The Chester Courant and Advertiser for North Wales

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 1904. -I- -I DIARY OF COMING ENGAGEMENTS. Nov. 2-" If I Were Kinq" at Royalty Theatre. 2-TVirral Board of Guardians. 2-Whitchurch Cheese Fair. 3-Buckley Petty Sessions. 3-Chester Cattle Fair. 3-Che.ter Horse Fair. „ 4-Hooton Park Races. (2 days.) i, 5-Chester District Council. 7—Wirral District Council. 7-Mold Petty Sessions.

OUT OF THE WOOD. Although all danger arising from the Russian outrage in the North Sea has not yet completely passed, the outlook was wonderfully cleared by the pledges which the Czar's Government have given to Great Britain that the matter shall form the subject of an impartial, international tribunal and that Russia shall make amends for the destruction caused to British life and pro- perty. Provided these undertakings are faithfully and promptly carried out, we have no cause to fear as to the result. The only risk lies in the chance that the course of the investigation and the subsequent negotiations may be too tardy to satisfy the outraged feelings of the British nation. Not that our fellow-countrymen have done or said any- thing during the fever-heat of the past week to give exaggerated expression to their pent-up feelings. On the contrary, they have borne themselves throughout all the days and nights of uncertainty and of grave apprehension with a composure and steadiness that do them infinite credit. Under these circumstances, it is not a little amusing to hear Lord Rosebery at Kingston, complaining of our countrymen clamouring, on learning of the news of Monday, that something violent should be done on Tues- day." This language is a mere distortion of the facts. So far as we have been able to gauge the sentiments of the public, there was a marked absence of panic or undue excite- ment. In view of the undoubted facts, how- ever, we should have been more or less than human if we had been able to repress our indignation at the enormity of the offence perpetrated by the Baltic Squadron or our somewhat grave apprehension as to what might be the next act in that terrible cruise. Equally wide of the point is Lord Rose- bery's advice to put ourselves in the position of the other side. This was precisely what the majority of speakers and writers on the subject did. They put the matter thus, that supposing in the almost inconceivable case of a similar outrage having been committed by a British admiral, the Government and the whole British nation would have insisted upon not only acknowledging the wrong, but upon tendering an immediate and unqualified apology to the injured party, and still more would they have demanded that the guilty officer or officers should have been put upon trial and received exemplary punishment. It was because we did virtually put ourselves in the position of the opposite side that we were so wholly unable to understand why the Russian Government should procrastinate ever the matter. A great, self-respecting nation can afford to make an apology and reparation, just as a private individual who values the esteem of the world can afford to own an error. In accepting the assurances of the Czar's Government that this matter shall be thoroughly sifted and put right, so far as lies in human power, the British Government have set an example as peace- making and peace-keeping that augurs well for the future, provided other nations will exercise the same self-restraint and dis- play the same high sense of honour. The mere fact of our Government's having consented to a pacific investigation of the kind has done more for the peace of the world than fifty Peace Rescripts" that contain nothing but empty words and professions of peace without any corresponding action. To a few observers it appears as if the British Government had been too ready to accept this easy settlement, but to our mind it shews not weakness but strength. Mr. Balfour's Government know the justice of our cause, and are so convinced that we are in the right that they do not fear to face an impartial tribunal, in the interests of the peace of the world.

+ We cordially endorse the view of Mr. Cowling, of Leeds, a judge at the Chester Dairy Show, that one of the reasons why the consumption of Cheshire Cheese in London is not so great as it ought to be, is that north country people, when in the metropolis, omit to ask for Cheshire cheese in hotels and clubs. At the same time we cannot altogether subscribe to Mr. Cowling's dictum that the taste tor cheese has undergone a change. Time was, he observed, when most people liked to have their cheese tasty, but what was wanted now was a newly-made cheese." With all deference to an expert's opinion, we venture to suggest that the change in the character of Cheshire cheese has been brought about by the makers and dealers, not by any public demand, just as the constant revolutions in fashions are engineered by drapers and tailors for business reasons, and are not called for by the public. It may be quite true that among the artisan classes of Lancashire and Yorkshire the cheese standing highest in popular favour is the new article, but it is equally incontestable that among the patrons of all the better-class hotels, restaurants and clubs the desire is still for an old I I tasty" cheese. One reason why many of the public have given up asking for this article is the inherent difficulty of obtaining it. In short, the fashion in cheese has been changed in quite an arbitrary, despotic manner, without consulting the wishes of the consumer. If some of the old-fashioned" tasty" cheese, not necessarily so "Progressive" as the notorious sample Charles Lamb wrote of, were put on the market, and the discriminating purchaser knew where to find it, there need be no fear as to the popular demand.

