The Chester Courant and Advertiser for North Wales

tester 100 Years go. INTERESTING REMINISCENCES. Being notes given week by week of matters con- nected with Chester and the locality a hundred years ago. (Compiled from the Chester Courant, Aug. 29th and Sept. 5th, 1797.) DIVORCE. In the last French papers we find a report of Portalig on the subject of divorce for incom- patibility of disposition, in which a spirit, if not of returning piety, at least of returning prudence, is manifest. "Marriage (says the reporter) ia considered by the practitioner in the law as a civil contract; but by the theologians as a sacred one; by others as a mixed act, in which religion and civil laws concurred. It is evident they were all in an error, because all considered the law of nature as nothing. Marriage was instituted by the Creator, and is then neither a civil contract Hor a religious act, for it existed before all ° religions and all civil laws. It is an act purely natural, regulated by civil laws, and sanctified by religion." The reporter then entered into a direct examination of the question. "No society is sternal, and marriage is but a social contract. Let us take care of narrowing thus the ideas respecting marriage. Common societies are not necessary for perpetuating the 8pecies—marriage is commanded by the law of nature. In common societies only property and interest are in common; in marriage property and the heart are in common. In common societies we stipulate only for private interests in marriage we stipulate for the species —for the whole of the human race. By dissolving a marriage, we necessarily injure the children. Are we to conclude from that, that divorces ought not to be allowed ? If men were inviolably what they ought to be, the con- jugal union would never be disturbed; but men are subject to errors, to passions, and it is for them that we must make laws. The legislature, in making them, ought to 'have for his object peace more than virtue—the general good rather than the perfection of individuals. In this he differs from the moralist and the minister of religion, because he ought sometimes to permit certain things which morality disfavours and religion prohibits. It would be besides as dangerous as inhuman to bind, without hope of dissolving the tie, a married couple tied with each other. But if the legislature ought to permit divorce, he ought also to put a check upon the passions, and prevent the most sacred of contracts from becoming the sport of man's caprices. He ought not to authorise divorce upon an allega- tion of incompatibility of disposition and character, for allegation is not proof, and nothing would lead to greater abuses. But, it is said, the allegation of incompatibility is frequently only a veil to circumstances which could not be rendered public, without scandal- izing the family and society. I agree to it—but this allegation also may be merely the want of reasonable motives. It would be better, then, that the proofs of incompatibility should be submitted to tribunals of the family, which should remain secret. To permit a divorce upon an allegation of incompatibility without an obligation to disclose the motives, would be to give one of the married pair the right of vorcing the other; it would expose to the saddest fate the divorced wife, who would be on d,Wv1Q 5ePuriVtd °f the title of honour and SwJif i 8 0 Proffere<i—who would be VJ A J in 8°ciety, a lingering and degraded existence—who would be condemned to a forced celibacy that would not leave her even the merit of virtue. It would flatter the constancy of the capricious husband, who, after having snatched from the bosom of her family a young person to immolate her to his pleasures after having ravished from her favours that were only reserved for virtue, would send her away without giving her that indemnity which the law obliges the seducer to give to her who has been the victim of his debauchery. ANECDOTE OF DR. ROCK AND SIR EDWARD HULSE, THE PHYSICIAN. Sir Edward Hulse, who was physician to His Majesty, driving one day down the Strand, was stopped by the mob listening to the oratory of Dr. Rock, in his gaudy equipage. Seeing Sir Edward Hulse look out at the chariot window, he instantly took a quantity of boxes and vials, gave them to one of his belaced cqueys, saying, Give my compliments to SIr Edward, tell him these are all I have with DIe, but I will send him ten dozen more to- morrow." Sir Edward, astonished at the message and the effrontery of the man, actually took them into the chariot; on which the mob, with one consent, all cried out, See, see, all the doctors, even the King's, buy their medicines off him." In their youth they had somewhere been fellow-students j Rock not succeeding in a regular way, metamorphosed himself into a quack. In the afternoon he waited on Sir Edward to beg his pardon for having played him such a trick, to which Sir Edward replied, f My old friend, how can a man of your under- standing condescend to harangue the populace with such nonsence as you talked to-day ? Why, none but fools listen to you." "Ah, my good friend, this is the very thing. Do you give me the fools for my patients, and you shall have my free yeave to keep the people of sense for your own." This anecdote was related by a medical gentle- man of great eminence, who had often heard air Edward Hulse relate it to divert his friends; adding "I never felt so like a fool in my life, as when I received the bottles and boxes from Rock." SPURIOUS LITERATURE.' The books now published under the titles of novels and romances, that tend to no other purpose but that of mis- leading young minds, by false notions of the sublime and beautiful, ought to be suppressed by every means. They relate nothing worth remembering but may leave impressions not easily eradicated, and totally subversive of all true information. As a specimen of the sublime in one of these romances, we give the following superlative piece of nonsense, with which it begins:—"The sun had just sunk beneath the craggy summit of a gloomy rock, that shot its brown spires above the waving tops of the tall pines and its last rays cast a glowing tint of purple on the low clouds that seemed to roll with elastic majesty over the barren bosom of the Alpine ridges: the hazy mist of night darkened in the solitary grove and a deep murmur broke the branches, as the evening breeze ushered in the queen of night, who now in clouded majesty, emerged from a dark gloom, &c., &c." Who, that could value the use of words, would be so be-mooned, and be-clouded through a maze of pages ?

