Cheshire Observer

TO ADVERTISERS. Advertisements intended to appear in the CHESHIRE OBSKBVSB must reach the OBSERVER Ojjica not later than 12 o'clock each Frid'iy. I Under no circumstances tvkalet38Y can We insirl- I in the First Edition Advertisements received at I that ho,.r,

RADICAL ROMANCE. I In view of the persistent reiteration by I Radical politicians of their absurd stories respecting Chinese" slavery" in South Africa, the issue of the fifteenth annual report of the Transvaal Chamber of Mines this week is opportune. A few of the facts contained therein are useful for the education of the stay-at-home British reader, who may be misled by the glaring misrepresentation of a certain school of politicians. To judge from the utterances of the latter, one might fancy that the Chinese coolies had supplanted altogether the native Kaffir in the Transvaal mines. So far from this being the case, the report in question shews that during the past year the natives employed in the mines have; increased from 68,000 to 76,000. Those who understand the position in South Africa have stated over and over again that, if there had been sufficient Kaffirs for the work, no one would have dreamed of importing Chinamen. A little fact brought out in the report drives home this argument. The cost of recruiting I and bringing natives to the mines during the past year amounted on an average to £ 2. 18s. 5d. per head. How much does it cost to I import the hordes of Chinese" slaves" 1 Basing a calculation upon the speeches of the Opposition, one would infer that the China- man could be brought to Eoutu Africa for a mera bagatelle, compared with the Kaffir. In point of fact, it cost the proprietors of the mines no less than kll for each Chinese coolie brought to the Transvaal. Now, the bitterest Radical will admit that, notwith- standing his numerous crimes, the South African mine-owner is, at all events a shrewd judge of a bargain and a sound business man. If, therefore, he could obtain an adequate number of native labourers at £ 2. 18s. 5d. per head, why should he go to the extravagant cost of importing Chinese at the rate of JEll per head] Is not the answer as clear as daylight that it is only because the mine- owner cannot procure enough of Kaffirs that he has been driven to the more expensive expedient of Chinese labour, q. e. d. 7 Another myth with which Radical speakers insult the intelligence of their audiences is that the poor Chinese labourers are subjected to cruelty by being deported to a strange country without their wives and children. It is almost needless to say that this grievance is entirely fictitious. The industrious China- man goes to South Africa to make money, to save money and send or take it home to his wife and family. The last thing that the Chinaman desires is to have encumbrances with him in his travels. He is accustomed to go far afield for work in his own country, and he takes not unkindly to a temporary deprivation of domestic felicity. If any of our readers doubt this view, let them turn to the mines report again, and they will discover that up to the end of the year only fifteen per cent. of the Chinese had registered them- selves, before starting, as married men, only two had brought their wives, and none had intimated a wish to exercise the right, under the contract, to be followed by wives and children. The duplicity of the Chinaman is proverbial, and it is quite likely that more than fifteen per cent. of the coolies were, as a matter of fact, married men. If they choose to conceal the fact, however, it is strong evidence of their aversion to take their womenkind along with them in their wanderings. If these same coolies could hear the lamentations of the British Radical about the girls the Orientals have left behind them, they would be hugely amused, but if they heard the Radical suggestion that the families ought to be made to accompany them, they would view it as a species of cruelty. If the Chinaman wishes to leave his family at home, why should Radical agitators interfere ? After the controversy that raged between Mr. Yerburgh and the Radical candidate for Chester on the subject of white unskilled labour in the mines, the most interesting feature in the report locally will be the passages dealing with white labour. Mr- Yerburgh's point has been that it is derogatory for a white man to perform the rough, unskilled labour in the mines, done by Kaffirs or Chinese. The testimony of every other person who understands the situation is to the same effect. Mr. Yerburgh proved his case by offering to send out half-a- dozen of his constituents to try the work, if they had a mind, but none was forthcoming. Mr. Mond followed up by a similar but belated offer, and although nearly six months have elapsed, we have heard no announce- ment of the despatch of the contingent. The President of the Transvaal Chamber of Mines takes precisely the same view as Mr. Yerburgh. In a recent address the President used these words I see no cause to regret the small number of white men employed in rough labour. We know that the white man, to compete with any coloured labourer in this country, must be content to suffer great disadvantages and to occupy a most undesirable position in the social scale. Nothing could be done here which would be a greater injustice to Europeans than to put them to work side by side with the unskilled Kaffir or coolie." It is to avoid this great injustice to Englishmen that the Unionist party decline to lend their countenance to the impracticable proposal to send white men to do black men's wor k.

I RIVER CONTROL. An experiment which is being carried out in the north of Scotland will be followed with keen interest by those who are affected by the low state of our rivers during prolonged drought. The persons most concerned in this matter are those who depend upon fishing for profit or pleasure and those whose water supply is restricted by an insufficient rainfall. It is common know ledge to practical men that the improved drainage of river watersheds for agri- cultural and other purposes has had a direct effect upon the flow of water in our rivers. Nowadays a heavy rainfall is followed almost immediately by a flood from the overcharged drains. The bank-full rivers carry off the flood incontinently to the sea. In olden days the rain water lodged in immense tracts of boggy land, whence it found its way by slow degrees to brooks and rivers. These bog lands served as natural reservoirs, and kept the rivers from running abnormally high or low. The drainage of swamps has been beneficial in many respects, but has been disastrous to the interests of the rivers as sources of water supply and as fishing grounds. A correspondent, writing to "The Times," of Tuesday, gives particulars of an experiment being conducted on the Thurso river, where an immense reservoir is in course of con- struction to prevent the river from becoming too low for salmon fishing. Sir Tollemache Sinclair, the owner of the river and adjacent lands, has instructed Mr. Malloch, a skilful naturalist of Perth, to construct a loch measuring two miles long by half a mile broad, and with a general depth of eight feet, in the upper reaches of the river. Sluices will be provided, so that the flow of water can be regulated during spells of protracted drought. The idea seems practicable, and the result of the experiment will be awaited with no small interest by observers in England and Wales as well as in Scotland. Should it be favourable, as appears probable, there is no reason why similar attempts to control the flow of our rivers should not be tried in England and Wales. The land required for the purpose must be necessarily in the higher reaches, where the site for a lake could be procured at a relatively small cost, considering the potential benefits to the dwellers j in the lower parts of the watershed. It is not stated whether in the Scottish experiment any use is to be made of the artifical loch for fishing purposes, but this in some measure might help to repay the initial cost of construction. The drainage cf SWftmps, while being advantageous to man, has proved å, violation of Nature's laws, and the artificial lake would apparently supply the needed corrective. I I

