The Chester Courant and Advertiser for North Wales

CHESTER OLD KING SCHOLARS. ♦ — Death has been busy lately among old scholars of Chester School. There died the other day, at his rectory of Kirk Andrews-on- Eden, Carlisle, the Rev. Thomas Owen Sturkey, who was at school at the King's School from 1875 to 1878. He was the only son of Thomas Sturkey, of Newtown, Montgomeryshire, and nephew of the Rev. Thomas Sturkey. formerly rector of Marchwiel. He proceeded in 1878 to Pembroke College, Cambridge, where he graduated B.A. in 1881, and M.A. 1885. He was ordained by the Bishop of Carlisle in 1882 to the curacy of Barton, Cumberland, and three years later transferred to St. Mary's, Carlisle. In 1885 the Earl of Lonsdale conferred upon him the living on Kirk Andrews-on-Eden, with Beaumont. Mr. Sturkey in 1886 published a history of his church, and was a member of the Cumberland and Westmorland Antiquarian Society. He leaves a widow (daughter of Mr. Little, a well-known Penrith solicitor, and agent to Lord Lonsdale) and one son. Chester Old Boys' of his time will ever have kindly memories of their good-humoured colleague. Only on Saturday passed away an' Old King's Scholar' of a much older generation, Dr. Edward Meacham, of Manchester, who only the other day celebrated his golden wedding. Dr. Edward Meacham was born in London on November 29th, 1822, and was in the school under the head- mastership of the Rev. Wm. Paull. He was president of the Old Boys' Association in 1880. He was a M.R.C.S. (Lond.), and did a very great work as the founder of the Medical Mission at Red Bank, one of the worst slums of Man- chester. Dr. Meacham has been a prominent man on the temperance question in Manchester for a long series of years.

DISTRICT AND PARISH COUNCILS. HAWAKDEN DISTRICT. ALLEGED NUISANCE AT QUEEN'S FERRY The fortnightly meeting of the Hawarden Rural District Council was held at Broughton Workhouse on Friday, Mr. Peter Wilcock pre- siding. The Clerk (Mr. Horace A. Smith) read the following letter received by Mr. Vickers, sanitary inspector, from Mr. Charles Hull, of the L. & N.-W. Railway Company :—"I under- stand a nuisance is caused on this company's property at Rowley's Crossing, Queen's Ferry, near the point where the new M.S. and L. line crosses ours, by the discharge into our side ditch of drainage and sewage from nearly forty houses belonging to the owners whose names I append. This is a very objectionable state of things, and we can- not permit its continuance. I shall therefore be glad if you will at once take the matter up with the owners, with the view to a satisfactory method of drainage being provided to the pro- perty in accordance with the'Public Health Act and the nuisance on our property abated forth- with." In his reply Mr. Vickers expressed surprise at learning that on the day of receiving the complaint men were engaged closing the outlet of the ditch, which was the only course for the drainage of the locality in question. A reasonable time should have been given for enquiry and to remedy your complaint, but you, in the meantime, having taken this sudden step will make it very serious to the various properties, as in case of heavy rainfall the place will be flooded-tbe responsibility of which will fall on yuur company."—A committee consisting of Messrs. John Jones, John Williams, and the Rev. L. C. A. Edgeworth was appointed to meet the representatives of the London and North- Western Railway Company.

DOMESTIC INFELICITY AT RHYL. « His Honour Judge Sir Horatio Lloyd was engaged at the Rhyl County Court until a late hour on Friday, hearing a case in which Mrs. Mary Murphy, widow, 57, Wellington-road, Rhyl, sued Mr. J. E. Roberts, auctioneer, Rhyl, for the sum of zC2, for two weeks' maintenance of his wife, May Roberts. The case created great interest, and the court was crowded. Mr. Churton, Chester, appeared for the plaintiff, and Mr. Madden, barrister, Liverpool (instructed by Mr. R. Bromley, Rhyl), for the defendant. Mr. Churton, in opening the case, said that the plaintiff was defendant's mother-in-law. Although the amount claimed was only X2, for two weeks' maintenance, the case was of more than ordinary interest. The defendant married the plaintiff's daughter on April 21, 1891, and as she had only just left school, her mother by arrangement came to live with her at Rhyl. The parties lived in more than one house in Rhyl, and eventually went to live at Colwyn Bay. One child was born of the marriage on February 4, 1894. Unfortunately the parties did not live happily together, and the present action was the outcome of their disagreements. He described at some length the course of the quarrels between the parties, and afterwards called witnesses in support of the claim.—The hearing had not been completed when the case was adjourned till the next Court-day at Rhyl.

INTERMEDIATE EDUCATION IN DENBIGHSHIRE. 4 At a meeting of the St. Asaph Board of Guardians on Saturday, under the presidency of Mr. Edwin Morgan, a letter was read from Mr. Adams, Clerk of the Peace for Denbighshire, asking for a cheque for the amount due from the Union in respect of intermediate education for the year 1894-5, and enclosing a resolution passed at a special meeting of the County Council held on the 5th inat., stating that pro- cedure would be adopted to enforce payment of the amount due after an appeal had been made. -The Clerk explained that the correspondence referred to a claim made by the County Council for an additional halfpenny rate in respect of expenses incurred two years ago in connection with intermediate education. The precept for the county rate jor the half-year ending March included a halfpenny rate for inter- mediate education expenses amounting to E191, which amount had already been paid. The section covering the contentious point in the Welsh Intermediate Education Act laid down very clearly that not more than a halfpenny rate should be levied in any one year for such a purpose.—The Chairman: What is our posi- tion ?-The Clerk We have already paid one rate this year, and the County Council now demand another one, which has reference to the years 1894-5. How it is that they did not levy the rate at the proper time I cannot under- stand. If we obey this precept we should be paying a penny in ,the pound, which the Act distinctly states we cannot do. The County Council now threaten proceedings if it is not paid.—In the course of further discussion, it was stated that some other unions had paid, and others had refused.—On the suggestion of the Clerk, it was resolved to write in replj stating that if it could be shewn that the Act of Parliament authorised such a payment, the Board would be prepared to meet it.