Many people who have a regard for the sanity of the rising generation will welcome the protest made the other day by Miss Beatrice Clay, the Headmistress of the Queen's School, Chester, against the pernicious practice of reading snippety literature, if it deserves the name of literature at all. It is all very well for jaded workers of mature years to assert that, their day's labour over, they cannot sit down to tackle heavy reading, and that all that their fatigued brains and nerves are equal to is a perusal of scrappy paragraphs and short stories. However deplorable this state of matters may be, it is perhaps a waste of time trying to lead the hardened victims of this craze from the error of their ways. Everybody has a right to spend his or her leisure as seemeth best, and the snippety habit, once formed, may be incurable in the adult. But it is, or should be otherwise, with the young. Those who have control of the spare time of the boys and girls should endeavour to instil into their minds a desire tor good, sound literature produced by the masters of their craft, the majority of whom, alas, belong to a past generation. Things have surely come to a pretty pass when we learn that it has become necessary, in order to give the youth of the present day some idea of the masterpieces of Sir Walter Scott, to introduce into the schools abridged editions of the Waverley Novels as text books. Such an arrangement would have been intelligible if the novelists of to-day had been head and shoulders above Scott, Dickens and Thackeray, but unfortunately exactly the contrary is the case.

The death of Colonel Cornwall Legh, coming upon us, as it does, somewhat suddenly, will be deeply regretted in the county, and more particu- larly in the neighbourhood of his home, where he was respected as a benevolent landlord and a friend of the poor. The late Colonel Cornwall Legh was one of the oldest Deputy Lieutenants of the county, had filled the honourable office of High Sheriff, and had for a long period given his services as a member of the Altrincham bench of magistrates.

The Cheshire Chamber of Agriculture have declared war upon tramps. At a meeting at Crewe on Monday, a resolution was passed, urging that the supervision of these undesirable migrants should be rcmoved from the poor-law authorities and vested in the police. So numerous are the sins of these uncommercial travellers that it is time some action were taken by Parliament. Rural districts are the principal sufferers. There the tramp pursues his easy calling, intimidating the weak and preying upon honest, well-to-do people. Incendiarism is a common offence brought home to the fraternity, while small-pox has often been spread through their reckless perigrinations. That the police, if given a free hand in the matter, would speedily reduce the vagrant evil is incon- trovertible, but it is to be apprehended that a great cry would rise from the ranks of Socialism against the rigours of such a system, and we should be told that the inalienable rights of British citizens were in jeopardy, that the decent working-man in search of employment would be unduly harassed, and that we should soon become as much a police-ridden country as France is army ridden. All this notwithstanding, it should not pass the wit of man to devise a scheme that would protect the interests of the honest workman. while curbing the unbridled liberty of the avowed and incurable vagrant.

—#- The jury system undoubtedly presses grievously upon farmers, and it is no surprise that the Cheshire Chamber should enter its protest, as it did on Monday. While there is much tall talk in the country of paying salaries to members of Parliament and to town councillors, to say noth- ing of city mayors, a far more equitable and necessary proceeding would be to defray the out- of-pocket expenses of jurymen summoned to do duty at assizes or quarter sessions. For a farmer or tradesman to be called from Macclesfield to hang about the Assize Court in Chester for the best part of a week without a penny compensa- tion is a glaring and intolerable nuisance, which a long-suffering community has borne with re- markable patience. The cost would probably be considerable, but that is no excuse for the per- petuation of the present unequal system, which lays all the cost on a comparatively few indi- viduals. Pending the payment of common jurors, there is something to be said in favour of Mr. W. J. Dutton's contention that the evils of the existing arrangement are aggravated by allowing the basis of the jury service to remain too narrow. If the basis were appreciably broadened, as it could be, the hardship would undergo a corresponding diminution, and, with a view to this reform, it is to be hoped that other agricultural bodies will take up the question in earnest and pass similar resolutions.