LOCAL & GENERAL NOTES. Our Royal visitors hava gone, oanying away with them to Ireland pleasant impressions of Cheshire, scenes and Cheshire folk. We in the Chester district for our part shall remember a Prince who heartily reciprocated our good wishes and acknowledged our salutations, and a Princess who is the embodiment of womanly grace. Denbighshire has lost a leader and a friend by the death of Sir Robert Cunliffe. An unusually interesting career was the lata Baronet's. He adopted the Army as his profession and servfcd his Sovereign and his country with distinction. He next turned his attention to politics and foug-htf- ihis battles in Denbighshire and Flintshire with the chivalry of a soldier. In his latter roles of landlord, magistrate, county councillor, and bene- factor, he was an untiring worker and a wise counsellor. There is a clever drawing in "The Bystander" of this week which will be readily recognised in Cheshire, and below is the title "The G.O.M. of Polo." The subject is the Earl of Harrington, who is depicted mounted and ready for the fray, his faca alight with enthusiasm. In a brief letterpress sketch we are told something of the ancient family from which his lordship springs. "The line, after having produced an abundance of knights of the shire, soldiers, and even con- spirators (Sir Michael Stanhope's head lent dis- tinction to Temple Bar under Edward the Sixth), took a sharp upward turn: in the seventeenth century a Stanhope became Earl of Chesterfield. A grandson of his was the first Earl Stanhope, a Primo Minister of George the First. Later on another of the race was made Earl of Harring- tcn." Of the present Earl the writer says :It is as a country gentleman of that full and rounded completeness that is indicated by the mystic letters M.F.H., and as the Grand Old Man of Polo, \l'at Lord Harrington is chiefly known. He is sixty aiW has held the title since 1881." "He is the only 1:-N',1' who keeps and supplies a fruit shop of his own, ,Tld many heedless Londoners who have had their toc,h in the goods supplied by a certain fruit etoic. in Whitehall may not realise whom they have lone business with." The presentation to Mr. Tou Mills at the Town Hall, on Wednesday, in reoognirnn of the honour that has been conferred upon him Ly his election to the blue ribbon of Oddfellowship lias a pleas- ing function. The Mayor, Mr. Ycrbuizh, and others bore eloquent testimony to the personal and public worth of Mr. Mills as A citizen and an ardent worker in thie cause of fmndly socie- ties. One agreeable feature of the proceedings was the feeling that seiemed to permeate all present that Mr. Mills had worked his way un- aided to the top of the tree by sheer force of character and industrious devotion and persever- ance. It speaks well for the enthusiasm of Ces- trians for Oddfellowship that Mr. Mills is the third of our fellow-citizens who have realised their ambition to oocupy the presidential chair of the Order. We cordially congratulate Mr. Mills upon his well-deserved honour, and wish him a happy year of office. Mr. Yerburgh, M.P., contributes a valuable letter to Wednesday's "Times" on the great national question raised by Lord Roberts in his letter on "Rifle Shooting as a National Pursuit." In these days of short memories, it may be for- gotten that Mr. Yerburgh has been a pioneer advo- cate of teaching the manhood of the nation how to shoot. Years ago, when other people who are now taking up the cry raised by Lord Roberts, because it has b>ecome suddenly popular, Mr. Yer- burgh was giving practical proof of his serious interest in the subject, by establishing rifle clubs on his property in Lancashire, Leicestershire, and in Scotland. He has beon also all along an ao- tive supporter of the movement of the National Service League. In his "Times" letter, Mr. Yerburgh shenrs thle possibility of running a village rifte clyb at an outlay which would bring the membership within the reach of every inhabitant. In the Kirkcud- brightshire and Leicestershire rifle clubs, he says, there are farmers, labourers, gamokeepeis, and gardeners. In the Lancashire club there arc, in addition, cotton operatives. The ranges extend to 300 yards, the weapon used being the Croener Sharpshooters' Club rifle, which is very accurate. The ammunition costs a halfpenny per rouid, and under the rules each member has to fire 120 rounds per annum. This involves a ccsi of five shillings per member. The membership fee being only ono or two shillings, the adverse balance is made up, in the case of thle poorer members, out of the subscriptions of honorary members. "The shooting," Mr. Yerburgh adds, "all round is really good, and experience shews that after hav- ing mastered the small rifle, the men take to tha service one like, ducks to water." So far, so good, but while, recognising the bneofit of having a rifle club in every district, Mr. Yerburgh proceeds to ask why we should not go a step further and frankly admit that our Militia and Volunteers, good as they undoubtedly are, cannot givet us all that national safety re- quires. His own predilection, as is well-known, is in favour of the Swiss system, which exacts from every able-bodied infantry-man a total of only six months' service in his whole life. What pos- sible, harm could be done to any one by insisting that every young man, totally irrespective of his, social position, should undergo a minimum of training to give him the rudiments of military knowledge and discipline? At present the State ed ucates the boys of the nation frC'. Would it be too much to ask a brief period of military service from each of them in return for this great boon ? The apprehension lest such a system would breed a quarrelsome national spirit is pre- posterous. It does not do so among other nationalities. Moreover an Empire whose sons were all capable of bearing arms would be too strong for any foreign Power to attack. At pre- sent We are temptingly weak in this respect, and Continental Powers openly despise our military resources. Ratepayers generally will sympathise with the mild remonstrance which thta Cheshire County Council have addressed to the Education Com- mittee, pointing out the alarming increase in that committee's expenditure, and suggesting retrench- ment. It is true the Council singled out no pa.r- ticular item on which the committee had been extravagant, but there can be no doubt that a general charge of over-spending can be sustained against the Education Committee. One unfor- tunate circumstance in this connection is that a certain clique, who abhor the Education Act, because it emanated from a Unionist source, have made up their minds to make education ae ex- pensive as possible, in order to make the Act obnoxious in the eyes of the ratepayer. It is a cunning dodge, if it were not so palpable. The favourite Radical remedy, that of making education an Imperial charge, thus shifting the burden from the< shoulders of the ratepayer to the shoulder of the taxpayer, is worthy of the shallow-minded school of political thought. Not one penny would be saved by the change, for we are all, more or less, both ratepayers and taxpayers alike, and whether a man pays three shillings in the £ as rates or taxes matters very little, so long as 'he is under the dire' necessity of paying. We quite concur in Professor Gonner's judgment that, if education were paid for wholly out of the taxes, the result would be a serious increase in expenditure, instead of a diminution. Another difficulty would be that local authorities, having ceased to contribute to the cost of educa- tion out of the rates, naturally would be deprived of a voice in the spending of the money. A great outcry would then be raised of the njustice of depriving local people of managing' their own local affairs. The right to vote the money which they do not raise, on the other hand, would be a distinct anomaly, and, if sanctioned, would inevitably lead to ruinous extravagance. The only possible check at pre-smt upon the spending pro- clivities of education comrnittoes is the knowledge that the local ratepayers have to find the money and that the ratepayer will not endure the in- tolerable burden for ever without complaint. The Education Committee, singularly enough, missed a grand opportunity for effecting an economy a few moments after th3 abortive dis- cusgioh upon the general question of expenditure. Dr. Hewitt brought forward a proposition to exclude children under five years of age frcm ele- mentary schools. In consequent of the number of mere babies that attend the elementary schools of the county, it will be1 necessary to spend a considerable sum of money, in building further school accommodation, whereas if infants under five were eliminated, there would be room ob- viously for a greater number of the older pupils. Five years of agia is in all conscience early enough for a child to commence the drudgery of school life. Some medical authorities tell us that six is soon enough. Boys and girls under that ago would develop their bodies, and their minds too, perhaps, infinitely better by playing in the open air, rather than by being forced prematurely in school like hothouse plants. The system of sending infants under five to pphool find? only two 5J- of apologists, namely, a section of education faddists, & number of selfish parents who seek to use the elementary school as a nursery. It is beside the point to urge that if these tender infants were debarred from entrance to school, they would be obliged to spend thlir time in squalid surroundings and amid parental neglect. Elementary schools were not built, we take it, for nursing the children of negligent and callous parents. Such a use of schools is a gross abuse and a fraud upon the ratepayer. A grandmotherly State has taken too much upon itself already in the way of acting as foster-mother for the children of idle and worthless parents. These fathers and mothers ought to be made to discharge their parental obligations, or take the legal consequences. In our estimation, it is something more than quixotic to fill our schools with babies of three, years of age and then go to the expense of building more schools for the elder children. Tho travelling public will observe great altera- 1 tions in the train services, on Saturday next, the 1st of «J<iif]y. Upon this date the summer service of trails begins, and the whole service down tHe coast to Rhyl, Llandudno, otc., is entirely altered. To London, the North-Western 10.35 a.m. train will start at 10.42 a.m., and ar- rive at Euston at 2.30 p.m., joining into the 8 a.m. tourist train frcm Holyhead at Chester. This improves the North Wales sorvicie to Euston, but is not good for other passengers, as the ar- rival in London is made 20 minutes later, which is of consequence to those who go th'ere and back in the day to do business. What is needed is a fast train for business purposes to Euston from Chester, reaching London abóut 1 p.m. When one arrives after 2 p.m. the half-day in London has already begun, and the afternoon is otten lost for business. True, there is a train at 6.45 a.m. from Chester, due in London each day ('exciept on a Monday) at 10,50 a.m. This timo of departure is, however, admittedly going to the other extreme. We trust this point will not be overlooked. On the Chester to Denbigh service the 2.20 p.m. from Chester is to start at 2.32 p.m., and the present 7 p.m. from Denbigh at 7.20 p.m., due in Chester at 8.35 p.m. There are altera- tions on the other companies' lines, all of which need careful attention.

ELEVEN YEAR 0 r,D PRISONER.-At Runcorn on Wednesday, Frederick Walker, aged 11, was charged with the attempted murder of a little girl named Gatley, aged three years. The case was fully gone into last week, and the magis- trate then intimated that the prisoner would be dealt with summarily. The father now consented to this course. The boy pleaded guilty, and ha was committed to Chester Industrial School until be is 1G years of age and a further two years under the supervision of the school. An order was made upon the father to contribute 2s. 6d. towards his maintenance. lb. T<pXG CAREER.—The GI1.:>at Western Rail- way ivifle;S2ine for June contains a portrait of Mr. John lJa\"r who recently retired from the position of goods a-eut :it Worcester. Mr. Davcy had been at Worcester E.1r!o 1892, and prior to that he was for 14 years at Chester. He has had a varied experience of over 50 years in road water, and railway transportation. With his father and grandfather he was early engaged in the road cariymg trade of the West of England. In 1859 he entered the service of the South Devon Company, being transferred to tho West Cornwall line as chief goods clerk at Pc-uzanco in 1865, and to tb> G.W.R. upon the absorption of the western lmei by that company. YV AllfJrt H FAITHLESS WIFE. In the Divorce Division, on Wednesday, Mr. Justice Bargrave Deane had lefore him the undefended petition of Frederick Alhrnn, a waiter, of Francis- street, Chester, for a divorce by reason of the adultery of his wife Elizabeth with some person unknown.— Mr. Bay ford, fa; the petitioner, said that the parties were m,?rrik on the 13th August, 1894, at St. Paul's Church, Bovdon, Cheshire, and they afterwards lived at Chester. The respondent gave way to drink, and in con^qlience of that petitioner had to leave her, and a dtd of separation was entered into on the 19th Marct. 1902, under which he made her an allowance, whict he regulatly paid. He had the custody of the children, and the mother saw them from time to time it Chester Station. In February last ke heard that. she had given birth to a child, but she declined to give the name of the father, consequently leave had to be granted to proceed without naming a co-responient. —Evidence was given in support, and was supjle- I mented to the effect that the previous day the respondent had been identified at the Golden Lion, Chester.—A decree nisi, with costs, was granted, with custody of the two children of the marriage. BOOTS TO ORDER-not "hand-sewn prin ciple," but real Hand-sewn, made on the premises by expert workmen in the old-fashioned way with oak bark tanned Leather these are a comfort, walking becomes a pleasure, and the price is reason- able. HEWITT'S, AEllKY GATKWAY, the Old- established Hand-sewn Bootmakers.