MISS MAIDMENT ON HER TRAVELS. The Dairy World publishes the .following :—' Cousin Hoard' says The Dairyman office was honoured recently with a visit from Miss E. A. Maidment, the distinguished dairy expert and lecturer of England. Miss Maidment is a lady of charming manners, appearance, and culture, and is making a tour of the United States and Canada under the especial direction of the Agricultural Gazette, of London. While here she visited the celebrated Hoard creamery of Wisconsin, the Jersey herd and farm of Gen. G. W. Burchard, also the Brown Bessie herd of Jerseys, owned by Mr. H. C. Taylor, at Ordfordville. Later sbe spent a day at the Wisconsin Dairy School and experi- ment Station in Madison, followed by a visit to the Minnesota Experiment Station at St. Anthony Park. The sum of her observations will be given in a series of communications in theGazette. Miss Maidmentisathorough student of all phases of dairy science and practice, her contributions on this subject having taken high rank in both Europe and America.- Miss Maidment, it will be remembered by all who take an interest in dairying in Cheshire, was the first instructress at the Worleston Institute, since when she has filled several important positions of a similar character. ADVICE TO MOTHERS I-Are you broken in your rest by a sick child suffering with the pain of cutting teeth ? Go at once to a chemis and get a bottle of MRS. WINSLOW'S SOOTHING SYRUP, which has been used over 50 years by millions of mothers for their children while teething, with perfect success. It is pleasant to taste produces natural, quiet sleep by relieving the child from pain, and the little cherub awakes as bright as a button." It soothes the child, it softens the gums, allays all pain, relieves wind, regulates the bowels, and is the best known remedy for dysentery and diarrhoea, whether arising from teething or other causes. Sold by Caemisti everywhere at ls. lid. per bottle.

MOLD SCHOOL BOARD. -.10. This monthly meeting was held on Wednes- day, present:—The Chairman (the Rev. E. Bithel), the Rev. E. W. Roderick, Messrs. Prince, Lamb, Lloyd, Jones, and Davies. THE EFFECT OF THE BUCKLEY URBAN ORDER. The Clerk read a letter received from the Education Department, stating that their final letter of 5th August was written under a mis- understanding with regard to the intention of the order of the County Council and the modi- fications proposed by the Local Government Board as to the formation of the new parish. The communication stated: As it is now pro- posed that the portion of Mold (Rural) to be included in the new urban district of Buckley, should be a separate civil parish there will be no necessity for any alterations in the area of the present school district of Mold. My lords will therefore recommend to the Local Government Board that the united schools district be constituted by the confirming order, and consist of Mold (Urban), Mold (rural) and the new parish formed out of Mold (rural)."—Mr. Lamb asked if the Board could enquire of the Department their reason for changing their minds on the misunderstanding referred to in their letter.—Mr. Prince said the County Council should ask for an explanation. —Mr. Lamb said he thought the Department bad practically closed the matter without con- sulting the Boord.-The Vicar said he thought it was a question for Buckley.—Mr. Lamb stated he was speaking for Buckley, and that it was only at the Board he had an opportunity of expressing his views.—Mr. Prince advised that Buckley should take the matter up.—Mr. Lamb moved that the clerk be instructed tc ask the Department for an explanation.—Mr. Davies seconded, and it was agreed to.—The Rev. E. M. Roderick suggested the name of Mr. Gittins to fill the vacancy caused by the retirement of Mr. Tompkins.—Mr. Prince seconded, and Mr. Lamb supported, the resolution being carried. —The Clerk reported that the loan of X156 for the alteration of Mold Class-room had been obtained at 2 per cent.

THE SALT SUBSIDENCES IN THE CHESHIRE DISTRICT. + SOME STARTLING FIGURES. At the meeting of the Northwich Urban Council, on Tuesday evening, under the pre- sidency of Mr. G. B. Cliff, Mr. T. H. Maddocks replied to a challenge which had been issued, and an assertion made that by pressing for compensation for subsidence the Council were driving trade from the district, and were simply studying the interests of the wealthy. It had been urged that of the X27,411 claimed under the Compensation Act, the working-class ele- ment only counted at 7d. in the JE. The Wilderspool Brewery Company had sent in a claim for £ 9,917; 34 banks, professional men, and traders with large means asked for £ 6,920; and 82 active tradesmen and persons of small capital demanded £ 9,810. Mr. Maddocks emphatically asserted that the Act was one of equity, and that in no other place in the world were people, no matter what their fortune, subjected to the daylight robbery of having their property pumped down. He pointed out that ever since the agitation began 3d. per ton of salt had been regarded as an infinitesimal amount which could in no way injure the salt trade. For ten years prior to 1881 it was estimated that the pumping of brine in Cheshire represented a loss of 1,170 acres of land. He held that since the formation of the Salt Union and the capitali- sation of E4,000,000 of shareholders' money 33 1-3 per cent. of the wealth of Cheshire had been taken from them.—A heated debate took place between the speaker and Mr. J. Poole as to the desirability of discussing the question. Mr. Maddocks proceeded to state that the Salt Union, who now refused to pay a just tax, had by the reduction of the Weaver tolls saved 94,500 per annum. No one could claim from them a farthing more than actual damage, and he described it as an unjust and diabolical wrong to the people of the district that so much money should be wasted in litigation to prevent the Act from becoming operative.—The Chair- man (who is a member of the Compensation Board), on behalf of the Council, expressed the fullest sympathy with Mr. Maddocks on the points he had elucidated, and promised that he should still have their warmest support.

