The Chester Courant and Advertiser for North Wales

NOR MANTON VACANCY Mr. \V. Parratt (E.) and Mr. Marcus Dorman (U) were to-day nominated far the Normar.ton Division. Polling- tiJtc-s plaoe next Tuesday.

LONDON STOCK MARKETS. The London Stock Markets opened to-day with a good tone. Ru.toijn four; aco up one, and Japanese fivc-s advanced a half. Console o~c a sixteenth better.

RAILWAY DIVIDEND. To-day dividend ■,?as declared on the Great North of Scotland Railway preferred ordinary y pvc stock at the rate of three per coat, per annum, and 011 deforreci a,. He- rate of l per cent. per annum.

TERRIBLE COLLIERY ACCIDENT. FIVE MEN KILLED. A terrible accid'it.t occurred this morning: at Messrs. John Brown and Company's Aldwark Main Colliery, Roti,,2cf.,arn. A rope holding a cage containing e>igH men broke when the cage wa. forty yards from the bottom. Five men were killed and three wer:- badly injured. The deau men are Mark Dyson. Victoria-road, Park Gate; Peter Rockett, Ash wood Road, Park Gate; Wm. Downing. Pottery-street, Pawrrarsh; Albort Kemp, Foljambe-road, Rotherham; and Thomas itamsden, Nottingham-street, Rotherham. All the deceased wore rrwried. The shaft was used exclusively for loworv^r and raising the workmen, and not for lifting coal.

BIRMINGHAM MEETING. TUESDAY. SMALL HEATH HURDLFr—Childwit, 1; Barleycorn, 2; Pango Pango, 3. Nine ran. HARBORNE HURDLE.-Hairbird, 1; Kents- hole, 2 Khiva Pass, t; Buttered Bun, t. Six ran.

PLUMPTON MEETING. TUESDAY. SELLING H URD LE.—Ulster Boy, 1; Padi- shah, 2; Acquisition, 3, F1NDON STEEPLECHASE.-Bala, 1; Queen Bee, 2; Viking, 3. Nine ran.

SHIRE HORSE SHOW. RECORD ENTRY. Yesterday (Tuesday) the twenty-fifth annual show of the Shire Horse Society began at the Agricultural Hall, a-nci will remain open till Friday. There are no fow->r than 862 entries, which ex- ceeds the record entry of 1902 by two. This abnormally large Lit is probably due to the rich prize list. As compared with last year, the entries of stallions shew ar increase of five, the mares and fillies an increa.*? of eight, and the geldings a decrease of eleven. As compared with 1903, the entries show an lactase of no fewer than 132. made up of 119 stallions, 57 marcs and fillies, and six geldings. ThM totals for th. three- sections are: Stallions 481. mares and fillies 351, and geld- ings 50. Among the exhibitor.* the King, Eari Egerton of Tattoo, Earl Baauchamp, Lord Ll&ng- attock. The judges, who eomraoaeod: their work at an eaTly hour, are Messrs. Thomas B. Fi-e-tint-v, Hen:v Smith and James Whinnecah. Oil Thuns day. after the sale of fiiiiee is over, and buyers havo had time for lunch, a parade of the prize- winners will be held at half-past two; and Friday is reserved for the :¡alt> of stallions and geldings by the society's auctioneers. A reserve of 25 guineas is placed b: the eociety on yearlings, of 40 guineas on mares of two years oid and upwards, and of 50 guineas on ntaliions of two years old and upwards. The Organising Committee are to be congratulated on the high protuise of success already shrwn by the number and quality of the entries foi the shov, which proves the good work that has been dons for this splendid and service- able hreerl of hoises. The president fc-.iis year is Sir Aloxcndor Henderson M.P.

IMPERIAL PARLIAMENT. In the House of Common < Oil Monday petitions against any curta.'Lnent of the powers of magi- strates in regard t. licences wore presented, in- cluding one by Mi Robert Yorburgh frear. •She WCbjl Calvinistic Methodist Otiuroh, Chester. The North-Wetrtern Eleotrioity and Power-Gas Bill, cne Manchester Shi'p Canal Bill, the Man- chester Ship Cana' (Finauoe) Bill, and other pri- vate Dill were ail wd a seoond time. THE GRANTS TO WELSH COLLEGES. Mr. Kenyon ah.ci the Ohanoellor of the. Ex- chequer whether he would include the three Welsh colleges, which were hinderOOl in their work by lack of funds, in lah(-t list of university oolleges to receive increased grants during the current°yoar, :and -en what principle these grants would be allo- cated.-Ilr. Victor O&veridi.^h- who replied, said the grants to Welsh colleges had been based on a ¡ different principle F-orn that applicable to the English oclleges arid on a more liberal scale. The I Chancellor of the Exchequer would consider the matter further, but at present he thought that it would not be possible to increase the. WcU) grants. GOVERNMENT MAJORITIES. The House afterwards went into Committee of Supply 011 the Army Supplementary Vote. Ex- planations were gi\re.n as to. the expenditure in Soutr. Afiicu and en the Somaliland expedition, and following an Opposition protest on the grow- ing- expenditure or. the Army a motion to reduce the Vote was made, but wa-s defeated by a Govern- ment majority of 61) At the evening sitting- Dr. Maori surara moved the adjournniont of the House to discuss the question cf M' labour regula- tions 111 the Transvaal. In replying on the debate fcne Colonial Secretary exproxsed his contompt for the statements made from the Opposition, and OIl t:ie IT dividing there were for the adjourn- ment, 156; against, 212; Government majority, 56,

HON. ARTILLERY COMPANY. +-- Monday, which war. Georgj Washington's birfli- day, coincided with the annual supper and prize distribution of the Honourable Artillery Company, and. bearing in mind the oortJiaJity with which the recent delegation (;.¡J- the United States was re- ceived. a friendly cable to America from the Armoury House at Finsbury appeared to be quite the desirable thing. Accordingly, when Colonel the Earl of Denbigh announoed that he had despatched a cordial message of greeting to Col. Hedges, commanding the Aucent. and "lianour- able Artuiery Company of tOIl. tie cheers were loud and prolonged. Lord Denbigh spoke of his visit to America as an historic event. When ha returned he said, he reported all the circum- stances to their captain-general and colonel. the King, and he received his Majesty's commands to tell them how extremely pleased he was to hear of the excclent conduct a-id bearing of thA members, and of the good impression they had created in the United States. (Cheers) As re- gards numbers, the company w-v, still about 100 in excess ot the period which, preceded the war. but in this respect things were, nevertheless not quite what they oouid wish. Some very satisfac- tory wo' k had been done during the year, and at would have been still better if the authorities were a little more liberal in the matter of ammu- mtion, and if there was a really accessible and convenient- range near the motrooolis. (Hear hear.) Lieut.-General Lord Gronfel!, who subsequentlv distributed the prizes, remarked that the Americalr visit of the company was not merely a social but a portical success. (Cheers.) In the course of the evening a diamond rin"- was presented by the Earl of Denbigh to Mr. W H. Hillman. the treasurer, for his services as honorary secretary to the American delegation His Majesty's prize, which is given to the two branches of the regiment altemaMy, was handed to Bombardier D Cookes, of B B?.ttery and the chamo onship and gold wc4 of the regiment to Captain F. E Varley instructor of musketry. The Diamond Jub'ice and the Tolhurst. Challenge Cups both fell to No. 1 Company On the centro tabie stood a massive gold cup which is to loin the rrg.rnental plate as a souvenir of the Coronation of Kinz Edward. To Colour-S^rert Slade. who is retiring from the post- of sergeant-instructor after fifte n years' service, a choqus for 2200 was handed

RHUDDLAN PLOUGHING SOCIETY -The annual series of competitions in connection with thic society lace at Vaenof Bv b, near Aber- gele, nn S-tui.lay. Upwards of thirty teams entered For the second year in succession R. R. Davids. TWtws, was adjndored the best ploughman on the field. so that the Hewthorne Challenge Cup now becomes his property absolutely.

