The Chester Courant and Advertiser for North Wales

CHESHIRE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. ♦ THE CREWE SHOW. The annual show of the Cheshire Agricul- tural Society, with which was amalgamated the exhibition of the Crewe Canine Association, was •held at Crewe on Saturday. With the excep- tion of two heavy showers in the afternoon the event was favoured with fine weather, and the attendance was gratifyingly large. The show was held in Messrs. Frank Lloyd, Nuttall, and Co.'s Auction Yard and on part of the Crewe Athletic Ground, and the only convenient thing about the site, so far as the public were con- cerned, was that it was near the railway station. The exhibits were arranged in a haphazard, straggling fashion, and it was a matter of extreme difficulty to find any particular depart- ment. Appended is a record of the entries at the shows for the last ten years m ( j t £ ns oc g £ | Entrance fld S S B • §?S* -• Sj-r-g a Sfr Fees. Show held OD « bl !» CJ P< CC "tr? Q. O a H!? 3 & g s -s |^ | i gi-3 | at [h hoOB O « W ffl h 0Ph Eh £ b. d. 1887 10 52 83 25 90 73 92 32 457 158 2 3 Crewe. 1888 20 79 76 17 73 53 104 — 45 467 219 19 3 Chester. 1889 14 48 91 24 194 53 141 — 38 603 156 7 3 Congleton. 1890* — — — — Crewe. 1891 26 51 85 27 178 38 101 58 564 242 14 0 Stockport. 1892 27 44 67 30 247 55 88 12 48 — 618 242 16 6 Warrington. 1893 19 87 82 43 250 58 163 10 25 — 737 178 0 9 Sandbach. 18c)4t 18 135 93 250 [' 83 151 19 37 786 197 1 9 Nantwich. 1895 23 86 162 69 416 52 86 21 34 366 1315 283 12 9 Kuutsford. 1896 7 84 83 42 350 46 92 — 29 548 1281 266 11 0 Chester. 1897 11 91 116 32 322 47 129 38 25311039 Crewe. I I I I Amalgamated with the Manchester and Liverpool Society. t The Pigs were not shown, owing to Swine Fever. J Dogs only. Much has been said within the last twelve Illaoliths about raising the standard of the exhi- bition, and making it the county show in more than name; but it can hardly be said, taking the number of entries as a criterion, that the efforts in this direction have so far been attended with pronounced success. The entries of cattle, for instance, only numbered 116, and, as the Presidsnt (Lord Crewe) pointed out at the luncheon, this is ridiculously small for a which is so noted for its dairy stock as Cheshire. The delay in posting the list of awards was the subject of great complaint. Almost in every case where the judges handed their books in, it was a considerable time after the conclusion of the judging, but in some Classes the results were not made known at all. The display of cheese was excellent, though ot th ° "XT"* tbit at events ■Sot ST™ £ 'lttle •Momagement is t givon to the manufacture of small cheese suitable for family use. In the 2lnn° foI not less than 501b. the bv Ur1ZeRWeK ?,Utn0fihe C0Unty> beiQg taken by Mr. Richard Dutton, Old Marton Hall, d .th,1S ^xhibitor was awarded the m.?J 5 of Chester s (Mr. B. C. Roberts') special prize for the best four cheeses made upon the long-keeping principle. In the other open class, for cheese not less than 30lb., Mrs. Watson, of Brereton Farm, Har<*rave deservedly secured the premier honours! The competition for butter, as usual, served to ,demonstrate the superiority of Mrs. France, of Spurstow. The cattle, though few in number, left little 'to be desired, so far as quality was concerned. The dairy cows were somewhat aged, but Mr. o- W. Gould, Lymm, shewed a finely pro- Portioned animal, which won the special prize i ±,10 given by the President for the best jjairycow or heifer in the yard. The heifers of th a sPlend}d display, and Mr. Stretton, one the r? • £ es' ihformed our representative that Hall shewn by Mr- Thomas Parton, of Weston y Were the best he had seen in the country, hon of the heifers that did not secure IVTo -tf would bave done so at most shows, a Tn'ficent bulls were exhibited in each class twu iudSes took a long time in deciding' whether the five guinea silver cup for the best bull in the yard should go to Mr. John Siddall, of Oakhanger Hall, Crewe, or Mr. John Hobson, of Audlem. They were almost obliged sto call in an umpire, but finally they gave the trophy to Mr. Siddall. The same animal was awarded Messrs. Frank Lloyd, Nuttall and Company's -champion prize for the best of the winners in the Cattle Classes. There is no doubt that in recent years, through a variety of circumstances, a marked improvement has been manifest in the breed of heavy horses in the county, and this improve- ment was fully maintained at the county show. «L foremost came Earl Egerton of Tatton, who added considerably to the long list of successes he has achieved this season. Tatton Queen, one of the mares shewn by his lordship in the class for pairs was probably the finest animal in the show. Mr. Joseph Hill, of Con- gleton, also exhibited a fine mare, May Flower, which carried off first honours in her class ioo^ uClass for krood mares foaled prior to 1894, the judges declared the Bix animals that entered the ring the finest they had ever seen, and it was not without considerable difficulty that they decided to give the first prize to Mr. George Wainwright, Alderley Edge. The light horses were also in advance of recent years. Scarcely anything better, indeed, could have been taken through a parade ground than two or three of the classes. Most of the modern requirements for hard roads or harder setts had been developed-light shoulders, springy action, clean, deep feet, and symmetrical pro- Portions, from the pastern upwards. Some of the horses in harness were apparently of Irish th6^ and ^bey had all the dash and vigour ial jFe natural to horse blood from the sister of j The brood mares (roadsters) from the .,ud of Mr. A. C. Carr, at Broxton, who was the winner of a number of awards at the Royal Agricultural Show at Manchester, and also at the Royal Lancashire, were deservedly success- ful. Some fifty or sixty hunters, young and aged, were included in the various classes, and the competitions would have been improved if, besides being classed according to age, their weight-carrying capabilities had in one or two classes been taken into consideration. Sheep were not numerous, but they were excellent in quality. Pigs made a disappoint- ing display. In four classes there was only one entry. The most successful exhibitor was Mr. J. Jefferson, of Peel Hall, Chester, and after him came the Earl of Egerton. The dog department, which was entirely under the control of the Crewe Canine Association, attracted much attention. In the class for Scotch terrier dogs or bitches Mr. H. Smith, of Hoole, Chester, was place first with a smart- looking young puppy. Another Chester ex- hibitor-Mr. A. E. Jones-took a third in the class for bull dogs, the first prize winner being an animal of such excellent quality that it was adjudged the best dog in the show. The entries of seeds and roots were more numerous than last year, but the judges were sorry to find that the quality of the wheat was not so good, some of the samples being in bad condition. Oats were more satisfactory, and competition was extremely keen, Mr John Wynne, Waverton, taking the first prize for the black species, and Mr. C. E. Parton, of Haughton Hall Farm, for the white. It was evident that the roots had suffered from the dry weather, but generally speaking the display was 10 meritorious for the time of year. these only two exhibits of farm produce, but these were exceptionally good, and t e ju g difficulty in selecting between