The Chester Courant and Advertiser for North Wales

THE BATHING SEASON. A Maidenhead shop assistant, named George Morton, was drowned to-dtty while bathing at Taplow. 4>-

DIVORCE. Mr. Benjamin John Wilson. commercial traveller, Darlington, was to-day granted a decree nisi and £ 400 damages because of his wiFs miscon- duct with Mr. Henry Clayton, a tailor in business at Darlington. --+

AI,IE[tICA'S NEW GAME. [RECTER'S SPECIAL CABLE.] New York, Tuesday. Speaking here last night, Sir Michael Herbert said the twisting of the lion's tail. which was formerly almost a national game. had now been superseded by baseball and football.

MOAT TRAGEDY SEQUEL. CHARGE AGAINST A SOLICITOR. The Divisional Court to-day granted a rule calling upon Mr. Arthur Newton, solicitor ior the prisoner Dougal, to shew cause why he should not answer "alleged contempt in using a process of the Court to obtain a payment from the Herts and Essex 'Observer.' It was stated that Mr. Newton threatened proceedings against the paper because of a paragraph which he said was prejudicial to his client, but ultimately ac- cepted 50 guineas and undertook to withdraw all proceedings.

RING THE BELL. WARNING TO CYCLISTS. To-day, at Northwich, John Barton, publican, was fined 42s., including costs, for failing to give audible warning of his approach on a bicycle, and for using obscene language. It was stated that while under the influericoof drink defendant rode over the town bridge. Miss Cram, daughter of a Northwich bank manager, was wheeling her machine, and defendant ran into her handle bar, overturning the machine. Then he swore at her. The Bench said a repetition of the offence would receive a severer punishment.

DASTARDLY MURDER. A POLICEMAN SHOT. A Leicestershire policeman named Wilkinson was apparently, deliberately murdered shortly before midnight at Sileby. He was standing near a churchyard, when he was shot dead. There has' been trouble with poachers recently. After the occurrence the police went to a house, the doors of which had been barricaded by two men. The officers, it is alleged, were threatened, and a gun was fired in the air, the barrel afterwards being thrown from a window. The men subsequently surrendered and were taken to Loughborough. PRISONERS' INCRIMINATING STATE- MENTS. Thomas Preston and Thomas Porter were brought upat Loughborough, to-day, charged with the murder of P.C. Wilkinson, at Sileby, by shooting. Evidence was given to the effect that Porter said he had been driven to it. and did not care if he was hanged. It was also stated that Preston said it was a bad job they did not do them both, meaning the two village policemen. Prisoners were remanded. Both are young men. Preston served in the Boer War.

SPORTING. EPSOM MKKTI.NG. TUESDAY. CRAVEN STAKES. Aggressor. 1; Stoic, 2; Assiout, 3. Eight ran. WALLI-NGTO-N PLATJC.—Bass Rock, 1; Extradition, 2; Fantasy, 3. Eight ran. EGMOXT PLATE—Ballette f., 1; Star of Hanover, 2; Court Belle, 3. Sixteen ran. WOODCOTE STAKES. Merryman, 1 Mousqueton, 2; Jolly Beggar, 3. Five ran.

The Duke of Westminster's mare, Ornament, fouled a bay tiily, by Persimmon, oil Friday at Sandringham. Ornament and Persimmon are, it will he remembered, the dam and sire of Sceptre, and the new arrival is the first foal Ornament has had since Sceptre.

MAX O'RELL DEAD. -+- WITTY FRENCHMAN 8 BUSY CAREER. M. Paul Blouet, the well-known writer known under the nom-dopiume of Max O'Rell, died on Sunday night at h-s res.dence in the Rue ireycinet, Paris. M. Blouet had been ailing for fioma months past, but he still continued his work for the various newspapers witia which he was connected. Max U Rdl, one of tne most brilliant journalists Flulnee has produced, was boni in Brittany on March 2, loto, ana received his educat.oa .n fans, irid was a cavalry officer in lóíU, and iougiit in tne -t IAUCO-f riuiitiii war, oeuig wouncled and after- wards taken prisoner at tjcdati, wiule later on, ruling Llic t^OMMAAT*, he WM AGAIN wounded severely in in siiuet li^lit.ng, and received a pension for his services, in 1612 he came to Eng- iand as tne Lonaoa correspondent o: the "Journal <ies Debais, and lour years later took up a post as master at fee. faul s fccoooi, wneie lie remained until 1884. It was here that, tne gen.al Frenchman commenced li s career as a. writer tor the Englisn- speakmy puoiic Ly producing tiie tamous "JoHn -bull and ijii island. wincii was suca a success that he shortly afterwards gave up teaching for tne llKJr0 rciuuiierauv e pursuits Cl literatuie aud lecturing, ior nearly eighteen years Max 0 Rell travelled almost all over the world delivering ins deugiutul lectures m biokou Enghsu that was no iess delightiul to Laten to. England, Ireland, .America, .Australia, iasinania, New Zealand, isoutii Africa. ra- Holland, 3.11d Belgium all in turn came under tne charm of his oratory, and in the intervals ot lecturing he wrote the works which have tickled the Bntisuor and emerWnita the foreigner. "Jonn Bull and Company" ap- pealed in 10.A, ana wus purnaps only exceeded in popular.cy by "Her Royal iriigtiness Woman." "oohn L-uti zi omaukind. "iJrat the Boys, I "Jonathan and his Continent," and "Between Our- selves are only some ot his books winch have served to amuse millions in every clime and on every continent. Immediately alter the Corona- tion ceremony in the Abbey he was seized with a tainting lit writ.ng out his cablegrams for tie;paten to .W \oik, and iiiid never been quite .himself since. He underwent an operation for appendicitis while in America, and two months ago was compeiled to relinquish most 01 his literary work, tuougu ho stllL coat.uiud to contribute to the latest London comic, "oohn Bull." It is stated that the dcceasc-d writer suffered from cancer, and onh iast week friend in Loudon received a letter from him in which he wrote: "I fear that I am doomed. Trie doctors give me a few months, but 1 believe 1 shall last longer." it nas bee.; calculated that Ilax O'Rell delivered more than 2.000 lectures in all manner of naiis from, theatres to lunatic asylums, and, as he him- self onLe said, "a six-months' lecturing tour is sorunlllllg wry much like six months hard labour, only it is not so dishonourable, and it is more lu.-raiive.' it jj reported that a Highland waiter once refused to serve the brilliant frenchman at dinner, arid when reproved explained, "It's no to be expected that a self-respecting Scotsman coulu serve him with cceveciity. Didn t lis say we took to the kilt because our teefc were too large to get through trousers' The following are some of Max O Roll's bon mCèS :it you are bald, never make love to a woman taller than you. Looked at from below you are all rigiit." "Never let our see you without a c.c,il,r-no, not even the wife of your bosom. A drill's head without a collar is like a bouquet without a holder." "Don'l let your wife see »• you shave. Your idotw, cowed look, your gaping mouth, and grimaccs are as many infallible remedies for love. "Never go down on your knees to declare your love; you will spoil ycur trousers and fee! very uncomfortable. Rather give the lady an oppor- tunity of denying that you were. on your knees before her, for the simple reason that she was Bitting on them."

