH TAX, 1663-4. II. (Continued from No. 650.) The following summary, with extracts, of the Acts Passed concerning the Hearth tax will illustrate what has already been said concerning it. The tax was imposed by the Statute 14 Car. II. c.2 (1662), entitled An Act for establishing an additional revenue upon His Majesty his Heirs and Successors for the better support of his and their crown and dignitie." It enacts that" From and after 25 March 1662 every dwelling and other house and edifice and all lodging and chambers in the Inns of Court of Chancery, Colleges and other Societies that are or hereafter shall be erected &c. shall be chargeable and by this present Act be and are charged with the annual payment &c. for every Fire hearth and Stove within every such house &c. as aforesaid the sum of two shillings by the year to be paid yearly and every year at the Feast of St. Michael and the Feast of the Annunciation." Owners or occupiers on notice from Constables, Headboroughs, Tithingmen or other such Officers within whose precinct the said house &c. shall be are to deliver a true account in writing within six days of all hearths and stoves &c. to the said Con- stables &c. who must collect the monies and pay them over to the High Constable less 2d. in the E. The High Constable shall then hand the sum to the Sheriff deducting Id. in the 2, and the Sheriff return the same to the Exchequer, together with copies of the list of names, deducting 4d. in the B. A proviso is made that poor persons exempt from the usual taxes and contributions towards the church and poor should not be charged or charge- able with the new tax. A proviso is also made exempting occupiers of houses under 20s. per annum and not occupying land of 20s. per annum, a certificate being granted free of charge. Blowing Houses, Stamp Furnaces or Kilns or any private Oven within any of the houses hereby cnarged or any Hearth or Stove within the site of any Hospital or almshouse for the relief of poor people whose endowment and revenue doth not exceed in true value the sum of £ 100 per annum, are also exempt. The payments and duties are to be charged only on the occupier for the time being of such Hearth or Stove &c. and not on the landlord. In 1663 an additional Act was passed "For the better ordering and collecting &c. It recites that "the revenue has been much obstructed for want of true accounts from occupiers of houses," and proceeds to impose a penalty, for not render- ing a true account, of 40s. for every Hearth, Stove &c. so omitted. And the officers are empowered to enter houses in day time and upon view com- pare the accounts rendered and endorse and return the same to the High Constable." In 1664, another and final Act was passed "For Collecting the Duty arising by Hearth Money by Officers to be appointed by His Majesty." "By reason of defects in the former Acts (it states) and great negligence of the said officers and other persons in not returning exact number of Hearths &c. the said revenue is much diminished" and therefore a series of new regulations are ordained, to the effect that-The King shall appoint officers to collect the revenues, the former officers being discharged the new collectors are to give security and take oath; no fees are to be taken from any subject; a succeeding tenant is made liable for a breken half year stopping up, defacing, or con- cealing of Chimney Hearths &c. is punishable by enforcing payment to the amount of double the value of the ordinary duty and in default of pay- ment of tax, a "Sale of Goods of the Party so refusing or making default" is decreed. Persons letting houses to poor persons or parcelling out the same, to pay the duty, attempts having been made to evade the tax by dividing a house among several holders. All houses with more than two chimneys are liable, with exceptions as in the former Act. Lastly a proviso is inserted for persons formerly exempted or having paid, on producing certificate for exemption. The Hearth tax was abolished at the beginning of William and Mary's reign (1688-9), on special petition to the King, as it was grievous to the People." The preamble states that the Commons do find that the said [Hearth tax] revenue cannot be so regulated but that it will occasion many difficulties and questions and that it is in itself not only a great oppression to the poorer sort but a Daage of slavery upon the whole people, exposing every man s house to be entered into and searched at pleasure by persons unknown to him," and they therefore most humbly beseech your Majesty that the said revenue of Hearth money shall be wholly taken away and abolished," prophesying that by so ordaining 11 your Majesty will erect a lasting monument to your goodness in every house in the kingdom." The following lists complete the record of the householders with four hearths and more assessed in 1663-4 ST. MARTIN'S WARD. Sarah Bennett Wid: 9 Thomas Massev 4 William Roberts 5 Henry Pemberton 4 Sarah Lewis Wid: 4 Sir Peter Pinder Bart: 6 John Brock 6 William Crompton Mrs. Ann Johnson 6 (Alderman) 7 Francis Leech Gent: 15 Dr. John Wainwnght Elizabeth Whitley 8 (Chancellor) 13 William Lea 4 Ann Walker Wid: 4 Thomas Hand 4 Edward Eaton 4 George Brittaine 4 Mr. William Liptrott 6 The Lady Ellinor John Turneour 4 Kelmorrey 16 William Houghton 4 Mary Hardware 6 Mr. Robert Harwar 4 Elizabeth Ravenscroft 7 William Eaton 5 Elizabeth Ravenscroft 7 William Eaton 5 Samuel Elcock 6 Sir Thomas Brereton 13 Handle Minshull 8 Hannah Whittle Wid: 4 ST. MICHAEL'S WARD. Richard Wright 5 Alice Leonard Wid: 5 Benjamin Critchley. 4 Jonathan Whitbye 8 Thomas Throppe Henry Lloyd 6 (Alderman) 6 Nathaniel Cooke 4 Ellin Sproston Wid: 4 Robert Hewitt 4 Alice Mouldsworth William Hewitt 6 Alice Mouldsworth William Hewitt 6 Wid: 4 Thomas Spanne 9 Mathew Anderton 7 Alice Gartsyde Wid: 6 Thomas Aspenwall 4 1 George Lee 6 ST. BRIDGET'S WARD. Thomas Cowper (Al- I Thomas Fernihaughe 5 derman). 5 John Witter 7 Richard Harrison John Eaton 9 (Alderman) 5 Elizabeth Snead 5 WilliamStreet(Ald'n) 6 Francis Skelherne 4 Gerrard Jones 11 John Lancaster 4 William Warrington 5 John Mottershead 4 William Harvey 11 Mrs. Parnell Annyon 7 William Jones 5 Robert Hide 6 William Jones 5 Robert Hide 6 John Williams 4 Hannah Elcock 5 Roger Thom ? 5 Dr. Allan Pennington 6 ST. GILES' WARD. Thomas Johnson 51 Thomas Broster 4 Mary Brown Wid: 7 William Wilson 0 Handle Oulton (Ald'n) 5 Randle Wilson 6 Richard Broster (Al- John Oulton 4 derman) 6 Old Robert Werden 25 Sarah Anderton 6 Richard Annion 8 Rebecca Bruen Wid: 4 William Williamson.. 5 Alexander Bird. 7 John Maddock 4 Richard Bennett 4 Mr. Robert Venables 13 ST. OSWALD'S WARD. Edward Kinsey 8 Daniel Crosse 7 Raph Burroughes 9 Thomas Stringer 4 EllinorPhillippsWid: 12 John Wright 4 John Ireland 4 Alice Bicker ton Wid: 7 John Ireland. 4 Alice Bickerton Wid: 7 Rand'e Bennett (Al- Richard Davies 4 derman) 5 Thomas Throppe 4 John Hulton 5 Thomas King 5 r, omas Higginson 9 Thomas Halliwell 5 5arWey 6 Richard Mercer 4 Ts..? „ arkley, junr.. 4 George Lord Bishop A«aacSw,ft J .5 of Chester 16 a johnOHMM *rt -Bennett 7 TRU T ST. OLIVE'S WARD. i[ £ hn Johnson 4 William Slater 5 ■^argaret Whiclistead 4 Ann Lea Wid: 4 :J^hce Eaton 5 Edward Gregg 4 Mary Whittle 5 George Bullceley 4 J-nomas Welshman Ann Davies Wid: 4 junr 5 Mrs. Mary Golborne. 0 r^ady Mary CaiveVy 16 Richard Wilkinson. 4 Margaret button 4 Jonathan Gouldson. 7 nomas Ach ? 10 Edward Ash ton 4 °Id Nicholas Steven- John Brerewood 6 son ,6 John Ridge 7 Richard Eccleston' 7 Hugh Harvey 5 Gilbert Gerrard 6 Thomas Mamwarmg 4 Randle Holme senr. 0 Richard Bridge 5 William Widdens 4 Robert Grey 6 William Widdens 4 Robert Grey 6 Randle Holme junr. 6 Robert Morrey 9 Alice Birkenhead 5 Thomas Leiuesley 5 Sir Richard Grosvenor Thomas Brown Gent. 11 Bart 10 John Phillipps 4 ST. THOMAS' WARD. Richard King 5 ¡ Samuel Bonnill. 4 Thomas Watt 5 Thomas Critchley 4 Joseph Glover 6 GILBERT P. GAMOX. L654] CHESHIRE DOMESDAY NOTES. III. (See No. 647.) The Five-hide Unit.—Mr. Round has pointed out the importance of groups of five hides. The earliest Mercian charter in Birch's Cartularium" (No. "2) is a grant by King Wolfhere of five hides to his kinsman Berhferthe (dated 624 for 674 ?); and in Pre-Norman times it was held that a "ceorl" who acquired lands assessed at five hides thereby ranked a "thane." In Cheshire in 1086 manors of five hides or multiples of this unit were not common Broxton and three or four others in the same hundred and Halton (10 hides) being all. But there are other cases in which, by putting several adjacent manors together we can obtain such groups, and when in addition it is found that these areas form a .parochial unit also we have an indication from two significant facts—the five-hide and the parochial grouping—of the antiquity of the arrange- ment. A simple case is that of Waverton parish. In Domesday it has two manors— Waverton (11a) 3 r Hatton ("Etone," 11a) 2 J 0 The parish of Audlem has— Audlem (6a) 2 Wilkesley (7b) l|J In Wirral the large parish of Neston is much divided:— Gt. Neston (2'parts, 2b, 8a) 2 Little Neston (5b) 1 Hargrave (5b) 1 Leighton (5b) 1 Raby (2 parts, 2b, 8a) 1 Willaston ("Edelaue," 3b) 1 Ledsham (6b) 1 Thornton Hough (5b) .110 hides. Raby (2 parts,2b, 8a) 1 Willaston ("Edelaue," 3b) 1 Ledsham (6b) 1 Ness (6b) lij The chapelry of Witton in Great Budworth is worthy of particular attention. It has- Witton (10b) 14") Lache Dennis (8b) j Winnington (2 parts, lOb, »- 5 hides. 11a) 1 I Hartford (10a) 2 J Though this group satisfies the two conditions above laid down its manors were in two different hundreds in 1086 as to-day, and Great Budworth itself is in yet another hundred. The conclusion is inevitable that the hundreds as defined by Domesday Book were not the original divisions of the county, and indeed were not so ancient as the assessment in hides therein recorded. (To be continued.) REPLIES. [635] THE SAUGHALL ROAD. (See No. 635.) In continuation of my former note concerning this road, may I be allowed to give the following extract from a letter by Mr. Williams (then head- master of Saughall School) to the Courant" (May 23rd, 1889)? He writes:- "A walk along King's Wood-lane leads into Fiddlers'-lane, and anyone walking towards Saughall will see on the right-hand side of the road small patches of what was once a continuous stone pavement reaching from here (i.e. Fiddlers'-lane) certainly to Wood bank-lane, a distance of two miles. It is only three or four years ago since the last of this pavement between the Lodge (Shotwick) Farm and the lane last mentioned (Woodbank-lane) was broken up. How much further the stones were continued cannot be told now, but the old road certainly crossed Woodbank-lane, as traces of it can be discerned passing the farm of Mr. Griffiths, where it turned to the left and descended into a deep ravine where it may be safely asserted was The Ford' within 300 yards of Shotwick Church." Although Mr. Williams and I were very friendly the research he made on this subject was entirely unknown to me until I saw his letter in the "Courant," therefore it may be depended upon as the opinion of a most worthy, truthful, and trusty man, and should be of weight in judging "the pros and cons." in this matter. W. H. BRADFORD. [656] BEACH FLATTS AND PEARL WALL FOUL LAKES. (See No. 648.) These names are all to be found in the Tithe Map of St. Oswald's Township. 1. Numbers 68 and 69 are respectively called "Near Bache Dale Flatt," and "Far Bache Dale Flatt." They form together a triangle bounded by the upper half of the section of the Bache brook between Liverpool and Parkgate Roads, the Liver- pool Road from Bache brook to the entrance of Abbot's Park, and a line drawn from there to the brook behind Downswood. They thus include, roughly, the Pinetum of Bache Hall, and the large field between Downswood and the Liverpool Road. 2. Number 67 is called Pearl Wall Hay," and adjoins "Near Bache Dale Flatt" on its west side. 3. Numbers 62, 63, and 64 are respectively called Middle Fowl lake," "Furburs Fowl lakes," and "Little Fowl lake." They include the land between Liverpool and Parkgate Roads on which Latham House and Wilkinson Villa stand, with the fields below them, and also the Liverpool Road Station Coal Offices, the Tennis Ground, and the portion of the Railway between the west end of the platform and Parkgate Road. E. C. L.

