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WELCOME HOME j - I
WELCOME HOME TO CHESHIRE VOLUNTEERS. I ENTHUSIASTIC RECEPTION.' AIEMORABLE DINNER. j Cheshire's khaki-clad Volunteers have come home, and there is to-day immeasurable joy in the hearts of those who spared them for their country's sate and have watched with almost j feverish anxiety their career in South Africa. It is now about fifteen months since we bade them God-apeed on their patriotic mission, feeling confidant that they would prove them- selves a credit to their county, aye, to their I country. The story of these brave men will make up a bright chapter in local history. It will be recorded how cheerfully thJ left their civilian occupations whyn the issue of the war was—if it ever was-in doubt, and how willingly they gave up the comforrs of home life for the necessary hardships of active service, in crder to shew their loyalty to their Sovereign and their patriotism to their country. No more efficient body of men left old England's shores and no company have endured more readily the trials of the campaign. With rations often ecanty, with disease ever near, they performed their trying marches and arduous duties in that unfamiliar climate in a way that has won them the honour of their fellow-citizens ot every rank. There was no mistaking the dehght with which the news that they were homeward bound was received. It was deter- mined that the gallant fellows should have a welcome-home worthy of their loyalty and patriotism, and to this end chief citizens combined with the military authorities in making the necessary preparations. Informa- tion was at last received definitely fixing their arrival in the city for Monday. It was at first announced that they wouid reach Chester shortly after one o'clock (noon), but Lieut.- Colonel Smith, of the 2nd (Earl of Chester's) Volunteer Battalion, received a telegram from Captain Thornely, commanding the Service Company, stating that they could not arrive until shortly after four o'clock. A still later communication fixed the actual time of arrival as six o'clock. THE ARRIVAL. I Long before the appointed hour crowds bagan to take up positions in the Rows and along the streets bent upon seeing and welcoming the returning warriors. They were for the most part Cestrians and people from the adjoining districts, but there was a good sprinkling of kinsfolk and friends from various parts of the county who were not pre- pared to wait until Tuesday to greet some relative or chum among the returning heroes. Before five o'clock there was a good muster of the 2nd (Earl of Chester's) Volunteer Battalion at their headquarters, and presently, preceded by their band, they marched to the General Railway Station. The officers were Lieut.-Col. Smith, Capt. Thomas (adjutant), Capt. Evans, Capt. Bromley, and Lieuts. Nicholson, Smith, and Hamilton. The 1st. Cheshire and Carnar- vonshire Artillery Volunteers also paraded under Major Fountain, Major Mason, Capt. Forestier Walker, R.A., Capt. Taylor, Capt. Wood, Captain Lloyd and Lieut. Dickson. With their bugle band they went to the station, where the 22nd Regimental Depot Band also attended. In front of the station a large number of people congregated, but the city polica maintained perfect order, the Chief Constable (Mr. J. H. Laybourne) himself supervising the arrange- ments. The fingers of the clock pointed to twenty minutes to six when the train slowly steamed into the Whitchurch bay and khaki- clad soldiers, with somewhat bronzed faces and looking in excellent condition, emerged from the carriages. There were a few officers and others to utter the first words of welcome the vast crowds were outside wondering at which point they would make their exit. When they had piled up their bag- gage, of which Lieutenant-Colonel Smith directed a few of their red-coated comrades to take charge, Captain Thornely gave the command for forming into marching order. From the moment the crowd caught the first glimpse of them until they reached the Town Hall there was scarcely a break in the cheering. About a dozen stalwart members of the police force, under Inspector Wynne, headed the great procession. Next came the Depot Band, the Rifle Volunteers and the Artillery Volunteers, the respective bands taking up the stirring strains alternately. Thus a great mass of people, which became thicker and thicker every hundred yards, wended its way along City-road into Foregate- Street, .along East gate-street and Northgate-street to the Town Hall, where large numbers already awaited their arrival. Many tradesmen honoured the occasion by hanging out their flags. The Eastgate, the Kowi and many windows were full of people, who swelled the chorus of welcome and lluttered handkerchiefs or waved their hats. Ever and anon a touching scene would be witnessed. Beneath a khaki .leiinet the beaming face of a relative or chum svould be recognised, and there would be a shout of joy and an attempt to break through the moving mass of people for a hand- shake and a cheery word of greeting. Eventually ranks were broken, and men in khaki were de- tached and carried shoulder high. Others con- tinued the march with a friend hanging affection- ately on each arm. It was in this irregular way the Special Service Company entered the reserved enclosure in front of the Town Hall steps, where loud and prolonged cheering greeted their ap- pearance. AT THE TOWN HALL. Enclosures had been erected on the Town Hall steps and on each side for the accommodation of ticket-holders, and a space had been reserved on the Square for the Volunteers. The public com- menced to assemble some hours before the arrival of the company, and waited with the greatest patience. Hags floated from the Cathedral tower, the King's School and the post on the Square, and altogether the scene was an animated one. The Mayor (Col. H. T. Brown) was unfortunately unable to be present, through indisposition, to voice the city's welcome to the home-comers, and his place was taken by the Deputy-Mayor (Dr. Stolterfoth). About six o'clock Dr. Stolterfoth, wearing his aldermaaic gown, took up his stand on the Town Hall steps, with the civic mace and sword bearers on either side. He was accompanied by the Sheriff (Mr. Edgar Dutton), the member for the city (Air. Robert Yerburgh), Judge Wynne Ffouikes, tiu Mayor's chaplain (the Rev. J. F. Howson) and Mr. John Thompson. It would be difficult to give a complete list of the citizens present, but tne foaowing may be selected:- Canon Core, the Revs. H. H. Wright and A. E. Farrar, Aldermen W. H. Churton, J. J. Cunnah, T. Smith, George Dutton, Councillors Dr. Archer, John M. Frost, Dr. Hamilton, G. W. Haswell, J. R. Rae, R. Lamb. R Cecil Davies, D. L. Hewitt, W. Fe rguson, &c., Dr. King, Messrs. F. Bullin, F. French. J. R. Thomson, C. P. Douglas, N. A. E. Way, T. Gibbons Frost, G. H. Rogerson, Reginald Potts, L. Booth, G. Parker, Ambrose Roberts, W. Turnork, J. Scott, F. J. Bonnalie, C. E. S. McLeod, with many others. The crowd in the vicinity of the Town Hall finally swelled to tremendous proportions, and it was evident that the Volunteers would experience considerable difficulty in making their way up Northgate-street. About a quarter-past six the sound of cheering in Eastgate-street announced the approach of the gallant fellows, and a few seconds later the strains of "When the Boys come Home again" was borne on the breeze, and then a straggling line of khaki helmets, swallowed up in the vast crowd, came into sight. One or two of the men were carried shoulder high by their ad- miring friends. Hat3, handkerchiefs and flags were enthusiastically waved by the spectators, and hearty cheers rent the air. The crowd en- deavoured to break into the enclosed space, and the police had extreme difficulty in barring their progress, and at the same time keeping a way open for the objects of the demonstration. During the crush a woman fainted, and she was carried into the police office.by two ataAwart men in blue. Finally the khaki-clad Volunteers, breathless with their exertions, managed to reach the Square, and they were drawn up in two lines in front of the Town Hall steps. Here Dr. Stolterfoth, in the name of the city, offered them a warm welcome home, but his remarks were rendered inaudible by the cheers of the crowd. The Rev. J. F. How- son next struck up "For they are jolly good fel- lows," and the spectators heartily joined in the re- frain. aud finally, on the call of Captain Thornely, the Volunteer Service Company gave "three times tturee" Ùr the Deputy-Mayor and the citizens. I e afterwards entered the Town Hall. It should be added that the arrangements for the accommodation of the public were adroi ibly carried out by the City Surveyor (Mr. T. Matthews Jones), and that the Clerk of J the Committees (Mr. W. Peers), upon whom much work devolved in connection with the welcome, was a host in himself. THE DINNER. I The men were afterwards entertained at dinner by the citizens. The repast was served in the large assembly room of the Town Hall. and the company was fully representative of the military and leading citizens. The Deputy Mayor (Alderman Stolterfoth) presided, and the attendance included Mr. Robt. A. Yerbargh, M.P., the Sheriff (Mr. Edgar Dutton), Alder- i men W. H. Churton, Thos. Smith, and J. J. Cunnah, Ma.3(Jr Acland-Hood (North-Western District), Major Cook (22nd Regimental District), Sargeon-Capt. G. Harrison (Earl of Chester's Yeomanry Cavalry), Major F. B. Mason, Captain and Adjutant Forestier Walker, B.A., Major Fountain and the chaplain, the Rev. J. F. Howson (of the 1st Cheshire and Carnarvonshire Volunteer Artillery Corps) Lieut-Col. T. J. Smith, V.D., Captain and Adjutant D. B. Thomas, Major Gamon, the Hon. Major Harrison, Capt. H. I. Thompson, Capt. F. 0. Evans, Capt. C. E. Bromley, Qtjitain H. Davison, Second Lieutenants W. G. Lmaker and C. P. Smith, Surgeon Lieut.