A CLERGYMAN ASSAULTED IN THE ISLE OF MAN. 4 DEFENDANT HEAVILY FINED. A case of great interest was heard before the Peel (Isle of Man) magistrates on Tuesday, when the Rev. John Chambers, vicar of Wood- head, Cheshire, brought an action for assault against John Cain, Ballagyr. Some few years ago several actions were brought against persons for trespassing on the Ballagyr estate, over which the public contended that a right of way existed along the picturesque coast north of Peel to the White Strand. A strong committee supported the defendants in the action, and the result was that the right of way was established. During recent years, however, there have been frequent complaints respecting the interference of the tenant of the estate, Mr. John Cain. On the 8th inst. the Rev. J. Chambers, with his son, the Rev. Arthur J. Chambers, and two daughters, Louisa and Mabel Chambers, went for a walk on the headlands, and sat on the grounds close to the path. Mr. Cain appeared on the scene after they had been sitting there some time, and, the complainant alleged, after pointing a pistol at them and using abusive language, committed the assault with which he was now charged. The High Bailiff of Peel, Mr. A. N. Laughton, presided over the court, and Mr. Graves, J.P., was also present. The plaintiff was represented by Mr. James Hodgson, and the defendant by Mr. Thomas Kneen.—The Rev. John Chambers gave evidence. He said he was vicar of Woodhead, Cheshire, and had been staying with his family for some time in Peel. On the 8th inst. he proceeded with his son and daughters for a walk along the headland foot- path, and sat down close to the fence. They had just got seated when a man came along and made use of threats, and pulling a pistol out of his pocket, pointed it at them. His son carried a little dog, and the man said he would blow some brains out if the dog was not put out of the field. His son asked Caia not to fire, or he would kill someone. Cain then came nearer, and ordered them all off the ground. He (Mr. Chambers) said he would not go unless he knew the reason of the order, whereupon Cain seized him violently by the arm, and dragged him to the ground and towards the footpath. Witness r had a stick, and tried to make Cain desist from his attack by hitting him on the fingers. Cain > then wrenched the stick from him and threw it over the rocks. Then, catching hold of the witness, he threw him with great force to the I ground. Cain then gave permission to witness' son to fetch the stick, and while he was away again fiercely assaulted him.—Cross-examined: He thought that Cain was a madman at first. He called the defendant a brute and a pig after he had been assaulted. Cain did not give him time to move before he gripped him.—The Rev. Arthur John Chambers, Miss Louisa Chambers, and Miss Mabel Chambers gave corroborative evidence. They thought the defendant was a lunatic. He gripped their father savagely, almost as soon as he spoke, and they thought the defendant was going to murder him.—John Cain, the defendant, then gave evidence. He denied having pointed the pistol at the party. He gave the plaintiff time to move off before he took hold of him. Some dogs had been chasing his sheep, and he thought the dog with the party might have been doing the same thing.—Mr. Kneen, for the defence, contended that only sufficient force had been used to get the plaintiff off the land, and that if Mr. Chambers had resisted, his client was justified in using such force as had occasioned bodily harm.-Mr. Hodgson said a most serious assault had been committed, and that though force might be used to eject a trespasser, there was no justification for such brutal force as had been displayed by the defendant. He asked for the infliction of a heavy fine.-The magistrates adjourned to consider their decision, and on returning into court Mr. Laughton said they had come to the conclusion that a most brutal and unwarrantable assault had been committed. To aim firearms at any person was in itself a most serious offence.-Mr. Kneen said the pistol was not aimed at the party but at the dog.- Mr. Laughton said the court was not to be dictated to by counsel. They were the judges of the evidence. The defendant would be fined 95, with E2 13s. costs, or three months' imprisonment.

» REVISION COURTS. I CHESTER. WEDNESDAY. OCCUPIERS OF ALMSHOUSES HAVE VOTES ALLO"WEX>. Mr. LOVETT, in re-opening the case anent the New Crane-street almshouses, said the Duke of Westminster was under no obligation whatever in regard to these houses, nor was he called upon by will or otherwise to give the tenants 5s. per week, which had been done by himself and his father before him out of pure bevevo- lence to deserving people. The Duke looked upon them not as almsmen but as ordinary tenants, and if he thought fit he could give more or less money, or even withdraw it. Furthermore, he could put the tenants upon rent. Several of the men themselves were then examined.—Francis Hitchen said he was 82 years of age, and was the oldest tenant at present living in the almshouses. He received 5s. a week.-John Jeffrey, 76 years old, had been bellman of Chester for 24 years, and was retained now, although he did his duty by deputy. —Wm. Jones earned a little money at tailoring before he became an occupant. His age was 78.-Richard Boulton, formerly a labourer in the employment of the Corporation, was 76 years of age, and had been in the almshous two years. —Richard Aspey, a freeman, and Wm. Hand, formerly a fisherman, and who at present occasionally helped his relations in that way, also gave evidence.-John Williams said he was 81 years of age and was formerly caretaker of the Water Tower.—Joseph Ledsham stated he was a freeman of the city and of the company, and he formerly resided at Glynne-street, Saltney, where he had both a parliamentary and municipal vote. Mr. Egerton Gilbert, representing the Duke of Westminster, said they had made all enquiries, and so far as was known there was no deed in relation to these almshouses. The places were instituted probably by the first Marquis. They had books back to 1835, when the occupants received 2s. 6d. a week which the present Duke increased to 5s. Formerly, up to seven or eight years ago, it was the invariable rule to appoint freemen, but there became what he might call a scarcity of eligible freemen, and the Duke therefore allowed them to nominate others than freemen. It had also been the practice only to have people who had some little means of their own. There were eleven houses, and the duke paid the rates. Mr. BURKE WOOD, in giving his ruling, said: The question was whether the facts of the case shewed such a state of dependence as would mean the disqualification of these men. By the Reform Act of 1832 it was enacted that no person should be entitled to be registered who should within twelve calendar months before the previous July, have received parochial relief or other alms. The question was whether these alms were such as would mean disqualifica- tion. He had read every decision, he thought, that had been given in registration cases in regard to the receipt of alms, but had failed to find anyone that touched a private charity suchras the one described by Mr. Gilbert. It appea ed to him, as it did to Mr. Churton, that the case nearest this was that of the Greenwich and Chelsea pensioners. These were men that had served their country. They had borne good characters, and they received quarters, rations, and a dole. They were selected as a sort of recognition of the services they had rendered to their State, and none of them had been dis- qualified. It did not appear to him there was a great deal of difference between the cases that had been before them and that of the pensioners. In this case they had taken people of some little means, and it was quite clear it was a spontaneous act on the part of the Duke. These men lie thought were taken out of the category the case of Harrison v. Carter. The fact of dis- qualifying these men would be a serious thing. There must be thousands of people in England who, as old servants-old superannuated gardeners, coachmen, labourers, &c.-were allowed by their masters to live rent free, and have say a few shillings a week to help them out. Mr. SELLARS That would not govern this case. Mr. WOOD asked why not. These men were like the Chelsea pensioners, they included a bellman, fisherman, tailor, &c., and they had properly called on the Duke for their appoint- ment. To disfranchise them would mean dis- franchising many throughout the land. These men had not been on the list before, and the objection came to them for; the first time. That was explained by the fact that the houses had just been rated for the first time, and there- fore the names of the tenants had been put by the overseer on the list. Five of the men were freemen. In the case of Cohen against the Town Clerk of Kingston-upon-Hull, Justice Hawkins said it would be a monstrous thing to disqualify men who had voted since the Reform Act of 1832. His (Mr. Wood's) opinion was that this case was simply a private charity, enabling the latter end of the lives of these people to be more comfortable. By the generosity of the Duke and the late Marquis they were not governed by the case of Harrison v. Carter, or Baker against the Town Clerk of Monmouth. The men occupying the new Crane-street almshouses were entitled to be registered. Mr. SELLARS Will you grant me a case ? Mr. BURKE WOOD: Yes. CREWE. THE REVISING BARRISTER AND THE LODGER. Mr. Colt Williams resumed and completed the revision of voters for the Crewe district on Wednesday. The lodger claims caused a great deal of interest. In one case Robert Carron, logger, had signed his claim that he had occu- pied apartments twelve months. The barrister ascertained that he had only occupied eleven weeks, and told the claimant he was liable to prosecution. He should report to the Public Prosecutor any similar case. MOLD. At the County Hall, on Wednesday, the Hon. Richard C. Grosvenor attended to revise the list of voters for Mold, Buckley, Nerquis, and Tryddyn. There was no attendance of the general public, and the proceedings throughout were devoid of interest. The Liberals were represented by Mr. John Morgan (Mold), and the Conservatives by Mr. T. W. Hughes (Flint). The clerk of the County Council (Mr. Thos. T. Kelly) attended, and asked the revising barrister his opinion on the revision of the Threapwood township, which had been transferred to Cheshire for all purposes. The list was at present unrevised. and the electors were in danger of being disfranchised, and the assistant overseer of losing his remuneration for the work done. From the order ot the Local Government Board he considered it should be revised by the revising barrister for Cheshire, and Mr. Grosvenor said he was of the same opinion. He would, however, if the list was sent to him, revise it this time, and the opinion of the Local Government Board must be obtained upon it.—Mr. Kellv: Perhaps they want to save the rates. (Laughter.)—Mr. Charles Brookfield, of Buckley, claimed to have his name inserted in the ownership list. The Assistant Overseer stated his name did not appear on the rate-book. Mr. Brookfield said he was joint owner of five cottages and seven acres of land, situated at Spon Green. The Barrister asked for the deeds. Mr. Brookfield said they were at home. The Barrister: If your vote is challenged you should bring your deeds. As the agents raised no objection, the claim was allowed.—The objection by the Con- servatives to the vote of the Rev. Harry Drew (Buckley) was withdrawn. The Barrister announced that he would give his decision in the appeal by the four vicars choral of St. Asaph, whose votes had been struck off the list at Wrexham, on the 29th inst. In concluding the work of the day he stated that the whole of the lists in the county had been exceedingly well done.—A vote of thanks to the Barrister for his courtesy towards those engaged at the court was proposed by Mr. Morgan and seconded by Mr. Hughes after which the proceedings terminated. VICARS AND THEIR FREEHOLD BENEFICES. The Hon. R. C. Grosvenor, revising barrister for Flintshire, gave an important decision at the St. Asaph Revision Court, on Tuesday, affecting the votes of the four vicars-choral of St. Asaph, who claimed ownership votes as possessors of freehold benefices. The Liberals objected, on the ground that the vicars derived their stipends from a tithe rent charge from certain adjacent townships in shares, which made them a corporation aggregate, and as such they had no right to vote. The Conservative agent contended that the tithes were not divided, but that certain rent charges were set apart and apportioned to each benefice.-The Barrister said that, in his opinion, the claimants did not come within the definition of persons possessed of the whole of the charge, as each one only received a fourth share. He dis- allowed the votes, but granted an application for a case to decide the question in the higher courts. A WELL-KNOWN MONEY-LENDER AND HIS VOTE. In the Birmingham Revision Court, on Tues- day, on the objection of Mr. S. Barton, the Conservative agent, Isaac Gordon, the well- known money-lender, of Great Western Build- ings, Livery-street, was struck off the burgess roll, on the grounds that he was an alien by birth and had never been naturalised. No voice was raised in support of his vote. ALMSMEN AND THEIR VOTES. Relying on the judgment of Mr. Justice Hawkins in the appeal case of Cowen v. the Town Clerk of Kingston-on-Hull, the Conserva- tives at Abingdon Revision Court on Thursday claimed Parliamentary and municipal votes for about fifty inmates of almshouses. It was stated that the old people were elected for life, and were in receipt of a regular weekly allow- ance from the charitable bodies who elected them. The Revising Barrister conceded the principle that the alms people were entitled to exercise the franchise, and where occupation was formally proved he allowed the claims, but consented to state a case for appeal.