LOCAL GOVERNMENT JOTTINGS. 0 An item in the budget statement of the City Treasurer of Carlisle runs to the effect that the recently-erected artizans' dwellings have not been a success, as out of 40 only 17 are let, leaving a deficiency of £ 285 on the capital account. At the Stalybridge Town Council, when the question of providing a new fire station, engine and appliances was under discussion, it appeared from Alderman Fentem, who moved the adoption of the minutes of the Watch Committee, that they had two manual engines, one of which was bought in 1821 and the other in 1823. (Laughter.) All would agree that they were totally inade- quate, and were more fitted to be in a museum than for use at a fire. Ultimately the question- which it was said would involve an expenditure of from £4,000 to ;66,000-wa,3 referred to the Goneral Purposes Committee. The Parks Committee of the Manchester Cor- poration have passed an account of R231,150, the amount of the purchase money, with £1,150 for stamp duty on conveyance for the transfer of Heaton Park to the citizens of Manchester. The tenants of the park have agreed, in consideration of the payment to them of compensation, to give up possession on the 21st inst. The Corporation will then come into complete possession of the park, and will have the benefit of the growing orops. Thus every bar to the formal opening and dedication of the park to the use of the citizens on Coronation day, it is said, will have been removed. Among the amusing incidents furnished at the meetings of local governing bodies, few, perhaps, are more entertaining than those afforded by Welsh councils. A recent illustration occurred at the Colwyn Bay Urban Council, when Mr. Davies urged that arc lamps should be used for lighting a certain road, but Mr. Bevan declared that gas would cost only a fourth of electricity. Mr. Davies retorted that Mr. Bevan was "still riding 'the old hoss' against the electric light," —The Chairman (Mr. T. Parry): Don't be too personal.—Mr. Davies: I am saying what I think.—The Chairman: You can think what you like, but don't be personal.—Mr. Davies: Oh, he loves the gas; but Colwyn Bay is not of the same opinion.—Later on the Chairman informed Mr. Davies that it would possibly be necessary to get a. provisional order to raise the funds for tho purchase of the gasworks.—Mr. Davies: I am sorry for them.—The Chairman Sorry for whom? —Mr. Davies: For the gang of you, who pur- chased the gasworks.—The Chairman You will not be in five years.—Mr. Davies: I shall be in Heaven then. (Laughter.)—The Rev. J. Griffiths: Then we will not go there. (Loud laughter.) The business men of large communities are generally pretty outspoken on all subjects, no matter whether ladies are concerned or not. At the recent meeting of the Liverpool Select Vestry, when the subject of admitting certain ladies on the Finance Committee was under discussion, one member said he could see no objection to the proposition; but he had been told by a gentleman that they (the ladies) were a "perfect nuisance." Another male member considered it a disgrace to put ladies on the Finance Committee. It was an insult. If they could not get gentlemen to serve, then take ladies. There was quite enough work for the ladies to do on other committees without their being pitchforked on the Finance Com- mittee. They did not want ladies on the Finance Committee. The next thing would be to put them on the Building Committee—("Why not?")— and what gentleman would like to sit on a com- mittee with eight or nine ladies? ("Oh," and laughter.) None of them would. There was "a little bit too fast carrying on." (" Oh," and laughter.) Not so long ago he was in Paris, and the people he was with were shocked to see three ladies wearing knickerbockers. (Up- roarious laughter.) The ladies were elected on the committee notwithstanding, by a large majority.

