The Chester Courant and Advertiser for North Wales

AGRICULTURE. STILL THE WEATHER. Many people are speculating on what can be the cause of the wet weather we have experienced for so long, holding that there can be no effect without a cause. Scientists tell us that there are spots on the sun" and a consequent diminution of solar activity. Others venture the opinion that the violent outburst of volcanic action some time since in the West Indies has been responsible for the downpour, on the principle that heavy cannonading is known to bring about revulsions in the atmos- phere. Then again, we have heard it conjectured whether or not Mr. Marconi is to be blamed for the disturbance by flinging his wireless electricity about in such reckless fashion. But, whatever the cause, it may be taken for granted that we have no remedy, and that it is utterly useless to pursue the subject into the realms of fancy. Some have gone so far as to put forward the theory that the sun is losing its power, that the earth is growing colder in consequence, and that it is only a work of time when the earth will become uninhabitable, and ultimately resolve itself into a dead world. It may be reassuring to such folk, if there are any, who may be anticipating the end of all things in the near future, to be made aware that history furnishes many instances of such uncanny weather, even in the remote past. For instance, it is on record that 1,300 years ago a band of mission- aries from Rome were travelling through France to "an island in the sea, some thirty miles from the Belgian shore, opposite the mouth of the Rhine." So they described the place they were seeking, and the more they heard about it the less they wished to go there. The climate, they were told, was bad, the island was constantly wrapped in fog, it was extremely doubtful whether the sun ever shone there. As to its inhabitants, they were, from all accounts, little better than savages. Their religion was "to eat roast beef," their language "a bar- barous gnashing of the teeth, nothing more." So discouraged, indeed, were the missionaries by all they heard, that they sent their leader, Augustine, back to Rome, to beg Pope Gregory to release them from their errand. This, however, the latter refused, so impressed had he been a few years before with the fair "Angles" he bad seen exposed for sale as slaves in the Roman Market-place. The rest is matter of history and needs no repetition but except for the "gnashing of the teeth" the similarity in regard to the picture with that of the present day may be taken as perfect. But to return to matters more nearly concern- ing us at the present time; we are sorry there has been no improvement. The land, of whatever description, has become thoroughly water-logged. In addition to heavy falls of rain all over the cc country, the south and west coasts especially have received the full force of an immense tidal wave, and great damage was done on the Scilly Isles, the Cornish and Welsh coasts, the Isle of Man, and almost all parts of the kingdom. Heavy falls of hail and snow are reported from the Peak and Lake Districts and over the Continent, while the Thames valley has been flooded for the fifth time within twelve months. A long-woolled ram bred by Messrs. S. E. Dean and Sons, of Dowsby Hall, Lincolnshire, has been sold by auction in Buenos Ayres for 5,200 dollars. The Due d'Orleans has remitted 20 per cent. from the rents due Michaelmas last from his farm tenants, on account of the losses incurred by them through the late disastrous season. As a sign of the times it is worth mention that Hoxno Workhouse, in Suffolk, with accommoda- for 400 to 500 adults, is offered for sale. The district has no further use for it, mainly owing | to the decline of tho rural population. The building dates from 1836. It has been arranged to hold the 1905 exhibition of the Bath and West Society at Wollaston Park, Nottingham. The prize list for this year's show at Swansea, on May 19 to 24 inclusive, has been issued. The result of last year's working has enabled them to add to the society's invested capital to the amount of L2,000, to place £1.0:>J on deposit at the bank, and to purchase new office premises. THE ROYAL SHOW. At the council meeting of the Royal Agricul- tural Society, held in London during the week, Earl Derby (president) in the chair, Mr. Sanday (chairman of the Stock Prizes Committee) reported the issue of the prize sheet for the 65th annual exhibition, to be held at Park Royal, Willesden, from June 21 to June 25. Tho total value of the prizes amounted to £ 6,068, of which £ 1,165 was contributed by various breed societies. The prizes are as followHorses, £ 1,471; cattle, £ 1,973; sheep, £ 1,430; pigs, £ 391; poultry, £ 225; butter, £ 41; cheese, £ 78; cider and perry, £ 40; corn, £ 42; wool, £ 48; hops, £ 48; hives and honey, £ 53; horse jumping competitions, £ 160; horse- shoeing