The Chester Courant and Advertiser for North Wales

sE t) is 111 "N" ett> s Many happy returns to Prince Adolphus of Teck, who on Friday celebrated his birthday. Mr. W. Baldwin Yates has been appointed revising barrister for Anglesey and Carnarvon- shire. The children of Prince and Princess Adolphus of Teck, with their nurses, arrived on Wednes- day at Halkyn Castle, Holywell. At a special meeting of the Conway School Board on Wednesday, Mrs. Ephraim Wood, Pabo Hall, was elected the representative of the Board on the Local Governing Body. Lord and Lady Arthur Grosvenor, who, as we have already announced, have sailed in the Teutonic for a three months' tour in America, intend visiting the Rocky Mountains. The marriage of Miss Marian Watkinson, eldest daughter of Mr. John Watkinson, J.P., of Brook Park, Northop, with Mr. Richard Kershaw, second son of Mr. Richard Kershaw, J.P., Crow Nest, Lightcliffe, near Halifax, will take place at Northop Parish Church on the 8th September. On Friday, Sir Walter Foster, M.P., and Lady Foster left Liverpool by the Dominion steamer Scotsman, for Canada. Sir Walter is to take part in the proceedings of the British Medical Association, which meets this year at Montreal, from 31st August to the 4th September. A marriage has been arranged, and will shortly take place, between Edward Owen Watkin-Davies, M.B., B.A., youngest son of the late Rev. D. Watkin-Davies, of Hendreclochgod, Barmouth, and Frances Methven, widow of the late Mr. Richard Methven-Roberts, J.P., of Plas-yn-Green, Denbigh, and younger daughter of the late Mr. D. Howe Scott, F.R.C.S., of Alta- villa, Queenstown, Ireland. HOSPITAL SUNDAY.—A meeting of clergymen and ministers was held in the Mayor's Parlour at the Town Hall on Thursday afternoon, the Mayor presiding. It was recommended that collections should be made on behalf of the Infirmary in all churches and chapels through- out Chester and district on the 10th of October, the second Sunday in the month. CHESTER DIOCESAN CONFERENCE has been arranged to be held at Chester on Tuesday and Wednesday, October 26th and 27th, under the presidency of the Bishop of the diocese. The Rev. C. H. Hylton Stewart, vicar of New Brighton, and the Rev. J. G. Elstob, vicar of Capesthorne, near Crewe, are acting as honorary secretaries of the conference. THE LATE MR. JAMES LEVER.—The probate of the will, which bears date 5th January, 1896, of Mr. James Lever, of Thornton Hough, Chester, and of the Port Sunlight Soap Works, who died on the 26th May last, leaving personal estate to the value of S57,836 13s. 6d., has been granted to his son, William Hesketh Lever, of Thornton Manor, soap maker, his daughter, Emily Lever, of Hesketh Grange, and John Smith Ferguson, of Thornton Lodge, soap maker, probate having been renounced by the testator's son, James Darcy Lever. Mr. Lever bequeathed his furniture and household effects in trust for his daughters, Emily, Alice, and Harriette, while unmarried, or for such one or two of them as may remain unmarried, and he left the residue of his property in trust in equal shares for all his children, but as to the shares of his daughters Eliza Emma Bromley, Mary Tillotson, Jane Ferguson, and Lucy Annie Paul upon special trusts for them. The Bishop of Chester has licensed the Town Hall, Knutsford, for the performance of divine service during the restoration of the parish church of St. John the Baptist, which is now being carried on. The restoration, which is of an extensive character, will entail an expense of about £ 1,500, towards which Earl Egerton of Tatton contributes 1100. RAILWAY ACCIDENT AT REEYL.-During the course of some shunting operations at Rhyl Station on Tuesday night several coaches were driven with such force against a stationary carriage that the iron buffers were smashed off and the panels of the carriage splintered. For- tunately no passengers were about, and the damage was confined to the coaches. The accident caused some excitement, the noise of the impact being heard all over the station. THE MUSICAL FESTIVAL.—We understand that the financial statement shewing the result of the recent Triennial Musical Festival will not be laid before the committee until the beginning of October. The treasurer (Mr. J. R. Thomson) informs U.3 that he is not yet in a position to com- municate any figures, but although the total receipts were somewhat less than at the festival three years ago, he has no doubt they will prove sufficient to cover all expenses. STOPPAGE OF A WELSH COLLIERY.—Since the dispute at the Wynnstay Colliery, Ruabon, and which lasted about fourteen weeks, but which is now happily settled, the other colliery, owned by the same company-viz., the Plaskynaston Pits, Cefn Mawr-has not yet been reopened, and from inquiries it is feared that it will eventually be entirely clesed. There were about 300 employed at the colliery, but some of them have been taken on at the former colliery, whilst the remainder are out of employment. The stoppage of the colliery will be keenly felt in the district. ACCIDENT TO THE BISHOP OF BANGOR.-The Bishop of Bangor and his daughter, who are naw staying at Gwynfryn, Llanarth, in return- ing from Ceibach beach on Tuesday in a low phaeton were run into by a wagonette and party going in the direction of Newquay, where a regatta was being held. The Bishop, on hearing the wagonette coming, drew quite close to a ditch, but in spite of this the splashboard was knocked off and the phaeton partly smashed. He and his daughter have, however, received no apparent personal harm. The name of the wagonette driver is unknown. ALLEGED EXTENSIVE FRAUDS AT SANDBACH.— At Sandbach sessions, on Friday, Elisha Lees, was summoned for unlawfully appropriating a sum of £ 250 to his own use whilst trustee thereof, at Sandbach, between April, 1886, and June, 1897. A second charge of appropriating JE500 between the same dates was also mentioned. The defendant not appearing, the bench granted a warrant. Lees has held many responsible positions. He has been surveyor to the local board, secretary to the gas company, collector of government taxes, and other offices. ACCIDENT TO A CYCLIST.-A serious bicyale accident occurred in the neighbourhood of Wrexham on Wednesday evening. A young man named W. Beesley, staying with some friends at Chester, was cycling near Erddig Park, the residence of Mr. Philip Torke, Mayor of Wrexham, and when going down a steep hill it is presumed that he lost control of his machine. At all events he came to grief, and when picked up was insensible. He was con- veyed to Wrexham Infirmary, where he was attended to, and found to be suffering from a cut in the head. He recovered consciousness, but was unable to give particulars of the accident. CHESTER SCIENTISTS AT EATON GARDENS.— On Wednesday afternoon in favourable weather a fair number of members of the Chester Natural Science Society paid a visit to the Eaton gardens. The party went by boat, and on arriving at Eaton, were conducted through the grounds. The flowers and fruit grown both in the open air and under glass were much admired, and special interest was taken in the magnificent trees which abound the grounds. The exterior of the hall was next visited, and among the many parterres lying in front was one beautifully arranged in lilac, designed by the Duchess. About eight o'clock the party returned to Chester by steamer. JUVENILE ODDFELLOWS.—The combined trip of the juvenile branches of the Victoria and Heart of Oak Lodges of the Independent Order of Oddfellows, M.U., took place on Wednesday to Farndon. A large number went by steamers, and the remainder were conveyed by road in wagonettes, being accompanied by many parents and friends. Mr. Salmon had kindly placed at the disposal of the committee a field adjoining the river, where the youngsters enjoyed them- selves in foot racing and other sports. A sub- stantial tea was provided in tents, after which dancing was indulged in until the time of departure. The weather was delightful, and all enjoyed themselves, many preferring the change from railway to river excursion. The joint committee of both lodges made all the arrangements, and are to be congratulated on their success. TOURIST GUIDE TO THE CONTINENT.—Mr. Percy Lindley has edited for the Great Eastern Railway Company, a sixpenny tourist guide to the Continent. It is a capital little publica- tion, the illustrations are excellent, and it con- tains a useful series of maps. NEW PASTOR FOR QUEEN-STREET CHURCH.— The Rev. D. Wynne Evans, minister of the Tabernacle Church, Llanelly, tormerly of Llanrwst, has just accepted a unanimous invitation to undertake the pastoral charge of the Queen-street Congregational Church, Chester. The Rev. J. D. Williams, of Flint, has decided not to accept the call sent him to become the minister of the Penry Memorial Congregational Church, Chester. ANOTHER FATAL FALL FROM NEW BRIGHTON TOWER —Another fatal accident occurred at the New Brighton Tower works on Thursday morn- ing. A man named Thomas M'Grath, while working on the 80 feet scaffold, by some means or other slipped and fell to the ground. He was picked up in a shockingly injured condition, and Dr. Lusk, of New Brighton, was sent for, but on his arrival life was found to be extinct. Deceased belonged to Derby. THE DIVINING ROD AT HOLYWELL. — For some time past the governors of the Holywell Intermediate School, now being erected in a field at Penymaes, near the town, have been sinking in search of water. To this end they engaged the services of a well-known water- finder, Mr. J. Stone, of Spilsby, who indicated two or three spots where water might be found. The first trial was successful, but unfortunately in sinking deeper the water was lost. Under these circumstances a new well was sunk in one of the alternate sites pointed out by Mr. Stone, and at a depth of sixty-five feet an excellent supply, yielding 2,000 gallons a day, has been obtained. WARRINGTON MARE AND FOAL SHOW.—Among the local winners at the Warrington and District Mare and Foal Show, on Thursday, were the executors of the late Mr. S. B. Chadwick, Frod- sham Bridge, who was awarded first in the class for mares with foal at foot and second for three-year-old fillies, and in Class 2 with a bay colt foaled in April. Mr. J. W. Kenworthy, of Kelsall, was second in Class 6 for mares with foal at foot (foals to be with mares in the ring), while Mr. Walter Harrison, Frodsham, received second prize in Class 11 for mares with foal. Lieut.-Col. Cornwall Legh, Knutsford, was also successful, gaining second awards in the classes for yearlings and foals. DEE FISHERIES. The Lancashire Sea Fisheries District and the Western Sea Fisheries District are trying to steal a march on the River Dee Fishery Board. The County Council of Lancashire in- tend, in a month's time, to apply to the Board of Trade for an order amalgamat- ing the present Lancashire Sea Fisheries District and the Western Sea Fisheries District with the idea of calling such amalgamation the Lancashire and Western Sea Fisheries District. They propose to extend the district so as to include so much of the River Dee on the sea- ward side as would be shewn by a line drawn from Burton Point to Connah's Quay. The petition will, of course, be opposed by the River Dee Fishery Board. DEE SALMON FisHERY.-Our Connah's Quay correspondent writes:—There is no improve- ment to record in the salmon fishery. The men are still making exceptionally poor catches. The conditions are more favourable, inasmuch as at the present there is a large quantity of fresh water in the river, but this has not yet effected any improvement, and it is feared that the disastrous season cannot be attributed to tht absence of fresh water. Throughout fish have been extremely scarce, and all hopes of making good catches have now vanished from the minds of fishermen, a large number of whom will welcome the close season. Last week many of the men were engaged the whole of the time each tide without taking a single fish. The prices, as may be concluded, are very high, Is. 6d. per lb. being paid locally. ALLEGED ATTEMPTED HOUSE-BREAKING AT CHESTER.—A young man named Wm. Roberts, residing at No. 8, Crook-street, Chester, was charged at the City Police Court on Saturday, before Col. H. T. Brown and Mr. J. J. Cunnah, with attempting to enter the premises of Mrs. Annie Gertrude Beard, which adjoin the Liberal Club, in Watergate-street Row. Police-clerk Tilley applied for the case to be adjourned until Wednesday next, in order to give the police time in which to complete their evidence. —Thomas Miller Beard, a railway porter, stated that he was in the kitchen, between 12 and one o'clock that morning, when he heard a noise as of someone entering the sitting-room. He was wearing canvas slippers at the time, and on going cautiously to investi- gate saw the prisoner getting through the sitting-room window. He asked him what he was doing there, whereupon prisoner withdrew and bolted. Witness gave chase, and secured Roberts in Goss-street.—Prisoner was remanded until Wednesday. THE RACECOURSE COMPANY.—The Race- course Committee of Chester Town Council has been waited upon by the following deputation of the Racecourse Company, who desire an extension of their lease:—The Hon. C. T. Parker, Mr. John Cullimore, and Mr. F. J. Warmsley (secretary). Mr. Parker stated the company were desirous to have an extension of the lease; that they do not desire to alter the basis of the present lease, but more time in which to recoup their expenditure; that an extension of the lease would enable them to pay the Corporation an increased rent, which they will be prepared to do, but desire it shall be fixed inclusive of rates, in consequence of constant questions as to the assessment with the Assessment Committee.— After considerable discussion, in the course of which the question was raised of building an improved Grand Stand, affording enlarged and improved accommodation, the deputation promised to report to the directors, take their instructions, and come before the committee again. SMALL HOLDINGS IN FLINTS Hijai.-The Flint- shire County Council have made application to the Local Government Board for the loan of R,550 for the purchase of land in the parish of Hope for the provision of small holdings. The reason of the application is that the Government auditor reported to the Local Government Board that R550 was too much to take out of the general fund, having regard to its ratable value. The land, which con- sists of over twenty acres in the vicinity of Hope Station, has already been pur- chased, but up the present has not been sub-divided, drained, and prepared for the purpose for which it was obtained. The applications were made in 1892, being fourteen in number, and all the applicants desired land near Hope Station. The fields which have been secured by the County Council were bought from Mrs. Williams, Gwyddelwern, and together with the costs, the amount paid was about RSSO. Before, however, the land can be let for allotments it will require to be sub-divided, drained, etc., and the Council's main road inspector has reported that this, with the roads to be made, will cost about JE285. The latter expense will be charged to the tenants. A right of way has been secured to the land. The Local Government Board have not yet given their decision. STAFFORDSHIRE AGRICULTURAL SHOW LOCAL AWARDS. The Staffordshire Agricultural Society, which has made great progress, was again successful in its annual show on Tuesday and Wednesday. The entries were larger than on any previous occasion, the stock shewing a total of 638, which is 33 more than the previous highest number. Additional strength has been given in the circumstance that the Burton- on-Trent Shire Horse Show has this year joined the county society, and from this and other causes the show of horses used for agricultural purposes was larger and better than in any previous year. The light horses generally were of fair quality, and the cattle, taken all round, made a very fine show. The sheep also formed a very meritorious class. Appended is a list of local successful exhibitors:—Horses—Hunting gelding or mare, five years old and upwards: 2, J. Nunnerley, Audlem. Shire mare, four years old and upwards: 1, Earl Egerton, Tatton. Gelding or mare, four years old and upwards 2, Earl Egerton. Three-year-old shire filly, which has not previously won a prize to the value of £ 5: 2, Earl Egerton. Three-year-old shire filly (open to the United Kingdom) 1, Earl Egerton. Yearling shire filly: 1, Earl Egerton. Heifer in-calf or in-milk, under three years: 1 and 2, T. Parton, Weston Hall, Crewe. Bull between two or four years: J. Siddall, Crewe. Bull under two years 3, T. Parton. Heifer in-calf or in-milk, under three years: 1, T. Parton. Bull calf under 12 months: 2, T. Parton. Three coloured cheese (exceeding 351b. in weight each) J. Hobson, Coole-lane. Audlem. Three uncoloured cheese (exceeding 351b. in weight each) 1, J. Hobson; 2, James Hobson, Coole Pilate, Nantwich; 3, T. Charles- worth, Baddington, Nantwich.

THE THURLOW NURSING INSTITUTION, MALPAS. This excellent institution, founded some 12 years ago as a memorial to the late Chancellor Thurlow, for many years rector of the Higher Mediety, of Malpas, has resulted in such good service being rendered to the poor and others that its advantages have become more and more appreciated year by year, and to such an extent that the managers have been compelled to confront the necessity of either providing an additional nurse, or making other arrange- ments to enable them to cope with the present demands. The scheme of the founders extends to the limit of the ancient parish of Malpas, representing an area of 45 square miles, over which the managers were required to send their nurse. The difficulties of satis- factorily dealing with the requirements of this extensive area was discussed at a recent meet- ing of the managers, and among the schemes put forward that of decentralisation appears to have obtained the greatest favour, there- by severing connection with Bickerton, Tushingham, Cholmondeley, and White- well, who would provide a nurse them- selves. A public meeting convened to con- sider the matter was held on Tuesday, under the presidency of the Rev. the Hon. A. R. Parker. There were present Mrs. Wolley-Dod (lady manager of the Nursing Institution), Mrs. Rasbotham, Mrs. A. Parker, Mrs. Green- shields, the Revs. C. Wolley-Dod and J. B. Wale, Col. Barnston, the Hon. G. Ormsby Gore, Messrs. G. S. Morgan, A. D. Callecott, W. E. Shuttlewood, G. Lewis, &c. The CHAIRMAN explained the object of the meeting, and gave a resume of the arguments which had been advanced for and against the proposed alterations at the committee meeting. He read a letter from Mr. Sandbach, who was at Caithness, objecting to Mr. Dod's proposal because it was unnecessary, and would tend to break up the Thurlow Institute, and leave Malpas in a position that he felt confi- dent was not intended by the founders. Mr. Dod proposed, the writer went on to say, to pay annually to the other districts the sum they were entitled to, in proportion to the population whether they require it or not. At present by one of the rules each district could draw E4 a year, which would be about as much as they would obtain under Mr. Dod's scheme. Hitherto Iscpyd was the only district which had claimed the full amount. These might, therefore, accumulate reserve funds of their own, instead of it being in the hands of, and controlled by the Committee of the Thurlow Institute. Mr. Dod's proposal would leave Malpas with only about half the income derived from the Thurlow fund, and a supplementary fund of about X40 a year would be required to be raised at once in order to maintain the nurse. That was a state of things which was not intended by the Thurlow family who meant the money they gave should be primarily for the benefit of Malpas. If the outside dis- tricts were not content with the present arrangements, then let the Thurlow Institute provide a second nurse in Malpas. There was at present a reserve fund of X125 saved out of the income, and a balance in the treasurer's hands of JE37, which was ample to fall back upon in case of a deficiency, for a time at any rate. There would also be an increase of income from the rectorial and local charities. He did not intend that the outside districts should draw JE4 a year in the event the second nurse was engaged, as her services would be at their dis- posal. He thought this plan might be adopted at present without any further subscriptions, and it would be quite time enough to ask the people of Malpas to subscribe when the money was really wanted. Mr. DOD had listened with respect to the letter of Mr. Sandbach, but it failed to convince him that what he proposed was not desirable. He proposed the following resolution :—" That this meeting considers it desirable to maintain for the sick and infirm poor a nurse whose duties shall be strictly limited to the area of the ecclesiastical district of Malpas." He said the nurse had complained of the strain from overwork in moving about from place to place, and he felt that very useful power was running to waste, which might be better employed in nursing. It was found very difficult to adjust the claims of the different districts fairly, as the nurse would sometimes be called suddenly away to such places as Bickerton or Whitewell, which were widely apart, while attending cases at Malpas, and who was to say which was the most urgent. As regards the remark that two nurses could be maintained at Malpas he said the fund was not sufficient to maintain one. They had to draw upon the reserve fund accumulated during the early years of its existence, when the services of the nurse were not so largely appreciated as now. The total income from all sources was only R65 a year, and the cost last year was 970, and this year the expenses would be still greater-say, X75 at least. The income from the Thurlow Institute was not more than half the cost of the nurse, the balance being made up of private subscriptions. He proposed that the income derived from the Thurlow fund should be distributed pro rata according to the population between the parishes, namely, Malpas, Cholmondeley, Bicker- ton, Tushingham, and Whitewell. Malpas would thus receive about JE18. The loss in private subscriptions from these outlying districts, which would, of course, be reserved to each district respectively, would be about 99. The whole income to the Malpas district would be about 240. There were, how- ever, other sources of revenue in the local and rectorial charities which may be tapped. He desired to make it clear that no preferential claim either as regarded paid or gratuitous services would be granted to subscribers. The nurse was essentially for the poor and needy, though he regretted that the trust deeds did not stipulate that. Somebody had told him that somebody else had said—(laughter)—that there was a movement on foot for handing over the management to the Parish Council. (' No, no.') Parish management of that sort was the very last he would like to see intro- duced into the management of a nursing fund. Anything which rendered the management liable to change, anything which introduced the principle of parochial voting, would go con- trary to his idea of what would really be for the benefit of the nursing institute. There were at present fourteen members of the management committee, but it so happened that only one- the rector—belonged to Malpas. The constitu- tion of this committee would remain the same under the revised scheme. It would meet once a year to apportion the fund and to see that the work was being properly carried out, and the fund expended according to the scheme. An additional committee appointed from the subscribers would be elected, and for Malpas he suggested 10 or 12. He did not fear that the generosity which had dis- tinguished the people of Malpas in subscribing to charitable objects would be found wanting, 9, but if a scheme conducted on the broad lines he had indicated here established he would guarantee any deficiency during the next year. He did not think that such a worthy object as nursing for the poor should be allowed to lack funds, and in making this offer he felt he should not be losing anything. Mr. GEORGE LEWIS seconded the resolution, and Mr. G. S. MORGAN supported it. The motion being put to the vote there were only two dissentients, Mr. Gore and Colonel Barnston. Mr. Gore said while he could not vote against the scheme, he was not at all clear in his mind as to what extent the outlying districts would have claims upon the Thurlow fund. Mr. Dod explained that the apportionment of the fund would be entirely in the hands of the Committee of Management. The objections were withdrawn, and the resolution carried nem. con. The Rector intimated he would give from the rectorial charities a sum of at least 915 a year.

THROAT AFFECTIONS AND HOARSENESS.—BROWN'S BRON- CHIAL TROCHES, which have proved so successful im America for the cure of Coughs, Colds, Hoarseness, Bronchitis, Asthma, Catarrh, or any irritation or soreness of the throat, are now imported and sold in this country at Is. 1,. per box. Put up in the form of a lozenge, it is the most convenient, pleasant, safe, and sure remedy for clearing and strengthening the voice in the world. No family should be without them. The genuine have the wards BRowN's BRONCHIAL TROCHES on the Govern. ment stamp around each box.-London Depot, 33, Far- ringdon-road. and of all Patent Medicine Vendors. THE ROYAL VISIT TO IRELAND.—According to official intimation received at Holyhead, the Royal Yacht Victoria and Albert will reach there on Tuesday next to await the arrival of the Duke and Duchess of York, who, travelling by special train from London, are due at Holyhead at ten that evening. Their Royal Highnesses will embark immediately for Kingstown. Two cruisers are to accompany the yacht as escort, and a number of local Volun- teers will act as a guard of honour.

HAWARDEN WATERWORKS COMPANY. 0 The twenty-eighth half-yearly meeting of the shareholders of the Hawarden and District Waterworks Company was held at the Offices on Saturday. The directors' report stated that the accounts for the half-year shewed an increase in the revenue as compared with the corresponding period of 1896. The amount available for distribution was X713 18s. 4d., which would admit of the payment of the usual dividend at the rate of 3 per cent. per annum, carrying forward a balance of X182 7s. 4d. The Chairman (Mr. William Brown) said ithe pains they had taken in anticipation of the drought had unfortunately not proved success- ful, and they were as short of water as ever. The directors were as seriously impressed with the matter as any resident in the district, and were considering what they could do to remedy it, and he hoped would ultimately succeed in getting a full supply.—Mr. J. Tomkinson in seconding, said to a certain extent the accounts were satisfactory, inasmuch as they shewed an increase in the consumption of water. They had met with a little disappointment in regard to the quantity of water available in consequence of the drought. Although it was a fact that this summer had not been so dry as other summers, yet he had never seen brooks and streams so dry as at present. They had had a great amount of sun, and the consequence had been that although the rainfall was not so much deficient, the land had been so dry that the rain had not done so much work in filling reservoirs as it would have done had the land not been so dry. A little expense would ensure their reservoir's usefulness to a larger extent, and he hoped that by alterations and improve- ments, and economising the water, they would have a prosperous year.—The motion was carried.—Mr. J. Watkinson moved a dividend at the rate of 3 per cent. for the half year.- Mr. Davison seconded, and this also was carried.

CHESTER FOOTBALL CLUB. « A STEP FORWARD: BETTER PROSPECTS. The committee appointed at the general meeting of the members of the Chester Foot- ball Club called a meeting of the players and supporters, which took place at the Nag's Head Cocoa House on Friday night. Mr. E. DUTTON was voted to the chair, and, in opening the proceedings, said the committee had thought it better to call a meeting in order to state the position of the club. They found they were going to carry on the 'club under exactly the same name as before, and were going to act on straight and business lines, and to endeavour to make the club a paying concern. To gain that end they would want the help of not only the people but the players to join in an effort to make the club a really good football club. Mr. FLETCHER said that so far as the financial part of the business was concerned, at the time the committee were elected it was an open question as to whether they accepted office with a liability of E288 hanging over them. If, after taking legal advice, they had found themselves liable they would not have taken office, and would have left those who had contracted the debts to pay them. They had taken legal advice, they were not liable for those debts, and thus they were commenc- ing their duties as committee-men from that night. Mr. Crowder was their chairman, Mr. Atherton secretary, and Mr. Edgar Dutton treasurer. (Applause.) During the last few days they had been making inquiries as to the ground. There was a little difficulty about it, but if they did not suceed in making suitable terms about the old ground, they had at least one or two others they could have, and one of them was much superior to the old one. The landlord of the old field wanted to increase their rental and make other conditions, including the removal of a part of the hoarding, which would cost £ 15; and it was a question whether it would be reasonable or policy to go to such expense, and at the end of the season—they could only have the ground for one season- have nothing with which to recoup them- selves. Whether they took the old or the new field there would be expense, and they wanted lovers of football in Chester to help them to put the field in proper order by becoming members for the ensuing season. They started without a penny in hand, and wanted money to go on with. Tickets of membership would be 5s., 7s. 6d., and 10s. 6d., and would entitle the holders to vote. Mr. G. HULL wanted to know if the committee could not have a proper athletic ground in connection with the Football Club, where not only the football matches could be played, but where they could have bicycle races, &c. (Hear, hear.) The CHAIRMAN :-That is a line on which I think the committee are going. Mr. GRAHAM asked what fixtures the club had been entered for ? Mr. FLETCHER explained that the club was as much the Chester Club that day as it was twelve months' ago; the only point was that they were not liable for the debts of their predecessors. They were not a legally registered club, or an incorporated body. If they were, the club would be liable for all old debts. With regard to the question he might say they were in the English Cup competition, they took over the Combination fixtures, and were in the Cheshire Cup competition. (Applause.) He might also say that the 5s. for membership gave free entrance to all matches except cup ties, 7s. 6d. admitted to the reserve side, and the stand was 10s. 6d. Anyone could be a vice-president for a guinea. The CHAIRMAN, in answering a question, said that if the committee made the thing a paying concern they would pay off the debts owing to the tradesmen, but they must make it pay first. Mr. JOHN JONES said there were many people who did not attend the matches who would be willing to support the club with subscriptions for the benefit of the young people of the town. There was a good income to be obtained in that way, and he did not doubt that many of those unfortunate gentlemen who had been supporting the club would help it again. He was sorry to say he had been one of the greatest sufferers. He had great difficulty in getting the field, had been to other expense with it, and had not yet received the last half-year's rent, besides other things. It had been rather hard on him, but he should be pleased to support the club in future, and he thought there were many other people in Chester who would also do so if they found it was carried on in a proper manner. (Hear, hear.) They wanted a good ground for football, footracing, and such other things, and he knew a few gentlemen who would come down hand- somely if a good ground was obtained. Mr. H. CROWDER said they all knew things had been carried on in a very loose way, but the new committee were going to endeavour to pull things together. He did not see why they should not have a first class team in Chester. Why should they not have a strong team in the future ? After Mr. COVENTRY had said a few words in appreciation of the proposed athletic ground, Mr. FLETCHER said there was still a difficulty with regard to the old ground. There were three other grounds in view, and if they obtained one of them it would make the finest athletic ground in Cheshire. The owners wished to dispose of it for an athletic ground. They had no Rugby club in Chester, and he might say that there would be enough room in the ground he was speaking of to provide for one. The CHAIRMAN was of opinion that a good idea would be to form a company to float the ground. He knew several gentlemen who thought the same, and would take;85 or £ 10 shares in such a concern. (Hear, hear.) Mr. G. HULL, in moving a vote of thanks to the chairman, hoped the committee would pay more attention to junior clubs, with a view of including players in the senior competitions.— The vote was seconded by Mr. W. H. HALLMARK, and heartily carried. During the evening a considerable number of gentlemen handed in their names for member- ship.

FUNERAL OF THE LATE MR. J. G. SYKES. The interment of the remains of the late Mr. John Gardner Sykes, whose death occurred on Tuesday, at his residence, Breck House, Poulton- le-Fylde, took place on Friday in the quaint little churchyard of Pilling, some nine or ten miles from Poulton. As the head of the firm of Messrs. James Sykes and Co., wine and spirit merchants, and also as an extensive owner of hotel property in various parts of the country, including the business of Walker and Knight, Chester, the deceased gentleman was widely known and respected, while in the im- mediate neighbourhood of his residence he was held in the highest possible esteem. The funeral ceremony was, as a consequence, numerously attended. The principal mourners were Mr. B. L. Sykes, Mr. T. B. Sykes, and Mr. W. H. H. Sykes, Chester (brothers), Mr. Wm. Little (brother-in-law), Mrs. Little (sister), Miss C. M. M. Sykes (niece), Mr. James Porter (uncle), Mr. J. N. M. Sykes (nephew), Mr. P. M'Candlish (uncle), Messrs. B. Sykes, B. C. Sykes, James Sykes, Dr. R. P. Sykes, J. S. Porter, and Arthur Ritson (cousins), Mr. Alfred Tyrer, &c. Among those representing the firm of Messrs. Sykes and Co. were Messrs. John Kendall and W. O. White (Chester). Among the general body of mourners were Messrs. Thomas Bush, William Hall (Wm. Hall and Co., Wem), Thos. Montgomery, J. W. Montgomery (Lion Brewery, Chester), N. Christensen, and W. Gill, chairman and secretary of the Liver- pooLicensed Victuallers' Association, of which the deceased gentleman was a trustee, &c. The coffin was completely hidden by a number of most beautiful floral tributes.

FATAL CHLOROFORMING OPERATION AT RHYL. ♦ On Saturday, at the Town Hall, Rhyl, Mr. Deputy Coroner LI. Jones held an inquest on the body of Miss Mary Jane Kendrick, of the Cerrigllwydion Arms, Llanynys, near Denbigh, who died under distressing circumstances while having her teeth extracted by a Rhyl dentist.— Mrs. C. Davies, landlady of the Cerrigllwydion Arms, identified the body as that of her niece, who was 29 years of age. Witness stated that, by arrangement, deceased and herself travelled from Ruthin to Rhyl in order that the former might have her teeth extracted, and it was with deceased's consent that chloroform was administered. Mr. Frederick Jenks, L.D.S., operator with Captain E. W. Keatinge, dentist, Rhyl, stated that he was first consulted by the deceased about twelve months ago, as she suffered from swellings of the jaw. He advised her to have her teeth extracted, and as she said she would like it done painlessly he suggested an anaesthetic. Deceased, however, declined to have her teeth out at that time. On the 11th inst. he saw the deceased at Denbigh, and found that her teeth were in a very bad condition. She consented to have them extracted, and he arranged that she should visit Rhyl on the 13th. Deceased accordingly attended at the consult- ing room on the latter date, and as it was necessary to extract 27 teeth and stumps, he called in Dr. Goodwin to administer chloroform, as gas would be useless for such an operation. Deceased was quite willing, and readily took the chloroform; but after he had extracted three teeth Dr. Goodwin told him to stop, and they endeavoured to bring the deceased to, but failed. In reply to the jury, wit- ness stated that he had had much experi- ence in cases requiring similar treatment.—Dr. Goodwin said that on being fetched by Mr. Jenks he was informed that the deceased had stated that her own medical adviser had told her that she was in a fit condition to receive an anaesthetic. He thoroughly examined the deceased, and was of the opinion that she was a fit subject to undergo an operation, and he then, with the consent of the deceased, adminis- tered chloroform by means of a mask. Deceased readily took it, and in about 15 minutes she was in a fit condition for the operation. After three teeth had been taken out he noticed that she became blue in the face, and he at once stopped the operation and proceeded to restore the deceased, but failed. He believed that she died from failure of the heart's action.—In reply to the jury, the doctor stated that he considered the deceased was strong enough to undergo the operation.—After a brief consulta- tion, the jury unanimously returned a verdict that deceased died from misadventure, and they expressed the opinion that not the slightest blame attached to either of the medical men.

CHESHIRE AND THE VOLUNTARY SCHOOLS ACT. « FORMATION OF A DIOCESAN CHURCH SCHOOLS ASSOCIATION. The arrangements for putting into force, in Cheshire, the Voluntary Schools Act are rapidly nearing completion. An organisation has been formed under the title of the' Chester Diocesan Church Schools Association/ and has been approved by the Education Department. There are 57 elected members and one co-opted member, and power is given to co-opt nine other members, thus increasing the number to 67. The elected members are the managers of the schools, numbering about 340, in the county which have joined the association, and of these 28 are clergymen and 31 laymen. Two meet- ings of the Governing Body have been held, one at Chester and the other at Crewe, and the following officers have been appointed:— The Bishop of Chester, chairman; Messrs. G. B. Baker, Rode Hall, and J. M. Yates, Hartford, vice-chairmen Canon Wood, vicar of Runcorn, secretary; and Mr. J. R. Thomson, Chester, treasurer. An advisory committee has been appointed in each rural deanery, and these have already reported to the Governing Body, who have appointed a revising committee, consisting of the officers and a representative from each rural deanery, whose business it will be to present at the next meeting of the Governing Body a scheme for the distribution of the aid grant. The exact amount to be distributed by the Association is not at present known, nor is there any certainty as to when the amount will be handed over, the Educa- tion Department not yet having fixed any specified time. It is anticipated, however, that a scheme will be sent during the next month to the Education Department for their approval. The scheme to be laid before the Depart- ment is for one year only. The following are the gentlemen elected for the next three years as the Governing Body from the respective rural deaneries in the county :—Birkenhead: The Rev. Dr. Knox, Canon Robson, Canon Weatherhead, and Messrs. W. Getley, R. W. Preston, and W. T. Rogers. Chester: The Rev. T. J. Evans, the Rev. R. C. Fairclough, Canon Scott, and Messrs. H. Birch, R. Farmer, and J. R. Thomson. Frodsham: The Rev. R. J. D. Keith-Chalmers, Canon Wood, Col. Lascelles, and Messrs. E. Imison and G. E. Warburton. Malpas Canon Royds, Mr. W. Bailey, and Mr. G. Barbour. Middlewich. The Rev. W. H. Binney, the Rev. W. O. Hughes, Mr. H. Hatt- Cooke, and Mr. J. M. Yates. Nantwich: The Rev. J. S. Cotton, Canon Webb, Mr. E. R. Bellyse, and Mr. H. J. Tollemache. Wirral: Canon Feilden, the Rev. T. H. May, and Messrs. R. Bushell, W. Peel, and R. T. Richardson. Bowdon Canon Hignett, the Ven. Archdeacon Woosnam, and Messrs. B. Allen, E. G. Leycester, and F. Lindsell. Congleton: The Rev. J. R. Armitstead, the Rev. R. A. Corbett, and Messrs. G. Jl. Baker, H. Crutchley, and H. Reade. Macclesfield: The Revs. S. A. Boyd, R. E. Broughton, and W. Laycock, and Messrs. W. Carswell, W. F. Taylor, and J. F. May. Mottram: The Rev. J. G. Bird, Canon Miller, Mr. J. Ridyard, and Mr. G. Stevens. Stock- port: The Rev. H. M'Neile, Canon Symonds, Mr. R. Brown, and Mr. T. H. Sykes.

READING AND RECREATION ROOMS FOR HALKYN.—The erection of the Reading and Recreation Rooms at Halkyn has now been com- menced, on a suitable site near the Ship Inn. The building has been designed by Messrs. Douglas and Fordham, architects, Chester, and the contractor is Mr. A. Lloyd, Flint. The site and a subscription of £200 have been given by the Duke of Westminster, whose seat, Halkyn Castle, is close by. The Halkyn Mining Com- pany have also given £100. The total cost will be about £1,000. All visitors to the Victorian Era Exhibition should see YE HORNIMAN TEA SHOPPE in Picturesque England. Sold in this locality by — Chester Spencer, 36, Bridge street; Co operative Society Turver, chemist Woolley, confectioner; Roberts, chemist. — Birkenhead: Dutton, chemist; Haywood, chemist; Hessler, grocer, &c. Co-operative Society.— Crewe Eardley, bookseller; Ashfield, chemist.— Rhuddlan: Roberts, grocer.—New Ferry: Faw- cett, chemist.'—Hoylake: Boustead, confectioner.— Oxton: Taylor & Co., tea dealers, &c. — Upper Brighton Somerville, chemist. — Winningtvn: Co-operative Society.—West Kirby: Atherton and Co.—Bromborough Pool: Co-operative Society. 1

CHARGE AGAINST AN ELLESMERE PORT PUBLICAN. 0 THE MAGISTRATES DISAGREE. John James, landlord of the Sportsman's Arms, Ellesmere Port, was summoned at Chester Castle Petty Sessions, on Saturday, for supplying intoxicating liquor to William Oakes, while the latter was in a drunken condition. Mr. E. S. Giles defended. Supt. McDonald stated that on Bank Holiday, Aug. 2nd, Sergt. Fowler and P.C. Wait visited the Sportsman's Arms and they found William Oakes standing drunk by the bar, with a pint glass containing beer by him. There were eight or ten people in the bar at the time. The sergeant called the land- lord's attention to the matter, and told him he should report him.—Sergeant Fowler, in his evidence, said they visited the Sportsman's Arms at a quarter past five in the afternoon. When witness called the landlord's attention to Oakes' condition, the landlord said Well, I don't think he is so bad, but it is time he is going." Defendant there- fore put the glass of beer under the counter, and ordered Oakes out. Cross-examined Witness admitted that Oakes' ordinary appear- ance was against him, as he had a red nose. (Laughter.) He came to the conclusion that Oakes was drunk because the pupils of his eyes were dull, he was flushed in the face, could not hold the glass of beer in his hand steadily, and could not walk straight, while he also stammered in his speech. -P.C. Wait corroborated. Mr. Giles, for the defence, contended that Oakes was not drunk, and he asked the Bench to find that the police had made a mistake. On this day Oakes had been working in the hay field, and the only drink he had had from shortly after nine o'clock in the morning to 3.45 in the afternoon was the third of a quart of beer. In view of the near approach of the Brewster Sessions, the case was one of some importance, and he asked the bench to give his client the benefit of the doubt, if there was any doubt in the case.—Defendant then gave evidence. He stated that Oakes had two pints of beer in his house, and he was having another half- pint when the police came. Oakes entered his house about four o'clock. He was perfectly sober when he left the house. Oakes' appearance was against him, and he had been working in the broiliug sun, which made his eyes bad.—James Tudor, labourer, Whitby, who had been working with Oakes in the hay field, said all the beer they had was one quart between three.-John Millett, labourer, Whitby, was at the Sportsman's Arms on the day in question, and he gave it as his opinion that Oakes could walk straight, and was perfectly sober.—George Hibbert and Richard Davies, both labourers, Ellesmere Port, corroborated.—Oakes was then called into court for the magistrates' inspection, and he certainly had a ruddy countenance.—After the Bench had retired for a few minutes, the Chairman (Mr. Trelawny) said the magistrates were not agreed, and therefore the case was dismissed. There were two one way and two the other.— After this decision the police withdrew a summons against Oakes for being drunk.— James Gilbert, labourer, Capenhurst, was next accused of being drunk on the same day in the Sportman's Arms. P.S. Fowler found defen- dant drunk in the house, and the landlord on having his attention called to the matter said the man had had no drink in his house. Defendant now stated that he had not had any drink in the Sportsman's Arms. After corro- borative evidence by P.C. Wait, defendant was fined 5s. and costs-14s. 6d. in all.

WREXHAM TOWN COUNCIL. 0 PROPOSED EXPENDITURE OF £ 56,000. On Wednesday a special meeting of the Town Council was held, under the presidency of the Mayor (Mr. Phillip Yorke), for the purpose of taking into consideration a letter received from the Wrexham Market Hall Company, Limited, with reference to the purchase by the Council of that property and undertaking. At the last meeting of the Council, it was decided to defer further discussion on the subject to the next meeting. In the meantime the Market Hall Company wrote saying that ample time had been afforded the Council to come to a decision on the suggested purchase, and that only fourteen days more could be allowed in which the Council should decide. The company pointed out that it must be distinctly under- stood that no offer less than £ 56,000 would be en- tertained.—The Mayor invited discussion. Mr. S. K. Benson said he had always been in favour of the ratepayers being the owners of the Market Hall tolls. He should like to acquire the property for less than X56,000, but as the company would not take less, he moved that their offer be accepted.—Mr. J. F. Edisbury seconded.—Dr. Palin considered the amount asked for too much for property which, accord- ing to the company's own returns, was only worth about £ 44,000.—Mr. Thomas Jones opposed the purchase as a ratepayer and a representative of ratepayers. The property would entail an annual loss of about £ 1,100. The company asked 921 for shares which were now on the market for X17 and, further, in his opinion, properties of this description were not aiways best managed by corporations, the con- stitution of which were continually changing. As a matter of fact, the Market Hall Com- pany's revenue had been practically stationary for the past 10 years, notwithstanding an unprecedented period of commercial pros- perity.—Mr. C. Murless said the company's revenue had been stationary because they had been working up to their full capacity. Being interested in the company, he was not going to vote, but he maintained that the property, which was purchased sixty years ago, was now worth three times the value, and that the company were fully justified in asking the amount they had for the undertaking.—Mr. Alderman Bevan was decidedly opposed to the acquisition of this property at any thing like such a price as £ 56,000. He thought it would be making the biggest mistake, from a financial point of view, that the Corporation of I Wrexham had ever committed if they gave anything like such a figure for the property, which was not expansive, and included recently purchased land, which the company was not able to develop to the advantage of the shareholders. He should be opposed to offering a fraction more than £ 44,000.—Mr. David Jones contended that no one could possibly estimate the value of the Market Hall property, which was, in his opinion, simply invaluable, and he trusted the Council would not lose this opportunity of acquiring it.- Alderman Done said according to Mr. Thomas Jones the result of this purchase would be an increased rate of 5d. in the 9. After further discussion, Mr. Benson, the mover of the resolution, said he believed that if they gave 956,000 for this property they would be able to make it worth, in five years, £10,000 more to the ratepayers of Wrexham. On a division, the resolution was lost by seven to five.-At the close of the business, a vote of sympathy and condolence with the family of the late Dr. Edward Davies was passed, on the motion of the Mayor, seconded by Dr. H. V. Palin.

A;10,000 a YEAR.—How one might play the part of Prince Bountiful on such an income What comfort and relief one could bring to the poor and to the suffering. And yet, even without money one can do good if one has the will. If I see a fellow-creature suffering from ague, fevers, or dis- orders of the stomach; or from gout, rheumatics, neuralgia, and the like, I don't need to be a man of wealth in order to shew him the way to health. If I point out to him the wonderful efdcacy of Holloway's Pills and Ointment, I hove perchance done more good by that one thoughtful action than I could have achieved with all the wealth of all the Rothschilds. SHREWSBURY FLORAL AND MUSICAL FETE. —The attractions provided for this great fête, to be held on Wednesday and Thursday of this week, it is no exaggeration to say, promise to excel in magnificence and magnitude anything of the kind ever witnessed in England. It is this year favoured with the distinguished patronage of the Royal Horticultural Society, which connection elevates it to the dignified position of national importance, and will there- fore constitute the best possible illustration of the progress of horticulture in this country, during the sixty years beneficent reign of Her Majesty. A sum of £1,000 is to be given in prizes. The engagement of the famous bands of the Royal Horse Guards, the Royal Artillery, and the Coldstream Guards, the three of which comprising 105 performers, will be massed for a two hours concert on each day, ensures an unprecedented musical treat. The marvellous acrobatic, serial, and other performances, for which the Shrewsbury fete is so justly renowned, will be more than eclipsed this time, and together with horse leaping, balloon ascents, fireworks, &c., will form an attractive programme. The railway companies will run special excursion trains from all parts.

Much depression exists in the Northwich and district chemical trade. On Tuesday night a number of cleaners and firemen at the works of Messrs. Brunner, Mond, & Co., were placed upon short time. The condition of this industry, it is said, is due to the American tariff and com- petition. STARTLED ODDFELLows.-An exciting scene was witnessed at Walsingham, Norfolk, on the occasion of the monthly meeting of the local lodge of Oddfellows. The members were assembled in session when suddenly a large paraffin lamp suspended by a chain from the ceiling fell upon the centre of the table, around which the principal officers were transacting business. It rolled from the table on to the floor, and flames at once burst forth as the oil escaped from the reservoir. A scene of con- fusion ensued. The secretary scrambled to secure his books and certificates, while one of the trustees carried off the cash bowls to a place of safety. One of the brethren pulled off his coat and with it attempted to extinguish the now rapidly-spreading flames. Other methods, however, were necessary before the fire was subdued.