CHESTER CATHEDRAL. I SERVICE LIST FOR WEEK CGMMEXCING JUNE 24. SATURDAY, JUNK 24TH (XaHv]ty of S. John iiaptist).— Morning, 8.0 Holy Communion, 1V.15: Service. Harwood in A nM anthem, Blessed is the man (Stairier? 11-15 Haly Communion. Evening, 4.15 Proœs¡;ional hymn, Si; Service, Harwood in A fiat; anthem, And io! a mighty host" (Spohr). SUNDAY, JUNE 25TH (First Sunday after Trinity).—Morn- ing, u: Holy Communion. 10.3U Service, Mendelssohn in A; anthem. "The Lord is in His Holy Temple" (Thorne); introit, hymn 531; Kyrie and Credo (Garrett in F); preacher, the Canon in Residence. Evening, 3.30: Service, Macfarren in E fiat; anthem. The wilderness" (Goss); hymn 514. O.iiO Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis to Chants; Processional hymn, hymns 12, 27, 293; preacher, the Dean. MONDAY, JUNE 2OTII.—Morning, 8.0:: Holy Communion. 10.15 Service, Travers in F; anthem, "I will sing of Thy power (Sullivan). Evening, 4.15 &arvice, Ti avers in F; •anthem, Stand up and bless" (Gose). TUESDAY, JUNE ÛTlI. -Morning, IUI: Holy Communion. 10.15: Service, Ouseley in G; anthem, "Save me. 0 God" (Hopkins). Evening, 4.15: Service, Qu-aeley in A anthem, The heavens declare (Boyce). WEDNESDAY, JUNE 28T11.-Morn¡,i.45: Matins and Holy Communion. 10.15: The LJUINY; hymn Ö. Even- ing, 4.15: Service, Roberts in F inthem, The Lord will comfort Zion (Hiles). TUUKSDAY, JUXE 2tmi (S. Peter, _S..M.).—Morning. 8.0: Holy Communion. 10.15: Service. Stainer in B flat; anthem, "The souls of the righteous" (Woodward). 11-lb Holy Communion. Evening, 4.15: Processional hymn, 447 Service, Stainer in B flat auttiew., These are they (ByikesX FRIDAY, JUNE SCTH.—Morning, 7.45 Matins and Holy Communiori. 10.15: Tht Litany; hymn hoJ. Evening, 4.15: Service, Barrow in F; anthem, "\Give ear unto my prayer (Arcadelt).

Towards a fund for the augmentation of the endowments of St. John the Baptist's Church, Toyteth Park, Liverpool, Mr. Leadley Brown gives£iá,and Mr. T. Brocklefetaik, D.L., of Heswall, promises to contribute JE109 when a similar sum has been subscribed. The condition of Lord Romilly was on Wednes- day very critical. It may be remembered that recently he had to undergo an operation which at the time wae thought to be a very insigmificant one however, blood-poisoning set in, and on .Sunday night the patient's life was despaired of. The latest accounts, however, are a trifle more ifavour- able. Lady Romilly is with her husband at .their house in Harley-street. The Earl of Denbigh, as representing the Honour- able Artillery Co. 2.Qd Col. Sidney M. Hedges, of the Ancient and Honourable Artillery Co., of Massachusetts, were on Tuesday night entertained at dinner by the Anglo-Saxon Club. The Earl of Denbigh described the splendid reception given to the Honourable Artillery Company in Boston and other parts of the United States, as well as its visit to President Roosevelt, whose great qualities he eulogised. MR. KENYON & DENBIGH BOROUGHS. A report that the Hon. G. T. Kenyon, the present member for the Denbigh Boroughs, intends to retire at the general election has received an unqualified denial from the hon. member. When the report i was brought to his attention, Mr. Kenyon said there was no foundation whatever for it, and he asked that it should be most emphatically contradicted, The report that Sir Foster H. E. Cunlitfe would be the Unionist candidate in the place of Mr. Kenyon is also, of course, equally untrue. Earl Egerton and the Duchess of Buckingham arrived in London on Monday from Tatton Park. Mr. and Mrs. R. St. J. Corbet have returned to Wrexham from the Continent. The Duchess of Westminster will give a ball at Grosvenor House on Thursday, the 21tli instant.— Morning Post." Mr. John Wright, of Litley Court, Tupsley, Hereford, left gross estate valued at £ 73,553. His estates at Over Peover, and the Merndale Farm at Over Peover, he left on certain trusts for his daughter, Miss Frances Edith Wright, and the residue as to one half to his wife during widow- hood, or an annuity of £ G00 in the avent of her re-marriage, and one half and the remainder to the first moiety, to his daughter for life, with remainder to her issue as she may appoint. MR. WM. WILLIAMS, F.C.I.S.-His many friends will be pleased to learn that Mr. William Williams, the secretary of the Chester Co-operative Society, has been elected a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Secretaries. CLIO BOYS AT LLANDUDNO.—The beys of the training ship Clio proceeded to Llandudno on Wednesday by the steamer Snowdon, from Bangor. They will encamp for some weeks at Boda.fon, Llandudno, for their usual summer holi- days. CHESTER SCHOOL OF SCIENCE AND ART.—In connection with the technological ex- aminations the following tfasults are to hand:- Cabinet making, ordinary: George E. Huwitt, Henry R. Huxley, and Frank F. Sansom, each second class. DR. THEODORE THOMPSON.—At a meet- ing of the Board of Management of the Great Ormonde-street (London) Hospital for sick children hald on Wednesday afternoon, Dr. Theodore Thompson, I.R.C.S., M.R.C.P., of 35, Harley- I street, London, was unanimously elected one of the visiting physicians on the honorary staff QUEEN-SIREET P.S.A. On Sunday the chairman was Mr. Thomas, who spoke on What is a man ?" The speaker, Mr. James Walker, in a short address described the deeds of our Saviour when on earth. Miss Hallmark rendered the solos, "Angels ever bright and fair" and "Pass it on." Mr. Beswick was the reader, prayer œing offered by Mr. Slater. Mr. Skeldon was the organist. j VVAIF a ATVEDAY. —Those friands who con-, tribut-ed to the collectors fcr Dr Bamado's Homes, i in the streets and Rows on Saturday, will be, pleased to learn that the total amount received was £24. lis. 3d., the whole of which has bean sent to headquarters. The support of the little motherless lad who was sent to the homes last year from Chester, and who is now out in Canada, is therlforz. assured for another twelve months. QUEEN'S SCHOOL GIRLS AT CAMBRIDGE. —The following successes have been won by former 1 pupils of the Queen's School in the recent tripos examinations:—Miss Gladys Sykes, first class in the Natural Science Tripos; Miss Dorothy Walthall, second class in the Mediaeval and Modern Languages Tripoe; Miss Ethel Sandford, third class in the Classical Tripos. All three students propose to continue their work at Cambridge for another year. I O.G.f. CHESTER EXCELSIOR LODGE. The weekly session of this Lodge was held in the Temperance Hall on Monday night, when an excellent paper was given by Bro. A. Newns, D.O.C.T., on Does the bible teach total abstin- ence." The following members took part m the interesting debate which followed:—Bros. J. Lupton, C.T. (Cestrian), E. C. Keeping, J. T. Jones, P.C.T., and W. H. Knight. Bro. Newns replied to the debate, after which a hearty vote of thanks wits accorded him for his paper. The secretary read a letter from Mr. James Tomkinson, M.P., acknowledging a letter of sympathy and condolence sent on behalf of the Lodge to him in his recent bereavement. Brother Keeping extended the greetings of the Forward" Lodge, Middles- burg, Cape Colony, the "Mafeking" Lodge, Mafeking, and the Diamond Lodge, Kimberley. Bro. T. L. Williams, C.T., supported by Bro. Knight. E.S presided over a good attendance. CAMPANOLOGY.—On Friday night, at St. Mary's-on-the-Hill, thl" following members of the Chester Diocesan Guild of Church Bellringers (Chester Branch) rang Mr. John Holt's ten-part peal of grandsire triples, consisting of 5,040 j changes :-Treble, Charles Davids; 2nd, Robert Sperring; 3rd. Edward Harrison; 4th, Frank Milton; 5th, James V. Wright; 6th, James Moul- ton; 7th, Alexander White tenor, Thomas Row- land. The bells were half muffled as a tok?n of respect for the late verger, Mr. Joseph Nield. The peal was rung in 2hrs. and 55mins. and con- ducted by Mr. Robert Sperring. On Tuesday night, the 13th inst., at the Cathedral, a quarter peal of Stedman triples, taken from Thurstons, was rung in 46mins. by the following members of th, guild :-Treble, Charles Davies; 2nd, Wm. Wheeler; 3rd, Robert Sperring; 4th, Harry Gib- son; 5th, James V. Wright; 6th, Alexander White; 7th James Moulton; tenor, Thomas Row- land. Conducted by James Moulton. NEST. IN AND DISTRICT HOMING SOCIETY.—The following results are to hand, old bird race. Craven Arms, 59 miles, 14 members. 27(; birds, liberated by Mr. Hay J. R. Tozer 0G5, Hall Bros. 960, C. Gri mes 955, J. Metcalfe 950, Stone and Booth 9:36, E. Chrimes 928, Smith Bros. 919, J. Wood 019, J. Oxton 895, J. Bill 888, 0. Bartley 8G9. J. Taylor S65, T. Anyon 853. Hereford race, 87 miles, 274 birds: Metcalfe 1134, Stone and Booth 1131, Chrimes 1130. Tozer 1131, Smith Bros. 1117, Grimes 1111, Bartley 10C8, Wood 1027, Bell 987, Hall Bros. 957. Bath race, 135 miles, 242 birds Tozer 1385 and 137G, Metcalfe 1382, Grimes 13(>C>, Taylor 13G3, Oxton 1361, Chrimes 13G1, Smith Bros. 1340, Anyon 1324. Bell 1305, Bartley 1300 Stone and Booth 1258, Hall Bros. 1205. W,,?mo.ti; race, 187 miles. 181 birds Metcalfe 1204, Tozer 1201 and 119G, Grimes 1188, Hall Bros. 1179, Stone and Booth 1179, Taylor 11G5, Chrimes 1162. Oxton 1144, Burtley 1143, Anyon 1138, Smith Bros. 1134, Bell 1128. Guernsey race, 21i6 miles, 75 birds: Tozer 834 and G38, Hall Bros. 828, Stone and Booth 817, Bartley 768. Bell 755, Chrimes 755. BAPTIST CONFERENCE.—The annual con- -CE.-The annua l coll- ference opened on Wednesday at Glynceiriog, near Ruabon, of the Denbighshire, Flintshire, and Merioneth Welsh Baptist Association, the Rev. E. Williams, Rhos, Ruabon, presiding. In the course of his address, the Chairman diealt with the remarkable change in the character of the Church consequent upon the revival. The revival had resulted in a close bond of union between various denominations, and had cemented their friendship.The Secretary delivered the report of the year's work of thfa association. Four hundred and sixty-one ex-members had been re- admitted by baptism, and 226 "backsliders" had been, received back to tho -church, 381 by letters, while 372 had deserted the fold, 101 without letters had left, and 82 had died; 102 Tiad been excom- municated, but the total figures shewed an in- crease of 408, compared with seven last ar. The total membership was 7,988, and there were 45 ministers, 110 churches, 21 missions, 83 local preachers with 120 Sunday schools, and 1,171 church workers were attending Sunday school. Altogether there were 4,182 Sunday school scholars, with an average attendance of 3.415. At 94 churches in the year the collections aggre- gated £ 3,928. 10s. 3d., and on 34 chapels debts totalling £ 1,163. 19s. 3d. had been paid, leaving £ 2,017 owing on the buildings. JE470 had been received for foreign missions. In the 73 churches 1,301 members had been received under tho as- 6ocintion, miking a grand total of 9,389, or pos- sibly, had all the figures come to hand, 10,000. (Applaol.BC.)-Wrexham. CorWen, and Dolgelly werei suggested as the locale for the next annual oonferenc", and Dolgelly was selected. Mr. H. V. Lloyd, of Holyvell, was elected president; the Rev. W. G. Owci. Pandry, Corwen, vice-presi- dent; Mr. Robert Edwards, Corwen, treasurer; and the Rev. Edwin Tones, Llanfyllin, secretary.