ODDFELLOWS AND THE WET-RENT' SYSTEM. The quarterly conference of members of the Manchester Unity of Oddfellows, belonging to lodges in Lancashire, Cheshire, and Yorkshire, was held at Lancaster on Saturday. The delegates, about 150 in number, were received at the Town Hall, where the conference took place, by the Mayor (Mr. R. W. Helme) and Mrs. Helme. The subsequent proceedings were presided over by Mr. Rushton, of Accrington. The Mayor, who had, previous to the meeting, been admitted an honorary member of a local lodge, gave a short address appreciating the aims and objects of the order. A paper on Rent of lodge-rooms' was read by Provincial C.S. Holden, of Saddleworth. Bro. Holden declared that he was opposed to the funds of a lodge being frittered away, and the contribu- tions of members who were not present at lodge meetings being spent in beer. (Applause.) The I wet-rent' system was established with the order, but as opinion changed customs must also change, and the system must be swept away. In the course of the discussion which ensued, P.P.G.M. Brockbank, of St. Helens, up- held the system, which he considered was at least expedient. Any attempt on the part of the A.M.C. to inter- fere with it would, he thought, be the thin end of the wedge of disintegration of the Unity. Mr. Cowie, St. Helens, questioned the legality of the system.—D.G.M. Edmondson spoke of the moral effect of the system upon young members, and the Chairman wound up an interesting discussion by expressing the view that the system was quite illegal, inasmuch as the Act of Parliament stated that any officer responsible for the balance sheets who knowingly allowed in- correct statements regarding accounts to issue was liable to a penalty of X50, and secretaries and trustees of lodges conducted under the wet- rent system, rendered themselves liable.— Provincial C.S. Malley, of Lancaster, read a paper on deficiences. Ormskirk was selected as the place of the February meeting.