-Colonel A." Hamilton and Surgeon Lieut.-Colonel H. W. King (Earl of Chester's Volunteers), Major Lamb and Captain Davies (Flintshire Engineers), Messrs. J. F. Lowe, John Jones (Boughton Ward), Geo. Parker, N. A. E. Way, T. Knowles and L. P. Smith, the Chief Constable (Mr. J. JrL, Laybourne), Mr. Peers (clerk of committees), Mr. I. Matthews Jones (city surveyor), Superintendent Leali (County Constabulary), etc.—A letter was re- ceived from Mr. Jas. Tomkinson, M.P., regretting that he could not attend and expressing the assurance that the men would receive all the con- gratulations and welcome they so well deserved. The loyal toasts having been given from the chair, the Deputy Mayor next gave "The Army and Navy." He said that at no time were the two branches so closely united as at present, and spoke of the great debt of gratitude we owed to our Volunteers who had responded so well to the country's call.. He coupled with the toast, which was enthusiastically received, the name of Major Acland-Hood. Major Acland-Hood, in returning thanks, told the company how much Major-General Swaine regretted his unavoidable absence. He (General Swaine) had had to go to Southampton to welcome home his son, who, unfortunately, had contracted enteric fever in South Africa. Speak- ing of the Army, he said all ranks had dis- charged their duties right well in South Africa, and it was a good thing to know what not only the people of this country, but outsiders, thought about it. He happened a short time ago to meet a very distinguished officer in the German Army, the leaders of which made it their business to study military matters in other countries. That officer had said that he thought as regarded pluck and endurance the Turkish Army was far ahead of any other, but in the matter of pluck alone that Germans and English were neck and neck, and then came the Russians. But having gone through the South "African campaign, he and his brother officers had changed their opinion, and were now inclined to put the English as far ahead of the Turks as they had put the Turks ahead of all other armies before. That officer had also said that he was present at three of our principal battles, and was astonished at the cool- ness and pluck of our men, who, after hours of hard marching and with very little to eat, attacked strong positions and went forward as on an ordinary field day. (Cheers.) He did not think any foreign army could have done that work as well as our army had done. That was very satisfactory as coming from an outsider. Major Acland-Hood spoke of the difficulties of the South African campaign, and said it would have been an impossible job if it had not been for the noble response of the Imperial Yeomanry, the Militia and the Volunteers. (Cheers.) It re- flected the highest credit upon the men in good positions in life who had willingly, and without hope of reward or anything of that sort, given up everything at home and gone out to fight the battles of their country. The spirit which pre- vailed throughout the country had impressed foreigners tremendously, and had shewn them that we were not the decadent race they thought we were, but that we were something better. (Cheers.) PRAISE FROM MR. YERBURGH. QUESTION OF ARMY REFORM. Mr. Robfc. Yerburgb, M.P., who had a most cordial reception, said the toast that he had the honour of proposing was, he might say without any fear of contradiction, the toast of the even- ing. (Hear, hear.) It was The Service Com- pany of the 2ad Battalion of the Cheshire Regiment." When he saw that day from the steps to the Town Hall the—war-worn, he almost said-men coming back as they came back that day bearing upon their uniforms evident traces of the hard work they had gone through, he thought of the night when he had the signal honour of receiving them in the Town Hall before they went to the war in South Africa. He was delighted to see that the numbers that had set out came back in almost undiminished quantity. He knew, as they all knew, that when they bade good-bye to them then, they (the Volunteers) would act with the gallantry that had always distinguished Britishers whenever they had been called upon to fight in defence of their country. He knew that whenever and wherever they were called upon to act, whatever duty was laid upon their shoulders, that duty would be performed as Englishmen had always performed it. (Cheers.) Major Acland-Hood had told them in his speech that night that he had met a great German authority who had told him that he and his friends had come to the conclusion—it was forctd upon them by what they had seen in the conduct of this war-that the British soldier was one of the bravest and most enduring men on earth. (Applause.) Well, that was good news for everyone there and good news for every Britisher to receive, because there were those who had said, as Major Acland-Hood had remarked, that we were being destroyed by luxury, that our men were not what they had been, and that when the day of trial came we should be found to be wanting. But we had proved that that fear was entirely false; that our man- hood was as good as ever it was in the best days of this country. That, however, was net his point. His point was this: Wo had had that signal proof of the oourage and valour of our soldiers. He noticed the other day that Count Sternberg, in his account of his experiences when made a prisoner, said he met at Capetown a somewhat haughty English officer, who asked who was the best general we had in the English Army. The reply the Count made was "Tommy Atkins." (Loud cheers.) That bore testimony to the valour and courage of the con- duct of our soldiers. ;He now came to his point. Up to now the Volunteers had, so to speak, been an untried and unknown force. They who knew them believed in their capacity, but the country at large and the people outside this country did not know what stuff the Volunteer force was made of. (Cheers.) They knew now, from what they had seen and heard from Lord Roberts, that our Volunteers were fit to stand in the ranks with Tommy Atkins. (Cheers.) What higher praise could be given to our Volunteer force. Our soldiers had proved themselves to be the bravest of soldiers our Volunteers had proved themselves to be fit to stand shoulder to shoulder with those warriors in the field of action. (Cheers.) There was something further if he might deal with it for a moment. It was this: Not only had our soldiers and our Volunteers proved themselves to be gallant men in action, but they had proved themselves whenever they had had to deal with the prisoners, women and children, to be as tender in sympathy as they had been valiant in battle. (Cheers.) He did not know whether the time was not arriving when we ought not to consider seriously in our hearts whether it is right for us who lived at home at ease to call upon a certain portion of the people, to appeal to their patriotism, to defend the country for us who were equally capable of doing so—whether the time was not coming when this duty which men discharged from feelings of patri- otism should not be shared by all alike, high and low, rich and poor. (Cheers.) The war had taught us certain lessons. It had taught us, he thought, that we required a force of a certain amount which ought to be ready to take the field whenever the opportunity arose, and whenever it might be called upon, and that we, with our pos- sessions in all parts of the world, ought not to be obliged to wait to mobilise troops, but ought to have a certain number ready at hand to send any- where at a moment's notice. It had been said that if it had not been for our Volunteers, Colonists and others who came to our assistance, it would not have been possible to carry the war through. Why? Because we, the British people, had been deluded with the idea that we had an army when wo had not one. Let them think for the moment what was the case. We were told by a responsible minister that of the men serving with the colours 92,000 were unfit to take the field for foreign service, and they had to be left at home. That was why we had to call upon the Colonies and why we had to call upon the Volunteers. He thought the lesson for us was this: that we ought to write off a large proportion of these men who were soldiers whom we paid for, and ought to have an effective force ready to go anywhere; that we ought to largely increase our reserves, and the lesson borne upon us was that we must pay our soldiers better—(loud cheers)—and when we got our soldier we must offer him a career. There were numberless posts in Govern- ment employment and elsewhere that the soldiers ought to be justly entitled to by virtue of the service given to the country. If we took the fine of increasing the pay of our soldier and increas- ing his opportunities afterwards in civil life, we should get as many men as the country required. Further, if behind this force we had a force, not entirely relying upon the patriotism of the Volun- teer and Yeoman, but a force that was called upon, as it was our bounden duty in time of peril, to qualify itself for the home defence of this country, then they would make, he thought, the country unassailable by the foreigner, and dis- charge all the country required of them in all parts of the globe. (Cheers.) The Volunteers had shed their blood, they had given their lives as gallant defenders of the empire on the plains of South Africa. We ought not to let them make that sacrifice for nothing. In different parts of the country he had noticed with grief and sorrow voices making themselves heard-that the war was going on a long time, that we were spending a great deal of money and sacrificing a lot of lives, and was it not time to put a stop to the war? We had got to see it through. (Cheers.) If the country had to spend another 50,000,000, or another 100,000,000 of money the war had to be seen through. (Cheers.) We had put our hand to