LOCAL NEWS. -+- CHESTER CATHEDRAL. SERVICE LIST FOB WEEK COMMENCING NOV. 2. WKDNKBDAY, NOVEMBER 2ND.—Morning, 7.45: Matins and Holy Communion. 10.15 The Litany hymn 522. Even- ing, 4.15: Service, Russell in A; anthem, "Blest are the departed (Spohr). THURSDAY. NOVEMBER SRD.-Morning, 8.0: Holy Com- munion. 10.15: Service, Tuckerman in F anthem, "Praise the Lord" (Clarke). Evening, 4.15: Service, Tuckerman in F; anthem, "The heavens declare" (Boyce). FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 4TH.— Morning, 7.45: Matins and Holy Communion. 10.15: The Litany hymn 121. Even- ing, 4.15 Service, Walmisley in C anthem, "0 Lord and Saviour (Palestrina). SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 5TH.—Morning, 8.0. 10 15: Service, Tours in F anthem, O. Out ot the deep (Mozart). Even- ing, 4.15 Service, Tours in F anthem, 0 sing unto the Lord (Purcell). SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 6TH (23rd Sunday after Trinity).— Morning, 8.0: Litany and Holy Communion. 10.30: Ser- vice. Ouseley in A introit, hymn 310, Holy Communion, Dykes in F preacher, the Canon in Residence. Evening, 3.30: Service, Ouseley in B flat; anthem, "God is our hope" (Greene); hymn 544. 6.30: Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis to Chants; Processional hymn, 302; hymns 172, 181, 234 preacher, the Rev. W. O. M. Hughes, M.A.

The Lord Chancellor and Lady Halsbury left London on Monday for Dialey. Cheshire, on a visit to Lord Newton. Mr. Collingwood Hope, the Recorder of Bolton, was not present at the Quarter Sessions on Thurs- day. He met with an accident while shooting in Scotland. A pellet that entered his eye has been extracted. The German Emperor has conferred Imperial Court hunting costumes upon three English noble- women-the Dowager Countess of Dudley, the Marchioness of Lansdowne, and the Marchioness of Ormonde-whom his Majesty saw hunting on the occasion of his last visit to Sandringhsm. The following have been elected representatives of the North Wales Division on the Council of the National Union of Conservative Associations:— Chairman (ex officio), Mr. P. P. Pennant, the Hon. G. T. Kenyon, M.P., the Earl of Powis, and Mr. H. St. John Raikes. Our Worcester correspondent writes :—The accouchement of Countess Beauchamp is expected daily. The Countess Grosvenor is staying at Madresfield Court, and Mr. George Wyndham was a week-end visitor. The right hon. gentleman left early on Monday morning for London for the meet- ing of the Cabinet. Mr. George Wyndham, M.P., Chief Secretary for Ireland, will be the principal speaker at an International dinner given at Dover on November 19, when the guests will include representatives of Hamburg, Calais, and Ostend Chambers of Com- merce and Municipalities, Directors of the Trans- atlantic Liner Companies now calling at Dover, and of the French and English Railway Companies. Mr. Assheton Smith, the owner of the Llanberis slate quarries, is lying in a critical condition at Vaynol Park, Bangor. Sir Douglrs Powell was summoned last week to consult with Dr. Elliott, of Chester, and Dr. Mills Roberts. The Princess of Wales, who was Mr. Smith's guest during the Royal visit to North Wales two years ago, has made sympathetic inquiries as to his progress. Lord Chesham has arrived at North Luffenham Hall, near Stamford, which he has taken for the hunting season. Lady Beatrice Pole-Carew was safely delivered of a daughter on the 21st ult., at Government House, Cork. Mr. G. H. Willis, of Stoak, who last week won the championship gold medal at the Chester Dairy Show, is a tenant of the Dean and Chapter's. The engagement is announced between George Charles Ker-Mahon, of Ballydonelan Castle, and of Killereeny, Ireland, and Caroline M. C. (Eila) Chol- mondeley, youngest daughter of the late Lord and Lady Henry Vere Cholmondeley. It was announced at the Royal College of Physicians, London on Wednesday, that Dr. Theo- dore Thompson, F.R.C.S. Eng., M.A., M.B., B. U., Cambridge, B.Sc., L.R.C.P., London, had been successful in passing the examination for his M.R. C.P. Dr. Thompson was born in Liverpool in 1878, and is the only son of Mr. Henry Thompson, managing director of Henry Thompson and Sons, Limited. He received the first 10 years of his education m Chester, was five years at Christ College, Cambridge, and three years at the London Hospital, Whitechapel,, E.C. The Earl of Kilmorey is the latest Irish landlord to dispose of an estate to his tenants under the Wyndham Act. Arrangements have been concluded for the transfer of the Mourne portion of his property in co. Down, extending to upwards of 18,(XJ0 aorea, but he will retain the park for his residence. The land, which is situated in county Down, comprises 42 town lands, and the purchase money will amount to £ 220,000. Lord Kilmorey has announced his intention of still residing at Mourne Park, Kilkeel in the midst of his tenants. The Secretary of the Chester General Infirmary begs to acknowledge with thanks the receipt of the following church collections :—Delamere Church, 94. 