HONOUR TO MR. TOM MILLS. A DISTINGUISHED ODDFELLOW I TESTIMONIAL PRESENTATION- I A memorable and gratifying function in the local history of friendly societies was enacted on Wednesday evening at Chester Town Hail. The central personage was Bro. Tom Mills, with whom the brethren of the Order of Oddfellows (Man- chester Unity) and cf kindred friendly and trade societies, together with citizens of Chester, fore- gathered in strong numbers at a koncer-t. to pres-ent him with a convincing token of their recognition of the valuable service he has ren- .dered for many years in the cause of mutual help so benefidently espoused by those societies. There was a peculiar fitness in the occasion from the fact that Bro. Mills has just been elected to the Kiiprcme office in his great Order, and that he is the third Cestrian upon whom that honour has fallen, Alderman Gerrard and Councillor John Bennett having successfully filled the office of Grand Master. The testimonial consisted of an excellent portrait of brother Mills, and a purse of gold of the value of L130, together with a service of plata for Mrs. Mills. The Mayor (Alderman R. -Lamb) occupied tho chair, and a crowded gathering in the Assembly room included lko. Tom Mills, G-M., I.O.OJF., M-U., wearing the insignia of .his office JMr. Robert A. Yerburgh, M.P., 1 the Sheriff (llr M..nnl å Iûp,, np DL- _„J X-"J~SL. -L.YUJ-K2IIS Dr. Hamilton, Councillors D. L Bew¡tIt, R. Cocil Davies, J. Egerton Gilbert, G. -Barlow, R. Lanoeley, W. H. Denson, H. Dodd, C. P. Cockrill, John Williamson, H. B. Djutton, the Town Clerk (Mr. J. H. Dickson), Messrs. W. Peer:¡, 1. Matthews Jones, J. H. LayJxmrne, S. P. ;DaVi( JF. Johnson, cl. A ?ry largp Peers, !• j os, f Oddfellows, Forestere, and member gathering of Oddfellows, ForeEterii, and membeU' of kindled societies included the following:—Dr Taylor, Messrs. B. Hulse, J. Harris, H. Lockett I T. Hibbert, J. M. Graham, J. R. Thomson, W. Leah, E. Jackson, C. Wright, C. Stanyer. J. Fenna, W. H. Davies, E. MeaJuag, W. Williams. A. B. Dye, E. Andrews, Povey, G. Lodge, J. Rowley, Bell, etc. Apologies for absence were received from Major Hawkins (Honourable Artil- lery Company), Deputy Grand Master of the Manchester Unity; Air. A. Mond, and Bros. E. Thomas and G. R. Brockwell, joint hon..secre- taries to the committee. Bro. T. Hibbert .acted in their absenoe. The: presentation took place during an illtervalin an excellent musical pro- gramme. The Mayor said they had met that night to dp honour &> .& distinguished citizen. (Hear, hear, and applause)-—a title he was very proud to give Broj Tom MiJJa. It was no small to be el&ete? to be Grand Master of Oddfellows of the Manchester Unity. He (the Mayor) was sorry indeed Bro.: Mills did not belong to the Independ- 'anoe because he had belonged to the Independ- enoe all hifc life and he. supposed his ancston before him. Bro. Tom Mills was following the footsteps of: two other citizens, thia late Alderman Gerrard and Councillor John Bennett, and he congratulated him on his own behalf and on behalf of the citizens. He had had the pleasure of telegraphing his congratulations to him and hAd had his reply. He s i ncerely hoped he would have good health to carry out the duties the Order had imposed upon him, and that he would oon- tinue and occupy the office in a manner satisfac- tory not only to the Order but creditable to him- self. (Applause.) He asked Mr. Yerburgh to make the presentation to Bro, Tom Mills. They v/ere all delighted to see Mr. Yerburgh present. (Applause.) Bro. T. Hibbert then read the address, which was in the following terms:- "To Bro. Tom Mills, Grand Master, I.O.O.F., lkl.U.On behalf of th!? brethren of the Man- cnester Unity, and of the, several friendly and trade societies, and citizens of Chester, we tender to you our sincere and hearty congratulations on your election to the high and honourable pcsition of Grand Master of the Independent Order of Oddfellows, Manchester Unity. We reocgnise with feelings of pnde the devoted service which you have given to-the cause of Oddfellowship, of the very able assistance which you have at all times rendered to the work of friendly societies, and particularly your efforts to secure their finan- 1 cial stability. We ask your acceptance of this address with the accompanying portrait of yourself, and a purse of gold, value £ 130, together with a service of plate for Mrs. Mills, as a small recognition of th-a valuable services you have rendered, and venture to hope that for many y?ars to come the cause of Friendship, Love, and Truth will ever find in you a ready advocate, and all re- forms tending to elevatie, an active supporter.— Edward Mealing, chairman; G. R. Brockwell. Edward Thomas, joint hon. secretaries; Edward j Jackson, hon. treasurer." Mr. Yerburgh, whose rising was the signal for an outburst of enthusiastic choenng. said he roso with the greatest possible pleasure to discharged the honourable duty which the Mayor had called upon him to perform. He had listened with great ) attention, care and interest to what the Mayor i said with regard to the career of Bro. Tom Mills and he endorsed, jf he might say SQ, !evcrv word that had fallen from him, and when he had said in particular that Chester was proud of her dis-j inguished citizen. (Applause.) He had followed for many years the fortunes of the groat friendly i societies with care and attention, and he knew what capacity was required to rise to distinguished service in their ranks. The Manchester Unity numbered, he thought, some million of members, and its invested capital amounted to two hundred and twelve million pounds sterling. It required great capacity, strength of mind, and judgment to take a part in grappling so large a. body as that, an in administering the large finances. In the ranks of Oddfellows, so far as he (Mr. Yerburgh) had been able to learn, thera was no royal road to favour Imd a man won his place to high offices in the hierarchy of these great societies, not from friendly backing, not by back- stairs influence, but by the capacity for sheer work and by the impression he produced upon his fellows of his integrity, honesty, and ability. (Applause.) Ther? were those were placed :n positions which put them in prominence, who were inclined, it might be. to get round the corner of opposition by adopting the easier methods of persuasion and perhaps of partial admission of their adversaries' case; but with Bro. Tom Mills, of whom wo were all so proud, that course of action had never been pursued. (Applause.) He was a man, who without Hear or favour, had always taken the case as he believed it to be right. (Applause.) He had n-ever truckled to any man, therefore his path had been a harder one than the path that lay before many of us. The path of a man who always spoke his mind must be a hard one; therefore in the fact that Bro. Tom Mills had achieved that dis- tinguished position was, he thought, higher testi- mony to his capacity than ever. With the words of the address he was quite sure everyone thre concurred. They hoped he and his wife would be spared many long years that they might have health and happiness, and they hoped the great Oddfellows' Soc,ety of the Manchester Unity would have for many years to come the advant- age of Bro. Tom Mills's guidance and solid judgment. He (Mr. Yerburgh) would now pr?- sent the purse of ?130, and the silver plate for Mrs. Mills, on behalf of the subscribers, with every possible good wish and every solid senti- j ment of friendship. (Applause.) -Bio. Nlilis, on rising to return thanks, was re- ceived with enthusiasm, the company upstanding and singing "He's a jolly good fellow'' and rais- ing rounds of hearty cheers. After thanking the iUayoi for his congratulatory telegram he for- VvaiuLt^ j to him at i?ymouth last week upon his e 1 p?t ed as Grand Master c? the 6. -U, ?'?')' he said ?c had some Qwii/ h£ cuity m finding- words adequate to thank Mr. Yerburgh for his veiv kind euioglum upon himself. He was not going to say it was flattery, because he knew -Afr. Yer- burgn would not flatter him, or attempt to do so. Thy honour was to climbers; he had had to ciimb the hill, and he prized his posi- ail the more. highly because ne could sately say he had never scooped to anv unwoirnv means to attain his position. \App!asc.) A letter had icachcd him that morning Horn a man wnom he did not know personally, but who had been a delegate at various and it could not but be agreeable to him (Bio. Mills) that he should nave not only sent him a wire immediately after his election, but should have gone to the trouble of writing him a long and encouraging letter. It had been said that his career had boon rather a difficult one. Two other gentlemen—respected citizens of Chester—had preceded him in the office ho now held. He ref erred to Alderman Jas. Gerrard and Councillor John Bennett. Trie -reputation of those gentlemen for ability and in- tegrity still survived in the Manchester Unity, but it was a most. unusual circumstance in the Manchester Unity for the premier position in the society to be occupied by three men fiom the same district, especially when the district was a compaiativciy smaU one liko the. Chester district. This district merely amounted to some three thousand members, and theie were very much larger districts in the Unity. When Alderman Gerrard was elected Grand Ma.ster there were 202 deputies to tho A.M. C. when Counoillor Bennett was elected to the position at the A.M.C. there were 402 delegates. At Plymouth there were over 700. Those figures were remarkable as shev?ing, not only the growth of the annual parlia- ment, but the growth in numbers of the society itself. As long as life spared him to work in a cause which in his judgment brought mere sub- fctantial anu lasting results than any other public NN,or l one oo,,ild eiigag4L, ill work one could engage in, bo could promise them that ho would alway" be at the service of his brethren. The Manchester Unity had n?'er dis- ? charged its dunes to the brethren in any niggardly spint, SPW1t. and he m?ght remind them of the way in [whjeh it relieved the more neceesitous of its lodges Only at its last meeting the A.M.C. took over £ 15,000 liabilities in respect of funeral bene- fits in order to assist necessitous lodges- He thought that was very much to their credit. (Hoar, hear.) After alluding to several other questions which were dealt with at the recent A.M.C., Bro. Mills said on behalf of his wife lie thanked them sincerely for their recognition of the part she had played in his career. The. wamaH who was afflicted with a husband who wanted to spend so much of his time on other people s business was indeed to be pitied. (Laughter.) There was an old writer who said that it was a species of agreeable servitud e to be under an obligation to those we esteemed. That night they had put him under an obligation that he never would be able to repay, and he would be under an agmeaDle servitude to them for the remainder of his days in any good work which he could put his hand to where he would be useful. He could never have attained his present position had not his brethren, both in his own lodge and in the! other lodges in tho district, had such faith during the past 17 years in his ability and integrity, that I through good and evil ieport they had stuck to him..He could only _prciroise them that. God sparing rum, lie wouia ao ras very bebt 10 see tnat aur;rig his term of office Ure cause at the Manciretftcd- L'mty should Jiot suher at h.s lÚlud, alia tnai. Got ti-L-- end. ol iti& term the Lnrty wouici: haH; no 1=.011 to regret that tfcey p-acea ilim m tnat position, (Applause. I B;o. Edw. Jackson. lion., treasurer, pioposed a.' vote of thanks to Mr. \eitrurgn, wmcn was car- ried with applause. Mr. Yerburgh, in i-oply, thanked them for-the! compliment. He did lill.. lequne any tnanks, ue- came he considered It to be such a great honour] ill ms being asked to make that -U. also gaxe nun peculiar j>easu:e. otcaase he had known Bro. Tom Mills ior many years, and he c-ouid-&-Ly in-itn all honesty that he had aiways me nighest admuauon of h.s character, 'i'hey naci now iound another link w buid tr.em tnat night in the sufferings of their le^pected wives. (Laughter.) It was quite true, as Bro. Mills had said, wjtn regard to tke position oi a wcte who&b husband indulged in public woik. He knew hixn- eeif from his experience oi the House of Co-xmccns night after nignt, it a man did his duty his wJe r_i.? dutv iii?? Nv d i?, W4«s kept soriowing at home. (Laugmer.) .He couid see dajiger ioommg m front ol us if some reforme'-s had their wivy, and the lnhuence of uie wife might be very strong against tiie husband going into Parliament. He ioaiid -Lilk4-v was a stiong determination aD the palt. of the lad.e. and they always got tllfif way in the end—i,hax' the suhrage should not he confined to the ru. ferior sex. but extended to the supeuor sex, and that they should be given the privilege of sitting m Parliament. He oouid foresee terrible difiicui-: ties wheu that came about. The WWE-oS at home would object when they iiaard of the fascinating lad.es with whom their husbands, might find it desirable, proper and fitting to "pair." (Laugh- ter.) He ..drew a veil over the futuie, winch he confessed somewhat terrified him. (Laughter-.) At the present time the whole of the country was stirred to its depths by certain revelations which had taken place with reg-anito the disposal of certain stotes, the property .of the country, m South Africa. The- country was determined that those scandaJs should be probed to the very bot- tom—(appiarse)—and that no person who was culpable in the matteT should escape proper and fitting punishment for the injury he had done to the country. He had mentioned that because it had occurred .tD him that :f w.e had bad Bro. Tom JMiua at the War Office the result would have .been different (Applause.) He could not con- ceive any public concern with whose interests he was identihed for long being rabbed of its stores ir the manner the country had been robbed. (Ap- plause.) He only wished we had more Tom Mills's in our country. He hoped we should find more and more men of his character and his stamp iii- teriesting themselyes in public life, DlH only by playing the great part he had done in administra- tion of tho affaw. of that great Order, but by taking his plaoe ic the Parliament of .the nation. He thanked them for the honour they had done him in asking him -to make the presentation. He was always at their service if they wouM call upon -ti-nl (Applause.) A capital mus;ca] and r?citat?-c puc'?-ia.mj.Ee had ? been {?ranged by Mr. E. Rob.rson. "Th.p j?!!ow- ing contributed to it:-Bros. W. O. White. S. P. j Davies, J. Skeldon, J. Thonxjteon, R W. Jones e.,ud E. Robinson, and Messrs. W. E. Siaelsou, W. A. Hop ion, W. H. HaJimark. A. M. Proctor. J. H. Ditcbbum, Loui Psvy, and the Gk.e Party. The accompaniments » £ ,ro played by Mr. R. B niter worth. The permanent portrait, of Bro. Tom Mills was the work of Mr. G. Atkinson. North gate-s treat, and will be on view at 32. iNorthcate-street. j FIRST ADDRESS AS GRAND MASTER. I A STRAIGHT SPEECH. At the cicse- 01 tne A.M.C. at Plymouth last week. Grand Masier Mills ,ore eloquent and unstinted tribute* to the brilliant' manner in which P.G.M. Hind had discharged his duties to the M.U. Concerning his own election to the chair. Grand Master Mills said he did not suppose that any man had ever had a moie stcrrny passage to the chair. He did not regret :T. He (the G.M.) was told at. a con-rivial meetin.g at Manchester after a board! meeting that he was all acquired taste like olives and tomatoes' (Laughter.) People, usually began by having a bad opin on of him and endc-d by having a g-ood one. He would rather they did that than reverse the process. (Applause.) He stood in a unique position.. The Chester district numbered 2.003 members, and he was the third Grand Master the Chester district had provided the Unity with in 34 years. Alder- man J. Gerrard presided at Weymouth, Councillor J. Bennett at Reading; and if God spared him he should pieside at Baiiow-in-Fuiness. (Applause.) He knew they had not alway;: agreed with the attitude he had taken up. and h? must say that tho doctrine promulgated by P.G.M Walton that morning was repugnant to him.. He could not siibzci- be to that with which he disagreed. These who hcaid him speak the previous mght knew he was not wanting in respect for Mr. Walton's groat ability and sen-ices to the A.M.C. but he placed his duty to the A.M.C and to the society even above loyalty to the eleven colleagues who were elected with him on the board. And when lie differed from them ho should always reserve to himself the right to speak if he thought the e.e)e,n men were taking a couise detrimental to the best interests of the' Unity. He would not be compelled to silence, but would always hold him. self free to state his view of the caso io the meet- ing appointing him. He took the hap o{ it!! his deeds. If they did not agree with him. then they I had their remedy, but he would not be silent, or I be asked to advocate a calW", he did net believe in, and he would never be dent if he thought the great interests of the Man- ¡ chester Unity were for cne nioaient in peril. He thanked them for this downing act oI I bndne, and he hoped he should live to re- ceive a renewal of their confidence. (Applause.)