NOR LEY. I DAY SCHOOL.—The report of II.M.I. states that the school has made a great advance during the year. Handwriting, composition and the neat- ness of the paper work deserve much praise. Order good. Infants' class The instruction is generally satisfactory. Mr. Sumner and his assistants are to c be congratulated on the successful results of their I < efforrs. Walter Sumner has successfully passed the < examination for candidates for pupil teacherships. f

ALLEGED INJURIOUS FUMES. -♦ ELLESMERE I'URT v. NORLEY. In the Chancery Div ision, on Tuesday, before Mr. Justice Farwell, the hearing was resumed of the aotion by Mr. Beil, of Norley Hall, against the Smelting Corporation, of Ellesmere Port, Smelting Corporation, of Ellesmere Port, and its liquidacor, tor all injunction to restrain the defendants from allowing noxious fumes from their smelting works at Ellesmere Port to be discharged from their works so as to allow noxious substances to pass over and into plaintiffs land, and be deposited upon it. The plaintiti also seeks to recover a large, sum for loss and damage to Lis estate, and to the live stock upon it. Mr. Linniker, m examination by Mr. Upjohn, said he na.d experience oi tne eifect oi iumes ironi copper smelting worka upon lalla. near the works, but had aau iio experience ot lead or zinc deposits fiorn smelting works. He did not agree with the piaiUtiii s witnesses as to the direction of the wind. He naU always considered that the prevailing wind wa3 JN.W., not westerly, and it must be westerly in order to reach. Between Foxhiil and HeiuiStey there was a distinct dip; the lngl. ground ran almost LN. and o. 'l'ne tuures cud not reach me Stud Farm. Mr. Jomi H imam iiaies, member of the Royal Veterinary Surgeons at Euinburgn, sa.d since 18y0 he uåod piaclued at iSutton vVeaver, about seven miies from Noriey Hah, on the Runcorn side, and had an extensive PFZICL-CO in the neigh- bourhood. His practice extended from about four miles from tne defendants' works, and ne attended 76 farms and nad several thousand head of cattle under his supervision; had nad ex- experience of lead poisoning last year at Foxhiil Farm—a colt that had been grazed about a. mile from delendants' works. he :said that was a case of lead poisoning irom tne appearance both before and alter deatn. Mr. Lpjohn then ex- amined the witness in detail as to all the cases instanced by Mr. Bek's witnesses, and he said that he had examined the gums ot those animals he saw alive for traces of mineral poisoning and failed to find them. He also made post-mortem examinations and said he failed to find traces of metallic poisons. He admitted that his experience of lead poisoning was limited, and he had no knowledge of zinc poison. In cross-examination by Mr. Jenkins, witness said that the fact of lead being found in the organs on analysis did not aher his opinion. Asked whether he would adnere to that however much lead was found, he said he would not go so far as that. Mr. Henry Herbert Aldred, the analyst, sup- ported the evidence of Mr. Bates. The further hearing was again adjourned. On Wednesday Mr. Henry Aldred was further cross-examined by Mr. Jenkins, K.C. Professor Penberthy was examined by Mr. Neville, ii. C. He said he was a professor of veterinary surgery, and lecturer at the Veterinary College at Camden Town. He did not himself practice as a veterinary surgeon, but was a consultant. It was part of his practice to investigate the causes of diseases and illness for the owners of horses and horned cattle. The present, he said, was not the first case in his experience in which the illness was alleged to be caused by metallic poisoning. The cases ho re- ferred to were cases of alleged deposits of mineral particles from works. He had never been en- gaged in a case where the alleged damage had taken place at a distance of ten miles from the works. His opinion was that such damage could not be caused at a greater distance than a mile and a half. In his experience damage from deposit of mineral particles had never been quite free from sulphuric acid deposit. In his judgment the effects of sulpnuric acid deposit would extend further than the effects of mineral deposit. Asked how he would classify the causes of the losses among Mr. Bell's horses and other stock, witness said that abortion was the predominant cause. Asked what kind of abortion, he said contagious abortion. Ixeneral attention was directed to this disease by the committee of the Agricultural Soc.ety as far back as 1894, when those interested in live stock were circularised by the society on the subject. It was now a matter of common knowledge. On the 28th April, 1902, witness visited Norley Hall, and saw part of the stock. Some were very much better than others; some did not look so well as they should; but some cf the shorthorn cows and the stallions were in prime condition. He knew at the time that it was alleged that they were suffering from metallic poisoning, but he did not see any signs of it. In answer to other questions, witness said that cattle might take from 15 to 20 grains of oxide of lead per diem for three months without injury. Lead was a remedy for chronic diarrhoea in horses and cattle. That was acetate of lead, which was very soluble and was sometimes given in doses of 60 grains per day for three months for that complaint. Zinc was also given to cows and horses as a rnediciiie--the sulphate was u sed, which was extremely soluble—the dose would be M to 60 grains. itness had never heard zinc spoken of as a poison. The examination was continued all the morn- ing, and was of a highly teohuical character. The conclusion the witness came to was that t» ?i Prin°iPal cause of the damage Mr. Bell had suffered was caused by contagious abortion. ° In cross-examina bon, Mr. Jenkins extracted the admission that witness had never teen an animal actually suffering from lead poisoning. Mr. Henry Worsiey, analytical chemist at the Veterinary College, and Mr. Frank Harris Aieroit, analytical chemist of Birmingham, gave evidence as to the results of their analyses cf organs submitted to them for examination. Ihe further hearing was adjourned Ihe hearing was resumed on Thursday, when Di. Bailey a doctor of science, lecturer, and ad- viser to the Manchester C.ty Council, in reply to quest.ons by Mr. Upjohn, KC., said that he went to defendants' works on the 27th April of this year and was engaged on that day, and on the Apnl and on the 2nd and 9th May in taking samples of the soil near the works, practically along the line of the railway, at distances of half- a-nnie, then a mile and a quarter, two miles and a quarter, up to a distance of six miles; and on the yth he went in the direct on of Norley, at a distance of 8 miles from the defendants' works. He took samples at each place. The first few samples he took he analysed for lead and zinc, but filldmg only a very slight trace of zinc, he after- wards tested for lead only. The results of h s analyses ranged from .215 halt'-a-mile from the wotks to .3061 at a mile and a quarter. At a dis- tance of six miles three sampies were taken at different altitudes, the lowest yielding 2U11 the middle .3016, and the top .408. At e.ght and a half miles distance the analyses yielded in one sample .3021, in another .4045, and tiio third .52014. Tne witness said that in piepariug fill samples for analysis he took off the herbage and analysed the soil only, because—he was understood to say—the smelting works had been silent for a considerable time. His samples consisted of an inch deep of what ho called the sub-soil. He at tributed the existence of lead in his analytical re- sults to the fact that lead formed a small con stituent of the geological formation in the district examined. The witness referied to information obtained from the records of the geological sur- e\ s, saying that soma parts of Lancashire and Cheshire formation contained lead, zinc, and copper. But his lordship said that witness was being examined as to his own experience only, and must bear that in m.nd in giving evidence. In cross-examination, Mr. Jenkins, K.C., a ked why witness had not analysed the grass which was alleged to have caused the damage. The animals did not eat the sub-soil. lie Suggested that witness had omitted the test of the grass in case he should find lead in .t. He remarked upon the fact that witness, the further off the works he got the more lead he found. Witness was also asked why he had not taken samples at Norley Hall, but his answer wa-i inaudible. Mr. John F. Allen, chemist, experienced in cli enncal, smelting and other works at St. Helens, VVidnes. etc., was examined by Mr. Upjohn as to experiments made by witness m 18,0 in conjunction with S.r H. T. Koscoe and Mr. Fletcher m the neighbourhood of St. Helens in connection with new fallen snow. Witness said that taking the Parish Church, St. Helens, as the starting point, they took the too of the snow for a square yard and bottled it; then they took a sample at a distance of 1.400 yards, another at 2,400 yards, and another at 4,400 yards. There was a stiong N.E. wind blowing at the time. They tested the samples for two acids— sulphuric and hydrochloric. The woiks :n the neighbourhood were glas; works, chemical works, copper works and several smelting works. After testing for the acids they exanrmd the contents of the bottles for appearance. In the first sample there were 44 grains per gallon, in the second 36 grains, in the third 14 grains, and the öampl2 taken at 4,400 yards from the church 9.5 grain'. As to appearance, the first sample was black as ink. the second lighter, the third lighter st'll, while the last was but slightly discoloured. His lordship objected to 'th's class of evidence i1., unnecessary, and a short discussion ensued be- tween the Bench and the examining counsel. Resuming his examination, Mr. Upjohn asked whether witness bad formed an opinion as to the extent to which damage could be done by these metallic fumes from smelting works. Witness said that he did not say that damage was done by such metall c turner He should think that at two and a half miles the effect was a!aiO:t nothing, but that at four or five miles distance thr- influ- ence of the smoke continued. Th y had had no claims for damage to animal life for a period of forty years; but. he had heard of such a claim some years ago on a firm at Runcorn. Mr. Robert Catk-y, engineer, with experience in mining and metallurgy (formerly manager of the Smelting Corporation), and other witnesses were also examined. The further hearing was again adjourned. Mr. Neville continued his address upon the lefendant's ease, and claimed that the comparison < )f the experts called by the plaintiff with those J ;hat the defendant Corporation had called was jreatly in favour of the latter. He called attention 4 to the fact that these smelting works were of the most improved description, and that the discharge of noxious matter was smaller in the modern furnaces than it was in the older. He contended that the plaintiff had failed to prove that it was the Corporation's lead that was on his farm. Mr. Jenkins, in his summing up for the plaintiff, submitted that the plaintiff had submitted positive evidence of lead and zinc poisoning, which had not been rebutted by positive evidence. The defendants had given the negative evidence of experts that in their opinion the cases of death and abortion were due to other causes than metallic poisoning. He submitted that the plaintiff's evidence must prevail. because the defendants had not gone the right way to work, by bringing forward direct evidence, as they might have done. THE JUDGMENT. In giving judgment his Lordship said that the plaintiff complained that many of his cows and mares suffered from chronic lead poisoning. His Lordship referred to tinee of which two died in May, H102, and one in September, 1902. It was quite clear to him that in these early cases the metallic poisoning did not come from the defendant's works. He had come to the conclusion that the plaintiff had not proved his case. It appeared to him that lead and zinc had not been proved to be fatal to animal life at all, though very large doses had been given and were in the habit of being given to animals. As to the number of cases complained of, his lordship doubted whether it was more than a fair average on the amount of stock kept. All the defendants' professional witnesses said that lead did not produce abortion in cows. There was no case, so far as he could see of chronic lead poisoning in which the medical experts had teen satisfied, and in face of the testimony he had he did not think he should be justified in holding that lead did produce abortion in animals, and at least he could not hold that the small quantities found in these cases could have had that effect. In the second place there was the fact that the defendants' works were 9.), miles 2 off. The onus was on the plaintiff to prove that the damage had been caused by the defendants' works, and he had not succeeded in proving that. In his opinion the expert evidence for the defendants entirely outweighed the expert evidence for the plaintiff. In his lordship's judgment the plaintiff had tailed to prove his case, and the action must be dismissed with costs