competitions, E32; butter-making com- petitions, £ 36. The date for the closing of the entries had been fixed for April 15 in the classes for horses, cattle, sheep and pigs. Entries at extra fees may be tendered up to May 2 and May 16. The entries for the harness and trotting classes will close on Juno 1. Entries of produce will close, on May 2. The Hon. Cecil T. Parker presented a report by Professor Macfadyean stating that during the first four weeks of the year the outbreaks of anthrax had numbered 81 and the animals attacked 100, as against 61 out- breaks and 95 animals attacked in the correspond- ing four weeks of last year. The year had begun badly with regard to glanders, as 100 outbreaks with 222 animals attacked had been already re- ported. This was an increase of 28 outbreaks and 70 animals attacked over the same period of 1903. During the same four weeks 122 outbreaks of swine fever had been reported. CHEESE FACTORS AS EXHIBITORS. There can scarcely be two opinions that the Denbighshire and Flintshire Agricultural Society's Committee have come to a just decision "in adhering to the proposal arrived at at a previous meeting to disqualify cheese factors and dealers from competing in the cheese classes of their exhibitions. One can hardly fancy a more unfair claim on the part of any factor or dealer than this. Such a privilege, if allowed, would be open to monstrous abuse. If it were so allowed, it scarcely needs pointing out that any factor cr dealer would only have to pick some of the best specimens in his warehouse, independently of their source of origin, and to enter them for competi- tion, it might be side by side with another entry of the maker from whom his own was purchased. Mr. W. H. Hobson, of Malpas, who took the "C^P" fitting himself, and who claimed to be a bona-fide tenant farmer as well as a small cheese 00 hardly have been taken seriously when he claimed that no other society, so far as he knew, put SUch a rule in force. On the contrary. W° l i j Ifc may c!aimed t^lat no other society would dream of allowing such a thing. If it were so granted, where in the name of commonsense is the principle to stop? Once admitted, it may as well be extended to other divisions-to horti- cultural and such other exhibitions where any fruiterer or salesman, being a member of the society, would have the run of his purchases to select from. We should be the last to impute motives, but we think that on reflection even Mr. Hobson will see the force of such an argument. THE SHEEP-WORRYING PEST. SOME CURIOUS REVELATIONS. At the annual meeting of the Carnarvon branch of the R.S.P.C.A., the lord-Lieu tenant, com- menting on the annual report, referred to the loss sustained by farmers because of the depredations °[ and thought that some drastic means should be taken to put an end to it. Lord Onslow thought it would be of great use and utility that all dogs should ha.ve the names and addresses of their owners inscribed on their collars. That was a good suggestion, but his second sug- gestion that no dogs be allowed out after dark was not particularly useful, but really irritating. He (the Lord Lieutenant) thought all dogs should be taxed. Bona-fide farmers would gladly pay a few shillings rather than have their flocks destroyed by half-starved, quasi ownerless dogs which were allowed to roam about at night-—The Chief Constable of Carnarvon said some years ago the police of the county took a dog census, and the result was startling. In many parishes there were far more exemptions than^ licences, and among the exempt "sheep dogs" were terriers, retrievers, spaniels, pugs and mastiffs. (Laughter.) BATHING SHEEP. Lord On,-low, speaking at Newcastle recently, made approving reference to the fact that the Newcastle Farmers' Club had decided to adopt the bath cure for foot rot in sheep, and added that one of the uses he was going to put his correspond- ents to was to make them the means of explain- ing to farmers the working of this bath cure. A bath would be sent to the correspondent, who would lend it to neighbouring farmers to demon- strate the manner in which foot rot could be treated. This practice has been resorted to with excellent effects by many flockowners, and it is gratifying to hear that the Board of Agriculture have resolved to demonstrate its simplicity and efficacy. Writing in the "Scottish Farmer" on the subject of dipping in-lamb ewes, an Argyllshire farmer contends, from his own experience, that the operation may be successfully performed without injury, but with the best results, to the ewes if carried out a fortnight or a month before the lambs are expected, presumably in April. LORD ONSLOW'S CORRESPONDENCE SCHEME. In meeting the correspondents he has ap- pointed for the three Ridings of Yorkshire at York, the President of the Board of Agriculture told them his aim was to bring the Board of Agriculture and individual farmers into touch,