THE CURRICULUM OF VOLUNTARY SCHOOLS. ♦ CHESHIRE TEACHERS IN CONFERENCE. The members of the Chester, Northwich, and Knutford Teachers' Associations on Saturday held a conference in the National Schools, Northwich. In addition to the members from the towns named, there were representatives from Macclesfield, Altincham, Moulton, Barn ton, Little Leigh, Mold, and Christleton. Prior to < the business proceedings a visit was paid to the Baron's Quay rock salt mine, where Mr. T. Ward gave a description of the formation of rock salt, and the industry of salt making. The conference was presided over by Mr. R. I Lloyd (president of the Chester Association), who was supported by Dr. Beech, of Maccles- field (a member of the Executive of the N.U.T.), and Mr. Thomas Ward.—The Chair- man read a paper on the Birmingham Conference, and said that the results of that meeting could not fail to be beneficial to the Union of Teachers. It shewed that the Voluntary teachers were loyal unionists, and that they were not separated by narrow creed antipathies.—Mr. Thomas Ward gave an address on The evolu- tion of voluntary schools.' He said they were in the thick of the fiercest battle that bad been fought for many generations on the question of education. The characteristic of the past had been a strong individualism. There was a time when the Government took no part in dealing with the education of the masses. Later there was an attempt on the part of societies to grapple with the question, and these societies were almost all connected with religious denominations. Then the board schools were founded, not in place of, but as supplementary to the voluntary schools. If those who had done the work in the past were prepared to give the same results as other schools, they were entitled to the same payment, and although the tendency undoubtedly was for the growth of the board school, it would be impossible to crush out the voluntary schools by mere Act of Parliament. The great religious question, as it was called, was a very big one outside the school walls, but a very small one inside. The secondary schools of the future would be technical schools, and he thought the Govern- ment would be perfectly justified in dealing with the endowments devoted to the old grammar and other schools in such a way that they would be applied to the absolutely secondary education of the present day, and not confined to the education of three or four centuries ago. (Applause.) At present too many subjects were taught, and technical schools were not a success for that reason. He thought that in future the teachers of elemen- tary schools would have to look forward to the dropping out of old subjects and the intro- duction of new ones, and above all they would have to fit themselves to give an applied education. (Applause.)—Dr. Beech was the next speaker. He considered that there was no necessity to curtail the curri- culum, and that additional subjects might be taken with advantage if the school age was raised to fourteen. The increase in knowledge and mental discipline which would take place in the extra two years could scarcely be conceived. Regarding the voluntary schools' question he thought that the system would be extended in the future. Even the pitiable dole of 5s. would have the effect of arresting the I handing over of voluntary schools, and would actually tend to augment their number. He thought that the whole cost of secular instruc- I tion in voluntary schools would in the days to come be borne by the Government. With regard to technical education he agreed with Sir John Gorst that it was very doubtful indeed whether, during the course of its existence, the Science and Art Department had not done as much harm as good. On the other band, he thought that the work done by the Education Department was excellent.—A discussion took place, and afterwards the meeting closed with the customary votes of thanks.

MR. GLADSTONE AND A YOUTHFUL WRITER.— Mr. George Hawtrey, the actor, has received the following postcard from Mr. Gladstone with reference to an article in the 'Portnightly Review on the speed of warships, written by his son, Mr. Ralph George Hawtrey, an Eton boy of 17 years of age:—" Dear Sir,—I congratulate you on your son's distinction, and still more on the exertions by which it has been earned, and I trust it may be his happy lot, in dealing with the vast maritime power of Britain, to escape the contagion of the militarism by which we are more and more over-run. I am sorry to say that at present, and for the time, my powers of reading are reduced to a very low point.—Yours very faithfully, W. E. GLADSTONE. P.S.—I never can lose my grateful interest in the name of the distinguised provost."—Mr. Glad- stone, it may be recalled, was the pupil of Dr. Hawtrey, the late provost of Eton. A MAN HUNT IN LONDON.—One of the most desperate criminals in London-a notorious house- breaker-has just been captured. He was sur- prised, breaking into a large house in Bermondsey, but for the moment escaped. The police were, however, in hot pursuit, and when brought to bay the man drew a revolver, but Police-constable Jones pluckily closed with the ruffian, and with assistance effected a capture. The constable risked his life and we rightly call him a hero, but how many of us, by inattention to our health, needlessly risk our lives every day! Let us be wise in time, and with the aid of Holloway's Pills we can regain ourihealth when we are out of sorts.

CITY POLICE COURT. ——♦ YESTERDAY (TUESDAY).—Before Dr. Stolterfoth, Messrs. Chas. Brown, and R. Jackson. ALLEGED THEFT OF A DOG.-A man named W. Threadgold, living at Tattenhall, was charged in custody with stealing a dog belong- ing to John Culshaw, Saltney.—Prosecutor said he missed his dog, which was a collie, the previous day. The animal had on a collar bearing his name and address. At the police office afterwards, when prisoner was arrested, he identified the collar of his dog.—The Chief Constable informed the Bench that prisoner had in his possession three other dog collars, bearing the names and addresses of the owners.— Prisoner was remanded till Thursday.

MOLD PETTY SESSIONS. 0 MONDAY.—Before Messrs. P. A. Lloyd (in the chair), A. Phillips Roberts, Henry St. John Raikes, H. Lloyd Jones, and Llew Eaton. THE ALLEGED I FRAUDULICNT REMOVAL'.— The adjourned case was called on for hearing, in which Adam Hughes, bricklayer, of Trelogan, was summoned by his former landlord, John Philips Jones, for fraudulently removing furni- ture from a house at Maesydre to avoid distraint for rent. Mr. J. B. Marston appeared for the defence, and as the bench was differently con- stituted from that of the former hearing, the case was heard de novo. The complainant having repeated his evidence, stated that at the first hearing it was alleged by the defence that Hughes had informed his (complainant's) agent of his intention to quit the house. He denied the truth of this statement, and would call evidence in support of his contention.—Hugh Jones, of Maesydre, said he was a brother-in- law of the complainant, and acted as his agent in respect of some house property at Maesydre. He visited the houses on the 31st July last to collect rents. On that day the defendant's furniture was in the house, occupied by him. He visited the house next on August 7th, but the house was then empty, and the furniture gone. He received the key of the house from Charles Lloyd, residing next door but one. He never received notice from the defendant of his intention to quit the house. He valued the furni- ture at from X3 to 14.-Chas. Lloyd, who resided next door but one to the house formerly occupied by the defendant, stated that between 8 and 9 a.m. on the 7th ult, the furniture in question was taken away in a big farm cart.— Mr. Marston, for the defence, pleaded absence of fraudulent or clandestine action within the meaning of the section, and said the proceedings should have been taken in the County Court for recovery of rent.—The Bench retired, and upon returning to court the Chairman announced that there was sufficient doubt in the matter to justify the magistrates in dismissing the case. l'his would not debar the informant from pro- ceeding in the County Court to recover the arrears of rent due. TEMPORARY AUTHORITY.—James Marshall Wright applied for a temporary authority to sell at the Leeswood Arms, Wrexham-street, until the 27th inst.—Granted.

