The Chester Courant and Advertiser for North Wales

THE DEE MUSSEL FISHERY. ♦ GOOD PROSPECTS. The mussel fishing in the Dee (as intimated in the report from our Parkgate correspondent on our inner pages) opened on the first of this month, but owing to the unsettled state of the weather, nothing was done practically until Monday last, when a fair start with about 70 boats was made on the mussel beds in the estuary. The season opens with the best possible prospects. The Dee Fshery Board have again every reason to congratulate themselves upon the energetic action they have taken for the preservation of the shell fish. The bye- law made two years ago to stop the taking of undersized mussels has borne most excellent results. Last year there were several broods of mussels saved from destruction through the operation of this bye-law. This year they have matured into splendid fish, and the fishermen are able to secure from three to four bags per day per man, for which they will undoubtedly receive a good price, seeing that the fish are so fine and large and full of meat. The average price realised by the fishermen is so far 3s. 6d. per bag. It is rather unfortunate that the fishermen are not in more direct communication with the best mussel markets in Manchester and other inland Lancashire towns. It will surprise many people in this neighbourhood to learn that these bags of mussels, for which the fishermen receive only 3s. 6d., are sold in Manchester for 10s. and lis. each. Although the fishmongers pay the carriage from the point of landing, this profit is altogether unreasonable. It cannot be too widely known in the interests of the fishermen what they actually do receive for the mussels, as they ought to get a much better price. Finer mussels than are being at present taken from the Dee beds could not be had; in fact the Dee mussels are sold in Manchester in many public-houses instead of oysters, a customer receiving three mussels and a piece of bread for twopence.

DISTRICT AND PARISH COUNCILS. ♦ HOOLE. Mr. W. Nightingale presided over the monthly meeting of this Council on Monday evening, there being also present Messrs. J. Taylor, W. Phillips, R. C. Davies, E. N. Hum- phreys, Richardson, E. Woodward, Martin, Nield (deputy clerk), C. A. Ewing (surveyor), and Atkin (inspector). THE FIRE BRIGADE. The Surveyor produced the plans of the pro- posed fire engine station, &c., the cost of which it was stated would be about £ 300.—The Chairman wanted to know whether, if they were incorporated with Chester, they would have the £300 returned. (Laughter.) He thought the matter had better be left in abeyance.—Mr. E. N. Humphreys: That is the opinion of many people outside too.—Mr. R. C. Davies moved that the plans be approved.— This was seconded, and Mr. Humphreys pro- posed as an amendment that the matter be deferred pending the result of the proposed incerporation.—Mr. Richardson seconded, but on being put to the meeting the amendment was lost. JUBILEE ACCOUNTS. Mr. R. C. Davies, on behalf of the treasurer, submitted the accounts of the Jubilee celebra- tions. These shewed that the subscriptions, exclusive of extra amounts promised though not yet paid in, amounted to JE37 3s. 6d. The expenditure had been £37 2s. 4d., and there was thus a balance in hand of Is. 2d. NO CLERK OF THE WORKS: A QUESTION OF PRINCIPLE. The Deputy Clerk read a resolution passed by the Council on March 1st in reference to the Pickering-street (North) works. The reso- lution provided that Mr. H. Crowder's contract be. accepted, and that a clerk of the works be engaged at JE3 a week.—Mr. Humphreys asked if that resolution had been carried out.—Mr. Ewing said he constituted himself clerk of the works, and had visited them as often as necessary. He had saved the proprietor the £3 a week, but of course it was nothing to him.—Mr, Humphreys asked why a clerk of the works was not appointed.—Mr. Ewing said it was most difficult to get one, and seeing that it was such a small matter he thought the best thing to do would be the course he had taken.—Mr. Humphreys: Did you make any effort to get one? Mr. Ewing Yes. I enquired in several places, and I think I ceuld only have got one in ?r"?Ston*—Mr. Humphreys: I am not reflecting on you at all, but I do think that when the Council pass a resolution of that kind it should be carried out, or any variation of it should be sanctioned by the Council. We did not know that no clerk of the works had been appointed at the time.—Mr.Ewing: I mentioned it at the time to one or two members — Mr. Humphreys: As a matter of prin- ciple I don't think it should have been done.—The Chairman thought it should have been brought before the Council.—Mr. Humphreys said there was a special reason for having a clerk of the works on the spot.—Mr. Taylor while not at all reflecting upon the surveyor, concurred with Mr. Humphreys.—The Chairman remarked that it would be an under- stood thing in the future that before such a thing was dropped it should be brought before the Council.—Mr. Ewing: I did it. for the best. Mr. Humphreys: I am sure you did, but it is a dangerops principle. THE LIGHTING OF HOOLE. Mr. Martin called attention to the report of the recent meeting of the Chester Gas Company, in which it was stated that the chairman in response to a question asked by a shareholder about the lighting of Hoole, said the Gas Company must first be approached by the local authority on the subject. He (Mr. Martin) proposed that the Council ask the Gas Company to put incandescent lights on the Hoole-road.— Mr. R. C. Davies thought that if they went in for improved lighting in Hoole-road, the best plan would be for them to approach the city in regard to the electric light.—Mr. Taylor could not understand where the insufficient lighting came in.—The Chairman thought the lighting of Hoole Bridge was exceedingly bad, and wanted putting right.—The matter dropped.

The Brentford magistrates on Thursday fined a milkseller of Chiswick £2 and sosts for adulteration. Something was added to improve the colour of the fluid, and a witness said that that was a common practice in the trade. Mr. Brazir. a well-known cattle dealer, while watching a jumping competition at Bucking- ham Agricultural Show on Thursday had his pocket book stolen containing cheques, notes, and gold, representing £400. There is no trace of the thief. PATHETIC DISASTER NEAR ORKNEY. — On Friday morning information was received in Kirkwall of a sad boating accident at Fair Isle, which lifts midway between Orkney and Shet- land. On Thursday morning, the weather being fine, a number of boats or skiffs pro- ceeded to some vessels which were seen passing for the purpose of bartering hosiery, &c. Shortly after the wind sprang up from the eastward. All the boats returned on Thursday night except two. During the night a watch was kept, and early yesterday morning, when one of -them was descried, a boat was manned, and at great risk towed her to the land, but it was found that of seven men forming the crew four had died from exposure. The other boat, with four of a crew, has not turned up, and is given up for lost. The eight men have left four widows, twenty-six children, and two aged mothers. MOTOR WAGONS FOR HOUSE REFUSE. — We believe that a sub-committee of the Chester Town Council have been considering the advisability of making some alteration in the system of collecting house refuse. At present the horses and carts used for this work are hired, and it is a question if a saving would be effected if the Corporation purchased horses and carts for the purpose. We should recom- mend the committee before arriving at a decision to note the plan adopted by the Chiswick Urban District Council. This enter- prising authority has purchased motor wagons for Mthe purpose, and their Surveyor reports that a week's experience with one of the cars shows that they are very easily controlled, and far more economical than horse labour. One wagon, it is stated, does the work of three ordinary carts, and the Surveyor estimates that the Council will save between £500 and JE600 a year by the new system. Certainly the matter is worth enquiring into.