XSOZODONT LIQUID CLEANSES THE TEETH THE POWDER POLISHES THE TEETH. The most powerful light cannot detect any discoloration or decay on teeth cleaned with Li(juid, x/ Powder, it-. Original large size (liquid and powder together), 2/6. IIALL & Rucx EL, 46 Holborn Viaduct, London.

WELSH NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY.—As the result of a conference be- tween leading Welsh agriculturists, held at Aber- ystwyth last week, it was decided to form an association for the promotion of an annual Welsh national agricultural show, to be held at Aber- ystwyth in August. Lord Powis has accepted the presidency and Lord Tredegar the vice-presidency of the association. The project is being well sup- ported, and 21,000 has already been subscribed to the funds. WELL-KNOWN SEALAND FARMER'S DEATH.—The funeral took place at Hawarden Parish Church on Tuesday of Mr. Thomas Fox, of Ferry Bank Farm, Sealand, who died on the pre- vious Friday night, aged 821 years. In July Mr. Fox had a stroke of paralysis and had been laid up ever since, the immediate cause of death being gastric catarrh. Mr. Fox was one of the oldest residents in the Hawarden parish, having lived there nearly all his life. Prior to taking Ferry Bank Farm he held a farm on the Hawarden Castle estate, and' simultaneously another under Mr. Freme, of Wepre Hall. Though never ambitious for. competitive honours, he was regarded as a good practical agriculturist of the old school. He was a Conservative in politics, and a Churchman. For many years he served as church- warden at Hawarden. Sometime he was over- seer for Hawarden. Mr. Fox had very numerous friends, while he was highly esteemed by all who knew him, and knew him for an upright man. His demise is much lamented, and sympathy is very general with the widow and two sons in their bereavement. The Rev. L. C. A. Edgeworth (Sealand) conducted the funeral service. The chief mourners were Messrs. W. H. and T. Fox (son6), John Fox, T. Talli's, and John Fox (nep- hews), Lee (Cop House), and Jones, Bretton Hall, (cousins), J. Sheriff Roberts, W. Jones (Rossett), and W. Jones (Hawarden), Among others who shewed respect to his memory by attendance were Messrs. Charles Davison, J. J. Ounnah. Fred Roberts (Sealand), S. and W. Podmore. W. Milligan, senr., O. Ellwod, W. Shepherd, J. Browning, A. Hassall, V. Howard, J. L. Williams, W. Benyon, W. Bowers, George Moore, J. Thom, and others. There were no flowers by request. The bearers were two of his own workmen and two employes from an adjoin- ing farm.

THE IMPERIAL YEOMANRY. 0 THE CHESHIRE FUND. A CATHEDRAL MEMORIAL. A meeting of the subscribers to this fund was held at the Grosvenor Hotel, Chester, last week. Colonel Tomkinson. M.P., in the ahair. From the acoounts submitted it appeared that the total reoeipts raised in the county amounted to the sum of 25,159 8s., and of this sum there was £ 366 Is. 2d. in hand after paying the expense of outfit of oflioers and men of the 21st and 22nd Companies of Imperial Yeomanry who went out to South Africa. The accounts have been duly audited, and it was resolved that the same be re- ceived and adopted. It was further resolved that. subject to the per- mission of the Dean and Chapter of Chester Cathedral, £66 Is. 2d. be devoted towards the cent of placing a brass tablet in the Cathedral, record- ing the names of all the men who went out with the two companies and who died during the oam- paign. It was resolved that the carrying out of this memorial be left in the hands of Colonel Tom- A°n' Swetenham, and Mr. Richardson. As to the balance of £ 300 left in hand, it was resolved that Colonel Tomkinson and Mr. Allan Egerton, M.P., be a oommittee to ocns'der dur- ing the next twelve months any case of distress or relief required in connection with any of the men who served in the oampaign, and who returned to this country, and that at the end of that period another meeting of the subscribers be convened to consider the question of the disposal of the balance.