Horniman's specially blended Coronation Tea is now being packed in !.lb. and 1-lb. handsomely decorated tins, to commemorate the CORONATION of HIS MAJESTY KING EDWARD VII. and his CONSORT, QUEEN ALEXANDRA. Can be obtained at- Chester Spencer, 36, Bridge street Co operative Society Moss, 68, Brook street Cryer, 25, Christleton-road; Jones & Davies, bakers, Hoole. Neston: Lee, chemist. Little Sutton: Swindells, baker. Tarvin: Langford, grocer. Birkenhead Haywood, chemist. Rhuddlan Roberts, grocer. New Ferry: Fawcett, chemist Upper Brighton: Somerville, Garrat, chemist Bromborough Pool: Co-op. Society. Mynydd Isa Co-op. Society. Tattenhall: Bateman. Mold Junction Co-op. Society. Buckley: Everall, grocer. Queen's Ferry: Spark's Stores. I

POLO. WIRRAL v. BELFAST. This match took place on the Hooton ground on Tuesday afternoon, in the presence of a large number of spectators. The teams were as follows:— Wirral: Messrs. L. Watson (1), G. Lockett (2), A. Tyrer (3), and W. H. Midwood (back). Belfast: Messrs. T. J. Burrows (1), G. Reade (2), Goodman (3), and R. B. Houston (back). The game in the first period was exceedingly fast, and after both ends had been visited in turn Mr. Tyrer notched the first point for Wirral, the same player scoring a second before the period ended. In the next the game was very even, both sides playing in a most spirited manner. Belfast scored their first through Mr. Houston, while on the other hand Mr. Watson increased Wirral's lead with a brilliant shot. In the next, Mr. Watson scored a fourth for Wirral. Mr. Tyrer then shewed splendid form, his efforts resulting in a simple goal to the credit of Mr. Midwood. After a hard struggle in the Belfast goal, Mr. Lockett, who had been playing a brilliant game all through, scored a sixth point for Wirral. In the fourth period Mr. Watson added another, while Mr. Reade registered Belfast's second goal. There was no score in the fifth; but in the last period Wirral added three more, the scorers being Messrs. Midwood, Tyrer, and Lockett. The result was: Wirral 10 goals, Belfast 2. Captain W. J. Lockett, D.S.O., officiated as umpire. SPORTS AT HOOTON. The annual polo sports in connection with the Wirral Polo Club were held in the pretty ground at Hooton on Saturday afternoon in pleasant, though rather chilly, weather. There was a large attendance, including Mr. and Mrs. F. W. Blain, Mr. and Mrs. E. Johnston, Mr. W. Glynn and party, Mr. and Mrs. E. Harrison, Mr. and Mrs. W. Watson, Mr. Gair, Mr. and Mrs. H. Niohol- son, Mr. F. Royden, junr., Miss Hassall, Mr. and Mrs. Eccles, Mrs. Evans, Mr. G. Frost, Mr. Rogers, Mr. and Mrs. R. E. Brocklebank, Mr. and Mrs. N. E. May, Mr. Hancock, Mr. and Mrs. Read and the Misses Read, Mr. and Mrs. A. D. Chambers, Miss Bebengton, Mrs. Charles Lockett and Miss Lockett, Mr. and Mrs. G. B. Paterson, Mr. Cumberford, Mr. and Mrs. F. W. Wignall, Mrs. G. H. Eaton and party, and others. The first item on the programme was a polo match between Wirral and Belfast. It had been arranged for York to oppose Wirral, but they were unable to fulfil their engagement, and as the Belfast team were in the neighbourhood, they were invited to p!ay a second game at Hooton. The teams were:—Wirral: Mr. G. H. Johnson (1), Mr. G. G. Lockett. (2), Mr. A. Hassall (3), and Mr. F. W. Wignall (back). Belfast: Mr. T. H. Burrows (1), Mr. G. S. Reade (2), Mr. H. S. Goodman (3), and Mr. R. B. Houston (back). Mr. A. Tyrer officiated as umpire. The ground was in excel- lent condition, and the game, which was of a very fast nature, was well contested. In the first period Mr. Lockett scored for Wirral, while in the second Mr. Reade equalised, the same player giving Bel- fast the lead just before the bell rang. In the next Wirral got the ball through from a scrimmage in goal, thus making the game even. Mr. Lockett scored a third, and the Irish players, shewing grand form, added two more, Mr. Wignall making the game four all at the end of the fourth period. In the last period Mr. Houston got possession of the ban in mid-field, and scored a beautiful goal. Immediately afterwards Mr. Wignall again equal- ised, and later scored the winning goal for Wirral. The game ended-Wirral six goals, Belfast five goals. The sports then took place, and were watched with much interest. In the ladies' driving class for the best horse or pony in single harness, Mr. Walter Glynn's Flash was awarded the prize. In the bending race, Mr. G. S. Reade, of the Belfast team, defeated Mr. A. Tyrer in the final. The driving pony on foot competition resulted in a victory for Mr. Eric Brocklebank, who drove Mr. W. H. Midwood's pony. A capital contest was seen in the leading race, Mr. H. Johnson's pony winning from Mr. W. B. Duckworth's. The Vic- toria Cross race was an event which caused a good deal of amusement. The competitors had to jump a hurdle, dismount, pick up a dummy, remount, jump the hurdle again, and the first home won. From the start Mr. W. A. Ball's pony strode off in promising style, and was the first to reach the dummies. The "dummy" which Mr. Ball de- cided to take coolly turned tail, and, to the amuse- ment of the spectators, and no doubt consternation of the competitor, commenced a quarter-mile chase. which had not been set out in the conditions of the race. When the runaway "dummy" was over- taken the event was over, and Mr. Ziegler had been declared the winner. The starter at the sports was Mr. J. Ravenscroft: judge, Mr. F. W. Blain; the committee being Messrs. W. A. Ball, F. Clunie Dale, A. Hassall, W. H. Midwood and G. Gordon Lockett (hon. secretary).