RAILWAY MYSTERY. ———*——— SAD FATE OF A HESWALL LADY. HER MUTILATED BODY FOUND. Mrs. Bryan, the wife of a medical practi- tioner at Northampton, left London on Friday night by the Scotch mail train for Northampton. She was the only occupant of a first-class compartment. At Northampton it was found that she was not in the compart- ment, and, on a search being made, her body was found on the line near Tring, shockingly mutilated, apparently by the train in which she had been travelling. Mrs. Bryan was the daughter of Captain Robson, of the Royal Navy, whose family reside at Heswall, Cheshire, and although only 29 years of age she had been married 12 years. For some time past she had been unwell and been medically attended for an affection of the heart. When she left home on Monday she was in good spirits, and wrote cheerfully on Tuesday morning. The circumstances under which this terrible occurrence happened have not yet come to light. There are three theories. The un- fortunate lady may have fallen from the train accidentally, other trains then passing over her; or there is the possibility of suicide j or there is the still more terrible supposition of murder. All these possibilities have been the subject of consideration and investigation. It is right to state at once that the indications discovered up to the present seem, happily, to negative the suggestion of outrage. The lady was well-known in Northampton. She had lived there for many years, and her husband, Dr. Bryan, bad succeeded his father in a practice of long standing. She had friends in London to whom she occasionally paid visits. Early as last week she left Northampton for a brief holiday at Eastbourne, as her health was somewhat delicate. She is known to have seen her London friends on her way to the seaside. She returned to the metropolis from East- bourne late on Friday afternoon. That evening she left London on her return to Northampton. She was seen to enter the Scotch express which leaves Euston at 8.50 p.m., and is due at Northampton at 10.18. Except for a brief stop at Willesden Junction this fast train runs through to Northampton. Mrs. Bryan travelled in a first-class carriage. It is known that she was the only occupant of that compartment when the train was leaving Willesden, for at that place she called one of the guards mamed Gaskard to bring her some refreshment. Northampton was reached about 10.20 p.m. There the guard passing along the platform observed that the carriage which the lady had occupied was empty, but that various articles— her hat, cloak, umbrella, and a basket—were lying on the seat. Her friends waiting could not find her. The doors of her compartment were both properly closed. These facts gave rise to the belief that something was amiss. Inquiries were made of the passengers in the adjoining compartment, but they had not seen or heard anything of the lady during the journey. Information was then immediately telegraphed along the line. A special went back from Northampton. From Willesden a light engine was sent to search the route, and close to Tring Station the discovery of some mutilated remains was made. First an arm was found on the metals, and further on a portion of the body of a well-dressed woman. A few yards away from this were found other terribly mangled remains. Portions of cloth- ing were strewn along the line for a mile. Not until Saturday was identification completed, when Dr. Bryan attended at Tring and recognised his wife. With a view to acquirmg some additional particulars, a reporter called upon Mr. Edge, stationmaster at Willesden Junction, who made the following statement:— We have ascertained that the lady did ask for refreshments and was supplied with them, but beyond this we can do nothing at present but surmise. Personally, I cannot see how Mrs. Bryan could have been murdered. The com- partment when it was examined at Northamp- ton bore no signs of a struggle. The lady was seen alone in a first-class carriage when the train left here, and even supposing that she had not been the only occupant of the compart- ment, it would have been impossible for the assassin to have made his escape before the train reached Northampton, where some of the clothes of the deceased were discovered immediately the train was at rest. The measurement from one compartment to another is about 10 feet, and in these carriages there are no handrails or ledges by the aid of which a passenger could attempt to gain access to another carriage. Moreover, the speed at which the express was travelling would rendere operation a most dangerous one to the most practised hand. Had any one jumped from the carriage it would have been impossible for him to have escaped the observation of either of the search parties, as the railway approaches be- tween Tring and Northampton are of the roughest character, being for a great distance cut out of chalk, and a terrible injury would certainly have prevented the escape of the assassin. On the other hand, I do not see how the lady can have fallen out of the carriage, for, as the point at which she was discovered is in a deep chalk cutting, she would scarcely have been leaning out of the window for the purpose of observation. "The whole affair is enveloped in the greatest mystery, and before we can get any further information we shall have to await the arrival of the guards in charge of the train, who, if they are Caledonian men—that is to say, if they went right through with the train—will not return until Monday, or possibly Tuesday. The handles of the carriages are so arranged that it is impossible for them to open by a passenger leaning against the door, though the catches are so well fitted that, were a door to be opened, the wind would relatch it if the train were travelling at only a fair speed. The railway authorities are causing the most careful inquiries to be made, and it is thought that their efforts, together with those of the detectives who have been engaged in the matter since Friday evening, will throw some satisfactory light upon Mrs. Bryan's most remarkable death." The inquest was opened at the Royal Hotel, Tring, on Saturday night. The body was iden- tified by Leonard Masters, a cousin of the deceased, living at Lewisham. Inspector Haines, Castle Station, Northampton, produced articles found in the compartment in which the deceased travelled. They include a hand basket, which contained a purse in which was a second- class ticket from Eastbourne to Northampton, a sovereign in gold, some coppers, a silver watch and chain, and a telegram, which he handed to the coroner. The Coroner read the telegram, entered it on the depositions, and then gave it to Super- intendent Frogley, of the Hertfordshire Police. The Foreman of the Jury asked to be allowed to see the telegram, but the Coroner declined. stating that it would be made known in good time. Questioned by the jury: Haines said it would be impossible for any one to leave the compartment as the train was entering Northampton Station owing to the rate at which it would be travelling. Dr. Brown, of Thring, deposed to examining the body. The skull was all broken at the back, the forehead was crushed, the right arm was torn from the socket, the right leg cut off, and there were other injuries which might have been caused by a train passing over the deceased. It was stated that between the time the Scotch express passed through Tring and the finding of the body eight or nine trains would have passed the spot. The deceased's husband was in attendance, but was too much affected to see the body, and the coroner said he would call him at the adjourned inquest on September 16th. CLEARING THE MYSTERY OF THE TELEGRAM. It is understood that although a great deal of secrecy has been observed in connection with the telegram found among the dead woman's property, the wording of the message was not such as to cause the authorities to do their best to prevent its publication. We understand, however, that it may have caused great disappointment to the deceased, and may thus possibly furnish a motive for suicide. The telegram was signed with the sender's Christian name only—that of a man—but the letters found in deceased's handbag, bore the signature of only one letter of the alphabet. This signature does not tally with the Christian name on the telegram, but as the contents seem to indicate- that the letters and telegram came from one and the same person, the initial used may be that of the surname of the same writer. The theory of murder no longer finds any sup- porters. The other theory is that the lady may have accidentally fallen from the train, and in support of this it is stated that the curtain had been pulled over the lamp in the roof of the carriage. It is suggested that the lady then went to sleep, and, waking suddenly in the semi-darkness, instead of going to the lavatory at one side of the carriage, opened the carriage door at the other side, and so fell out. This is a most plausible suggestion, but it remains to be seen whether it can be made to dovetail into what will be disclosed at the adjourned inquest. However the unfortunate lady left the car- riage, it is pretty certain that the door was not fastened with the double catch when the train reached Northampton. This disposes of the suggestion that the door might have been closed by a second person. The police are, however, following up every clue which will throw any light on the sad tragedy, and they feel certain that in a few days' time the melancholy event will have ceased to be a mystery. Inspector Smart, detective of the North- Western Railway, has visited Northampton, and examined the dress basket of Mrs. Bryan. In it he found several dresses, a quantity of jewellery, and the letters already referred to. The body still lies at Tring Station. The date of the funeral has not yet been fixed. MORE ABOUT THE TELEGRAM. The Press Association wiring yesterday (Tuesday) said the telegram found among Mrs. Bryan's possessions was handed in at Exeter, and was signed Dick.' The telegram had reference to some appointment which the lady had apparently failed to keep. The sender expressed great disappointment, and asked Mrs. Bryan to write to an address given in the telegram. The body of Mrs. Bryan arrived at North- ampton to-day, and was met by Dr. Bryan, who was much distressed. Dr. Bryan says he was on affectionate terms with his wife, and many of the statements made are unfounded.

