The Chester Courant and Advertiser for North Wales

CHESTER UNION CONTRACT DAY. ■#- — Yesterday (Tuesday) was contract day at Chester Workhouse. Mr. Joseph Pover pre- sided, and there was a good attendance of guardians. There were none of those little scenes that formerly occasionally lent such interest to the somewhat-dry proceedings of the Union Parliament. Appended is the list of successful contractors, close voting being the rule in several instances:— Butcher's meat, Miss Wainwright, Brook-street; drugs, Mrs. Thomas, Watergate-street; drapery, Okell and Sons, Northgate-street; flour, Mr. W. Gregg, Dee Mills; provisions, Thompson, Son, and Clemence, Northgate- street; Grocery, Mrs. S. Knowles, Bridge- street; spirits, Thomas Welsby and Son, Bridge-street; chandlery, Martin and Co., oregate-street; brushes, Mr. F. J. Latham, -Lower Bridge-street; ironmongery, Thos. Wood and Son, Biidge-street; straw, Mr. Maddocks, yapenhurst; boots and shoes, Mr. D. L. flewitt, Northgate-street; leather, Mr. W. Reece, Foregate-etreet; sweep, Mr. Hughes.

HAWARDEN PETTY SESSIONS. 4 YESTERDAY (TuESDAY).- Before Messrs. John Watkinson (in the chair), R. Podmore, H. Meyhew, and F. L. Hancock. AN ABUSIVE NEIGHBOUR.—Ann Thornton summoned Catherine Thornton, residing at Lane Ends, for using threats to her on the 7th Sept.—Complainant said she and defendant were neighbours, and the latter, who frequently got intoxicated, abused her.—The Bench bound defendant over to keep the peace. A DISTRESSED PROPERTY OWNER.—A man giving his name as Joseph Latham, and an address at Pentre, went into the box, and addressing the Bench, said he had owned a cottage at Pentre, the deeds of which had been filched' by some person. Consequently his ownership of the house was disputed, and at present he was not in posses- sion of it.—The Chairman Well, you want to realise your property ?-Yes.-Have you had it in your possession twelve years ?-No, sir.- Well, wait twelve years, when you will have an opportunity to regain it.—The applicant then left the court quite satisfied, muttering at the time That's some consolation."

SAVAGE ASSAULT AT TATTENHALL. EXEMPLARY SENTENCE. Yesterday (Tuesday), at Broxton Petty Sessions, before Mr. J. H. Leche and other magistrates Henry Holland, a cattle dealer, of Tattenhall, was charged in custody with assaulting Earle Rutter, on Sunday.—Com- plainant stated that prisoner came to his house, and, on his request, was given a jug of beer! wanted more, but was not given any, being persuaded to sit down and have tea with witness and his wife. He did so, and during the meal prisoner became violent, after witness and Mrs. Rutter bad refused to interfere in a dispute between prisoner and one of witness' relations. He knocked witness down ana jumped on him, also attempting to strike •n,r8i.i Complainant, however, caught h ^iow» but Holland chased Mrs. Rutter, who had to run out into the garden, where she had to murder •+ hours- Prisoner threatened neighbour's vanrdS'Hfld °Ut int° a seeintr ,Fe Plcked up a saw, and aTaff U.tUe W. »"« «<> him into t hi If ln the yard- ^n the b°y cryiEga ethea»d Hyde1? Tt? hh8 &U D6xt night.—Thos. about lL g T' SaW the man running sober p w f madur • Prisoner •• Was or a. ^ness • You were either drunk cornrln^ TaD" Elizabeth Rutter, wife of Sereea^anfe gaV6 simiiar evidence, and prif Fryer proved the arrest, &c.— oner pleaded that he was in drink.—The Dowvfan said the case was about as bad as it POSsibly could be, and could not be met by a fine. Prisoner would be sent to prison for three months.

CHESTER ROYALTY THEATRE. bo»Q ?(I<?nJay evening • Regina B.A.' made her and Royalty Theatre to a large audience, att unanimous verdict was that she is a very a tractive young lady. A comic opera of the avagaat style, so popular now-a-days, the WJM i8 really amU8ing, and, moreover, it is on to exceedingly tuneful music. Of course thf j 8 not exPect mu°h plot in productions of j*8 description, but the little there is in rp,'Sxna B.A. cannot fail to provoke laughter. r.ne story, such as it is, relates to the novel idea °r obtaining a consort for the King of Rondeletia 07 public competition. The successful com- petitor is an inmate of a college for girls, and some uncertainty as to whether the mistress of the establishment, or a pupil of hers, is the lucky one gives rise to many humorous complications. Mr. Wilson Sheffield makes a capital King of Rondeletia, his splendid baritone voice being heard to fine effeet in his various songs. Mr. Fred Emney -V- ,-parT,s considerable originality to the role of the Prime Minister; while Mr. Fred Eastman, who is always a favourite with Chester audiences, p the "fe and soul of the piece as the reformer Jropulo. His drollery and clever 'business' are excruciatingly funny, and undoubtedly the S!» Weary Worried Coon,' by him and *re<* Emney, is one of the features of the opera. Mr. Sidney Vincent is worth a better Part than that of the head of the police. Onii yQsley Cook, as the mistress of the Girls' makes the most of her powerful con- voice and last, but not least, mention snould be made of Miss Jessie Moore, the vivacious head girl of the college, whose charm- ing acting and pleasing vocalism at once create a favourable impression. An enjoyable part of the performance is the extremely graceful dancing introduced at intervals.

THE CUT BUDGET. NEXT YEAR'S RATES. have received from the City Accountant r- Fred. J. Beckett) a copy of the abstract of end"*0*8 for the city of Chester for the year sstin! March, 1897, together with the c°min 8 ^ncome aBd expenditure for the twelve months. Mr. Beckett, in his to the^eVera^ committees have worked very closely balanclr es^mates, and, excluding the adverse e*ceijtL0nit*le ^orough fund account, owing to the Chester n exPenditure in connection with the 2i>th MarchriPOra^on 1896, the balances at the Taking th Were near^ the same as anticipated. with the in order, and commencing mated to v>rough fund, the balance esti- °verdrawn v. i *n hand was £ 1,025; the for the excep is £6,708 Os. 8d., and, but ( £ 7,643) "onal expenditure before referred to of f958 'in QJ would have been a balance to credit ^nclndinr.v. i The total estimated expenditure ment in above balance and the first instal- £ 29 977 0 rP?Pect of the south-side sewer) is &c. 'iR cnnnr income from rents, markets, he rain' ^eaving a sum of £ 20,201 0s. 8d. to bornr.r.i, y This sum can be provided by a bakno rate of 2s. 2d. in the £ and leave a, Owim i. ^486 Is. Id. at the end of the year, of rS a legacy left by the late Mrs, McGregor, Libr having been received by the Free acc ary Committee, the income on this £ 44 7 ^as ex°eeded the expenditure by dpfir.- The lamp rate account shews a 16?cy £ 293 12s. 5d., as against £ 160 bv the increased expenditure being caused e coat of removing snow. J 11 new estimate it will be necessary to set A, wn £ 950 as the sum to be transferred from horough fund. This amount is nearly •WUO in excess of the past year's deficiency, cn by the neces.-ary provision for increased ost of street lighting, consequent on the increased narge made by the Gas Company, and antici- pated cost of street lighting by electricity. ~ne Improvement Committee requires the same T? as in the past two years, viz. 8d. in the £ f lch it is estimated will provide £ 2,256 available new works, in addition to the fixed expenditure, and leave a balance in hand. During the year just ended there has been an penditure on private street works of X3,101 re8" the amount at the present time due in aco^eC^ 6ame being £ 2,200 18s. 6d. This is etil?^nted ^or by several of the street works being Lo Y3 Pr°gress. The amount received in respect of « Cal I'axation Licences and Estate Duty Grant 2s ii?e ye« ended 31st March, 1896, was £ 6,103 jilld t., or 200 more than in the previous year; j, the Customs and Excise Duties' Grant is £ 60 j. re than in the previous year. The excess of eipts overpayments on the Police Pension Fund ccount ig £ 85 17s. Id., and when this sum has £ Pe?^dealt with, the total invested capital will be JPR 7e- ld- The rates required for the current fre/vv111 be as follows Borough rate, 2s. 2d.; library rate, ld.; watch rate, 3d.; improve- W jji rate, 8d.; lamp rate, 6d.; total, 3s. 8d.; consni-i4 is understood will be provided for by a 4s 22 ated Poor rate of 4s. 8d. in the £ as against i-— t¿;>

WILL IOF A CHESHIRE MAGISTRATE. ♦ The will has been proved of Mr. Thomas Collier, of Ashfield, Alderley Edge, Cheshire, a justice of the peace for the Prestbury petty sessional division, who died on the 10th May. The gross personalty has been sworn at £ 209,288, and legacies of R500 each are left in aid of the endowment funds of St. Mary's Hospital, Manchester, and Macclesfield Infirmary. The will is in favour of deceased's four children and their offspring, and the testator appoints as his trustees and executors Mr. William Goldthorpe, barrister, Manchester, Mr. William Mair, solicitor, Macclesfield, and Mr. John Lloyd, cashier, of Cheadle Hulme.

THE FATALITY AT A CHESHIRE CHEMICAL WORKS. -0 On Monday, Mr. H. C. Yates, coroner, held an inquest respecting the death of John Joyce, of Castlebar, county Mayo, Ireland, who had been employed for a few weeks at the Chemical Works of Messrs. Bowman, Thompson, and Co., Lostock, near Northwich. On Saturday after- noon deceased and six other labourers were engaged in cutting a trench through a large pit of waste lime. Each side of the trench was piled, and support was obtained by means of two rows of stretchers. Without the slightest warning, and when Joyce was on the lowest stage, digging out the lime, one side of the trench gave way, and in rushed the refuse. Joyce was overwhelmed, and was soon com- pletely buried in lime. Some of the other men had a narrow escape. Mr. J. J. Howitt, manag- ing director of the company, said it was impossible to drive the piles by machinery. His theory was that the lime had shifted longitudinally, and the supports at the bottom had also moved and allowed the lime to enter.— The Coroner regarded this as the most feasible theory.—A verdict of Death from suffocation, due to accidental causes,' was returned.

DISTRICT AND PARISH COUNCIL. ♦ TATTENHALL PARISH. On Monday evening, the monthly meeting was held in the village Institute. Mr. J. Cooke presided, and there were also present, Dr. Brierley, Messrs. J. Aldersev. J. Baker. J. Lightfoot, G. Mosford, A. Woollams, with T. Hadfield (clerk). The business on the agenda had reference to the street lighting. Mr. J. Baker objected to the situation of a new lamp recently erected in the Bolesworth-road, near Mr. T. Wright's, where it was placed only seven feet from the centre of the road, which was rather narrow at this particular place.—It was resolved that a deputation consisting of the chairman, Messrs. Aldersey and J. Baker, visit the lamp, and if they thought advisable to alter it, they were empowered to do so.—It was also decided that the meter attached to the lamp by the Congre- gational Church be registered and verified by the same deputation.

THE BROWN COW, WAVERTON. + FRUITLESS APPLICATION FOR RENEWAL. Yesterday (Tuesday), at Broxton Adjourned Licensing Sessions, before Mr. J. H. Leche, the Rev. C. Wolley-Dod, and Messrs. R. Howard, J. Howard, R. O. Orton, and H. Aldersey, Mr. W. H. Churton, Chester, applied on behalf of Mrs. Jane Baxter for the renewal of the licence of the Brown Cow, Waverton.— Mr. R. H. Jackson, Northwich, who appeared for a number of residents in the locality, opposed. A large number of local residents were called to give evidence to the effect that the house had been badly conducted by previous tenants and that it was not necessary for the accommodation of the inhabitants of the neighbourhood. The magistrates retired to consider their decision, and on their return the Chairman said that the Bench were equally divided, and in consequence the application fell to the ground. — A heated argument followed in regard to the question of the chairman having a casting vote, the clerk (Mr. Henry Taylor) having advised the Bench that the chairman had not the right of giving the casting vote.

ISLE OF MAN MINING COMPANY. ;—♦ The forty-fourth annual general meeting of the Isle of Man Mining Company was held at the Grosvenor Hotel, Chester, yesterday (Tues- day) fternoois. Mr. James Mackie (chairman) presided, and there was a good attendance of directors and shareholders. The CHAIRMAN, in proposing the adop- tion of the directors' report and balance- sheet, said owing to several circumstances they had only been able to market 3,925 tons of lead ore. They commenced the year hopefully, but within a few weeks they saw a change for the worse, and up to a few weeks ago they had a somewhat discouraging show. They would find, however, from Captain Kitto's report that there had recently been a change for the better. Major BRYAN JOHNSON seconded. Mr. J. B. LIGHT (Liverpool) said it was a very serious matter that their dividend had fallen off. He considered that the expenditure was heavy in some respects, though he admitted that the directors' fees— £ 200—were certainly small. The SECRETARY (Mr. R. L. Barker) pointed out that, compared with last year, the expendi- ture had not been increased in most articles. Captain KITTO explained that a decrease in the expenditure of coal and timber could not be expected. Mr. R. BRADSHAW SMITH (Penritb) expressed disappointment at the smallness of the dividend, and be proposed a resolution requesting the directors to take steps to bring before the Commissioners of Woods the necessity for a considerable reduction in the amount to be paid in future for royalty, seeing the sum at present paid was so disproportionate to the amount received by the shareholders who had invested their money in the undertaking. The CHAIRMAN said the directors had done all they could in the matter, and on a division the motion was defeated, while the report was adopted. On the proposition of the CHAIRMAN, a dividend was declared at the rate of 5 per cent. on the ordinary share capital of the company, the whole of which has been already paid by the directors in antici- pation, and also a dividend at the rate of 7 per cent. on the preference capital, of which one half-year at the same rate has been already paid on account. The retiring directors, Messrs. F. North and and E. H. Perrin, were re-elected, and the remainder of the business was purely formal.

MR. GLADSTONE AND EASTERN POLICY.— The Daily Chronicle states that Mr. Gladstone in a letter, says :—" The pain, the shame, and the mischief of the last two years in Eastern policy transcend entirely the powers of any language that I could use concerning them." MISS FORTESCUE AND GILBERT'S NEW PLAY.— W. S. Gilbert's new play,' The Fortune Hunter,' was produced with signal success at the Theatre Royal, Birmingham, on Monday night, by Miss Fortescue. The dramatic scenes and the comedy element representing Gilbert at his best, were received with great enthusiasm. Miss Fortescue, in the part of the heroine, gave a most powerful pourtrayal of the be- trayed wife, a betrayal the outcome of a vile advantage taken of an infamous French law. The author and the exponents of the play were called and recalled. ATTEMPTING TO SET A CHURCH ON Finic.- Early on Sunday morning the parish church of St. Mary, Long Crendor),IBucks, was broken into, and an attempt made to set the building on fire. The vestry waso entered and three boxes ransacked, the contents being strewn about. Fortunately, the communion plate was not kept at the church, and the desecrators in their chagrin threw ink over a number of surplices. The burglars afterwards bent the cross upon the communion table in the chancel, and also tore leaves from the Prayer Book of the Communion Service presented by Lady Addington. Finding a gallon can of paraffin in the storeroom, the burglars poured the oil over the chairs in the church, and set fire to them. Several seats and hassocks were thus destroyed, while the wooden flooring was also burnt, and the pulpit damaged. Happily the verger saw the smoke issuing from the roof, and with assistance extinguished the flames. The police are endeavouring; to trace the perpetrators. vcaiiii. «

THE CHESHIRE FEDERATION OF TRADES AND LABOUR COUNCILS. The first official meeting of the above Federation was held at Northwich on Saturday. The president (Mr. J. Rowlands, of Birkenhead) occupied the chair, and delegates were present from Crewe, Northwich, Chester, Birkenhead, and Runcorn. The president delivered an address, in which he referred to the abolition of the class distinction which had formerly existed among trades unionists, and contended that tradesmen and unskilled labourers should all band together for the common good. He thought the trades unions of this country should at once set about to utilise their power to engage the legislative machinery in their interests, and not be governed exclusively by plutocracy. (Applause.) Mr. Tolley, Birkenhead, called attention to a letter which the matron of the Clatterbridge Workhouse (Wirral Union) had addressed to a non-society engineer out of work, whom she advised to apply to Messrs. Lairds, at Birken- head. He regarded it as a great shame that public officials should utilise ratepayers' pro- perty (workhouse note paper) to bring black- leg engineers into a firm, the employes of which had been locked out. The conference debated the question of piece- work on the river Weaver, and it was resolved to represent to the trustees that piece-work was contrary to trades union rules, and to ask them to receive a deputation on the subject.

NANTWICH MAGISTRATES' & TENANTS' AGREEMENTS. + At Nantwich Adjourned Licensino Sessions. w-i aday» Burder, representing Messrs. Wilson and Co., brewers, Newton Heath, Man- chester, appeared with respect to an objection taken by the magistrates at the annual licensing meeting to a clause in the agreement xr i ,tenant °f the Bowling Green Inn Nantwich, one of Messrs. Wilson's houses' giving the owners power to get rid of the tenant where the latter permitted any act to be done whereby the licence was liable to be forfeited, the magistrates holding that the tenancy should only be terminated upon the conviction of the licensee.—Mr. Roundell said the clause gave the brewers an unfair power which they ought not to have, while it worked great hardship in the case of the tenant.—Mr. Burder submitted that the clause was onlv a moral power in the bands of the owners, and said a tenant could not be got rid of without three months' notice, the owners only having the power of re-entry upon conviction of the tenant. This agreement was one of 300, in which the same clause had been introduced during the last 15 years.—Mr. Roundell: That is not thf case now. The clause has been objected to elsewhere, and it has been struck out in accordance with the views of the magistrates. Mr. Burder said the clause was accepted at Manchester and other places.- Mr. Roundell: I have considered the subject, and pretty well know.—Mr. Martin, solicitor, who was concerned in a similar objection, which the owners had met, pointed out that the clause was introduced in order to secure the proper conduct of the house.—Mr. Roundell said the magistrates held the view that the brewers had no right to subject a tenant to an injustice which rendered him liable to be turned out at any moment. The magistrates required brewers to put in respectable tenants to begin with. Some brewers would put in a man of straw, and take their chance of putting him out in this way.—Mr. Burder pointed out that where the owners of a house suspected a tenant of permitting betting, they ought not to be ex- pected to with until the tenant was convicted before gettting rid of him. As their worships put it, where a man conducted his house badly without being convicted, he was to remain as the tenant, but where a conviction ensued the licence at the next annual sessions might be refused, as had happened at Manchester.-The magistrates, after privately deliberating, adhered to their former ruling, amending the clause so that it can only take effect nnnn conviction of the tenant. -r--

PROPOSED INFECTIOUS HOSPITALS IN FLINTSHIRE. + IMPORTANT CONFERENCE AT FLINT. On Monday, in the Council Chamber of the Flint Town Hall, a joint conference of the various local authorities in the union of Holy- well was held in order to consider the advis- ability of providing a hospital for the treatment of cases of infectious disease. There was a large atten- dance, representative of the following authori- ties:-Flint Town Council, Holywell Rural District Council, and the Urban Councils of Holywell, Mold, and Connah's Quay. The Mayor of Flint (Alderman S. K. Muspratt) pre- sided.-Mr. P. Harding Roberts, the clerk of the Holywell Rural District Council, was called upon to explain the raison d'etre of the con- 0 ference. He said the want of an infectious hospital had been greatly felt for a long time, and the Local Government Board had reneatedlv urged them to provide one. He had ascertained that a hospital of the kind they wanted was built at Wrexham at a cost of R6,500, providing 40 beds.—Dr. James Williams (medical officer) urged the necessity of the hospital from a medical point of vie -v.-Alderman Hall CFlintA said Holywell had a greater necessity for such a hospital than any other part of the dis- trict. From the reports which had been given, it seemed that the state of Holywell was most deplorable. On the other hand, the sanitary state of Flint was good. They had spent a large amount in sewerage, &c., while Holywell Practically nothing.—Mr. Astbury (Northop) said that the rural parts of the Union were strongiy in favour of having a hospital. -Dr. J. H. Williams (medical officer of Flint borough) thought that it would be to the pecu- niary advantage of all the authorities in the long run to build one large joint hospital. He thought such a one could be built in this district tor ±5,000, to provide, say, 40 beds — Mr. Harding Roberts pointed out that it should be borne in mind that, even if a hospital were erected, it could not be used for cases of small- pox. There was, however, a small fever hospital at Mostyn, belonging to the Chester Port Sanitary Authority, and he thought that they could arrange to have the use of that for smallpox cases if they allowed that authority to send their fever patients to their hospital. He also pointed out that one of the great diffi- culties they would have to contend with would be their limited powers to compel patients to go into the hospital. Mr. Taylor (Town Clerk of If lint) also dwelt on this point, and ex- pressed the opinion that Parliament should grant powers in this matter. He pointed out that the Chester Corporation were about to put up a large fever hospital in Flintshire-at Sea- land-and they offered to allow neighbouring places to use it upon payment for each patient, without any contribution towards the cost of erection.—Mr. Astbury said they had bad ex- perience of the Chester Corporation before, and he thought they were well able to manage their own affairs.—Further discussion followed, and it appeared to be the general opinion that two hospitals should be provided-one in the neighbourhood of Mold and the other in the Holywell district, it being pointed out that the distance would be too great to convey patients. Alderman Hall emphatically protested against the rates of Flint being saddled with part of the cost of such hospitals, as they were well able to arrange for themselves.—It was ultimately decided to adjourn the conference to October 25, for each authority concerned to further con- sider the matter and make enquiries.—Mr. Harding Roberts was appointed secretary of the conference.

THE VACANCY ON THE GENERAL MEDICAL COUNCIL.—Mr. George Jackson, F.R.C.S. (Eng.), of Plymouth, has announced his retirement from the contest in favour of Sir Walter Foster, M.P., who has consented to stand, and whose address is already published. Sir Walter was for ten years direct representative of the profession on the Council up to November last, and was recently presented with the gold medal of the British Medical Association at the annual meeting in London, for his services on the Council. He is nominated by the Presidents of the Royal College of Physicians, London, and the Royal College of Surgeons of England, Sir James Paget, Bart., Mr. Pridgin Teale (of Leeds) one of the representatives of the Privy Council on the General Medical Council), and others prominent in the medical world. Sir Walter Foster only returned on Thursday last from Montreal, where he had been attending the meeting of the British Medical Association. From his address it appears that Sir Walter Foster is 'resolutely opposed to any legis- lation which would register women as midwives and enable them to practice midwifery without the superintendence of a registered medical practitioner.'

NORTH WALES UNIVERSITY CALENDAR.-We have received from the publisher, Mr. J. E. CroDish, St. Ann's-square, Manchester, a copy *T i1!6 of the University College of North Wales, for the year 1897-8. It contains like its predecessors, a great body of valuable' information to present and intending students, also to all interested in the important work of higher education in the northern portion of the Principality. BAND OF HOPE JUBILEE.—The committee having charge of the arrangements for the local celebration had a lengthy sitting at the Temperance Hall on Tuesday evening, Mr. W. Denson presiding. A musical festival has been decided upon for Wednesday, November 3rd, 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 Hope, 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.

EDDISBURY PETTY SESSIONS. 0 MONDAY.—Before Messrs. James Tomkinson Hugh Lyle Smyth, C. Threlfall, S. H. Wood- house, and J. W. Smith. DISEASED MEAT PROSECUTION. WELL-KNOWN FARMER FINED. Cyrus D. Slater, farmer, Woodford Hall, Over, was summoned for being the owner of an out- house in which was deposited, for the purpose of preparation for sale, the carcase of a cow unfit for food. Thomas Blackburne, butcher, Over, was summoned for being the owner of the meat, and John Johnson, butcher, Over, was summoned for aiding and abetting. Mr. Parkinson, Winsford, prosecuted on behalf of the Winsford Urban District Council. Mr. J. J. Dixon, Northwich, defended Slater, and Mr. Chesters, Crewe, defended Blackburne and Johnson. Mr. Parkinson stated that on Tues- day, September 7th, Mr. Ralph Oakes, inspector of nuisances to the Winsford Urban District Council, attended Mr. Slater's farm, and asked him if he had a cow which bad been slaughtered there. Slater said he had, and Oakes, on making the request, was told he might see it. Slater volunteered the information that the cow had suffered from milk fever, and was slaughtered after the disease was discovered. Oakes saw the carcase, which was dressed in the usual way, and together with Mr. Harper, veterinary surgeon, he examined it. In the word of the inspector, the carcase was very I swabby to feel, and Mr. Slater said the fact that the animal had suffered from milk fever might account for that. Mr. Slater said the cow calved on the previous Saturday, she was taken ill on Sunday he gave her a bottle of linseed oil, and on the Monday he had her slaughtered. The lungs of the cow were buried, but Mr. Oakes had them disinterred. Mr. Oakes and Mr. Harper ex- amined the internal organs of the cow, and the result they came to was that the cow had suffered from a species of blood poisoning or inflammation. Mr. Slater said he had had the cow slaughtered himself, and had sold it to Blackburne. He added that the cow in its proper health was worth 13 or 14 -guineas, and that he had sold it for five guineas. When Blackburne came upon the scene he said he had slaughtered the beast for Mr. Slater. Black- burne contended that the cow was right enough and fit for food, and he volunteered the state- ment, 'It would have passed the inspector at Manchester if it had got through at Winsford.' Johnson afterwards said that his money had paid for the cow. The following day Mr. Oakes and Mr. Harper went to Mr. Slater's, accom- panied by Dr. Garstang, medical officer of health for the district, and Dr. Armitage, assistant to Dr. Okell. The two doctors examined the carcase, and their opinion was that it was diseased and totally unfit for food, the animal having evidently suffered very severely from inflammation of some kind. The outside of the carcase on the right shoulder, extending down to the ribs, was very much bruised, this symptom betraying that the animal must .have suffered great pain before being slaughtered, and had punished itself in the shippon while suffering pain. This sort of thing had been very much on the increase in the district for some time. The inspector bad had two suspicious cases against Johnson before, and had had to warn him. The Bench heard a similar case last December, and they fined a man X20. A month or six weeks ago a similar case was heard at Wharton, and the defendant in that case was fined X20 and costs.—Ralph Oakes, nuisance inspector, in bearing this statement out, said the carcase was totally unfit for human food. Apart from the condition of the internal organs, he should have thought from the colour of part of the outside of the cow that it was diseased. Witness admitted that the defendants had behaved perfectly openly throughout.—By the Chairman: It was not customary to bury the lungs of cows in these cases unless they were diseased.—J. Harper, veterinary surgeon, Over, said he came to the conclusion, from the ruddy colour of the m outside of the carcase, that the cow had had some inflammation. On examining the internal organs he found that the animal had suffered from blood poisoning and inflammation.-Cross- examined by Mr. Dixon Witness was of opinion that Mr. Slater thought he had a perfect right to slaughter the beast. If witness had not been able to see the lungs he might have hesitated about condemning the cow. Dr. Garstang deposed to coming to the conclusion, after examining the carcase, that it was not fit for human food. Cross-examined, witness con- sidered it possible if the carcase had been fully dressed and delivered at a central market that it might have passed an inspector who knew nothing of the previous circum- stances. By the Chairman He formed his opinion from the appearance of the lungs and spleen.—Dr. Armitage corroborated.—Mr. Dixon, on behalf of the defendant Slater, contended that his client had not done any- thing with a wicked and criminal intent, having simply made an error of judgment. Mr. Slater came from a long line of farmers, and he was the tenant of a large farm, and it was not likely that he would be so foolish as to besmirch the family name for the sake of a trumpery advantage.—Mr. Chesters said Blackburne was sent for by Mr. Slater to kill the cow, but Johnson had nothing to do with the case.—After the magistrates had deliberated together in private, the Chairman said the case had been extremely well conducted on both sides, and they had given it their most earnest consideration. They desired to impute the best motives to the defendants, but could not but be of opinion that a distinct breach of the law had been committed. While desiring to absolve the defendants from culpable intent, they felt an act of grave carelessness had been committed. They did not consider there was any case against Johnson, but they fined Slater X5 and costs, and Blaokburne 92 and costs. THE RISING SUN, TARPORLBY.—The licence of the Rising Sun, Tarporley, was transferred to Martha Woodward, widow of the late licensee. DUDDON ASSISTANT OVERSEER IN TROUBLE.— Richard Woodward, Duddon, was summoned that he being the assistant overseer of the township of Duddon did not pay over to Mr. J. H. A. Hall, treasurer of the Tarvin Union, E10 4s. lid., being a surcharge made upon him by Mr. F. O. Hartley, assistant district auditor. —Mr. W. H. Churton, who prosecuted on behalf of the public auditor, John Frederick Adams, who, he said, had taken out a summons against defendant to recover the amount. Henry Grant Bailey, deputy clerk to the Tarvin Union, said the audit was held in February, and he produced a book shewing the surcharge.- Defendant said he had not collected the money, and he could not pay it before he collected it.— Mr. Churton said it had nothing to do with it whether he collected the money or not. The surcharge was final. Moreover, defendant had had plenty of time to collect the money since March.—The Bench issued a distress warrant.

GREAT WESTERN TRAIN ALTERATION. Particulars appear in our advertising columns of the Great Western Railway principal train and boat alterations for October. FIRE IN NOJATH GATE- STREST.- On Wednesday night, about eleven o'clock, an outbreak of fire happened in the residence of Mrs. Williams, Upper Northgate-street. The fire brigade were summoned, and operated with a hand pump. The conflagration was caused by the explosion of a paraffin lamp, and had caught the window blinds, clothing, a couch, and articles of furni- ture, all of which were considerably damaged. AMBULANCE COMPETITION AT CHESTER. On Saturday evening, at the Drill Hall, an inspec- tion took place of the members of the Chester division of St. John Ambulance Association, by Dr. Trimble, deputy commissioner. There were present the vice-chairman (Mr. George Dickson) and the other members of the com- mittee, including Mr. J. G. Holmes, Drs. Harrison, Hopkins, Burges, Mann, and Duff. There was a fair number of spectators. The men inspected comprised the Chester and Saltney divisions, and were questioned on ambulance work, and performed the various tests and drills. The inspection over, Dr. Trimble spoke very favourably of the work of both divisions, remarking that the men shewed considerable knowledge of it. He would have pleasure in reporting to the headquarters his favourable opinion. Next took place the examination for the Yerburgh medal. About 16 candidates entered the competition, and after an exciting performance, in which many shewed considerable skill, the medal was awarded to a man named Hughes, an old ambulance student. It is to be much regretted that the .association in Chester does not meet with the attention and popularity it deserves, and an earnest desire is expressed by the officials that during the winter months greater interest will be taken in its proceedings.

CHESTER ART*LLERYME^N AT^EliAND" The thirty-seventh annual carbine prize meet- ing of the headquarter battery and companies of the 1st Cheshire and Carnarvonshire Volun- teer Artillery was held at Sealand on Monday Ibe programme had been thoroughly revised since last year, the entrance fees having been reduced, and the competitions rendered much more attractive generally, with the result that there was a large increase in the number of marksmen who put in an appearance at the range. The day was an ideal one. When shooting commenced, about half-past nine, the sun shone brilliantly, and throughout the day there was hardly a cloud overhead or a breath of wind. Under such favourable circumstances it was Dot to be wondered at that some very ereditable scores were registered. Quarter- master Sergeant Gillham, of No. I Battery, succeeded in winning the silver cnaiienge cup for the best aggregate, making the highest scores both in the Mayor's and Sheriff's competitions, and coming only one point behind Gunner Reynolds in the Drill Handicap. Owing to the length of the competitions, part of the programme had to be curtailed, as the light began to fail. The officers present during the day were Col. H. T. Brown, Major Fountain, Captain Walker (adjutant), Captains R. Stewart Wood, Hall, and Bonnalie, Lieutenant Jayne, and Lieutenant-Surgeon Wright. There was but a small attendance of civilians, and it is a matter for surprise and regret that so few members of the general public avail themselves of the opportunity of spending a pleasant after- noon, and also of encouraging the local volun- teers by their presence. Sergt.-Major Brown I and Sergt. Fisher acted as umpires, and the statistical department was in charge of Co,-Sergeant-Major Browne and Sergeant-Major Gerrard. Details of the scoring are appended:- DRILL HANDICAP. Open to qualified members, paints being allowed for attendance at drill. Five shots at 200, 300, and 400 yards each. | Points in -d Score alld. Tl. 1 Reynolds, No. 1 Battery 66 2 68 2 Q.-M.-S. Gillham, do 63 4 67 3 Corpl. Harper, do 56 2 58 4 Gunner W. A. Williams, do 54 3 57 5 Gunner C. H. Davies, do 51 .5. 56 6 Sergt. J. R. Bennett, do 54 2 56 7 Bom. J. W. Bonnett, No. 2 Co. 49 6 55 8 Corpl. N. White, do 49 6 55 9 Arm.-Sergt. Evans, do. 53 2 55 10 Q.-M.-S. Davies, No. 1 Battery. 54 0 54 11 Sergt. C. Dodd,do. 49 4 53 12 Drum-Major Pearson, do 49 4 53 13 C.-S.-M. Browne, No. 2 Co. 52 .1. 53 14 Sergt. J. Sconce, do. 53 0 53 15 B.-S.-M. Shaw, No. I Battery 47 5 52 MAYOR'S COMPETITION. Open to all members and hon. members of the Battery of Position and Nos. 2 and 3 Companies. At 200, 300, 400, and 500 yards. Five shots at each range:— Quartermaster-Sergt. Gillham 78 Sergeant J. Sconce 77 Quartermaster-Sergt. Davies 76 Sergeant J. R. Bennett 75 Bombardier H. Boulton 74 Bombardier J. R. Bennett. 74 Gunner Reynolds. 73 Gunner W. A. Williams 73 Gunner C. H. Davies 72 Arm.-Sergt. Evans 71 Drum-Major Pearson 70 Sergeant C. Dodd 68 Colour-Sergeant M. Browne. 65 Gunner W. N. Williams 64 Corporal J. Harper 63 THE SHERIFF'S COMPETITION. Open to all members and honorary members of the Battery of Position, and Nos. 2 and 3 Companies. At 400 and 500 yards. Five shots at each range :— Quartermaster-Sergeant Gillham 46 Bombardier H. Boulton 44 Bombardier Bonnett "oo. 43 Sergeant Sconce "OO" 43 Drum-Major Pearson 39 Corporal Harper 39 Gunner C. H. Davies 39 Gunner Reynolds 39 Quartermaster-Sergeant Davies 38 Sergeant J. R. Bennett 34 Sergeant C. Dodd 32 Gunner A. Williams 31 Gunner W. N. Williams 30 Arm.-Sergeant Evans .oo. 29 Bombardier Sergt.-Major Gerrard 28 SILVER CHALLENGE CUP. Presented by the late Mr. R. Roberts (to be held for one year), for the highest aggregate score in the Drill Handicap and the Mayor's or the Sheriff's competitions :— Quartermaster-Sergeant Gillham 124

FLINT COUNTY RIFLE ASSOCIATION. The first meeting of this newly-formed Flintshire association was held at Rbyl on Saturday under most favourable auspices. Notwithstanding that notice of the division of the old Rifle Association was only given on the 12th of August, a substantial sum of money was raised for prizes, and so far as the change of venue is concerned the consensus of opinion among the marksmen on Saturday was that the Rhyl range was superior to that at Conway. There was a strong wind blowing, which rendered marksmanship rather difficult, so much so that only 25 out of the 80 who fired at the initial range qualified to shoot in the final stage for the association prize. For this reaaon the shooting was rather below the average. The principal item was the association prize, value JE22, consisting of three county badges and the medal of the N.R.A. The competition was open to the staff (exclusive of sergeant- instructors) and ten per cent. of the effective members of each company returned October 31st, 18%. Ranges 200, 500, and 600 yards. There were 80 competitors, and the following are the vrize-winners 1st Prize—the N.R.A. Bronze Medal, Comity Badge, and L5, Lance-Cpl. M'Cann, Rbyl 83 2nd Prize-L4 and County Badge, Cpl. P. Lewis, Caergwrle 80 3rd Prize— £ 3 and County Badge, Private S. Bailey, Hawarden 76 4th, X2 10s., Armour-Sergt. Cooper, Caergwrle. 71 5th, R2, Private Boyes, Holywell. 70 6th, £ 1 10s.,Cpl. D. Davies, Hawarden 70 7th, Xl, Cpl. D. Roberts, Rhyl 76 8th, £ 1, Sergt. H. Jones, Hawarden 69 9th, 10s., Lieut. H. Hall, Rbyl 69 10th, 10s., Lance-Cpl. T. Roberts, Colwyn Bay.. 67 11th, 10s., Cpl. H. Catharall, Hawarden 66 12th, 10s., Private T. Reynolds, Hawarden 66 I The three successful teams in the volley- firing competition for teams of ten men from ea-th company of the battalion, the conditions being five volleys at 400 yards, were:—1st prize, £10, Flint, 112 points; 2nd, X3, Rhyl, 103 points; and 3rd, 92, Caergwrle, 98, after having nine points deducted for defective volley- firing. The extended order practice prize, value X8, competed for by ten men from each company, commanded by section commander, seven shots at unknown distances, resulted as follows :—1st prize, X2, Hawarden, 53 points 2nd, Flint, 52 points; 3rd and JE1, Rhyl and Caergwrle a tie, 50 points each. The other scores were :-Mold, 39; Holywell, 39; and Abergele, 36. Sergeaut-Instructors' prize, value £ 3 10s. seven shots at 500 yards:—1st prize, £ 2 Sergeant-Major Holden, Hawarden, 26; 2nd, £1, Sergeant-Instructor George Pitt, Abergele, 21; 3rd, 10s., Sergeant-Instructor Bradley, Holywell, 15. Recruits' prize, value X6 10s., seven shots at 200 yards :-lst, 92, and recruits' bronze medal of the N.R.A., J. Benion, Hawarden, 28; 2nd, Xi 10s., T. Davies, Hawarden, 27; 3rd, M. Jones, Colwyn Bay, 24; 4th, Shepherd Rhyl, 22; 5th^ Bullock, Colwyn Bay, 21; 6th, J. Howellsl Hawarden, 19; 7th, Fraser, Abergele, 18; and 8th, Donnelley, Flint, 18. The competitors had nothing but praise for the arrangements made by the honorary secretaries, Captain Stubbs and Captain Keene, and in fact personally complimented the latter on the success of the meeting. Colonel B. G. Davies- Cooke, V.D., A.D.C., was present with his daughter, Miss Gwendoline Cooke, during the greater portion of the day, and shewed that although he has resigned the command, he still retains an active and deep interest in his old battalion. Other officers present were- Lieut.-Colonel Sheriff Roberts, Major J. H. Sparrow, Major Dyson, Major Hurlbutt, Capt. F. W. Stubbs, Capt. T. M. Keene (Isle of Man), Capt. Fielding, Captain and Adjutant Gough and Mr. Gough, Lieut. Leask, Lieut. Hall, Quartermaster W. W. Millington, and Dr. Jones. The competitions concluded about six o'clock, and the members assembled in front of the officers tent. Here Lieut.-Colonel Roberts addressed the company. As brother Volunteers he congratulated them on the excellent day they had had. He really must compliment the secretaries upon the excellent way they had carried out all the arrangements, and he was quite sure that ever since he had belonged to the battalion there had been nothing like it before. (Cheers.) When he told them that the whole programme had been made out since the 12th of August, before which date they ZZ6 f°5 a™fe that the counties would be effoS ,they T 00111(1 appreciate the to tL vai ntr?ducin^ Miss Cooke ^Un^erf' be said that young tfy ■ had kmdly come to present the prizes and he was quite sure that they were narnf nf f]? t ^aDy 7 bearing the honoured name of the late commanding officer should be the P"zes at the first meet- irw VFlintn Counfcy Association. dn^TS )fJ^y,a11 knew what Col. Cooke had done for the olunteers, and he hoped they in Carnarvon would remember it too, for the colonel had been the father and creator of both battalions. (Loud cheerinl-)-The names of the prize-winners were called out by Major rrow> and Miss Cooke had a charming smile r ffr remark for the winners. nvaHn'n v! M'Ca,nn came in for quite an M^nr ^r reC61Ved the Association prize. vTrrSpr°,W Pf°P°sed a vote of thanks to W f, dlsfcributing the prizes, and hoped this would not be the last time on which bne would grace the occasion with her presence. (Cheers.)-Col. B. G. Davies-Cooke, addressing his old friends and comrades,' was received with much enthusiasm. He thanked them heartily for their kind reception of his daughter. It was a great pleasure to her to assist m start- mg the Flintshire Association. She hoped it would prosper, and eventually not be behind ny other association, wherever it might be. Although only now their honorary colonel, he should always take a deep interest in their welfare, and help them to the best of is ability with his presence and sup- port. (Cheers.) Ringing cheers were also given for Lieut.-ColoneIR-oberts, the secretaries, and adjutant. The executive committee con- sists of Major Sparrow, Captain Stubbs, Captain Keene, and Lieutenant Hall. There is every reason to believe that the prize list will be much increased next year, and a project is, we believe, on foot among the Flintshire county magistrates for the gift of a handsome silver challenge cup to the association for competition. The officerE are determined to leave no stone unturned to make the association a success, and confidently appeal to the county for support of such a laudable object.