"TEETOTAL HYPOCRTISY + -— The Birmingham Licensing Sessions were held! on Thursday under the chairmanship of Mr. Chance, who had been elected to the position in the place of Mr. Arthur Chamberlain. A memorial having been presented by the temper- ance party, the Chairman said the brewers had fulfilled their contract and had surrendered the fifty licences promised, and had' done all that rea- sonable men could expect them to do. He then referred to the excellent work of the temperance party as a whole, but added that there were a few paid ageaits of these temperance societies whom he regarded as wolves in sheep's clothing, and who by their mis-statements and attacks absolute- ly prevented legislation of the best kindl being enacted. These people did not want the temper- ance cause to succeed, because they would be thrown out of their jobs, and they would be the first to ask for the compensation which they denied to otheirs. He next spoke of many ministers of religion being interested in the drink traffic. (Loud cries of "Shame" from the ministers pre- sent and Mr. Arthur Chamberlain.) Mr. Chance: I will prove the folly of the men who crv "Shame." (Cries of "No," andi "You caiinut.") I speak as a Churchman. ("Oh.") The Church Pastoral Aid- Society have elected a brewer to the highest position among them, and so long as they asked for subscriptions from brewers so long had brewers the right to hold any position in the Church. (Cries of "We don't ap- peal to them.") Well, what about the hospitals? (Cries of "Hospitals are not religious bodies.") It is arrant nonsense to cry out shame when it is a perfectly legitimate business, and shares are held by ministers all over the country. Mr. Chamberlain Shame. Mr. Arthur Chamberlain disclaimed any re- sponsibility on the part of the for the chairman s utterances. It was announced that the brewers had pro- mip,ed) to surrender another fifty licences. The court refused two licences objected to by the police.

FLINTSHIRE COUNTYCOUNCIL ♦ THE EDUCATION QUESTION. On Wednesday a speoial meeting of the Flint- shire County Council was held at Mold for the purpose of considering the advisability of oppos- ing in Parliament certain Bills affecting the in- terests of the county, and also to deal with the education question. Mr. R. Ll. Jones, of Rhyl, presided. With regard to the Milwr and District Mines Drainage Bill, it was agreed that the subject be deferred for a fortnight, and that the local autho- rities be informed that in the meantime the Par- liamentary Committee would make enquiries as to how the Bill affected the roads, culverts, watercourses, etc., of the county. The Bill for empowering the North Wales Power and Traction Company, Limited, to construct generating stations and supply electricity in cer- tain parts of North Wales was considered, and a motion passed that other authorities be allowed to join in the petition against the Bill, which would again be considered at the meeting shortly to be held. On the subject of education, Mr. W. E. Wil- liams proposed a motion calling the attention of the Board of Education to the unsatisfactory con- dition of many of the elementary school buildings in the county, and requesting the Board to draw the attention of the managers to the condition of the buildings in regard to structure, accommoda- tion, and sanitary arrangements. The resolution went on to state that most of the Voluntary schools were in these respects very defective, and the Council expressed the opinion that the schools should, as far as practicable, be made to comply with the building regulations of the Board of Education. Mr. Gamlin proposed an amendment calling at- tention to the unsatisfactory state of some of the school buildings, requesting that the "appointed day" be not further postponed, and pledging the Council to administer the Act fairly and equit- ably, and without any further bias and prejudice against the Voluntary schools. Eight members voted for the amendment, which was declared lost, and the original motion was carried by a large majority, the words "as far as practicable" being added.

