Wrexham and Denbighshire Advertiser and Cheshire Shropshire and North Wales Register

OUR LADIES' COLUMN, BY ONE OF THEMSELVES. 11 —1 — v THE IXFLUEXZA. SCHOOLS. TEMPORARY TUTORS.—COACHES. — EMIGRATION.— CAPTAIN GRKTTON, HS VISIT TO CANADA.—EMH;RA- TION FOR "WOMEN.—PROSPECTS IN A NEW LA —LONDON GLOOMY.—COURT MOURNING. -IZOYAL BRIDAL GIFTS.—PUBLIC SORROW. Not only in our homes and our domestic circles do we feel the misery of the terrible epidemic through which we in London are now passing, in common with the rest of the world, but even when we are happy enough to escape its inva- sion in the midst of our Lares and Penates, it so disorganises our plans and arrangements every- where that it produces disastrous results. At this moment I have a schoolboy left on my hands for another week, with nothing on the earth to do, because there has been influenza in the schoolmaster's family and as for the public schools Wellington College is shut up, and transferred for a time to the seaside, and the great school at Marlborough is under a ban. I fe;ir tli;i t, at hot li these seatsofinstruction there is something far more serious than the germs of influenza to be discovered and rectified. But what are we to do with our boys meantime ? cry the distracted parents. Many of them are pre. paring for army, Indian, and other examinations, scholarships at the Universities, and other distinctions which cannot be postponed, and I immediately reply "Send them to a good and recognised coach if possible" the teaching will be even better than at school, and by this means you may secure success though at a higher figure than you anticipated. I happen to know several of the best and most widely recognised tutors, or "crammers" as they are irreverently called, forthe public services, and my acquaintance amongst young Indian and military men numbers very many, whom in former days I only knew as pupils of some of these clever and successful men, who in their own youth became privata tutors and married in three instances school- fellows of my own. Captain James, late of the Hoyal Engineers, living in Lexham Gardens, it perhaps the best known of the number. He has in his line and perfectly sanitary house 36 class- rooms, and passes on an average 100 young men every year into the services nearly 80 per cent o€ those who go up. I think such a crisis, as the present can scarcely be better utilised than by placing the boys who are adrift for awhile beneath this scholastic forcing glass. But as the numbers in such houses, when well- managed, are never very large, seldom exceeding fifty or sixty, the domestic arrangements are carefully seen to. I used to know well the kind, thrifty housekeeper who acted as deputy for my former schoolfellow, the wife of Captain James, and I know it was a privilege to be under her care; and I also know that the Professors who assist Captain James in his work,which he never shirks himself, are first-class men in their special subjects, and being by force of numbers brought closely in contact with their pupils, they are able to insist on good and earnest work being done, and to exercise a more personal influence on their pupils than is, possible in a large public school. So after all the alarm felt by many anxious parents at the present moment, owing to the temporary collapse of several of our most importan t schools, way turn out to be a blessing in disguise, and the boys who, in a large class, with necessarily imperfect oversight, spent much of their tillle in idling and play, may by the force of circum- stances and the stimulus of private tuition carry all before them when the time of trial come". I could quote instances, indeed, where school teaching having failed the Captain has been successful, to the surprise of all concerned, and I am elad to think that in Lexham Gardens, as elsewhere, there is still room for emergency pupils, who thus need not have their important studies interfered with at the dictum even of diphtheria. I have just received intimation from a well-known ladies' school that my young Java relative, who was to have returned there to-morrow, has thrust upon her a week's more holiday, to her vexation and my annoyance. The reason given is the prevalence of influenza, which I thought she would escape if she left to niorrrow for healthy country surroundings, but being now compelled to breathe this atmosphere for another week I dare say she will do justice to it and go in for a veritable at tack of the epidemic. I wanted, of all things, to hear an account of seven weeks spent among the settlers in Canada given, as promised, to-day by Captain Le M. Gretton, lion. sec. of the East Emigration Fund, but I am just informed that he, too, has i the influenza rather badly, and cannot leave his bed. I am sadly disappointed, for he is only just back from a visit he has been paying to some of the emigrants sent to Canada by the society. However, I had the pleasure of a long conversation with him on the subject immediately after his return to England, and I then determined that my readers should hear something truly about the real conditions now existing amongst those who not more than two years ago bravely exchanged the old country, with its poverty and frequent degradation, for the abundant food, warm houses, and excellent clothing of the new country and the new life which is open to all sober, healthy and indus- trious settlers in Canada. My friend Captain Gretton is especially anxious th:tt respectable hard-working young women should know what prospects there are for them in the new land. He does no tcon fine his remarks cii tirely to the class we know as the working class, but he includes many of those who have been surrounded with luxuries at home often such as have been difficult to pay for honestly, and I myself urge many of those young women who try to keep up a so-called "genteel "poverty at home, to consider whether it would not be better to try and fit them- selves for a new life by gaining as much experience and practice as possible, in matters which I have always believed to be especially woman's work-I mean cooking, washing, ironing, nursing, and the like accomplishments which will meet with a far better reward in our colonies than any amount of fifth rate music, singing, embroidery, drawing, &c., about all of which so many pounds are needlessly spent here in the hope of a future' reward. Captain Gretton visited a large num ber