GIGANTIC EXCURSIONS. I The well-known firm of Levei Brother?. Ltd., Port Sunlight, in carrying out. their scheme of prosperity-sharing, this year have decided tha.t all their employes who have attained the age of twenty years and have been :n the employment continuously since January 1st. 1904. shall have the opportunity of visiting the Belgian Inter- national Exhibition at Liege. It will be remem- bered that in 1900 the; fim/s employes were taken to the. Paris Exhibition, and although the journey involved much work and watchfulness on the past of the officials, it was carried through frcm start to finish without a hitch. To convey 2.000 people through two foreign countries (France and Bel- gium) is a gigantic undertaking, but the firm of Lever Bios., Ltd., can, and èü, curry out under- takings, the conception of which would stagger most commercial tirms, and we have no doubt that tho visit to Liege will meet with the success which attended the Paris trip. The excurSlolllsts will leave Port Sunngnt about noon on Friday, July 7ln. cross the Straits of Dover the same night, a:live in Brussels in time for breakfast on Saturday, cfter which they will enjoy a drive through the principal streets and visit the firm's factory. Liege will bo reached at mid-day. and full opportunity will be given fcr the members of the party to visit the principal pavilions. The Port Sunlight Philharmonic Society, which gave such an excellent conceit in the Queen's Hall, London. last summer, will give a concert in one of the large halls of the Exhi- bition on the Saturday evening. The return journey will be commenced about midnight on Saturday, and Pert Sunlight should be reached on Sunday afternoon. As the trip to Brussels and Liege will only con- sist of those employes who aie. over the age of tivenry, tho-t- adults who for various reasons cannot undertake so long a journey, their wives and families, and all employes ineligible for the Continental excursion, will be taken by special trains to Blackpool, About 2.700 will participate art, p &4, e in this trip, and four or five special trains will run from Bebington Station direct to Blackpool and back. By this means the party wili enjoy a whole day in the famous Lancashire health resort.