the plough, and we could not withdraw it. That was the spirit which he was quite sure animated the great mass of our countrymen, but let them make their voices heard, because he was sure from what he had seen and heard that this spirit which began -to grumble at the idea that they were called upon to pay largely and make further sácrifice was beginning to rise. Let them crush it; let them put it under their heels and let them tell the world that they, the great majority, were resolved to see the thing through. Then their sacrifices would not have been in vain. lie did not doubt it for a moment. He did not apologise to them for dealing with the quertion, ba.use as Volunteers they were per- sonally interested in it. They woul? sw ee in?the future the great United States of South Africa rising up unci?r the British flag, A great writei: in the French Revolution said the tree of liberty never gresv unless it was watered with the blood of tyrants. He (Mr. Yerburgh) believed the tree of liberty never grew better than when watered by the blood of free men In defence of liberty. Th blood of free men had been poured out like water in South Africa. We should see that tree of liberty growing, and white men of every race and black men enjoying freedom and liberty under rtS-wreadingbranchcs. (Applause.) He now gave with the deepest sympathy and with all the cordiality and thoroughness that he could com- mand, the toast of the gallant men of the Service Company of the 2nd Battalion Cheshire Regi- ment, and he coupled with it the names of two distinguished men, Captain Thornely and Lieut. Bates, (Loud applause.) HISTORY OF THE COMPANY. TOLD BY THEIR CAPTAIN. Captain Thornely replied to the toast, which had been drunk with marked enthusiasm, and declared that he was proud to do it because he felt that they had really served with their regular battalion, a battalion which, he was proud to' say, was second to none. He pro- ceeded to tell the story of his company's foreign service and was listened to with rapt attention and keen interest. After dealing with the mobilisation of the company from the 13th to the 20th January, their training in and about Chester in the most inclement weather from the 20th January to the 15th February, he alluded to what he described as the record send-off" which they had from the city on the 15th February. He had inquired what sort of a send-off other companies had had, and he had not been able to find a single company whose send-off bad come up to 75 per cent. of the send off the Cheshire Company had. (Cheers.) He desired to thank all who had subscribed or contributed comforts for the men. He did not think anybody else had anything like it. On the 16th February they embarked on the Gascon, and on the fol- lowing day they sailed. On the 12th March they landed at Capetown and were marched to Green Point camp, where they waited until the 22nd March. It was a very curious thing that everything seemed to happen during that campaign on the 22nd day of the month. They loft for Naauwpoort on the 22nd March. Ho thought it was a good omen and it bad proved so. At Naauwpoort they met the Militia, who had preceded them to South Africa. There they simply waited and did nothing. From Naauwpoort they went to Norvals Pont and took part in the general activity. The Army reached Bloemfontein without food or supplies, except what was obtained via Kimberley by means of transport. It was absolutely essential that the bridge should be made across the Orange River, so that our trains could cross it and get com- forts for the sick and wounded lying at Bloem- fontein. Enteric fever was so bad that it was nothing unusual to see 160 funerals in one day when the Army landed there. The work they were engaged in was, therefore, practically the saving of the Army in front of them. They worked night and day. and when they saw "daylight" on that job, when the first train had passed they had orders to march to Bloemfontein. Capt. Thornely next described the march to Springfontein, and told how half the company was sent by General Rundle in charge of a hospital train to Bloemfontein. He (Captain Thornely) sent the men he knew could march and they accomplished the journey perfectly safely. The Militia and Reservists who were also with them were, unable to march as well as the Volunteers, and had to be sent by train. On the 21st April they joined their regiment. There was no fuss and no great welcome but just as they liked it. During the first few days the Volunteers were with the 2nd Battalion there was the cold grey eye of observance upon them. But the cold grey eye passed away, and there was a little merry twinkle instead. From that day it was all right. After speaking of outpost duty at Kleino'ss Spruit from the 22nd to the 26th April, and the severe hardships from the cold weather, he referred to the advance upon Brandfort, in which they formed part of the fifteenth or central brigade. They marched from four o'clock in the morning until the evening. The biscuit was all they had to eat on many an occasion. Alluding to the seizing of the drifts by the Choshires at the Zand River, he said they marched at night and there was absolute silence. The next day they were engaged, the battle lasting all day. From the 12th until the 22nd May they waited outside Kroonstadt for supplies, and they thus obtained a rest. On the 22nd May they marched from there to Johannesburg, and arrived on the 31st. They had to do garrison duty here, and the Volunteers turned themselves into policemen, and under his able subaltern, Mr. Bates, made themselves very efficient. The company remained on police duty about five weeks, and after that the men were put on special duty. The electric lighting was fitted up and run by the Volunteer Company. Private Platt and Private Mack, of the Runcom Company, the latter an electrician and the former a plumber, were chiefly responsible for this. (Cheers.) Mr. Bates and he (the speaker) were called upon to organise the whole of the courts of Johannesburg, and for some time they held judicial positions. After speaking of a visit to Pretoria and of a little engagement they had at Heildelberg, he said on the 12th October they left Johannesburg. On the day of their departure the company was addressed by Colonel Curtis, who complimented the men on their excellent conduct, and for their marching and general ability. In fact, he said they were second to no other company in the battalion. On the 14th October they arrived at Bloemfontein, and the re- mainder of the time was spent on out-post duty. They were "dumped" down there for five months, the only change being a move to the other end of the town for a week. (Laughter.) On the 27th March they reached Capetown, where they stayed ten days and then came home. There was no doubt about it that the Volunteer Company got on so well for the reason that the men all knew a trade, and were always "willing to bring that know- ledge and experience which they had acquired in their trade into the ordinary course of soldiering. Whereas other companies had to employ engineers, they! were able to do every kind of work them- selves. There was one man of the company whom he should like to specially mention. He was a stoker, and when on a supply train he saw some men on the line in front of him, and, concluding that they were Boers and were about to blow up the line, he asked himself why he should not blow them up. Although he. knew there was a detona- tor there he took the train up, opened every valve, let the steam on, scalded the men and blew the detonator out. (Cheers.) Lord Roberts thought so highly of that man that he himself wrote a letter in his own handwriting. That letter was ordered to be posted up at every station in the Transvaal and Orange River Colony as an ex- .ample of what should be done and what could be done by two plucky men. He also wrote person- ally thanking the man. He would not mention the name of the man, who was very bashful and who, he knew, desired that he should not mention his name. The company had done good work, and their conduct and discipline had been good. He should like all of the men who had been in the Volunteer company to reflect that they had been in the Army, and, if they were going to do good for the Army, let them go home resolved that they would prove to Britain that if a man went and served in the Army he would not degenerate one single iota. (Cheers.) He strongly urged them to go back and maintain the honour of the cloth they had worn. In conclusion, Captain Thornely mentioned that Lieutenant Craig had stayed be- hind in Bloemfontein, where he had been given a very good position. Mr. Crofton, through illness, had been obliged to go home and forego the pleasure of attending the dinner that night. (Cheers. ) Lieutenant Bates also responded, and proposed a vote of thanks to Mr. Yerburgh for his kind words about them, to the Mayor, Corporation and citizens, who had shewn the company such ex- treme kindness in Chester, and to those in other parts of the county who had been kind to them. If the Volunteer Service Company, he said, had been successful in the campaign, he felt that they owed a deep debt of gratitude to those who started the Volunteer movement forty years ago, for the example they had set at a time when Volunteer- ing was not a popular pursuit. (Hear, hear.) The vote of thanks was heartily accorded. Songs were contributed during the evening by Mr. J. H. Laybourne, Mr. Robinson, Mr. Proctor, Mr. S. P. Divie3. Surgeon Lieutenant- Colonel Harrison. and Mr. Loui Parry. Mr. Butterworth acted as accompanist. The Company paraded on Tuesday morn- ing in their various sections at Chester Castle, wbefce they were billeted on Monday night, and were disbanded, proceeding to the towns from which they bail. The Birkenhead section paradoq early, and were briefly addressed by Captain Thornely, who wished them God-apeed, and said that although it would be invidious to single out any particular company for praise, the Birkenhead Volunteers had acquitted themselves exceedingly well. The members of the company will remain soldiers for a month, at the end of which time they will receive whatever pay remains due to them. RETURN HOME OF THE CONTINGENTS. Upon their disbandment at Chester Castle on Tuesday the men of the various contingents forming the company proceeded to the respec- tive towns in the county to which they belong, each little company on its arrival being accorded a reception and welcome well worthy of record. BIRKENHEAD. The Birkenhead Rifle Volunteers, in charge of Sergt.