COUNTY POLICE COURT. ♦ SATURDAY.—Before Messrs. H. D. Trelawny, J. Thompson, J. Pover, and J. Davies. BREACH OF THE PEACE.—Amos Lawton and Ralph Jackson Jones were summoned at the instance of P.C. Wright, for creating a breach of the peace at Little Mollington, on the night of August 21st. The officer stated that he was on duty on the Parkgate road near Little Mollington, at midnight on the evening in question, and came across the two men, who were fighting. He separated them, and sent them home.—Lawton stated that Jones accompanied him and two friends for about a quarter of a mile, and when the two friends went away Jones struck witness in the eye, and in self-defence he returned the compliment.—Defendants were bound over in their own recognisances of L5 to keep the peace, and were ordered to pay the costs.— A summons was heard, in which Jones was charged with assaulting Lawton, and after evidence had been given by the prosecutor and a man named Samuel Spruce, who was present at the time, the case was dismissed.

CITY POLICE COURT. «. THURSDAY.—Before Messrs. F. Bullin, H. R. Bowers, and G. Dutton. YOUNG VAGRANTS. Three youths, named Alfred Brett, Charles Carter, and James Atkinson were charged in custody with lodging in the open air, without visible means of support.—P.C. Hughes stated that at two o'clock that morning he saw prisoners lying across the footway in Seaville-street.-Ques- tioned by the Chief Constable, Brett, the oldest of the three, said he lived at Chester. Carter, aged 17, said he had come from Warrington, and was searching for work; and Atkinson, aged 15, said he had no home. His mother was dead, and he did not know where his father was.—Detective-Inspector Gallagher said Brett was a very bad character, and seldom worked. He bad been before the court 13 times, and a short time ago was sent to prison for two months for theft. Witness was of opinion that the other lads were not safe in Brett's company.—The Bench sent Brett to gaol for a month, and, on the suggestion of the Chief Constable,, the other prisoners were remanded to enable the police to make enquiries respecting them. THE MISSING ONE OF THE ROWDY TRIO.— A youth, named John Williams, living at 14, Milton-street, was summoned for being drunk and disorderly in Hamilton-place on the night of the 28th ult.—P.C. Hughes said defendant was in company with two other lads, who had already been before the court, all walking abreast along North gate-street, behaving in a rowdy manner, shouting and singing, and jostling poople who passed them. They were all drunk. Defendant was the one who escaped when witness pursued them.—Fined 5s. and costs or seven days.

MOLD PETTY SESSIONS. ♦- MONDAY.—Before Messrs. P. A. Lloyd (in the chair), Thomas Parry, and W. Catherall. LICENSING APPLICATION. A temporary authority was applied for and granted to Jonathan Shone, Black Diamond Inn, Tryddyn. THE FIRST TIME OF ASKING.—John Simon, tinplate worker, admitted a charge of being drunk and disorderly in High-street on the night of the 28th ult. This being his first offence, the defendant was ordered to pay 6s. costs. NOT BONA FlDE.-Edward Peters, collier, of Buckley, was summoned for being on licensed premises during prohibited hours. Sergeant J: D. Hughes (Coed Talon) stated that at nine p.m. on Sunday, the 15th ult., he visited the Bridge Inn, at Pontblyddyn, kept by Thomas Marsh. He entered the parlour and there found the defendant and another man. Defendant had a pint jug before him, and when asked what he was doing there, he replied that he had business with a man named Robert Williams. Witness measured the nearest public road from defendant's home to the Bridge Inn, and found it was two miles and 1,232 yards.-P.C. Edward Davies (Buckley) gave corroborative evidence as to the measure- ment. Defendant pleaded that on the evening in question he had walked some distance and was fatigued. He had no intention of evading the law.—Fined Is. and costs. ALLEGED FRAUDULENT REMOVAL OF GOODS. -Adam Hughes, a bricklayer, employed at Trelogan Mine, was summoned by John Phillips Jones for removing his furniture from a house at Maesydre, in order to avoid distraint for rent. Mr. J. B. Marston appeared for the defendant. Complainant deposed that the defendant had occupied a house belonging to him at Maeaydre. The rent was paid irregularly, and there was now about E10 due as arrears. About the 7th August defendant left the house, and when he (complainant) next called, all the furniture had been removed. On the previous Saturday defendant offered him 10s. a month, and admitted taking the goods away without proper notice. The court was empowered to give him an order for double the value of the goods removed, and he now asked for an order for that amount (£5). He proposed to recover the balance in the County Court.-After cross-examination of the com- plainant, Mr. Marston, for the defence, said the defendant s family were formerly the owners of the property in question, and that for 15 years defendant had been tenant to Jones. He had paid his rent regularly until latterly, and tor this reason Jones was anxious to get rid of him. Hearing this, and getting work at Trelogan, where his brother resided, defendant went there, leaving his furniture behind and the key of the house with a neighbour. He informed his neighbours that he intended to leave, and did not take his furniture away till afterwards, having first sent a message to Hugh Jones, complainant's local agent. He (Mr. Marston) contended that there was no moonlight flit 'aspect in the case, and there was a total absence of fraudulent and clandes- tine' removal to bring it within the section.— After hearing the defendant and two witnesses, their Worships adjourned the case for the attendance of Hugh Jones and other witnesses.