PTOMAINE POISONING.-Two persons have died. and several others have been seriously ill, in Huddersfield, as the remit, it is alleged, of ptomaine poisoning, arising from the consumption of certain foods. A warehouseman, named Norman Brook, aged 22. of Newsome, and five relatives of his and a friend, ate some sausages for tea on Sunday. The following day Brook wa.s very ill. and died in great agony during the night. By mid-day on Monday all the family de- veloped serious forms of illness. Mary Ann Beaumont, 65, housekeeper at. Newsome, has also died as the result, it is alleged, of eating a pork pie on the 5th in^t. Many other people in the district are also ill, it is supposed, from similar causes.

STANDS OUT. STAXDS OUT. A FOOD DIFFERENT FROM ANY OTHER IN THE WORLD. The famous food Grape-Nuts is different from any other in the world (see Canadian Government analysis: sent on request) and the following case is an illustration :— My husband was for years subject to dyspepsia. The distress almost unbearable, commencing at his throat and ending at the pit of his stomach. He gave up one kind of food after another vainly thinking each was the cause of his suffering until it seemed be must starve. He was frequently taken with vertigo on the street, or wherever he happened to be, with all its distressing symptoms. He also had terrible headaches which would stiffen the muscles of his face until in 1896 he got so bad he could hardly articulate and could not remember the children's names. "By the advice of our family physician he gave up his business and for six years was eared for by his children. I bad often urged him to try Grape- Nute food, but as he could not eat oatmeal or any of the cereal foods he had tried he bad no faith in any, not knowing that Grape-Nuts was different from all the others. "One day he was suffering so that I asked him aarain to have some Grape-Nuts and he said, 'Give me anything you please.' So he ate a dish of the food and it agreed with him so well that he took it regularly each day, morning and night, for he began to get well and now he has used the food over a year and a half and would you believe it actually works in the shop ten hours a day and eats almost all kinds of food. The brain trouble seems to have nearly left him, the headaches come only at longer intervals and then only after overwork. Although he is sixty-eight years old he is now fleshier than before and his complexion, which was ashen and prrey, is fresh and the blood shews a rosy colour through the skin. I look at him in amaze- ment." Name given by Grape Nuts Co., G6, Shoe Nuts Co., London, E.C. People often look at the good effects of a. diet of Grape-Nuts food in amazement but there's a reason. 7d. per packet. '"Ask the grocer-"

I IfiE ASTON ESTATES. I PRESENTATIONS TO MISS TALBOT. PRESE.TATIOND MISS TAL.BuT. .A deputation of the tenantry of the Aston estates.belonging to Mr. A. H. Talbot attended at Aston HB.11 on Tuesday evening to pie.seirt Miss Talbot with a present on her approaching mar- riage with Mr. Lacy Clark. The house party con- sisted ef Mr. and Mrs. Talbot. Miss Talbot, Miss Osborne, Dr. and Mis. Carruthers. Mis. and Miss Irvine, IIRE. Blogg, Mr. and Miss Alice L:nakcr. and Mt. and Mrs. C. E. Lruaker. junr. T'hc- deputation consisted of the Rev. Charles Wray, Yioa-r af Aston; Messrs. Robert Sheph.es.rd, J. E. Batz\ Chas. Kirkham. Albert Yarwood. Geo. Xinsev, senr., Geo. Kin&ey, junr.. Joseph Baxter. Thomas Morris, Alfiod Lomas. T AN-. Challoner. F. Davies. T. Milbouine, Wm. Grounds and Robt. towles. The* presentation composed a fumed oak library writing-table, handsomely mounted, a ■inassivo. silver inkstand, blotting pad heaviiy dccora^ed with silver, silver scales and weights, silver caisdiesticks, with other writing-table acces- sories. The Rev. C Wray. in making the present-aticc. wished Mi-ss Talbot every happiness m her future sphere, of life. and said that the subscription list contained over one hundred names. The sub- scription had been most freely given every one Lad expressed the gieat pleasure* it gave there to subscribe to the presentation, and it evidenced the fact that between the family at Aires Hall &d the tenants the best feeling existed. He az-kc-d Miss TaJbot to accept the present as an evidence.; of their goodwill, and as a mark of respect to- wards the. family generally, and hoped that when- ever she used the w: it ing-table she would be re-: minded.of the many friends she had left at Aston. Miss .Talbot, in a very happy llHlE speech, thanked the tenants for their great kindness, and stat-e.d ilrnt she hoped often to come to Aston end to keep up her acquaintance with all she knew and liked so well. Mr. Linaker then proposed the health of Miss Talbot, and asked the company present io wish her every happiness. He said that from his life- long acquaintance with the estates he was happy to say that the relationship between landlord and tenant had always been of the kindest do-scripnon. and he had no doubt that this feeling would con- tinue to exist. Mr. Taibot was at all times de- sirous to do what he could for the tenantry, and practically they had every freedom that good farmers desire- Miss Talbot's health was drunk very entnusi- asticaiiy. a-s .also was tho health of Mr. and Mrs. Talbot, which was proposed by %c. seconded by Mr. Bate. MI. Shepherd spoke of the very kindly feeling whoch had always been expressed by tho tenants towards their landlord, and as far as he personally was concerned, it was always a great- pleasure to mf'et him. as there was sure to be a kind word and a hearty greeting. Mr. TaJbot, in neuiming thanks for Miss Talbot. Mis. Talbot and himself, also referred to the kindly relationship existing between the tenants and' the owners of the estates. He was aiways pleased: and proud. he sa d, to meet the tenants. He did not think that 5.000 é'Cl'eS in any part cf the country could be found that bore better traces of good fanning than the land forming the Astcn est-atos. and1 he had every reason to, be proud of his tenants. He thanked them for the kindness shewn to his daughter and for the many mani- festations of goodwill and sympathy shewn to l;:œ and his family, both in times of joy and sorrow. Ho hoped that on the bvide's return f:om the honeymoon he would have the pleasure to intro- duce his sc-n-in-law to them ail. The estate employer and house sen-ants pre- sented Miss Taibot with a very handsome set cf t«V.le silver in a case, which was greatly ac A large number of wedding presents were set Ollt for the inspection of the company.