EDUCATIONAL COMPROMISES. BY THE BISHOP OF ST. ASAPH. (FROM THE PILOT.") In Wales,-we include Monmouthshire—the Education Act of 1902 may be studied in a well- defined area, and amid conditions which accen- tuate its underlying difficulties, while a recent effort to minimise the latter may be instructive. In Wales, as elsewhere, the religious question has been the chief cause and the centre of all the controversies relating to primary education. Recent discussions have brought to light momen- tous change-, in the views of some of the dis- putants. in the strife and contentions that fol- lowed the Act of 18/0 the struggle was one of Church against Dissent. The Welsh Noncon- formists adopted the secularist policy. The Blue- book of lfadb shewed how great had been their in- fluence. Out of the 336 school board districts in Wales there were 268 without any religious in- struction, 294 without any syllabus, and .)4 with- out any exammat.on. in religious knowledge. Silently but surely the Welsh Nonconformists have abandoned the secularist position, and the old cry of "sweep all religious teaching from the elementary schools" is to-day feebly uttered by a wholly negligible minority. There is comfort in the fact that the secularist camp has been enfeebled by the withdrawal of those who seemed to give somewhat of a religious sanction to the secularist policy, and it is now, I believe, generally recognised that the nation as a whole has prouounced against a purely secular system of national education. In studying the position in Wales these facts must be borne in mind. There are 312,000 children in the elementary schools of Wales; there are 220,000 in Board schools, 92,000 in Voluntary schools, and 73,000 of the latter in Church schools. The Voluntary schools abound in the more sparsely populated north, and are almost non-existent in the dense populations of the south. A system which has its stronghold in the villages and fails to hold the great centres of population may cause its wise defenders some anxiety. Nonconformity, well organised and ubiquitous, commands the strong battalions of the school boards. Coming, then, to close quarters with things as they are, the present con- troversy in Wales turns less upon the question of religious instruction than upon that of popular control. In the nature of things it would not seem quixotic or unreasonable to hope that a way may be found whereby the demands of those who desire religious instruction and of those who insist upon popular control in all elementary schools may be reconciled and satisfied. For Churchmen the question seems practically to re- solve itself into these alternatives. There is the obvious policy of "the Act, the whole Act, and nothing but the Act." I grant that the Act will last as long a, the present Government. It may well be that the Nonconformists will interpret the Act of 1902 not less generously for Churchmen than Churchmen interpreted the Act of 1870 for Non- conformists. The advocates of this policy bravely —not, I hope, prophetically—say let us die fighting." Two considerations must, however, not be lost sight cf. A rigid administration of the Act would fall heavily upon many, fatally, I fear, upon some of our Voluntary schools. I need not labour this point. Moreover, this policy would mean the recrudescence cf all the bitter disputes that followed the Act of 1870, and once again it would be the miserable and enduring IT calamity of our position that the existence rather than the efficiency of our Church schools would be our first care. In the diocese of St. Asaph Churchmen took the offered opnortunitv of thoroughly understanding and weighing the demands of the party who represent popular control. I desire to say here that, as the nego- tiations are now over, the terms proferred can, in fairness, only be quoted, not reclaimed. The committee representing Welsh county councils agreed that each Voluntary school should remain a non-provided school, that a syllabus of religious instruction, drawn up by a board equally repre- sentative of the local education authority and cf the Diocesan Association of Schools, should be taught in all (i.e., provided and non-provided) schools from 9 to 9.45 a.m., with "facilities" en one day in provided and two days a week in non- provided schools for unrestricted religious teach- ing, that the teachers might, ii willing, give this unrestricted teaching in provided as well as in non-provided schools, that there should be an annual examination in religious knowledge in all schools, and that in non-provided schools the diocesan inspector might examine in the un- rostneted religious instruction. In estimating these proposal-, adequacy and security were the. vital considerations. The general syllabus, drawn up by the Board, was to be on the lines of that cf the London School Board. This syllabus, compared with that of almost any diocese, leads me to believe that, with the added facilities on two days a week, the re- ligious instruction in our non-provided schools would lose nothing in thoroughness or distinctive- ness, and the terms offered seemed to satisfy the test of adequacy. There remained the ail-im- portant consideration of security. As the law now stands, facilities could not be given in pro- vided schools during the regular school time, and the device of allowing the school to begin at 9.45 a.m. cn the facilities day would have placed the playground and the religious lesson in open competition. Facilities, to be of any real value, must be given in the school hours and with the same discipline and regularity as the rest of tho time-table. For this there can be only one sufficient and permanent security. The Ccwper- clause must go, and the right to give denominational teaching must be secured by Statute. Hitherto the State has endowed from tiie rates one form of religious instruction, and Churchmen have had little voice in determinilw and no power of supplementing this instruction! It may be urged that the conscience clause does CL not remove from Nonconformist children the corresponding unfairness in schools where the religious syllabus is all distinctive. In Buckley National Schools, Canon Drew has hit upon a plan which teems to offer a solution of the diffi- culty. For all the children who rcceive the dis- tinctive Church teaching, Canon Drew has obtained the written consent of the parents. The children whose parents do net desire such instruc- tion for them are instructed according to a general religious Yllab113 which Nonconformist parents accept. The plan works admirably. It is my own conviction that the cause of religiou- instruction will be profoundly advanced if a general syllabus of Christian instruction, wif- facilities for denominational tcaching, is secured and guaranteed by law. The reliei-rjs difficulty ha" been the dividing ai d enfeebling elements in our educational system, and if this difficulty can by reasonable concession and conciliation be overcome, the other ancsnalies and grievances would rapidly <) nic' yield to treatment. I believe that the moderate men on both sides desire to see this question ^etaea, and that they are earnestly desirous of securing relieious instruction in all elementary sc-nooh It is -omethmg gained that the name's of Board scnool and Church school, with all their irritating associations, have disappeared, and it would be lamentable if the same bitterness and rivalry are allowed to gather around the now titles of provided and non-provided schools. The. p, lai:y of the C-hurch are ready to help us 0 generously, but I much doubt whether that help can be long reckoned upon if we commit ourselves to a policy of isolation and privilege.