-Major Irvine (who went from the Volunteer headquarters to meet the men), came by train, arriving at Woodside Station at 1.15 p.m. As the men detrained in the crowded station, resounding cheers of welcome were given, c heers which wore heartily re-echoed by the vast crowd of townspeople who had been waiting outside the station for nearly two hours for the arrival of the lads from the front. Inside the station the Mayor and Mayoress (Alderman Thomas Cooke and Miss i Cooke) waited to welcome the Volunteers, and the section were drawn up in fours beside the mayoral carriage. His Worship delivered a hrief address of welcome; thanking the men sincerely in the name of-the inhabitants of Birkenhead and in the nftme of our common land for what they had done, and invited them to stopper that day week at the Town Hall. The Volunteers, looking remarkably bronzed and fit, acknowledged the Mayor's welcime with three ringing cheers, followed by three more for Colonel Blood, who was standing beside the Mayor. The progress of the Volun- teers through the town, headed by the regi- mental bands, was signalised by a remarkable i demonstration of enthusiasm. Flags were flying to right and left, and a vast crowd cheered on all sides, while the more excitable chums of the khaki-clad soldiers broke into the ranks and carried their friends shoulder high. At the headquarters in Claughton Colouel Blood addressed the service section, assuring them that the battalion greatly appreciated their sacrifices and the credit they had brought to the corps by going out to fight for King and country. RUNCORN. Runcorn was on Tuesday night gay with bunting and flags and full of excitement because, of the return home of the volunteers who had served for 14 months in South Africa. The men arrived by the 6.25 p.m. train from Chester, and were greeted by a salvo of fog signals, the shrill whistling of locomotives, and the cheering of thousands of people. The F and G Companies and the brass band of the 2nd Cheshire (V.B.) Regiment, under the command of Captain Ashton, met the returning warriors and escorted them to the Town Hall, where Mr. W. Handley, the vice-chairman of the Council, addressed them. The Volunteers then paraded the chief thorough- fares to the Drill Hall, where Captain Ashton gave an address. The men are to be entertained at dinner in the course of a few days, and other modes of recognising their services are projected. MID-CHESHIRE. Scenes of enthusiasm and rejoicing were wit- nessed at Northwich, Winsford and Hartford on the return of the local contingents. The men have spent 14 months at the front, and par- ticipated in Lord Roberts's great advance and several engagements. At each station the soldiers were met by volunteer companies, bands, officials and crowds. Public processions were organised at Northwich and Hartford, and the men were entertained at dinner. Winsford is arranging for a further demonstration. One Winsford man of the 3rd Cheshires and one Barnton man of the 2nd Cheshires have died from enteric. All the other Mid-Cheshire volunteers have returned safely. I HESWALL. Many hundreds of inhabitants lined the road from the village to the station to witness the home-coming of the five Heswall Volunteers on Tuesday evening. The time fixed for their arrival was 6.40, but crowds of people were at he station at six o'clock. There was a good muster of the let Cheshire Volunteers. Punctual to the minute the train steamed. into the station, amid the cheers of the people. Some little time was taken up by the greetings of the khaki-clad Volunteers and their chums and comrades. The greetings over, the men, who looked in excellent condition, marched to church headed by the Heswall Brass Band and the Heawall section of Volun- teers. Here a thanksgiving service was held. There was a great deal of excite- ment among the people, and much scrambling to get into church, which was filled to over- flowing. The Rector (the Rev. T. H. May) gave an impressive address. The hymns chosen were All people that on earth do dwell" and Now thank we all our God." After the service the Volunteers filed out of church, and marched to the Dee View Assembly Rooms, where they were entertained at supper by Major J. W. Shaw. The fathers of the Volunteers were also invited. The names of the khaki-clad men are, Privates T. Shone, J. Davies, J. Rathbone, J. Brierley, and G Foster. I STOCKPORT. The volunteers of the 4th V.B. Cheshire Regi- ment arrived at Stockport on Tuesday evening, and were given a great reception. The men comprised the first section which left Stockport on January 19th last year, and sailed for the Cape on the 16th of February. The Mayor and members of the Corporatidn met the battalion at the Armoury, and marched to the station, where they drew up in waiting. At seven o'clock the train steamed into the station, and the volunteers were greeted with loud and pro- longed cheers. Fog signals were let off, the band played When Johnny comes marching home again," and the crowd, which was densely thick round the station approaches, cheered again and again. The battalion, headed by the band and escorting the returned volunteers, marched through the main thoroughfares of the town to the Armoury. Everywhere the scenes were tumultuous, and the heartiness and warmth of the welcome were undoubted. At the Armoury the men were addressed by the Mayor and Col. Carrington, the officer commanding the battalion who congratulated them upon their safe return and splendid services in South Africa. The volunteers will be publicly entertained on May 10th. I STALYBRIDGE. Lieutenant Bates and the Stalybridge con- tingent returned home on Tuesday night from Chester, and were welcomed with a demonstra- tion of heartiness and enthusiasm which has probably never been witnessed in the borough before. The Mayor and members of the Cor- poration assembled at the Town Hall at 6.30 and proceeded to the Market Ground, where a huge platform had been erected for the official reception. Here a crowd of several thousand persons were already assembled, and on the ar- rival of the procession from the station, with an escort of mounted police, the heroes of the oc- casion were welcomed with tremendous cheering. The Mayor and Corporation and leading members of the borough occupied seats on the platform, whence the men were formally welcomed by the Mayor (Alderman A. Simpson). A brief service of thanksgiving was conducted by the Rev. J. Grant Bird, M.A., chaplain to the de- tachment, who delivered a brief thanksgiving address. The proceedings closed with the singing of the National Anthem, in which the great crowd heartily joined.
THE LATE BISHOP STUBBS.
THE LATE BISHOP STUBBS. CANON COOPER SCOTT'S TRIBUTE. I The Rev. Canon S. Cooper Scott, preaching on Sunday evening in St. John's Church, from St. John xvi., 16, said: We have a bright example of a faithful, diligent, useful life in that of our former Bishop-the Bishop of Oxford-who has been taken to exercise, as our Bishop so feelingly said, those great gifts so faithfully used in God's service unto a world where they may be I used even more for God's glory than in this." It was in this church that he held his first ordination on Trinity Sunday, 1884, when one of our own clergy, Charles Francis Cross, was ordained deacon. The Bishop himself preached on the occasion from St. John viii., 29, and it is remarkable that the last ordination our Bishop held as Bishop of Chester was also in St. John's Church, when, on St. Luke's Day, 1888, he held a special ordination in order that another of our clergy, E. J. Sparks, might receive the order of priesthood. At a time when men's minds are disturbed by doubts, when difficulties are pre- sented without consideration to shake their faith when the doctrines of the Christian faith are called in question and the bonds of religious obligation are being lessened, when some very earnest-minded men are wavering in their allegiance to the National Church of our country, it is reassuring, it is helpful in a very great degree to find one of such unrivalled learning as Bishop Stubbs, of such exceptional powers of intelligence and understanding more than other men, continuing to the end humble, faithful, constant to the Church of his fathers, finding in her doctrines the teaching of our Lord Himsolf and His apostles. It is a great help to us to find such a man able to finish his course and_ pass away from this world finding in the simplicity of the Church of England service and ritual sufficient to nourish and sustain his spiritual necessities. May we not learn from this that in the use of what God has mercifully provided for us we may find sufficient for our needs, and that it is the restless, wandering spirit, wanting all things at once and not content to wait and persevere, that cries for new methods, change, excitement and even amusement in religion, and no doubt assist- ance from without, that fails to find the spiritual help he needs in our churches, services and ordinances? A life of conscientious duty is always a pleasant thing to contemplate, some- thing to admire, something to envy. Wo feel the upraising influence of such a life, and he that is faithful in that which is least will prove himself faithful also in much.