of emigrants who had gone years ago to Canada, under the auspices of his society. His tour extended through the Ottawa and Manitoba districts, and far on to the North-west. He actually visited in their homes about 350 families I, and had reliable information of about 200 more. The result of his visits was most satisfactory, 430 of the families and single cases were doing very well indeecr, about 50 were hopeful, and better off than they were in England but they had not made much headway either through bad habits or laziness. Captain Gretton says the right sort of emigrants to send to Canada are industrious, sober, healthy men and women, who will take the first job that turns up whether they have been used to it in England or not." Such are certain to do well in the long run; but those who want to pick and choose when they first arrive, had better stay at home. In the most interest- ing report presented by Captain Gretton to the East End Emigration Fund, I find delightful accounts of the doings of many families who left London almost in a state of starvation, but who are now in the midst of plenty and success. He tells us especially of the position of two widows, who emigrated about three years ago, without a farthing to call their own, one of whom he found in August, 1891, living in a little cottage on the outskirts of the town with a fat pig and many chickens running near it, all her very own. She said she was "doing Al," taiiing in washing by contract for all the big farms around. She was perfectly happy, and her greatest wish was to pay London a visit, to "preach Canada" to her old friends in Wliite- cliapel. Her son had been on the same farm ever since he came out, earning £ï 5s. a month, with his board and lodging. The dearth of woman's labour throughout the North-west is almost in- credible. Captain Gretton tells us that he called on a young English lady who lived in a small town on the main railway line and found her busy scrubbing the boards of a house into which she and her husband were moving. It is well to advise those who arrive in any of our Colonies hoping to do well, not to remain in the towns, but to press on to the less populated districts* I where labour is really wanted and well paid for. Those who may be thinking of emigration as a solution to many difficulties with which they are now contending, should get this little pamphlet of Capt.Gretton's from the EastEmigration Fund. 44, New-st., Stepney, E., and consider it well. I am always sorry when I see those who are healthy and strong, and capable, willing to what I call hugger mugger" in London, doing little or nothing, and enduring many privations, rather than do what they are not accustomed to, and brave the unknown in a new country. It is quite certain that in other lands there are boundless possibilities for willing workers. Only a few months ago I heard of a widowed mother, a highly educated woman, with four daughters, none of them as yet earning anything, though but for their mother's efforts in teaching and so forth poverty would certainly have entered their door, feeling their posi- tion, and casting about to remedy it, having entered into arrangements with a big fruit grower in California to join another family of similar position and education, and go out to the sunny land of delicious pears, peaches, and apricots to embark in willing peaches, there as packers of the juicy fruit at service good wages, whilst some of the party, with their mother, were to apply their natural gifts and housewifely knowledge in making the homes of many workers comfortable and pleasant beyond what they had ever been, taking with them also some of the accomplishments which though little regarded here, where there is a Eletliora of such things, are highly estimated by settlers and their families in the land which has not yet developed the products of civilisa- tion. I devoutly hope that their plan will b. carried out. When last I heard it seemed likely, but one never knows what difficulties may pre- sent themselves to the female mind I I never like to allude to the probability of marriage as an inducement for educated and capable women to enter on such enterprise, but it must not be forgotten that it is a worthy and suitable object of feminine am- bition, if properly carried out, and I feel sure that many a happier, better and more lasting union is often effected where good common sense and a similar object in lite form the basis of attraction than when the disguises of fashion- able society and the false charms of meretricious accomplishments are brought to bear on those of the pther sex with this view. There is no conventionality in such a life as that which ia led by colonists, and in the free and open atmos- phere of the still unpopulated districts I around Winnipeg, Mexico, er Columbia, women are valued for what they are, not for what they pretend to be, and often wisely choaen to become the true helpmates of good, trustworthy men, free from the tempta- tions and extravagant demands of European civilisation. We often send our best youths, the very flower of our families, to these distant lands, to manage a ranche or to establish a farm, without mother, sister, or woman friend to soften the hardness of their lives. Surely there is work to do there for women's hands and women's brains, which here often lie fallow and useless for want of a recognised sphere. Were this more fully understood and wisely organised we should hear less of our surplus women in England and want of occupation for them. London has, indeed, been gloomy for a long time. Last week the dense foggy atmosphere seemed to bear company with the depression which was evident everywhere. The two funerals close together of our Royal Prince under such I peculiarly sad circumstances, and that of the 'good Cardinal whose active useful life has been for many years a blessing to others, were events which will not soon be forgotten. Every one is wearing mourning, and there are no festivi- ties of any sort to be enjoyed, even if one were in health and spirits to do so. Most women have a black dress in their wardrobes ready for emergencies, but I see very few worn that give me the idea of antiquity. For the most part the gowns are of simple plain black material, evi- deiitly newly made. The black jackets and i cloaks which can be worn with any dress are quite appropriate, and the substitution of black feathers or ribbon in a black