[By MENTOR.] A propos of the incident mentioned some time ago respecting the singular position in which the Kingsbury Parish Council were placed respecting the election cf a chairman, an opinion has been recently given by the Local Government Board. It will be remembered that at the election in April last, owing to the fact that the retiring chairman was a candidate for re-election, a temporary chairman was found in the person of the clerk. The voting was equal, and the clerk gav a casting vote, the legality of which was impeached. By Rule 10, part 2, of the first schedule of the Local Government Act, 1894, the chairman of a Parish Council has a second or casting vote, but this does not empower a temporary chairman, who is not a parish councillor but a paid servant of the Council, to record a vote in favour •f any candidate for the chair. The Local Government Board, it seems, has given an opinion that a clerk to a Parish Council cannot legally vote on the election of & chairman. An educational difficulty has arisen at Wrex- ham. The managers of the British School are desirous of being relieved of their burden, and have written the Education Department asking to be allowed to hand it over to the School Board. At a meeting of the latter a letter was read from the Rev. Canon Fletcher, vicar of Wrex- ham, stating his preparedness to take over the British School, on certain conditions, or, in the event of this not being entertained, to provide accommodation for the scholars. The writer Pointed out that the acceptance of either of these proposals would obviate a very large ^crease to the borough rates. It was resolved toat the Board should interview the managers v the British School before coming to a A pleasing function was enacted at Conway a few days since, when was laid the memorial stone of what is to be known as the Jubilee School, in course of building on a valuable site given by Mr. A. Wood, of Bodlondeb. The stone was laid by Mrs. Wood, and a vote of thanks to that lady, proposed by the Mayor, and warmly supported by several speakers, having been carried by acclamation, and Mrs. Wood having gracefully acknowledged the same, Archdeacon Pryce moved a vote of thanks to Mr. A. Wood for the gift of a £1,000 site.—Sir Huratio Lloyd seconded, and congratulated the people of Conway upon the steps they had taken. He must confess that he rejoiced in every addition to the voluntary schools of the country.—The Vicar (the Rev. P. J. Lewis) read a letter from Lady Augusta Mostyn regretting she could not be present, and stating that the bazaar at Deganwy in aid of the schools there had realised 9355. I A somewhat delicate matter was discussed at the Salford Board of Guardians the other day, when it was proposed to rescind a resolution, That the matron instruct the porteress to search the women employed in the infirmary each day on coming to work and on leaving the infirmary." It was aigued from a recent decision by a London police magistrate that such searching is illegal, and it was resolved to write to the Local Government Board for advice on the matter. On the face of it the searching savours somewhat of an indignity, but, on the other hand, and from a common- sense aspect, it appears only reasonable, as one can clearly understand how an unscrupulous infirmary attendant might easily be made the vehicle for conveying to a sick person articles which, however desirable to a patient's palate or fancy, might be most undesirable from a hygienic or medical point of view. The question of dietary at workhouses seems to be gaining a hold on Boards of Guardians, and very properly so at a time when there is a prospect of the prices of bread and flour-and consequently other provisions—being enhanced. There can be no doubt that many thousand pounds worth of what would otherwise be good and nutritious food if properly managed, finds its way to the pigs at numerous workhouses in this country, either through the hard-and-fast dietary scales allowing to each pauper fixed quantities, or from the want of a little varia- tion. The subject came up recently at the Chorlton Board of Guardians, when the Chair- man pointed out that, owing to the well-known fact that some inmates could take less food than others, a great saving was effected when they were allowed to have what quantities they desired. No doubt the Local Government Board would ultimately come round to their view of the question. The Prestwich Guardians have also instituted an inquiry into the waste of food at the workhouse. At the same meeting a circular letter from the Bristol Incorporation of the Poor was read in reference to the provision in the Industrial Schools Act, 1896, whereby children could be committed to workhouses by the order of two justices. It was urged that from a moral and sanitary point of view this was undesirable, the Chairman referring to a case in point where a boy so committed was overheard teaching other children the best way to steal clocks. The Bristol circular pointed out that some good might be effected by memorialising the Local Government Board, and it was decided to sup- port the memorial. It is not often one meets with cases of death from over-feeding in workhouses, but one has recently occurred at the Bethnal Green Work- house at Hackney, where a man named Thos Fyfe (70) is stated to have died from that cause, and, moveover, his was said to have been the third case of the kind at that institution' At the inquest held on the body the Master of the Workhouse deposed to being called after tea to the man, whom he found on the floor unconscious, and he died almost immediately. Deceased had been a splendid scholar, and had acted as assistant librarian. For his age he was very strong and active. The doctor was sent for, but on his arrival he pronounced life extinct.—Dr. Walker stated that he had since made an autopsy, and found the body covered with tat. The cause of death was syncope, produced by an overloaded stomach acting on a diseased heart.-The Coroner: One may say that he was killed by kindness.—Witness: It may or it may not be kindness to overload a man's stomach.—The Coroner: Well, it shews he did not go short of food.—Witness: Short i By no means. Why, they have nothing to do but eat, drink, and sleep.—The Coroner: And this is the third case from the same workhouse where death has been due to an overloaded stomach.—The jury returned a verdict of Death from natural causes.'