CHESHIRE. The Cheshire County Council election is fixsd for March 5th. The last day and hour for the delivery of nomination papers is Friday, 4.59 p.m., and the last day and hour for delivery of notice of withdrawal is Saturday, 2 p.m. Mr. R. T. Richardson again offers his services to the electors of Chester Castle division, whom he has repre- sented for the past six years. So far no one has come forward to contest the seat, and, in any event, it is pretty safe to assume that Mr. Richardson will take his accustomed seat on the re- assembly of the Council. We understand that Mr. Thomas Baxter, C.C., of Dutton Hall, Preston Brook, has signified his intention of not seeking re-election for the coming session. He has been representative of the Frodsham district during the past 12 years, and has taken a great and energetic interest in educational, agricultural, and other work of the Council. We also understand that Mr. Charles E. Linaker, F.S.I., of The Rock, Frodsham. has, at the unanimous request of a large number of ratepayers, consented to be nominated for the vacant post. The Unionists of the Wallasey district have declined to be bound by the agreement come to by the party leaders outside their area with regard to the forthcoming County Council elections. The agreement in question was to the effect that all retiring mem- bers seeking re-election should be returned un- opposed. When Mr. T. Raffles Bulley was first elected to represent the Liscard division it was JUS a Liberal Unionist. At a recent Radical dinner. wc however, ho intimated his return to the ranks of Radicalism, and in view of this fact the local Unionists have brought forward in opposition to him Dr. Bouverie F. P. M'Donald. Attempts have been made to secure that gentleman's with- drawal. At a meeting of his election committee 011 Thursday he placed himself unreservedly in their hands, when it was decided to absolutely ignore tne compromise. Mr. Raffles Bulley has stated his determination to fight the seat. Under the circumstances it is understood that the Radicals intend to offer opposition to the return of Mr. Charles Birchall for Seacombe division and Mr. Albert T. Wright for New Brighton. Mr. John Barber is mentioned as Mr. Birchall's probable opponent. Little or no interest seems to have manifested itscli throughout Mid-Cheshire. lne retiring members, Mr. Algernon Fletcher, for the North- wich division: Mr. Henry Bratt, Witton division: Colonel France-Hayhurst, for Davenham and Church Holme; Mr. Henry Seddon, for Middle- wich; Mr. John Rigby, for Winsford; and Dr. Smith, for Weaverham, have declared their inten- tion to again place their services at the disposal of the electors. The probability is that they will be re-elected without opposition. NESTON. STRONG UNIONIST CANDIDATE. We are informed that the Unionists have pre- vailed upon Mr. R. E. R. Brocklebank to contest the Neston seat against Mr. Thomas Clarke, of Lea Hurst Hall. the chairman of the Wirral ] Liberal Association. The Unionists are to be congratulated on their choice, for Mr. Brockle- bank is eminently qualified to discharge the duties, and would be an undoubted acquisition to the County Council. Mr. Brocklebank bears an honoured name. He is the son of Mr. Thomas Brocklebank. of the Roscote, Heswall, a former High Sheriff of the county, and is well known and highly esteemed in Wirral. He is a prominent member of the popular Wirral Hunt, and as an oarsman he had few rivals in his day. He rowed No. 3 in the Royal Chester Four who dis- tinguished themselves at Henley, and, in fact, at all provincial regattas. His return on March 5th is confidently looked forward to.

hEN tilGHSHIRE. There are to be no contests for the representa- tion on the Denbighshire County Council of the Wrexham wards, an arrangement having been arrived at whereby each party will have two seats. There are unlikely to be contests at Burton, Chirk, Ruabon. Gresford, or Stansty. In Cefn Mawr the present member, Mr. E. Lloyd Jones (U) will be opposed by Mr. D. W. Roberts (R). Mr. J. W. Evans (R), the retiring member for Marchwiel, will be opposed by Mr. Philip Yorke, of Erddig. The Rev. E. Roberts (R) is not to have a waik over at Brymbo, as Mr. J. H. Darby, head of the Brvmbo Steel Works, comes out as an Independent candidate. Mr. J. Stephen Jones (R) is again the candidate for the Ponkey division, and Mr. E. Hooson has been chosen by the Radicals for Rhos and Penycae, in place of Mr. J. Owen Jones (R). The Unionists intend to bring forward a candidate to fight Mr. John Allen (R) at Gwersyllt. Mr. W. B. Sadler has been selected as the Radical candidate for Holt.

FLINTSHIRE. ENCOURAGING UNIONIST PROSPECTS. Very great interest is being taken throughout Flintshire in the forthcoming County Council elections, and both parties are making every pre- paration for a keen fight, says "'The Liverpool Courier." The total number of members of the Council is 56, but there is a vacancy in the Bron- ooed (Mold) Division. Of the 55 members remain- ing 17 are Unionists and 38 Radicals; but this constitution of the Council is largely the result of the manner in which the alderman ic bench is formed, there being only one Unionist alderman out of the 14. The solitary Unionist alderman is Mr. P. P. Pennant, of St. Asaph, who has so creditably discharged the duties of chairman of the Council during the past twelve months. There are 42 seats to be filled, and according to the latest reliable estimate there will be contests in about 35 divisions. The question on which the elections are to be fought is the education controversy. The County Council, at present so overwhelm- ingly Radical, has passed a resolution declining to give rate-aid to "non-provided" schools, and as a very large majority of the schools in Flintshire are voluntary institutions that have not signified their intention of coming "under the wing" of the Council, Churchmen and Catholics regard the out- look as anything but reassuring. The Unionists have determined to make a great effort either to change the balance of paities in the present con- stitution of the Council, or to greatly reduce the Radical majority. It is felt that the Council ought to administer the Education Act so that each ohild in the county shall have the same edu- cational advantages, and in this respect, it ap- pears from a resolution passed at the County Teachers' Annual Conference, held at Mold last month, that the Conservative and Unionist nominees, who favour a more generous interpre- tation of the Act than the Council has decided upon, are likely to gain support in unexpected quarters. There is a strong feeling that the County Council have adopted a course inimical to the general interests of education in declining to give rate-aid to Voluntary schools; and it is the object of the Unionists, if possible, to get that resolution rescinded. The date of the election is Saturday. March 5th. The Unionists are most hopeful about the contests at Mold, Flint. Holy- well and Rhyl, as well as in many of the country distriots. At Flint there is every confidence that Mr. T. W. Hughes (U) will retain his seat in the West Ward. Dr. J. H. Williams (R), who represents the East Ward, may find a formidable opponent in Mr. Bate (Kelsterton); while in the Central Ward information is to hand that the Rev. W. Ll. Nicholas (the rector) will oppose Mr. J. L. Mus- pratt. (R). At Golftyn, Mr. Chailes Davison (U) will prob- ably not be opposed. In the populous neighbour- hood of Shotton. Mr. John Jones (R) is not seek- ing re-election. Mr. James W. Summers is being put forward as the Radical candidate, but he will be stoutly opposed by Mr. Frank Hurlbutt, Mr. E. S. Taylor (U) is seeking re-election at Saltney, and may probably have a "walk-over." Not so Mr. James Prince (R) at Wepre, for it is stated that 'Mr. E. Blane (U) intends to oppose. At Mod, Major Lloyd (U), who has so ably repre- sented the East Ward during the past three years, is being opposed by Mr. Robert Morris (R), Pen- tre Mills, but the Unionists regard this division as safe. Mr H. J. Roberts (R) is the membet for the East Ward, and there the Unionists have secured an excellent candidate in Mr. P. Tatton Davies-Cooke. In the Broncoed Division, at present vacant, Mr. Jesse Roberts is being put forward by the Radicals. The Unionist party will run a strong candidate in the person of Mr. T. M. Keene, The Cottage, a partner in the well- known firm of Messrs. Keene. Son and Kelly, solicitors, joint clerk to the justices and clerks to Urban District Council of Buckley. Mr. Keene is an admirable man of business, possesses knowledge of administrative work, and should make an ideal county councillor. With the recollection fresh in our minds of the honour conferred upon him by the command of the Volunteer Service Company that served in the South African war. and the distinc- tion he earned by the thorough and soldierly man- ner in which he discharged his duties, we consider the electors of Broncoed would be fortunate in securing such a representative, who certainly may be regarded as one of the most promising and able young men in Mold to-day. As the result of a communication from the Bishop of St. Asaph a meeting of clergy and laymen in the rural deanery of Mold has been held, whereat those present pledged themselves to accord unanimous sup- port in the forthcoming County Council elections to candidates favouring the ad- ministering of the Education Act, 1902, in its entirety. On the Leeswood Division Mr. Thomas Parry (R), the present representative, is to be opposed by Mr. Cyril H. Dodd manager and director of the Pontyhodkin Colliery Company. Mr. B. E. Phillips (U) will 6eek re-election at Cilcen. and if it prove correct, as was rumoured on Saturday, that Mr. Owen Wynne will contest this seat for the Radicals, we do not think that any change will result. An effort will br made to capture the Radical seat of Caergwrle, now represented by Mr. H. H. Hughes. Mr. W. H Roberts, of Tryddyn, will come for- ward for the Unionists and has issued his address. If Mr. Henry Hughes. of Buckley, opposcs either of the two present members in that part, there is a picbability of the Radicals losing an important seat. Lord Mostyn (U) should succeed in retain- ing his seat at Mostyn against the Rev. Hugh Roberts, a Calvinistic Methodist minister, and the same may be said with regard to Mr. H. A. Cope (U) at Whitford, against Mr. Samuel Jones, of Holywell. At Ffynnongroew, the present mem- ber, Mr. Robert Jones (R) will be opposed by Mr. C. J. Batters (U), and at Bagillt. West Mr. Thos Jones <R) will have Mr. Isaac Taylor (U) as an opponent. An exciting contest will be that of Caerwys, between Mr. Trevor Jones (U), the present member, and Mr. D. E. Hughes. and it may confidently be expected that Mr. Jones will retain his seat. So far as could be gleaned on Saturday, the following were likely to -be returned unopposed:—Mr. C. P. Morgan (U) for Argoed; Lord Kenyon (U), for Bangor Mr. William Ast- bury (R), for Northop; Mr. John K Evans (R), for Greenfield; Mr. Samuel Davies (R), for Bagillt East; Mr. J. P. Jones (R) for Brynford; and Mr. E. L. Jones (R), for Halkyn Tryddyn village and parish has caught the fever, and political speeches and arguments are the order of the day. The Radicals kept possession of the seat from the commencement (only one feeble attempt having been made the first year to contest it) till this year and by all appearances a Unionist candi- date will carry all before him. The retiring mem- ber, Mr. Thomas Griffith, a wealthy farmer, seeks re-election. According to the canvassers' there is no doubt as to the result, three-fourths of the electors having already pledged their votes for Mr. John Roberts, Tanllan. the Unionist candidate. Taken altogether, it would appear that there is every prospect of a Union'st ga. n at the coming election. and the party is looking forward to the results with the utmost confidence.