1ST CHESHIRE AND CARNARVONSHIRE VOLUN- TEER ARTILLERY.—Regimental orders by Lieut.- Colonel H. T. Brown, commanding. Head- quarters, Chester,23rd Sept., 1897. Tuesday 28th and Thursday, 30th, at the Drill Hail in plain clothes at 7.30 p.m., repository exercise. 2. Repository competition The annual repository competition will be held in the Drill Hall on Saturday, the 2nd of October, to commence at 7.30 p.m., competing detachments to parade in uniform at 7.15. p.m., band to attend. 3. Arms to be Returned to Store All members in possession of carbines or swords will be good enough to return them to the Armoury imme- diately after the annual meeting, for inspection prior to being sent to Birmingham. 4. Duties for next week: Orderly officer, Lieut. F. H. Lloyd; orderly sergeant, Sergt. J. White.—By order, ED. FOUNTAIN, Major and Quartermaster, Adjutant 1st C. & C.V.A.

A YOUNG HEIR'S INSTABILITY. TWO CHANGES OF RELIGION AND A WEDDTNG. A: very interesting story is at present agitating all Scotland, especially Perthshire. Some years ago (says the Daily Mail) much to the regret of his parents, an amiable youth, neir to a very line estate and poeition, while pursuing his studies at Oxford, joined the Roman Catholic Church, under the direct influ- ence of a very influential person who is also of that religious belief. The young man was subsequently initiated as a priest, and was attached to a well known Oratory in town, where he has remained ever since. His father disinherited him. But within the last few weeks rumours of a severance of the clerical tie have been current in the village and neighbourhood associated with the paternal home, and these have been so far verified by the appearance of the priest, or ex-priest, as he may now be. It is his first appearance in his former home since he joined the Roman Church. This remarkable reversion from the priesthood is accompanied by the statement that the young man, who is very handsome, is engaged to be married, which is considered a very likely solution of the mystery of the change. He is very nearly connected with a prominent peer.

LIGHTING-UP TABLE. All cycles and other vehicles must be lighted up as stated in the following table:- Wednesday, Sept. 29 6*41 Thursday, Sept. 30 6.39 Friday, Oct. 1 6 37 Saturday, Oct. 2 6 34 Sunday, Oct. 3 6.32 Monday, Oct. 4 630 Tuesday, Oct. 5 6 27

WEEKLY STATE OF THE CHESTER INFmMABY EHDED SATURDAY LAST. IN-PATIENTS. In-patients are admitted on Tuesday mornings at Eleven o'clock. D18C*A"««I>- IK-PAT1EHT8. 10 Admitted 24 Made outipatienu" 0 Reaiai11 in the House ••• 9 Unrelieved 3 Dead 1 Dale and Mrs. Dickson. i 0UT-PATIENTS. Medical cases are seen on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday mornings at Eleven o'clock. Surgical cases are seen on Thursday mornings at Eleven o'clock Ophthalmic cases are seen on Friday mornings at Eleven o'clock. Dental cases are seen on Tuesday and Saturday mornings at Ten o'clock. MOM* PATIENTS. DI8CHAR»*I>. ADMITTED. 17 I Admitted 50 Relieved. 18 I Bemain 93 Made In-Patients 3 I Dead 1 j Dead 1 j —shioe Saturday last 92

Sealskin Jacket and Far Alterations. 20% SAVED. W. Creamed h CU., PRACTICAL FUKRIEiiS Skilfully Renovate and Remodf iSealsl.ii C. ent- and Furs upon the p.-o.-u^e;: STRICTLY WHOLESAT K PRiOr.3 PERFECT FITTING & FINEST V■: K- -TK*R.. NEWEST AND SMART.! -1 MOPELo. Estimates, Designs, and Fore- • Self M^a^urc- ment on applicat i W. CREAMER & Co.. H.M. THE QUEEN'S TURKIER*. 56, BOLD STREET [ IVi-KPOOL

Births, j&arrtagfS, ajD Drains. 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. DEATHS. CLOSLI-Sept ember 23 (suddenly), at 39. Bailey-street, vSrf^ J,fldence ker son-in-law, aged 64 se' wvldow of the late William Close, of Kirkby Stephen and Liverpool. i^ODD—September 22, at New York, Robert Dodd, formerly of this city, in his 64th year. September 23, at Hobart, Tasmania, acred 23 years, Thomas Herbert, fourth son of Thos. Hy. Erans. Eastgate Buildings, Chester. Owpws-September 27, at the Royal Southern HospitaJ, Liverpool, aged 62 years, Owen Owens, Brynmelyn Stores, Carwen, WILLIAM s-September 25, at 27, Bersham-road, Wrexham, aged 21 years, Rosa Eleanor, daughter of Mr. and ldrs. W. IEI. idiams. WYKNE-EDWAEDS—September 24, at 6, East Parade, Ehyl, Sarah Conner Wynne-Edwards, aged 63 years.

M E I A L S, l' Å T ALL Pi,-ICES. IX MARBLE, GRANITE, STONE & ALABASTER. On View, and to Order. HASWELL & SON, MASONS, KALEYARDS, CHESTER. _EBTIMATES A ND DESIGNS. THE DUKE OF YORK.—The report that the

Duke of York was going to commission a ship in order to visit the colonies is officially stated to be without foundation. NURSING ARRANGEMENTS AT CHESTER WORK- £ °UfT 7Jestf.rday (Tuesday) the Chester lioard of Guardians appointed Emily Morton their superintendent nurse. The salary is £35 per annum to commence with, and it will be increased £1 per annum until a maximum of X40 per annum is reached. The medical officer (Dr. Archer) recommended the appointment of an additional trained nurse for the hospital, and the matter was referred to the House Committee