LAWN TENNIS. INTER-COUNTY CUP COMPETITION. CHESHIRE v. YORKSHIRE. This inter-county match, under the auspices of the Lawn Tennis Association, was played at Chester on the Hodgh Green Lawn Tennis Club's ground on Saturday afternoon. Yorkshire put on a strong team, which included E. D. Black (champion of Yorkshire), who had the honour of representing England against America, and Wat- eon (ex-champion). J. A. Wolf was an absentee from the Cheshire ranks in consequenoe of a family bereavement. His place was filled by Pos- nett, of Crewe. Yorkshire defeated Lancashire last week, while Cheshire accounted for Stafford- shire, and the present match was looked forward to with considerable interest. A somewhat bois- terous wind militated against the attendance. Yorkshire were successful in both the singles and doubles. The game between A. Dod (Cheshire) and E. D. Black was the most important feature of the singles, Dod being twice within a point of gaining the match for his county, and finally losing to Black by a lob two inches out. The score in the singles read: Five matches to cne, eleven sets to four, and seventy-six games to sixty in favour of Yorkshire. In the doubles Yorkshire won by two matches to love, one unfinished, eight sets to three, and sixty-three games to forty-one. Total result: Yorkshire won by seven matches to one, one unfinished, nineteen sets to eleven, loa one, one unfinished, nineteen sets to eleven, 139 to 101. Details:- Singles: A. Dod (Cheshire) lost. to E. D. Black -3 6, 6 4, 5 7; A. Herschell (Cheshire) lost to E. Watson-2 6, 3 6; D. W. Jones (Cheshire) beat F. H. Poarce-4 6, 6 2, 6 1; B. C. Wood (Cheshire) lost to S. B. Learoyd—1 6, 2 6; G. R. Rudolph (Cheshire) lost to E. Middleton-6 1, 4 6, 5 7; A. T. G. Posnett (Cheshire) lost to S. Watson- 4 Doubles Jones and Wood drew with Pearce and Middleton-6 2, 1 6, 2 6 6 3, 4 4; Dod and Herschell lost to Black and Learoyd—0 6, 6 4, 5 7, 5 7; Rudolf and Posnett lost to Watson and Wat- Bon-2 6, 3 6, 1 6. SCULLING MATCH ON THE DEE.—Considerable interest was taken on Friday evening in a sculling match on the Dee. The com- petitors were two watermen named Albert Williams and Joe Smith, and the stake was S3 aside. The distance was only half a mile, the finish being at the Red House corner. Williams had the inside station, and he won by about a length and a half, having the measure of his opponent throughout. SWIMMING GALA.—On Wednesday evening a swimming gala, under the auspices of the Chester Swimming Club, was held in the Baths. There was a good attendance, and great interest was taken in the proceedings. In the unavoidable absence of Mr. W. H. Churton, Col. H. T. Brown presided, and it was noteworthy that he was the only member of the Corporation present. The programme opened with a club handicap, of two lengths. The various heats resulted as follows:—Heat 1, A. E. Edwards; heat 2, W. Adams; heat 3, W. Reade; heat 4, C. R. Dutton. In the final Edwards won by about a length, but he started a second and a half before his time and was disqualified, Reade, Adams and Dutton being respectively placed first, second and third. The next item was a flying squadron race between the following teams repre- senting Chester and Birkenhead Clubs :—Chester S. White, T. Wilkinson, tl. Sandtord, W. isoulton, F. D. Price and A. E. Edwards. Birkenhead F. Ablett, J. Arner, W. Leyland, H. Daulman, T. R. Daulman and W. Holt. The first man of the Birkenhead team to take the water defeated his opponent somewhat easily, and Chester failing to make up this leeway were beaten by about half-a- length. The concluding item was a water polo match between the same teams. Birkenhead seemed rather the better team of the two, but Chester played with great spirit, and an exciting contest resulted in a tie of three goals each. Mr. C. E. Snowden (Liverpool) was the referee, and Mr. W. R. Jones, hon. secretary of the Chester Club, was the handicapper.

BIG FIRE AT PLYMOUTH.—One of the most dis- astrous fires ever witnessed in the West of England occurred on Saturday evening, when the main block of Messrs. Spooner and Company's premises front- ing Bedford-street, Old Tam-street and Market Arcade, Plymouth, were burnt to the ground. The premises occupied about an acre and were utilised for various departments, connected with thedmpery, fancy goods, art, and general furnishing emporium. The fire spread with such rapidity that the brigade not only failed to overtake it but were unable to prevent its enveloping the whole pile of buildings. Chubb's Hotel, standing at the northern end of the block, was the only building saved, the remainder by midnight being a mass of smouldering debris. Three hundred shop assistants and other employes were got out without accident. The damage done is estimated at £ 140,000. HIMEOD'S CURB FOR ASTHMA. Fstablished over a quarter of a century.—Prescribed by the Medical Faculty throughout the world. It is used as an inhalation, and without any after bad effects. Testimonials of efficacy from the late Lord Beacons- field, Miss Emily Faithful, Sir Morell Mackenzie, and Oliver Wendell Holmes. Trial sample free by post. In Tins at 4/3. British Depot: 46, Holborn Viaduct, London also of Newbery, Barclay, Sanger, Edwards, May Roberts; Butler & Crispe; Thompson, Liverpool; all Wholesale Houses.