CHESHIRE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. -+- A NEW LEASE OF LIFE PROPOSED PERMANENT SHOW AT CHESTER. An important meeting of members of the Cheshire Agricultural Society was held at Crewe on Monday, to consider a report which had been drawn up by a committee on the position and prospects of the society. The Rev Canon Armitstead presided, and a large attendance included Mr. Henry Tolle- mache, M.P., Col. Cotton-Jodrell, Messrs Geo. Barl)our, G. Garfit, Thomas Smith (Blacon Point), L. P. Smith, S. Cawley, J. Beecroft, Tom L. Dodd, C. Russell Hall, Rowe Morris, A. W. Butt, W. Lea, T. Parton, C. Parton, J Hill, T. A. Beckett (secretary), &c. The report of the committee, which suggested among other things, that the show should be held at Chester for four or five years in succession, and possibly permanently if the plan be found to work well, appears in our inside pages. Mr. Tollemache said that the position and pros- pects of the society were gone into pretty fully at the meetings of the oomm.ttee at Chester, and the result of their deliberations was embodied in the report before them. It was the unanimous opinion at the meetings that if the society con- tinued on its present form it would soon be landed into utter and irretrievable disaster. The number of local shows in the county had rapidly increased, and they wore further increasing, and at the same time developing. Consequently, it was almost impossible for them to get adequate sup- port for their own show. The Cheshire Agricul- tural Society were the first in the field, but for some reason they had been losing ground, and the result was that there were instead of one society dealing with the agricultural interests 0; the county 3. very large number; in fact there was only one corner in the whole of the county which was not covered by some local show in addition to their own, and that was even oovered by the Bir- kenhoad and Wirral Show, which embraced the whole of the county. The result of the multipli- cation ot local shows naturally took a large num- ber of their subscribers away from them, and it also took away a great deal of the interest. The Cheshire show had had its chance, but had not accepted it. Local shows had grown up and had cut the ground from them, and the local shows were increasing and prospering. The Cheshire Show was the only one which was go ng down the hill. Looking into the future their only hope lay in getting to some part of the county where there was no local show which would sap the founda- tion from under them. The only part of the county where that condition prevailed was at Chester. Chester, moreover, was their county town, and although people living at Nantwich, Macclesfield, Congleton, Altrincham and other places might support their local shows, still there was a feeling of loyalty throughout the county to Chester. Any loss they sustained in other parts of the county might be more than made up by the increased interest and enthusiasm that would be likely to be shewn if they heid the county show in the county town. If this pioposal were in any- way antagonistic to the views of the people of Chester they would not have thought of it for a moment-, but from enquiries made they found that the idea was exceedingly popular among Chester gentlemen and others having interests in Chester. As far as he knew, the idea was very popular in Chester, and had the warm support. of their patron. the Duke of Westminster. Having come to that conclusion, the committee put it befoie them as their main proposal. In his opinion, it was the only possiblo chance of their society holding its own and regaining that position in the county which it ought to possess. He believed they would get a hearty welcome from the Corporation and citizens of Chester. The committee suggested that the society might hold its shows there for four or five years. and see how things went on. He proposed the adoption .of the report and the recommendation of the oommittee. .Mr. T. Smith (Blacon Point) seconded He be- lieved the citizens of Chester would give a very warm welcome to the society if they selected Chester as a permanent home for the show. The subject had not yet come before the Corporation. but a deputation had seen the Town Clerk and tha committee who would have to deal with the matter, and the committee had promised to sup- port it when it came before the Council. Mr. 0. R. Hall said that if the shows were held at Chester they would, ha believed, get very large attendances of visitors from all parts of the county. Mr. J. Hobson said that at Chester they had every necessary accommodation for the county show. It was not only an interesting town, but appealed to a large agricultural area. If they held their shows there, they would save £100 or 2150 a year in showyard expenses Mr. A. W. Butt and Mr. R. Morris also sup- ported the motion.—Mr. T. A. Beckett read a resolution from the Chester Traders' Association, warmly supporting the scheme. He further an- nounced that he. had received a promise of 80 new members of the society conditional on their hold- ing their shows at Chester. The Town Clerk had informed him that the Corporation would grant the use of the Roodee for the show and provide them with water, while the manager of the Race- course Committee had stated that the grand- stand would be available, and also the offices un- derneath and the turnstiles for a nominal charge. The Chairman thought the opinion of the meet- ing was unanimously in favour of Chester. Personally, he thoroughly agreed with the recom- mendation of the committee. Peripatetic shows were, all very well when they wore started, but he was convinced that now the onlv chance of a good county show was to hold it in a fixed place. The cordial sympathy which appeared to come, if not officially, yet as good as officially, from Chester, was very satisfactory. (Hear, hear.) The Roodee was a splendid ground, and the accommodation ottered them by the Kaco Com- pany, on very moderate terms, would be a great improvement. He thought they had the nucleus of a grand show there. It was encouraging to hear that at once they would get 80 new members if they went to Chester. Everything spoke in favour of Chester, and he hoped if they decided to visit the county town the society would take a new lease of life. It was quite clear that they could not go on as they were going on now. Mr. G. Garfit thought from the first they had all been in favour of the show going to Chester. They ought to be much obliged to the committee who had made the report. The resolution was carried unanimously. It was further decided that an executive com- mittee of twelve should be appointed to manage the preparation for and conduct of the show, that if the show should be located at Chester the Mayor and Shenff should be ex-officio vice-presidents of the society, and that the Corporation should be asked to nominate four additional gentlemen on the executive oommittee, which would bring the strength up to 16; that collectors should be ap" pointed in various districts of the eountv to canvass for members, and should rc-ceivr five per cent. commission on all names accepted, and that the secretary should attend all local shows in the society's district (his expenses being paid) for the purpose of 'assisting the collectors in their work and also of securing additional entries, and in any way of advancing the interests of the society; that the prize list shall be revised, and that 5 per cent, instead of 2i per cent, on value of first prize should be charged to members exhibiting; and that a penalty clause be inserted in agreement with contractors. As regarded the show day. it was recommended (1) that the system of passes giving re-admission to the showyard should be more carefully regu- lated, and that, where desirable, a Gate Com- mittee should be appointed: (2) that the prize list should be carefully revised; and (3) that the stewards in both horse and cattle classes should be allowed a paid assistant. A discussion took place regarding the secretary- ship of the society, and it was finally decided to advertise in the autumn for a secretary, and that the present secretary should be eligible to send in an application.