F RODS HAM. FIRE AL ARM.—On Sunday morning. about half-past. 11. the fife brigade were summoned to an 1 autbreak of fire on some property behind the f)ueen's Head Hotel, belonging to Messrs. Green nil Whitley and Co. The flames were speedily • subdued. i

-—♦- — WHAT "THE WORLD" SAYS. I. The latest engagement (which had been rumoured before it was actually given out) is that of Lord Monson, who is engaged to an American widow, Mrs. Turnmure, a daughter of General Roystone, of the United States Army. Lord Monson, who succeeded his father three years ago, is in his thirty-fifth year, and was for some time an honorary Attache at the British Embassy in Paris, as well as Assistant-Comp- troller and Equerry to the late Duke of Saxe- Coburg. The Egyptian command, which Sir Reginald Talbot is vacating, has been offered to Sir Reginald Pole-Carew, but it is not quite certain yet whether he will accept it. The reappearance of this popular soldier iu Egypt, of which he has already some knowledge, would occasion great satisfaction. Sir Reginald Tablot will not be an easy man to succeed, but the ex-Coildstreamer possesses all the qualifications necessary for the command. Lord Milner, who must be growing weary of contradicting interested reports of his intention to resign his position in South Africa at an early date, has once more found it necessary to deny circumstantial rumours of his approaching ac- ceptance of high office in India, Canada, or elsewhere." It is already well known that Lord Milner will come home shortly for a visit of limited duration but he has every intention of returning to the Transvaal, and remaining there until the settlement, the success of which he has done so much to promote, has advanced to the stage at which he can regard his work for the Empire in South Africa as complete. Mr. Henniker Heaton, who is clearly a believer in the policy of asking for more than there is any immediate prospect of obtaining, will increase. an already considerable debt of public gratitude if he can induce Mr. Austen Chamberlain to adopt even a tithe of his formidable list of sug- gested postal and telegraphic reforms. Among the sixty-nine items of the comprehensive cata- logue of demands which he has submitted for the Postmaster-General's consideration, there are some wh ch must be regarded, for the present at least, as embodying impracticable counsels of perfection." But there are other suggested reforms included in the list which could and should be carried into immediate effect. Even if, despite the Post-Office surplus of over four millions, the further cheapening of telegrams and the establishment of a universal penny postage are at present outside the range of practical politics, there is no reason why stamps should not be on sale at railway stations, letter boxes provided on all through trains, and not a few other of Mr. Henniker Heaton's suggestions for the further convenience of the public insti- tuted without further delay. Though in point of numbers the anti-Education Bill demonstration in Hyde Park on Saturday afternoon was undoubtedly imposing, it was hardly less so in another sense, if regarded as a spon- taneous expression of public hostility to the measure now before Parliament. In view of the fact that practically every Nonconformist chapel in London had been made to serve the purpose of an organising centre, and that the congrega- tions of those places of worship are, for the most part, permanently opposed to the Government on all political issues, the busine-s of collecting a big crowd of "demonstrators" in the Park in such circumstances on a fine Saturday afternoon was obviously an easy one. Perhaps the most noticeable point in connection with the meeting, as compared with other, of its kind, was the curious diversity of aim and opinion revealed in a gathering in which Radical secularist rubbed shoulders with dour representatives of the Non- I conformist conscience, and, "No Popery" fanatics shared the honours of the afternoon with assorted "sons of labour" and teetotal evangelists.

CRICKET. BOUGHTOX HALL V. NEILSON OPERA COMPANY. —Played at Boughton Hall on Thursday. Score :— NEILSON OPERA CO. BOUOHTON HALL. G Hales b Douglas 18 Willes c Bell b Gum ..19 Davies c Douglas b Sykes b Davies 2 Churton 0 G-ore st Wildgoose b Barlow st Gore b Davies 54 Douglas 10 L Hales b Davies 23 Gum b Svkes 11 Churtonc BelIb Davies 6 Wildgoose b Sykes .17 Douglas b Davies 10 Bell b Sykes. 0 Rev. Ford b Gum 0 Saunders b lIaies 2 Banks lbw b Bell .20 Pownall c Lloyd b Caldecutt b Davies. 4 Sykes 0 Williams b Davies 5 Dwyernotout 1 Lloyd not out 3 Neilson b Willis (! Extras 2 Extras 0 Total.61 Total 146 NEW BRIGHTON V. NESTON AND DISTRICT.— Played at New Brighton on Saturday. Score :— NESTON & DISTRICT. NEW BRIGHTON. Coventry c Drinkwater Trantom c Price b b Hammond 11 Gleave 11 Gleave c Hawkins b Pulson b Housden 47 Hammond 2 Hutton bHousden 45 Housden b Hammond.46 Tomes c Price b Gleave23 Jennings b Hammond. 0 Hammond not out .15 Price b Hammond 12 Drinkwater did not bat Richardson c Pepper b Pepper Hammond 3 Walker Barber not out 13 Fleming Davies b Hammond 0 O'Brien Greenhouse bHam'ond 4 Hawkins Priest-man bHammond 8 Samuels b Hammond.. 5 Extras .13 Extras 2 Total .117 Total .143 HAWARDEN v. ANFIELD.-Played at Hawarden on Saturday. Score :— HAWARDEX. ANFIELD. T S Gibson b Rees 13 Alcock c Green b Hind c & b Rees 3 Johnson 3 Todd c & b Abraham..31 J B Kirk c & b Gibson 1 T H Gibson b Rees 0 Foxcroft c Hind b Toller b Abraham 21 Gibson 0 Fox b Alcock 17 Latham not out 1] Johnson c & b Latham 5 Abraham b Johnson 0 Evans c & b Abraham. 5 Lloyd b Gibson 1 G reen c Kerr b Latham 3 A E Kirk b Fox. 0 Roberts not out 13 Byrne b Toller 3 Darbyshire b Alcock. 1 Wiriterbiii-iie I) Toller.. 0 Rees did not bat. Roberts Extras 3 Extras 1 Total.115 Total (8 wkts) 20 BARROW V. HOOLE.—Played at Barrow on Satur- day. Score:- HOOLE. BARROW. Laird h Bull 3 Carroll lbw bOsborn. 0 Osborn b Dodd 20 Arnold not out 20 Lloyd b Arnold 3 Bull b Osborn. 0 Gnrdnerc Vernon h Dodd run out 1 Dodd .14 Okell b Osborn I) Clegg b Jones 0 Stanyer run out 0 Walton b Jones 1 Jones c Laird h Wood 0 Phillips c_& h Bull 28 Mapes b Phillips 48 Wood!) Dodd 0 Owen not out 2 Rhodes h Dodd 0 Vernon did nob bat Parker not out 3 Beech Davies b Ariiol(i .I Extras 2 Extras .10 Total 75 Totil ()(i ALVAXLEY V. TARPORLKY.—Played at Alvanley on Saturday. Score T.\ H PORLEY. ALVANLEY. Dods b T Booth I Green b Snmrt 4 Hamilton h T Booth.. 0 Cobbe b Smart 0 Smart h T Booth 2 Green way b Wright 0 Vernon b A Booth 30 A Booth b Vernon .23 Le-ant b T Booth 213 E Britland c & b Smart 5 Wright c A Booth b T Wright b Smart. 9 Booth .12 T Booth b Wright 2 Daine b T Booth 8 A Britland b Wright.. 0 Thomson b T Booth 0 Noden b Wright 0 Hunt b Wright 1 A Greenway o Hamil- Billington b Wright 4 ton b Wright 2 Whittingham not out.. 4 Luticmorenotout. 0 Extras 5 Extras 8 Total 103 Total 4(J