The Rev. Jacob Primmer, the well-known ultra-Protestant preacher, having forwarded to the Queen a copy of his work, Jacob Primmer in Rome,' had it returned with the following note from her Majesty's private secretary:—" I regret to inform you that I am unable to lay this work before her Majesty, and consequently must beg you to allow me to return it." Mr. Primmer, in a speech at Aberdeen, said this was a good piece of impudence; the Pbpe, the King of Jtaly, and Mr. Gladstone had not returned copies of the book which had been sent to them.

DEATH OF MRS. HAY-GORDON. « We regret to record the decease of Mrs. Anne McKerrol Hay-Gordon, The Hayes, Malpas, which took place at her residence on Friday last. The deceased lady had been ailing for some considerable time, but since retiring to Malpas a few months since had somewhat recovered her usual health until about a week ago, when she unfortunately caught a chill. Acute pneumonia supervened. The deceased lady was the widow of the late Mr. Adam Hay- Gordon, of Avochie, Aberdeenshire, and Mazen and Ardmeallie, Banffshire, who died in April, 1872. Her connection with Malpas dates from the time when the late rector (the Rev. the Hon. W. T. Kenyon) came to the then Higher Rectory, Malpas, which was in November, 1873, and during these many years the deceased lady was ever mindful of the welfare of those among whom she lived. The funeral took place on Monday. The coffin was of plain polished oak, with brass fittings, having an internal coffin of cedar wood lined with satin. The plate bore the inscrip- tion :—' Anne McKerrol Hay-Gordon; bora June 5th, 1821; died September 3rd, 1897.' The first portion of the ceremony was conducted in the parish church, the solemn service being rendered chorally. The customary portion of the Scriptures was read by the Rev. W. Wyatt, after which the beautiful hymn, On the resurrection morning, soul and body meet again,' y r, was impressively sung by the congregation. The cortege formed in the following order upon leaving the sacred edifice for the cemetery :— The church choir, in their surplices, the Rev. F. E. B. Wale, the Rev. M. J. Ransome, the Rev. the Hon. A. R. Parker, the Rev. W. Wyatt; body, carried by twelve bearers. Then followed the mourners, Mr. Gordon Kenyon, grandson; the Rev. the Hon. W. T. Kenyon and Mrs. Adam Hay-Gordon, son-in-law and daughter-in-law; Captain Forbes and the Hon. Miss G. Kenyon, the Rev. C. Wolley-Dod and Hon. Miss H. Kenyon, Mr. A. Oliver (S.S.C.) and Miss Macaulay, Mr. S. H. Sandbach and Dr. Jordison, Mr. Wiliding Jones and Sons (2). Lieut.-Col. Barnston and Mr. R. L. Greenshields, Nurse Pender and Mr. H. Mercer, Mr. W. P. Huxley, Mr. Geo. Boughey, Mr. G. Lewis and Mr. M. H. Danily, the Hon. Mrs. A. R. Parker and Mrs. H. Edwards, Miss Mercer and Miss Ravenscroft, Mr. A. D. Callcott, Mr. W. Gill. Following these were several carriages containing Mrs. Willding Jones and the Misses Cox, the Hon. Mrs. E. Kenyon and Mrs. Rasbotham, Mrs. Wolley-Dod. A carriage was also sent by Lord Kenyon. The service at the cemetery was taken by the Rev. the Hon. A. R. Parker (rector), and the Rev. M. J. Ransome, in the presence of a large and sympathetic gatherin g at the graveside. Mr. J. R. Hay-Gordon, the deceased lady's son, and Col. W. Brown, her brother, were un- avoidably prevented fram being present. Miss Neil, a respected and faithful servant of 24 years' service, was also absent through illness. Mr. F. Hamlyn, an old friend, joined the funeral at the graveside. The floral emblems were many, and very choice, sent by the following:— The Hon. Mr. and Mrs. A. R. Parker, Mrs. Rasbotham, the Hon. Misses Kenyon, Mr. Gordon Kenyon, Mrs. McDalrymple, Mr. and Mrs. Mercer, Mr. and Mrs. Allman, Mr. and Mrs. Burns, Mr. and Mrs. S. Clutton, Miss Neil, Mr. T. W. T. and Mrs. Drake, Mrs. Wolley-Dod, the Hon. Mrs. E. Kenyon, Dr. and Mrs. Jordison, the Misses Cox, Mrs. Robt. Parker, the Rev. W. and Mrs. Wyatt, Mr. and Mrs. R. L. Greenshields, Miss Macaulay, Mrs. Leche, Col. Brown, Mr. and Mrs. Willding Jones, Mrs. A. Hay Gordon, Mr. J. R. Hay Gordon, &c. At intervals on Sunday and Monday the bells gave out muffled peals.