GAS METER RENTS DISCONTINUED.— At a meeting of the Board of Directors of the Chester United Gas Company, held on Thursday, it was decided to discontinue the charge for rent of meters supplied by the company. The aggregate amount of meter rents in 1903 was E760, and con- sumers of gas will therefore benefit considerably by the concession.

WIRRAL RADICALS' INVITATION. ♦ ANOTHER DISAPPOINTMENT. The executive of the Wirral Division Liberal Association met on Monday at the Reform Club, Liverpool, Mr. Thomas Clarke presiding, to receive the reply of Mr. Henry Gladstone to their invitation to contest the division at the coming General Election. The reply of Mr. Henry Gladstone was a refusal, and the executive pro- ceeded to take steps to induce another gentleman to come forward. A further meeting will bo held shortly.

RADICAL CANDIDATE AT MALPAS. --+- THE LOAF JUGGLE. PRACTICAL DEMONSTRATION. A Radical meeting was held in the Jubilee Hall on Monday night, when the Hon. A. Stanley, the Radical candidate, continued his political cam- paign. He was accompanied by Mr. James Tom- kinson. M.P. The chair was taken by Mr. G. S. Morgan, and he was supported by Mr. C. Ches- worth, Mr. S. Winward (Broughton), and Mr. J. Willett (Tilston). There was not a crowded audience. The Hon A. Stanley said that it was his inten- tion to continue the campaign throughout the division in a fair manner. He objected to the Education Act because the principle of taxation and representation had been violated by it; and further, upon account of its religious test and the. disabilities of Nonconformist teachers. He hoped that the people of England would have none of it. He had no wish to starve education, and desired such education as was of the very best character to be provided by the State and'paid for by the State. He was an upholder of Free Trade and an advocate for free imports. He did not believe in Retaliation, and a Tariff war was one of the WOjSii conceivable. Referring to farmers ar ™ h,c .contended that by the adoption of Mr. Chamberlain's proposals produce would go up in price, but they would have to pay more for their own necessaries. The temperance question was subsequently touched upon, and he urged the restriction of the power of the magistrates, the liquor trade to be under the popular control of the people, and compensation to be paid. not. out of the pockets of the public, but paid by the trade for the trade. Other topics spoken on were better conditions of employment, better housing of the people, one man one vote and reform of the House of Lords He disapproved of the here- ditary principle, and hoped it would be reformed as soon as possible. In conclusion, he urged his hearers to use their influence in bringing about these, in his opinion, desirable reforms. Mr. Tomkinson subsequently addressed the meeting at considerable length mainly dealing with the Fiscal question. At the outset he re- ferred to his own campaign in Eddisbury on threp unsuccessful occasions, but he was glad to tell them that he had now a good seat in the Liberal interest at Crewe, and he trusted that to some extent lie represented the Eddisburv Division Contrasting Free Trade and Protect:on." he quoted statistics to suit his advocacy of the former, and shewed to his audience a specimen of the German 9d loaf as compared with the 5d. English loaf A sample of rye bread was also handed round the aud;enc,(-. Mr. Charles Chesworth, in a maiden speech, proposed a vote of thanks to the Hon. A. Stanley. Mr. J. Tomkinson. and to Mr. Morgan.—^This was seconded by Mr. G. Cooke, Clayley, who, befo-e second in cr the resolution, spoke upon the Actt'cuI- tural Rat-inor Act.—The candidate, Mr. Tomkinson and Mr. Morgan responded.

M-P.'S AND "TRADE" BRIEFS. THE WELSH "SCANDAL." The following letter has been sent by Mr. Hugh Edwards to Sir Alfred Thomas, M.P., chairman of the Welsh Parliamentary party, and was pub- lished in Monday's "Times": w T ,T Liverpool, Feb. 12, 1904. Welsh Li beral M. P. 's and the Trade. Dear Sir Alfred,—I am very pleased to learn that you have been re-elected chairman of the Welsh Parliamentary party. Kindly permit me once more to trouble you relative to this matter, and to draw your attention to the letters which passed between us last year. In the course of your letter of June 18, 1903, you said:—"I have given my best consideration to the serious matter you have kindly brought under my notice, and I have come to the conclusion that the widespread publicity given to the question in the Press and in other ways is all that it would be wise to do at the present juncture," &c. We are, in all probability, on the eve of the general election, and this serious matter still un- Sl'f m at| venture to think that it should be sausfactonly disposed of without delay, in order f u-7U U 3-11 in the Liberal ranks 01 Y\ ales, and especially in every constituency where a barrister is to be a candidate. Again, I earnestly and urgently appeal to the Welsh party, through you. to take the matter up and to have it considered and mutually disposed of. I oontend that it is pre-eminently a subjeot that comes withan the province of the party to seriously consider. Urave responsibility rests upon them, individually and collectively; and it is incumbent that they should make such a pronouncement forthwith as will put every section of Welsh Liberalism at ease and in bhe proper spirit to enter upon the coming momentous struggle and strife determined to give as good an aooount of themselves when emerging from it as in the past, and, indeed, even better, having regard to the important issues be- fore the country. However, you may depend upon it that this will not be the case in default of a satisfactory termination before then to this in- tolerable inconsistency and glaring anomaly in the public and political life of the Principality. At the Welsh Brewster Sessions last week, according to the papers, you have Messrs. Abel Thomas, Lioyd Morgan, Ellis Griffith, and Samuel Moss nguring, as usual, for the interests of the "trade," notwithstanding the controversy and agitation raging throughout Wales. Surely the party, and these gentlemen in particular, are not prepared to appear in their constituencies with this scandal in its present untoward position. I would remind you. sir, that the following re- presentative organisations-re.preselltive of what is best and noblest in the national life—have un- mistakably condemned the practice complained of and demanded its discontinuance; all of them adopted resolutions to this effect during last year:— 1. The Welsh Calvinistic Methodists, in their General Assembly, at Amlwoh, in July. 2. The Welsh Congregational Union, at Dow- lais, about the same tmie. 3. The Welsh Baptist Union, in Liverpool, in September. 4. The Welsh Wesleyans, at different meetings. 5. The Federation of North Wales Free Church Councils, in Colwyn Bay, in April. 6. The Grand Lodge of Welsh Good Templars. at Bodringallt, in June. 7. The South Wales Temperance Association, at Abergele, in September, for the third or fourth time. Other local organisations which I oould enumerate adopted rc-clutions likewise. The North and South Wales Associations passed motions to the effect that the electors do insist upon a pledge being given by every barrister candidate, in the event of his return, that he would not ac,copt briefs from the trade—(1) To plead fcr a new licence; (2) to ask for the renewal of an expiring one; (3) that he wouLd not defend licen- sees in police charges for the infringement of the licensing laws; (4) that he would not go to quar- ter sessions to attempt the quashing of the find- ings of local justices with superior knowledge of the affairs of their district to those who attend quarter sessions. Practically, this is all the pro- posed pledge implies, and what the whole con- troversy turns upon. We diregard the quibbk>s of those^ who insinuate that we wish to deny the trade" the services of oounsel. Is there any- thing unreasonable in the pledge when we con sider all the circumstances fairly and carefully? The Welsh Liberal barrister M.P.'s are returned to Parliament by the votes of Liberals, Nonoon formists, and tempera-nee electors, and all these mean the same thing in spirit, or ought to do. The pronouncements of the representative bodies herein referred to should not, and must mot, be treated lightly, as they cannot ba ignored wii-h impunity at the general election. I would once more suggest to you the propriety of bringing th's subject before a meeting of the party at an enrlv date, and express the hope that they will come into close quarters with the issue at once. It is not necessary for me to disclaim any feeling of hostility to a single n-embor or prospective candidate. I trust you will give the .contents of this letter-I cannot help it being so long—your earnest attention. Of course, you will under- stand that I may find it necessary presently to make public use of this communication, as we are determined not to rect- till a change takes plac. With kind regards and much respect, I remain. dear Sir Alfred, yours very s-inocrely, HUGH EDWARDS. Sir Alfred Thomas, Knt., M.P.