The directors of Robt. Roberts and Co., Limited, tea and coffee merchants, of Liverpool, London, Manchester, Birmingham, etc., recommend a dividend at the rate of 5 per cent. per annum on the preference shares, and at the rate of 5 per cent. per annum on the ordinary shares of the company for the year ending 31st December, 1903. CONSUMPTION DANGERS.—With a view to prevent the spread of consumption, the Uckfield Urban Council at its meeting on Friday authorised its sanitary inspector to dis- infect all houses in which consumptive persons had died when application was made for this to be done. This decision followed a report of the inspector, who had declined to disinfect a house at the cost of the ratepayers because consumption was not; scheduled as an infectious disease.

M What's all the World without H a GOOD DIGESTION? t H There is not much occasion, nowadays* for anyone, H H rich or poor, to go about subject to the terrors of Indi- H ||R gestion. A bad digestion may be cured, a weak one B I*! strengthened, and a good one confirmed. Bj H are, in fact, the recognised remedy for all forms of H H dyspepsia, a disease far-reaching and distressing enough, H B which generally arises from complicated irregularities H H of the stomach, liver, and kidneys. By their specific H Hj action on these organs— H H BEECH AIM'S PILLS re-establish healthy digestion, I ■ purify the blood, eliminate uric acid and act as a fine I H tonic upon the nervous system. I g| There is certainly no other medicine before the public H ■ which combines so many life-giving properties as H ■ BEECHAM'S PILLS. ■ H This Wonderful Medicine Is specially suitable for I H Females of all ages. Every woman who values health I H should read the instructions wrapped round each I HB box, I jfjB Sold everywhere la Boxes, 1s. l £ d. (56 pills) and 2s. 9d. (168 Pills). H The Physician's ■ H I I .1 I B Cure for Gout, ■ WM I A Ik I ■ |flL W M W V Rheumatic Gout and Gravel. The Universal Remedy for Acidity of the Stomach, Headache, Heartburn, Indigestion, ^n, e er, j S.UX iruoua. Bilious £ £ £ £ £ £ £ and the fcte/tf>lNNEFORD&) ^magnesia/ |Tf!T?nT3ciTl TOUCH LIVER THEY TOUCH THE LIVER OTEFes Cure^ riTTLE BILIOUSNESS. M H S'CK HEADACHE. I \M P" rfSfrnxLiX TORPID LIVER. ■ /JStt vLsL FURRED TONGUE. ■ ■ 4+ jjfwSm Gp| indigestion. J|H f | DIZZINESS. SALLOW SKIN. 8mall MIL 1 B a £ ^7 Small Dose. They TOUCH the —■ | if a H B Small Price. Genuine Wrapper Printed on WHITE PAPER, BLUE LETTERS. Look for the Signature.

THE HOUSING PROBLEM.—Mr. T. Myddel- ton Shallcross, a well-known Liverpool architect, thinks it a mistake for corporations to build "model" tenements which soon get out of date, and a few years after thoy are built are pro- nounced insanitary according to more modern ideas. He does not think it possible to maintain pride of home anl cleanliness in a tenement whore there are common passages and stairs, and con- siders that corporations should rather by down principles of sound construction and sanitation, and see that these are carried out. No ono should be permitted to obtain rents for insanitary property. RAILWAY COMPANIES' DIVIDENDS.— The directors of the London and North-Western Railway Company announce a dividend at the rate of 6 per cent. per annum, with £ 09,000 carried forward. At the corresponding date last year the dividend was at the rate of 7f, with V 02.060 carried forward. The Midland Railway Company announce a dividend at the rate of 2. per cent. per annum on 2 the preferred converted ordinary stock and of 3i per cent. on the deferred converted ordinary stock, against on the latter stock a year ago. The balance carried forward is £ 55,G99. The dividend is equal to 5 per cent. per annum on the former ordinary stock. The dividend for the second half of 1902 was at the rate of fi per cent. per annum, and the balance then carried forward was £ 44,524.