DOGS ON TREADMILLS.I
DOGS ON TREADMILLS. I MAGISTERIAL INSPECTION. Press representatives were on Tuesday invited to Caergarw, a farm in Snowdonia, for the purpose "of witnessing the magisterial inspection of the Welsh custom of churning with the aid of dogs, which the Rbyal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals' officials alleged to be a cruel act. The magistrates present were Messrs. J. Mcnzies and D: P. Williams, and they were at- tended by their clerks. There were also present the solicitor defending in a pending case, In- spector Kennedy, a policeman or two, a photo- grapher, and a number of neighbours. The house is a low-roofed cottage with only one storey, and adjoining the dairy, or as the Welsh call it, y bwtri," a small corrugated iron shed had been ereoted, and in this the alleged instrument of torture had been constructed. It was a simple looking affair-a circular wooden disc, 7 feet in diameter, made to turn on a pivot, and placed at an angle of 45 degrees. Under the edge of the disc were a number of cogs, which fitted into a cogwheel, and this was connected with the churn i inside by aa iron bar, and for each revolution of the disc the cogwheel turned a dozen times. A weight ot fib. easily put the disc in motion; and when the dog "Cymro," a crossbred between a collie and a retriever, appeared on the scene, he took 111 the situation at a glance, bounded into the shed, jumped on the disc, where bars of wood had been placed to give a foothold, and pedalled merrily for a quarter of an hour. The magistrates I then ordered all persons off the scene, and watched the process from a coign of vantage. The intelli- gent brute looked sharply round, and, seeing the coast was clear, darted away into the lane. He was quickly brought back, and a. chain attached to his collar, and forced to pedal again Until the milk had been churned. Five rninutes afterwards he shewed sicrns of fagging, in another the mm- utes his breath came quickly. his tongue hung out, and his nostrils were distended, and frpm this on- ward it was evident kliat the anitnal was in dis- tress. However, when the churning was over, and it took exactly 37fminutes to churn the milk into butter, the dog,-though released would not leave off work, and kept at it until removed by force, though he was 'evidently short of breath, and tired. The magistrates will give their decision in the ense on Saturday. It is awaited with interest, for the custom has been pretty general in the small farm3 of Anglesey and Carnarvonshire. A
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CHARITY CONCERT AT CHESTER
CHARITY CONCERT AT CHESTER One of the most successful and enjoyable con- certs which have been held in Chester for charitable objects was that which was given on Monday evening in the Music Hall for the bene- fit of the family of the late John Rigby, signal- man at the General Station, who met his death recently under sad circumstances. The entertain- ment had been organised by Dr. Bridge and the Precentor (the Rev. H. H. Wright), and receiving as it did the enthusiastic support of the General Stationmaster (Mr. J. T. Reddish) and the whole of the railway officials, it proved an unqualified success. The Music Hall is seldom seen in so crowded a state as It was on this occasion, and it was particularly gratifying to notice that the strong counter-attraction which the return of the Volunteers from South Africa presented to the public had no depressing effect upon the numbers of the audience. The programme was of a high order, providing an undoubted musical treat, and was sustained by professional artists, almost all of whom are favourites with local musical audi- ences. The Chester Glee Club, conducted by Mr. A. Millward, contributed in fine form a choral song, "Comrades in Arms," and two glees, "The Venetian Boat Song" and "The Lifeboat." The new Cathedral Choir tenor singer, Mr. J. S. Bux- ton, made his debut before a Chester audience, and was very favourably received. In his song "Margaritta" he displayed a voice of a very pleasing and sympathetic character, his singing being marked with refined feeling. He received an encore, to which he responded with "Mary." The only cause of disappointment with the pro- gramme was the absence of Mr. J. H. Ditchburn, who was prevented from fulfilling his engagement to sing on account of his recent indisposition, from which he has not yet recovered. His friends will be glad to know, however, that he has re- sumed his duties in the Cathedral choir. Mr. A. Greenwood was in splendid voice, and had to bow his acknowledgments for a very pretty rendering of "Lorna." Mr. A. M. Proctor, always a great tavounte, was warmly encored for an artistic ren- dering of "To Anthea," responding with "Fair is my Love." His other contributions were "Mon- trose Love Song" and "The Yeoman's Wedding." The favourite duet, "Excelsior," received able treatment by Messrs. Buxton and James. The latter gentleman gave an enjoyable rendering of "The Bandolero." Probably the most enjoyable feature of the programme was the singing by the Cathedral choristers of two part songs, "Merry June" (vocal polka) and "Blow soft Wind" (vooal waltz), both by Vincent. For the latter an en- thusiastic encore was demanded, and the whole composition was repeated. Two male voice quar- tettes, "Annie Laurie" and "Come where my love lies dreaming," wore rendered by Messrs. Dawson, Buxton, Greenwood and James. Miss Margaret Stone, who has been a student in Lon- don, proved a valuable acquisition to the pro- gramme. In her songs, "Angus Macdonald" and "Idle Words," she displayed a voice of beautiful quality, which gave evidence of careful training. For her successful rendering of the latter item she responded to an undeniable encore with "Home, sweot Home," the rendering of which it is no exaggeration to say fairly entranced the audience. Miss Edith Roberts sang "Life's Lullaby" and the couplets "Together" and "When thy blue eyes," in each of which she was successful. Miss J. Tyson Piercy, an artiste who has of late earned distinction before local audi- ences, contributed "Pack clouds away" and two pretty songs by Ellen Wright, "Violets" and "A Song of Roses." The duties of accompanist were shared by Dr. Bridge and Mr. J. T. Hughes. During the interval the Precentor, on behalf of the audience, thanked the artists for their services, and announced that with subscriptions the pro- ceeds of the concert would amount to about LIGO. ♦ —_
IMASONIC INSTALLATION AT II…
I MASONIC INSTALLATION AT CHESTER The festival of St. John was celebrated by the Travellers' Lodge, Chester (2,6C9), on Saturday evening, when Bro. W. H. Davies, of Chester, one of the founders, was installed W.M. in succession to Bro. D. P. Morgan, of Prestatyn. The visiting brethren included :—His Honour Judge Sir Horatio Lloyd, W. Deputy Prov. Grand Master; Bro. Newhouse, Prov. Grand Secretary; Bro. P. H. Lock wood, W.M. Cestrian Lodge; Bro. Dr. Harrison, J. W. Cestrian Lodge; Bro. D. L. Hewitt, W.M. Lodge of Independence, Chester (721); Bro. E. Johnson, W.M. of Clarence Lodge, Chester Bro. P. Harding Roberts, P.M. of the Sir Watkin Lodge, Mold; Bro. J. Moyers, P.M. Dee Lodge, Parkgate; Bro. Sumnal, W.M. Square and Compass Lodge, Wrexham; Bros. A. H. Ward Jones and C. Rees (823), Liverpool; H. Stonely, P.M. 721; A. G. Collins, P.P.G.D.C., West Lancashire; P. H. Lockwood, W.M. 425; T. Simmond, W.M. 1.326; John Mayers, P.M. 1,576; F. Coveney, J.W. 721; J. Bithell, J.W. 2.386; W. Leah, Chas. Hibbert, R. Dean, James Strong, and E. Robinson, 721. The installation ceremony was impressively conducted by W. Bro. Thos. Owen, P.P.G.A.D., assisted by W. Bro. Wm. Peers, P.P. Grand Treas., and W. Bro. D. P. Morgan, I.P.M. The W.M. invested the following brethren as his officers for the ensuing year:—Bros. T. Wooliscroft, S.W.; i T. Mayo Johnson, J. W.; F. J. Duck, Treas.; T. Ryde Jones, See.; G. T. H. Lodge, S.D.; M. Calvert Sunter, J.D.; R. Butterworth, 0.; Evans Williams, I.G.; J. H. Doughty, Tyler; W. T. Adams, S.S.; George Davies, S.; and J. Wright, S. At the conclusion of the lodge business the brethren and visitors adjourned to the banquet- ting-room, the newly-installed W.M. presiding. A lengthy toast list opened with The King, protector of our order," after which the new Grand Master, the Pro. Grand Master, officers of Grand Lodge past and present, and the Hoft, Alan de Tatton Egerton, M.P., R. W. P.G.M. of Cheshire, were toasted. The W.M. next sub- mitted the Health of Sir Horatio Lloyd, W. Dep. P.G.M., and Officers of Provincial Grand Lodge, past and present," and referred to the fact that Sir Horatio Lloyd this year celebrates his jubilee as a Freemason. (Applause.) Sir Horatio. in responding, said be pleaded 'guilty to having: been fifty years in Masonic life. He had many pleasures to look back upon in that time. In conclusion, Sir Horatio referred in complimentary terms to the newly- installed W.M. Bro. D. P. Morgan gave The W.M., Bro. W. H. Davies," and mentioned the fact that he was the third Welshman to be W.M. of the lodge. The W.M., in reply, referred to the founding of the Travellers' Lodge, at which time there were some brethren of the o)der lodges who were not sanguine that an additional lodge in Chester would be a success. Ho thought the Travellers' Lodge had amply justified its existence, for there were now 54 members, many of whom bad previously found it im- possible to attend any other lodge, because they were absent until the week-end, and Saturday was their only available evening. I. The subsequent toasts comprised The Visit- ing Brethren," to which Bro. Dr. Harrison (Cestrian Lodge) and other brethren responded; The I.P.M. and Past Masters," The Newly- Invested Officers," and "The Masonic Charities. The musical enjoyment of the evening was contributed to by Bros. A. M. Proctor, E. Robin- son, Dr. Harrison, J. H. Laybourne, Loui Parry, D. P. Morgan, T. M. Johnson, T. Ryde Jones, and ¥. J. Duck and Bro. R. Butterworth accom- panied and acted as musical directors.
IYOU ICAN PROVE -THIS.-
I YOU CAN PROVE THIS. BECAUSE IT HAPPENED HERE IN CHESTER. If it had happened somewhere else you might of course believe it, but you could not prove it, and that makes all the difference. You must have seen many such statements before, but you took very little notice of them, because you neither knew the persons mentioned, nor the towns they were supposed to live in. But here are the words of a Chester man, spoken for the good of Chester people, and that is why we say you can prove this. "About 18 months ago," says Mr. Leonard Pearson, of 136, Foregate-street, Chester, I was attacked with disorder of the kidneys. I suffered a good deal of pain, especially in the small of my back and loins, and when stooping I often had hard work to straighten myself again. "-At times I usoo to come over giddy, my head used to swim, I would feel weak and languid, my eyes were dim, and specks seemed to be floating before them. I could not sleep at night for the pain, and when I rose in the morning, instead of feeling refreshed and ready for my work I was weary and tired. I tried no end of remedies, but they did me no good, and I began to think I should get no better. Now, just about this time I first heard of Doan's Backache Kidney Pills, and what a lot of good they were doing Chester people, and thinking they were just the medicine I required I went to Boots, the chemists in Eastgate-row, and procured a box. I gave them a fair trial and I must say they have done me a lot of good, They relieved me of the pains in my back, my kidneys seem to act naturally, and since taking these pills I have gained flesh, I feel better in every way, and I cannot speak too highly of the pills that have done so much for me."—(Signed) Leonard Pearson. Doan's Backache Kidney Pills are sold by all chemists and drug stores at 2s. 9d. per box (six j boxes, 13a. 9d.), or sent direct, post free, on receipt of price, from the proprietors, Foster- McClellan & Co., 57, Shoe-lane, London. If you have symptoms of any kidney trouble, write us about it fully, we will be glad to reply. Be sure you ask for the samit pills that Mr. I Pearson had.