Lord Knoll vs, replying to a correspondent, says the King and Queen will visit Dublin at the end of April. HIMROD'S CURE FOR ASTHMA.—Estab- lished over a quarter of a century.—Prescribed by the Medical Faculty throughout the world. It is used as An inhalation, and without any after bad effects. Testimonials of efficacy from the late Lord Beaeonsfield, Miss Emilv FaithFnl, Sir Mnj-cl! Mackenzie, and Oliver Wendell Holmes. Trial sample free by pøst. In tins at 4 3. British Depot: 46, Holborn Viaduct, London; also of Newherv, Barclay, Sanger, Edwards. May Roberts; Butler and Crispe; Thompson, Liverpool; all Wholesale Houses.

THE WAR. «. GERMANY AND RUSSIA. HOSTILITY TO ENGLAND. An Exchange Paris teLegram says: "The Figaro" publishes a message received via Eydtkuhmen, which is attributed to an official personage, stating that Emperor William has sent a.n autograph letter to the Czar. Russian official circles rely on Germany's unreserved support, but a possible grouping of Russia, Germany, and France is openly discounted. The hostile feeling against England is daily increasing. RUSSIAN GUNBOAT DISARMS. The Russian gunboat Mandjour, which has been at Shanghai since the commencement of hostili- Lies, has become a non-cambatant. Her oom- mander, supported by Russian officials at Shang- hai, has agreed to her oomplete disarmament. She will remain in the harbour at Shanghai until the conclusion of ihoetilities. The only alternative to this action was immediate capture by the swift Japanese cruiser Akitsushima. Japan has issued a statement as to what con- stitutes contraband of war, which entirely omits all mention of coal. The opinion is persistently held in some quar- ters that the Japanese purpose to operate with a la.rge force in the far north-east of Korea against Vladivostok, in the first place, and next against Harbin, the reported1 new centre and headquarters of Admiral Alexeieff. There seems no plausible reason why Japan should depart from the plain course that lies be- fore her-to make perfectly sure of the Liao-tong peninsula with the possession of Port Arthur. This would be best effected by landings on both sides of the peninsula, for which Japan, it may be pretty certainly believed, is slowly but surelv preparing. BACK TO THE BALTIC RUSSIAN SQUADRON'S MOVEMENTS. REPAIRED BATTLESHIPS. ADMIRAL ALEXEIFF'S INSTRUCTIONS An Exchange Paris telegram savs that the St. Petersburg correspondent- of the "Echo de Paris" states that the Russian Squadron at Djibouti! has been instructed to return to the Baltic. The battleships Tsarevitch and Rotvisan have almost been repaired, and will rejoin the active squadron in a few days Admiral Alexeiff has been ordered to remain at Port Arthur until the arrival of Admiral Nak- haroff RUSSIAN AMBASSADOR. The Russian Ambassador left Charing Cross for St. Petersburg by the Nord Express via Ostend on Saturday. WAR CORRESPONDENTS DETAINED. STRICT CENSORSHIP. A New York cablegram message from Tokio, dated Friday, says that foreign correspondents are still detained, and the censorship is unrelaxed. Reports of Russian movements in Northern Korea are conflicting, the most reliable being that only the Russian scouts have crossed the Yalu. The operations are probably delayed by snow- storms. JAPANESE PARTY TAKVIN. A picket of Cossacks on Friday attacked a small detachment of Japanese on Korean territory. The Cossacks tooks some prisoners, on whom several maps and papers were found. A Paris telegram says at the present time Russia has one hundred thousand men in Manchuria, and in six weeks an army ttwo hundred thousand strong will be in the field. P. & O. STEAMER CHASED. An incident is reported from the Red Sea, where a Peninsular and Oriental liner was chased by a Russian vessel. The news from the East caused a severe depression on the foreign Bourses on Saturday. RUSSIAN DESTROYERS CAPTURED. i A SUCCESSFUL RUSE. trom several sources comes a report that the Japanese fleet has renewed its attack upon what remains fit for service of the Russian squadron at Port Arthur. The Tokio authorities say that they have heard nothing so far from Admiral Togo, though they are aware that he is blockading Port Arthur. Mr. Bennet Burleigh (of the "Daily Telegraph"), however, has received a telegram from Ohefoo announcing that the Japanese squadron has cap- tured fcur Russian torpedo-boat destroyers. The latter would appear to have been lured out of port by the Japanese, who used the Russian signals. It is probable, though not certain, that this cap- ture was the outcome of the reported fresh attack mentioned above, and whioh, according to a Paris telegram, occurred on Sunday. With the exception of this piece of news no intelligence of importance reached London from the seat of war on Monday. M. Pavloff, the erstwhile Russian Minister at Seoul, has sent his Government from Shanghai a very highly-coloured report on the loss of the Variag and Koreitz at Chemulpo. In this he assarts that a Japanese cruiser and torpedo-boat d'estroyer were sunk by the Russian fire, and an armoured cruiser seriously damaged. It may be recalled that the Japanese official account stated that their fleet escaped' without injury. Moreover, it is a significant fact that none of the commanders of the three foreign war vessels, British, French, and Italian, present at the engagement have menticned any such occurrences.