4s. 9d. Tattenhall Church, £ 12. 2s. (Infirmary 910, Convalescent Home 1:2. 2s.); Kinnerton Chapel, 10s.; Christ Church, Ellesmere Port, 1:4; Dodleston and Kinnerton Churches, k6. Is. 3d. Connah's Quay Methodist New Connexion, k-3. 3s. Catholic Apostolic Church, t2. 2s. Primitive Methodist Chapel, Queen's Ferry, £ 1. Is. St. Francis' Roman Catholic Church, £ 2. 15s. 2d. St. Anthony's Roman Catholic Church, Saltney, 5s. and a donation of £1. Is. from Mr. Humphrey Gloucester for benefits received. MR. YERBURGH AND MACEDONIA.—Mr. Yerburgh, M.P., Hon. Treasurer of the Balkan Committee, has received from the Foreign Office the information that the preparation of the Blue- book relating to Macedonia, which was announced during the last Session of Parliament, is being pushed forward as rapidly as possibla, and that the work will be ready tor distribution within a fort- night or three weeks. THE LATE MR. A. L. WILLIAMS.- It is generally felt by the members of the Hoole Urban District Council that it will be difficult to replace a councillor of the ability, shrewdness and businesslike aptitude' of the late Mr. A. L. Williams. Some uncertainty existed in the minds of the ratepayers of Hoole as to whether an election to fill the vacancy will take place at once, but we understand the Council need not take this step foe six months, and in all probability the election will take place next April. IMPORTANT FLINTSHIRE APPOINT- MENT.—On Thursday a meeting af the Flintshire Education Committee was held at Mold, Mr. R. Llewelyn Jones presiding. A sub-committee recommended the appointment of Mr. F. Llewelyn Jones, B.A., Ll.B., as acting fclerk at a salary of C300 per annum, and that clerical assistance and office staff be provided, to be paid for by the Edu- cation Committee, provided the total amount should not exceed JS200 per annum. Dr. J. H- Williams (Flint) thought a salary of B300 was more than they could atford, and moved an amendment that the matter be reconsidered, and that a return be obtained of the amounts paid in surrounding counties. The amendment was defeated by 13 to 11. and the recommendation was carried. CHESTER PUBLIC LIBRARY.—The follow ing is the return of the issue of books for the ween ending 22nd October, 1904:-Lending depart- nient Religion and philosophy, 4; sociology, 0; arts, sciences, and natural history, 25; history, biography, geography, and travels, 16; poetry and the drama, 3; prose fiction, 820; miscellaneous literature, 17; juvenile literature, 187 total, 1,072. Reference department: Religion and philosophy, 15; sociology, 0; arts, sciences, and natural history, 45; history, biog »ohy, geography, and travels, 64 poetry and the drama, 0; encyclopaedias, dictionaries, &c., 214 miscellaneous literature, 19 total, 357 combined total, 1,429; daily average (lending department), 214; daily average (refer- ence department), 71; combined daily average. 286. NEW CHESHIRE HOSPITAL.—On Wednes- day, at Leftwich, Northwich, Mr. H. E. Wilbra- ham, chairman of the Joint Hospital Authority, laid with befitting ceremony the. foundation- stone of an infectious hospital to serve North- wich rural, Northwich, Winsford, and Middle- wioh urban districts, and embracing a popula- tion of 50,000. The hospital will cost nearly -C16,000, and will include beds for 14 scarlet fever and eight typhoid patients.—Mr. Wilbraham, who was presented with a silver trowel and mallet, commented upon the change in public opinion in favour of infectious hospitals.—Dr. Vadher, coun- ty medioal officer, said there was no better site in Cheshire, and he hoped other districts would follow their example. A strong caste of amateurs are going to play "My Friend, the Prince," on Wednesday, Dec. 21st, in aid of the Church of England Waifs' and Strays' Society and the Actors' Orphanage Fund. Mr. Milton Bode has kindly placed the Royalty Theatre at their disposal for a matinee and an evening performance. W. M. & C. Q. RAILWAY.