GUNEKALBEN VILJOEN.—General Ben J. Viljoen, late of the Boer army, landed at Plymouth on Monday from New York. General Viljoen said he hoped to return to South Africa in a fortnight's time. He still feels very hurt at the treatment accorded him bv the War Office with regard to the Somali land expedition. "I was asked, said he, "if I would raise a Boer force and fight with it in Somaliland. As soon as I had expressed my readiness to do so in response to the invitation, and I felt it my duty to accept the hand of friendship which seemed to me to he offered, the War Office would have no more of it, and my ser- vices, which I had offered, after having been asked to do so, were declined. And now I mn going back to poor, ruined Africa, drenched as it is with the blood of your countrymen and mine, but I have great hopes for the future. I think the peace will be a lasting and a permanent one." As FULL OF FRAGRANCE AS THE MONTH OF MAY can truly be said of Horniman's Pure Tea," it being exclusively composed of the young spring blossoms. It aids digestion, invigorates the system, and is the best and cheapest. Sold by; Chester .Davie* and Shepheard, Bridge-st. Row; Co-op. Society; Crver, 25, Ohristleton-road; Ankers, 6, City-road Hol'oorn Restaurant, 29, Foregate- street. Neston: Lee, chemist. Little Sutton Swindells, baker. Tarvin Langford, grocer. Birkenhead Haywood, chemist. Rhuddlan j Roberts, grocer. "New Ferry: Fawcett, chemist, j Upper Brighton Somerville. Broraborough Pool: < Co-operative Society. Mynydd Isa Co-operative < Society. Tattenhall Wilcox, grocer. Mold t Junction: Co-operative Society. Queen's Ferry t Spark's Stores. Hoole: Jones & Davies. bakers. i I

CITY POLICE COURT. MONDAY.—Before Dr. Stolterforth, Mr. Jantes G. Frost and Mr. Thomas Smith. DOLLY-PEG AND PAVING-STONE John Beatty, Goss-street, summoned his mother, Rebecca Beatty, for threatening language; also Elizabeth Nicholas, of Kitchen-street, for assault—Com- plainant said he came home on Wednesday evening and shut the door. Immediately it was burst open, and on going to see what was the matter he was struck by Mrs. Nicholas with a dolly-peg. As he went into the house with his head bleeding, a paving-stone crashed through the window. His mother also threatened to break his head open.— Mrs. Nicholas denied that she struck complainant, but said he knocked his mother down and then jumped on her. She simply tried to get him away. —The case was dismissed. A SEPARATION.—Mary Tinkler, 81, Trafford- street, summoned William Henry Tinkler, her husband, for desertion.—Complainant said she was married to defendant in September, 1885, and there were six children living, the eldest of whom was 18. He left her on Saturday. May lGth, and had not lived with her since. She found him once in a public-house playing bagatelle, and on Wednes- day in a "dirty low-house." He was a joiner by trade, and his wages were 38s. td. She had received no money from him for a fort- night. Witness gave her evidence with much volubility, and Mr. G. Davison, the magistrates' clerk, had difficulty in getting direct answers to his questions. At last he exclaimed impatiently, How can you expect a man to live with you if you have a tongue like that (Laughter).—The magistrates granted a separation order for 15s. a week. DETAINING A BICYCLE.-George Heath, who did not appear, was summoned for detaining a bicycle value £3 10s., the property of a boy, the son of William Arthur Shephei'd, the dining-rooms, Foregate-street.—It appeared that defendant was given the bicycle to repair last July and had not returned it.—An order was made for its return. THE BEST PLACE. — Martha Warren summoned Mrs. Wilson, 3, Lyon-street, for assault on May 10th.—Complainant said defendant knocked her down without provocation —The Chief Constable said ho had received complaints about defendant, and there were four previous convictions against her.—The Chairman said she must go to faol for 14 days without the option of a fine.— )efendant: Go where?—The Magistrates' Clerk: To Knutsford for 14 days.—Defendant: That's a good job Never been there before. (Laughter).— The Magistrates' Clerk It's the best place for you. (Laughter).

BROXTON PETTY SESSIONS. « — YESTERDAY (TUESDAY).—Before Mr. Robert- Howard (in the chair), the Rev. C. Wollev-Dod, Mr. R. 0. Orton and Mr. Evan Langlcv. COCK INN, BARTON—Mr. G. H. Rogerson, solicitor, Chester, made application to make altera- tions to the Cock Inn, Barton. He said it was a proposal to reconstruct the east end. the larger portion, on the lines of the present building. The only material alteration was at the back. He thought an improvement would be effected.—The alterations were sanctioned. NEW INN, HAMPTON.—On the application of Mr. Kirk, licensee of the New Inn, Hampton, the Bench gave permission for the substitution of a glass window for a boarded-up one in the bar of th3 inn. WANDERING SWINE.—On the information of Sergt. R. Howard, George Hughes, Tilston, was fined 5s. and costs for allowing a pig to stray on the road on the 22nd April.—Wm. Lowe, Agden, was summoned for allowing twelve pigs to stray on tho road on April 27th.—P.C. Geo. Edwards said he saw the pigs on the road-A question arose as to whether defendant or his wife was tenant of the farm, and consequently responsible for the pigs. The case was therefore adjourned for this doubt to be settled. PROFANITY.—A Farndon coal-dealer, named Charles Bate, was fined 53. and costs for using profane language within hearing at. Barton-road, Farndon. on April 28th.—Sergt Jones said de- fendant addressed the language towards his wife. NO LIGHT.—John Dulston, coachman, Mos- tyn. was fined 5s. and costs for riding a bicycle without a light at Churton on May 10th. ASSAULTING HIS DAUGHTER.—William Richardson Challinor, butcher, Tattenhall. was summon:d by his daughter, Frances Challoner, for assault —Mr. T. Moore Dutton, solicitor, Chester, said defendant went out in a trap on Thursday, and on his return he came into the bar of the house of which Mrs. Challoner was the licensee. He was in drink, and his wife asked him to leave because of the way he was behaving. His daughter went to shut the door. and defendant struck her in the face and knocked her against the cupboard. Defendant then went out of the bar and threw a bottle and bottle-opener through the window at his daughter. Neither of them hit her, but some glass was smashed. Defendant had expressed his sorrow, and stated he was willing to s'gn the pledge, and he (Mr. Dutton) asked the Bench to take a lenient view of the case and bind defendant over. No doubt that would be sufficient. —Defendant pleaded guilty, and expressed his willingness to be bound over.—Evidenfe of the as-ault was given by complainant.—Tho Chairman said defendant would be- bound over for six months in his own- Surety of £20, If the surety was broken, defendant would have to go to gaol for one month. It was not to be tolerated in a civil- ised country that a man in drink should be al- lowed to throw bottles at his daughter. A LADY IN THE CASE.—Charles Fowlcs, Malpas, summoned Andrew Hewitt. of Cudding- ton, for a -sault.—Complainant said that on the night of May 16th defendant came to him and said, "You are travelling these roads again, are you?" Witness replied, "Yes, and I mean to travel them again." Defendant then took off his coat and laid into him with his fists, striking him on the face —Mr. Langley: Was there a lady in the case?—Witness: Yes, sir. (Laughter.)—A servant girl from Ctiddington corroborated, and said complainant could not hit back because lie was c3frying her parcels.Dcfenchnt. who did not appear, was fined 10s. and costs or 14 days.