I FARNDOX LADIES' CLUB. This popular festival came off on Wednesday. nnder the most favourable circumstances as re- gards weather. For several days previously fitiosig winds and heavy ram haci been too in evidence, and even en. tne morning of trie holiday the storm gusts threatened the tent with destruction, and a shower damped the spirits of the worker. Towards noon the wind gradually abated, the sun came out in all his June strength and beauty. making the lemainder of the day one of the most peifeet we shall have this summer. Large crowds attended for the dancing, cern- pleteiy filling the green. It was questionable, who enjoyed the evening the better. The dancer wim the music and the excitement of the dance seemed pe-rfeetly happy, but the watcher had many com- pensations. A seat in the cool of the tent. a magnificent/ view of the ve-idant- Dee Valley, and with the horizon bounded by the Welsh moun- tains. was decidedly enjoyable but when to tlÙ weie added the strains of music and the pretty picture formed by the moving throng of dancers I m XB-aiiy t'QJ011!f-G dressee, the pleasure of tne 01> f loolier was complete. Owing to the unavoidable absence ot IT Barnston, the duties of the lady patroness weie performed by M:s. Lowe- tChristieton). who mace a most excellent and dignified deputy. Sno.tiy before four o'clock the members formed ^thcni- selves into a procession, headed by the nector (the Rev. L. E Owen) and MIS. Lowe, followed by Miss Salmon (lady stewardess) and Mr. Noaii Parker (steward), the honorary members, the oid.naiy or benefit members, with Miss Grange (I ady stewardess) and Mr. H. J. Bax (ste\.aro) bringing up the rear. In tins older, and preceded by the Farndoar and Holt Brass Band, the pro- cession marched- to the church for service. The lady pationes-s and the two lady stewardesses car- ried at the end of their wan ds throe charming and + bouquets of flowers, the gift of Mr. Edwin I Belh. J.P. (Holt). The gEncrobity 01 .ir. Bd:5 is highly appreciated by the c;nb n.embe;s and hs beautiful presents have now beccme cEe G: the mo&t di?unctlye features of the proce?c.i. Th? honorary members earned wands also decora- ted with flowois, somc, of them, shewing great taste. The benefit members wore long vivtc sashes trimmed with a pink border. On arriving at the church the procession divides into two long l i t?e rca., lines, forming an avenue along which the rear lady stewardess and her steward walk into the church. There a short service was conductet by ihe Rector, the sermon being picachcd by ihe Rev. Mr. Sparhng, who took as his text 1. Timothy v.. 4, "Let them learn first to shew piety at V.. 4, The address was full of excellent adv.c? and was well chosen for the occasion. Mr. H. Pennine ton presided at the organ. Among those in the procession were Mrs. Owen. Airs. ± arKer, Miss S. Salmon. Miss McCreadie. Miss lklLs, Mi-sft Harrison, Mis. Bax, Miss Ferry, etc. Aitcr the service the profession re-foinied outs.de ch urch, and took a longer route through tne vr;- laue back to the tent, where tea was waning. Mis. Lowe took tho lady patroness' chair, wnicli had been prettily decorated with flowers, ineie was no ceremony in the tent, and mlined } the excellent tea provided had been thoroughly enjoyed, tho members left the tent for danciug; It is customary to commence with an old-fashioned country dance, and the band was waiting to ttnke up the tune. But here a difficulty presented itself. No one seemed to know it. The younger members either have not learnt, it or they won't dance it. while the oid onc-s grsGuai.y dis- appeared. At. last Mrs Lowe came to the rescue, and led off with Mr. H. J. Bax. Air. H. Bailisten and Miss Grange being partners, w'-h -N. P:.k;d ;inl'íi,:lLs'\?m;' a..o as panned. OnM gtartcd. the dance went mea]." aicrig. and n v thanks (lue to Mrs. Lowe for her able tuition. It will be a pity if this charm- ing commencement to a pleasant evenint: s aanc- nig is allowed to lapse, and it is to be hoped that bt 'ore the, next anniversary some o. tne Honorary mcinbens will make an attempt to learn it ad to teach it to the others. It is so smipie. anu .cm.s such a fiiunir introduction that. all present s—ou.d take part in it. It would also help to put a little moro enthusiasm into the beginning, for whereas at the end the groen is not large enough to hold the dancers, some of the earlier dances nave prac- tically no one responding. The Farndon Female Frer.ciiy Soci. ety ;s one c: the fortunate ones, in that it has a large amount of invested funds, thereby drawing a certain and welcome income. In this way the ordinary I er comes off verv well for her subscription or 2s. 6d. per quarter. In addition to sick pay. superannuation, contributions to burial and child- birth, each member is entitled to a bonus of £3 3s. if she has not- troubled the society :0: ton years. As in that time she has only paid ia £5 as subscription, she is in an exceedingly fortunate position. On Friday the treasurer paid out £ 16 12s. for the last quarter's superannuation. The subscriptions leceived were £ 18 from the honorary from the ordinary members w¡;c £15 13s. Id. iepresents the entrance money to the ground.

FAMOUS HOUSE SCLD.-Ilarvard Kcu-e Stratford-on-Avon, famous as the birtnplaee or John Harvard's mother, was sold by pub..c auction, on Wednesday night, for £945. A tew It I;as an year? ago the house realised only lt__has an elaborately-carved front. and was ouilt in icaU by Thomas and Alice Rogers, whose daugmei Catherine was the mother of the founder of Harvard University. CHESTER WOOL SALE.—On Thursday Messrs. Cunnah and Roberts held their annual wool sale which was the largest and most successf ul held in Chester for many years, the pitcn Lr exceeded any previous years, and a capital lot ut buyers were present. The trade was very brisk throughout, Shropshire wool making up to Is. 2d. per lb. Cheviot, Is. Id. cross-bred, is. Mrjd eicester. Is. Clun and Kerry, llijd. Welsh, I 103d. Lleyn, lljd. half-bred. 11., Scotch, 8d. Southdown, Is. J?d. and Herd wick, W d. A CHESHIRE DIVORCE CASE.-In the Divorce Co?rt on Wednesday Mrs. Kelly. of M?ccIesfieM, obtamed & decree nisi because of the misconduct of her husband, Arthur Ca.mpbell Kelly, a somewhat versatile gentleman. It transpired in the course of her evidence that the parties were married on December 27, 1894. at St. Michael's, Macclesfield, and there were two children of the marriage. The respondent was a man of many parts and employments. He was a corporal in the 2nd Cheshire Regiment; in the coal business on the stage; back te the coal business again employ- ed in an insurance office; in the Cheshire Constabu- lary on the stage again called cut as a Reservist and went to South Africa to serve in the Boer War; to England again and went on the stage again. On his return to England in 1902 he lived with his wife for a few weeks during which he treated her very badly. threatening her with a pistol. He then left her to go on the stage, and had given her one sovereign since. It was subsequently discovered that he was living with a woman at Eccles.