them, tnj they p4ed Mr. James Oultram, of Huxley first. The samples of potatoes were few, but the quality left little to be desired. Mr. Jame iomkinson, of Willington Hall, secured p honours with his collection of horticuitura P duce, meeting with keen competition trom other five exhibitors. The second prize winner, ^r. W. Prior, of the Gardens, Maesten, \V hit- ch«rch, had a splendid collection of roots and Vegetables, but he had not sufficient varieties ot P'ants and flowers, and for this reason did not get the first prize. -J;.1?. interesting feature consisted of the tn» I1^3 from the Agricultural and Horticul- ral School at Holmes Chapel. Here were shewn samples of 93- varieties of the most modern varieties of potatoes, true to type and perfect in shape. It is proposed to issue a pamphlet at the end of the year dealing with experiments in potato culture at the school. A number of sods, shewing the effect of different manures on grass land, attracted a good deal of attention. A series of experiments with nitragin on leguminous crops was well demonstrated with clover grown in pots, with specially selected clover soil. Other exhibits descriptive of the different subjects taught in the school included a germinator, in which seeds commence growth in from 24 to 48 hours. Mr. Gordon, the principal, had the care of this exhibition, while Mr. Nield had charge of a number of samples of vegetables also grown at the school. There were some eighteen varieties, among them being extra fine carrots, onions, and cauliflowers. The Worleston Dairy Insti- tute gave a demonstration in butter-making, separating and testing milk for fat, and also in the making of soft cheese, including Cheshire, Cheddar, and Stilton. Miss Foster and Miss Harrison'had the supervision of this stand the demonstrations in butter-making were carried out by the pupils, and Mr. S. Edwards, farm bailiff, gave demon- strations in the separation of milk. As usual, the horse jumping was one of the most popular departments of the show, but it was the subject of comment that rather an inferior class of hunters were shewn. It was quite in accord- ance with custom that the chief prize should be carried off by that successful horsewoman Mrs. Blockley, of Madeley. The turn-outs made a very creditable display. The following were the judgesCheese: Messrs. J. C. Boothby, Stockport; and H. J. Fish, Whitchurch. Cattle: Messrs. G. Ash- bourner, Kirkby-in-Furness; and A. Stretton, Burton-on-Trent. Heavy horses: Messrs. J. Forshaw, Carlton-on-Trent; and Edward Green, Welshpool. Light horses The Earl of Crewe, the Earl of Enniskillen, Mr. T. H. Hutchinson, Catterick, Yorks and Mr. Frank Lloyd, Wrexham. Sheep: Messrs. P. R. Cooper, Lichfield; and P. A. Evans, Wellington, Salop. Pigs: Messrs. J. Hallas, Warrington; and Philip Ascroft, Rufford, near Ormskirk. Seeds Messrs. Thos. Baxter. Warrington; and W. Nunnerley, Ellesmere, Salop. Roots: Messrs. Thos. Baxter and W. Nunnerley. Implements: Messrs. James Mercer, Widnes, and George Moroton, Middlewich. Dogs collies, Mrs. A. H. Moore, Leek other classes, Mr. Theodore Marples. Cottage gardens: Messrs. Geo. Latimer, Crewe, and Wm. Lythgoe, Nant- wich. The following were the stewards:—Messrs. Bosley, Sandbach Coomer, Nantwich John Lea, Stapleford Benjamin Dutton, Nantwich; W. E. Lea, Tarvin; N. Turner, Nantwich; S. Byford, Crewe; T. R. Boote, Crewe H. Nuttall, Crewe; R. Hull, Nantwich; J. Woodhouse, Crewe; Richardson, Sandbach Barratt, Sand- bach L. Gibson, Nantwich; Chas. Edwards, Nantwich; J. Bebbington, Walgherton, Nantwich. The secretarial duties were dis- charged by Mr. T. A. Beckett, of Chester. THE LUNCHEON. LORD CREWE ON THE LAND SYSTEM. The President (Lord Crewe) occupied the chair at the luncheon, being supported by the Earl of Enniskillen, Col. Cotton-Jodrell, M.P., Mr. Henry Tollemache, M.P., the Mayor of Crewe (Mr. McNeil), Major Wilbraham, Messrs. James Tomkinson, Charles Reynolds, W. Starkey, &c. After the health of the Queen had been pledged with enthusiasm, The PRESIDENT proposed the toast of the day, Success to the Cheshire Agricultural Society.' He thought they might claim to have achieved that day at any rate a fair measure of success. He saw from the record of the society's shows for the last ten years that in 1887, when the show was held at Crewe, there was a total of 457 entries, whereas on the present occasion they had 1,039 entries. (Applause.) That was in itself a satisfactory circumstance, and he thought that so far as some of the classes at any rate were concerned, he could say that the quality had kept pace with the quantity. Those gentlemen who had been judging the hunter classes would, he thought, bear him out in the opinion that those classes were exceptionally good, and would be a credit to any county show. (Hear, hear.) He was glad to know also that the exhibits of cheese and butter, an industry with which they were so peculiarly associated, were of a satisfactory character. He was glad to draw attention to the fact that the Mayor of Chester had given a prize for a long-keeping cheese—a cheese to keep twelve months—which had been locally won. Speaking in the presence of those who were greater experts than himself, he was not one of those who thought that the place of the quick ripeaing cheese would ever be taken by long-keeping cheese. Farmers were bound to follow the market, but at the same time it was a good thing that there should be some practice in the manufacture of a more keeping quality of cheese side by side with that quickly ripening cheese which he thought was likely to remain the principal industry of the county. He confessed that so far as the number ot the entries of cattle was concerned it did seem to him that in a county like theirs an entry of 116 head of cattle was rather a small one. (Hear, hear.) He should like to think that in future years that number would be increased. I hat consideration brought him to the more general one of the position the show was to hold in the future as regarded the whole county. They knew that there was in Cheshire a certain number of local shows of very high class, and with those shows he was sure the Cheshire Agricultural Society would in no way wish to interfere, but at the same time if that society was to be the county society, and that show was to be the county show, it ought to assert for itself a sort of premiership among all the shows in the county. (Hear, hear.) That it had not entirely done so in the past he thought they would all agree was due to the fact that it had perhaps been held rather too often in one part of the county, but that was a defect they hoped might be remedied in the future. It was proposed to hold the show, as far as possible, all over the county in rotation, and he ventured to think that as time went on, and as these more local shows found that there was no wish to interfere with them, but rather on the contrary, the society would assert that primacy that the county society ought to do. (Applause.) He thought they might congratulate them- selves on the whole upon a fairly successful farming season so far. Not only in that county but in other parts of England, he believed it might be truly said that the prospects of farmers were somewhat brighter this year than for some time past. (Hear, bear) We had had a certain amount of excite- ment in perusing the report of the Royal CommIssIon on Agriculture. The consideration ot that report might arouse ideas of a some- what