LITERARY NOTICES. NEW BOOKS. "THE MABINOGION" (published bv David Nutt, 57-59, Long Acre, London, cloth 2s. Gd., leather 3s. 6d.).—It is no exaggeration to say that this reprint of Lady Charlotte Guest's English version of the mediaeval Welsh tales, commonly known as the Mabinogion, ia a gem of literature. The title "Mabinogion" c^n only be applied to a collection of four romances of the Arthurian cycle, embodied in the 12th century, but Lady Guest in her original edition extended the name to other ancient Welsh tales. As the present new edition is designed to be popular both in price and size, a mass ot valuable illustrative comment which is contained in the original edition is not reprinted but the romances are preserved in all their charm. In addition, there are valuable notes by Alfred Nutt dealing with the date at which the stories assumed their present shape, the social and literary conditions among which they were formed, and their relation to contemporary literature. THE NATION'S PICTURES (Messrs- Cassell and Co., Limited, London).—Part 18 of this artistic publica- tion contains reproductions of celebrated pictures by Willem Geets, John Charlton, B. W. Leader, R.A., and Frank Brangwyn. Mr. Charlton's selected work is "Balaclava," in which the 4th Light Dragoons are depicted meeting the riderless horses of the first line.

BICYCLING IN RAIN. The bicyc!e tourist does not, as a rule, take much harm from rain. He is, or should be, clothed wholly in wool, and under these conditions a moderate wetting may be ridden off without injury; in fact, his wisest course is to keep on riding at a moderate pace, neither loitering nor getting hot, until he is dry again. Against heavier downpours he is provided with a waterproof cape, which should enable him to reach the shelter of a friendly roof, or keep himself fairly protected by the roadside, supplementing by its means the protection of a tree or hedge. The great thing to remember is not to ride, except in cases of abso- lute necessity, any distance in mackintoshes; it is warm work, and the heated rider is very likely to suffer from chill on removing it. Besides this, it is practically impossible to shield the knees and thighs from rain. The tourist then, properly equipped and mindful of the prudent use of his waterproof, may go cheerfully on his way. The bicyclist, however, who uses his machine for busi- ness purposes is in very different case. He is not, like the tourist, unfettered as to time, and, once ho has started, has to make the best of the weather, and get to his destination at any cost. Neither can he, when he reaches it, take off his clothes and go to bed, or borrow a change of raiment from the landlord. If he is going to his own office he may, if he is unusually prudent, have a spare suit of clothes in readiness for such emergencies, but such provision is commonly re- duced to an old coat. It is, however, the knees and thighs of the bicyclist which suffer most from rain. The heedless man will seek to dry him- self by the fire; but this is a dangerous policy, and one even more likely to lead to chill than a policy of inactivity, though this is bad enough. It is not generally appreciated that the precise reason why it is dangerous to wear wet clothes is that the evaporation from the large surface which they present to the air produces cold considerably be- low the temperature of the surrounding air, and so effectually chills the body. Wet and dry bulb thermometers afford the most striking illustration of this: the dry bulb thermometer registers the temperature of the surrounding air; the wet bulb thermometer, with its bulb encased in wet cotton in exactly the same way as the bicyclist in his wet clothes, registers a temperature several degrees lower, in precise relation to the rate at which evaporation is going on. If, therefore, the bicyclist in his wet clothes sits in front of a fire, the greatly accolerated evaporation chills his body even worse than if he were sitting away from the fire. An excellent expedient for avoiding this danger is to stuff loosely crumpled brown paper between the skin and the clothes wherever they are wet. If this is done the fire may be approached with impunity, as a layer of air, which is a bad conductor of heat, as is also the paper, will be interposed between the skin and the refrigerating clothes, and will prevent the loss of heat from the body.-H. Graves, in "The Field."

NATURAL HISTORY NOTES. (From The Field.") 4. A HARDY TERRIER. On Tuesday in last week a terrier named Gyp, belonging to J. Banks, the huntsman to the Mel- brake Hounds, fell through a hole into a disused shaft connected with an old lead mine. He re- mained there undiscovered until the Saturday, when his owner was searching for the dog, and, knowing of the shaft, thought it possible the terrier had fallen down it. This he found to be the case, and, attached to sundry cart ropes, one of tho dalesmen, named Barnes, was let down the mine, where he found Gyp, and, speedily being pulled up, returned her to her owner not in the slightest degree worse for her confinement and long fast. PARTRIDGE'S NEST ON A RIFLE RANGE. On the 29th of last month, while the targets on the range at Glenalmond, Perth, were being ex- amined, a partridge's nest with twelve eggs was discovered situated on the butts midway between two targets. The bird does not mind the noise of the shooting, which goes on daily, although some shots must go unpleasantly near it.— W. Ogilvy (Member the Shooting Eight). BLACKBIRD NESTING ON THE GROUND. This is a common habit with blackbirds in this part of Yorkshire, and I can remember in my boyhood that the schoolboys of those days were quite familiar with it; so much so, that those black- birds which nested on the ground and on the sides of banks and ditches were supposed to be dis- tinct from the ordinary species, and went by the name of "bank blaekies.F. Boyes (Beverley). SNOW GOOSE IN NORTH WALES. I notice in last week's "Field" that a snow goose was observed flying over the Menai Straits on May 30. This is doubtless correct, as about that time I lost one (that had not been pinioned) from the lake at Vaynol Park. I shall be grateful if you will insert this, as it might lead to its re- covery if captured alive. The bird was very tame. -G. W. Duff Assheton-Smith. ATTACKS BY AN OWL. I should be glad to hear if a of your readers have ever known an owl behave in the following extraordinary manner. A tawny owl (Syrnium aluco), which last year frequented a wood of largo beech trees on Milford Haven, several times at- tacked dogs passing through the wood, once ac- tually striking a dog by a lady's side, brushing against her, and leaving some 01 its feathers in a basket she was carrying. During April of this year it twice attacked people passing through the wood in broad daylight, tearing a boy's ear rather 1 badly; and on May 13 it created quite a sensation in tne neighbourhood by knocking down our gardener, cutting his face, and injuring his right eve 6o badly that it is feared he will lose his sight, lie had no idea the bird was near him till it struck him in the face. The owl then had to be shot, as it was unsafe for anyone to pass through the wood. I intended to stuff it, but it fell in some bushes, and a terrier who was with me tore it badiy before I could get to it. The bird was a male, and appeared to be very old. There was evidently a nest, as I have since seen the female in the same place. She has not attacked anyone yet, and I hope will rear the young, if possible, with better manners than their late father. Several people will not believe the story, which is per- fectly true. The injured man is still in the doctor s hands.—R. B. Woosnam (Woodfield, near Pem- broke). [Such attacks are made after the young are hatched and when the nest is approached. Several similar cases have been reported from time to time in these columns.-Ed.1 CATS JOINTLY SUCKLING KITTENS. At Bayford Lodge, near Wincanton, there are two cats. One is long-haired, and lives in the house; the other is short-haired, and lives in the stable. Until recently these cats were sworn foes, and a fight invariably took place whenever tlie stable cat dared to invade the dining-room. About a month ago both these cats had kittens. Those of the stable cat were all drowned, but the dining- room cat was left with three of hers, which were placed in a basket in a room leading out of the dining-room. The stable cat was inconsolable for her loss, and came into the house crying piteously, and found her way into the room where her rival was lying with her kittens. Everybody expected a dreadful fight to take place, but, instead of resenting the intrusion, the dining-room cat wel- comed the intruder, and made room for her in the basket, in which both cats lay together and suckled the kittens. They lived in this way for more than three weeks, until the kittens were able to look after themselves, and nothing could exceed the tenderness with which they treated each other. It seemed impossible to believe that they had ever been enemies. If you can find space for this letter, perhaps some of your readers may tell me whether such an event is of common occurrence?—Cecil M. Chapman. [We do not recall an exactly parallel case, but cats cruelly deprived of their kittens at birth will adopt the young of any oj her species, such as dogs, rats, rabbits, etc., to reliev the distressing pain of the over-accumulation of milk, and gratify the maternal instinct.—H,a.J ■■■