—The Press Associa- tion is informed that the railways of the Wrexham, Mold and Connah's Quay Company and of the North Wales and Liverpool Committee will be transferred to the Great Central Railway Company on January 1st next. BEARDED TROOPS FROM TIBET.-The Royal Fusiliers from Tibet arrived at Darjeeling (Northern India), on Thursday, weather-worn and bearded, and were enthusiastically greeted by the whole population, who turned out to meet them. Men and officers looked extremely tit, but wera quite unrecognisable in their beards. ANGLESEY CASTLE SALES.—On Friday was concluded section three of the ninth and final sale of the Marquis of Anglesey's furniture, which realised £ 2,400. Oil paintings were the principal articles sold. Several large ones were sold at 12:-1 6d. each, but £ o was paid for a painting of the present Marquis in sailor custiiiiie. A large piece of tapestry which adorned the grand staircase realised j321. A pi-tuola fetched 47 and a cottage piano £ 34. ARRESTED AT HOOLE.—On Monday morn- ing, at an Occasional Court held at Mr. Churton's offioe, Chester, before Mr. W. Williams, Harry Sohabel, alias Henri Richter, was charged with begging at Hoole on Saturday afternoon. Con- stable Ledwards stated the case. It was alleged that prisoner had called at two houses, knocked at the back and front doors, and would not go away. He had spoken in a foreign tongue, and became such a nuisance that he was arrested— Prisoner was remanded until Saturday. WREXHAM CHURCH AND CHURCH YARD.—At the Michaelmas vestry meeting uf the Wrexham Parish Church on Friday, under d'e presidency of the Vicar, the Rev. Canon Fiet- c'her, it was reported that over £100 had been spent on the planting of trees, shrubs, etc., and in otherwise improving the ohurchyard. The Chairman said he was sure they must all be thank- ful to see the improvement which had taken place in the ohurchyard during the half-year, and he hoped very much more would be done during the coming winter. It was announced that the offer- tories shewed an increase of J620 on the corre- sponding half-year twelve months ago. £ 1,000 FOR NANTWICH EMPLOYES.—The Board of Directors of the Nantwich Gas Company have, upon the transfer of the works to the Nant- wioh UrbanCouncil, made important gifts to their former employes. Mr. Davies, the late manager, receives £ 500 additional to a sum of £ 1,000 paid to him by the Council under tho award of the umpire in the arbitration proceedings; the assistant manager and secretary each receive 200 guineas, and other employes sums increasing tho total amount distributed to about £ 1,000. The amount paid by the Urban Council for the com- pulsory purchase of the works was £69,000, and the cheque whioh was drawn by the Council in settlement is the largest that has been paid into the bank at Nantwich. FREEMASONRY IN CHESHIRE.—The annual meeting of the Provincial Grand Chapter was held at the Town Hall, Chester, on Saturday. The Hon. Alan de Tatton Egerton, M.P., Grand Superintendent of Royal Arch Masonry for the Province, who presided, invested his officers for the ensuing year as follow:—J. Nash, P. fi. P. H. Lockwood, P.J. John Dodds, S.N. J. A. Dearden, A.S.; J. Appleton, second A.S. A. C. G. Wallace, registrar G. H. Richards, treasurer J. T. Gresty, sword-bearer; William Birch, H. Binns, and P. Davenport, standard bearers; li. Williams, D.C. J. Slack, R. H. Watham and A. Barlow, A.D.C. T. Simpson, A ci.E-; Robert Butterworth, organist; and S. Thompson, janitor. Twenty guineas were voted to the Cheshire Benevo- lent and Cheshire Educational Institutions. An invitation to hold the Provincial Grand Chapter nex year in New Brighton was received. AMBULANCE WORK.-The members of the Chester division of the St. John Ambulance Brigade held the annual competition for the Yerburgh medal in the Hunter-street Girls' School on Tues- day evening. Dr. Thomson (Oldham), hon. surgeon of the N.W. district, was the examiner, and there were 11 competitors. Two questions were given to each candidate, who had also to go through a test in bandaging fractures. The first question relating to the treatment of a sprained ankle was fairly well answered, but the second one on strychnine poison- ing proved a general stumbling block. Twenty marks were allowed for each of the three tests, and the result was announced as follows :-1. W. J. Jones, Walter-street, 47 marks; 2, A. Johnson, Saltney, 41 marks. Among the competitors were four ladies, who the examiner said answered the questions well, but failed at the bandaging. On the motion of Dr. Duff, seconded by Mr. F. Milton, a vote of thanks was accorded the examiner. PROVISION OF FLINTSHIRE OFFICES.