PROPOSED COUNTY RIFLE ASSOCIATION FOR FLINTSHIRE. The following letter from the Lord Lieutenant has this week been widely circulated throughout the County of Flint:- Flint County Rifle Association. Dear sir,—I am informed that the Flint, Carnarvon, and Anglesea County Rifle Association has been suddenly dissolved by the unforeseen and unexpected action of Lieut.-Colonel Rees, com- manding the 3rd V.B.R.W. Fusiliers, Carnarvon. For the last twenty years this association has worked extremely well, and has been most useful in fostering and encouraging a high class of shoot- ing in the Volunteer force; and its abrupt dissolu- tion is much to be regretted. The import- ance of some such means of encouraging shooting in the auxiliary forces can hardly be over-estimated, for in the event of an invasion of this country the chief requisite would be accurate shooting and fire discipline, which can only be learnt during times of peace. The regular force has its duly authorised prize fund, which is provided by the Government; but the auxiliary force must depend upon the patriotism and generosity of its neighbours. I cannot doubt that such sentiments largely prevail in the county of Flint, and I trust therefore that the appeal which I now make to them will meet with a ready response, and that all who are interested in the welfare of the Volunteer force will freely extend their support and assistance towards the formation and main- tenance of a new association, which it is now proposed to form, under the name of The Flint County Rifle Association.' I need hardly point out, that what is now most urgently needed, is promises of subscriptions or of cups. These may be addressed to the honorary secretary, Captain T. M. Keene, 2nd V.B. Royal Welsh Fusiliers, Mold, who has kindly undertaken to answer inquiries, and also to supply, on applica- tion, full particulars of the first competition, which it is proposed to hold at Rhyl, on Saturday, September 25th inst. Commending this proposal to your favourable consideration, I remain, your faithful servant, H. R. HUGHES OF KJNMEL (H.M. Lieut. of Flintshire). The importance of this and kindred associa- tions is obviously so great that comment seems almost superfluous. We would, however, seize the present opportunity of emphasi- zing the Lord Lieutenant's reference to the importance of accurate shoot- ing and fire discipline in the event of invasion. These are essentially what would be required of the voluiAeer rather than that iron discipline which carries the soldier through the privations of a foreign campaign, and the best means for promoting and encouraging the highest efficiency-for none but the highest will nowadays avail-are such associations as the one above indicated, which serve the purpose of creating competition and a healthy spirit of emulation among and between the regiments. Referring to fire discipline drills, the Musketry Regulations, 1896, state that they afford preparation for sectional practices with ball on the range, and more especially company (or squadron) and battalion (or regimental) field firing, which affords the best test of the efficiency of all ranks in fire discipline, or their degree of proficiency attained in the steady control and delivery of fire as required on service, which is the object of a soldier's train- ing.' We can only hope that the new associa- tion, which starts under such favourable auspices, will meet with that wide and ready support it so justly merits.

A CHESHIRE LANDOWNER A STOWAWAY. » — At the Thames (London) Police Court, on Monday, Thomas Blakeman, 34, a civil engineer, of Barrhill House, Great Barr, Birmingham, was charged with being found as a stowaway on board the Castle Liner Dunvegan Castle, belonging to Messrs. Donald Currie and Co. (Limited). Mr. F. Deakin prosecuted, and said that the Dunvegan Castle left Cape Town on August 18. The next day the defendant was seen by the steerage superintendent walking about on the deck. That officer asked him the number of his berth. He said that he had none, nor had he a ticket. The chief officer, Mr. Cassidy, then spoke to him. He stated to him that he had stowed himself away because he had been ill and had spent all his money. He had property in the county of Cheshire and else- where, and would pay his fare at the end of the voyage. The fare was 13 guineas. A telegram had been received from the defendant's friends offering to pay the fare, so Mr. Deakin sug- gested that a short remand might be advisable in the interests of all parties.—Evidence was given bearing out this statement.—Defendant said he would pay the money. He could not understand why his friends had not met him witn it.—Mr. Mead considered the offence was of too serious a character to allow the defendant to be discharged on merely paying the fare. The full penalty of £ 20, or two months' hard labour, was not excessive, and would be imposed.

WHAT 'THE WORLD' SAYS. + The Prince of Wales has gone from Marien- bad to Copenhagen to join the King and Queen of Denmark's family party at Bernstorf Castle, where the Princess and Princess Victoria are staying, while Prince and Princess Charles are the guests of the Crown Prince and Crown Princess at the neighbouring Chateau of Charlottenlund. The eightieth birthday of Queen Louise is to be celebrated to-day. The Duke and Duchess of York will to-morrow conclude their visit to Lord and Lady London- derry at Mount Stewart, when they are to leave Belfast for the Clyde in the Royal yacht Victoria and Albert, which will probably go on from Glasgow to Oban, to embark Princess Beatrice and her children for a week's cruise about the west coast. The Victoria and Albert is to reach the Tail of the Bank at nine on Thursday morning, and she will arrive in the Queen's Dock, Glasgow, at half-past eleven, when she to be moored on the riverside. After the presentation of an address by the Lord Provost, the Duke and Duchess will cross the river in a steamer to the Cessnock Dock, where an address will be presented by the Clyde Trustees. The Duchess of York is to declare the new dock open, and she will name it Prince's Dock. The party will then proceed by steamer to the Broomielaw, and the Duke and Duchess are to drive to the City Chambers, where they will be entertained at luncheon at two o'clock, after which they are to drive to Kelvin Grove, where the Duke will lay the foundation-stone of the new Art Gallery. The Duke and Duchess will leave Glasgow for Dalmeny about five o'clock by special train from Queen-street Station. A highly ornamented gold trowel, a white ivory mallet with gold plate, and a plummet, engraved with the Glasgow arms and the arms of the Duke of York, will be presented to him when he lays the foundation-stone of the new Art Galleries and Museum. I regret to announce the death of Lord Egment, which took place after an illness of some weeks' duration at Cowdray Park, his seat in Sussex, on Sunday night. He was the nephew of his predecessor in the title, and succeeded him in 1874. Lord Egmont never took a pro- minent part in politics, although he was in the House of Commons for a short time before he became a member of the House of Lords. He leaves a widow but no children, his successor in the peerage and estates being his cousin, Mr. Augustus Arthur Perceval. 'Gallant little Wales' is on the point of receiving a first visit from Sir Henry Irving, who has not before played in 'the Principality.' Hence the Cardiff people are making prepara- tions to receive Sir Henry Irving, Miss Ellen Terry, and the other members of the Lyceum company and a public luncheon, addresses of welcome, and other pleasant things are being arranged. It will be &,thousand pities if the Daily Chronicle does not induce the poet of the Purple East to favour it with a sonnet upon the Armenian Patriarch's recent visit to the Great Assassin, to tender him the homage and good wishes of the Armenian nation,' and the Unspeakable One's model reply to the Patriarch's rather fulsome congratulations. There was something little short of sub- lime in the Sultan's assurance of his affection for the Armenian people, and in his demure deprecation of the fact that bad characters are to be found in all countries.' If Abdul Hamid is the criminal lunatic' that he is represented by the victims of acute Turcophobia, it must at least be admitted that there is method in his madness. It would be interesting, by the way, to have his list of the bad characters' in this county by whom he considers his beneficent rule to be hampered. Possibly Sir Ellis Ashmead-Bartlett could furnish it with tolerable accuracy. Notwithstanding the large majorities by which the late Sir George Osborne Morgan held the seat for East Denbighshire, there is reason to believe that a strong local candidate may make at least as good a fight for the Unionists as was made the other day in the case of the 'forlorn hope' at Sheffield. The two contests, indeed, have an important point of resemblance in the fact that in each con- stituency the personality and eminence of the deceased member were in great measure responsible for the big majorities by which the Radicals maintained their hold upon the seat. The plethora of volunteers for the Radical candida- ture suggests the possibility of a split, and has already led to the adoption of the curious expedient of submitting all the names to meetings in the different polling districts, with the understanding that the reports of these local caucuses shall be subsequently considered and adjudicated upon by the Liberal Associa- tion. Presumably the Radicals know their own business best, but this method would seem to be devised with the express object of en- couraging dissension in the choice of a candi- date.