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PECULIAR CASE. I
PECULIAR CASE. I MEDICAL EXAMINATION NECESSARY. I Before Messrs. R. L. Barker and Roger Jack- son, at the City Police Court on Saturday, J. Bennett Marshall, a labourer hailing from Shrewsbury, was charged with frequenting Eaton-road that morning with intent to commit a, felony. Prisoner pleaded not guilty. He was further charged with assaulting P.C. Tarran while in the execution of his duty.—Mr. A. Sharpe, jun. (magistrates' clerk) Do you plead guilty to this charge also ?—Prisoner: I have been in a road race.—The Chief Constable said the man had made that statement before, but he could make no sense of it.—The Magistrates' Clerk: What do you say in answer to the charge ? —Prisoner: Guilty, of course. (Laughter.)— P.C Tarran said that shortly before three o'clock that morning he saw prisoner coming round Handbridge Church in the direction of Eaton- road. He carried a branch of a cherry tree in his hand, and witness bid him "Good morning." Prisoner shouted out "Good morning," but when witness asked him how far he was going Marshall did not reply. Witness followed him, and then prisoner commenced to proceed up Eaton-road at a running pace, but he was soon caught. Prisoner then became very violent, but witness stuck to him until twenty minutes to four, when a lamp- lighter came along and assisted witness to take the man to the police-station. He (the constable) was kicked several times by prisoner.—The Chief Constable said it would be advisable under the circumstances to remand prisoner for a few days so that a doctor could examine him. There seemed to be something peculiar about him.- Prisoner was remanded till Thursday.
ICHESTER CASTLE PETTYI SESSIONS.I
I CHESTER CASTLE PETTY SESSIONS. SATURDAY. Before Mr. H. D. Trelawny, the Hon. Cecil T. Parker, Colonel Miller, and Mr. J. Pover. FOOTPATH CYCLING. John Price and Thomas Knight, of Ellesmere Port, were summoned for riding their bicycles on the foot- path in the Whitchurch-road, at Rowton, on the 7th of April.—Defendants on being accosted by Sergeant Fryer and P.C. Mulliueux, pleaded that the road was in a dirty state.—They were each fined 6d. and 5s. 6d. costs. WHITBY FARMER FINED. Samuel Johnson, farmer, Whitby, was summoned at the instance of Inspector Blake Jones, of the R. S. P. C. A., for causing his mare to be illtreated at Hoole on the afternoon of Monday last. P.S. Farnworth deposed to seeing defendant's female cousin on Hoole-road driving the animal attached to a float. It was very lame, and he examined it, finding it was suffering from lameness of both fore legs, which were very much swollen. The mare was in such a condition that witness refused to allow it to continue its journey. In the stable next morning the animal could hardly stand.—Inspector Blake Jones stated that when he examined the mare at the Ermine Hotel it stumbled twic6, and nearly fell to the ground. It was suffering from old standing navicular disease. Defendant told witness he was not aware it was in so serious a condition, although be knew it suffered from stiffness. Witness pointed out that it was suffering from chronic lameness.— Mr. T. Hadfield, veterinary surgeon, gave similar evidence, and said the horse was totally unfit for any kind of work, being hardly able to crawl out of the stable.—The magistrates considered the case to be a bad one, and imposed a fine of 20a. and costa with the veterinary surgeon's fee, amounting in all to 92 129. 6d. (The above articles appeared in our last Saturday Evening Edition.)
IMR. WINSTON CHURCHILL AT…
MR. WINSTON CHURCHILL AT OXFORD, Mr. Winston Churchill was the guest of the Strafford Club at Oxford on Saturday evening. The President, Mr. R. W. Livingstone, of New College, occupied the chair. Responding to the toast of The Conservative Cause," Mr. Winston Churchill referred to the Liberal Imperialists and said they were of mushroom growth, created in a night to meet the dawn of a general election. But since the election the Liberal Imperialists had passed out of their thoughts. They were gone, but Mr. Chamber- lain remained. Mr. Chamberlain had been abused more than any other man in the whole breadth of the British Isles. He had been I I anusea oy all the enemies of England and by the whole of the Radical party, and he could not help thinking that Mr. Chamberlain was great and powerful, not only by his achieve- ments and reputation, but by the enemies which he had made. The South African peace terms offered by the Govern- moat w- luittt -"Røht:. were attacked by the extremists of both parties, and whenever one saw this one might be quite sure that the policy was a right one. We must remember that it was by the co- operation of the two white races in South Africa—violently oppoeed and bitterly hostile one to another—that the great and bounteous resources of the country could be developed. They were told that the Liberal party were ruined, but it waa still a very powerful party. At the last election the Liberal party had no cause to fight for; it had no organisation, no leader, no plan of battle, but the party fought a very good fight from their point of view, and they who were strong and victorious must be always ready for a second attack on the part of the enemy. The truth was the Liberal party was by no means so broken as was generally supposed. He was of opinion that the Government were making a mistake in their Army policy. He knew how great the expenditure on the war had been, and unless there was some redaction the extraordinary taxes in consequence of the war would have to be permanently maintained. England was a commercial and naval Power, and he did not think we ought to imitate the system of Imperial defence of the Germans. If we tried to build up in England a miniature German army, we should have to spend a lot of money, and we should fail. We had to systema- tize our methods of defending our shores and our Empire by the natural genius of the British people. By trying to build up a Continental army we should impair our commercial activi- ties, to which the whole energies of the British people ought to be devoted.
PARLIAMENTARY LIFE.
PARLIAMENTARY LIFE. MR. WYNDHAM'S AMUSING SPEECH. Mr. George Wyndham, M.P., Chief Secretary for Ireland, was the chief speaker on Saturday night, at the Dover Town Hall, at a banquet given hi celebration of the honour of knight- hood having been conferred upon the Town Clerk, Sir Wollaston Knocker, C.B. It was often thought, he said, that honours were con- ferred owing to political pressure, but he, the Tory member for Dover, never heard of the dignity conferred on Sir Wollaston until it was publicly announced. This reminded him of a story cf Lord Beaconsfield, which, he believed. had never been printed. He was being pestered by a politician to confer an honour, and replied, "Tell your friend that the source of honour in this country is a fountain and not a pump." (Laughter.) As to the House of Lords, Mr. Wyndham said he bad little to say beyond that he hoped, with reasonable luck, never to pass its threshold, except as a Privy Councillor privileged to listen to its debates. The House of Lords was described by 'I Lord Campbell as If A place in which you feel you are addressing dead men by torchlight." (Laughter.) His own colleagues, Lord Selborno I and Lord Curzon (who took pains to be an Irish peer so that he might return to the House of Commons) and Mr. Brodrick all shewed a lack of eagerness to go into the House of Lords —probably because they bad no inclination towards the sepulchral rites. (Laughter.) In the House of Commons their labours were not wholly sedentary. People read of a division in the papers, and supposed that imposed no physical tax on the members. But each division took about twenty minutes of scrambling and scrimmaging in football manner. (Laughter.) The previous night there were nine divisions, and an easy calculation would shew that mem- bers spent three hours tramping round the lobbies. Then there were from 110 to 140 questions each day, say another hour and a half's anxious in- quisition for truth. (Laughter.) Apart from other duties, in these pedestrian competitions and spelling bees some three to. five hours a day were epent. But were not walking and talking two of the chief characteristics oi the human race? (Laughter.) And the House of Com- mons-was a very human place after all. It was to the honour of the House that it was the one place in the world in which the representative of a minority having at:that moment what was a had case could get the best hearing in the world. (Cheers.) The House of Commons was the best club and the best school in the wffi11d, but it was an exacting taskmaster. Disraeli said, "The first coodition of parliamentary success is to be there." That was a truth which some of the younger members did not exactly al)preeiate. It was necessary to be there every doy, and all day. It was something to say for the House of Commons that it was an assembly responsible for an annual income of £ 1,30,000,OCO, and was not only free from corruption, but had never been suspected of corruption. (Cheers.)