controversial character with which he had no intention of dealing on such an occasion as that. He was bound to say that from having read the various reports he personally came to the conclusion that our present English land system, with its relation of landlord, tenant, and labourer, and by which the landlord was responsible generally for the permanent improvement of the farm, and the tenant devoted all his capital and energy to the working of the farm, was one which had stood the test of time better than any other system would have stood it. (Applause.) That was an opinion he knew might be controverted, and was op m to some objection; instances no doubt could be adduced in which that relation had not been a successful one, but taking it altogether and comparing it with the relation that existed between owner and cultivator in other countries, he was disposed to think they would not be very wise if they were to seriously tamper with the relations between landlord and tenant as they existed in this country. (Applause.) Mr. THOMAS PARKER, in responding on behalf of the society, was very pleased that he could join with Lord Crewe in congratulating the society on the success that had attended its meeting. The circumstances under which they were assembled there that day were such as would contribute to the success of the society. They were all aware that a new era had been reached in the affairs of the society, and he hoped that it would be well supported now by those whom they looked to for support. In the neighbouring counties it was the general thing for all classes to contribute to the success of the county agricultural show, and in that respect they might take Stafford- shire as a worthy example. (Hear, hear.) With regard to the cattle classes that day he did not know that he ever saw in connection with that society a better class of animals ever in the ring. If it was true, as Sir Michael Hicks Beach said the other day, that the best were the best, would pay the best, and bring about the best results, he was very pleased to helieve that some of the best were m that yard, and had been exhibited that day. (Hear, hear ) He was rather sorry that their worthy [ resident's prize had gone to another part ot the county-the northern part—(laughter),— but the winner had fairly won it, and was entitled to it. He was very pleased they had connected with the society such gentlemen as Lord Crewe; they only wanted a few more men of his stamp, men imbued with the right principle, and then the society would be the best of its kind in the county. (Hear, hear.) The agricultural interest was an important one, and it was worth supporting. The broad backs, clear brains, and determined enterprise of Cheshire people had kept agricultural depression as far away as in any other county in England, and all honour to such men. With respect to long-keeping cheese, the experience of last summer bad proved that something new would have to be applied in order that the temperature of the cheese rooms might be lewer, because the temperature this season bad had a disastrous effect on cheese. As Lord Crewe said, these permanent improvements fell on the landlord, and he supposed the landlords would see them right. (Laughter.) He was very glad to think that things were looking a little more rosy and bright with respect to agriculture. They had always been hopeful, and trying for the best, but a good many had not forgotten old grievances and sores. A good many did not forget the liabilities it bad been a very bad paying con- cern, although they had done well. (Much laughter.) They wanted a little more breathing time, and if they could recover their position, and stand as they did in 1870, they would all work with the best spirit, and trust to see landlord, tenant, and labourer in as happy a position as it was possible to occupy. (Ap- plause.) Colonel COTTON-JODRELL, M.P., in proposing the heath of the President, said Lord Crewe bad occupied a high position, but now they saw him coming to live among them as a common English gentlemen, and being the president of their Agricultural Society. It was a satisfac- tion to them all to know that Englishmen were the people in the world who could do those things. It was all honour to such men as Lord Crewe that they could that day shew as good a show as any county in England in similar cir- cumstances. Alluding to the fact that the society bad been undergoing a certain amount of re-organisation, and that measures would be taken in future to distribute its shows more regularly over the different parts of the county, he endorsed Lord Crewe's remarks, and added that it was necessary everybody belonging to the society should try to make it better known, and try to get a much greater number of sub- scribers. He believed the total number of regular subscribers to the society at present was only about 300 or 350, but such a number was utterly inadequate for the purpose of making the show a thoroughly representative one. If they held the show in different parts of the county, and endeavoured to get a very much greater number of subscribers, he thought they would ensure a brilliant future for the society. (Applause.) Lord CREWE, in responding, said the position of an English gentleman was one which he would change for no other, even if it involved the responsibility of judging a class of hackneys in a ring as he bad been that morning. (Laughter.) Referring to Mr. Parton's speech, he said that in his opinion the relation between landlord and tenant, under which the landlord made himself responsible for all the permanent outfit of a farm, was the absolute essence and backbone of our English land system. (Ap- plause.) Though he bad not the pleasure of numbering Mr. Partoni among his tenants, he could assure him that f he did, and Mr. Parton came to him with a request for some improve- ments, which he (his lordship) was able to agree was of a thoroughly reasonable character, he hoped he should come forward and execute the improvement, even if he had to borrow the money. (Hear, hear.) Mr. Tollemache reminded him that there was an exhibit at the show from the Holmes Chapel School. He was assured that in every respect it was thoroughly worth a visit, and he hoped that not only the ladies and gentlemen who were present would visit it, but that they would urge their friends to visit what was undoubtedly one of the most interesting and characteristic features of such a show as that. Mr. HENRY TOLLEMACHE, M.P., next proposed The Town and Trade of Crewe,' and said for the fifty years he had had more or less the honour of knowing the town of Crewe, it cer- tainly had increased, it appeared to be increasing, and he hoped it would continue to increase. (Hear, hear.) As to the trade of Crewe there was no doubt that all other trades and industries were over-shadowed by that gigantic industry, the London and North- WesteA Railway Company, a company which held the first place among railway companies in the whole wide world, whether they con- sidered the comfort of the passengers, the speed of its trains, or the excellence of its permanent way. The townspeople of Crewe had been among the first to grasp the idea that the interests of the neighbourhood around were the interests of Crewe, and whenever the Cheshire Agricultural Society had wished to hold their show there they had but one answer from the Town Council, and that was the very heartiest welcome that could possibly be offered to them. That