LANCASHIRE AND THE DEE. 0 FISHERMEN ALIVE TO THE DANGER. Our Connah's Quay correspondent writes The village fishermen have decided to offer the most determined opposition to the application of the Lancashire Sea Fisheries Committee to the Board of Trade to extend their district up the estuary of the Dee to an imaginary line drawn from Burton Point to Connah's Quay. The fishermen. contend that the success of the present application of Lancashire would prove disastrous to the men who obtain a livelihood on the banks of the Dee. The object of Lancashire is not so much to offer additional protection to coarse fish as to secure the Dee estuary for a spawning ground and nursery for sea fish, and if this end is secured the Dee fishermen will be prohibited from placing their nets with the object of taking coarse fish altogether. The Connah's Quay fishermen assert that the bye-laws for the protection of sea fish enforced by the Dee Fishery Board are infinitely better than those adopted by the Lancashire committee. In the first place, the Lancashire fishery bye- laws sanction the use of stake nets, and it is a well-known fact that within the juris- diction of the Dee Fishery Board these nets, which play such sad havoc among immature fish, are strictly prohibited. It is impossible to accurately estimate the injury done to the salmon fishery with these nets. If the Lancashire Committee obtain con- trol over the Dee estuary, and these nets are legalised under their bye-laws, what assurance have the Dee Fishery Board that they will not be employed with the object of assisting in salmon poaching ? Then, again, the fishermen point out that under the Lancashire bye-laws there is a kind of a machine called a rooter, which is more destructive to the fishery than the whole of the tackle the Dee fishermen employ put together. The other strong objection on the part of the Dee fishermen to the proposals of Lancashire is that they fear the salmon fishery will not receive that protection which is necessary if in the future it is to be the same profitable industry it has been in the past. The effective supervision over the salmon fishery by the Dee Fishery Board would be nullified if the bye-laws of Lancashire were enforced in the lower waters of the Dee. A meeting of the fishermen has been held, about 40 of the men being present, and the liveliest interest was shewn in the proceedings. Mr. C. Davison, J.P., presided, and having given a detailed account of the proposals of the Lanca- shire Sea Fisheries Committee, invited the fishermen to state their views. Mr. John Jones and Mr. Robert Dodd stated that the fishermen as a body were determined to oppose the appli- cation. Mr. E. Blane said the Flintshire County Council had decided to oppose the scheme, and wished to be apprised of the objec- tions which the Connah's Quay fishermen wished to submit at the Board of Trade Inquiry. It was resolved to oppose the application, and petitions were ordered to be drawn up, and the signatures of bona-fide fishermen invited. Messrs. J. Jones, R. Dodd, R. Edwards, W. Jones, J. Hewitt, and G. Taylor were appointed a committee to give effect to the resolution passed, and make arrangements for obtaining signatures to the petitions. The Parkgate fishermen will also be invited to sign the petitions for presentation at the enquiry of the Board of Trade.

The Bishop of Calcutta (Dr. R. L. Johnson), formerly minor canon of Chester Cathedral, preached in the Cathedral on Sunday morning before a large congregation. The offertory was in aid of the Calcutta Fund. FOUNDATION-STONE LAYING OF THE WIRRAL WORKHOUSE CHAPEL.—On Wednesday afternoon at Clatterbridge, the foundation stones were laid of a new workhouse chapel. The chairman and Mrs. Hodgson, who performed the ceremony, were each presented on behalf of the architect, Mr. C. O. Francis, with a silver trowel, in com- memoration of the occasion. In the course of a few remarks, Mr. H. A. Latham alluded to the work of the lady members of the board, and said since they had stepped into the arena they had introduced many improvements which had been of great advantage to the women and children in the workhouse. WIRRAL BOARD OF GUARDIANS.—The fort- nightly meeting of this board was held on Wednesday, at Clatterbridge workhouse, Mr. W. Knowles presiding over a small attendance.—Col. Lloyd moved that the chair- man, vice-chairman, and Mr. Latham, attend the Poor-law Conference at Blackpool, on the 24th and 25th inst, and it was agreed to.—The Clerk, who had written to the chief constable of the county in reference to the trial of prisoners under the various poor-law acts, asking that they should be tried at the County Police Court, Birkenhead, received a reply from Col. Hamersley that the justices in 1895 had passed a resolution, which bad the effect of causing prisoners to be tried at the court in the locality in which the offence was committed. DISCOVERY AT FURNESS ABBEY.—In the course of the excavations which are being carried out at Furness Abbey, a bulla, or leaden seal, has been discovered, which dates from the thirteenth century. The seal has been attached to one of the five Bulls sent to this Cisterian establish- ment in the time of Pope Innocent IV., and while William de Middleton was abbot of Furness. The first of these Bulls dealt with the cultivation of vines and the fisheries of Lancastria. The bulla, which was found at the south-western corner of the ruins, is about the size of a crown piece, but rather thicker and almost round. It is in excellent preservation. One side bears representations of the heads of St. Paul and St. Peter, with a crozier down the centre, and over the heads the letters' SPA.SPE.' On the reverse side is the inscription, Innocentivs PP.: III.'

EAST DENBIGHSHIRE ELECTION. « I. UNIONIST. Hail the Welshman on his gee-gee Hail the islander of Fiji! Let us ever work ( pro grege With all loyalty 4 pro rege,' Never, never, Mos(s) pro lege II. GLADSTONIAN. If this election we should lose And Kenyon turn the tables, I swear I will no longer use, Moss-litter in the stables! Sept. 20. R. ST. J. C.

Etterarg Notices. "r,r- Cassier's Magazine (Marine Number).—This is without doubt one of the very best productions of its kind. To anyone who takes the slightest interest in marine engineering or naval archi- tecture, to all who take a pride in our magnificent navies, both Royal and mercan- tile (and what true Britisher dees not?). Cassier's Marine Number will be a thing of beauty and a joy for ever.' It contains articles by such authorities and leviathans in ship-building, marine engineering, and naval politics as Sir William White, Sir Charles Dilke, Thornycroft, Yarrow, Denny, and numerous other not lesser but less known lights. Nor is it content with giving us productions from their masterly brains, but gives in addition numerous beauti- ful illustrations of their work and their faces. Anyone who reads in this magazine how Sir W. White describes 'Specialities of warship design,' how Mr. Yarrow builds torpedo boats, how Caird and others launch ships, or Mr. Archibald Denny's article on the design of a steamship. and Sir Chas. Dilke's masterly article on a theme he has studied perhaps as much as any one living; any one, we say, who reads these and the other popularly written articles will want to know more. It is not, we think, too much to say of this magazine that while the articles are all written in such a style that the veriest tyro in marine engineering and naval archi- tecture can readily comprehend, yet the most advanced marine engineer and the most scientific naval architect will find its pages not only in- teresting but full of information. We have only one fault to find, and that is that the binding is not strong enough for the heavy paper it is printed on. The publishers, how- ever, have justly surmised that all who buy this number will think it worthy of a place in their library, and will re-bind it to suit their own taste. We heartily congratulate them on the excellence of the publication, and wish it every success. NEW PUBLICATIONS. We have received from Frederick Warne and Co., London and New York, The Art of Conversing, or Dialogues of the Day,' a new book by the author of Manners and Rules of Good Society.' The object of the book is to demonstrate how easily conversation may be sustained, even with comparative strangers, by those who are willing to make a little effort.