hat for coloured plumes or sprays makes one's winter head gear complete for the time. But whatever the ex- ternal marks of mourning may be, 1 feel sure there are but few hearts that have not felt deeply for the bright and lov- able Princess whose lot is now so sadly changed. Only to think of all the beautiful wedding presents that were prepared for her—some of which are not likely to be of use to any one else 1 Her dainty wedding trousseau, many articles of which I was privi- leged to see, have as far as possible been counter- manded, and the rich white satin, absolutely in the Spitalfields loom. for her bridal robe, will, I am told, be sold to deck some other bride. In some cases the presents will still find a place with their intended owner. Things that bear no bridal significance and carry their apparent usefulness into any condition of -life may yet, find their premeditated position, as unsuggestive offerings of true and faith- ful personal regard. I know that the beautiful typewriter got up for the Princess in nickel silver by Messrs. Remington, the most perfect of its kind, worth about e250, will still ba given to her, and I trust she will use and like it —for surely no bridal sentiment can be associated with so practical a gift. Other small matters will doubtless find acceptance as a token of affectionate goodwill under any circumstances, and it is certain that the terrible bereavement which has overtaken those who seemed to be so happy, has done much to elicit real sympathy and to endear certain Royal personages to the hearts of the people more than any amount of pageants and rejoicings could have done. I feel very much for the Prince of Wales under his bereavement, and I think every father in the kingdom will understand what made him fall oa his knees in the Royal Chapel beside the bier which bore his son's coffin, and, putting his hand on the military cap he had so often seen him wear, burst into audible sobs and bitter tears. There are some passages in life which make all men equal, and this, alas! was one of them. The air is full of farewells to the dying, And mournings for the dead The heart of Rachel, for her children crying, Will not be comforted." How many beside those in high places will just now realise the truth of these lines! May all to whom they represent a blighting sorrow be able to add- "We will be patient and assuage the feeling, We may not wholly stay By silence sanctifying, not concealing, The grief that must have way." I have often thought that those only who have; so suffered can estimate the full beauty and pathos of the sweet lines of the Fireside, by I Longfellow, our American poet, called" Resig- nation." London, Thursday. PENELOPH. TO CORRESPONDENTS. j,. %v.b., rrestoii. u n toi-tuziateiy, i nave a friend who collects stamps, and I have pro- mised all I can get to him but if I get any good duplicates I will remember you. Miss#C.B., Birmingham.—I am sorry that I cannot assist you in your good work. The Englishwoman's Year Book for 1891, published by Hatchard, Piccadilly, may give you the desired information. The British Medical Fund may be available. Write to the editors of the British Medical Journal and the Lancet on the matter. Ask for information from the editor, who is sure to reply. A. B. C.—I mentioned some time ago a little book published by Dr. N. E. Davies, called Foods for the Fat," and published by Chatto and Windus, which will tell you all you want to I know. ) G. SINGER.—I am in the midst of sickness my- self just now and can with difficulty only write my ordinary lelter. I have not received any previous letter from you and have not as yet heard what your invention is.

COMIC PAPER CUTTINGS. [From PUNCH."] ARTIFICIAL OYSTER-CULTIVATION," read Mrs. R., AI the heading of a par in the Times. Good gracious she exclaimed, who on earth would ever think of eating artificial oysters NIGHT LIGHTS. Rumour has it that certain chorus ladies have objected to wearing electric glow- lamp. in then hair. Was it for fear of becoming too ight-headed 0 So CON VENIENT !—Young Wife Where are you going, Keggie dear?" Regcie Dear: "Only to the club, my darling." Young Wife Oh, I don't mind that, bceause there's a telephone there, and I can talk to you through it, can't I ?" Reggie "Y-yes— but--ei--you know, the confounded wires are always getting out of order SOMETHING WRONG SOMEWHERE.—" How charming you look, dear Mrs. 1 Bellamy—as usual Would you mind telling me who makes your lovely frocks ? I'm so dissatisfied with my dressmaker Oh, certainly, Mrs. ChiBbnnette, of Bond-street." Chiffonnette Why, I've been to her for years The wretch I wonder which she suits you so much better, now! Monday, Jan. lB, 1892. "Bath and West of Eng- land's Society's Cheese School at Frome." Of this school, the Times, judging by results, speaks highly of the practical character of the instruction given at the school." This is a bad look-out for Eton and Harrow, not to say for Winchester and West- minster also. All parents who wish their children to be quite the clieese in society generally, and particularly for Bath and the West of England, where, of course, society is remarkably exclusive, cannot do better, it is evident, than send them to the Dath and West of England Cheese School. I From Fui."I A Bald Kxcus*—A wig. A Flight of Fancy—The one which occurs when the police interrupt a prizefight. Why are the Tories like your toes when you dance ? Because they must be turned out. NOTHING LIKE A CHANGE. She: "Since my return from the south of France, I'm another woman." Sarcastic Friend How delighted your husband must be." QUICK AT FIGURES. Young Featlierly "Are these your children ?" Mrs. Brand Oh, yes The boy is five years old, and this girl is seven." Young Featlierly Well, how time flies! It doesn't seem possible that you have been married 12 years." [From JUDY."I I ECONOMICAL.—"How d'you do ? You're out early this morning." Yes I'm going to lunch with a friend, and thought I could afford an appetite." GIVE AND TAKE.—Mr. Jones: "Why do you put the hair of another woman on your head ?" Mrs. Jones Why do you wear the skin of another calf on your hands ?" CHILDHOOD'S SWEET SIMPLICITY.—Dear little Five- year-old to Four-year-old Friend 'Oo are a nice I! 'ittle dirl. I love 'oo, au', cause I love'oo so very much, I'H let 'oo put all your pennies in my pretty money box