Some apprehension which has existed among the female staff of the Central Telegraph Office as to the intention of the Department to im- pose upon them a new duty of 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. has been officially dispelled. On Wednesday a deputation of three female members of the London branch of the Postal Telegraph Clerks' Association waited upon the Controller of Telegraphs, and received from him an assurance that no alteration of their duties in the direc- tion indicated was contemplated. An accident, resulting in the death of the engine driver and injuries to 20 passengers, occurred on Wednesday on the London, Brighton, and South Coast Railway. The 8.18 train from Eastbourne was running at a high rate of speed between Mayfield and Heathfield, when it left the Jine at a curve. There is aa embankment some 60ft. above a meadow at this point. Down the embankment the train rolled. Fortunately, its fall was slightly broken by the telegraph apparatus, and to this is attributed the fact that none of the passengers were killed. The engine-driver, who jumped off his engine, was crushed under the falling coaches. THE PORT ERIN MYSTERY.'—The Yorkshire Evening Post states that the household furniture of Mr. George Johnson, of Hudders- field, was sold by the Sheriff on Friday, for costs incurred in the recent action based on an insurance policy held by Thomas Johnson, and payment on which Mr. George Johnson, as his brother's executor, sought to enforce. Thomas Johnson, it will be remem- bered, was alleged to have been drowned at Port Erin more than a year ago, but the arbi- trator held that it had not been proved to his satisfaction that Johnson was drowned, and ordered the executors to pay the costs of the arbitration. The costs amount, it is understood, to about £ 1,000. OUR TRADE WITH CHINA. On Friday, Messrs. Neville and Bell, the cotton trade experts who joined the Commercial Mission sent to China by the Blackburn Chamber of Commerce, returned home. In the course of conversation, Mr. Neville stated that the mission had thoroughly justified itself by placing at the disposal of its promoters a vast amount of valuable trade information. The result of their efforts would be to give a much- needed impetus to the Lancashire cotton trade, which is now in a very bad way. Mr. Neville spoke in terms of high praise of the commercial honesty of the Shanghai merchants, which, he said, compared very tavourably with our own.

THE BURGLARY AT WHITCHURCH POST OFFICE. ♦ At Whitchurch Police Court on Friday, before Mr. R. P. Ethelston and other magistrates, Walter Roach, who has a number of aliases and a bad record as a criminal, was charged with burglariously entering Grindley Brook Post Office and stealing a six-chambered revolver, a silver dollar brooch, two gold rings, a split ring, four watch keys, and 19s. 4d. in money, the property of Mrs. Prince, shopkeeper, Grindley Brook. The evidence was that on the night of the 16th August the prisoner and a stranger called at a public-house at Grindley Brook, where they remained for about three- quarters of an hour. At three o'clock on the morning of the 17th Mrs. Prince was awakened by a crash which proceeded from the kitchen. She called to her son and daughter, who got up and went downstairs. They found the house in great disorder. A number of articles were spread on the table, and a shawl, the property of Mrs. Prince, was spread upon the floor. A cupboard in the kitchen had been forced open, and the articles mentioned, together with 8s. lOd. in money, were missing.—Albert Edward Prince said that as he came downstairs he heard someone leave the premises hurriedly. Upon making a search of the premises he found that the back kitchen window was open to the extent of about three inches, and a portion of a pane of glass had been removed sufficient to admit of a man's hand being pushed through to the window catch. Immediately underneath the window, on the outside, he found a tub, which had been turned upside down, and in the entry adjoining the house he found a board, which had been placed across the passage.—P.C. Evans gave evidence to the effect that after examining the premises he made inquiries in the neighbourhood, and then went in pursuit of the prisoner, whom he traced along the high road to Wrexham. He eventually found the prisoner in the Tiger Inn. He questioned him as to where he had been that morning, and he replied that he had come from Farndon, having reached there from Birkenhead. Witness then arrested him, and upon being charged at the police station prisoner tried to account for the revolver by saying he gave a man 2s. 6d. for it while on his way to Wrexham. In addition to the revolver, the prisoner had in his possession a split ring, four watch keys (now identified by Mrs. Prince), a leather purse, 13s. 7Jd. in money, a six-chambered revolver, fully loaded; ball cartridges, lady's silver watch, silver albert, gold-faced cuff link, screw driver, gimlet, pair of scissors, and other articles. On the way to Whitchurch prisoner asked, Where are you taking me ?" and witness said Whit- church." Prisoner then said, "I went into a public-house near to Whitchurch, and stayed there until 10 o'clock, and yesterday I went into a small shop not far from the public-house, and bought three jam tarts." Witness on the previous day charged the prisoner with break- ing into the post office at Aston, near Nantwich, on the night of the 17th July, and stealing a pair of scissors and £5 in money. Prisoner replied, "No." He also charged him with breaking into and entering a house at Sand- bach on the night of the 14th August, and stealing a scent bottle and silver locket (articles produced), and he replied, I bought the scent bottle." He next charged him with committing a burglary at Sydney, near Crewe, on the night of the 15th August, and stealing a number of articles (produced), and prisoner replied, Yes. I had no food for two days before I did that."—The prisoner was identified by Mrs. Prince and other witnesses as having been at Grindley Brook on the night preceding the burglary, Mrs. Prince stating that the prisoner bought two jam tarts from her shop.— Prisoner, who had nothing to say, was com- mitted for trial at the assizes.

WEEKLY STATE OF THE CHESTER INFIEMABY ENDED SATURDAY LAST. IN-PATIENTS. In-patients are admitted on Tuesday mornings at Eleven o'clock. IN-PATIEHTS DISCHARGED. IN-PATIENTS. Cured 8 Admitted 16 Relieved 3 Remain in the House 94 Made Out-Patients 0 Unrelieved o Dead 2 House Visitors-Mr. E. H. Thomas and Mr. G. S. N. Hull OUT-PATIENTS. Medical cases are seen on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday meraings at Eleven o'clock. Surgical cases are seen on Thursday mornings at Eleven o'clock Ophthalmic cases are seen on Friday morning's at Eleven o'clock. Dental cases are seen on Tuesday and Saturday mornings at Ten o'clock. IIOKE PATIENTS. DISCRA"ID. t ADMITTED. Cured 151 Admitted 27 Believed 8 Remain 75 Made In-Patients 2 I Dead i J Out-Patients admitted since Saturday last 96

IMPORTANT HALF-YEARLY SALE. RELIABLE SEALSKIN JACKETS, CAPES, AND FURS. LAST FEW DAYS. FINAL CLEARANCE DISCOUNTS. W. CREAMER & CO. Respectfully invite attention to their SPECIAL HALF- YEARLY SALE, which acrain offers exceptional oppor- tunities of securing GENUINE BARGAINS in the CHOICEST FURS of every description. Their Stock is enormous, the styles extre jiely attractive and original, and a large portion markeu at very considerable sacrifice. All Goods are W. C. & Co.'s own manufacture, marked in plain figures, and Guaranteed Reliable. FURS AND SEALSKIN GARMENTS SKILFULLY REMODELLED AND RENOVATED ON THE PREMISES. FUB MANUFACTUBEBS AND SKIN IMPORTERS, 56, BOLD STREET, LIVERPOOL.

Birttjs, jHarrtages, anb Deatbs. "j" BIRTHS, MARRIAGES, and DBATHS are charged at the rate of 20 words for Is. (prepaid). If not prepaid, the charge will be 2s. 6d. The announcement must be authenticated by the Signature and Address of the Sender. MARRIAGES. BAKER—GREENWOOD—September 1, at Church Kirk, Lancashire, by the Rev. J. W. Broome, assisted by the Rev. G. Louis Higson, both cousins of the bride, John Beckett, eldest son of the late John Baker, Hoole, Chester, to Clara, youngest daughter of the late John Greenwood, Fulledge House, Burnley, Lancashire. [No cards.3 B ILLIAxs-August 25, at Leighton Church, Welshpool, by the Rev. J. Sawer (vicar), Thomas BowdJer, of Chester, to Mary Williams. Leighton. MAC WNA-DRAm-September 1, at St. Catherine's Church. Traumere. by the Rev. A. H. Sbarpley, M.A., Curate of Christ Church. Claughton, assisted by the Rev. Thomas Pennock, Harry, youngest son of the late John J. Macdona, B.A., of Dublin and Gibraltar, to Helena, second daughter of Mr. Richard Deam, Tranmere. [No cards. At home, 9, Falcon-road, Birkenhead, October 5, 6, and 7 j. PATKRSON—PCJLESTON—September 7, at St. John the Bautist's Church, by the Vicar, the Rev. Canon Cooper Scott, A. J. Paterson, to Anuie, youngest daughter of William Puleston. & 6 DEATHS. BOYES-August 28. at St. Heliers, Jersey, Elizabeth Boyes, wife of John Frederick Boj es, N.B., M.R.C.S, third daughter oi the late John Walker, for many years town clerk of Chester. HARBISON-August 31. at 53, New-street, Mold, Sarah, widow of the late John Harrison, aged 67 years. JONEs-September 1. at The Grange. Hooton, Cheshire, Arthur Percy, eldest son of William Henry Jones. SYERS-August 22, through the sinking of the yacht Kittiwake in the river Mersey, aged 30 years, Alfred Syers, of New Brighton.

M E M O 11 I A L 8 .4.. AT ALL PKICKS, IN MARBLE, GRANITE, STOKE & ALABASTER. On View, and to Order. HASWELlT & SON. MASONS. KALEYARVS, CHESTER. ZSTIMATfM »"*r> PWIflNS.

CHESTER TECHNICAL DAY SCHOOL. The following students have been awarded com- mercial knowledge certificates, in order of merit, by the Union of Lancashire and Cheshire Institutes (six are awarded to this school out of a total of twenty-five awarded to schools throughout the whole of Lancashire and Cheshire) :—Thos. Watson (8th), Albert M. Dawson (16th), Wm. Jones (17th), J. E. Worrall (19th), W. J. Major (22nd), Ed. Meacock (25th) ENGLISH CRICKETERS FOR AMERICA.—On Saturday morning a team of English amateurs left London for Southampton, there to embark on the St. Paul for New York, for a brief tour in the States. The side will be under the captaincy of the old Oxonian, Mr. P. F. Warner, the other members being Messrs. G. L. Jessop, H. H. Marriott (who takes the place of A. O. Jones), H. D. G. Leveson-Gower, J. N. Tonge. F. G. Bull, H. B. Chinnery, W. M. G. Hemingway, F. W. Stocks. A. D. Whatman, J. R. Head, and R. A. Bennett, who was to join at Southampton. Six matches are to be played, including three v. the Philadelphians (two of whom, Messrs. Lester and Clark, are returning by the same boat). The opening fixture is at Staten Island, on the 13th instant, v. New York, and the team are due home again on October 13.