THE KING'S SCHOOL. TO TEE EDITCE. Sir.—My attention has been culled to a state- niciat made by the Rev. A. H. Fish at the last meeting of the Educaticii Committee "that the curriculum of the school haci net been arrang"ed— he was not blaming the bcadine-stcr—so as to I ibe best advantage to the pcierts of the bo\s at. te school. This is a dt^nite statement Q calls ior a definite reply. Tne King s School :9 aiiminitTered under the | regulations fcr secpndaiy schoc-is of the Board of Education. These leguktior-i lay down the sub- jects of instruction, aiiot the clue proportion of ,1m? 10 tho stvcra? subjects, and PWy.ck.- a sTs- lematie coui?e of instruction from ,ear to year/ The whole school is subject to constant inspec- t:on by the secondary school inspectors of the -r d Iho t' Board, tho time-table irunt be approved bv the Board, and no departure ficm :1 is allowed save by special permission. Mr. Fish must- either been ignorant of these tacts, and this ^iieraiice can scarcely be pre- sumed in a member ci the Higher Education Sub- committee, or ebe. as a private school master. he sets his views against these cf the Board of Educa- tion. May I add that, in v ew cf the many references to the report mad e by tlx- Beard of Education after their inspection of the school in October last, the clerk. Mr. F. B. Mason, will be glad to s hew the -C-P\)I't to n.- at hiQ ciRce, 9. St. Werbu?gh-MiFe''— cmairi. vours obedi- <n:s.n. vours cb? d .i- entiv. J. T DAYIES. The King's School. Ch- June 17th. I TO THE EDJTOE. Sir.-In your report cf he p.oceeamgs of the Education Committee en lilc application of this school for a subsidy. I was not able to gather from the remarks of Mr. Fish—notwithstanding the provocation he had received—which was most objectionable to him. i.e.. the Governors. Mr. Churton, the school staff, the curriculum, or the school itself. It may be feasible to understand the innuendos uttered by him, if we knew the standpoint from which he views this question. I noticc Mr. Fish admits the funds of the school are insufficient fcr the growing require- ments of modern secondary education, and is pre- pared, under certain condition^, to support a. grant being made. This it -k-a,-t. is a concession on his part, and  tbe sc h ool in making on his part, and justifies the school in making such an application. I wr;t< jmp:y as a business man who realises the ncecsfcity of unequivocal statement, and I would suggest that it might help others a.s well as myself to understand the un- pleasantness existing if Mr. F;, h would favour us with a more definite explanation of his address. I write as one of the eld scholars of the school, and naturally have noticed with pleasure the many high scholastic honour's obtained in recent years. I have also sent one cf my sons there in the hope that he may avail him-elf of the advan- tages to be obtained. Let rr.e sav. when I took my son, the headmaster was most explicit as regards the curriculum being approved by the Board of Education, also the double examina- tion which the school u:ick:go< s. He pitrrrc^arly asked if I had any object.cn to a religious in- struction, also whether I had any special career in view fcr the YOUTh. etc. ] l;ay state tbat I have another son receiving university train- ing, and he concurs with my opinion that if there is any shortcoming in a sc.hclai, it is certainly not because of the teachers or the curriculum. It may be hoped that a subject so important as education should be kept out of the vortex of party rancour. I enclose my a dcire-s.-I am. youis ici.pectfully, I H. M.

I LIGHTIXG-UP TABLE. I I I All cycles and other vehicles in the Chester district must be lighted up as stated in the follow- ing table:- p. jr. 8a.turday. Junp 24 !IA2 Sunday, June 25 9.42 Monday, June 2G. 9.42 Tuesday, June 27 9.41 Wednesday, June2S (-41 Thursday, June 2:.1 i* 41 Friday, June 30 9.41

CHESTER INFIRMARY. WEEKLY STATE. ENDED SATLTIDAT LAST. In-Patients are admitted on Tuesday Mornings at Eleven o'clock. In-patients Discharged. In-patients. Cured. 12 j Admitted 22 Relieved 4 { Rem am in the House 81 Made Out-patients 0 ) Unrelieved 0 I Irregularity 0 i Dead 3 Ot'T-PATIF.I" Medical Oases are seen on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday mornings at Eleven o'clock. Surgical Cases are seen on Thursday mornings at Eleven o'clock. Ophthalmic Cases are seen cn F,, "day mornings at Eleven o'clock. Dental Cases are seen on Tueeday and Saturday mornings at Ten o'clock. Out-patients admitted since Saturday last 93

BIRTHS, MARRIAGES &DE ATHS ——- ♦ BIRTHS, MARRIAGES, AND DEATHS are charged at the rate of 20 ,\o:d, kr Is. ^prepaid). If not prepaid, the charge will be 2s. 6d. The announcement must be authenticated by the Signature and Address cf the Sender. BIRTH. TAYLOR-On the 10th June, at Reek Mount, Chester, the wife of H. Frank Ta\ loi, of a son. MARRIAGES. DAVIS—POXON — On the 20th at the Methodist Kew Connexion Chinch, Breaston, the Rev. S. Edwin Davis, second son of the late Theophilus Davis, of this city, to Lisianne, third daughter of he ;:¡tf 1;,(" John Poxon, of Breaston, Derb\ shire. LEACH—EDWARDS—On. the £ I^t .lane, by licence, at St. Mark's, Saltney, by the Po' T, P. Dimor.d Ho-g, vicar, I Joseph Leach, to Lottie Edwards, both of Chester. Sll -kLL-DAN"ES-On the June, at St. Ilede's Church, Hartinfjton-road. Liverpool, by the Rev. Edward St. A. Duke, M. A., Wilii&m Frederick Ismail, Fon of Louisa and the late Henry Small, of Cj¡stu, to Gertrude, daughter of Joseph and Margaret Davies. lute of Oxton. At home 3rd August, 2, Newrv Park, North, Chester. SPIERS—HUMPHREY—On the 19th Jane, at St. Oswald's Church, Chester, by the Rev. S. C. Lowndes, vicar, William Thorp Spiers, of Chester, to Annie Humphrey, niece ot the late Mr. and Mrs. Asiie of Geor™e-street, Chester. TOLLIT-ROBERTS-On the cist June. at the Church of St. John the Baptist, Chester, by the Rpv. Canon Cooper Scott and the Rev. H. Grantham, assisted by the Rev. Edmund Spink, Frederick Stanley Tollit, of the Middle Temple, bairister-at-law, eldest, son of Frederick Toliit. of Glenthorne. VVe^t Hampsitati..WW.. :,0 Eciith Maud, only daughter of Reuben Roberts, The OOj;, Chester. DEATHS. HARRISON—On the £ c)th May, at 3. Ashby-place, Fiookers- brook. Mary, the deariy-Moved wife of Raiph Harrison, in her C9th year. Interred at Overton Parish Church. June 1st. [" Her work on earth is done. She has gone to be with Christ, which is far better "J SHrTTLEWORTH-On the 20th June, at 11. F-ridg°e-place, Chester, Arthur W. Shuttle worth, a^eti 46 years. IN MEMORIAM. ASTBUR" — In lovinjr memory ot Charles Astbury, late of Chester, who died June iJrd. HIC4, ["Until' the day breaks and the shadows liee away. "] ATKINSON-In ever-loving remembrance cf my dear hus- band. Joseph Oulhwaite Atkinson, who departed this life June 4th, 1903. 'Tie hart to part with those v.-e love, .b tlo,3e e lo,-e, Though parting- hours v. ill come But let us hope to meet abo Ie, This earth is lIot our home. (His Jovinp wife, Ajmes.) GILBERT—In loving: memory of Francis Gilbert, late watcnniaker, of this city, w'ro departed this life on Sunday, June Eth, 1894, g-eLi jC, years. [His work is done, but not forgotten, ] G IRYI:\ -IT; lü\-¡n; memory of Francis John Girvin, who died June :?4th. 1000, at the Town Hall Vaults, Princess- street. [" Peace, perfect peace.]—(Sent by Mrs. Harriett Holly Girvin. 4 £ Robbins-avenue, Fcr. Chase, Philadelphia. U.S.A.) memory of John, the dearly loved husband of Elizabeth Uiideihill, who died June 13th, 1900, aged 61 years. We loved, whom God hath taken, b-al We loved, büt :o-]d not keep. We strove, but God was stronger, So we !!lust- c-ease to weep,

CONDOLENCE. Mrs. E. Quinn and Family desire to Thank their many nieuds for their kind s; nipathy during their ,a?i bc-rea??e ment.—10, Si, Mali' b.vdlaC'E..v¡]".

M E M 0 R I A L S, ]. AT ALL PRICES, IN MARBLE, GRANITE, STONE & ALABASTER. On View, and to order. W. HASWELL & SON. MASONS, KALEYARDS, CHESI-EF. Estimates and Designs Free on application. Telephone No. 161A. VANDALISM AT BERV.ICK.-Tho Rev. Jatnts King, B.D., vicar cf St. Mary's. Berwick- on-Tweed, in which the Edwardian fortifications stand, is making an appeal against the proposal of the Berwick Town Council to sell another site for a block cf buildings cn a part, of the ancient, Edwardian fortifications adjoining the section recently purchu?ved by the Ci-cvernment. This would, he points out. nloc, -'tat-e the levelling of the vallum and the fihing up cf the moat which was constructed by Edward J. and strengthened bv King Robert the Bruce. c BOOTS TO ORDER—not "hand-sewn prin- ciple," but real Hand-sewn, made cn the premises by expert workmen in the eld-fashioned way with oak ba.rk tanned Leather these are a comfort, walking become a pleasure, and the price is reason. al)le. IH.EWITT'S, AFEHY GATKWAY, the Old- e:,tablished Hand-sewn Boetirinkers.