day's show had been very much facilitated by the consideration shewn them by the Town Council, and he was certain that those good feelings would be reciprocated. (Hear, hear.) The MA TOR having responded, Mr. JAMES TOMKINSON proposed The Judges.' The EARL of ENNISKILLEN, in acknowledg- ment, said he thought the show was very credit- able to the county. (Applause.) Appended is the prize list:— CHEESE. Four cheeses, made in 1897, not less than 501b weight each (open class): 1, Richard Dutton, Old Marton Hall, Ellesmere, Salop 2, Joseph Ankers, Cholmondeley; 3, H. J. Wilaoa, Clive Wood, Grenshill, Salop; r, Johrf Hobson, Coole Lane i arm, Nantwich. Very highly commended W. B. Clarke, Towns Green Farm, Alprahara. Highly commended: Robert Davies, Round House, Edge, Malpas; H. Jones, Aldersey; and H. S. Walley, Bickerton Hall, Malpas. Commended: Samuel Holland, Woodhey Hall, Nantwich; Benjamin Dutton, Baddiley Farm, Nantwich; John Hull, Woodhouse Farm, Stoke-on-Tern, Market Drayton- Thomas Charlesworth, Baddington, Nautwich and Edward Goulbourne, Wilkesley, Whitchurch Four cheeses, made in 1897, not less than 301b. nor more than 501b. weight each (open class): 1, Mrs. Watson, Brereton Farm, Hargrave; 2 S. B. Ducker, Daisy Bank, Tattenhall; 3, Thomas Greenway, Burton Farm, Tarporley ;■ r, Joseph Emberton, Brockton Hall, Eccleshall. Very highly commended W. H. Hobson, Wood Farm, Malpas. Highly commended George Platt, Oak w6?.. Eaton, Tarporley. Commended Jas. W. Simcock, Hill Farm, Burwardsley; and Wm. Smith, Reaseheath Farm, Nantwich. Four cheeses, made in 1897, not exceeding 301b weight each,, of Cheshire make 1, Samuel Evans Wood- house Farm, Tattenhall Lanes. The Mayor of Chester's special prize of £10 10s. for the best four cheeses in the showyard, made upon the long- keeping principle, was won by Richard Dutton, Ellesmere. BUTTER. Three pounds of butter 1, Mrs. France, Spurstow, Bunbury; 2, Mrs. Joseph Stokes, Til- stone Heath, near Tarporley; 3, Mrs. James O Kell, Park Farm, Barrow 4, Mrs, Platt. Oak Tree Farm, Eaton, near Tarporley; r, Joseph Lewis, Fplly Farm, Oakmere. Very highly com- mended Mrs. Harding, Alpraharu, Tarporley. Highly commended Mrs. Adkins, Hawarden. Commended Mrs. Lovekin, Bunbury Mill, Tar- porley. Offered by the Crewe Local Committee— Best two pounds of butter, made up in half-pounds by a cottage tenant: 1, Mrs. Dodd, near Wistaston College, Nantwich; 3, Mrs. William Lowe, Slaughter Hill, Crewe. Fowls dressed for table 1, Philip Reade, Swanley, Nantwich; 2, Samuel Moreton, Spring Farm, Crewe; 3, Mrs. W. T. Cowzans, Alpraham. Ducks dressed for table 1, Mrs. W. T. Cowzans 2, Thomas Parton, Weston Hall, Crewe 3, Mrs. Bebbington, Church Min- shull, Winsford. Best and neatest cottage garden belonging to a cottager within two miles of Crewe Town Hall: 1, S. Nightingale, 15, Mablin's- lane, Coppenhall, Crewe; 2, Thomas Stubbs, Rose Hill Cottage, Crewe Green: 3, James Tomkinson, 114, Bradneld-road, Coppenhall. CATTLE. Bull, above two years old: 1, John Siddall Oakhanger Hall, Crewe; 2, William Furber' Baddiley Hall, Nantwich; 3, C. E. Thornycroft, Chelford, Crewe; r, Thomas Parton, Weston Hall, Crewe v h c, Nathaniel Pennington, Spode Green Farm, Bollington, Altrincham. Bull, above one and under two years 1, John Hobson, Coole-lane Farm, Audlem; 2, the Earl of Crewe, Crewe; 3. Thomas Parton r, John Siddall; v h c, Philip H. Chesters, Elm House, Nantwich. Bull, under two years old, bred in the society's district: 1, Samuel Raingill, The Grange, Ringway, Altrinc- ham 2, Charles E. Parton, Haughton Hall Farm, Tarporley; 3, Samuel Maddock, Spring Bank, Gresty, Crewe c, Edward Simpson, Sidway Hall, Market Drayton. Bull calf: 1, Richard Clarke, Warburton Park, Heatley, Warrington; 2, Wilmot Jackson, Whitmore Farm, Newcastle; 3, Philip H. Chesters r, John S. Billington, Balterley Hall, Crewe v h c, Lieutenant-Colonel Cornwall Legh, High Legh Hall, Knutsford. Best shorthorn bull in Shropshire and Cheshire, offered by the Great Britain and Ireland Short- horn Society: 1, Thomas Parton, Weston Hall, Crewe. Pair of dairy cows 1, Samuel Raingill, The Grange, Ringway, Altrincham 2, Ed. Simpson, Sidway Hall, Market Drayton 3 and r, Thomas Parton, Weston Hall, Crewe. Best dairy cow in-milk: 1, Samuel W. Gould, Foxley Hall, Lymm 2, Edward Simpson 3, Samuel Raingill; r, Thomas Parton; h c, Wilmot Jackson, Whit- more Farm, Newcastle. Best dairy cow in-calf: 1, Earl of Crewe, Crewe 2, Edward Simpson 3, Lieut.-Col. Cornwall Legh, High Legh Hall, Knuts- ford; r, Thomas Parton; v h c, Samuel Raingilr Pair of heifers, under three years old 1 and 2, Thomas Parton 3, Samuel Sherwin, Staple- ford, Chester; r, John Cheers, Barrow, Chester; v ii c, Richard Hull, Edleston Farm, Nantwich. Pair of heifers, under two years old 1, Samuel W. Gould, Foxley Hall, Lymm 2, Thos. Cooper, Seabridge, Newcastle, Staff. 3, John Siddall, Oakhanger Hall, Crewe r, George Lee, Cop House, Saltney. Pair of heifer calves 1, Samuel W. Gould 2, Nathaniel Pennington, Spode Green Farm, Bollington 3, T. H. Surie, Bellaport Hall Farm, Market Drayton r, Philip H. Chesters, Elm House, Nantwich v h c, R. Hull, Edleston Hall Farm, Nantwich. Channel Island cow 1, A. L. Goodson, Heathfield, Knutsford 2, Joseph Lewis, Folly Farm, Oakmere, Northwich. Labourer's cow 1, Mrs. Mary Pickstone, King- way, Altrincham 2, William Lowe, Slaughter Hill, Crewe 3, George Stubbs, Crewe Hill, Crewe Green, Crewe r, Robert Newbury, 125, Willaston- road, Willaston. Offered by the Crewe Local Committee, limited to tenant farmers residing within 10 miles of Crewe Town Hall. Best heifer under three years 1, Thomas Parton, Weston Hall, Crewe 2, W. Bowers, Nantwich. Best heifer under two years 1 and 2, Thomas Parton. The Earl of Crewe's prize of £10 for the best dairy cow or heifer in the yard was won by Mr. S. W. Gould, Lymm. Silver cup, value £5 5s., for the best bull in the yard Mr. Siddall, Crewe. Messrs. Frank Lloyd, Nuttall, and Co.'s cham- prize, value J;3 3s., for the best of the winners in the cattle classes, was won by Mr. Siddall. HEAVY HORSES. Shire stallion, foaled prior to 1894: 1, Joseph Hill, Smethwick Hall, Congleton: 2, John Jones, Church Farm, Norton-in-Hales, Market Drayton. Shire stallion, foaled in 1894: 1, Thomas Jeffs, Hapsford Hall, Helsby; 2, John Beckett, Betchton Stud Farm, Rode Heath 3, Thomas Charnock, Hale, Liverpool; r, J. Jackson, Rope, Crewe. Shire stallion, foaled in 1895 1, the Earl Egerton of Tatton, Tatton, Knutsford 2, John Richards, Llynclys, Oswestry; 3, Nathaniel Pennington, Spode Green Farm, Bollington; r, Thomas Hardy, Mere Hall Farm, Knutsford. Shire Horse Society offered a silver medal for the best shire stallion, entire colt or colt foal, which was won by the Earl of Egerton. Pair of agricultural horses, mares or geldings 1, the Earl Egerton of Tatton 2, Peter Davies, Warburton, near Warrington 3, John Whalley, Oak Farm, Ringway, Altrincham; r, Joseph Hill, Smethwick Hall, Congleton c, Joseph Beecroft, Duckington Grange, near Malpas. Mares or geldings for agricultural purposes: 1, Joseph Hill: 2, Exors. of the late Ed. Charnock, Fazakerley, Liverpool 3, G. Holland, Cop Farm, Keele, Newcastle r, Samuel Rain- gill, the Grange, Ringway, Altrincham. Brood mare and her foal, for agricultural pur- poses 1, G. H. Mullock, Poulton; 2, E. Howard Moss, Ravenscroft Hall, Middlewich; 3, Thomas Hardy, Mere Hall Farm, Knutsford. Brood mare, foaled prior to the year 1894, the property of a tenant