DISTRICT AND PARISH COUNCILS. ELLESMERE PORT PARISH. The monthly meeting of this Council was held on Wednesday night. Mr. Stockton presided. Two gentlemen were proposed for the vacancy caused by the resignation of Mr. E. O. Griffiths —Messrs. T. Price, grocer, Whitby, and Livesley, Ellesmere Port, who were highest on the list of unsuccessful candidates at the yearly meeting. On being put to the vote, Mr. Livesley was elected. It was decided to ibrect a gas lamp at the corner of Station-road and Dock-street. It was decided to open the gates of the Victoria Gardens forthwith from nine o'clock in the morning to dusk. A request was made by the secretary of one of the local brass bands for permission to play in the park. The Council was pleased to hear that statement, and hoped that as there were two efficient bands in the parish that each would on alternate weeks favour the residents with a musical recital. It was agreed to ask the bands to do Bo.-On the question of whether dancing would be allowed in the park, another interesting discussion arose. Some of the mem- bers thought that one of the rules on the notice board should read—" Dancing not allowed."— Mr. Jones and others said they would be sorry to see such a rule.—Mr. Pixton thought that if a recommendation to the bandmasters to stop playing if dancing took place were made, this would be the best way out of the difficulty.-To this the Council unanimously agreed.—The water supply was again introduced, although the amount of water sent to the district was now in some parts fairly satisfactory, such districts as Upper Whitby and Whitby Heath had not yet an adequate supply.—Dr. Finney thought that the company should give some signal or send around some messenger when they were about to cut off the water. Other members made a similar complaint.— It was resolved to write the Water Company on the matter.—Mr. Breckon stated that complaints had been made to him with respect to the quality of the water used for domestic purposes at certain houses on the Heath at Whitby. The Council had considered the matter some time back, and had passed a resolution, but some of the tenants were yet using, against their will, water from old pits.- Mr. Lloyd, who represents this district, said the West Cheshire Water Company would supply them with water if the property owners would lay the pipes, or promise them the necessary indemnity. A number of the owners were agreeable to do so, but others were not, hence the difficulty, and the tenants had to suffer. There were about forty families on the Heath who drank rain-water supplemented by pit water.—It was decided that the clerk com- municate again with the District Council on the matter. TARPORLEY DISTRICT. A meeting of this Council was held on Thursday. There were present Mr. John Pickering (chairman), Messrs. Hassall, Booth, Greenway, Symms, and Wrench, with the clerk (Mr. T. Cawley), and the surveyor (Mr. J. Knight).—The Clerk read a letter from the medical officer of health stating that he had seen Captain Griffith at the Alpha Cottages, and after explanation the captain had agreed to carry out the recommendations contained in his recent report.—The Tarporley Gas Com- pany's tender for lighting the 17 street lamps from the 15th September to 31st March next for JE21 5s. was accepted.—A letter was received from the Northwich Rural District Council stating that that Council were supplying water to a number of houses in Dela- mere. Little Budworth, and O^tmere from a connection made with the Liverpool mains. Application hal been received to extend the main to other houses, one of which was in the -occupation of Mr. W. Walker, of Utkinton, in the district of the Council, whose consent seemed necessary under Section 285 of the Public Health Act, 1875. On the motion of Mr. Booth, seconded by Mr. Wrench, it was resolved that consent be given. Consent was also given to the Fire Brigade to take the engine to the Chester Lantern Cycle Parade. The Clerk reported that he bad received a letter from the Local Government Board with regard to the application of the Urban District Council for an order conferring certain powers on the Council. The Board stated that having regard to the terms of the resolutions passed by the vestries of the parishes of Eaton, Rushton, and Tarporley, and to the objections of those vestries to the transfer of their powers in the matter referred to to the District Council, they did not consider they could properly issue the desired order so far as those parishes were concerned. The Board would however issue an order con- ferring on the District Council the powers of the vestry under Sections 3 and 4 of the Poor Rate Assement and Collection Act, 1869, in the parish of Utkinton. With reference to the statement ■ that the District Council were desirous of having all the powers of a Parish Council except those with respect to the charities, the Board asked to be informed what powers of a Parish Council the District Council desired to have conferred upon them. They would find that some of the powers they already practically possessed, and probably that others were not really required by them.—The Clerk considered that for the sake of uniformity it would have been better if they had not granted the powers of Utkinton Vestry, and in reply to Mr. Symms he further said that the power relative to the compounding of the poor rates in certain cases, would be done by the Council instead of the vestry. He thought, if anything was done by the Council, they would be ruled by the desire of the township.—Mr. Wrench said the proceedings were very slow; it had taken the Local Government Board 12 months to reply, and Mr. Symms described it as red tapeism.' It was thought disheartening to make any application, or to go to any further trouble in the matter, and it was suggested that the letter should lie on the table, but the Clerk considered it ought to be replied to as a matter of courtesy.—Mr. Booth thought it was not a question of courtesy, which seemed to be all on one side.—The Clerk suggested that as some of the principal powers had been granted, it would be advisable to reply to the letter, which would perhaps smooth the way if a future application was made. Ultimately it was resolved, on the motion of Mr. Symms, seconded by Mr. Greenway, that the Local Government Board be informed that the Council at present abandoned the application for all the powers.—The Clerk read a letter from Messrs. Lingards, the Earl of Hadding- ton's agents, which stated that they bad been instructed not to press for a reservation of the use of the road to the proposed outfall works. Accordingly a resolution was passed that the acre of land and wayleave be purchased for X250, and that Mr. Bell prepare a plan of the land required.

SERVING DRINK TO CHILDREN. ♦ ACTION OF WREXHAM MAGISTRATES. On Wednesday a special sitting of the magistrates for the borough of Wrexham was held for the purpose of receiving a memorial respecting the serving of children under 13 years of age in public-houses with liquor for consumption off the premises. The Mayor (Mr. Philip Yorke) presided over a full bench of magistrates. A deputation, consisting of the Revs. Ll. Wynne Jones, Elliott Simpson, and E. St. Clare Hill (Church of England), W. Mellor (Wesleyan), R. E. Morris (Calvinistic Methodist), D. W. Elias and J. Roberts (Presbyterian), and G. T. Sadler (Congrega- tional), waited upon the magistrates, and the Rev. Ll. Wynne Jones presented to them a memorial inviting them to take some effective action in relation to the question. It stated that children of tender years were extensively used as messengers to public houses, thereby gravely imperilling the social conditions of such children. The memorialists believed that this practice was not only most undesirable in the interests of the children themselves, but that it also tended to cause excessive drinking on the part of adults at home, and was intimately connected with the growth of intemperance among women. The memorial was signed by all the ministers of religion in the town, and by 1,200 other inhabitants.- The Rev. Wynne Jones, in pre- senting the memorial, in the absence of the vicar of Wrexham, said there was no act of Parliament on this subject, but the record of what had been done in other places shewed them what might be attained. At Liverpool, Birkenhead, Southport, &c., the licensing magis- trates had taken steps which they thought would have good results. They had issued a warning, and that was followed up by action at the next annual general licensing sessions. That seemed to him a just exercifce of the authority placed in their hands, and he trusted the Wrexham magistrates would take similar action. Mr. Charles Murless, ex-Mayor of Wrexham, said he was a licensed victualler, and was not ashamed to say so. He was rather surprised at the sweeping remarks of the two previous speakers, as they must be aware that there were other ways of obtaining drink than at public houses. Grocers were licensed, and had the same privileges without the same supervision. He thought the movement was an attempt to handicap a particular trade. If it had dealt with the question as a whole, and included the grocers' licences, it would have had his hearty support. The Rev. Wynne Jones said he would have no objection to the inclusion of grocers' licences.—The Mayor said he heartily concurred with the memorial, and the Bench had unanimously resolved to support the deputation. He moved the following reso- lution: That the Chief Constable be requested to report to the justices at the annual general licensing meeting, 1898, any case "V "hich, after written warning, a licensee, whether a licensed victualler or grocer holding a licence, persists in serving children apparently under 13 years of age with liquor for consumption off the premises." Mr. T. P. Jones-Parry seconded the resolution, which was adopted.