CHESHIRE TRAGEDY. « SERIOUS CHARGE AT STALYBRIDGE. Bunjamin Radley was brought up in custody at Stalybndge Police Court on Saturday charged with wife murder. He was represented by Mr. J. W. Simister, and appeared to be suffering from illness. The Chief Constable (Captain Bates) said prisoner had been arrested on a charge of murdering his wife, Sarah Radley. He proposed only to offer sufficient evidence to justify a reuiatid until next Friday. Detective Lee said he arrested the prisoner on Friday night at his residence, and charged him with wilfully and maliciously causing the death of his wife by means of injuries inflicted with a red-hot poker. Prisoner made no reply. Mr. Simister said he did not object to a remand, although there was no evidence against the prisoner, and the Chief Constable said he could offer evidence if necessary. The Bench considered it unnecessary, and prisoner was remanded until Friday.

AUCTION" SALES. CHESTER PROPERTY. On Saturday Messrs. Cutmah and Roberts held a sale of property at the Blossoms Hotel. The shop, No. ;)1, Foregate-street, together with two cottages, Nos. 5 and 7, Commercial-row, adjoining were sold to Air. E. Brassey for and the house, No. 91, Tarvin-road, to Mrs. Foden for £:310. Mr. F. S. Hawthorn, Deroy, actetl as the vendor's, solicitor. PROPERTY AT KELSALL. On Wednesday Messrs. Pickering and Nightingale held a sale at tho Royal Oak, Kelsall. A valuable piece cf building land at Kelsal1, containing 6,050 square yards, and having a frontage d 55 yards to the Chester-road, was knocked down to Mr. A. Johnson, of Kelsal!, for £178. The Dingle Farm, of 12 acre- and two cottages adjoining, were withdrawn at £1,310. Mr. E. Brassey was solicitor to the vendors. SALES OF PONIES. Messrs. Frank Lloycl and Sons sokl by auction on Saturday at Mel Valley. Birmingham, the entire stud of show ponies, brood mares, and young stock, together with the show carriages and harness, the property of Mr. Win. Foster. The bidding throughout was brisk, and great excitement pre- vailed when the champion mare Lady Horace made her appearance. The bidding started by Mr. D. Evans, Newcastle Erulyn at JJOOgs., and at 450gs. she was knocked down to Air. Jos. Hall, who we believe is sending her to America. Twclltr-fh-e: ponies, all under 14 hands, made the grand total of 2,788gs. and the record average of £117 each. The carriages and harness sold equally well. -n.

QuHKX AND .TurnLEE NURSES.—It has transpired that (.ijueeii Alexandra, who takes the deepest interest in all that pertains to the Quetn Victoria J ubilee Institute for Nurses, has generously given £1,000 towards the provision of a now habitation for the institute, the work of which will receive considerable impetus now that the Women's Jubilee Memorial movement has further endowed it with some £S,O)O. Her Majesty's splendid gift was re- ceived, it is understood, in the form of a cheque inclosed in an envelope, with the following auto- ^raph message written on the for new offices for'the Queen's Nurses now at St. Jatherine's.—ALEXANDRA." Though not yet letermined, it is probable that the institute will lake over the offices in Victoria-street, West- muster, of the Queen Victoria Women's Memo-ial fund.

GUILDKN SUTTON". SUDDEN DEATH.—Mr. J. C Bate, coroner, held an inquest on Monday on the body of Mary Jenkins, 58, wife of Robert Jenkins, platelayer, residing at Guilden Sutton It appeared that deceased took ill on Thursday, complaining of pain in her back and side. She became worse, and Dr. Butt, Chester, was summoned at midnight on Friday, but death ensued before his arrival. The doctor was of opinion that death was due to bobar pneumonia, and the jury returned a verdict aecordingly. «

ELLESMERE PORT. THE SAD DROWNING FATALITY.-After a prolonged search the body of Henry Fordham. an elderly man, who was drowned on Wednesday last while endeavouring to rescue his son. was recovered from the Ship Canal on Monday. It was conveyed to the mortuary to await an inquest. PROBATE CASE.—In the Probate Division of the High Court of Justice on Monday, the case of Roberts v. Roberts came on for hearing before the president (Sir F. Jeune). Mr. Newson appeared on behalf of the plaintiffs, the executors of the will of the late Mr. Roland Roberts, a dispensing chemist, of Ellesmere Port, Cheshire. In October last a separation agreement was entered into between the testator and his wife, the husband allowing her £1 2s. 6d. a week in support of herself and child. The will left everything to the brother. One of the defendants was the infant child of the marriage, and the deed of compromise provided for the pay- ment of £1 a week for the support of the wife and child. That allowance was practically the same amount as under the separation agreement. The matter, on the application of Mr. Le Bas, was postponed until Thursday in order that application might be made for the due protection of the infant defendant's interests by the deed of compromise.

WRfciXHAM. "SINGULAR CLAIM.-On Wednesday, at the I Wrexham County Court, the Official Receiver in Bankruptcy for Chester and North Wales claimed from Messrs. Aston and Son, furniture dealers, &c., Wrexham, the sum of £5i, the value of furniture which formerly belonged to William Angus Fraser, tailor, Hill-street, Wrexham, and who recently failed. Fraser stated that he was pressed for money, and approached Aston and Son. They agreed to give him a loan of £25 on certain articles, and he then hired the furniture from Aston and Son. He denied that he had sold the goods. On one occasion Aston's men broke into his house and assaulted his wife, but he had them removed. Later on they sold the goods, which realised £57. His Honour reserved judgment. DAMAGING POST OFFICE PROPERTY.— On Tuesday, before the county magistrates (Mr. T. P. Jones-Parry presiding), four youths named Thomas Jones. George Roberts, Joseph Haycocks, and Thomas Ellis, of Eyton, were charged by Mr. Samuel Stone, postmaster of Wrexham, with doing wilful damage to a letter-box to the extent of 30s.— Mr. H. J. Smith appeared for the prosecution and stated that the defendants had done considerable damage to gates, a finger-post, and the letter-box in question at Eyton, on the 8th of April.—Witnesses having been called, the Chairman said they con- sidered this a very serious case of damaging pro- perty belonging to the Post Office authorities, and the defendants would each have to pay £1 15s. lid. (including fine, damage, and costs) or in default one month's imprisonment.

FLINT. FUNERAL.—The funeral of Stephen Bithell took place on Monday at Flint Cemetery. The Rector (the Rev. W. LI. Nicholas) officiated at the Welsh Church and at the graveside. The coffin was home by fellow shipmates and was covered with beautiful wreaths. The funeral was an impressive one. about 200 townsmen paying a last tribute of respect to a popular comrade. NURSING ASSOCIATION. — The second annual meeting of the Flint District Nursing Association was held in the Town Hall on Monday evening, the president (Mrs. Mould) occupying the chair. Among those present were the Mayor, Major Dyson, Mr. Wm. Hughes, Mr. J. R. Alexander, the Rev. David Edwards, Dr. Williams, Mr. Ellis, Mr. Evan Thomas, Mr. John Williams, Mr. J. E. Gunning, Mr. John Roberts, Mrs Humphry Williams, Miss Evans, Mrs. Fryer Evans, Mrs. Gunning, Miss Roberts, Miss Fielden, &c.— Mr. Evan Thomas submitted the statement of I accounts for the past year. which shewed a balance in band of £63 15s. 9d.—The Hon. Sec., in his re- port, said during the year the nurse had attended 102 cases, and had paid 3,473 visits. This was an increase of 394 visits as compared with the previous year. It might not be out of place to again mention that thank-offerings were expected from patients where the means of the family would allow the same, and the committee hoped that the Association might continue to receive the sympathy and support of the public. The committee again expressed their deep debt of gratitude to the president (Mrs Mould) for the great interest she took in the Association, and particularly for the entertainment so kindly promoted by her on the 22nd and 23rd April last, which added to the funds the handsome sum of £26 tis. Id.— In proposing the re-election of Mrs. Mould as president, the Mayor said he did so at the last meeting and hastened to do so again, no one having more experience of Mrs. Mould's good work than he had. He knew the keen interest she took in the work of the association.—The Rev. David Edwards seconded and the proposition was carried.—Mrs. Mould in returning thanks said she felt she could personally do very little were it not for the united kind efforts of the Mayor and other kind friends of the committee. She was exceedingly glad of the opportunity of publicly thanking Major Dyson and Mr. Alexander and Mr. Sill for their kind work of helping her in the theatricals. Next she would publicly thank the members of the company for their clever and valu- able help, and finally the public of Flint for the kind appreciation of the performers' efforts. — I Mr. E. Thomas was re-elected treasurer on the motion of Mr. William Hughes, seconded by Mr. J. R. Alexander. On the proposition of Major Dyson. seconded by Miss Evans, the Mayor was Ire-elected honorary secretary. The year's work was exceedingly satisfactory, which was attributed to the way the committee had worked together. I She felt highly honoured to have the con- fidence of the association. The one thing nearest to her heart was the Nursing Association. The old committee were re-elected, with the names of Miss Dawson and Miss Evans (Pentre) substi- tuted for those of Miss Edwards and Mrs. Robt Jones, resigned. Miss E arns spoke in high terms of Nurse Jones's services and of the vast amount of good work she did, and proposed a vote of thanks to her. Dr. Williams seconded, and it was carried. A question of providing a maternity nurse was referred to the Committee on the motion of Major Dyson, seconded by Miss Evans.