farmer 1, George Wainwright, The Lyleys Farm, Alderley Edge; 2, Nathaniel Pennington, Spode Green Farm, Bollington 3, Executors of the late Edward Charnock, Fazakerley, Liverpool; r, Richard Clarke, Warburton Park, Heatley, War- rington; h c, William Parker, Great Stanney Hall, Sutton, and W. W. Bower, The Manor, Hawarden c, G. H. Mullock, Poulton, and Thomas Smith, Blacon Point. Best foal, for agricultural purposes, the property of a tenant farmer 1, G. H. Mullock, Poulton; 2, P. Allen, Willaston Hall; 3, Thomas Hardy; r, George Wainwright. Gelding or filly, for agricultural purposes, foaled in 1894, the property of a tenant farmer: 1, George Wain- wright 2, James Gould, Model Farm, Lymm; 3, Joseph Beecroft, Duckington Grange, Malpas; r, John Whaliey, Oak Farm, Ringway, Altrincham. c, Jas. Henry Lowe, Stonelow, Madeley, Staffs; Gelding or filly, for agricultural purposes, foaled in 1895, the property of a tenant farmer: 1, Nathaniel Pennington. Spode Green Farm, Bol- lington; 2 and 3, John Whalley, Ringway; r, George Wainwright, The Lyleys Farm, Alderley Edge; h c, Samuel Jones, Poole Hall, Little Sutton c, W. S. Cronshaw, The Firs, Cheadle; Johu Bennett, Betchton Stud Farm, Rode Heath Exors. of the late Ed. Charnock, Fazakerley, Liverpool. Gelding or filly, for agricultural pur- poses, foaled in 1895, the property of a tenant farmer 1, Thomas Hardy, Mere Hall Farm, Knutsford; 2, Nathaniel Pennington; 3, Joseph Hill, Smethwick Hall, Congleton; h c, George Wainwright; c, W. Allen, Backford, and Thomas Charnock, Hale, Liverpool. The Earl of Crewe's prize of £5 for the best pair of agricul- tural horses, the property of a tenant farmer, was won by John Whalley, Altrincham. A silver cup, value £10, given by Earl Egerton for the best shire mare or filly, of any age, the property of a tenant farmer in Cheshire, was won by N. Penning- ton, Bollington. LIGHT HORSES. Hackney stallion: 1, W. Newburn, Warford Hall, Alderley Edge; 2, James Laithwood, F.R.C.V.S., Congleton; r, A. E. Salmon, Manor House, Barthomley; c, Lees Knowles, M.P., Westwood, Pendlebury. Brood mare, for breeding roadsters, in foal or with foal at foot: 1 and 2, Austin C. Carr, Stud Farm, Broxton; r, W. Newburn; he, Lees. Knowles, M.P.; c, Thomas Bennion, Cherry Tree Farm, Barthomley, and A. K Salmon. Foal, likely to make a road- ster: 1 and r, Austin C. Carr; 2, John Bourne, Rectory Farm, Market Drayton; c, W. Mewburn (twice) and Lees Knowles, M.P. Roadster, mare or gelding, foaled 1896 1, Austin C. Carr, Stud Farm, Broxton 2, A. E. Salmon, Manor House, Barthomley 0, Thomas Challinor, Domvilles, Audley, Newcastle, Staffs. Roadster, mare or gelding, foaled in 1895 1, J. Rhodes, Limefield House, Drayton street, Hulme, Man- chester 2, John Knowles, Lostock Gralam, Northwich r, T. Simon, jun., Castle Hill Farm, Market Drayton c, Samuel Sherwin, Stapleford. Roadster, mare or gelding, foalad in 1894 1, T. Simon, jun. 2, George Rodger, Newton Bank, Preston Brook r, A. E. Salmon c, Joseph Jones, New Farm, Dodleston. Roadster, mare or gelding, foaled prior to 1894 1, A. L. Goodson, Heathfield, Knutsford 2, Ralph Sneyd, Keele Hall, New- castle r, Seymour H. Munro, M.D. Nantwich. Brood mare, for breeding hunters, in foal, or with foal at foot 1, Capt. W. Griffith. Tiresford, Tar- porley 2, W. Smith, Reaseheath Farm, Nantwich. Foal likely to make a hunter 1, Captain Wynne Griffith, Tarporley 2, Thomas Jones, Town House, Barthomley. Hunter, mare or gelding, foaled 1896: 1, John E. Brown, Arbour Farm, Market Drayton; 2, John Nunnerley, Buerton, Audlem. Hunter, mare or gelding, foaled in 1895: 1, John Prescott, Kinderton, Middlewich 2, Ralph Sneyd, Keele Hall, Newcastle, Staffordshire. Hunter, mare or gelding, foaled in 1894: 1, Betsy Jones, Hawthorne Farm, Cholmondeston, Winsford 2, T. Simon, jun., Castle Hill Farm, Market Drayton. Hunter, mare or gelding, foaled prior to 1894 1, H. Reginald Cooke, Riverside, Nantwich; 2, Capt. Fetherstonhaugh, Tilston House, Tarporley. Cob, mare or gelding, 13.2 and under 14.2 1, Alfred S. Day, Berkeley Stud Farm, Crewe; 2, Edwin Noden, Seabridge, Newcastle, Staffordshire; c, Seymour H. Munro, M.D., Nantwich. English or Eastern mare, not exceeding 14.2, most suitable for breeding polo ponies (open class): 1, A. E. Gaddum, Green Walk, Bowden; 2, The Keynham Stud Company, Somerset; r, Ashelon Clegg, The Cottage, Mobberley; h c, W. Mewburn, Warford Hall, Alderley Edge; c, John T. Smith, Estate Office, Knutsford. Pony, mare or gelding, over 12.2 and under 13.2: 1, Harry Hardy, Haddon House, Ashton-on-Mersey; 2, Seymour H. Munro, M.D., Nantwich; r, H. Milner, The Paddock, Poynton c, Edward Bradshaw, Nantwich. Pony, mare or gelding, 12 2 and under 1, Alfred S. Day, Berkeley Stud, Crewe 2, Dr. F. N. MoJannet, Ivy House, Middlewich; r, William Cottrill, Ash Hall, Whitchurch; h c, Thomas P. Taylor, the Hill Farm, Preston Brook; c, E. Noden, Seabridge, Newcastle, Staffordshire. OFFERED BY THE TARPORLEY HUNT CLUB. Brood Mare, likely to breed a hunter, with foal at foot, or covered by one of the club stallions; Innisfail or Fenrother (entrance free) 1, William Smith, Reaseheath Farm, Nantwich 2, George P. Hodson, Marsh Farm, Nantwich. Foal, likely to make a hunter, by Fenrother or Innisfail (entrance free): 1, Charles Lawton, Hatherton Hall, Nantwich; 2, W. Hesketh, Cholmondeston, Winsford. OFFERED BY MR. ALFRED S. DAY, BERKELEY STUD, CREWE. Mare, under 14.2 hands, which has been served by one of the Berkeley stud stallions during the seasons of 1896-7 1, John Beckett. Betchton Stud Farm, Rode Heath 2, T. H. Baddeley, Coppen- hall Heys, Crewe; 3, G. Norris Midwood, The Hut, Tabley, Knutsford. Foal, by any of the Berkeley Stud stallions 1, W. J. Wilding, jun., Linden Grange, Crewe 2, J. H. Baddeley, Cop- penhall Heys, Crewe 3, Mrs. E. Richardson Cox, rwemlow Hall, Holmes Chapel; r, Frank Powis, Boothen Farm, Stoke-on-Trent; h c. William Cot- trill. Ash Hall, Whitchurch; c, James Buckley, High-street, Sandbach, and Thos Parton, Weston Hall, Crewe. Yearling colt or filly by any of the Berkeley Stud stallions 1 and r, Chas. H. Moody, Crewe; 2, John Beckett; 3, Thomas Broster, Kinderton, Middlewich. OFFERED BY MESSRS. FRANK LLOYD NUTTALL, & CO. Champion prize for the best of the winners in the light horse classes: 1 (311), Austin C. Carr, Broxton; r (402), H. R Cooke, Nantwich. TURNOUTS AND JUMPING. Best mare or gelding, 14.2 hinds and over, driven in harness: 1, £5, Harry Hardy, Haddon House, Ashton-on-Mersey 2, £3, A. L. Goodson, Heathfield, Knutsford. Best cob, 13.2 and under 14.2 hands, driven in harness: 1, J65, Alfred S. Day, Berkeley Stud, near Crewe; 2, jE3, Edward Noden, Seabridge, Newcastle, Staffordshire. Best pony under 13.2 hands, driven in harness 1, £5, Alfred S. Day, Crewe; 2, £3, C. P. Smith, Blacon Point, Cheater. Horses, mares or geldings, performing in the best hunting style over hurdles and water, to carry not less than 12 stone 1, X10, Mrs. W. Blockley, Moore, Madeley, Staffordshire; 2, E5, F. V. Grange, Oakhouse, Farndon. Horses, mares or geldings, having never won a first prize, performing in the best hunting style over hurdles and water, to carry not less than 12 stone 1, L8, Harry Hopley, Little Budworth; 2, X4, Joseph Lewis, Folly Farm, Oakmere. Local turnouts 1, JE3, Thomas Bennion, Cherry Tree Farm, Barthomley; 2, X2, A. E. Salmon, Manor House, Barthomley; r, C. H. Moody, Crewe. Best tradesman's turnout: 1 and 2, H. G. Lever, Crewe. SHEEP. Long-woolled ram, of any age: 