The Duke of Connaught, as Grand Master of Mark Masons of England and Wales, has re-appointed for a further term of three years Colonel Hunter, D L as Provincial Grand Master for North Wales. ROYAL ALBERT ASYLUM.—Arrangements are now being made for the annual election of patients to be held next May in connection with this institution, which exists for the training and education of all grades of the feeble-minded resi- dent in the seven northern counties of England. The friends of cases thought suitable for treat- ment in the institution should, therefore, at once apply to the principal and secretary, Mr. James Diggens, for the necessary forms. LOST STRING OF PEARLS.-Lady Mount- Stephen, on arriving at Windsor, to attend the Royal wedding on the 10th inst., missed a beautiful string of forty-five pearls, with diamond clasp, valued at about £ 2,000. which she was weariner uoon the occasion. The necklace was found by one of the I company's porters at the Great Western Station, near the platform where the King's guests entered I and alighted from their carriages, and is supposed to have accidentally dropped from Lady Mount- Stephen's neck. The porter subsequently handed it to Mr. Mann, the Windsor stationmaster, by whom it was conveyed to Mr. Hart, the divisional superin- tendent at Paddington. The latter gentleman at once sent the pearls to her ladyship at Carlton House- terrace. A reward of i;50 had been offered for the recovery of the jewellery. BISHOP SANDFORD'S WILL.—The Right Rev. Charles Waldegrave Sandford, 48, Wood- stock-road, Oxford, for thirty years Bishop of Gibraltar, who died at his residence, Bishops- bourne, Cannes, on December 8, aged 75 years, has left estate of the nett value of £ 16,490. Probate of his will of July 10, 1903, has been granted to his brother, the Ven. Ernest Grey Stamford. Arch- deacon of Exeter, and the Right Hon. Herbert Perrott Murray Pakington, Baron Hampton, of Waresley Court, Kidderminster. The testator be- queathed £1.500 among the five daughters of Lord Hampton, £ 1,000 to his son, the Hon. Hugh Charles Pakington, E500 to his niece, Catherine Sandford Walker Hichox, wife of the Rev. Sydney E. Hichox; £ 500 to his nephew, Temple Charles oandiord (son of his brother, Archdeacon Sandford); and to the said Archdecon Sandford his plate and books and the portrait of his mother. The Bishop left the residue of his property as to one-half for his sister, Alice Elizabeth O'Brien Sandford; and as to one-fourth each for his brothers, Col. Richard Main waring Sandford and the said Archdeacon Ernest Grey Sandford. CHESTER NATURAL SCIENCE SOCIETY. —A meeting of the Zoological Section of the Chester Natural Science Society was held on Thursday evening at the Grosvenor Museum. The chairman (Dr. W. Henry Dobie) presided over a fair attendance. Notes and observations upon the past year were given by Mr. Sidney G. Cummings and Mr. J. Thompson (upon birds of the district, etc.), Mr. J. Arkle (entomological noies), and the curator (Mr. R. Newstead) who gave further notes on the habits of the lesser horse-shoe bat, illustrated by photographs from life. Mr. Arkle pointed out that the wet and cold character of the past season had resulted in a scarcity of insects from a general point of view, and that a succe-sion of such seasons might ac- count for the partial disappearance of species. Many species of butterflies had failed to be ob- served, and the dragon flies had been equally in- conspicuous. Among caddis flies two probably new species had been added to the museum col- lection. The pairing of two closely allied species of moths—the poplar and eyed nawks^—was of considerable interest as bearing upon thei question cf the evolution of the species. The experiment had shewn that in only one case had the pairing resulted in fertile eggs, the nett result being eight pupee. The emergence of the moths from these pupee would be of increased interest—Mr. J. Thompson, m giving some observations upon 'on, local birds, ment.ioned that owing to the bene- ficial application of the Wild Birds' Protection Act, certain birds which had been considered vpry rare had been observed within the Chester Wa:lls, the most- not,a,ble being the green wcod- pecker.—Mr. Cummings contributed an extended li-t of interesting bird- which he had observed in t';e district, including the black-headed gull, car- rion orows, stone-chat, grey wagtail, whea-tear, rrd-ving. mallard, redshank, doteril, lesser tern, sandpiper (found at Blacon Point), short-eared nwl foumd in Anglesey, and a pair of turtle doves. T-Te al-o referrorJ to -the number of cormorants *"K:oh wTf up the river as far as Saltney.—Dr. Sto'terfoth remarked that the cormorants had be- eome quite common on tle, Dee, and were verv destructive^ to fish.—Mr. Nowsteacr. illustrated his remarks with a choice selection of views taken by himself from nature.—Mr. Chas. Oldham (Knut-s- ford) gave some ornithological notes, and a V0t of thanks was passed to the ohairman and the speakers, on the of Mr. J. D, Siddall.

SAD DEATH AT HOOLE. The circumstances of the painfully sudden death of Florence Louisa Hughes, 25 years of age. wife of John William Hughes, mechanical engineer, of 13, Sumpter-pathway, Hoole, were investigated by the West Cheshire Coroner (Mr. J. C. Bate) yesterday (Tuesday) morning. It ap- peared from the evidence that the deceased had been apparently in the best of health. Shortly after six o'clock on Sunday evening her husband left her at home in company with a little girl, and she appeared in perfect health. On returning to the house, after about an hour's absence, the hus- band was horrified to find his wife dead. During his absence from the house a neighbour named Dennis Bateman heard groans proceeding from Hughes's back-yard, and found Mrs. Hughes in an outhouse suffering great pain. Dr. L. A. Williams was at once summoned, and arrived a few minutes later, but deceased expired shortly afterwards A post-mortem examination revealed the fact that death was due to failure of the heart- owing to its fatty nature, accelerated by vomiting. The stomach was enormously dis- tended, containing a large amount of undigested food.—A verdict in accordance with the medical evidence was returned.

AUCTION SALES, SALE OF A CHESTER RESIDENCE, &c. On Saturday, Messrs. Cunnah and Roberts sold at the Blossoms Hotel the freehold residence "Curzon House," Curzon Park, with gardens, grounds, stables, &c., the whole containing an area la. 3r. 7p. The sale attracted a very large attend- ance. Bidding opened at 22,500 and rapidly advanced to £3,300, at which price the sale was declared open. When E3,500 was reached, the property was knocked down to Mr. 1. Stuart-Goold. Messrs. Cunnah and Roberts afterwards sold 20 shares (£10) in the Halkyn Drainage Company to Mr. Mitchell for £380. Messrs. Jolliffe and Jolliffie acted as vendors' solicitors.

TARVIN. LENTEN SERVICES.—On Ash Wednesday services were held in St. Andrew's Churoh, in the morning at 10 a.m., and in the evening at 7 p.m.

FKODSHAM. DISTRICT COUNCIL ELECTIONS. -The fol- lowing names have been mentioned as being likely to stand for the election of District Council for Frodsham (two seats):-Messrs. Chas. E. Linaker, Arthur J. Ashworth, and Henry M. Davies. Messrs. C. E. Linaker and J. Moseley Williams are the present representatives.

NORLRY. A TRAGIC DEATH.—The Cheshire Coroner was apprised on Monday of a tragedy which has caused a great sensation in the Norley district. A man named Oh rimes, aged about fifty, wa,s found hanging in his house. with a rope round his neck. He lived alone. A short time before his brother had been to see him, and found him on the bed. The deceaced waa rather eccentric, and was a remarkable pedestrian.

NORTHWrCH. SMALLPOX OUTBREAK. On Saturday morning the Northwich Urban District Medical Officer of Health certified an outbreak of small-pox in Leicester-street, Northwich. The patient, who was at once removed to hospital, is a boatman on the River Weaver. He is supposed to have contracted the disease outside the town. It is just twelve months since the last cases of small-pox occurred in Northwich. Ten patients were then under treatment, and were mostly imported cases.

-+- ROSSETT. CHOIR SUPPER.—The annual church choir supper took place on Tuesday evening, when, through the kindness of the Vicar and Mrs James, an excellent repast was provided. Suitable musical selections were given by Messrs. W. P Wilkes J. W. Manley, J. Bayliss, J. Rudge, G. Huxley, and R. Walley, the accompaniments being played by Miss J. B. Jones and Mr. Alfred Prince. General regret was expressed at the enforced absence of the senior churchwarden, Mr. Thomas, through indis- position. The proceedings terminated with a hearty vote of thanks to Mr. and Mrs. Jamea for their kind hospitality.

ASTON. PAROCHIAL CONCERT. The annual parochial concert and social evening took place on Shrove Tuesday in the Schoolroom. Mr. J. E. Bato presiding over a large attendance. The programme included: Part song, Star of Peace." the Choir; mandoline selection. Misses J. and G. Kirkham; songs, "Old Folks at Home," Mr. J. Roberts; Killarncy and Belle Mahone," Miss Rosbottom glees, Welcome Home and "Sweet and Low," the Choir; duet, "Larboard Watch," Messrs. H. Dean and J. Roberts; dialogue, "The Geese," Misses Wray and Dickson; humorous songs, Mr. C. Linaker; song, Massa's in the cold ground." Mr. H. Dean; violin solo, Miss M. Earp; songs by Miss Dickson, Miss K. Earp and Mr. Stormont. Miss F. Robinson, who shared the accompaniments, deserves great praise for her labours in getting up the concert.