125 Cash Prizes DANIELS' ILLUSTRATED CATALOGUE 164 4to pages, 160 illustrations, post free to intending purchasers, gives all particulars of these most successful competitions, as well as full lists of EVERYTHING REQUIRED for the GARDEN. and up-to-date instructions for cultivation. The 170 PRIZES now offered, ranging from £3 downward, are for Vegetables and Flowers easily grown by Amateurs, including BEANS, PEAS, CABBAGES, CARROTS, PARSNIPS, LEEKS, ONIONS, TOMATOES, CUCUMBERS. ASTERS, SWEET PEAS, ZINNIAS, &c. Prices moderate. Cash Discount. DANIELS BROS. JID B.Y:ROYAL WARRANT TaI fiTd1! TO H.M.TH E Ki N G 1 it j iii 1 in 1B RUBBING EASES PAIN. ACCIDENTS & AILMENTS. The 0 1> P.P. -Elliman FIRST AID in ACCIDENTS AILMENTS, HYGIENE OF THE ATHLETE, MASSAGI-, &c. 256 pp., Illustrated. Price 1/. post free throughout the World stamps or postal order (Foreign stamps accepted) or upon receipt of booklet- overs or sight ot bills snowing: purchase ot 3 bottles of ELI IMAN's or 4/- bottle. b„ £ .LLI^.AN'f EMBROCATION. Sp^lns. Bruises, Fresh Cuts, Sore Throat from Cold CAM bla 1 n heJo r«froke n 3' a ColdChU- Cnmn S?f«n«s Sn«0rns when Painful, U"b» Bottles, 8Jd., i/ -> 9 <XC- BLLIMAN, SONS & CO-, Slough, England. •——•Qmeeoeeeeoooj DOIIT WAIT -:af > The moment the system shows RUY sIgu of M take MARTIN'S Apiol PILLS } ™odlHm in the world can claim so many M • QBer^ J £ e speedy, pleasant, natural 2 I corrccMve and'adjuBtant Nine-tenths of tha 1 I Martin 8 Pills -jld are purchased by regular euatomers. u L^ ;vf,i tytmts The Universal Disinfectant* THE ONLY DISINFECTANT I g Fit for Household Use. ■ ■ FRICRANT, NON-POISONOUS ■ B DOES NOT STAIN. IJ 111SANITAS » used at most HOSPITALS, I H anil by most BOARDS OF HEALTH. I B Pamphlet Tree on Application. I; FLUID, SOAP POWDER, POWDER, FUMIGATORS, SOAPS. FLOOR POLISH, EMBROCA TION, SULPHUR CANDLES, Sc., &cr. THE "SANITAS II CO., Ltd., Bethnal GreeD) LONDON. C X0**V1 Q VEGETABLE +. & FLOWER V SEEDS Seed Potatoes, Oardea Tools & Sundries. All best qualities. Carriage Free. Illustrated Catalogue S82 post frtt on application. O Royal Seed Warehouses | S ART METAL WORK IN GATES AND GRILLES. .jjiSf^ IION HURDLES, WIRE FENCING, FIELD GATES, CORRUGATED IRON ROOFING &c W. H. PEAKE & SONS, MANUFACTURERS, 25 & 27, SEEL STREET. LIVERPOOL. 7' DON'T COUCH for C H '9 IDONT COUCH >71 IDONT COUCH >71 ■ KEATING'S LOZENGES I ■EASILY CURE I ITHE WORST COUCff.l ■ One gives relief. An increasing ■ S ? ?ver 80 ye»rs is ■ ceruin H H testof their value. Sold in 13id. M tin8 everywhere. A

and he hoped, by appointing correspondents, to make the farmers feel that there was someone they could go to who was in touch with the Board, and that all the scientific and technical know- ledge possessed by the Board was ready to be placed at the disposal of farmers. There was a great deal going on in the way of new cultivation, the eradication of new diseases and of weeds, as to which, if brought to the notice of the Board, information might be disseminated among far- mers all over the country. He wanted to get at the small farmers particularly. Of course, the Board was not anxious to discuss with the corre- spondents large questions of public policy. It is to be hoped that his lordship's plan will succeed, and that farmers will take a sincere and intelli- gent interest in a policy very much intended for their welfare.