1, John E. Ward, Leighton, Crewe 2, John Cheers, Barrow; r, Wm. Parker, Great Stanney Hall, Sutton. Shearling long-woolled ram 1, John E. Ward, Leighton, Crewe 2 and r, John Cheers, Barrow h c, Wm. Parker, Great Stanney Hall, Sutton. Long- woolled tup lamb: 1 and h c, John Cheers, Barrow; 2 and r, John E. Ward, Leighton, Crewe. Three long-woolled ewes, of any age, having had lambs this year 1, J. Cheers, Barrow 2, John E. Ward, Leighton, Crewe. Three long-woolled shearling ewes: 1 and r, John Cheers, Barrow; 2, John E. Ward, Leighton, Crewe. Three long-woolled ewe lambs: 1, John E. Ward, Leighton, Crewe; 2, John Cheers, Barrow; r, Wm. Parker, Great Stanney Hall, Sutton. Short-woolled ram, of any age: 1, John E. Bourne, Arbour Farm, Market Drayton 2, Thomas Parton, Weston Hall, Crewe; r, John Barnett, Norton Wood Farm, Market Drayton. Shearling short-wooiled ram 1 and r, John E. Bourne, Arbour Farm, Market Drayton; 2 and h c, Thomas Parton, Weston Hall, Crewe. Short-woolled tup lamb 1 and 2, John E. Bourne, Arbour Farm, Market Drayton r, h c, and c, John Barnett, Norton Wood Farm, Market Drayton. Three short-woolled ewes, of any age, having had lambs this year 1, John E, Bourne, Arbour Farm, Market Drayton 2, Thos. Parton, Weston Hall, Crewe; 3, John Barnett, Norton Wood Farm, Market Drayton. Three short- woolled shearling ewes 1, Thomas Parton, Weston Hall, Crewe 2, John E. Bourne r, John Barnett. Three short-woolled ewe lambs: 1, Thos. Parton, Weston Hall, Crewe; 2 and r, John Barnett, Norton Wood Farm, Market Drayton. PIGS. Large breed-Boar pig any age 1, Earl Egerton, Tatton Park, Knutsford. Boar pig, born since August 26th, 1896: 1, John Barratt, Love-lane, Betchton. Breeding sow, any age 1, Earl Egerton. Small or any other breed-Boar pig, any age: 1, J A. Dodd, Little Mollington. Boar pig, born since August 26th, 1896 1 and 2, J. Jefferson, Peel Hall, Chester. Breeding sow, any age 1, Earl Egerton; 2, J. A. Dodd Pair of gilts, born since August 26. 1896: 1 and 2, J. Jeffer- son r, Samuel Charlesworth, Red Hall, Leighton, Crewe. Litter of pigs according to age, bred by the owner, not less than six in number nor more than nine weeks old, large or small] breed: 1, J. Jefferson; 2, Earl Egerton. Berkshire-Boar, any age 1 and 2, J. Jefferson r, A. L. Goodson, Heathfield, Knutsford. Breding sow, any age 1 and 2, J. Jefferson r, A. L Goodson. Cot- tager's fat pig 1, George Basketter, Altrincham 2, James Hughes, Prince's Cottage, Newton; 3, William Lowe, Slaughterhill, Crewe. Special, given by Messrs. Frank Lloyd, Nuttall, and Co ,for best breeding sow (Berkshire) J. Jefferson. SEEDS. White wheat: 2, John Edwards, Haslington, Crewe. Yellow or red wheat: 1, William Wood, Lower House Farm, Audlem 2, James Oultram, Huxley. Black oats 1, John Wynne, Waverton 2, Samuel Boffey, Barthomley, Crewe. White oats: 1, Charles E. Parton, Haughton Hall Farm, Tarporley; 2, Samuel Boffey; r, Peter Davies, Warburton, Warrington. Barley, any variety; 1, Samuel Boffey; 2, John Wynne. Collection of farm produce: 1, James Oultram 2, Samuel Boffey. ROOTS. Collection of horticultural produce: 1, James Tomkinson, Willington Hall, Tarporley; 2, W. Prior, the Gardens, Maesfen, Whitchurch; 3, John Wynne, Waverton r, Henry Mason, 24, Stoneley- road, Crewe Swede turnips 1, Chas. Warburton, Green Lane Farm, Timperley; 2, T. H. Surie 3, W. E. Lea, Priors Heys, Tarvin; r, John Piggott, Huxley. Turnips, for table purposes 1, Peter Davies, Warburton, Warrington; 2, Charles Warburton, Green Lane Farm, Timperley; 3, Philip Reade, Swanley, Nantwich; r, Samuel Boffey, Barthomley, Crewe. Mangold wurtzel, long red: 1, John Wynne, Waverton; 2, John Piggott, Huxley. Mangold wurtzel, globe: 1, John Piggott; 2, John Wynne; 3, James Oultram, Huxley; r, James Tomkinson, Willington Hall. Scotch cabbages 1, Philip Reade, Swanley, Nant- wich. Savoy cabbages 1, Philip Reade 3, John Piggott, Huxley. Red cabbages 1, Philip Reade; 2, John Wynne, Waverton; 3, John Piggott. Cauliflowers: 1, John Warburton, Wood-lane, Timperley; 2, John Wright, 84, Henry-street, Crewe; 3, Charles Warburton, Green-lane Farm, Timperley; r, George Stockton, 90, Henry-street, Crewe. Carrots 1, John Wynne 2, Philip Reade; 3, John Piggott; r, A. E. Salmon, Manor House, Barthomley. Kidney or fluke potatoes, coloured 1, Simeon Maddock, Hough, Nantwich: 2, John Piggott; 3, John Cheers, Barrow. Kidney or fluke potatoes, white 1, Peter Davies, Warbur- ton 2, Simeon Maddocks 3, John Cheers. Round potatoes, coloured: 1, Simeon Maddock; 2, John Cheers; 3, James Oultram. Round potatoes, white 1, Peter Davies; 2, J. Edge, 4, Wellington- road, Nantwich; 3, Samuel Boffey, Barthomley. Crewe; r, James Oultram; v h c, John Cheers. Onions, white 1, J. Edge; 2, John Elson, I Tushingham, Whitchurch; 3, James Mason, 48, Bradfield-road, Crewe r, John Piggott. Onions 1, John Wright, 84, Henry-street, Crewe 2, Henry Mason, 24, Stoneley-road, Crewe 3, John Elson, Tushingham, Whitchurch; r, John Wynne, Waverton. Red celery 1, Henry Mason 2, Geo. Stockton, 90, Henry-street, Crewe; 3, John Wright. White celery: 1, Charles Bostock, 58, Bradfield-road, Crewe 2, John Wright; 3, Henry Mason; r, George Stockton. IMPLEMENTS. Collection of agricultural implements 1, Beard- more and Co.; 2, Geo. Cotton and Co., Limited, Holmes Chapel, Crewe; r, McHattie, and Co., Chester. Stand or collection of carriages: 1, Wadeson and Allen, Mid-Cheshire Carriage Works, Congleton; 2, Thomas Smith, coach builder, High- street, Crewe. Collection of dairy vessels for cheese and butter-making, for sale of milk, and other dairy work: 1, R. Cluett, Royal Dairy Works, Tarporley; also gold medal for butter cooler. DOGS. Judges: Mrs. A. H. Moore, Leek, collies; Mr. Thedore Marples, all other classes. St. Bernard dog (rough or smooth): 1, J. S. W. Harding. St. Bernard bitch (rough or smooth) 1, Mrs. AdaL. Churchill. St. Bernard novice, dog or bitch (rough or smooth): 1, Rev. Wellesley Greaves. Collie dog (rough or smooth): 1, E. H. Morris. Collie bitch trough or smooth): 1, C. Bentley. Collie novice dog (rough or smooth): 1, T. Millar. Collie novice bitch (rough or smooth): 1, C. Bentley. Collie puppy, dog or bitoh (rough or smooth): 1, T. Millar. Fox-terrier dog (smooth- haired) 1, Rev. W. P. Nock. Fox-terrier bitch (smooth-haired): 1, G. Howard. Fox-terrier novice, dog or bitch (smooth haired): 1, J. J. Holgate. Fox-terrier puppy, dog or bitch (smooth haired) 1, J. J. Holgate. Fox-terrier dog or bitch (wire haired): 1, J. Rhodes. Fox-terrier puppy,dog or bitch (wire-haired) 1, J. J. Holgate. Bull-terrier novice, dog or bitch 1, E. W. Cureton. Bull dogs, dog 1, R. Hartley. Bull dogs, bitch 1, L. Crabtree. Ivish terrier dog 1, T. C. Tidswall. Irish terrier bitch 1, J. J. Johnson. Irish terrier puppy, dog or bitch 1, C. H. Grover. Scotch terrier, dog or bitch 1, H. Smith. Spaniel dog or bitch (exceeding 30lb. weight) 1, L. Crabtree. Spaniel dog or bitch (not exceeding 301b. weight) 1, O. J. Burgess. Retriever dog or bitch (wavy) 1, J. Morrison. Any other variety, dog or bitch (exceeding 251b. weight) 1, J. J. Holgate. Any other variety, dog or bitch (not exceeding 251b. weight) 1, Mrs. S. H. Walker. Collie dog (rough or smooth) 1, J. G. Hall. Collie puppy, dog or bitch (rough or smooth) 1, W. Hunt. Fox-terrier dog or bitch (smooth or wire) 1, J. Grice. Any other variety, dog or bitch (exceeding 251b. weight): 1, J. Leeming. Any other variety, dog or bitch (not exceeding 251b. weight) 1, R. W. Young.