The Marquis of Ormonde and Mr. Joseph Iloult, M.P., were among the guests entertained at dinner by the Marquis and Marchioness of Londonderry at Londonderry House, Park-lane, London, on Wednesday night. FATAL AUTOMOBILE RACING.—Many serious and some fatal accidents have marked the opening stage ef the automobile race from Versailles to Madrid. Complete disaster overwhelmed one car nt a, level crossing near Arveyres. it being variously stated that three, four, and five persons were killed. Mishaps causing the loss of single lives also occurred at Bonneval and Libouine, the victim in the former case being a.n Englishman. It is also rumoured that a Mr. Stead and his mechanician will both have to be added to the death-roll. In the first stage of the race, which took the competitors as far as Bordeaux, a. record was established by Gabriel, who covered the distance at a nett average speed of sixty-five miles an hour. The Spanish Government, following the example of the French Minister of the Interio:, have prohibited the continuance of the Paris to Madrid motor-ear race. In the race to Bordeaux it now is known that seven persons were killed and many injured, but M. Marcel Renault, whose death was reported on Sunday night, was on Monday night still alive, and had recovered consciousness, while Mr. Stead and M. Loraine Barrow are reported to be in as satisfactory a condition as could be expected. The decision of the French and Spanish authorities to stop further racing, meets with general approval, both in Paris and among the chief competitors at Bordeaux. A telegram yesterday (Tuesday) says the "Journal" states that the Prefect of Bordeaux says eight persons are officially known to have been killed III the motor car race. THE ROYAL ALBERT A-STLUM. — The annual election of patients for admission into the Royal Albert Asylum, which was founded nearly forty years ago at Lancaster for the care, education and training of idiotic, imbecile and feeble minded children and young persons of all classes belonging to the northern counties, took place at the Town Hall, Kendal, on Wednesday, when fifty boys and girls were chosen by the votes of subscribers from seventy-nine candidates applying for election. There were 36 applicants from Lancashire, 21 from Yorkshire, 3 from Cheshire, 1 from Westmorland, 7 from Cumberland, and 11 from Durham. North- uir berland had no candidate on this occasion. Two Cheshire candidates were elected. In the afternoon a public meeting was held at the sa:ne place in aid of the beneficent work of the institution. The Mayor of Kendal presided, and he was supported by the Right Hon. Sir John T. Hibbert, K.C.B., and other important friends of the Asylum. The audience included a number of ladies. A resolution commending the institution to the benevolent public of the northern counties was unanimously passed. The Westmorland Ladies' Association, of which the Couness of Boctive is president, and the Ladies' Associations in other counties were heartily thanked for the valuable aid rendered by them in collecting funds; and in another resolution the able and zealous servces of the chairman. Sir John x. Hibbort, and of the other activo members of the central committee were gratefully recognised. The Westmorland committee were re-appointed with new membeis added, and a vote of thanks to the Mayor for presiding, closed the proceedings. Many 1 interesting specimens of the patients' handicraft were exhibited in the room and attracted much < ittention.

CHESTER STOCK & HAllE LIST Reported by Messrs. W ARMSLEY, JOXKS & Co., 2H, Eastgate Row (North), Chester. CONSOLS V)I; BANK IUTK Present price. Chester Corporation 31 Irredeemable Stock Chester Corporation 3 Redeemable Stock 95—100 Chester Gas Co 5% Ordinary Stock 114—il5 i. 4 Preference Stock 105—IMS Chester Waterworks Co 7t, Consolidated Stock ISO—190 7 New Ordinary Stock, 1st and 2nd moieties 170—175 6 £ 10 Perpetual Preference Shares, fully paid 16J—17 £ Wrexham and East Denbighshire Water Co Consolidated Stock 180—1S5 4} Cons. Pref. Stock U.6—120 „ Ordinary Stock 1^5—130 IIawarden& District Water Co .elO Shares, fully paid par Nat. Pro v. Hank of England, Ltd. £ 75 Shares, €10 10s, paid £ U0 Shares, £ 12 paid1 57'—58 North and South Wivies Bank, Ltd. £ 40 Shares, £ 10 paid 35J—35 £ Parr's Bank, Ltd. £ 100 Shares, t20 paid. 85J—S5| Lloyds Bank, Ltd.. £50 Shares, tS paid.33-34 Bank of Liverpool, Ltd. 4100 Shares, Z12 10s. paid 36 —36i British Law, Life, Fire Insur., Ltd. elO Shares, £1 paid Chester Boat Co., Ltd. £ 10 Shares, fully paid 10 —11 Chester Cocoa House Co., Ltd. £ 5 1:4 5—7 £ 5 £ 3 4—(5 Chester General Cemetery Co.jES „ fully paid pat Chester New Music Hall Co., Ltd. 925 to .18 Chester Northyate Brewery Co., Ltd. Ord. tlO Shares, fully paid Ili-12 i> i, 6 210 Pref. Shares, fully pd..13 -131, „ 4 £ 100 Debentures par Bent's Brewery, Ld. tio Ordinary Shares 141 >• „ 6 £ 10 Pref. Shares ll|—12 Birkenhead Brewery Co., EIO Shares, C-5 paid .» £ 10 Shares, fully paid 20 —21 Chester Grosvenor Hotel Co., Ltd. 220 Pref. Shares 30-35 Chester Queen Rail- way Hotel Co., Ld. E20 Shares, fully paid 25—28 £ 20 „ £ 10 „ 12$—14 Chester Blossoms Hotel, Ltd .CIO „ .fully paid 91—10 Chester Steam J Laundry Co., Ltd. t5 9 JQ Chester Race Co., Ltd ielw k75 190—200 Dee Oil Co., Ltd. tl Or(L Shares. Walkers, Parkers & Co., Ltd £ 10 Shares, fully paid, 6 Cum. Pref 1-2 4 Debentures 76- J. H. Billing-ton, Ltd., Chester 4t First Mort. Deben. Stock .par 5 Cum. Pref. £10 Shares par Ordinary C10 Shares par Victoria Pier and Pavilion Co., Colwyn Bay, Ltd. £1 Ordinary Shares Halkyn DI"inage Co, ClO Shares" fully paid 20 —22 Halkyn Mining Co., Ltd £ 1 Shares, fullv paid 8 —10- Holywell Halkvn Mining and Tun- nel Co., Ltd JE1 Shares fullv paid .25/-27/- East Halkyn Mining Co., Ltd. £ 1 fully paid 3^—3J South Halkyn Min- iii, Co., Ltd Li North Hendre Min- ing Co., Ltd. E2 10s. Shares, fully paid 2J—2J- Talacre Mining Co., Ltd Ri Ord £ 1 Pref. „ „ „ United Minera Co., Ltd jElOrd. „ hlle of Man Mining Co., Ltd. (Fox- dale) Mines £ 5 12— 7J Pref., £ 17 10s. paid 25—30 Llanarmon Mining Co., Ltd ti Ord., fully paid .7/6-12/6 XI Pref. „ „ .12;6-17/6 Wirral Railway 3 Debenture Stock 88-90. 11 4 2 10 Pref. Shares (1896 issue), 0 -10 4 flO Pref. (1899 issue).8?—9|- Wirral Railways Co. Ltd £ 10 Ord. Shares, fully paid 2J—3-