THE SEPTEMBER MAGAZINES. FIRST NOTICE. The place of honour in Blackwood for Septem- ber is given to an interesting appreciation of Mrs. Oliphant as a novelist, in the course of which the writer is very severe on the new s'ylo of literary 'professionalism':— A great deal is heard nowadays of the pro- fession of literature, and a singular enough profession it must be, to judge by the utterances of its self-constituted spokesmen. To blow your own trumpet; to brag about your income to make popular applause the sole and final test of literary merit and to whimper because you have no handle to your name,-that is the sum and substance of professional conduct — new style. One essential item we had inadvertently omitted to abase publishers in the most in- solent and vindictive language. If there be any who are disgusted with the endless round of self-advertisement and vanity, and who hate to see an honourable calling degraded by its professing champions, let them turn aside and contemplate the career of Mrs. Oliphant. They will there find an illustration of how distinction and success may be won without the aid of any of those miserable arts, the practice of which, though infallibly disastrous to the finest graces of the character, appears to be the rule rather than the exception. The results achieved by her genius-some of which we have endeavoured to point out-are not within the reach of all. The gifts of humour, sympathy, tolerance, penetration, good sense, and felicitous expression cannot wholly be commanded by human effort. But he who enters upon a literary life with Mrs. Oliphant for his model may rest assured that at its termination self-respect and independence will remain unimpaired, and that he can leave behind him the legacy of an untarnished name. 'Hymns and Songs of the Battle Field form the subject of an interesting discourse in the September number of the Sunday Magazine, by Frederick G. Crowest. Blood and Music How strange a combination —one seemingly too contradictory to be possible or truo Yet there is a close kinship. The sword and melody are knit together in music's sphere with striking persistency from earliest times to the present. Songs of the battle-field are not less ancient than the very spirit that has ever impelled humanity forward to slaughter and to death. It matters not how far we go down through the ages, we find war songs—outpourings breathing in- cessantly, as indeed they should, the spirit of the Great God of Battle, the Lord God of Hosts. The Bible abounds in battle songs, the words of which, if not their original tunes, are ever with us. Many of them have been made more familiar to us through that majestic music-mind Handel, who in the exercise of his matchless vocal independence has set them in a fashion too glorious for any other composers to surpass or even reach. Think of the war- burdened poeans in such oratorios as Israel in Egypt,' Joshua,' Sampson,' Judas Maccabaaus,' and more! The Betting problem is discussed calmly and impartially by Professor Marcus Dods, DD., in the current number of Good Words. Before proceeding to shew that betting is ungentle- manly, unsportsmanlike, foolish, productive of crime, and a violation of the law of society, the writer charitably concedes that- Betting is not to be condemned on the sole ground that it is an appeal to chance, for many such appeals are innocent and justifiable. There are issues so absolutely trivial, or interests so perfectly balanced that reason cannot, or need not, be exer- cised, and the tossing of a coin is the most sensible means of arriving at a decision. For determining which side is to have the choice of innings at cricket, or in any case where nothing can be urged on the one side that may not equally be pleaded on the other, an appeal to chance is legitimate. But to carry this appeal into regions where the issues are of magnitude and importance, and in which reason and conscience should be listened to is to renounce the distinctive prerogatives of human nature, and sink below our proper level. That the loser pays for the use of the table in billiards is a convenient arrangement, and if the players are so equally matched that after 50 games each shall have paid for the same number, no one can take any exception of such a method of determining who shall pay each game. But if the players are unequal then it is a meanness. The Cornhill is a capital number, the contents including the opening of a personal narrative by Col. E. Vibart, of the Sepoy revolt at Delhi, May, 1857, which possesses a melancholy interest in view of the present disturbances in India, and an excellent article on Brunei. What Brunei cared about was not methods, but results. He wanted a road wide enough and strong enough to carry large and powerful engines running at a high speed, and he got it. That the Great Western main line in the early forties was the most perfect railroad existing in the world there can be no reasonable question. So, too, with his engines. Brunei was primarily a civil, not a mechanical, and still more not a locomotive engineer. Overwhelmed as he was with other work, it was impossible for him to be fully acquainted with the different lines along which locomotive improvement was advancing, or to be fully aware of the innumerable detailed re-adapta- tions of changing means to varying ends in which locomotive progress mainly consists. But he was determined that on the Great Western heavier tiains should travel at higher speeds than anything yet attempted. So at the outset he very much left the locomotive builders to their own devices, and the result was, it must be confessed, a menagerie • mons^ers. enough. Of the Hurricane, with her 10-foot driving wheels but no steam to move them, the Thunderer, with geared wheels and boiler and machinery on separate carriages, the less said the better. Sir Daniel Gooch's con- temporary record in his diary—' felt very uneasy about the working of these machines, feeling sure they would have enough to do to drive themselves along the road '-represents the facts with suffi- cient accuracy. But a few thousand pounds wasted on experimental engines was a small matter, and practically from the opening of the line Brunei got his results. The first engine that was put to real work, the North Star, took 50 tons at 45 miles an hour. In 1843 the Prince Consort was brought up from Bristol to London, if Sir Daniel Gooch may be trusted, 118 miles in 124 minutes. It is safe to say that on no other line in the world would such a feat have been possible. In 1846, when the Battle of the Gauges was raging, and when the London and Birmingham was still working its trains with petty little four- wheeled engines, the Great Western had already advanced to the 'Great Western' or Lord of the Isles •AUVU11 el&^t-wheel engine practically identical with the engines which ran the heaviest and fastest Great Weste/n expresses down to the year 1892. Paddington to Didcot, 53 miles, in 47 minutes is a speed that was more than once reached then, and has hardly been exceeded since. Nor was this high speed a mere occasional record-breaking perform- ance. While the best Manchester express took 5 hours and 40 minutes, to Exeter, practically the same distance, the time was 4 hours and a half. Let it be granted that George Stephenson was the father of railway travelling in general, wo must yet to Brunei give the credit that he was the father of express travelling in particular. The Windsor Magazine is again well to the fore. The chief features are a description of Miss Braddon at home, an article on Birming- ham and its Jewellery, and a record of Ten Years of Cycling. A wonderful advance has been made on speed rates since the introduction of the pneumatic tyre. There must first be noticed the famous ride from London to John-o'-Groat's, undertaken in June, 1873, by four riders who went on ordinaries from Kensington for an 800 miles' ride due north. As a contrast to what can be performed nowadays, it is both instructive and amusing to shew some of the details of this ride. During the first day 65 miles were traversed, but more would have been accom- plished had it not been for rain. The second day saw the travellers at Newark the third, at Went- bridge; the fourth, at Aberford; the fifth, at Darlington; the sixth, at Newcastle-on-Tyne; the seventh, at Alnwick the eighth, at Dunbar the ninth, at Edinburgh; the fifteenth, at John-o'- Groat s. That was the pioneer long-distance ride. How poor it seems when compared with later re- cords! In 1895 Mr. Neason rode from London to Edinburgh, a distance of considerably more than 400 miles, in 27 hours 38 minutes. In the previous year, Mr. G. P. Mills rode from Land's End to John-o -Groat's in just about one fifth of the time taken by the four riders mentioned in the previous paragraph to do a very much shorter distance. His exact time was 3 days 5 hours 49 minutes. The editor of the Cyclist kindly informs me that the official road records at the present time are 221 miles in 12 hours, done by Mr. G. Hunt, and 402 miles in 24 hours, by Mr. M. A. Holbein. The ngures for path records are certainly very interesting. Mr. J. Platt-Betts holds the world's record for the fastest mile, having made the distance in 1 minute 40 seconds, with a flying Vio2S « Wednesday of Whit-week in this year (1897), Mr. J. W. Stocks actually rode 32i miles in one hour, a greater speed than that of many passenger trains, and about equal to the speed of the swiftest Atlantic liners. Mr. Platt- Betts also holds the record for the 5 miles, his time being 9 minutes 4 4-6 seconds. The only other records which I shall put down here are those for the 12 hours' and for the 24 hours' races on the path. The former record is held by Mr. G. A. Patterson, and the distance he accomplished in the half day was 288 miles 460 yards the latter by Mr. C. Huret, who rode the almost incredible distance of close upon 560 miles within the limits of one day and one night. Some curious information is given in the September issue of Cassell's Family Magazine on the shaping of a cavalry recruit:— In his first lessons, the recruit's horse has only on it a bridoon bridle and a nummah, the large piece of thick felt which is worn between the saddle and the horse's back, and Atkins has now to I t learn how with this slight equipment to get upon the back of the animal, and when this is accom- plished, how to get off again. Probably he will find this first item in his instruction as difficult of acquirement as anything which he may be afterwards taught. The order is given. Prepare to mount." when he will turn to his right and stand close to his horse's side, with one hand on the withers and his right forearm on the loins. "Mount." He must give a spring from his insteps, and, straightening his arms, raise himself over the horse, pass his right leg over its back, and then drop into his seat. All this sounds very simple. but when it has to be done by springing from soft tan in a pair of stiff unyielding boots and when, a3 is often the case, the immature arms absolutely refuse to straighten themselves, raising the weight of the body, the unfortunate recruit thinks his task is well-nigh impossible. The next thing Atkins must learn is the position in which he should sit and the way in which lie must dispose of his limbs. And now, for the first time, he is impressed with the difference between what is the best way of sitting on a horse and the way he would have adopted by the light of Nature. It is a matter of time to induce him to stretch his leg down from the hip, to bring the flat of his thigh close to the horse's side, letting his feet hang down from the slightly bent knee. That he should keep his body erect and his shoulders flattened will probably, as a result of his dis mounted drills, be more easily accomplished, but keeping his elbows close to his sides and his hands low will seem opposed to every instinct of sense and comfort. NEW BOOKS. Cassell's Encyclopaedic Dictionary has reached its 67th monthly part, bringing the work down to the word slip.' From the current number of Cassell's Family Lawyer readers will find some useful informa- tion respecting their rights as buyers of goods:— When goods are sent to you, whether bought by sample or by description, take early opportunity to unpack and examine them, and should you find anything wrong, take pen and ink and write to the seller at once, telling him what is the matter. It does not pay to wait until settling day comes round and then to write and complain; for you at once lay yourself open to the charge of manufac- turing a claim in order to obtain a reduction of your account. If possible, you should, when you write your letter of complaint, set out the faults complained of fully, and at the same time add that the goods are still lying in your warehouse (or wherever else they may be) and that you will be glad to receive your correspondent or his repre- sentative and to point out the defects specified. This course is not only the fairest and most businesslike, but it will stand you in good stead shauld the seller scout your complaint and try to make you pay the full agreed price by legal process. I have heard it said scores of times when a defendant has set up the defence of bad quality, Why did you not complain at the time ?" Which is followed by the second question, Then you never complained of the quality of these goods until the seller pressed you for payment F" It requires no very trained mind to see if you are able to answer, I did complain at the time and offered to point out the defects," you score a point.