THE JUBILEE COMMEMORATION SERVICE.—We have received from Messrs. Hildesheimer & Co., 14, Silk-street, London, E.C., a copy of their beautiful photogravure plate of the commemora- tion service at St. Paul's Cathedral. The plate is taken immediately after her Majesty has received the benediction of the Archbishop of Canterbury, and reproduces with truth and effective detail the impressive scene. The published price of India prints of this historic scene is 10s. 6d. WELSH SETTLERS FOR CANADA. — The first party of Welsh men and women, arranged by Mr. W. L. Griffith, Canadian Government agent, Conway, Wales, left per Allan line steamshipCarthaginianonTuesdayweek. Special privileges were extended to these people, work being guaranteed for one year at least upon certain conditions to those with some know- ledge of farming, and afterwards a free grant of 160 acres of agricultural land. The Welsh agent saw the party safely on board in Liver- pool, and the Canadian Government officials will see that they are properly looked after on arrival, and, in addition, their railway fare from Montreal to the works is advanced by the Canadian Pacific Railway Company, to be afterwards deducted from their wages. The second party leaves very shortly. The Welsh make the best of settlers.

I THE GROWTH OF SHOTTON. COMPETITION FOR A HOTEL LICENCE. BREWERY COMPANY'S SUCCESSFUL BAIT. Considerable interest was manifested at Hawarden Brewster Sessions on Wednesday in three applications for one new provisional licence for a hotel to be situated near Shotton Station, on the Wrexham, Mold, and Connah's Quay Line. The magistrates on the bench were Messrs. W. Carstairs Jones, J. Watkinson, H Hurlbutt, J. Reney, S. K. Muspratt, and F. L. Hancock. The applicants were Richard Darbi- shire, landlord of the Glynne Arms Hotel, Hawarden, for whom Mr. W. H. Churton appeared; Robert Williams, of the Anchor Inn, Flint, a tenant of the Kelsterton Brewery Com- pany, represented by Mr. R. V. Bankes (in- structed by Mr. T. W. Hughes), and John Rowden Freme, of Wepre Hall, Connah's Quay, who was represented by Mr. Seagar, barrister, Liverpool. The applications were not opposed. There was a little preliminary sparring between Mr. Churton and Mr. Bankes as to whom should open the ball, and the Bench, in deciding to hear Mr. Darbishire's case first, said they would hear all the applications before giving their decision. THE FIRST APPLICATION. Mr. CHURTON said Mr. Darbishire asked the magistrates to grant him a provisional licence in respect of apiece of land adjoining Shotton Station. This was not the first time an appli- cation had been made for a licence at Shotton. He had the honour last year to make an appli- cation for one, but then he was concerned for the tenant of the Kelsterton Brewery Company. On that occasion he had a considerable amount of opposition on the grounds that the plans he then furnished to the Bench were not sufficient, so far as the house and its rooms were con- cerned, and that the application was made in respect of a piece of land opposite the schools. He had not the good fortune to be successful on that occasion, but he trusted he might be more fortunate that day. He thought he might urge from the fact that there were three applications for the licence, that there was clearly a want on the part of some- one at any rate for the erection of a hotel somewhere near Shotton Station. The reasons why a licence was necessary for the place were manifest. Building was rapidly going on there, and the traffic at Shotton Station had very considerably increased. He contended that Shotton was worthy of a decent hotel. He did not ask the Bench to encourage the erection of a drinking shop; there were no doubt too many drinking shops in the country, but no one was the worse for the erection of a decent hotel, a place where accommodation was given for man and beast, and not only for drinking. Mr. Darbishire ought to be pretty well known. He had held the licence of the Glynne Arms Hotel, Hawarden, for 14 years; he was connected with no brewery, and did not intend that the house should be tied, his intention being to put his son into the business. There were people who objected to tied houses, but this house would be entirely un- tied, because it would be Mr. Darbishire's own property. A short time ago there was a sale at Shotton, and Mr. Darbishire bought the only piece of land at that sale on which a public house could be erected. There were strong grounds indeed for the erection of a hotel near the station. The station was an exchange station; there were something like 200 book- ings a day, and something like 400 passengers daily changed trains there and had to wait very considerable periods at the station without any means of getting any accommodation what- ever. In addition, a large number of people went to the station in traps, and has no means whatever of putting their traps up. The piece of land in question contained 1,264 square yards, and £948 was given for it, the vendors making a good thing out of it. Mr. Cartwright, the manager of the railway company, was present and he would give evidence in support of the application, and would tell them it would be a convenience to passengers to make an entrance from the station footway iato the hotel. The house would be a three-storey one, and would contain every possible convenience. There would be a large public yard at the back, containing accommodation for horses and traps. while there would also be coach houses, a large cart shed, and a tennis lawn in front of the house, adjoining the station premises. The house was estimated to cost £2,429. It would be a great accommodation to the ladies and gentlemen whom came from Chester to play golf; the golf ground was just over the river, and there was no place where those who took part in the game could get anything to eat or drink. There were also large works erected on the other side of the river. He did not know that the workmen there were all persons who would go to a house of this kind, but if they wanted to go there they would get every possible accommodation. There was not a decent hotel in the place. The beerhouse at the Nine Houses was 720 yards away; the New Inn at Wepre was 777 yards distant, and the Hawarden Castle Hotel at Queen's Ferry was 1 mile 231 yards away. He bad the support of a very large majority of people in the neighbourhood in making his application, and there was a strong feeling in favour of Mr. Darbishire. He thought the Bench would say there was a bona fide desire to erect a hotel there which he trusted would be perfectly satisfactory to the neigh- bourhood. Evidence having been given by Richard Darbishire and Henry Gibson, surveyor and architect, Wigan, who prepared the plans for the hotel, Mr. Cartwright, manager of the Wrexham, Mold, and Connah's Quay Railway Company, testified to the growth of the traffic at Shotton since the opening of the direct line to Liver- pool. During the six months ending June, 25,000 tickets were issued at the station. Shotton was a terminal station for the Chester and Connah's Quay section, and a large number of people changed trains there. Sometimes passengers had to wait in the station five, fifteen, or twenty minutes, and if the main line trains were run late, they had to wait considerably longer. From a railway point of view, the hotel would be a great public con- venience. t Mr. T. B. Barnett, bank manager, Hawarden, said he was a contract ticket-holder on the line, and he had to change at Shotton each journey both in going to, and returning from, Chester. It would be a great convenience to passengers if a respectable hotel were erected adjoining the station. It would also be convenient if it were possible to put a horse and trap up near the station. Mr. W. Newton, road surveyor; Mr. Jellicoe, retired farmer, Shotton Mr. Hugh Hughes, farmer, Northop, gave similar evidence. Mr. Edward Taylor, shipwright, Shotton, who has canvassed the neighbourhood on the subject, said a good many