Sealskin Jacket and Fur Alterations. 20% SAVED. W. CREAMER & Co., PRACTICAL FURRIERS, Skilfully Renovate and Remodel Sealskin Garments and Furs upon the premises at STRICTLY WHOLESALE PRICES. PERFECT FITTING & FINEST WORK GUARANTEED. NEWEST AND SMARTEST MODELS. Estimates, Designs, and Forms for Self-Measure- ment on application. W. CREAMER & CO., H.M. THE QUEEN'S FURRIERS, 56, BOLD STREET, LIVERPOOL.

titrtbs, Aarrtagts, anD meatbs. BIRTHS, MARRIAGES, and DEATHS 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. N A B R I A 0 E S. MORETOK—SCHINTZ—September 15, at St. George's, Hanover-square, London, by the Bev. E. S. Richardson, vicar of St. Matthew's, Bolton, Lancashire, John S. Moreton, Kelsall, to Lucy, daughter of Hans G. Schintz. Childwall Hall, Liverpool. WILLIAXS-SADLxim-September 13, at St. Alban's Church, Tattenhall, by the Rev. Charles L. Arnold, M.A., Lewis Williams, of Hoole, Chester, to Bessie Sadler, of Newton House, TattenhaU. DEATHS. HARDING-September 19 (suddenly), at Llandudno, Elizabeth Paxton Harding, the beloved wife of Walter Paxton Harding. of Bank House. Whitefriars. [Friends will please accept this-the only—intimation]. HASbALL-Septemoor 14, at Abbot's Grange, Bebington, Anne, widow of the late Henrv Burton Hassall, and daughter of the late Thomas Addison, of Liverpool, aged i2 years. JONEs-September 15, Emma, wife of Robert Willoraham Jones, Mitre Chambers, Temple, Barristcr-at-Law. IN MEMOBIAM. WILDIG-Jn loving remembrance of Hugh Bennet Wildig, Chester, who departed this life Sept. 17, 1895, in his 30th year. Though lost to sight, to memory dear.

\f E M O R I A L 8 AT ALL PRICES, IN MARBLE, GRANITE, STONE & ALABASTER. On View, and to Order. HASWELL & SON, MASONS, KALEYARDS, CHESTEIL ESTIMATES AND DBSION8.

COMMERCIAL FAILURES.—According to Kemp's Mercantile Gazette, the number of failures in England and Wales gazetted during the week ending Sept. 18th, was 69. The number in the corresponding weok of last year was 59, shew- ing an increase of 10, being a nett decrease in 1897, to date, of 123. LOCAL MARRIAGE.—The marriage took place at Christ Church, Mostyn, on Thursday, amid pleasant surroundings, of a rising Welsh Church musical composer-Mr. Thomas Edwards, editor of the Welsh Cathedral Psalter,' and composer of the Jubilee (Welsh) Anthem and the Te Deum sung at Llandaff Cathedral Jubilee service—with Miss Elizabeth A. Davies, eldest daughter of the late Mr. Isaac Davies, M.E. (manager of the Point of Air Colleries), of Llanerchymor, near Holywell. The ceremony was fully choral, the service being one arranged by the bridegroom, and included a decidedly pretty tune to the hymn 0 perfect love.' The service, in the key of G, was intoned by the Rev. T. D. James (chaplain of St. Martin's Welsh Church, Chester), of which Mr. Edwards is organist. The local choir, under Mr. Ll. P. Jones, was augmented by members of St. Martin's choir, Chester. The ceremony was performed by the Rev. Canon Roberts, of Colwyn Bay, assisted by the Rev. Griffith Jones (vicar of Mostyn). Mr. Thomas Wynn. Liverpool (uncle), gave away the bride, who was dressed in cream figured silk trimmed with satin, and wore a hat with a plume of ostrich feathers and spray of orange blossom. The bridesmaids were Miss M. Davies (sister of the bride), and Miss Frances Edwards (sister of the bridegroom), both of whom were dressed in cream figured silk with hats to match. The bridegroom's presents were bouquet and gold brooch to the bride, and gold bangles to the bridesmaids. Mr. D. Hughes, Trelogan, acted as best man. The wedding party, which was very numerous, returned to the residence of the bride's mother, where the wedding breakfast was held. The newly-wedded couple afterwards left by the three o'clock express en route for Llangollen and Aberystwith, where the honey- moon will be spent. The presents were very numerous.