I MARKETS AND I' WK.S. -+- MANCHESTER CHEESE, YESTERDAY (TUESDAY).— The closing week of the month finds Manchester factors of Cheshire cheese practically about the same as they were last year in the matter of value, viz. :-Finest, 60s. to GGs., with 23. extra for a tip- top quality, and fine, 56s. to 00s. Had the late weather continued they would have been 2s. or so to the good, but with the present warmth a con- siderable portion of the goods which were on the floors of factors' warehouses last week will have to be loaded off in such quantities and at such a reduction as will make the current values fit in with those ruling at the close of last May. Factors cannot, and do not, grumble at the prices secured so far. The quality of the produce has been every- thing desired by the retailer, and there have not. been wanting good markets. Small parcels have been the rule. LIVERPOOL CORN, TUESDAY.—Wheat, slow trade at about Jd. under Friday; No. 1 hard Manitoba, 6s. 8d. to tis, 8Ad. No 1 Northern Manitoba, S* ilt' -1 q'? V £ 2' 6d" to 6s" 6ki- Beans, S adi, ols. 3d. to 31a Gd. Canadian, 5s. lOd. (^ats whites 2B 8id to 2s Did. Maize, fair trade at ld. over h nday River Plate, 4s. lOd. to 4s 10',d prime mixed, 4s 7. to 4s 8id. Flour unchanged. SALFORD CATTLE, TUESDAY.—Cattle 1,078, trade good. Sheep and lambs 12,874, prices not quotably changed. Calves 103, trade poor. Quotations:— Cattle, 5d. to 7d. sheep, tid. to M. lambs, 0d. to 10d. calves, 5d to 8.id. per lb. WREXHAM CATTLK, MONDAY. -There was a good supply of stock at to-day's fair, and business was of a satisfactory character. Pigs sold well making from 9s. 3d. to 10s. 6d. per score. Lambs were plentiful, and changed hands at from 8M. to 10d. per lb. Mutton was quiet at about 7d. to 8d. per lb. Beef made from 5d to 6kl. Store cattle met a late demand. WHITCHURCH CATTLE, MmmAY.- The market was again a busy one, the entries numbering over 2,000, and trade generally was in favour of the vendors. LUEKPOOL CATTLE, MONDAY. There was a smaller supply of cattle in market to-day. Demand fair, and prices practically unchanged, a few only making top quotations. Sheep shewn in larger, numbers, the increase being principally lambs; demand good, anything choice readily making higher prices. Lambs also a good trade, at prices in favour of sellers. Quotations;- Beef, 7d touch; mutton, 9id. to (jd. lambs, lOd. to Od. per lb. LONDON CATTLE, MONDAY.—Beast supply, com- pared with Monday last, shewed a large increase in the total majority, as usual at this season of the year, arriving from eastern counties. Trade for both prime and second quality was very slow, with a downward tendency in value, partly owing to the v,armt-r weather. Fat butcheiiiijj cows easier; 011 the other hand, fat bulls and rough cattle met a'fair trade at last Monday's rates. Top rates 8')st. to OOst., Scotch 4s. 0d., exceptional 4s. 8d. p<r 81b. OOst. Nor folks 4s 4d., exceptional 4s. Gd. lOOst, shorthorns 4s. to 4s 2d. Theie was an inciease of 2,020 in the sheep market, trade for both wethers and ewes being extremely dull—the former, except for very best small descriptions, at from Id. to 2d. per SIb. less money, while the latter met little or no demand. There was more inquiry fc 'anibs especially for choice quality, the tendency" being upwards, though not quotably so. Calf trade slow. Quotations Leasts, 2s. Od. to 4s. 8d. sh""p 3s. Od. to 5s. «d. calves. 3s. 8d. to 5s. 8d. lambs,' os. 8d. to (is. 8d. per 81b. I BRADFORD W OOL, MONDAY.—London having finished up strong has prevented any change in tone here so far as firmne.-ss is concerned, but a fev/ more users are coming into market and have to pay nearly ali advances asked. At the same time the bulk of spinners continue to aviait developments, and the new level of rates still depends rather upon reluctance of holders to sell than eagerness of users to buy. English quiet. Ciir-STER CATTLE, THURSDAY.—There was a very large f, ir and a good attendance of buvers Priceg were high, and caused trade.to be slow, but befo"<5 the close of the market a large proportion of stoclf had changed hands, quotations generally being about trie same as last week. There was show of sheep and a fair demand The best lots made slightly higher prices. :Prices :-Milch COWS, £ 17 to £ 23; calvers, £ 15 to £ 20; barrens, £ 10 to £ 14; heIfers, £ 0 to £ lo stirks, £ 0 to £ 10; sheep, 22s. to 25s. i.. CHESTER HOK.SE, THCESDAY.—There was a small show Of horses, aud altogether it was an un' important ior the best lots there was a -,ooci inquiry and quotations were unchanged. ° CHiisiuKU BUTTER AND Efiti.—Good demand for home dairy produce; butter easier for th. buyef: New-laid eggs plentiful. Stockport (Friday^ Butter, Is. id. and Is. 2d. per lb. eggs, 13 for I3' Altrmcham (Tuesday): Butter, Is. 2d. and Is per lb. eggs, 12 and 13 for Is. Macclesfield ciav) Butter, Is. to Is. 2d. per lb. eggs, 13 for J*. Crewe (Friday): Butter, Is. Id. and Is. 2d. par lb*' eggs, 14 for Is. Sand bach '/Thursday) B utte1"' Is. to J.3. 2d. per lb. eggs, 14 for Is. Com-leto11! Butter, Is. 2d. per lb. eggs, 13 for Is. Butter, Is. 2d. per lb. eggs, 14 for Is. Nantwic^ Butter, h 2d. per ib. eggs, 15 for Is. Knutsfo^j Butter, Is. Ha. and Is. 3d. per lb. eggs, 13 uiid for Is. Runcorn Butter, Is. 2d. and is 3d p )f eggs, 13 for Is. Chester Butter, is. to Is." 2d. PE lb. eggs, 14 and 15 for Is. ,i Cjiuhtku CORN, SATURDAY.—The market for English gram continues quiet. Wheat in v 4 small supply at about unchanged prices, but bu}'e* •ire not eager. Oats and barley slow. Beans and in sellers favour. Indian corn continue^ harden in price. Foreign wheat slightly lower. JfBW [ o W> „ 2. S. P.!s. D. 8- 0 he-1. white., per 751b.; o 0 to 1 tv 0 0 to Vrh.-ui, red „ 751 b. 4 :s — 4 4 0 0 — 0 <1 Malting Barley. „ 601b. 3 G — 3 *!o 0 — 0 S (Jimd;ng do „ 6-ilb. ;> 3 — 3 4I 0 0 — 0 a Oats „ 461b. 2 3 2 7 3 9 6 Beai.8. „ 8olb. 0 !) — 5 Cj 0 0 — 0 Ivy,-Man Leans „ 2401b. 17 6 —13 n 0 — 0 .Printed and oiulished for and on behalf of the Che i and North V\aks Newspaper Comnauv, hi1111 •J A .VIES AJLUEUT 1IRCHALL, at Die Chester <^r.^ Oilicc, S, Bridy:e-s;reet, in the City of \I lJ;:8\)"lay 19C: