The Chester Courant and Advertiser for North Wales

AGRICULTURE. THE SEASON: IMPROVED PROSPECTS. Notwithstanding that a considerable quantity of rain has fallen locally during the week, a gocd deal of hay has been carried at fine intervals, and the bulk may now be said tj be in stack. A fair I amount still remains ungathered, however, here and there, and it depends on the weather of the next few days whether this is finally secured in good condition. The rains have washed a good deal of colour out of that which has remained exposed, but a gratifying set-off is to be found in the new growth and promise of abundance of keep and the establishing of the roots. Crops on the whole are looking well; grain has filled in the ear, and, given fair harvest weather, there will not be much to complain of, except it be as to the rapid growth of weeds. Mangolds are generally a healthy plant, and have risen much in the estimation of farmers during late years, as compared with swedes and turnips; but in consequence of the unfavour- able weather at the time when sowing should have been at its busiest the area under this culture is not so broad as it might and would have been. The refreshing rains have had full effect on all green crops and the farming aspect at this season could perhaps scarcely be looking more promising, with one exception. We mean with regard to orchards. These will be sadly shorn of fruit during the coming autumn; for where one has been accus- tomed to see an abundance of golden and purple glories in the shape of ripe apples, pears, plums, and damsons, all, or nearly all, is now desolation. If a stray apple or pear or two is to be found under some exceptional circumstances they appear to have got there quite by accident and are sadly out of character with their mournful surroundings. This state of affairs presents a fine opportunity to more fortunate foreigners, who are flooding our markets with their produce. Taking the year as a whole, agricultural affairs have not been unsatisfac- tory there is an abundance of food for stock, and the flow of milk has been well maintained. The news from Kent as regards hop prospects, however, is by no means cheering. SALE OF BUTTER BILL. S The consideration of this Bill in Grand Commit- tee gave rise to much interesting comment as to tha sale and importation of butter containing more than 16 per cent. of water. The Board of Agri- culture, a3 repressnted by Mr. Ailwvn Fellowes, proposed to exempt from the provisions of the Bill until August 1st, 1904, Irish salt firkin butter, which does not contain more than 20 per cent. of water, which is labelled "'Irish salt firkin butter." It was argued in support of this that firkin butter could not be manufactured with less than 20 per cant, of water. Several amendments were pro- posed, one by Mr. T. W. Russell, to omit the date and providing that the Bill should not apply to Irish salt firkin butter not containing more than 20 per oDnt. of water until such date as might be fixed by order in Council. Mr. Fellowes said the Government very much preferred the clause as it stood, but they wera prepared to accept the amend- ment as a compromise. Mr. Flynn, as one of the members for Cork, was strongly in favour of a universal standard of 16 per cent, with twelve months' grace to the makers of firkin butb2r. As a preliminary to the insertion of the words pro- posed by Mr. Russell it was decided to strike out the date. Ultimately clauses were added pro- viding for the inspection of premises where there is reason to suspect that butter is made, treated or manipulated in contravention of the Act, and pro- viding for its coming into force on January 1st. 1904. The Bill was then passed and ordered to be reported. THE WOOL TRADE. A not? of consolation is being founded among cheep farmers at tho improved prices and pros- pects in this department of agriculture. The sheep fairs maintain the spirited tone that has charac- terised thc-in for over two months, ewes bringing about 5s. and lambs from 2-i. to 3s. a head more than this time last year. There is no doubt that the improved prospects on the pastures and feed- ing, enabling the farmers to hold their stock, has bad mainly to do with this, while an estimated deficiency of about 11 per cent. in the wooklip of America is exerting a reviving influence on the wool markets of this country. There have been no fluctuations at the sales of oolonial wool in London during the month, for although some of tho heavier conditioned merinos have receded slightly, coarse cross-breds have met with animated demand, and finished at the highest point. At Marlborough, Hants, which is one of the biggest wool sales ;n the South, the supply of fleeces was smaller than usual, and prices advanced by 2d. to 3d. per lb. over last year. At Dorchester it was much the same, as high as ll-^d. being reached for washed wool and 8Vd. for greasy unwashed. CALF-REARING EXPERIMENTS. The Irish Department of Agriculture have been persistently following up their experiments on calf-rearing with milk substitutes, according to their "Journal." Cod liver oil and maize meal were the two principal substitutes. One lot of calves had whole milk, the second lot a mixture of wholo and separated milk, the third lot separated milk and cod liver oil, and the fourth separated milk and maize-meal. All four lots had linseed j cake. La tho first twelve days the quantity of linseed cake was 4oz. to each calf daily in ali the lots. The proportion of whole milk given with separated milk was one part of the former to five parts of the latter. Of cod liver oil 1 to 2 fluid ounces (160 to tho gallon) per day were given, and of maize-meal 4oz. Five quarts of milk. whether whole, mixed or separated, were given to each caif daily. Later on the quantity of milk was increased to 6 quarts, the cake to 8oz., the cod liver oil to 2z., and the maizo-meal to 12oz. The milk and cream substitutes were gradually diminished in quantity during the weaning period, while the cake was increased. Tho conclusions arrived at are: -(1) Tiiat calves may bo successfully reared on separated milk. provided a cream substitute is fed along with it; (2) that calves may be more economically reared on separated milk and a cream sub than on whole milk: (3) that the belief so generally expressed when these experi- ments were started that creamery milk is the cause of the death-rate among calves in entirely un- founded. NEW AGRICULTURAL TARIFF FOR FRANOE. Whatever may be said in regard to the proposed Fiscal tariff in this country our neighbours aorosa the Ghiumel seem to be fully aJive ties tho advan- tage of making the most of things, a.ud are talking the lead In a dirc-etiou at whidh some of our political economists would stand aghast. Partly ift retaliation against Germany, Austria-Hungary and Italy, which have raised their tariffs, anil partly to oheak competition from Amoriea, the French Chamber ha.3 agreed to great advance? in the duties on live stock and meat Under tihe tariff of 1892, cairtle were taxed 4s. Id. per cwt. live weight; now, if the Senate ratifies the change, the general tariff will be 12a. 2d., and the minimum 8s. 2d. For oalves, instead of 4s. lid., the general tariff is 16s. 3d. per owt. live weight, and the minimum 10s. 2d. for sheep, instoa/dl of 6s. 3d., 16s. 3d. and 10s. 2d. for pi;, which were raised in 1898 to 4s. lid., the further advance is to 10s. 2ct. and 6s. ljd. for fresh, beei, from 10s. 2d. per cwt. to 20s. 4d. and 14a. 4d. for fre-h mutton, from 133. Id. to 20s. 4d. and 149. 4d. for fresh pork, from 7s. 5dL to 16s. 3d. and 12s. 2id.; for salt be-of, from 12?. 3d. t. 20s. 4d. and 12" 2d.; and for salt perk, baoon, and hams, from 10s. 2d. to 203. 4d. and 12s. 2d. M. Debussy, who proposed the augmented duties, would have empowered tihe Government to sus- pend these imposts in tho event of exoeptionrd circumstances rendering the price of meat high enough to menace the feeding of the public; but, on the appeal of the Minister of Agriculture, this proposal was suppressed. SHEEP FARMING HERE AND AT THE ANTIPODES. Many and various were the reports and esti- mates as to the nature of tho late lambing season in the United Kingdom. Much of this was due to the variable weather of spring and early summer; for a week or two of Tavourable conditions often alternated with a similar period of gloom, and it became difficult to form anything like an approxi- mate idea of the real issue. But at this distanco of time we arc enabled to look back with some satis- faction that matters in this direction were not so bad as they might havo been after all, especially in the southern counties, which are looked upon as the mainstay of English mutton growing. As an instance in point we may take the returns fur- nished by tho Suffolk Sheep Society, which she'7 that tho number of lambs roared up to Juno 1st was as 140.66 per 100 ewes, compared with 136.16 in the previous year, and a normal average of 132.97 for the preceding sixteen year". Not only so, but this year's figures are the largest recorded since 1887, when the present method of collecting returns was established. Other interesting items in the report are to the effect that previous to tho end of February the proportion of lambs was 136.43 per 100 owes, and in flocks lambing down after that date 144.14 per hundred ewes. Again, refer- ence was mado at the time to the extraordinary prolificacy of the flocks at the Colonial College. Holleslcy Bay, and its record of 558 lambs from 310 owes. or 183.22 lambs to the hundred ewes, the best ever returned. These returns must be re- garded as extremely flattering both to tho breed, the flocks and their management. It is on record that the Southdown cross has had a most distinct and encouraging influence on the native Merino breed of sheop in Australia. Reports run to the effect that the produce of Merino ewes crossed by a Southdown sire surpass all other cross-breds in weight, quality and early maturity. Shropshire crosses are very litrle inferior, but these two stood far ahead in the matter of their produce of the lambs sired by Border Leicester, Romncy Marsh, Dorset horned, English Leicester, Lincoln and Cheviot rams, whose qualities stand in the order named. This is not the first time that the utility and value of the Southdown and Merino cross has been demon- strated, but it haa scarcely ever risen to such a well-defined position aa tho one under notice.

THE WEIGHING OF CHESHIRE CHEESE. At the ordinary meeting of the Nantwich Urban Council, on )Friday, Mr. C. E. Davenport in the chair, the minutes of the General Purposes Com- mittee set forth that letters were read from Mr. Jos. Scott and from the clerk to the Whitchurch Urban Council with reference to the system of weighing chease.—It was resolved that Mr. Scott's letter bo acknowledged, and that he be informed that some other arrangoment was to bo considered so as to prevent any further cause of complaint.— It was resolved that the market inspector employ an additional oheese-weigher. The Market Inspector reported that at the last fair the work of weighing and pitching the cheese was expeditiously carried out, and that the whole at r^i'f!1o was completed by el oven o'clock. Mr. Cnahinor, secreta/y to the Cheshire Dairy farmers Association, wrote submitting a list of dates of cheese fairs for 1904, and tho matter was reierred to the General Purposes Committee. A letter was read from the Manchester Whole- sale Provision Association stating that it had been biought to their notice that cheese intended for the tairs was brought in and weighed the day previous. As a result the factors sustained a serious loss, and the members of the association asked whether arrangements could not be made to have the cheese weighed on the day of the fair only. The Market Inspector said that ten tons of cheese were weighed on the afternoon previous to the last fair, and he did not see how they could get through the work if all the cheese had to be weighed only on the day of the fair. The Clerk thought it was a question for the Dairy Farmers' Association to consider. Dr. Turner suggested that tickets bearing the date the cheese was weighed should be issued. He understood that the arrangement at present was to date the ticket for the day of the fair, notwith- standing that tho cheese might have been weighed on tho previous day. If his proposal was carried out it would have this effect, that the factors would have an idea of the weight which was lost by evaporation. Mr. W. Harlock said the matter was brought be- fore the Dairy Farmers' Association, and the opinion expressed was that they should try a.nd meet the factors as far as they reasonably could. It was pointed out thpt it was only during ex- cessive heat that rapid evaporation took place. ^Mr. Lea proposed that as far aa possible crn.-ese should bo weighed on the day of the fair. He thought tho difficulty could be mat by employ- lllg- a couple of extra men on that day. After some further discussion, it was decided to adopt the suggestion made by Dr. Turner, and that as far as practical all cheese should be weighed on the day of the fair.

CONGLETON SHOW.—Everyone is looking forward to visiting the great Agricultural, Dog, Poultry, and Pigeon Show to be held in the Park, Congleton, on Wednesday next. The show has an additional attraction this year, owing to the fact that it is under the patronage of her Majesty the Queen, her Royal Highness being one of the exhibitors. Congleton is highly faroured in obtain- ing entries from Sandringham. The entries in all sections are satisfactory possibly they would have been still larger had the radius for local classes not been reduced from 10 miles to 8 miles. The total entries are 1,34:1, compared with 1.103 last year. DAMAGED WOOL AND ITS RELATION TO SHEEP DIPS.—An expert and clearly-reasoned pamphlet comes to us under this title from the pen of Mr. S. B. Hollings, of Calverley, Leeds. The author, who has made the most exhaustive en- quiry into the subject, maintains that lime and sulphur, tobacco, oarbolie acid, alkalies and all such dips are responsible for much damaged and inferior wools, falling short of trade requirements, which find their way into the Bradford and other markets. He gives tho preference to arsonio in combination with a certain amount of alkali as forming a safe and efficient dip when properly used. The pamphlet, which perhaps sums up ail that need be known on the subject, is published at the price of a shilling, and should be road by all wool-growers. ROYAL LANCASHIRE SHOW—Tho Royal Lancashire Agricultural Society has during the past few years come to tho front in a most re- markable) manner, and in connection with its an- nual shows made such rapid strides unprecedented in the history of agricultural exhibitions. The forthcoming visit to Manchester will again add another record to the society's long list, so far as entries are concerned, and there is no doubt, with fine weather, the c:ty will gi-n" such a welcome as will enable the society to eclipse all previous financial results. The entries for the present and two p.\st years are as follow —Manchester, 1903, 3.370; Preston, 1902, 3,534; Liverpool, 1899, 3,081. Among the special features of this years show will be a groat parade of Manchester cart horses, exceeding four hundred in number, and will take place on Saturday afternoon, August 1st. These horses will be tho property of railway companies, brewers, team-owners, etc.. within four miles of Manchester Town Hall. The loaning and driving competitions daily have an excellent entry, and ineludo all the principal exhibitors of the United Kingdom. Tho competition for tho fifty guinea. harness cup is therefore certain to be a keen one. The society have engaged the renowned "Bess c>l th Birn" Band for the period of the show. The exhibition will bo oppn to-morrow (Thursday) until Monday. August 3rd.