CONVINCING PROOF OF THE EFFICACY OF HOMOCEA. Which touches the Spot and Soothes the Aching part. Rheumatism. Lord COMBERMEKE says, HOMOCEA did him more good thau any embrocation he had ever used for rheuma- tism. Neuralgia. The Hon. Mrs. THOMPSON, of Ackworth Moor Top, Pontefraet, desires to testify the great value of HOMOCEA as a cure for Neuralgia, having received great benefit from using it. Bishop TAYLOR says:—I have used HOMOCEA and have proved its healing virtue both for severe bruises and flesh wounds, and also to kill the virus of mosquitoes and chiggoes (jiggers). Eczema. The Rev. J. WILLIAM S. BUTCHER, 36, Park-road, East Birkenhead, states :-HoMocEA curei him of a most irritating species of eczema. Poisoned Hand. Mr. W. R. BRADLAUGH writes in The Anti-Infidel, of August, 1895:—Took a holiday of three days at Brighton, and was foolish enough to get his left hand stung and poisoned by a weaver' when sea-fishing. He applied HOMOCEA which at once gave relief. Homocea is sold by all dealers at 1/1 Jd. and 2,9d. per box. N.B.-HomoClMA EMBROCATION is the strong form of Homocea, and is absolutely the best thing of its kind in the world. Put up in collapsible tubes. Price 7id. and Is. ljd. per tube. Sold by CHEERS & HOPLET, Chemists, Nortbgate-st., Chester; GEO. DENSON & Co., The Stores, Northgate- Row, Chester. 3

Y0xTJ{01r A BAD BOY.—Robert Morris, aged 11, was summoned at Northop Petty Sessions on Thurs- day by Elizabeth Ffoulkes for assault on Monday.—Complainant stated that defendant was swinging on her gate, and otherwise annoy- ing her. When she interfered with him, he kicked her on the leg. Afterwards the boy was knocking pears off a tree in her field, and on telling him to desist, he again struck her.—The Bench imposed a fine of 2s. 6d. and cost, 10s. 6d. in all.