PASTOR ON PING-PONG. Speaking on Wed- nesday night at Llangollen, at a meet- ing under the auspices of the Welsh Wes- leyan Assembly, the Rev. Hugh Hughes, the newly-elected president of the assembly, regretted the undue importance attached to athletics in this country at the present time. Ping-pong was an innocent home recreation, but when crowds ab. sorbed themselves in the game as though it were a matter of national importance, it was truly lamentable..

GEORGE, FRANCIS AND KERR, LTD. « Messrs. George, Francis and Kerr, Limited, of Llanidloes, whose issue of £ 20,000 in 6 per cent. preference shares will be found advertised in our columns to-day deserves notice as especially a native industry. Their extensive factories use exclusively Welsh wool which is manufactured by Welsh labour through all the processes of sorting, dyeing, carding, spinning, and weaving, until it arrives at the stages of flannels, serges, &c., and then is converted into shirts, dresses and other articles. The profits of this national enterprise are shewn by the certificate of well-known London accountants to be over P,3, 000 a year, and the factory working full time has large orders still in hand. The security for the present issue is ample as Messrs. Rushton, Sons and Kenyon, and Messrs. Harvey Preen and Co. value the freehold land, buildings, stock, book debts, &c.. at over £ 31,000. The factory is well equipped with the most modern machinery, and the water power by which it is worked is ample for a largely increased plant, which it is intended to instal in due course in order to compete with the business offered. It may be noted that the firm has over 2,000 customers on its books, and as it deals direct and avoids the profits of the middleman, this number is steadily increasing. The subscription list will close on Saturday next.

TERRIBLE DEATH AT SHOTTON « FELL INTO A VITRIOL TANK. Henry Martin, a "pickler" at the Hawarden Bridge Ironworks, Shotton, met with his death in a shocking manner on Tuesday night. The rule of the works is that iron should be dipped by the "pickler" and got ready for the galvanizer by the time supper is over. At 10.40 Jas. Duffy, a galvanizer, discovered that Martin had not "pickled" his sheets. An altercation ensued, and Martin by some means, fell backwards into a 12-feet tank of undiluted acid con- taining vitriol to a depth of 2ft. 4in. Martin in falling clutched Duffy, who fell across the tank and sustained injuries to his arms, face and head. Martin was immediately taken out of the tank a smouldering mass. He murmured" I'm done for" and expired in two minutes. Duffy was conveyed to the Chester Infirmary, where his injuries are receiving attention. On Saturday afternoon Mr. LI. Jones, the Flint- shire coroner, opened the inquest at the Primitive Methodist Schoolroom, Queen's Ferry. Mr. John Massey was foreman of the jury. The Coroner said on that occasion he proposed to take evidence only of identity, so as to enable deceased to be buried. As they were all aware there was connected with the case a charge against a fellow-workman of the deceased, and in consequence of that it would be necessary to adjourn the inquest to enable him to be present.—Martha Martin, of 28. Little Chapel- street, Monmore Green, Wolverhampton, said she had viewed the body, which was that of her son, who was 35 years of age, and was employed as a pickler at Hawarden Bridge Ironworks. — The Coroner suggested that the adjourned inquiry should commence early in the day, because it was, owing to the peculiar circumstances, of an important nature, and might result in an arrest being made.- The inquest was adjourned until Thursday morning at ten o'clock.

SANATORIUM FOR CONSUMPTIVES. A fortnightly meeting of the Tarvin Board of Guardians was held on Saturday at Crypt Chambers, Chester. Mr. R. O. Orton presided over a large attendance.—The Clerk read a circular letter from the clerk to the County Council inviting the Guardians to send repre- sentatives to a conference with the Public Health Committee of the County Council to consider the advisability of erecting a sanatorium for the county of Chester. A copy of a letter from the clerk to the Wirral Board of Guardians was en- closed, forwarding a resolution passed by a con- ference of the chief unions held recently request- ing the County Council to consider the desira- bility of providing a sanatorium for consumptives. —The Clerk did not think that there were any consumptives in the Tarvin Union. Mr. R. O. Orton said that there was plenty of room in the workhouse. In order to have the fresh air treatment they could take the windows out. (Laughter.) There were more consumptives in towns than in rural districts. Few cases had oome under their notice, and most of those few had been too far advanced to benefit by any treatment. Mr. Phillips, thought it was a very necessary thing. Mr. Roger Bate said he was present when the circular letter from the Wirral Union came before the Health Committee of the County Council. It was thought that a conference would be a good thing, because they would get from different representatives! some information as to the probable requirements of the unions. They had already one institution erected within the county and probably would soon have another erected by Manchester. He thought the conference would be very useful, not only to gain some know- ledge as to the extent the boards of guardians might use it. They might be able to come to some arrangement with Manchester for the erection of a joint sanatorium. He moved that the chairman and the clerk be the representa- tives of the Council. Mr. Phillips seconded and the motion was carried.

WREXHAM DEANERY ASSOCIATION —,—+ SUNDAY OBSERVANCE. THE EDUCATION BILL. The executive committee of the Wrexham Deanery Association, in their annual report, say: The association has been carried on successfully for upwards of thirty years, and the objects it was established to promote still continue to be impor- tant. At the annual meeting last year the ques- tion of church councils and lay suffrage was dis- cussed. Considerable attention has recently been given to this subject, and various views with re- gard to both branches of it have been expressed. An elaborate historical account of the position occupied by the laity in the government of the Church has been drawn up by a committee of the Lower House of the Canterbury Convocation, and a plan for a joint assembly of clergy and laymen has been prepared and recommended. But opinions differ as to how the representatives of the laity should be chosen, and it is doubtful whether Par- liament will be willing to confer the power which is wished on the proposed assembly. What seems to be more feasible, and at least as necessary, is to employ the services of the laity in the parish and in the diocese by giving them a right to take their share in the management of such matters as they are competent to deal with. Since the annual meeting there have been two meeting of the Chapter, and at both of these Sunday obser- vance was discussed. This subject, which is con- fessedly of great practical importance, has been considered at the Church Congress, and at the conferences of almost every diocese, including the last conference of our own. And it has recently been brought before the London Conference by no less a person than the Lord Chancellor, the Earl of Halsbury. There has been a general agree- ment that the Lord's Day is not properly ob- served, and that the higher classes are the most conspicuous offenders. It is perhaps remarkable that in most of the discussions which have taken place very little has been said about the grounds on which the duty of Sunday observance is bind- ing. At our Chapter meetings this most essen- tial point was dwelt upon, and while some of our members were of opinion that the duty depended upon the direction- given by the Church, there were others who maintained that it arose from a higher authority, and that there was a Divine command to sanctify one day in seven. The com- mittee have set down the Education Bill, which is now before Parliament, for discussion at the an- nual meeting. They believe that when carefully sidered it will be found to be a wise and statesman- like measure, and one by no means too favourable to the Church. And though there are several amendments which seem to be desirable, the mem- bers will probably agree with them in thinking that the proposals made by the Bill are calculated to lead to an efficient system of elementary and secondary education under one authority.