BAND OF HOPI: JUBILEE.—The committee paving charge of the arrangements for the weal celebration had a lengthy sitting at the Temperance Hall on Tuesday evening, Mr. W. Denson presiding. A musical festival has oeen decided upon for Wednesday, November Jrd, and Mr. J. Herbert Roberts, M.P., has promised to take the chair. The orchestra will be occupied by a specially trained choir of children selected from the various Bands of J*°pe, and a number of other musical friends have already promised their assistance. A sub-committee was appointed to give effect to the' Million More' scheme. DEATH OF A CHESTER STATIONER.—The death of Mr. Frederick Parry, stationer, has removed a well-known figure from local trade and Nonconformist circles. The sad event J°ok place on Tuesday night, death ensuing irom pleurisy, from which Mr. Parry had suffered severely for some time. Deceased lived at Gladstone-road, and was highly respected as a £ roi?ineat tradesman, and as being an enthusiastic worker in Primitive Methodism, d *Uneral took place at the Cemetery on Fri- .ay»,^he chief mourners and others present in- cludin Mr. A. Parry (son), Miss M. Latham, r- F. and Mrs. Gill, Mr. and Mrs. Bolton, Gornall, the Revs. Cooper Bowles, Spedding, j. d. Bramwell, Messrs. Barber, Mealing, W. aviee, Hague, W. S. Jones, Gresty, T. Griffiths, utton, and others. The first part of the prvice was conducted at the chapel by the offi* an<* Bramwell, the latter also gating at the graveside. Mr. Parry leaves wid°w, a son, and a little daughter, for aU of whom the utmost sympathy is expressed. OFFENDING CYCLISTS IN CHESHIRE. At Altrincham, on Monday, Ernest Oilier, Bowdon, was summoned for furiously riding a bicycle at Roatherne.-Three officers of the Cheshire constabulary gave evidence, and said that he was going at a speed of 20 miles an hour.—Mr. Watts (a magistrate) asked the officer how he estimated the speed.—Sergeant Howie replied that they were always on the road, and could tell the rate at which cyclists were going.—In reply to the clerk, he said they had tried to stop the defendant and a companion, but they rushed past like the wind: Sergeant Venables informed the Bench that he had cautioned the defendant, who was now trying to break the 'record' between Bowdon and Irnutsford. His machine was geared to 68, a ▼ery high one.—Defendant denied that he was SoiQg to break tbe record. He was a labouring toa.n and could not afford the time. He could Pull up within a few yards.—The Bench said as te night was moonlight there might be some ifliculty in estimating the rate of speed. nder the circumstances they would inflict a Qiall penalty of 2s. 6d., including costs.— rank Lyle, for a similar offence, was fined s. 6d., and an additional 5s. for riding without a -light. ° ESCAPE AND RE-CAPTURE OF A CHESTER —Albert Morton, a Chester youth -known to the Chester police authorities, J remanded at the Police Court on VVednas- •°r a wee^» on a charge of breaking and Mr. Hibbert, timber Cow-lane Bridge. The Chief Con- 2rl ?rrd the Bench thafc °ther cases and flit ?referred against the prisoner, police to ^mandMWaS granted t0 enable he was remn^V cases. In the afternoon be conveyed to KnnH D*00 Cel1, in order to the police P„rn' °™hi,« anility eluded the offleer K™ wlth Kr«»t the direction of Abbe^Ct He Stiv but he raj he 6u,r^ r/ T'al Ha" BuiWi">gs, where police rnnH good his escape. The Police continued their search for the prisoner «aDDJ ev«mng, but were greatly handi- the OT7f»iW11r? ° t'ie 'Pronged streets during Chest Carnival. After a search by the Thur 5- P°iice, Detective Hughes succeeded on old u in recapturing Albert Morton in an jjorf 6 afc the Commercial Hall Buildings. er>„ Was discovered hiding in a dark corner of the stable. NATIONAL FEDERATION OF SUB-POSTMASTERS. ^heste meeting held on Thursday afternoon in a ^arKe number of local and country ^eet 8 .ma8ters and mistresses assembled to Po°l deputation from Manchester and Liver- in j)* ong and useful discussion was joined very J*? wh°le of the members, after which a che8te j address was delivered by the Man- a"counf egate- He gave an interesting Federat- °' the eagerness with which the ti°n w 11 scheme of sub-postmasters associa- popuj *8 being taken up in all centres of P°8tm and esPecially among the rural sub- shin 8ker6 and mistresses, by whom the hard- Th KWere more acutely felt than in the towns. 6 hours of many country offices are from 5-30 a.m. till 8 p.m., and the pay (since the Jubilee concessions were granted) has been considerably reduced on the telegraph business. One sub- postmaster declared that only for his own children being at hand to deliver the great quantity of mtlsages he would have been com- pelled to give up the work, but having great opes that the department intended to listen to h«MUnanim°U8 wish of the Federation he still ia on. Twelves names were added to the jester branch, and it was resolved that a igorous canvass of the whole of the sub- postmaaters and mistresses be undertaken. A denn/fVOter °f tbanks was passed to the th« »?°in- ,°r their Practical addresses, and the useful informatIon imparted to the meeting. A vote of thanks was also accorded to the chair- man for his services. DEESIDE BOWLING CLUB: PRESENTATION TO OF WARMSLEY.—The yearly convivial meeting t>U?eT^ eJ.80fthe Deeeide Bowling Club took £ «*ce at tbe Grosvenor Hotel on Saturday, about irty members and friends being present. Mr. W. J. Heeley (president) occupied the chair, the company also including Mr. J. J. Cunnah, Alder- man Shaw (Birkenhead), Mr. F. J. Warmsley Jhon. sec.), and Mr. A. Wolfenden (hon. treasurer). Various toasts were given, that of the Bowling Club' being proposed by The lrmaU* and resP°nded to by Mr. Cunnah. the n^n°8fc Pleasant feature of the evening was and of a silver tankard, a barometer, *«n £ r\pw,cil cas.e to the hon- sec- (Mr- I'residenf *Q ma,king the presentation the serviCea ,a"Uded to Mr. Warmsley's valuable 8ecretarv the 17 years he had acted as highest e t c*ub* They all held him in the recognia' 8^etQ, and felt the utmost pleasure in acknowilj^ good qualities. Mr. Warmsley TWo ofll the compliment in suitable terms, the -r Presentations were also made during of heVeniQg- The President had offered a set aff t° be competed for on the green that ternoon. Mr. A. O. Roberts finished first, and Was accordingly presented with the prize while 1\1r. John Day, who was second, received another set given by Mr. J. L. Walker. The Proceedings were enlivened by songs contri- ved in excellent style by Messrs. J. L. talker, R. J. Williams, L. Booth, and W. onway, and altogether a most enjoyable ening was spent. firing IN CHESTER.—No one can i with the programme offered this OW r ^r* Benson's Shakespearian and ^English Comedy Company on the grounds h viC^ variety' 'n fact> it is about the best Ul of fare' Mr. Benson has ever pre- sented to us. A commencement was aifd 0n Monday evening with Othello,' j although the performance was engthy one, extending to about a quarter and e^even>it was thoroughly enjoyed by a large appreciative audience, who at the close gave Mr. and Mrs. Benson an enthusiastic Ration. Mr. Benson hardly possesses the P yaique which we are accustomed to associate lth the swarthy Moor, but his conception of the character is a wonderfully fine and scholarly study, and he brings into full play e intense qualities which make up the fierce ^ature of the jealous husband. We liiver ^member to have seen Mrs. Benson to such as in the role of the chaste, but fortunate, Desdemona. She was sweet and io^ng in her affection for her distracted f0r gehtle and pathetic in her pleadings the s^°> while the final scene in which den Play comes to such a tragic was a grand piece of acting b0j.i6e(*> almost too harrowing in its realism) Bl. ,on the part of Mr. and Mrs. Benson. The Bod tribute to the skill of Mr. Frank was perhaps the involuntary anathemas Ia continually escaped from the gallery as It w Wove the web of his horrible villainy. an as a striking and well-executed perform- Prov a ,^i88 Frances Wetherall as Emilia caliK6 er8Glf an emotional actress of no mean Cassf6' Mr- E- Hignett made an admirable CaPahi' the remaining characters were in ther e hands. Yesterday (Tuesday) evening Merrv w-an excellently balanced cast in The initt,itai of Windsor,' Mr. G. R. Weir, that a* Falnf Shakespearian comedian appearing n as Dr. Caius, and Mrs. 80n as MrS. Ford.