BUCKLEY. SUDDEN DEATH.—The Buckley police report the sudden death of an old woman named Maria Williams, who was found dead in her house at Prenbrigog. near Buckley early on Sunday morning. The facts have been reported to the coroner. COLLIER'S DEFECTIVE MEMORY.-At the Mold Police Court on Monday. Samuel Leach, a Buckley collier, was charged in custody with being drunk and assaulting the police. P.C. Abraham Roberts (Buckley) said that at 10 o'clock on the previous Saturday night, defendant was very drunk at Lane End. He twice commenced a disturbance, and witness was proceeding to take him into custody when Leach struck him twice, kicked him and tore his uniform. He got defendant to the Police Station with the greatest difficulty In answer to the Bench, defendant said "I don't remember any- thing about it. I did not know where I was on Sunday morning until Sergt. Davies came in to me." Defendant was fined 2s. 6d. and costs for being drunk, and 10s and costs for the assault, making a total of £1 4s. 4d., or fourteen days' imprisonment in default of payment.

CREWE. REMARKABLE FATALITY. On Friday evening two little girls named Heginbotham, sisters, aged ti ve and nine years, were playing in the kitchen of their parents' house, in Furnival street, Crewe, when one of them tied a rope round the mangle and fastened it on the door. They then began swinging. In a few minutes the mangle overturned, and, falling upon the head of Doris Heginbotham, the younger child, killed her on the spot. BRIDEGROOM'S PLIGHT -At Crewe, on Saturday. John Fraser, master plumber, of Crewe. was charged with stealing, as bailee, two bicycles. The evidence showed that he hired the bicycles from a local cycle dealer for a certain period, and after riding them about, sold them to other cycle dealers.. On Thursday he had arranged to be married, and all I preparations wore made for the ceremony. The bride and guests arrived at the church, but the bridegroom failed to put in an appearance. This caused inquiries to be made, and led to his arrest for thefts. Three gold wedding rings were found in his possession. The accused said the reason for his downfall was his starting business without capital and being pressed by creditors. The magistrates said that the disappointment to his intended wife was more serious than the thefts. The prisoner was sent to gaol for three months with hard labour.

LORD ROBERTS'S RETIREMENT. The King has issued through the Army Council an Army Order, expressing his deep regret at taking leave of Lord Roberts, who retires from active employment on relinquishing the high office of Commander-in-Chief. For over 50 years the Field-Marshal has served Queen Victoria and his Majesty, in India, in Africa, and at home, with the highest distinction, and the King cannot part with him without returning publicly to him his tlianks and those of his Army for the invaluable services he lias rendered. GIFT TO PUBLIC MUSEUMS.-The director of excavations, Beni Hasen, Abu-Kirkas, Upper E&yPt, writes to the "Times" as follows: The Beni Hasan Excavations Committee finds itself able to offer to a number of museums in the United Kingdom and the Colonies a set of ancient Egyptian pottery, typical work of theXlth Dynastv dating about 2,300 B.C. The gifts will be allotted to the public museums firstly, by which is understood museums of towns or institutions which are open free of charge to the public. Educational institutions accessible to limited numbers are not debarred but no grant can be made under any circumstance to private individuals. Applications from the con- tinent of Europe or from America subject to these conditions would be considered oquallv should be addressed beforft March 20 £ 750 000 PER MILE. — Giving evidence at Friday's sitting of the London TrS Com mission, Sir Theodore Martin, PariSmenta^ agent, who said he had b^n in pmcS since 1845, and bad been chiefly concerned in promoting or opposing railways, incidental^ mentioned that the Metropolitan District Rail- way, which cost £ 750,000 a mile to make, was t&e lamentable result of a report of a Royal Com- in ssion.-Sir J. Wolfe Barry: Was that in cash or shares?—! only know it from their accounts. I had to investigate the whole of the question, and I found tot my norror that it had cost that. It is a fact that £750,000 was represented in their balance-sheets.—Sir J. Wolfe Barry: In shares. It is & matter of public notoriety that a vast, amount of that money was raked QIl very onerous termsv at very heavy discount. I

T CHESTER STOCK & SHARE LIST Reported by Messrs. Warmsley, Jonks & Co., 29, East gate Row (North), Chester. Consols 86J Bank Bate 4% Present price. ChesterCorporation 3i Irredeemable Stock 116- 118 OhesterOorporation 3 Redeemable Stock 90—100 Chester Gas Co. 5 Ordinary Stock 1U-1U 4 Preference Stock 104—1( 6 *• „ »• Debenture Stock u*i Q7 OhesterWaterworks Consolidated Stock 180 186 •» >t 7 New Ordinary Stock, 1st and 2nd moieties 170-17.. 6 tio Perpetual Preference Shares, fully paid 16J—174 Wrexham and East Denbighshire WaterCo. Consolidated Stock 180—185 » t, It Cons. Pref. Stock 116-120 1. Ordinary- Stock 125—130 Hawarden& District Water Co £ 10 Shares, fully paid .par Nat. Prov. Bank of England,.Ltd. £75 Shares, L10 10s. paid 45 -46 >> £ 60 Shares, £ 12 paid 52 —53 North and South Wales Bank, Ltd. L40 Shares, £ 10 paid 33t-331 Parr's Bank, Ltd. elOO Shares, jS20 paid tSli-Sl-i Lloyds Bank, Ltd.. A;50 Shares, paid.301-31t Bank of Liverpool, Ltd Z100 Shares, L12 10s. paid 34 -341 British Law, Life, Fire Insur., Ltd. Z10 Shares, El paid 1J—2J Chester Boat Co., Ltd. £ 10 Shares, fully paid 10-11 Chester Cocoa House Ca,Ltd. £ 5 24 t5 f;3 11 Dhester General Cemetery Co £ 5 „ fully paid .par Chester New Music Hall Co., Ltd. 29-5 „ 18 Chester Northarate Brewery Co., Ltd. Ord. C10 Shares, fully paid 11 —12 »> 6 210 Pref. Shares, fully pd..124—12| rl >• „ 4 £ 100 Debentures .par Bent s Brewery, Ld. £ 10 Ordinary Shares 8J—<H >> 6 £ 10 Pref. Shares —10 Birkenhead Brewery- Co., Ltd 210 Shares, £5 paid 14J—14| •< £ 10 Shares, fully paid 18|—19j Chester Grosvenor Hotel Co., Ltd. R20 Pref. Shares 23-25 Chester Queen Rail- way Hotel Co., Ld. £ 20 Shares, fully paid 28—2S £ 20 „ £ 10 „ 13 ,-14 Chester Blossoms Hotel, LtcL tio fully paid 9 —10 Chester Steam Laundry Co., Ltd. £ 5 9—10 Chester Race Co., Ltd. Rioo „ 275 „ 190—200 Dee Oil Co., Ltd. Al Ord. Shares Walkers, Parkers & Co., Ltd. £ 10 Shares, fully paid, 6 Cum. Pref 1-2 •• 40l Debentures 80—85 J. H. Billington, Ltd., Chester 4^ First Mort. Deben. Stock .par „ 5 Cum. Pref. CIO Shares .par ,1 Ordinary L10 Shares par Victoria Pier and Pavilion Co., Colwyn Bay, Ltd. £ 1 Ordinary Shares 15/—20 Halkyn Drlnage Co. £ 10 Shares, fully paid 19 —20 Halkyn Mining Co., Ltd. £ 1 Shares, fully paid 6 —8 Holywell Halkvn Mining and Tun- nel Co., Ltd JB1 Shares fully paid .28/-30/- East Halkyn Mining Co., LtdL £1 fully paid 31-4 South Halkvn Min- I ing Co., Ltd £ 1 „ „ North Hendre Min- ing Co., Ltd. dg2 10s. Shares, fully paid .23-3 Talacre Mining Co., Ltd Lq Ord. £ 1 Pref. „ United Minera Co. Ltd £ i Ord. Isle of Man Mining Co., Ltd. (Fox- dale) Mines £ 5 1$—2 „ il Pref., £ 17 10s. paid „25—30 Llanarmon Mining Co., Ltd 21 Ord., fully paid .2/6-716 £ 1 Pref. „ „ 7/6—12 6 Wirral Railway 3 Debenture Stock 85J—86$ „ 4% £ 10 Pref. Shares (1896 issue). 4 f'10 Pref. (1899 issue).8J—9i Wirral Railways Co. Ltd R10 Ord. Shares, fully paid 11-21 *Ex dividend. tEx dividend and bonus.