FLINTSHIRE GOVERNING BODY. -+- Mr. J. Herbert Lewis, M.P., presided at the quarterly meeting of this education authority, held at the County Council Chamber, Mold, on Saturday afternoon. Other members present were Sir W. G. Williams, Bart., tho Rev. R. Jones (Hawarden), the Rev. John Owen (Mold), Mrs. Muspratt, Messrs. J. L. Muspratt, P. P. Pen- nant, D. Pierce (Holywell), H. A. Tilby (Rhyl), H. L. Jones (Mold), J. T. Humphreys (Connah's Quay). Ptter Roberts (St. Asaph), and also Mr. T. H. Oilivo (clerk) and Mr. Owen Owens (chief in- spector of tho Csntral Welsh Board). Tho members conferred with Mr. Owens on the subject of tho annual inspection. The luspeotor reported at considerable length, and made a num- ber of suggestions with regard to the administra- tion of the Intermediato Education Act in lllint- shire. The Rev. John Owen was glad to hear there was an improvement in the average stay of pupils in the county schools, and he hoped the fact would be made as public as possible, as this was a tend- ency in the right direction, and shewed that parents in Flintshire were fully aiive to the edu- cational facilities now placed within reach of uieir sons and daughters. The Chairman remarked that that authority was now a moribund bony, and many of the subjects mentioned by the chief inspector would have to be taken up and discussed by some other autho- rity, to which their powers would be transferred. He would suggest that the various points men- tioned by the inspector be placed upon the agenda for discussion at the next meeting. On the proposition of Mr. Muspratt, seconded by tho Rev. John Owen, a motion to the above effect was carried; and it was decided that, in the meantime, the clerk be instructed to obtain information bearing upon the questions from the various local governing bodies. Mr. Pennant submitted the report of the Finance Committee, which included a recommen- dation that schedule 3 of the scheme be amended as regards the amounts of the fixed grants to be paid to the several schools, and that in future these consist of a grant of j3250 to dual schools and J6200 to the single schools. It was also recom- mended that the county governing body, or their successors, reserve the right to vary the grants, if. in their discretion, it was deemed advisable to do so. but that any such variation should bo made by a two-thirds majority. These recommendations were adopted. A communication WAS read from the Board of Education, enclosing a formal order relative to tho pension and compensation to Dr. Easterby. In connection with this subject,, the members received the formal acceptance of Mr. Edwin Mainer, of Oswestry, on his appointment as head- master of the St. Asaph School, at a fixed yearly stipend of JS150, and a capitation grant to be fixed by the school governors, at the rate of not less man i,I lUs., anu not more than £ 3, a year for each scholar in the school. The clerk was awarded an honorarium of £ 10 in connection with the question of the headmaster- ship of St. Asaph School, and additional work put upon him through the various committee meet- ings on that subject, and tho members placed on record their appreciation of the efficient way in k which the clerk discharged his duties generally.

L- DISCOVERY RELIEF -EIXPEDITIONi.-Tlie command of the Discovery Reliaf Expedition has been given to Captain Harry IMackay, whaling 'Ay, w mister, of Dundee, who was master of the relief ship Terra Nova. when she was employed as a Dundee whaler, and was also master of Mr. Bar- clay Walker's Arctic yacht Eskimo, now the steam- snip America, in the Ziegler Polar Expedition. Captain Mackay also commanded Mr. Coates's yacht Blencartha in tho expedition to the Kara Sea. The relief vessel will be manned entirely by a. mercantile crew, composed chiefly of whalers of experience.

SaZODONT FOR THE TEETH AND BREATH In use 52 years The best that Money and -^««| Experience can produce. 1/

MARRIAGE AT WILLASTON. A ROSE WEDDING. The wedding of Miss Annie Dorothy Glynn, daughter of Mr. Walter Glynn, of Lydiate, with Mr. Stephen Leonard Watson* was celebrated at Willaston (Wirral) on Thursday with much rejoicing. Great interest had been manifested in the event, and in spite of the unpromising weather the quaint old church was crowded with relatives and friends. The village had an air of fete apparent in the decorated fronts of the cottages, and in the streamers of gay bunting which stretched on every side. The interior of the church, with its domed and raftered ceiling of oak and curious pointed arches and coloured corbels, was almost hidden away under roses. Thecentre aisle was a vista of great arches of roses springing from the sides of the pews, and mingling with them were delicate ferns, silver-tipped grasses and clustering foliage. At the door another great rose arch made an appro- priate entrance for the bride, and the window sills were banked high with rosea and foliage. Spreading palma were grouped at etach side of the entrance to the chancel, which was charm- ingly decorated with roses in front of the diioir soreens, and in bouqueta and posies beside the altar, the whole effect being inoreased by tho light of lamp3 hung from the ceiling. The Rev. C. VV. Bonxl, St. Nicholas', Brighton, who gave an elo- quent address, officiated, with the assistance of the W. Postance, vioar of Willaston. Tlie organist for the ocoasion was the Rev. Ohas. Postanee, Holy Trinity, Toxteth, who gave an admirable recital of wedding music, including the Lohegrin excerpt, "Hail to tha bride. The I,C, service was fully choral, "How welcome was the call" being sung as tho bridal party entered the church, and 0, Perfect Love" at the conclusion of the ceremony. The bride, who was given away by her father, looked extremely well in a simple gown of white satin crepe do chine over white silk, with looae knots of white ohiffon set round the skirt. The bodico was prettily arramgoo with blondia lace and ohiffon roses falling softly, and the sleeves were fastened after the sarno pictur- esque drooping style. Her tulle veil was held in place by a. wreath of orange blossom, and fcttie wore diamond stars in her hair, the gift of the bridegroom's father. She carried a lovely white bouquet, the bridegroom s gift. There wero four bridesmaids-Miss Constance Glynn and Mis-s Ayliffe Giynn (the bride's sisters) and Miss Yaddy Watson and Miss Harriet Watson (the bridegroom's sisters). They wore becoming gowna of oream silk veiled in beige-coloured net, and quaint little ooats of finely-pleated net, the unlined yokes ail appliques of tinted lace. Their large hata of beige-coloured lace straw were lined with blue ohiffon, and caught up with great blue ohiffon knots in front. Sprays of tiny pink roses wore gracefully arranged on the brims, and they were tied under the chin with narrow strings of blue ribbons. They carried bouquets of shaded sweet peas and ferns and wore pearl shamrock pendants, the bridegroom's gifts. Captai.ru E. H. Watson, D.S.O., the bridegroom's brother, was beat man, and the groomsmen were Mr. W. S. Glynn, Mr. J. B. Glynn, Captain Jones, Mr. L. G. Beaumont, and Mr. W. Adam. A pretty inci- dent of the day was the scattering of rose leaves by the Sunday school girls in the path of the bride and bridegroom jus they passed under the covered awning to the gates after the ceremony was over. A large reception was afterwards held at Lydiate by Mr. and Mrs. Glynn, but unfortunately the dripping rain prevented any enjoyment of the beautiful grounds, with their groves and spreading lawns. The fine old house, which is somewhat after the Italian, with terraces faced with gar- goyles, looked well with its brilliant decoration of flowers. Mr. and Mrs. Glynn received in the drawing-room, Mrs. Glynn wearing mauve crepo de ohono arranged with mauve laoe, and a poke boruiet of cream straw with white plumes. Mrs. Watson, the bridegroom's mother, wore blaok lace over White satin, and a white bonnet with black plumes. The wedding presents, which Me of the costliest description and number over 400, were on view in the niortiing-room, and the wedding cake was out in a large pavilion in pinik and white erected on one of th.e lawns, a.nd en- tered from the house. Tho walls wore in fluted panels, with lllorge mirrors at intervals, each draped with pink and white fabrics, on v/hioh smilax wa3 trailed lightly and prettily. Overhead there were great baskets of white lilies and ferns, held by ropes of smilax looped from one basket to another. Palms and flowers filled up the oornetrs, and the oarridors leading to the lhou.se were lined wit'h ferns on each side. The bride oake was charmingly decorated with white flowers and drooping loops of smilax. Tho bride and bridegroom left early en route for tfae honeymoon, the bride going away in a gown of beige-coloured voile, with a Victorian coat of tinted laoo to match, and a largo cream hat softly olustered with shaded mauve and pink lavenders, and tying with blue strmg3.

SHREWSBURY SCHOOL PRIZE DAY.— Wednesday was speech day at Shrewsbury School, and the function was attended by a large company. In his address, the headmaster said he was of opinion that both at our great schools and at ancient Universities there was a serious danger that distinction in games and amusements might command too profound a homage. Still, if the golden rule "ne quid niniis" was borne in mind, indications of the presence of those physical powers and that strenuous energy which had done so much to mould the fortunes of this country ought not to be passed over as insignificant. Shrewsbury had matched itself against five other schools in different forms of athletic competition, and from all those encounters it had emerged triumphantly. CHESTER LICENSED VICTUALLERS.- The membors of the Chester Licensed Victuallers' Protective and Benevolent Association, accom- panied by their friends, enjoyed a splendid day's outing to Aberystwyth last week. About GO took part in the excursion, which was by train, and found waiting for them wagonettes, etc., to convey them to places of interest, returning to the Lion Royal Hotel at 5 p.m. for dinner. The Chairman, Mr. J. W. Birkett, proposed the toast of The King, Queen and Royal Family," The Chester Licensed Victuallers' Association," "The Ladies," "Donors and Hon. Members," which were suitably responded to. After this the party strolled round the town, returning by tram to Chester after a very enjoyable day.

CORRESPONDENCE. The Editor is not responsible for the opinions of his correspondent. correspondent. All letters must be authenticated by the sender's name and address, not necessarily for publication. Correspondents are particularly requested to write only on oue side of the paper.

THE TARIFF QUESTION. TO THB EDITOR. Sir, It was pointed out last week by the leading journal that the price of wheat in France is fifteen shillings per quarter dearer than in this country, yet there are not "twelve millions of the popula- tion on the verge of starvation," as a leading Radical politician would have us believe is the case here. Given that a Frenchman can live where an Englishman will starve, this does not account for the difference in prica of the chief article of food. Such a difference may and does frequently take place through tho ordinary principles of supply and demand, which amounts to three times as much as the impost which the strongest Protec- tionist desires. Dear food we shall never have in this country through the adoption of a Protec- tionist policy. A far greater danger in this respect exists in the overloading of communities by local debts, to provide for which heavy permanent ad- ditions have to be made to the rates, rendering the cost of a habitation, whether cottage or house, so much greater, and the tradesman who supplies the necessaries of life, edible and otherwise, finds he has to charge more for his goods in order to meet this permanent and growing burden. If a moderate system of Protection had been introduced, even as late as twenty years ago, on all important articles of industry and manufacture, in place of retaining our one-sided Free Trade policy, it would have enabled successive Govern- ments gradually to pay off the National Debt, so that by the present time it would have been almost extinguished, out of the pockets of foreigners, thus relieving the taxation of this country of millions annually. Until the recent utterances of Mr. Chamber- lain, it almost seemed as if there was no hopo of our having Protective or reciprocal tariffs intro- duced. We have always expected the only way that this would have been brought about would be by the action of the industrial classes, who for so long have combined, and legitimately so, to pro- tect their labour, but have not up to this time done so to protect the results of that labour. However, now that the arguments are likely to be put before them in a plain and dispassionate manner, and with the result of the Government enquiry before them, we may be confident that they will, in their own interests and in those of tho Empire, at length declare in favour of a policy which will prevent their foreign rivals any longer from having an unfair advantage over them—Yours, etc., ° "NEC TIMIDE NEC TEMERE."

NORTH-WESTERN ELECTRICITY AND POWER BILL. -+-- This Bill, the object of which was to supply Mond gas and electricity over an area of two thousand square miles in Cheshire, Derbyshire, and Flint- shire, and which has already passed the committee stage in the House of Lords, with certain restric- tions, on Wednesday came before Sir F. Godson and a select House of Commons committee. Mr. Balfour Browne. K.C on behalf of the promoters, stated that out of the 93 local authorities in the area concerned 46 were now supporting and 38 were neutral. Only nine were opposing: tlie scheme. The latter was a suicidal policy in view of the importance of a cheap source of supply to industrial undertakings. Mr. H. A. Humphrey, engineer for the scheme, said allowing for difference1, in heating value the price of the gas would be 8d. per 1,000 feet, against 2s. 'Jd., which was the average price charged for coal gas in those districts. Alr. H. A. Jones and Mr. Feranti, engineers, also I gave evidence in support of the scheme, and were cross-examined with a view to shewinsr, on behalf of the opponents, that the capital of £ 1.500.000 was inadequate for the carrying out of the scheme. The Chairman suggested, in view of what had been stated, that it might be well on financial grounds for the promoters to consider the propriety of leaving Cheshire out of the Bill and concentrating their attention upon the other districts. Mr. Wallace said that would not at all meet the views of the promoters, who were prepared to call a large number of witnesses who would prove that this gas was really wanted in Cheshire. The Chairman.—That Ls not the question. The question is whether the capital is sufficient to enable those who want the gas to depend upon getting it. The Committee adjourned. CHESHIRE EXCLUDED. On Thursday, Mr. Wallace, K.C., on be- half of the promoters, in view of the opinion ex- pressed by the Committee on tho previous day, submitted a proposal that. so far as Mond Gas was conoerned, Cheshire and Derbyshire should be excluded from the area of the suppjy, leaving Staffordshire, Denbighshire and Flintshire to be dealt with on the lines of the Bill. He asked that the generating stations in Cheshire should be allowed for the supply of electricity only, and he would leave the Committee to decide which of the opposing authorities should be exoluded from tho area of electrical supply.—The Chairman (Sir F. Godson) sa,id the Committe were not inclined to leave Cheshire in tho Bill for any purpose. They fouad, so far as Cheshire was concerned. that the preamble was not proved. For tho other portions of the Bill they found the preamble proved. Had the promoters any suggestion to make as to capital?—Mr. Wallace: The same oapital will be applied to the remaining portions of the. Bill.

IRISH LAND BILL. ♦ MR. TOMKINSON'S BENEDICTION. After Mr. Balfour had moved the third reading of the Irish Land Bill in the House of Commons on Tuesday, Mr. John Redmond expressed the belief that if worked in a reasonable and moderate spirit by the landlords the Bill would bring to Ireland the long-denied blessings of peace and prosperity. Colonel Saunderson thought any difficulty as to the working of tho measure would come from tho Land Commission. Sir H. Campbell-Bannerman was afraid a compulsory measure would still be nooessary to provide universal contentment. Mr. Balfour observed that Irishmen, while still demanding a great constitutional change,, would never hereafter mix up the question of Home Rule with an agrarian system that was costly and in- jurious to all. He looked forward to the working of the measure with the rnovst confident feeling, and he felt sure that purchasing tenants would faithfully redeem their obligations to tha State. Mr. Tomkinson said it almost appeared that some fairy godmother must have intervened to bring about such an extraordinary bargain between the landlords and the tenants of Ireland, as that the promise of which was held out by this Bill. But there were many reasons which satisfied him that the proposal was a fair one, and well worth carry- ing out. (Hear, hear.) It was quite clear that the present situation was altogether impossible, and ne believed under the operation of the Bill they might look forward with certainty to an immense saving of expenditure in Ireland. (Hear. hear.) It must also be remembered that Ireland had been subject to over-taxation. (Irish cheers.) Such experience as they had had in the past of land purchase in Ireland led them to expect the best results from the present measure, sucl^i as they I found in the Dillon estate. These were the chief considerations which to his mind justified the measure they were now discussing, which, if suc- I cessful, would be well worth tho co-st. The risk of the taxpayer of this country was a negligable quantity. There was not only the well-known honesty of the Irish tenant to consider, but his evident self-interest. The advancement would be little more than one-third of the total value of the holding, leaving ample security. (Hear, hear.) There was one point in which some little sacrifice was being made. It was impossible to exploit the credit of this country in such large sums, coming on top of tho war expenditure, without for a long time depreciating British crcdit and keeping dov/u the price of Consols, which had fallen 20 per cent. in the last ten or twelvo years, which was a very serious thing. Therefore he hoped lion. members for Ireland would recognise that the taxpayer of this country was making some sacrifice, although he ran no risk. tie hoped they would also thYr a kindly remembrance towards lion, members of those benches for at least the beneficent neutrality -(laughtcr)-they had shewn during the progress of the Bill. (Hear, hear.) He hoped the result would -(laughtcr)-they had shewn during the progress of 11 the Bill. (Hear, hear.) He hoped the result would be that a great source of strife and discord would be removed, poverty and distress ameliorated, and the expatriation of the Irish people stopped. (Hear, hear.) That awful depopulat on was de- stroying our finest recruiting ground. After considerable discussion the third reading was carried by 317 against 20.

THE LIVERPOOL RAILWAY ACCIDENT. The persons at Southport and Bootle who were injured in the recent railway accident at Waterloo are reported to be makmg good progress towards recovery. Mr. Thomas Hatch, of Birkdale, states I that he has addressed to the general manager of the Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway Com- pany a letter containing the following passages: I have been a contractor between Liverpool and Birkdale for the last 22 years, and was one of those who were in the 4.30 train last Wednesday when it met with the terrible accident. I am also one of those who have addressed during the last few years many verbal warnings to the engine-drivers and some of the officials about the reckless speed at which your express trains are run round the curve between Bankhall and Sandhills, and also at Waterloo. You will find that unless the speed of these expresses is considerably further decreased round these curves, you will have some of the passengers pulling the communication cord and stopping the train, and inviting you to take what steps you like against them. Perhaps by this means they may be able to test in court whether common sense is not a greater force in law than the evidence of expert witnesses."

POULETT PEERAGE CLAIM. The Committee for Privileges of the House of Lords met on Thursday to consider the claim to the Poulett Peerage put forward by William Tumour Thomas Poulett, styling himself "Vis- count Hinton," who alleges that he Is the eldest son of the late peer by his marriage with Elizabeth Lavinia Nowmaa. The application is resisted by the son of the late Earl by a subsequent marriage and the Countess Poulett, who assert that the claimant is illegitimate. The hearing was ad- journed. The Houseof Lords on Friday resumed the hearing of th9 Poulett Peerage oase. On the motion of the Lord Chancellor, the Committee decided to admit the evidence which the late Earl gave on a former occasion with reference to the birth of a fully-developed child six months after his first marriage. THE RESULT. The Lords decided against the claimant, William Tumour Thomas, and in favour of the infant son of the third wife of che late Earl.

Hig Majesty's third-class cruiser Topaze was launched from the shipbuilding yard of Laird Brothers, Limited, at Birkenhead on Thursday. The usual service was read by the Rev. F. S. Guy- Warman, vicar of St. Mary's, Birkenhead, and the christening ceremony was performed by Miss Annie Laird.

I I There's nothing better than Starch I for starching. You can't add anything to it that will really improve it. If it's good starch, pure starch, all the chemicals in the world won't make it better. Clothes last longer, retain their stiff- ness better, keep a whiter colour, when pure starch is used. And Colman's Starch is an absolutely pure starch. I COLMAN'S STARCH I Sold in Cardboard Boxes. Sea that „ „ Bull's Head Colman's are on name and ^gg|^ the Box. | SROD. 8.H.B. The Dangerous After Effects of Influenza CURED BY YITADATIO. 10, Duke-street, Windsor, Victoria, Australia. Mr. S. A. PALMER, Dear Sir,—It is with great pleasure I send vou these few lines to let you know what VITADATIO has done for me. For many years I have suffered with indigestion, and tried all advertised remedies for that trouble. Any remedy my friends advised I would try, but all to no good. So I made up my mind nothing would cure me. Hearing of some wonderful cures being effected by VITADATIO I decided to give it a trial, and am thankful to say that after taking six large bottles I am thoroughly cured, and now enjoy the very best of health. My mother had a very severe attack of influenza, and after taking one large bottle of VITADATIO she was restored to her usual good health, and she did not suffer any of the usual depressing after effects of influenza. Mother and myself feel that we cannot praise VITADATIO enough for the benefit we have derived from its use. We can confidently recommend it to anyone suffering from either corn. plaint. Yours faithfullv, G. M. MATTHEWS. Do not delay, but take VITADATIO at once; it may be the means of saving you weeks of pain and suffering. Read and study what the above testimonial says "She did not suffer any of the usual depressing after effects of influenza." Obtainable locally from ALFRED EVANS, Wholesale Grocer, all Branches. BOOTS, Cash Chemists. —— FROM ALL CHEMISTS & GROCERS. The price of Medicine is 4/6 and 2/9 per bottle. For further particulars, S. A. PALMER, MOUNT PLACE, BROOK-ST., MANCHESTER Correspondence invited. Write for Testimonials. I CfOdKLE'S FILLS. • COCKLE'S FILLS. • COCKLE'S FILLS. In universal use since tho dawn of the century. A tried and trusted family medicine, r Ic prescribed by medical men for the common ailments of every* day life, such as ACIDITY. HEARTBURN. INDIGESTION. I BILIOUSNESS. SICK HEADACHE. DISORDERED LIVER. These famous Pills will keep 3*ou in perfect health — tha stomach clean. the bowels free, the liver active, the head clear, and the skin and complexion pure and free from blemish. IN USE FOR 92 YEARS. COCKLE'S PILLS. .X. o COCKLE'S PILLS. • COCKLE'S FILLS. Cockle's Pills are purely vegetable- warranted free from mercury. May be had throughoat th United Kingdom, ia fiasn It is. i £ d.. 3s. 9d., 4s. 6d., us., and S. 4k Great Orrnortd Street, L,2kidaN Vi.o.

AMERICAN LABOUR METHODS. AMUSING RETORT. A correspondent sends the "Times" a printed circular which was issued in Juno last by the San Francisco Labour Council, a body which is affiliated with the American Federation of Labour. The circular is addressed to manufacturers and workers in the leather goods industry, and to trade unionists in general," and it refers to a boycott established against tho tannery products of the firm of Kullman, Salz, and Co. The following is an extract: We are greatly appreciative of the kindly aid you gave to our first request to boycott Rullman, Salz and Com- pany's tannery products. Wo aro satisfied that thoy lost 33 per cont. of their business through the boycott placed last August. We were in hopes, and were fully 01 the opinion that this would bring about tho deairod result; it would have convinced any ordinary person of the necessity of recognising some of the rights of working people. Not so with Kullman, who persists in his attitude as a despot of tyrannical rule, with no law of the rights of others, or of justice, to hinder him in carrying out his purpose to destroy. Arrogant and relentless, he persists in his course to destroy the union. Mr. Kullman is the president of the Tanners' Association, and is using the added power and advantage of his position in that capacity to destroy the union, first in his own tannery, and then to the others." The circular calls upon all friends of labour to aid in bringing tho matter to an early close by rofusing to buy or to handle Messrs. Kullman's products. Among other dealers to whom tho circular was sent was the owner of a wholesale house in St. Paul, Minnesota. A letter was sent in reply containing the follow- ing passagesWo are gratified beyond measure to learn that you have been able to cripple the business of Messrs. Kullman, Salz, and Company to the extent of 33 per cent. Of course it has taken about ten months to accomplish this most gratifying result, but the destruction of so vast an amount of property must be, in the beginning at least, a slow process. We expect to see the day when tho present slow and unwieldy methods of the strike, intimidation and boycott will be relegated to obscurity, and when union principles are to be established, this destruction shall be more quickly, surely, and effectually wrought by the judicious use of the bomb and the torch. A little kerosene, a few shavings, a match, and a stick of dynamite would have brought about the same results in an hour that you have been working ton months to accomplish. To be sure the 'arrogant despots,' of whose methods Kull- man, Salz, and Company are the expononts, might call this anarchy, but trade unions have a God- given mission to accomplish, and the means they use are only an incident. We are profoundly shocked that Kullman, Salz, and Company should have discharged or otherwise discriminated against aTiy of your members who had a hand in damaging their business to tho extent of, as you say, 33^ per cent. It has been our invariable business policy during the past 35 years, when we discovered an employe who stole our money, destroyed our goods, disorganised our help, and otherwise persistently tried to bring about what you so truly refer to in your circular letter as 'the desired results,' to immediately raise his salary, give him the combina- tion to the safe, and ultimately take him into partnership. We have always felt that by treating the matter on the above good union lines wo would have at least our store building and the vault left, though we might have nothing else, but wo prefer to play it safe. That Kullman, Salz, and Company did not figure tho same way only shews that their 'relentless arrogance' has caused them to loso sight of the most ordinary businos3 precaution."