A UDLEilf. DEATH OF Mr. HILTON GREAVES.—The death took place on Tuesday morning, suddenly, of Mr. John Greaves, son of the late Mr. Hilton Greaves, of Oldham, and brother of Lieutenant Greaves, who was killed in the Swat Valley engagement last week. The deceased gentle- man, who was about 40 years of age, lived at Audlem. He had been unwell for a long time, and recently crossed the Atlantic for the benefit of his health. He returned home only on Monday.

KELSTERTON. THEFT OF APPLEs.-Patrick Mooney, Ishmael Parry and Wm. Middleton, all of Flint, were sum- moned at Northop Petty Sessions on Thursday for stealing fruit at Kelsterton.—The defendant Parry did not appear.—Mr. James Arkle, of Woodfield House, Kelsterton, said that on being informed that the three prisoners were robbing his orchard, he went to them, and found them dividing apples between each other. They ran away, but when witness pursued them they admitted having Etolen the apples.—Each defendant was fined 5s. and costs.

TATTENHALL. FOOTBALL CLUB.—The annual general meet- ing was held on Tuesday evening, in the National Schools. In the unavoidable absence of the rector Mr. W. Forster presided over a moderate attendance. The accounts for the past year were passed, shewing a deficiency of some J63 odd. It was unanimously decided to join the Chester and District Junior League. Afterwards the election of officers took place with the following result :-President, the Rev. C. L. Arnold; captain, Mr. W. Hall vice- captains, Messrs. G. Butler and W. Woolley; treasurer, Mr. John Jones secretary, Mr. Fred Reeves; committee, Messrs. W. Forster, C. H. Jones, J. Wright, W. Pym, G. Manley, B. Butler, J. Breen, and J. B. Fletcher.

HELSBY. A NEEDLESS ALARM.—Some excitement was caused in the village on Thursday by the report that a lunatic was at large. In the afternoon of that day a man, evidently a stranger, was observed on the hill in an attitude of prayer, and was also heard praying aloud. The conclusion arrived at was that the man was out of his mind. The policeman took him to Frodsham, where, on being ques- tioned, he stated he was a workingman from Liverpool, and was spending the day at Helsby He admitted that he was of a religious turn of mind, and had at the time allowed his feelings to overcome himself, and expressed his regret for the trouble he had caused. The police, having no doubt as to the man's sanity, liberated him.

MA LP AS. CHOIR TREAT.—On Wednesday the members of the parish church choir had their annual outing. They visited Liverpool, the party numbering upwards of 50, including the juvenile portion of the choir. The arrange- ments were efficiently carried out by the organist and choirmaster, Mr. H. Edwardes. The morning was spent in Liverpool, and in the afternoon the party took a trip to' New Brighton. The rector accompanied the trip, and spent the day with the members of the choir. DANCE.—On Tuesday evening, following the wakes, a dance was held on the rectory lawn by kind permission of the Rector, under the auspices of the fire brigade. There was also a draw for prizes arranged in connection with the dance, so that whoever bought a ticket for the dance was entitled to draw for one of upwards of 200 prizes. These were surplus articles from the bazaar held some time ago. With this additional attraction there was an attendance of 400 people, and the lawn presented during the evening an animated appearance. In the evening the grounds were illuminated with coloured lights and the proceedings lasted until half-past nine o'clock. The music was supplied by the Chester City Brass Band, under the conductorship of Mr. Weston.

NANTWICH. SERIOUS ACCIDENT TO A GROOM.-A, groom named John Taylor, in the employment of General Beresford, Royal Engineers, who is staying at the Brine Baths Hotel, Nantwich, met with a serious accident on Friday. lie was exercising a spirited hunter when it reared and fell back- wards upon him, causing a serious rupture of internal organs.

SAVDYCROFT. THE NEW FOOTBALL CLUB.—A meeting was held on Wednesday evening, Mr. T. G. Griffiths presiding, in the Gymnasium for the purpose of considering the advisability of forming a football club in the village. After discussion it was decided to form a club to be called Sandycrcffc Ironopolis Football Club. A committee was formed to make the arrange- ments.

» MICKLE TRAFFORD. SUNDAY SCHOOL TREATS.—On Monday the children attending the Plemstall Church Sunday School were taken to Overton Hills for their annual outing. About sixty children and twenty adults made the journey by train to Frodsham. After ascending the hills each child was supplied with a bun and milk. Various games were then indulged in until tea time, when a substantial meal was disposed of. The return journey was made shortly after eight o'clock.—The Chapel Sunday School scholars were taken the same day to Rhyl.

QUEEN'S FERRY. SUDDEN DEATH OF AN OLD RESIDENT.—It is with regret that we chronicle the very sudden death of Mrs. Hughes, wife of Mr. George Hughes, Albion Villas, at the age of 72 years. The deceased lady had been in an indifferent state of health for some time, and on Monday afternoon, when visited by her medical attendant (Dr. Purdon) she seemed in good spirits, and was feeling better. Shortly after- wards Mrs. Hughes went out into the garden, and upon returning expired almost immedi- ately. It is believed the cause of death was old age and decay. Much sympathy is felt for Mr. Hughes, who is an old resident, in his sudden bereavement.

.0 GRESFORD. THE CYCLING ACCIDENT. The Liverpool cyclist who was so terribly injured while riding down a steep hill at Gresford, as reported in our last issue, is, we are glad to learn, making satisfactory progress He regained consciousness on Wednesday, and is now able to take nourishment, although still unfit for removal from Wrexham Infirmary. Through the report of the accident in the Courant considerable public attention has been directed to the suggestion for erecting danger signals to cyclists at several steep inclines in the neighbourhood, and we trust that either by the local authorities, or through the instrumen- tality of the Cyclists' Touring Club, some steps will speedily be taken to caution strangers touring in the district against the grave danger of riding down these hills.

A SAUGHALL. MUSHROOMS.—The heavy rains, followed as they were by warm weather, have caused a good spring of mushrooms in our fields, which are scoured from dawn till dusk by people anxious to make good bags' while the season lasts. BENEVOLENCE.—Mr. F. B. Summers,of Oaken- holme, and of the extensive iron works at Hawarden Bridge, has this week kindly sent a subscription of £1 to the Court Sellars, Ancient Order of Foresters, at the same time expressing his regret at being unavoidably absent from home on the anniversary day. THE WATER QUESTION.-A member of the Chester Rural District Council has made a good suggestion respecting the provision of a water supply for the village. He proposes that three good spring wells should be sunk in different parts of the township, so that each ward would be within easy reach of good, pure water. Another plan which finds support in some quarters is to provide storage tanks, and by means of a proper system of filtration to render the water which runs down the brooks to the Dee available for use. At present thousands of gallons of good water run to waste weekly during the winter months.

♦ TARPORLEY. ACCIDENT.-The Rev. E. M. Ellis met with an accident while riding his bicycle on Wednesday evening. Coming dewn High-street, he ran over a stone in the road and was thrown from his machine to the ground, hurting his knee rather badly. Care should be taken with regard to such stones being allowed on a main road, as they are most dangerous to cyclists. CHOIR TRIP.—The junior members of the four church choirs were taken by Mr. Grocott and Mr. Garner for their annual trip on Thursday. The destination was Rhyl. The weather was everything that could be desired, and a most enjoyable day was spent, the delights of sea and town being fully appre- ciated. Home was reached about nine p.m. This makes the final church trip for this season. TRIP TO LLANDUDNO.—The annual trip pro- vided for the members of the adult Sunday Bible class in connection with the parish church was arranged to take place on Tuesday, the destination being Llandudno. For some reason, only a small number of the members availed themselves of the enjoyable treat. Those who did go most thoroughly enjoyed the pleasant journey, the excellent fare provided for them at Llandudno, and the nice long day by the sea. The happy party arrived home shortly before midnight, grateful to those who had so kindly provided the treat for them, and to Mr. Grocott for all the arrangements connected therewith. DEATH OF MR. WOODWARD.—A deep gloom has been cast over Tarporley by the death of Mr. Edwin Woodward, which took place on Saturday evening, after a long illness. For over 41 years Mr. Woodward held the office of parish clerk in Tarporley Church, he having served under three rectors. He was most highly esteemed and respected by all who knew him, and was devoted to his church, which had passed through so many stages of restoration during the time he was in office. The funeral took place on Tuesday afternoon. The coffin was of oak with brass furnishings. The funeral cortege was met by the clergy at the church- yard gates. A procession was formed, and the coffin, which was covered with beautiful wreaths, tributes of love and esteem from relatives and friends, was borne to the chancel step by six of the deceased's employes. There were a large number of mourners present, among them the sons, daughters, and relatives of the deceased, the Earl of Haddington, Dr. McCulloch, Mr. W. F. Bunce, Mr. Grocott, and the principal tradesmen in the town. As the remains were carried to the church the opening sentences of the burial service were read by the Rev. W. O. Hughes. On arriving in church, the 39th Psalm was read by the Rev. E. M. Ellis, then the lesson. The coffin was borne to the grave, where the remainder of the service was read by the Rector and the Rev. E. M. Ellis. A muffled peal was rung during the afternoon. A DOSE OF CARBOLIC ACID: To DO HIM t Saturday, at Mr. Cawley's offices, John Woolley, of Tarporley, butcher, formerly of Nantwich, was charged before the Earl of Haddington with attempting to poison himself with carbolic acid. Mrs. F. Stockton deposed that on Monday, the 23rd August, her daughter, the prisoner's wife, fetched her to his house, where she found him very ill in bed. She asked him why he had taken carbolic acid, and he said he did not know why or how much be had taken. He did not remember taking it. Dr. Hewer was called in, and the stomach pump was used. The prisoner had for about a month complained of his head, and was under the care of the doctor.—Samuel E. Cowap, chemist, Tarporley, stated that at 4.30 p.m. on the Monday referred to, the prisoner purchased from him threepenny worth of carbolic acid, for, he said, disinfecting a drain. The same even- ing the bottle of acid was handed to him by P.C. James, and on measuring the acid he found there was an ounce less than when he sold it to the prisoner.-P.C. James deposed to going upstairs and finding the prisoner in bed. He asked him how much of the acid he had taken, and he said three spoonsful. He asked him why he had taken it, and he said some man he had met in the street told him to take it to do him good. He said he did not know who the man was. When he saw the prisoner, he appeared to be rambling in his mind and did not know what he was doing or saying. When he charged him that morning, ne said All right.' His Lordship took a lenient view of the case, and Woolley was discharged on his friends promising to take care of him.

HA WARDEN. THE GLADSTONE FOUNTAIN.—A special meet- "i? f the Hawarden Parish Council was held on Monday to consider the condition of the Glad- stone Fountain. The vice-chairman (Mr. Lamb) presided.-Mr. Green stated that the water at the fountain had been deliberately turned off evidently by some person who knew the position of the stop-cock. The Fountain Sub-Committee felt strongly that somebody had turned the water off without authority.—Eventually, on the proposition of Major Gibson, seconded by Mr. Adkins, it was resolved that the "1- M done by the committee at a cost not exceeding £10. It was also decided to offer a reward lor information leading to the detection of anyone turning the water off, or throwing stones at the fountain. A DEFICIENT WATER SUPPLY.-It is hoped that the directors of the Hawarden and District Waterworks Company are fully aware of the universal dissatisfaction felt at the state of things which prevailed lately. Almost directly the drought set in the supply was (without notices) curtailed; and had it been a long drought no one can say what would have happened. Everyone believes that the supply is not equal to the service; and if this is so it is imperative that so great a scandal shouid terminate. If money can procure a larger supply, the rate of dividend should not be weighed against so obvious a duty. But we can assure those most nearly concerned that the public mind demands satisfaction.— Hawarden Parish Magazine THE SCHOOL BOARD QUESTION.—Commenting on the proposal to put part of Hawarden parish in a School Board district, the Hawarden Parish Magazine says Anyone interested should at once give heed to the proposed order of the County Council, soon to be ratified by the Local Government Board, by which in making the Buckley District into an Urban Council, it appears (unknown to the Council who promoted this) to carry with it the resolu- tion of placing most of Buckley (Ewloe Wood and Ewloe Town) and other parts of Hawarden (Bannel and Pentrobin) under the jurisdiction of the Mold and District School Board. This district has from the first (about 1818) volun- tarily built, repaired, enlarged, and maintained a fine set of schools; and even now is en- gaged in further extensions by the order of the Education Department. Ratepayers will consider whether there will be anything under these circumstances to recompense them for the new School Board rate they would have to pay. Now Buckley can look well after its own concerns; but Buckley and the rest of the parish of Hawarden (except Sealand) have been one district for school purposes from the time that districts were first formed by the Education Department. We, on our part, want to know why this is to be allowed, and that without the slightest sign of any wish for such a change on the part of any of the inhabitants. It would appear that the only way out of this is for the County Council to amend the order which was sent in December, 1895, for confirmation to the Local Government Board, but which-in spite of newspaper reports to the contrary-has never yet been confirmed in London. We say not a word in the abstract either for or against a School Board but this is essentially a matter for the ratepayers to speak and act at once if they desire to keep things as they are.