LORD DELAMERE'S RIGHTS. I
LORD DELAMERE'S RIGHTS. THE CLOSING OF FOREST ROADS. The interest taken by the general public in the controversy between Lord Delamere and the Northwich Rural Council, as to his lordship's right to close the road through what is known as Petty Pool Park, grows keener. A further stage was reached on Friday, when at the meeting of the Northwich Rural Council, the Clerk reported having received the following letter from Mr. J. H. Cooke, of Winsford:- Lord Delamere has handed me your letter of the 2nd inst., having reference to the claim of the Northwich Rural Council in relation to the road through Petty Pool Park. Your informa- tion as to the road being diverted under some arrangement throwing upon the owner the burden of repair is inaccurate. We are not aware of any arrangement such as that you refer to. Mr. Jackson and I have seen Mr. Douglas, whom we gathered from the newspaper report to be your informant, and he certainly does not know of any such arrangement. The statement you are instructed to make as to what was done with regard to this road in the time of the late Mr. Cross is certainly not borne out by the evi- dence in my possession. I have evidence which, in my opinion, is quite conclusive that the public have no right of way over this road; but, on the contrary, the control of his lordship and his pre- decessor in title over the user of the road has always been maintained by the periodical locking or fastening of the gates. A large number of witnesses can be called to prove that fact. While his lordship insists upon his right to this road as his own private property being preserved, he has no wish to act contrary to the spirit of the letter which he himself addressed to you. He is willing to open the road to the public on sufferance, excluding such traffic as he may con- sider objectionable, such as heavy traffic and people with dogs, etc., and also subject to his closing the gates and excluding all traffic on one day in the year. Lord Delamere has not the slightest wish to act in an unfriendly spirit or to do anything which he is not legally entitled to do. If, however, your Council declines to ac- quiesce in what his lordship is now willing to do, he will be compelled to assert his rights by closing the road entirely to the public, leaving the Council to establish its claim on behalf of the public before a proper tribunal."—The further consideration of the letter was referred to the next meeting of the Council.
ISTANDING JOINT COMMITTEE.…
STANDING JOINT COMMITTEE. MEETING AT CHESTER. A meeting of the Cheshire Standing Joint Committee was held on Saturday at Chester Castle. ELECTION OF CHAIRMAN. The brst business being to elect a chairman for the year, Sir Horatio Lloyd said for many years they had had in the chair the genial presence of Col. France Hayhurst, and he was quite sure it would be the wish of everyone on the committee that Col. France Hayhursfc should again honour them by accepting that position. (Hear, hear.) The business of the committee had gone on very pleasantly under his rule, and he believed it would do so in the future. He hoped that for many years they would have Col. France Hayburst as president over them. (Hear, hear.) Col: Dixon seconded the motion, and said Col. France Hayhurst's invariable courtesy and his business-like qualities fitted him to rule over them. The motion having been unanimously carried, Col. France Hayhurst took the chair amid applause. He said he bad to thank them once more for kindly electing him as their chairman for another year, and he trusted that with their assistance they would in the coming I year get through their work as well as in the preceding years. (Hear, bear.) I THE LATE MR. HARDCASTLE SYKES. Sir Horatio Lloyd, when proposing the re- election of Col. France Hayhurst, alluded to the death of Mr. Hardcastle Sykes, and Raid by the death of that gentleman they had lost a very valuable member, and they ought not to separate without expressing their sympathy with his family in their bereavement. The Chairman now moved that the clerk write a letter of condolence to the widow of their old friend, Mr. Hardcastle Sykes. The motion was carried in silence- HIS MAJESTY'S THANKS. A letter was read from the Home Secretary intimating that he had been commanded by the King to convey to the committee His Majesty's thanks for the loyal and dutiful resolution passed at the last meeting, expressing sympathy on the occasion of the lamented death of her late Majesty Queen Victoria and congratulation on His Majesty's accession to the throne. CRIME IN THE COUNTY. I A SATISFACTORY FEATURE. The uniet Nonstable s report of crime for the quarter ended 28th February stated that the total number of persons apprehended and sum- moned was 2,414, of which number 29 were com- mitted for trial, 1,935 summarily convicted, and 450 discharged. Of the number summarily con- victed 1,614 were fined, and of this number 147 .?HM?.aJtownd. tujMLtt?j.M?—On? hundred  six- feen persona were sent to prison ^efau^t^' of Fpa.yYm_ent of fine, six of such after having been al- lowed time to pay. In comparison with the cor- responding quarter of 1900, there was an increase of 129 apprehended and 74 summoned, the former caused chiefly by offences of vagrancy, and the latter by prosecutions under the Highway Act. When compared with the same period of 1896 there was an increase of two apprehended and a decrease of 73 summoned, caused by fewer offences under the Rabies (Muzzling of Dogs Or- der) and drunkenness. Fifty-two persons under 16 years of age were apprehended for the following offences:—22 robberies of money, jewellery, eat- ables, wearing apparel, &c.; four vagrancy; nine Industrial Schools Act, &c.; and three other offences. One hundred persons under 16 years of age wore summoned for simple larceny, wilful damage, obstructing the footpath, etc. Of the 100 persons 96 were first offenders. No person under 16 years of age bad during the past quarter been sent to prison in default of payment of fine and costs. Three hundred and fifty-six males and 66 females were proceeded against for drunken- ness, being a decrease of 29 males and 18 females, when compared with the same period of last year, and a decrease of 117 males and 26 females when compared with February quarter of 1896. Twelve licensed houses were proceeded against, 11 being convicted (no licence endorsed) and one dismissed, as against nine proceeded against, five convicted (no licences endorsed), and four dismissed in Feb- ruary quarter last year, and 23 proceeded against, 16 convicted (three licences endorsed), and seven dismissed during the same period of 1896. Col. Hameraley requested the authority of the com- mittee to continue the allowances granted to the wives, children and other dependents of the Reservists belonging to the Cheshire Constabulary now serving with the colours. Four hundred and six members of the constabulary were in posses- sion. of the St. John Ambulance certificate of efficiency for rendering first aid to the injured, 370 of which number had succeeded in passing the second examination, and of the latter number 338 had passed the third examination. During the year ended 28th February, 1901, first aid had been rendered in 63 cases. Mr. James Tomkinson, M.P., directed atten- tion to the statement that the increase of 129 apprehended was caused chiefly by offences of vagrancy. He had seen in the papers that in some counties of England vagrancy had declined, and he was rather surprised to notice the figures for Cheshire. He wondered whether it was general or whether the war had anything to do with it. The Chief Constable said he did not think the war had anything to do with it. The increase in the county was chiefly due to sleeping out in the Stockport division. There was a new railway in course of construc- tion there, and it was these men who slept out— they called them "cadgers off the working- men -who were practically responsible for the increase. There were 48 cases there. Mr. Tomkinson:. Are offences of sleeping out without visible means of subsistence sternly re- pressed ? The Chief Constable: Yes. There are special pains taken in that- especially with reference to fire. The only thing was that when the men were arrested tha farmers sometimes said they had given permission. Thus sometimes, the police did not got that support he thought they might have. The Chairman said there was one matter for congratulation in the report of the Chief Con- stable, who stated that there was a decrease of 29 males and 18 females proceeded against for drunkenness, compared with the same period of last vear, and a decrease of 117 males and 26 females when compared with tha February quarter of 1396. That was very satisfactory. (Hear, hear.) The committee decided to renew the allowances to wives an children of members of the con- stabulary new on army service.- It was dtecided, on the recommtlndation of the sub-committee, to increase the salary of the Nantwieh, jiustices' clerk from £ 280 to £ 350 per annum. A letter was received front tbA Home OffiCA intimating that the Secretary of State hnd forwartted to the Local Government Board the following certificates in accordance with the provisions of the Police Act, 1890 :-(1\) Cer- tificate that during the yal" ended the 29th September, 1900, the management and efficiency of the county police force and the administra- tion of the Police Fund fcave been satisfactory, (b) Certificate that the amount payable ItS the Kxoheqner contribution for the financial year 1900-1 is £ 2.388 5s. 8d. r (The above article apjx&red in our last Saturdegi Evening Edition.)
Advertising
Thh Homb RULli IVIVAL.-A meeting of the Newport branch of the United Irish League was held on Saturday afternoon. Mr. Farrell, M. P., said the issue before the Irish electors was not that they should be true to this or that English party. but that they should be true to i Ireland. The touchstone of fidelity to Ireland was Home Rule. A resolution was adopted pledging the electors to support Mr. Spice? who !j is a staunch Home Ruler. Brablbt's sell All-fur Elastic FELT HATS, at 3/9, in any shape as comfortable as a cap, really 4/6 goods.—Foregate-aiyo.i& (corner ot Saltaratraet) and70, Brook-efcreet,
FARMERS AS MAGISTRATES.
FARMERS AS MAGISTRATES. At the first meeting of the newly-elected Rural Council for the Northwich Uiii^n, on Fri- day, the name of Colonel France-Hayhurst was proposed, as it has been proposed for very many years, as chairman of the authority. Mr. John Holland, of Little Budworth, who is prominent in Cheshire agricultural circles, took exception to the appointment on somewhat original grounds. Col. France-Hayhurst, he said, was well fitted for the post, and his objection was in no sense a personal one. But, added Mr. Holland, tenant farmers were sadly neglected, and, with the exception of one case in Wirral, there was not one of them to be found upon a bench of magistrates throughout the whole of the county. He failed to see that the existing benches of magistrates would raise any objections to agricultural interests being represented, and he asserted that the landowner interest was represented to the extent of ten to one; trade had its due number of representatives; but agriculture, which was never subjected to more rigid regulations with regard to diseases of animals, milk supply, &c., was left out in the cold. The law as to ex-officio magistrates was, in the opinion of the speaker, passed with the object of "bringing out" suitable agriculturists, and when suitable men were found the Lord Lieutenant would begin to appoint permaneat justices from this class. Mr. Holland's objection met with no response—save the negative response of utter in- difference-and Colonel France-Hayhurst was elected to office.
IHOLYWELL - HALON MINING IAND…
HOLYWELL HALON MINING AND TUNNEL CO., LTD. The sixth annual general meeting of this com- pany was held on Thursday at the Blossoms Hotel, Chester, the chairman of directors (the Hon. Cecil T. Parker) presiding. The Chairman, in moving the adoption of the reports and balance-sheet, stated that the Board were quite satisfied with the rate of progress made in the driving of the tunnel during the past twelve months, the driving during that period having averaged 16 yards per week, and the total length of the tunnel up to date being 2,009 yards, and when considering the size of the tunnel and the distance for haulage, it must be very satisfactory to all concerned. The intermediate shaft sunk on the line of tunnel, though it cost more than what was at first anticipated, owing to the difficult nature of the ground passed through, had proved to be of great benefit and utility in ventilating and expediting the driving of the tunnel, and when an unfortunate accident occurred at the face of the tunnel, whereby six workmen were more or less seriously injured, this shaft proved of great service, en- abling the injured men to be brought to the surface, and thus receiving immediate atten- tion. With reference to the accident, he was pleased to say that with one exception all the injured men had resumed work and that his Majesty's Inspector of Mines, a fter careful in- vestigation, had exonerated the management from any blame. The Board had spared no pains to keep a careful watch over the expenditure, and although the cost of labour and materials bad considerably increased, they hoped that the cost of driving the tunnel would not exceed the original estimates. Owing to the high price and scarcity of coal they had during the year worked a small colliery on their own property, and raised about 300 tons of coal, which was of great use. The cost incurred in developing and working the Old Milwr Mine had been fully justified by the discovery and location of the Old Bailey Gwya Lode, which had proved at the outcrop to be 21 feet wide, and heads strongly to the east in the direction of the line of tunnel, which is a dis- tance of 800 yards from the point at which the lode was discovered. The Board were taking steps to equip Herward Shaft with winding plant, and when the water had subsided to a sufficient depth begin driving the tunnel from that end also. It was anticipated that the cherb formation would, at the present rate of driving, be reached by about September next, when it was expected that the whole of the Milwr sett would be gradually drained, and thus enabling the Old Milwr sett to be worked from the tunnel. The Board were also carefully considering the erection of dressing plant at the Bagillt end of the tunnel, and for this pur- pose were obtaining expert opinions, and intend putting up the best and most modern machinery. In conclusion, the Chairman expressed his una- bated confidence in the future success of the un- dertaking, a confidence which he knew was shared by his brother directors. They had a most valu- able property and had a bright prospect before them. A gentleman who had visited the tunnel and mine a few days before was so pleased with what he had seen, and evidently was convinced of the value of the undertaking, that he had applied for 500 shares, and he (the chairman) warmly in- vited the shareholders to visit the tunnel and mine, and every information and facility for inspection would be given them on application to the secre- tary. Mr. H. A. Cope (the vice-chairman), in second- ing the motion, stated that he heartily endorsed every word that had fallen from the lips- of their chairman, and as a local man who had had con- siderable experience ifi mining, he looked upon the undertaking as most promising to the shareholders and of great benefit to the district of Ifolywelh and he was pleased to identify himself with the scheme. On the proposition of Mr. Meacock, seconded by Mr. Muspratt, Messrs. H. A. Cope and Thomas Smith were unanimously re-elected directors, and Mr. C. G. Haswell was re-appointed auditor. In conclusion a. hearty vote of thanks was ac- corded the directors, and the chairman for pre-
THE SMELTING CORPORATION.-"
THE SMELTING CORPORATION. I THE ELLESMERE PORT WORKS. VOLUNTARY WINDING-UP DECIDED UPON. A special meeting of the shareholders of the Smelting Corporation, Limited, was held in Lon- don on Friday to take into consideration the diffi- culties which had arisen in carrying on the busi- ness of the company owing, first, to the faihrre of Mr. Fry to meet his engagement, with the com- pany to the extent of upwards of £10,000; secondly, to the high price of fuel, losses of metal, and other matters connected with the smelting; and, thirdly, owing to the action of adjoining landowners, who allege that the carrying on of the works of the company is injurious to their property, and who are seeking an injunction. Mr. Cosmo Bevan, one of the directors, occupied the chair, and made a statement as to the origin and cost of the works at Ellesmere Port. The advice o?f M,f r. Racht,, who was described as probably the most experienced smelter in America, was ac- copted as to tho value of the process, together with the experience of the founders of the works at Llansamlet. The advice of Mr. Devereux, one of the first authorities on smelting, operations in America, was taken as to building the works at Eliesmere Port, which were to be of a very ad- vanced and substantial character, capable of treating 100,000 tons of ore per annum, but only a third of the works was to be erected at first, provision being made for future extensions. Mr- Devereux's estimate for this was £ 57,000 The works were carried out by Mr. Addie, who had been working under Mr. Devereux, and the cost proved more than double the original figure. The works were acknowledged to be among the finest in the world, and mIght be readily adapted for other smelting, operations. The Chairman then went on to deal with the difficulties that had been experienced at starting, such as untrained hands and other matters, and the unsatisfactory nature ot the first balance-sheet on October 31, 1900. The directors, he said, believed that the losses would not be Repeated. When further capital waS needed in January, 1901, the heads of depart- ments made a return shewing a profit of os. a ton, and upon this return debentures were issued. At tho end of February a more careful stocktakin was made, and it was found that the former esti- mates were wrong in two most important par- ticulars-namely, in the loss of metals and the working costs. Further, in the months of Feb- ruary and March, the prices of zinc and lead fell very considerably, thus still further reducing the margin of profit. The freight of Australian slimes had also risen from 5s. to 10s. per ton. It also became increasingly evident that the cupola could not be worked continuously. These results. coupled with the fact that the adjoining land- owners had applied for an injunction to stop the works on account of the fumes issuing from the chimneys, decided the directors to stop operations until more favourable conditions could be ob- tained, and a fume-catching apparatus could ba applied. Accordingly, on the 23rd of March the works were suspended. At this critical juncture Mr. Fry's position became suddenly manifest, and? the directors were faced with the fact that more than £ 10,000 payable by him for debentures would not be forthcoming,. They thereupon askell for the appointment of a receiver, and Mr. Peters, of Eastcheap, was appointed by tha court on the 2nd inst. Mr. Peters had obtained the report Of two experts, who described the works at Elles- mere Port as equal to. anything of their kindi 111 Europe or America. If it were decided to aban- don the "salt-cake" process, the works might b6' converted into copper smelting works of the fir^ order. Having dealt with the foreign patents, the Chairman said the directors would be io give the fullest information to any ccnmllitl.tee ine snareholders might like to appoint. If tho (committee found. that some form of re-coi,15taic- tion was necessary to place the company on s more solid foundation the directors woulti velcol,-Io their decision. Mr. Charles raad several extracts from fartm^ reports to shew that th? information .1 uppli.? b? been altogether misleading. Mr. A'derman Snape (Liverpool) saiz the coso. mittee should not only investigate the- conduct Of the directors, but that of the manager as wc. J. There appealed to have been a goott deal of nns" managemeuts. 9 After same further discussion, in which it V; 80 f stated th&Í1 the capital was a series ot resolutions was adopted for vol unitary liquida- tion and the appointment of a caurnittee, d settling the powers which they 'o(E' to exercise- The cwnmittee consisted of Mr. Alderman Snap" i (Liverpool), the Hon. H. A. I..wmr(,n m (Londoil), and M r. Watson and Mr. A.'idfersan from *iia Ncvrfeh of England. (The (Hove articles appearetl,i',J. oitt- last Saturdo'l Evening Edi'ttwn%)
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