The Bishop of Auckland and Primate o f New Zealand has resigned through ill-health. ECCLESIASTICAL APPOINTMENT.—On Wednesday the Bishop of Chester instituted the Rev. L. S. Stanhope, M.A., to the church and benefice of Chelford, near Crewe, which recently became vacant by the institution of the Rev. H. France-Hayhurst to the vicarage of Middlewich. OIL FUEL FOE WARSHIPS.—Admiral Melville, who has had charge of the United States Govern- ment's experiments with fuel oil, pronounces who has had charge of the United States Govern- ment's experiments with fuel oil, pronounces the tests which have been made to be eminently satisfactory. The admiral says that the oil pro- duces a third more steam than does coal in a given time, and that it is not so bulky and is much cheaper. Several minor faults are found with the new fuel, the most important being that with forced draughts it melts the fire-boxes. This difficulty is, however, expected to be overcome. Experts say that the science of ship propulsion will be revolutionised by the use of oil fuel, and they predict that coal will be entirely discarded when the merits of the oil are sufficiently realised. The United States Government will shortly begin to instal oil tanks and furnaces on small warships, and if the fuel continues to act satisfactorily orders will be given for the substitution of oil for coal in those vessels which are now in process of construction.

I. A Cocoa a | You can enjoy. m If you want a Cocoa that is not only the fag 8 Best for nutritive, sustaining and in- U vigforating properties, but one that you can thoroughly enjoy, drink Van Houten's. It retains that delightful aroma and | exquisite flavour natural to the finest Cocoa bean. It is as delightful to the £ taste as it is beneficial to health. A I vanljouterfg^coa I y Unequalled for Economy in use. |9hB ,et.

MIDDLEWICH. HEN'S NOVEL FOSTER BROOD. A fort- night ago a sow belonging to Mr. Henry Scragg, of the Robin Hood Inn, Middlewich, gave birth to a litter of twelve. When four days old two were taken from the mother and placed in a stable to be fed separately by means of a teapot with a child's teat fastened to the end of the spout. Next morn- ing they were missed, and after considerable search were discovered under the wings of a brooding hen, which has adopted them. Up to the present she seems anxious to fulfil every maternal duty towards them.

TILSTONE. ODDFELLOWSHIP.—On Tuesday the Loyal Victoria Lodge of Oddfellows (M.U.) celebrated their 62nd anniversary. There was a better muster of members than for several years past. The pro- cession, headed by the Whixall Silver Band, paraded the village and afterwards proceeded to the church, where a short service was held, conducted by the Rev. Morris Jones. A dinner was served in a tent erected in the field adjoining the school. The Rector presided, and was supported by Messrs. G. Dutton, J. Fatherson, W. Carter, J. Haworth, J. Penlington. G. Prioe, J. Willett, F. Baskerville, and R. Witter. The usual toasts were duly honoured, and, the weather being exceedingly favourable, the rest of the day was enjoyably spent in dancing, sports, and other forms of amusement.

HARGRAVE. PARISH FESTIVAL.-It is about 16 years since the whole of the inhabitants of the quiet village of Hargrave turned out en fete and agog with excitement to welcome the institution of the parish festival. It has now firmly established itself m their midst, and it is looked forward to annually as one of the most pleasing events of the year. On Wednesday this year's festival was held and like all its predecessors proved a huge success. The clerk of the weather had the condescension to withhold the threatened rain until evening and so earned the gratitude of the villagers. A fair sprinkling of holiday-makers from Chester and the neighbouring villages swelled the throng. During the afternoon hobby-horses, swing-boats, shooting and other amusements wore tnoroughly enjoyed. At half- past four, by the kindness of the Duke of West- minster, 112 juveniles sat down to tea in the schoolroom, while the Tarporley and Clotton Band discoursed music outside. Afterwards the adult parishioners partook of tea. The following ladies assisted at the table :-Mrs. Hutton, Mrs. J. Dutton, Mrs. Beckett, Mrs. Cotgreave, Miss Boydell, Miss Lea, Miss M. Dutton, Miss Booth, I Miss Alderson, and Miss Hunter. During the evening dancing took place on the Vicarage-lawn to t the strains of the Tarporley and Clotton Band, and proved, as usual, a great attraction. The ubiquitous ping-pong was also indulged in. About ten o'clock the village settled down again into its habitual quiet, and another enjoyable function was brought to a close. A word of acknowledgment is due to the Vicar (the Rev. E. A. Hutton) and the following gentlemen for their efforts in connection with the eventMessrs. T. Peacock (hon. secretary), Booth, J. Dutton, Beckett, W. Walsh, S. Walsh, and I Norcross.

FRODSHAM. CHURCH MISSIONARY SOCIETY. The annual statement of accounts of this society shews I a total income of B43 Is. 2d., made up of sub- scriptions JE18 10s. 7d., share of bazaar fund 26 5a., I Doxes jb4 as. tiel., collections after sermons P,8 148. 5d., annual meeting;25 2s. 8d. After paying Bl Is. 2d. expenses, the sum of 942 has been handed over to the society. This is considered very satisfactory, as it exceeds that of last year by about B4 FRUIT PROSPECTS.—The fruit prospects in this locality are, generally speaking, only very poor this year. There was not a great abundance of blossom to commence with, and what there was has been severely dealt with by the frost and wind. Jargonelles and early-class pears are a dismal failure, while of hazels there is only a moderate to fair crop. Apple blossom was none too prolific, and most of that has suffered from inclement weather, and a failure in the crop is reported by manv crowers. HUNGRY TRAMPS.—On Wednesday morning at the Police Court, Frodsham, before Mr. H. P. Mortimer, three tramps named John Smith, John Connor and William Brown, of Manchester, were charged with stealing two loaves of Hovis bread, valued at 6d., from a bread cart on the Helsby road, the property of Mr. E. Lawless, grocer, of Frodsham, on Tuesday night. It appeared that the driver of the bread cart had gone to a house just off the main road, and the three men took advantage of his absence. They were perceived by some boys who told the driver, and subsequently P.C. Bancroft apprehended them. They were remanded in custody for seven days.