'A CHAT oil TEA Cups' is the title of a charming little 'Brochure,' published at ld., to be obtained at all Horniman s Agents. Sold in this locality by:-Chester: Spencer, 36, Bridge- street; Co-operative Society; Turver, chemist; Woolley, confectioner Roberts, chemist. Birkenhead: Dutton, chemist; Haywood, chemist; Hessler, grocer, &c.; Co operative Society.— Crewe Eardley, bookseller; Ashfield, chemist.— Rhuddlan: Roberts, grocer.—New Ferry: Fawcett, chemist. Hoylake Boustead, confectioner.— Oxton Taylor & Co., tea dealers. &c.—Upper Brighton Somerville, chemist. Winnington Co-operative Society.—West Kirby Atherton and Co.—Bromborough Pool: Co-operative Society. a

FORESTERS' HIGH COURT. « THE WEEK'S WORK. A correspondent writes in the Manchester Guardian: The Foresters' High Court at Norwich last week successfully resisted a serious danger to the future financial position of the Order. The last quinquennial valuation of the Order, to the 31st of December last, shewed a nett deficiency of £ 2,424,705. Two years ago, at Brighton, the London United District suc- ceeded in carrying an alteration of the general laws of the Order to compel courts to charge an adequate contribution to all future entrants into the society. This stopped the leakage which up to that time was taking place with the admission of every person into the Order. But, at the same time, it achieved something much more affectual and far-reaching towards the goal of financial solvency. By the application of another law it compelled every court with assets of less than 17s 6d. in the pound to charge the same con- tribution for present as for future members, and consequently-if the resolution is loyally obeyed-stopped the leakage with all members in deficiency courts whose assets are below the amount stated. An attempt was made at Norwich by three large districts to defer the operation of this law for periods varying up to five years. The Glasgow district proposed to defer the operation of the law until after the valuations received after the 31st of December next. The effect of this alteration would have been to delay reform in every court whose valuation is completed before the end of this year until after the succeeding valuation five years hence. The plausible plea of further time to convince and educate the members was urged with almost wearisome iteration. But the same plea has been urged any time these last twenty years, with the result of a deficiency of R2,424,705 in the funds. If the agricultural labourer, with his small wage, has been educated up to the standard of 20s. in the pound, surely the plea on behalf of the town artisan is a little out of place. The representa- tives of Glasgow, Leeds, and Portsmouth followed up their demand for time to educate their members with a threat to secede from Forestry unless their wishes were complied with by the High Court. But the High Court re-affirmed the decision of the Brighton High Court in favour of the sound finance of an adequate contribution to secure the benefit promised. Another prominent feature of the High Court has been the advance of the State pension party among the Foresters-a change which will probably encourage the State-aid party to persevere in their efforts to convert the Foresters to a principle which has been affirmed by the Oddfellows and most of the other friendly societies. The debate was above the level of the debates on this ques- tion in the Oddfellows' A.M.C. The case in opposition to State aid was much more effectively stated, and, speaking with some experience of these meetings, the present writer is inclined to question whether the Oddfellows would ever have affirmed the principle of State aid and if they had heard the speeches made in the High Court. The solution of the problem for friendly societies would be to make superannua- tion a compulsory benefit. If superannuation were included among the other benefits, and charged for-in the contribution, future entrants to the friendly societies would pay for it without a murmur. It is, however, open to question whether any one society could do this without the co-operation of the other competing societies, as the contribution would seem so much larger in comparison. Individual courts in the Foresters, at Sheffield and elsewhere, and individual lodges in the Oddfellows at Ipswich, Chapeltown, and Edinburgh, are doing it; but the fact that they are equally suc- cessful in making new members with other societies which are not providing the pension benefits, may be due to local circum- stances which are not applicable to the country as a whole. Anyway, the Foresters are of this opinion, for a resolution from the Executive Council in favour of compulsory superannuation for all future entrants met the summary fate which has befallen similar pro- positions on these lines. The question is one which might profitably be considered by the Affiliated Friendly Societies at their annual conference, and if agreement could be secured among the principal friendly societies of the country it might be possible to give the experiment of universal superannuation a fair trial under favourable circumstances. The new female courts are developing their own special difficulties. From the initiation of these courts a certain degree of uncertainty has been experienced as to the extent of the liability for maternity benefits. Some of the new courts have paid for sickness only, and ignored maternity claims; other have paid a special maternity benefit, against the advice of actuaries, who assert that the contribution does not cover the maternity liability. The executive recognised that if this state of things was allowed to continue unchecked the seeds of financial decay would soon be as apparent in the female as in the older male courts. They con- sulted Mr. Neison, one of the most reliable of our actuaries, and he advised an additional contribution of a halfpenny per week in order to cover a maternity benefit of 10s., and a penny per week for a benefit of El. The repre- sentatives of the female courts at the Norwich meeting met privately to consider the proposal of the Executive, and though the best pro- fessional advice in the country had been obtained, resolved to ask the High Court to ignore it, and substitute a contribution of one-fourth the amount. It was argued that the contribution suggested by Mr. Neison was so heavy that it would hinder the development of female courts, the women forgetting that if they are to permanently receive the benefit they must be prepared to pay the contribution necessary to secure it. The most surprising decision of the meeting was the large majority by which the advice of Mr. Neison was rejected, and a rule of thumb contri- bution substituted in its place. The mem- bers of male courts are making personal sacrifices to retrieve the financial errors of the past, but, refusing to learn from the experience for which they are having to pay so dearly to-day, they are permitting the new female courts to build up deficiencies which will have to be liquidated in the future. The mis- take having been made, Mr. T. Abbott endeavoured to minimise it as much as possible by a resolution to keep the accounts for mater- nity benefits entirely distinct from the sick and funeral benefits. In other directions useful work was accom- plished. The Order has taken advantage of the publication of the national experience of sickness and mortality compiled by Mr. W. Sutton, the Government actuary, to have new tables of contributions and benefits prepared by Mr. T. Abbott, of Sheffield, for female and juvenile members, so that the latest and best information is placed at the disposal of these courts. The work of relieving decayed courts was continued, though this item is now assuming serious proportions, and the Order will either have to hold its hand in this most necessary work, or increase the levy available for the purpose.