LIFEBOAT SATURDAY IN CHESTER. — This fixture has been postponed until Saturday, the 16th October, from September 26th, as previously announced. CHESTER CYCLE PARADE.—The annual parade in aid of the infirmary is advertised to take place on Wednesday next, and, given fine weather, promises to eclipse all previous events, both in variety of design and quantity. THE BISHOP OF ST. ASAPH'S PORTRAIT.— The portrait of the Bishop of St. Asaph, which has been subscribed tor by admirers in the diocese and outside, will be presented to him at the Diocesan Conference, at Denbigh, on Sep- tember 23. THE SAD SUICIDE AT CHESTER.—On Monday afternoon, Mrs. Griffiths, of Boston-street, Hulme, Manchester, and Mr. Adcock, also of Manchester, viewed the body of a tramp who committed suicide in Watergate Row, Chester, on Thursday midnight. It is believed to be that of James John Griffiths, Mrs. Griffiths' husband, who was parted from her ten years? ago. TERRIBLE FIGHT IN THE WELSH MOUNTAINS. —A terrible occurrence has been reported to the Flintshire police. Thomas Morris, butcher, and Robert Roberts, labourer, both of Bodfari, commenced to fight on Saturday night, and a butcher's cleaver was used in the melee with terrible effect. Morris is lying in a dangerous condition in the Denbigh Infirmary. Roberts is at home in a fearful state. The depositions of Morris are to be taken. LOCAL SUB-POSTMASTERS.—A meeting of sub- postuiasters was held in Chester on Thursday, when it was unanimously decided that a branch of the National Federation of Sub-Postmasters Association be formed for Chester and district. Mr. W. Clarke was appointed chairman, Mr. Noblet vice-chairman, Mr. Owens treasurer, and Mr. Coventry secretary. It was also "recommended that this branch be affiliated to Manchester, and be called the Manchester, Chester, and District Branch of the N.F.S.P.M. Several other questions of importance were discussed, and a second meeting will be held in a fortnight's time, when it is hoped the whole of the sub-postmasters and mistresses will be enabled to join this branch. THE COST OF THE ELECTRIC LIGHT.—A Local Government Board inquiry will be held in Chester on Thursday, September 16th, in con- sequence of the application of the Chester Town Council for sanction to borrow £20,000 for the purposes of electric lighting, £4.100 for the Purchase of land for sewage disposal, and £2.340 for the completion of the Foregate- street improvement. The Town Council have also applied for the approval of sums amouting to £4,770 received, or to be received by them, upon the sale of the corporate lands or con- solidated stock towards the cost of erecting buildings at the Cross and of purchasing the Dee Mills, and also for approval of the borrow- ing of the further sum required in respect of this expenditure. THE C.E.T.S. AND THE WIRRAL SHOW.—At the Wirral and Birkenbead Show the Liverpool ^^ocesaa branches of the C.E.T.S. &d a tent from which harvest drinks and copies or recipes were given away to visitors. On the Wednesday evening a supper was provided for 120 herdsmen, grooms, &c., who were Irs er!~ing the show. An entertainment fol- lowed, and the songs, recitations, and addresses ere greatly appreciated. The Rev. Dr. ^ogswell (rector of Wallasey), one of the Wn^y se?^et,aries of the Chester diocesan thT^;pr^<f;T^d tbere were *■«> J W 'h. secretary), the Eel. J. W. Chaplin-Wilkinson (Chester secretary) Messrs. E Crawshaw, F. L. Barber, H. Gofd- stone, and J. C. Porter, of the two societies' staffs. STRANGE FATALITY AT CHESTER.—The Citv Coroner, Mr. E. Brassey, held an inquest on at?' at the Elephant and Castle Hotel, respecting the death of Henry Hindley, aged atelegraph wireman, who died the previous ayrrom injuries he received by falling from a dder. Deceased, who lodged at the Elephant th ^tle, ascended a ladder reared against oe wall for the purpose of entering a loft. A was afterwards heard by the inmates of the „°Use* who went and found the ladder on it r'?uud> a°d Hindley lying unconscious by «enfls~ °ead being badly cut. Dr. Harrison was *ecov but .the unf°rtunate man did not "attrih,1! jnd died in a short time. Death was foun^ d concussion of the brain. The iurv MR Verd*ct °f Accidental death.' Mr. anrtGi^ADSTONB'~0n Saturday afternoon daily A .• Gladstone started out on their right inf1Ve in an open vicfcoria, taking a run of e nto Blairgowrie, passing a series of lochs visit ,onal beauty. At Blairgowrie the recop-ir aj 80 unexPecfced that few people Was the ex-Premier until the Post Office and reaclled> when the carriage was stopped, some letters were posted. Here the carriage turned, and the same road was retraced to Butterstone House. Among the visitors to Gladstone were Lord Burghclere, who was Minister of Agriculture under Mr. Gladstone the Bishop of St. Andrews, and Miss Wilkinson, of Dunkeld; Mr. J. C. Kinmount and Mrs. Kinmount, of Cardney; Dr. A. Nicholson, of vardney, and others. Mr. Gladstone is thor- oughly enjoying his stay in the Norrh, notwith- atanding the somewhat unfavourable weather. Lord Rosebery is expected daily. DEATH OF PROFESSOR E. WYNNE PARRY.— After a short severe illness, Professor E. W. Parry died at his residence at Bala, on Saturday of £ >1° p av>ed 39- ^Profe8sor Parry was the son th« = • &ITJ' Carno- At first he went to 8: a8,erV!Ce of th? North and South Wales Bank comm I* and Then staying at Chester he commenced preaching. After receiving a course at Aberystwyth College he went to Oxford, hi T^°° • .8 degree with honours in +Via T Te min^8tered for several years to „nSfl.sh Calvinistic Methodists at Brecon f Ruthin. In 1889 he was appointed pro- sor at the Bala Calvinistic Methodist preparatory College. Mr. Parry was verv popular as a preacher in both languages, and was much respected by all students, being an energetic and successful teacher. He took a prominent part in connexional matters. Lately i biography and several writings of Tyij a e -Pr'cipal D. C. Davies. He leaves a circlJI' nn, *is loss wil1 be keenly felfc in many rLis. he funeral, a public one, will take place ancil Churchyard, to-day (Wednesday). Isham'A < N THEATRE, CHESTER.— Mr. J. W. a six Oriental America' Company opened on Monri 8' en&agement at this Theatre about th evening. The chief charm For a 6 entertainment is its entire novelty. *picann'COn>S^era^e Peri°d 'coon' songs and fa8j.- l*J' melodies and dances have been Enyl" I)a e.on the English variety stage, and too 1S ar^8t8 have taken largely to imitating, 1 re or ^e.88 cleverly, the vocal and terpsichorean characteristics of their coloured brothers and sisters. But here we have the real thing. Mr. Isham has gathered together a large company of coloured performers possessing a wide ranger- of abilities, and he is enabled to place before Enlish audiences an entertainment of the ost conglomerate type, ranging from igger absurdities of the broadest nature rr?, operatic performances of decided merit. e hrst part of the entertainment consists of a negro sketch, entitled 'The Blackville ^erby, m which Messrs. W. H. Cheeks, Shortly ay, and R. Cropp continuously evoke hearty and spontaneous laughter. In the second part, ^188 Bessie Lee gives an operatic selection, nich is much appreciated. She has a soprano voice of great range and brilliancy, while Miss Bella Davis sings real coon' songs as only a genuine Octoroon can. Unaccom- panied part songs are effectively rendered by Messrs. Liggens, Carter, Phillips, and Cheeks, and Mr. Alex. May proves himself a step and grotesque dancer of extraordinary I ability. The genuine 'Coon-cake walk' is an enjoyable item. The programme also com- ?^8es selections from various operas, including Tia"Sk'' Martha,' Belshazzar/ Mignon,' and U Trovatore.' Mr. Sydney Woodward has a voice of remarkable purity and strength, ndhis excellent singing in the 'Miserere' scene rom Verdi's opera, and also in his rendering of jO,n the dark scaffold' is loudly applauded. jj188 Bessie Lee and Miss Margaret Scott and abTSrS" P^Ulips and Hammond also make valu- e contributions to this enjoyable part of the a ,?Sr.arnine> and several choruses are sung in th ai,S6W0r y manner by the whole company, toe v.lcb contralto voice of Miss Ida Ennis, a Alt** chorus, being heard to advantage. cha°^e^6r programme is of an enjoyable itself t^6r' an £ should not fail to recommend to Chester theatre-goers during its stay. CYCLIST.—While two Italian doctors, Sat!, ,Cernu8co and Tambelli, were cycling on 6ndd iy near Cannes, the former went fire y mad- He drew a revolver and opened ft* companion. Tambelli unwisely Oernu his machine and tried to prevent two h>Sn° shooting, but the madman put ^ernn, 8 iQ Tambelli's head, and he fell dead, from a who was only recently discharged up t0 aeyium as cured, at once gave himself