Brownston has cured his wife of everlasting talk- ing." "How, for goodness sake?" "He told her that she looked prettier with her mouth closed, and now she can hardly be induced to utter a syllable. Irate politician Look here, you published a lie about me this morning-an infamous lie I won't stand it." Serene editor: "But just think where you would be if we were to publish the truth about you. "I SmitIter:" You told me the night before last you were going to sleep, but instead of going home you went to the theatre. What did you lie to me for ? Mr. Henpeck I didn't lie to you at all. Where else can a poor married man get a chance to sleep except at the theatre ? If you suppose I can sleep at home it is because you don't know my wife." A friend once entered the room of an Oxford don, and found him busy with pen and paper. What arc you doing ?" said the visitor. Writing a testi- monial for Newbroom," was the reply. "Why," re- joined the other," the only thing I could say of him would be that lie was 'oily and obstinate. "That is just what I have said," replied the don: and forthwith read, Dr. Newbroom is suave yet firm. A Sunday School teacher endeavoured to make his pupils understand the parable about the good shepherd. He said, "Now, little children, suppose you were all little sheep, what would I be?" He expected them to say that he would be the good shepherd, but much to his disgust one of them re- plied, If we were little sheep, you would be a big sheep;" whereupon the teacher looked very sheepish indeed. Mrs. Binks Why did you come home to dinner?" Small Son I had my dinner, ma. I took dinner with Willie Minks." "Did Mrs. Minks invite you ?" Yes;, ma. I smelled apple-dumplings cooking, and I told her I liked apple-dumplings awful." Oli, you did?" Yes'm. Then she said maybe if I went home I'd find you had apple-dumplings for dinner, too." "Humph!" Yea'ra. But I told lie.- your-, was always so heavy pa wouldn't let me eat ruiy and then she invited me to sit down

I AGRICULTURE. At Eddisbury Petty Sessions on Monday Peter Snelaon, farmer, of Oakmere, was fined 25 and C08 for failing to report an outbreak of fheep scab on his farm. Out of a Sock of 703 as many as 148 animals were infected. THE LABOR COMMISSION AND AGRICULTURE -The Royal Conimi-zion on Labor, at a private meeting on Wednesday, decided to appoint six special sub- commiasiriners to deal exhaustively with the whole agricultural problem. SHEEP WOBRIED BY FOXES IN CHESHIRE.—A Cheshire faimer complains that in the neighbourhood of Wardle and Tilstone several fl icke of sheep, par- ticularly since the snow-storm, have been worried in the most cruel manner by foxes. The sheep were found alive, and the foxes were traced in the snow to where the sheep were worried. The farmer states that he himself had to shoot at a fox which he found worrying his flock of sheep. KILLING THE SPARftows.-In Illinois sparrows are being slaughtered in thousandp. On the first Day of December the Biil offering a bounty for deadonfB became law, and at the )e of that month the clerk of St. Clair County had issued bounty warrants for 1,285 birds kilhd within the city alone. It is supposed that not less than 10,000 have been killed all over the county during the month. Two cents are paid for each bird-one penny English money. The destruction done by sparrows to the creps during the last two years led to legislation on the subject. WLRRAII FARMERS' CLUB -At the annual meeting on Tuesday, a membership of 103 was reported. At the dinner in the evening, Mr John Price, of Arrowe, proposed The Landed Interest." He would like to know how many of them present that evening had succeeded in "landing any interest" last year. (Hear, hear, and laughter.) The landlords of Cheshire generally were gentlemen who were willing to aid their tenants to make the most out of their farms, they could, and if a farmer, when he found things were going wrong with him, approached his landlord in a rational, reasonable spirit, he felt sure his demands would be met in the same spirit. THE BOARD OF AGRICULTURE AND CHESHIRE.— The London Gazette, on Tueday niijht, contained an order by the Board of Agriculture that notwithstand- ing anything in the order of the Privy Council, datd Septtmber 16 h, 1886, the provisions of article 73 (swine fever infected circle) of Animals Order of 1886 as amended by article 2 of the Animals (Amendment) Order of 1888, No. 2 shall, as from the commencement of this Older, no longer apnly to or be in force in the district of the county of Chester. All regulations made hy the local authority of the county under the said article 73 of the Animals Order of 1886, and in force at the commencement of this Order, are hereby revoked. This order shall commence and take effect from the 25th inst. SMALL HOLDINGS IN BERKSHIRE,—Mr Chaplin on Friday paid a visit to the Birkshire estate of the Small Farm and Laborers' Land Company, eight miles from Wantage, Berks. The company was formed in 1885, und soon afterwards Lord Wantage presented to it a farm of 410 acrea, which he had pur- chased for JE4,000, at Upper Lanibourne. Two hundred and sixty out < f the oiiginal 410 acres have been sold for 21,968. Tt.e remaining 144 acres fieure in the company'* balance slieet as worih 23 237. This lard is ht to eleven holders of 11 to 36 acres. The pasture land lets at about 22 an acre, the arable land at a little over JE1. It is found that, except for market garden- ing, 30 acres is about as small a quantity as a man can live upon without employing other labor. The company latt year paid a dividend of 4 per cent, on the eubsciibed capital. AGRICULTURAL DEPRESSION IN SHEPPY. The Slieppy Union Assessment Committee have received a large number of appeals consequent on the great reductions made in ttie rents of fai iris in the Isle of Sheppy at MicliaelmaB last. These have all been dealt with by lowering the assessments to the same amount as the reduced rent. The rating of R iyham Farm, Eastchurcli, owned by Lord Harris, has been reduced from 9700 to 2500 Stye's Court, Harty, has been reduced ft om 1:575 10s. to 2400 the assessment of Great Bell's Farm, Eastchurch, has been lowered fioni k470 to R300 and that of Elliott's Farm, Harty, from 4:686 to £ 500. Reductions have also recently l een made in the ratings of farms in Leysdown and Queenborough. The owners of several farms in East- chuich and Harty have been unable to find tenant- for the land, and are tilling it themselves to prevent it going out of cultivation.