of the inhabitants who were opposed to the granting of a licence last time were now in favour of it. They wanted, however, a free, not a tied, house, some of them considering it best to choose the lesser evil. He obtained 101 signatures to a memorial in favour of the application. Mr. WATKINSON Did you obtain the signatures on the understanding that it was to be a free house ? Witness That was the understanding. Mr. WATKINSON: What is to prevent it to- morrow morning being made into a tied house ? We must deal with facts. If you give the public to understand that this is to be a free house you are getting those signatures not intentionally, rather under false pretences. Mr. CHURTON was afraid they could not pledge any house in the kingdom. Mr. WATKINSON No, of course not. Mr. CHURTON then put in the memorial in favour of Mr. Darbishire's application. It was signed by Mr. Rowley, colliery owner and others. Mr. Thomas Henry Haswell, schoolmaster, Shotton. expressed himself in favour of a private as against a tied house. Many of them did not care whether they had a house or not, but if they were to have one they wished Mr. Darbishire to have it. Mr. James Coppock said they did not support public-houses, but they did not oppose Mr. Darbishire's application. THE BREWERT COMPANY'S APPLICATION. Mr. BANKES, in making the next application, said Mr. Robert Williams had been 32 years in the Anchor Inn, Flint, he was a town councillor in that borough, and had carried on his business to the utmost satisfaction of the people there. The Kelsterton Brewery Com- pany were, of course, the owners of the piece of land in respect of which the present application was made, and Mr. Robert Williams would be their tenant. Tbey felt rather strongly that they had some claim on the magistrates in this matter, because they applied last year for a licence, the result being that there were now, two more applicants in the field. Mr. Darbishire's purchase was not made until after his clients had applied for a licence, and he imagined Mr. Freme had only come forward when he heard there were two others. If Mr. Robert Williams was given the licence' the Kelsterton Brewery Company were willing to give up the licence of the Anchor Inn, Flint, and they were also willing to relinquish the licence of the Prince of Wales Beerhouse, Connah's Quay, which was an 1869 licence. They were prepared to give up the latter at once, and that of the Anchor Inn as soon as Robert Williams had got into the new hotel. If the magistrates granted the application the result must be satisfactory to the Temperance party in the county, because the numbers of licences would be one less. They proposed to spend X2,500 upon the building. It was urged that Mr. Darbishire's site was nearer the station, but he (Mr. Bankes) said his clients were the people who found the place out. It would be the bitterest cut of all if they were beaten on the ground that Mr. Darbishire's site was nearer the station, because when the Brewery Company found the place out and saw it was going to increase, they thought it better not to have the hotel too close to the station. They were afraid the railway com- pany would object, because as a rule companies did not care to have public-houses too close to their stations on account of porters and signalmen getting drink. The brewery company's piece of ground was only 100 yards from the station. With regard to tied houses he pointed out that the chief constables of Liverpool, Manchester, and Chester, stated at the licensing commission that the result of their life long experience was that brewers' houses with managers were more than twice as well conducted as private houses. Mr. Fenwick, of Chester, said he had come to the conclusion that the police could have no objection to tied houses, as they were well conducted, their agreements were stringent, and the owners looked well after them. There was some slight misapprehension about tied houses. Of course anybody who came to their hotel and asked for a standard article such as a bottle of Bass's beer, or Guinness's stout could have it. It was only the draught beer that was tied, and he was prepared to prove that their beer was a good standard article. Mr. HURLBUTT Are you speaking from personal experience ? (Laughter.) Mr. BANKES: My doctor does not allow me to try it. (Laughter.) I wish to say that if it is not good you will not drink too much of it. (Laughter.) In conclusion he remarked that they were the first to bear the brunt and heat of the day and ought to have the licence. The applicant then gave evidence, stating that he had testimonials from the Rector of Flint (the Rev. Ll. Nicholas) and others. Mr. R. Cecil Davies, Chester, gave evidence as to the plans; Mr. George Fryer stated that he would prefer to stable his horses in a place a little removed from a station; and Mr. McNaught, managing director of the Kelsterton Brewery, gave evidence, stating that they intended to build a good hotel. Mr. MUSPRATT Like the King's Head, Holy well ? Witness: Yes. Mr. BANKES: We have some hope that Mr. Hooley will come to stay there. (Laughter.) THE THIRD APPLICATION. Presenting tho case for Mr. Freme, Mr. Seagar claimed that his client had the prior claim, because he was really the original inhabitant. He was the owner of the land before the population arrived, and before the railway company were thought of. Mr. Freme was deprived of the land by the railway com- pany for the public benefit, and he certainly had some claim upon the favourable considera- tion of the Bench. After alluding to the fact that the necessity for a house was so marked, that there was no opposition to the present applications, he pointed to the growth of Shotton. Mr. Freme had, he said, 185 applications for 10 new houses built on his property, and they were inhabited as soon as they were built. He was about to construct 30 new houses, and 20 more were about to be built by another contractor. He understood about 15 houses had been constructed recently in addition. The houses bad been taken by persons employed at the Borras and Iron Works close to. Mr. Freme was the owner of a very considerable amount of property in the district adjoining the proposed site of the hotel, and he proposed to cover a large area of the land with pretty houses in the same style as the hotel, and a great deal in the style of Port Sunlight village. It was proposed to build the house somewhat in the ancient Cheshire style of architecture, with none of its inconveniences, and all its picturesqueness. The house would stand back from the road, and would be put opposite Mr. Darbishire's site. It would im- prove the appearance of the locality, and would be the sort of house to be frequented by golfers and cyclists, for whom the present accommodation was very scanty. There was a long, straight, and thirsty road with no house in view either backwards or forwards. The Borax and Iron Works were going to be increased, and there would be a large influx of workmen into the district, so that probably in twelve months the population would be doubled. Referring to the changing of trains at Shotton he said passengers at present were compelled to stay in that little bit of a shed, stuck on sticks, which was called a railway station—(laughter) —until the next train arrived, or until they got lumbago. (Renewed laughter.) The proposed house would be built in the best style, and would cost between 92,000 and £ 3,000. Evidence was given by Messrs. John Ingman (Connah's Quay) and Geo. P. Allender, architect, and the magistrates then retired. On their return, the chairman said their decision was that the Kelsterton Brewery Co. should have the licence, on condition that they doubled the proposed stabling accommodation, gave up the licence of the Prince of Wales beerhouse at once, and that of the Anchor Inn, on entering into occupation of the new hotel. Mr. BANKES gave an assurance that these conditions should be carried out.

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