MARKET^ AND FAfRS. LIVERPOOL CORN. TUESDA Y.-Wheat good trade at 4d. over Friday; No. 2 Northern Manitoba 7s. 3d. to 7s. 4d.. choice Kurrachee 6s 6d. Beans, Saidi 27s. 6d. to 27s. 9d. Peas, Canadian 5s. 6d. Oats, white 2s. 6d. to 26. 8d., yellow 2s. 3d. to 2s. 5d., black 2s. 4d. to 2s. 6d. Maize firm but quiet, at id. over Friday; old mixed 4s. 6!d to 4s. 7d. new 4s. 3id. to 4s. 3id., Plate 4s. 6d. Flour, Is 6d. advance. SALFORD CATTLE, TUESDAY.—At Mar- ket Cattle 2.201. prices better; sheep 7,122, with good demand calves 120, with fair trade all round. Quotations: Cattle 5d. to 61d., sheep 6d. to 9id., calves 6d. to 8jd- per lb. LIVERPOOL CATTLE, MONDAY. — There were fewer cattle in market to-day Demand slightly better, but no alteration in prices. Very few cattle made the top quotation Sheep shown in sm:tller numbers than on Monday last. This, together with the firmer tone for sheep on the wharf, had a beneficial effect on prices, and a clearance was readily effected at full quotations. PricesBeef. 61d. to 4d. mutton, Scotch, 9M. to 7d. Irish. Sid. to 5id. per lb. WREXHAM CATTLE, MONDAY.—There was a fairly large supply of stock, and a good business paspil at about last week's rates. MANCHESTER HAY AND STRAW, MON- DAY.-Hay, 4d to 412d. clover, 5d. to 5&d. straw (oat), 3¥J, per stonp. LONDON C ATTLE. MONDAY -Bemt supply compared with Monday last showed an sncrease of 340, chiefly due to large arrivals from the eastern counties. Trade for both prime and second quality was slow and dragging, the tendency in value being in favour of buyers. Fat butchering cows and bulls met a slack demand, but last week's rates were main- tained. Top rates per 81bs: 90-stone Devons and ditto polled Norfolks 4s 2d. to 4s. 4d., 100-stone Lincoln shorthorns 3s 8d. to 38. 10d.. 95-stone Irish 3s. lOd. to 4s. There was an increase of 270 in the sheep market. Trade taken as a whole was not so brisk as on last Monday, largely attributable to the larger number offered without a corresponding in- crease in the demand. The few Scotch sheep offered met a ready sale. Ewea short in number and cleared early at 2d. per 81bs. ad vance. A few lambs penned, but were not much sought after. Calf trade nom- inal. Pig trade slow. Quotations: Beasts2s. 4d to 4s. 4d., sheep 4s. 2d. to 6s., pigs 2s. 8d. to 3s. 10d. lambs 4s. to 6s. 2d. per 81bs. BRADFORD WOOL. MONDAY.-Market remains very firm but quiet. Not much move is expected until nearer or during London sales. Best things to sell appear to be strong cro^sbreds and English wethers, all of which are steadily, though not at all keenly, inquired for and the result is fully late rates are maintained without any temptation to speculation. Export yarn trade fairly good. In pieces more blankets are going to the Far East CHESTER RATTLE, THURSDAY.—At this fair prices remained unchanged. Nearly the same conditions have characterised most of the fairs held this year, and yesterday proved no exception. Except for a few good lots of dairy cattle, the demand was quiet, and on the whole trade proved very unsatisfactory to sellers. Prices were the same as were current a week ago. CHESTER CHEESE, WEDNESDAY. At this fair the pitch was about 30 tons. There was a good attendance of buyers, and the market opened with a good enquiry for real fine Cheshire, of which there was but a limited quantity on offer, the bulk being later makes. The prices made were 65s. to 70s. for both old and new medium, 58s. to 63s. poorer qualities down to 55a, A capital clearance was effected. The pitch was larger than at the cor- responding fair last year, bat prices were somewhat lower. CHESTER EGG AND POULTRY.—Butter, Is. 2d. per lb eggs. 9 and 10 for Is.; chickens, 2s. 3d. to 3s. each guinea fowl, 3s. to 3s. 6d. each pigeons, 8d. and 9d. ow-h rabbits, Is. to Is. 2d each hares, 48. to 4s, 6d. each. CHESHIRE BUTTER AND EGG.-Froo delivery of home produce, coupled with a fairlv satisfactory inquiry. Quotations, a shade easier at some cetnres:—Stockport (Friday): Butter, Is. 2d Is. 3d. per lb.; eggs, 8 and 9 for Is. Crewe (Friday): Butter, Is. 2d. per lb. eggs, 8 and 9- foi Is. Northwich (Friday): Butter, ls. 2d..and, Is. 3d. per lb.; eggs, 9 and 10 for Is. Sandbach (Thursday): Butter Is 3d. per lb.: eggs, 9 and for Is. Macclesfield Butter. Is. Id. and Is. 2d. per lb.; eggs, 9 aed 10 for Is. Congleton: Butter, Is. 3d. per lb. eggs, 9 for Is. Altrincham Butter, Is. 3d. per lb.; eggs, 8 and 9 for. Is. Nantwich Butrcer, Is 3d. per lb. eggs. 10i and; 11 for Is. Knuteford Butter, Is. 3d. and Is. 4di per lb. eggs, 8 for Is. Runcorn: Butter, Is. 3d. per lb.; eggs, 9 for Is. Chester: Butter, Is. 2d.. por lb. eggs, 8 and 9 for Is. CHESTER CORN, SATURDAY. —Tho market for wheat continues better, but business is still on smoil scale only. Oats are in better demand, tiostsamples favouring sellers. Beans slow. Barley firmer. Indian corn is the turn deaneron the week. Foreign whea's market strong, and quota- tions are about Id. percent. dearer. Quotations I NSW r At J, .8. D. S. D. 8L. 8. S. Wheats white., per 751b, 0 0 to 4 oi 0 0 to 0 0 Wheat, red 751b. 0 0 4 ofo 0 0 0 Malticg Barley. „ 601b. 3 5 3 7, 0 0 0 0 Grinetuxg do v. 601b. 26 — 29j00 — 00 0*W „ 461b. 2 4 — 27S0 33 Bean* „ 801b. 46 — 49,00 — 00 Egyptian Bmbs „ 2401b. 0 0 » -il 'i 0 — 0 0 Indian Com II 6 11 »12 3 —12 ti

RIRRROO)WVNN''S S BBRROONNCCHHIIAAL L TTRROOCCHHEESS [ Cure <oueb, Cold, Hoarseness, nnd luftueeya Cure nny Irritation or Soreness of the Throat, Keiieve the Hac iiitt Cough in ConFumptioa. Relieve Bronchitis, Asthma, and C^tawk. Carry them about with you. Sold everywh"r. lH. lid. per box. BROWN'S BRONCHIAL TROCHES BROWN'S BRONCHIAL TROCHES Printed and published for and on behalf of the Cheshire and North Wales Newspaper Company. Limited, by JAMES ALBERT BIRCHALL, at t)ie Cheste,- Coiwayt Office. 8, Bridge-street, in ths City of Cheater,— Whwbsdat, February 24,1904.