FARMING AND THE CORN TRADE. I I The Ma', k Lane Express of Monday says:- Farmers have been able to sow a little wheat, but, with falling markets and a general feeling of dis- couragement, it is not likely the wheat acreage will he materially increased. Should pr ces recover i before the end of February, the spring Laowings of j wheat may slightly increase the average, but the regions where spring wheat pays to grow are limited in arep, and the custom of spring-wheat sowing as a mhtter of agricultural policy is rather on the decime than otherwise. The aspect of the autumn-sown wheat in England at the present moment is decidedly favorable, while color and vigor of habit are what agricuJturiets like to Fee. The price of English wheat in London has fallen 2s per quarter since New Year's Day, and the imperial average for country markt t. shows a like decline from the mean of December. The prices of foreign wheat ruling at the chief markets to-day are 6d lower on the week. Fi reign Huur has fallen 63 per sack. The spring corn trade has been fairly firm for oatp, beans, and pea", but dull for barley. Out of 30 markets, 21 have favored buyers of barley, but oniy eight have been weak for oatp. Maize was dear at some markets and cheap at ethers.

SHROPSHIRE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. The annual general meeting of the Shropshire and Weot Midland Agricultural Society was held at Shrewsbury, on Saturday. Mr W. E. M. Hulton- Harrop presided, and there was a large attendance of members. The council in their report stated that the exhibi- tion for the year 1892 will be held on June 29, 30, and July 1, at Welshpool, and considering it is a long time since the society visited the town, situate in a good agricultural district embracing the whole of North Walec, the council anticipated an excellent show. The last bhow held at Market Drayton was numerically and otherwise a fine display, especially the Shropshire pheep, which reached the magnificent entry of 203, or 660 allimals, being one of the largest exhibitions of sheep the society has ever got together. The balance- sheet showed a loss tf £ 375 2s Id, mainly attributable to a largely-increai-ed prizd list and the wretched weather experienced during the three days of tho show. The horse, cattle, and Shrop- shire sheep classes formed the most im- portant features of the show. most of the celebrated specimens of the year in the live stock world finding their way to Market Drayton. The horses were a magnificent display, quite up to if nut surpassing any previous year's exhibits. An impor- tant factor is the large foreign business done at the soeii ty's meetings, a great number of Shropshire sheeu and horses being purchased for exportation. The number of entries in the various departments were-Horses, 215 cattle, 169 sheep, 203 pigs, 50 buit-r, cheese and wool, 101 stands of imple- ments, 810. A sum equal to 21,222 18s was awarded in prizes. The number of members of the society is 533. The council, on behalf of the society, desired to thank the President, Mr A. P. Heywood- Lonsdale, and the Vice-President, Sir George Chetwode, for the great amount of interest they had taken in all matters connected with the society dur- ing their term of office. The report was adopted. Lord Powis was unanimously elected president of the society for the ensuing year, and the Mayor of Welshpool (Mr W. Fletcher Rogers), vice-president. The Secietary (Mr A. Maniell), the Treasurer (Mr T. S. Eaton), and the Auditor (Mr Vine) were re- elected and the members of the council, who re- tired in rotation, were re-elected with few exceptions.

THE DENBIGHSHIRE INFIRMARY. The annual meeting of the governors and sub. scribers of this charity was held at Denbigh on Wed- nesday, Col. Meaham presiding.—It was reported that Col. Wynn Finch, president-elect. had subscribed jE25 to the infirmary ball fund. and Mrs Griffith, of Garn, E20.-Votes of thanks were returned to the liberal doners.—From the annual report it appeared that the number of patients during the year had been 168, as against 147 in the year 1890. The number of out-patients was 1,714, as against 2,180. The income from various sources was £1,322 2" 91, as compared with 21,140 163 8d in 1890, and that of 1889 £ 1,094 193 8d. The total expenditure for the year amounted to £1,344 78 9d, as compared with 21,318 15s lOd in 1890. The expenditure was £22 15a above the receipts for the year. A special appeal bad been made to obtain additional subscriptions and donations, which the committee regret did not meet with greater success. The committee were pleased to place on record the gratifying result of a testimonial to their late chairman, Mr T. Gold Edwards, who showed his regard for the institution by devoting the sum raised to a free bed, which will be called after his name, and permanently mark the long and valuable services rendered by him and the late Mrs Gold Edwards. The amount of collections made in churches and chapels during the past year in aid of the charity was £75 19.!1 9d.

SINGULAR PROCEEDINGS AT AN INQUEST. Mr Wm. Davies, coroner, held an adjourned inquest at the Boar's Head, Ewloe, near Hawarden, on Tuesday, on the body of a joiner named John Seacombe. It seems that Seacombe's wife died about a week ago, and was buried. Three days afterwards Seacombe himself was foupd dea on the highway, and an inquest was opened last Friday. It was then represented to the coroner that Mrs Seacombe's sistei —Mrs Ann Jones, from Minera-had made allega- tions that her sister was poisoned by her husband, and that he afterwards committed suicide. The coroner thereupon instructed the police to make thorough inquiry into the matter, and adjourned the inquest. Since then the police, though they had made every effort, had failed to find the slighest niden..e which could warrant the allegation of Mrs Jones. On the contrary, a number of witnesses, neighbours of the deceased, gave evidence as to their having been on very good terms, and that Seacombe was very attentive and kind to his wife.—The Coroner called Mrs Jones before him, and, having put her upon oath, interrogated her as to her allegations. She said some of the neighbours had told her that her sister had been poisoned, but she could neither name nor recognise her informants. Upon being further pressed, she admitted that "she knew nothing about it," and that it had all originated with herself.-The Coroner severely censured her for her conduct and told her she was a gossiping woman, and had caused himself and the jury a great deal of unnecessary trouble.—The jury, in returning a verdict of "Death from natural causes," also censured the woman for her behaviour.

MAZAWATTEE I !-These choice Blends recall the delicious China Teas of thirty years ago. Prices, Is 10d, 2i 2s 4d, 2s 10J, and 4s per lb.-Agenta fo Mazawattee in Wrexham, H. and T. Jones. 264

I SUICIDE AT CYMMAU. I Lht week we reported the rash attempt which HT_ Wm. Powell, fa.mer. of Ffynnon Farm, Cy?" made upon his life by cutting his throat with a raz" When we went to press he WM in the Wrexham T' firmary, and waa doing well, but on Monday he di £ l~ The inquest was held at the County Buifdin? '?n? Wednesday, before Mr B. H. Thelwall, coro?ner wS a jury havine Mr W. J. Willelt, a, ?re? Meshach Thomaf. collier, Ffrwd. said he lived  the deceased, and had known him for 20 years On Sunday, January 17th, he was called to the farm and found the deceased sitting in a chair bleeding from a wound in the throat. Witness remainsd with him until Dr. Parry Jones, of Wrexham, came, after which he was removed to the Wrexham Intirmarv Deceased was a sober man, and witness had never tlmuglit he exhibited symtoma of insanity He was happy in his home affairs, and was in a comfurtable position. Mr Lancashire, house surgeon, at the Wrexham Infirmary, said on January 18th he went to the Cymmau, and brought deceased in to the Infirmary. He was suffering from a cut throat. The wound which was a deep one. had missed th windpipe, but it extended to the back of the throat. At the Infirmary deceased went on well, and was fed with the stomach pumn On Sunday, however, he became insane, and lefuaed his food, and died on klonday at five o'clock from exhaustion. He suffered from melancholia. If the mental trouble had not supervened, deceased would probably have recovered. Sarah Eiizibeth Lewi,3, widow, a daughter of the deceased, said her father was fifty-five years of age. He had been under Dr. LI. William,, of Wrexham for some months, suffering from a pain in the head' The doctor had said that his mind was affected. O January 17th deceased rose at seven o'clock, and did not go out. He rat-i bled about the house, and at 8 30 in the evening went to the cart house and wounded him. self. Geo, Williams, collier, Ffrwd, the deceased's brother-in-law, said he was at the deceased's house on the Sunday in question. He ramhl-d about the house and in the evening went to the door saying "l can stand it no longer." Witness ran after him and found that lie had cut his throat. He was standing and witness get him back to the house. The jury returned a verdict that deceased had in. flicted the injuries, from which he died, upon himself while temporarily insane.

-4 BKOXTON Pl'/rLT SESSIONS. TUESDAY.—Before Mesata R. Howard. J. Haoowwairrrta, and F. A. W. Whitmore. A KABNDON BAKER IN TROUBLE. William Harrison, bak-r, Farndon, wa summoned for unlawfully telling a 2.b loaf of bread, which was 3i ounces short otherwise than by weight. Oa the 13th Janury Robert Watti, inspector of weights and ineaeures for the Nitntwicli division, paid his periodi- cal visit to Farndon, accompanied by his assistant Thomas Wright. The latter went to defendant's sh ip and asked for a 2ib loaf, for which he paid 31. The bread was not weighed, and it was subsequently found to be 3¡ ounces short. In the absence of the defendant the bread was supplied by the son. When Harrison's attention was drawn to the matter he paid he could not afford to sell a 2ib loaf for 3d ao fl )ur was BJ dear.-Defeudant now pleaded guilty, stating in mitigation that a 2>b loaf was not asked for.-The Inspector pointed "ut that whether the bread was asked for by weight or not, the baker must give weight.—The Chairman said it was a grave offence and defendant would he fined 10* and cotta ;9s 6J.1 OFFENDING COAL DEALERS. lhomas Williams, coal dealer, farndon, was surn. moned foe selling coal without bring registered as required hy the Act 011 the 12th January, Inspector Watts saw defendant's son selling coal at Fa-ndon out of a cart. He found that he was not regi.t red. that his scale was not stamped, and that his coal was not carried in bags. -Defendaii t, who was only charged with the one offence, was fined 61 and costs (lis in all.)-Sainuel Bradley, c ial dealer, was sum- moned for selling coal in quantilies not exceeding 2cwt. fiom a lorry without having his coal in bags, as required by the bye-laws. On the 15th imt, Inspector Watts saw defendant's men weighing out c )al from a lorry. They had two empty bags, which they were tilling, and ou examination it was found that the scales were not in proper working order. According to the bye-laws, defendant should have had his coal weighed out in bags.-Bradley pleaded that he was not hawking coal, but supplying orders.- Fined 2. 6J aud cotts.

I COST HIM EIGHTPENCE. At the Wrexham Borough Magistrates' Court, on Friday, before J. F. EdUbury, Esq., and W. Prichard, E-q., Alfred Phillips, of Holt, was charged by P.C. Pugh with having been drunk and incapable in Hope-street. He had a dog attached to a string, and was found sleeping in the street. -Prisoner said he had had some whisky given him, which affected him because he had hai no food.—Discharged on paying the cost of his uidintenance, gJ.

I CORN AVERAGES. The following is an official statement showing the quan- tities sold and the average price of British corn, imperial measure, as received ircm the inspectors and officers of Excise, conformably to the Act of the 45th and 46th Vict., I cap. :i7, in the week ended January 23.1S92: Quantities .Sold. Average Price. Qrs. Bus, s. d. 34 10 Wheat. ??)3) 6 34 10 Barley 150.5? 3 2i# 5 Oats 16,W3 4 20 4 Comparative statement for the corre*pondins week in each year from 1888 to 1891 Wheat. Average Barley Average Oats. Aveiage. Qrs, B. s. d. Qrs. B. s. d. Qr-. B. a. d. 1S88 .52,941 6 30 10 78,39.4 6 30 10 9,618 7 15 10 188a 59,314 2 30 1 108,073 7 27 7 8,733 5 16 3 1890 .73,997 7 31 1 lt,7.449 4 32 2 16,633 2 18 f 1891 106,961 0 32 11 140,911 6 28 6 21,334 5 18 U

MARKETS. '.J"r. WREXHAM. CATTLE, Monday.—There WII. a good all-round supply of stuck-iii lacc, large for the time of the year--tt market. and a good clearance. Bait fat bullacks made ap t,) XXI 10s eacb, an I CJWS us to X22 each. The quotations per lb. ranged from 6d to 7iJ. Mutton realised from 7!d to Sid per lb., and real from 7d to 8<1. Bicon pigs fetched from 9s to 0s :$d per score Ihs. There wis a ratiier slower trade for dairy cows, the best making up to 119 10s each. Welsh cows could be bougut for from X12 10s to zL13 lUa each. THURSDAY. S. d. s d. Red wheat (new), per 751ba 5 0 t. 5 6 Oats (old), per bushel of 45.bs. 3 2 to 3 9 Malting barley, per 701bs. 4 8 to 5 0 Grinding per ö4lIJs. 4 0 to 4 S Potatoes, new, per 1201be 3 3 to 3 S Butter, per lb. of Itioz 1 5 to 1 7 Beef, per tb. 7 to 9 Mutton, per ib. 5 to 9 Pork. 7 to 9 Veal. 7 to 9 Lamb 0 to 0 Fowls per couple 3 6 to 5 0 Ducks, 4 0 to 5 0 Turkeys 00 0 ta OU < Geese (per lb.) 0 9 to #10 Eggs S to 9 for a shilling. MOLD. WEDNESDAY.—Wheat (new) 11s 6d to 12s barley. seed, 9a 6d to 10s oats (old), 6s to 6s bd potatoes, R, 6d to 9a per hamper butter, Is tid per lb eggf, 8 for a shilling. CHES FKK. CORX, Saturday.—Wheat deliveries during the week by farmers have been on a moderate scale, with prices against sellers. The market was thinly attended, few farmers only present, and hut little wheat offering. The top rates are 5s 4d per 751b., with prices tending lower. Oats and beans are each steady, while barley is slow and depressed. Indian corn is cheaper on the week's prices. Quotations :—Wheat, white, 5s 4d red, 5s 4d per 75!bs. barley, malting. 4s per 641ba. oats 2s 9d to ;s :d per lllbs: beans, 58 per 801bs. Egyptian beans, 37s 6d per 43Ulbs. Indian corn, 13s to 139 lid per 210lbs. CHESHIRE BUTTER AND KGGS.—Quotations Chester Butter, Is 6d and Is 7d per lb. eggs, S for la. Stockport Butter, Is 6d per lb. eggs, 6 and 7 for b. Altrincham Butter, Is 6d per lb. eggs, 6 for Is. Macclesfield Butter, Is 4d and Is 5d per lb. eggs, 7 for Is. Crewe Butter, Is 5d and Is 6d per lb. eggs, 7 for Is. Sandbach Butter, Is 6.1 per lb. eggs, 7 and S for Is. Congleton Butter, Is öd per lb. eggs, 7 for Is. Northwich: Butter, Is 5d and Is tid I er iti. eggs, 7 and 8 for Is. Nantwich Butier, Is 6d to Is 7d per lb. eggs, 8 and 9 for Is. KnutsforJ Butter, Is 5d and Is 6d per lb. eggs, 7 and 8 for la. Hun- corn Butter, Is 6" per lb. egga, 7 and 8 for Is. CHEESE FAIR.—Respecting this fair last week, Mr R. Challinor, secretary to the Cheshire Dairy .Farmers' Associa. tien, reports as follows :—About 20 tons of medium cheese principally of the late make was sent for sale real fine Cheshire wai much wanted, and might have netted high prices had there been any on offer. The attendance of buyers was large, and the market exceedingly brisk. It will convey some idea when it is known that one farmer brought some cheese which he took home from last fair unsold. and as soon as it was lodged in the market made 15s more per cwt. than he was offered a month ago. Prices made Common, 58s to 64s medium, fiss to Ws good Cheshire, 70s to 72s 6d. SHREWSBURY. CORN, Saturday.—This market was moderately attended. Wheat, owing to its bad condition, was 2d per bushel lower. Barley was unchanged. Quotations :—White wheat, 5s to 5s 6d per 751 bs. red wheat, 4. lOd to 5s 2d barley, 4s 3d to 5s 2d per 7idbs. oats, 15s 6d to 17s 6d per 225lbs. peas, 14s 6d to 153 6d beans, 16a 6d to 17s 6d per 2401bs. CUE WE. CATTLE, Monday.—Good supply of fat and store stock large attendance of buyers. Prices: Beef, 61(1 to 7d: mutton, Sd porket pigs, 93 3d per score bacon pigs, 9s per score. New milch and calving cows and heifers, 1;15 to X22 barrens, 98 to X12 stirks, A:5 to X7 store pigs, 158 to 47s. OSWESTRY. White wheat (per 751ba.), 4s 10d to 5s 2d; red wheat (new), 4s 8d to 5s Od oats (oM). permeaaure, Us to 0s OlOts (new), Us 9d to 16s 9d; malting barley (per measure), 18a to 20s potatoes, (per measure), 3s tid to s tid; butter, Is 3d to Is 5d per lb beef, 7d to 1M mutton, 8d to 9d veal, 7d to 9d pork, 6d to 8d fowls, 4s to 53 per couple ducky, 5s to tis; geese, 6s 6d to 8a each eggs, 8 to 9 for a shilling. CATTLE, Wednesday.—This fair was well attended, and øtock, considering the bad weather prevailing, looked fairly well. The prices obtained were about as follows :-Beef made from 61d to 7d, mutton, 7jd to bid, veal 7d, and pork, 5d to 54d per lb. The sales were aa follows -Nies,rs. Whitfield and Son sold 77 cattle and calves and 409 sheep and pigs; Messrs. Dawson and Co. had their usual auction; Mr J. C. McKie sold 82 cattle and calves and 88 sheep; and Messrs. Bayley and Groves sold a numbar of cattle and calves and sheep and pigs. KLL&SMERE, TUESDAY.—Old wheat, 5s 6d to 59 9J new, 5s to 5s 9d per 751bs. barley, 4. 6d to 4s 9d oats, ltis tid to 17s 6d; eggs, Iu to 11 for Is; butter, Is 4d to Is 5d per 16oz.; fowls, 3s bd tols 6 ducks, 5s to 68 per couple. WHITCHURCH. FRIDAY.—Wheat, 4s lOd t,) 5s L'CI per751bs. barley, 45 4d to 4.. lOd per 701bs. oats, 3a to 4s per 501 bs. eggs, 7 to 8 for a shilling butter, Is 4d to Is 6d per 16oz. fowls, 4s to 4s 6d per couple; ducks, 58 6d to 6s per couple; potatoes, 3s 3d to 3s 6d per measure; beef, 6d to 8d per lb; mutton, 7d to 9d; veal, 7d to gd pork, 6d to 6d rabbits, 2i 9d to 3s per couple. BIRKENHEAD TUESDAY.—Hay, iC3 te XI clover, X4 to X4 Jos straw, wheat, X2 to X2 10s straw, oat, ZI 15s turnips, iCi 4s to £ 1 8s manure. is to 5s per ton. LIVERPOOL. TUESDAT. -Cheese, per 1121bs.: Finest States and Canadian, 56s to 58a. Eggs, per 120-irish Hen, 10s to 10s 8d Canadian, 6s 6d to 8s 6d. PRESrON. CHEESE FAIR.-The Preston January Cheese Fair was held on Tuesday, in bad weather. There was a large attend- ance of buyers from all parts of Lancashire. There was a considerable increase over the same fair last year, both in lots and cheeses. Prices were lower, from 5Us to 73s, and business slow.