KELSALL. CYCLING CLUB. On Tuesday a general meeting of the Kelsall and District Cycling Club was held in the National School, the headquarters of the club, for the purpose of deciding what kind of regalia should be worn when attending the forthcoming cycle car- nival at Chester. After a long discussion, several items were agreed upon. It was also decided that the members give another enter- tainment this winter similar to the one given last winter, and as the club was well off financially, it was agreed that the proceeds should be devoted to some other object, which could be decided at a future meeting. WEDDING.—On Thursday the village was enlivened by the marriage of Mr. Benjamin Dutton, of The Bazaar, Kelsall, and Miss Eleanor Smith, eldest daughter of the late Mr. John Smith, of Kelsall. The service took place at the Wesleyan Chapel. Kelsall, the Rev. W. Shovelton, Tarporley, officiating. The bride was given away by her brother, Mr. Arthur Smith, and the bridesmaids were Miss Ada Smith (sister of the bride), and Miss Jessie Dutton (sister of the bridegroom). There were many friends of the bride and bridegroom present. The service commenced with singing the hymn, 'The voice that breathed o'er Eden' by the choir, and at the conclusion Mr. James Nickson played the Wedding March.'

LITTLE BUD WORTH. MEDICAL ATTENDANCE AT ALMSHOUSES.— On Friday afternoon, at the meeting of the Northwich Board of Guardians, presided ove r by Colonel France-Hayhurst, a letter was read from the Charity Commissioners with reference to the contention of the guardians that it was not their duty to provide medical attendance for the inmates of the Little Budworth Alms- houses, who are provided with relief to the extent of 2s. 6d. per week each, out of Lady Dodd's Charity. The Commissioners stated: Under the trusts, as known to the Commis- sioners, the trustees of the charity would not appear to be under any obligation to provide the almspeople with medical relief." The letter further stated that representation on the trust could only be given to the guardians by means of a scheme. The Commissioners had no power to establish a scheme for the regulation of the charity except on the application of the trustees, but, if the Guardians desired, a copy of the letter, would be sent to the trustees for their observations.— The Clerk said he quite agreed with the Com- missioners, and believed that the trustees of the charity had discharged all the duties incumbent upon them. Mr. Ivison (Winford) remarked that the matter had caused much feeling in the district, and he urged that it should be carried to the Local Government Board. To his mind the trustees were resorting to a technicality to get out of their liability. The matter eventually dropped, and the guardians will therefore make provision for the medical relief of the inmates.

CONNAN'S QlJAY. DEATH OF CAPTAIN BENNETT.—Sincere regret is felt locally at the death of Captain John Bennett, which took place at his residence, Connah's Quay, on Sunday, at the age of 75 years. Deceased had been in failing health for upwards of two years, but until recently he was able to get out. Latterly, however, he became much weaker, and for some months was entirely confined to the house. Captain Bennett had a fine, commanding physique, and rarely experienced any sickness during his life until the illness which took him away. He was very highly esteemed and respected, and was prominently connected with the shipping trade of the port. Since the days of his boy- hood he had followed a maritime occupation, and for many years he had commanded ships sailing out of the Dee, in which capacitv he was most fortunate and successful. During the latter years of his life he acquired some interest in shipping property, and at one time was sole owner and master of a fine coasting schooner. To some extent he was an active participator in the rapid rise and development of the trade of the port. In politics he was a moderate Con- servative. He was a strong supporter of the policy of protection, and considered it an in- justice to British shipowners that foreign ships could trade to any port in Great Britain while British ships were not allowed this liberty in foreign countries. He was afaitbful member of the Methodist New Connexion Church. The inter- ment took place on Wednesday in St. Mark's Cemetery, amid manifestations of deep regret. Prior to the funeral cortege leaving the residence, a short service was conducted by Capt. Samuel Vickers, one of the deceased's old shipmates. Flags on the shipping offices and ships in port were at half-mast. At St. Mark's Church the funeral service was conducted by the vicar (the Rev. Thomas Williams). The chief mourners were Capt. Humphrey Bennett (son), Mrs. Humphrey Bennett (daughter-in-law), Miss Martha Bennett, Miss Elizabeth Bennett, Mr. John Bennett, Mr. David Bennett, Mr. Clarence Bennett (grandchildren), Mrs. E. Dodd (sister- in-law), Mrs. M. Jones, Mrs. M. Latham, Mrs. J. Jones, Mrs. B. Vickers, Mrs. Annie Hewitt, Miss M. Bellis, Mrs. T. Griffiths (neices), Mr. E. Roberts, Mr. J. Hewitt, Captain H. Bennett (nephews), Mrs. Mary Bennett, Mr. S. Bennett, Captain J. Bennett, Captain T. Hughes, Captain J. Vickers, Captain S. Vickers, Mr. S. Roberts, Mrs. J. E. Foulkes, Mrs. Robert Bennett, Mr. T. Coppock, Mr. E. Williams, Captain C. Cop- pock, Captain S. Hardin, Captain S. Jones, Mr. J. Jones, Mr. W. Williams, &c. The coffin was covered with beautiful wreaths.