-+- FLINT. SILLY PRACTICAL JOKING. At the Mold County Court, on Friday, a boy named Haworth, aged 16 years, residing at Flint, was sued by John Jones, a very old man, for 9s., the price of a bicycle, 5s. damage, and sundry costs. —Mr. J. B. Marston, who appeared for the plaintiff, said that this boy bought an old bicycle from the old man Jones, Ibut told him to take it to Nant Mawr, near Brcklev, where he would receive pay for it. As a result the old man wheeled the bicycle a distance of about 10 miles, and then found he had been fooled. When written to about the matter, the father of the boy, Mr. W. Haworth, replied that it could only have been foolishness on the part of his son to cause a poor man to go a useless journey in that way. He also reminded the plaintiff's solicitor that infants could not be sued in county courts. Mr. Marston wrote to Mr. Haworth telling him he would find his son could be made responsible, and that proceedings would be instituted at once. Mr. Haworth, the father, said he had four sons, and he would like to know which son was sued. The Christian name was not stated on the summons. Mr. Marston said they would soon find out which son it was. The father now pleaded there were other boys concerned in the affair, but his son had been pitched upon, as they thought he would pay but he (Mr. Haworth) should not pay a farthing. Judgment was given for the plaintiff. TOWN COUNCIL AND THE RECTOR.—At the monthly meeting of the Council last week, the Mayor (Alderman T. W. Hughes) said he had a personal explanation to make with refer- ence to the special thanksgiving services which were held on Sunday. On Thursday last he wrote to the rector of the parish (the Rev. W. Ll. Nicholas), stating that he understood that special thanksgiving services would be generally held on the following Sunday, and that if the rector pro- posed holding such a service, he (the Mayor) ought to ask the Corporation to attend the same. He asked the rector if he would kindly let him know if such a service was to be held, also whether ar- rangements would be made to receive the Cor- poration. A reply was received the same day from the rector, stating that there would be no special service in the parish church on the following Sun- day morning. Notwithstanding this, the Mayor added, there was a special service in the parish church on Sunday morning, and he was very sorry that an opportunity had not been given to the Corporation, as representing the town of Flint, to join in the general thanksgiving services.—Mr. E. A. Hughes was about to offer some comments on the matter, when the Mayor interposed, and said it was simply a personal explanation, and he could not allow it to be discussed.—On the proposition of the Mayor, seconded by Alderman J. L. Mus- pratt, the Council resolved to tender its congratu- lations to the King on the conclusion of peace. Mr. Muspratt remarked that he believed when the full history of the negotiations became known it would be found that his Majesty had had a very important share in bringing about the happy event. It was also decided to forward an address of congratulation to his Majesty on his approach- ing Coronation.

I CREWE. I, NEW SCIENCE SCHOOL.-At a meeting of the technical instruction committee of the Crewe I Town Council on Thursday, Mr. D H. M'Curtain, M-A- (Glaggow), B.Sc. (London), was appointed Pr'!lC'P £ 1eac at the Crewe New Science School at the I echincal Institute, at a salary of £ 300 a year.

MALPAS" G ARDE PARTY -On Wednesday afternoon, the Rector (the Rev. the Hon. A. R. Parker) gave a garden party at the Rectory, to his church workers. The weather was somewhat unsettled, nevertheless there were more than forty present. u a was P^taken of upon the lawn, and during1 the afternoon and evening a variety of games were participated in, and a most enjoyable time was passed.

AUGHALL. EDUCATION BILL.-A meeting was held on Tuesday night in the Primitive Methodist Chapel to consider the Education Bill. It was convened by the Nonconformists, and the speakers were the Rev. James Travis, Mr. A. W. Lucas, and others. Reso- lutions condemning the Bill were passed, the meeting following the lines of that held in the Chester Temperance Hall.

NORTHWICH. INFANT MORTALITY.-The high infantile mortality in the Northwich district was discussed at Northwich Urban Council on Tuesday night when a letter was submitted from the County Council inquiring what steps were being adopted to reduce the high death-rate. Much benefit, it was stated, might result by inducing ladies to visit the poor and instruct mothers as to the care and management of young children—A discussion ensued, the importance of the subject being fully recognised, and ultimately the communication was referred to the Health Committee for further con- sideration.

BUCKLEY. LETTERS AT BREAKFAST.-For some time past complaints have been made of the in- convenience suffered in the Buckley district owing to the late delivery of letters. It was pointed out that letters received in the Bucklev Post Office at 6.20 am did not reach their destinations until 9.30 and 10 o'clock. Taking up the matter on behalf of the residents, the Urban District Council laid the facts before the Postmaster-General, who has. replied that he "has sanctioned arrangements for accelerating the morning delivery of letters at Buckley, in compliance with the request of the Urban District Council."

__m.- +- HOLT. A RIVER TRAGEDY. Mr. J. C. Bate, coroner, held an inquest on Friday morn- ing on the body of Ann Hughes, sixty years of age, the widow of a small builder, of Holt. It appeared that she went to bed with her grand-niece on June 5th. but rose first, and was not seen alive again. Search was made, and her hat and ehawl were found on the river side. Dragging operations were unsuccessfully carried out.—Chas. Hodland, captain of the Florida, found her body near Almere Ferry on Wednesday even- ing. He put a rope around the body and towed it to the Iron Bridge, where P.S. Johnson took oharge.-The verdict was "Found drowned."

HOLYWBLL. THE COUNTY SCHOOL.-A meeting of the governors of the County School was held on Satur- day, Mrs. Johnston Jones presiding, when a vote of condolence was passed with the widow and family of the late Mr. Lester Smith, J.P., who had been for some years chairman of the court of governors.—On the proposition of Miss Hughes (Flint), seconded by Alderman Bromley, Mr. J. L. Muspratt, J.P., was appointed chairman in succession to Mr. Smith.—It was reported that the services of Mr. Welsh, Chester, had been secured as art master at the school, and that Miss Louisa Smith had been appointed assistant- mistress, at a salary of j690. It was stated by the Clerk that the annual scholarship examination would take place on the last Saturday in July.—A committee was appointed to consider the question of extending the laboratoiv accommodation, the inspector of the Central Welsh Board being dis- satisfied with the present arrangements. It was decided to pay £ 20 towards the £ 35 grant allocated to the Holywell technical classes, it being stated by the Clerk that gas and chemical materials would absorb the remainder of the grant.

HAWARDEN. The Right Hon. Herbert Gladstone was present on Wednesday night at a reception and dance given by Mr. and Mrs. Asquith at Grafton Galleries, Grafton-street. HAWARDEN COUNTY SCHOOL —J. E. H. Hill, a pupil of this school, has been awarded the Dalton Scholarship of £ 40 a year at Owen's College, Manchester, this being one of the most valuable scholarships offered there. Hill was successful last year in gaining a Flintshire county exhibition of £35 a year, and was recently offered a scholarship at University College, Liverpool, the latter of which he now resigns. Dr. A. Hopkinson, the present Principal of Manchester University, was a former holder of the Dalton Scholarship as well as several other men of eminence of the present day.