— At Mold, on Thursday, a meeting of the Educa- tion Committee for Flintshire was held, Mr. R. Llewelyn Jones, of Rhyl, presiding. The Build- ings Sub-committee had considered the question of providing office acgommodation for the various officials in the committee, and reoommonded that the plans already prepared by the county surveyor for the erection of offices in King-street be car- ried out subject to more accommodation being provided for the education officials, and that a request be made to the Standing Joint Commit- tee that they take into consideration the question of providing offices for the County Court offioiala somewhere in the vicinity of the County Hall.-Mr. E. Morgan moved an amendment in favour of securing temporary ac- oommodation on the ground of expense.-Tho amendment did not find favour with the members, and the recommendation of the sub-committee was adopted. RAILWAY PROSECUTIONS AT RUABON. —At Ruabon Police Court, on Friday, Chief In- spector Thomas, Chester, on behalf of the (.rc-.at Western Railway Company, oharged Daniel Morris, of G-enfwn, Llangollen, with using ob- soene language and with assaulting two po<'tors at Ruabon Station on September 17th last. Mr. Hull appeared, for the Company. The defendant did not appear, and the Chairman, in fining him El. 10s. and costs on the first oharge, said that persons availing themselves of railway facilities could not be allowed with impunity to use in- decent language within the hearing of others. For the assaults a fino of 10s. and costs was im- posed. In another case Roger Pemberton, poultry dealer, 47, Milton-road, West Leigh, Bolton, was summoned for endeavouring to evado payment of his fare between Oswestry and Ruabon on September 21 last. Travelling from Oswestry to Ruabon, on arrival at Wrexham, whero ticket-) were examined, the defendant proffered a return half ticket from Ruabon to Bolton. Subsequent- ly he offered a shilling for excess faro, but this was refused. The Bench decided, after hearing the defendant, that there was no intent to do- fraud and dismissed the case. SUIT AGAINST A BARONET. On Wednesday, in the Probate, Divorce and Admiralty Division, before the Right Hon. Sir Francis Jeune, President, the petition was heard of Dame Mary Carolyn Campbell Grey-Egerton nee Cuyler, for a deercc, for restitution of con- jugal rights against Sir Philip Henry Brian Grey- Egerton, Bart. Mr. Pike said that the parties had been married at St. Peter's, Eaton-square, on Jan. 4, and had lived and cohabited at Oulton 1 ark, Cheshire, at Carlos-plaoe, Oiosvonor-square, W., and elsewhere, and there had been three chil- dren born to them-a daughter and twin sons. For some months prior to April last Sir Philip's coldness towards his wife had become very marked, and on April 9 he left her. Accordingly, on May 10, the petitioner wrote to her husband "5. Carlos- place, Grosvenor-square. Dear Bria.n,-It's now several months since you have loft me quite alone, and we cannot go on like thi3. Now I want to write and ask you once more if you will come back and try to be to me what you were for so long, for the sake of our old love and affection? Please, Brian, send me an answer and sav vou will come back to me. Yours, May." To this Sir Philip replied the same day: "Raleigh Club. Regent-street, S.W. Dear May,-I am in receipt of your letter of this date. I cannot, accede to the pioposala you make, and have definitely made up my mind that, we cannot live toi;etber.-Yours, Philip Brian Grey-Egerton." Thevpetitioncr then instituted thesa- proceedings and tho respondent had since gone to India.—Evidence having been given in support of the petition, the President pro- nounced a decree for restitution of conjugal rights with costs. "IF I WERE KING. "-J ii ft.'tri Huntly McCarthy's successful romantic play. "If I were King," is being presented at the Royalty Theatre this week, and received a cordial welcome on Mon- day evening. The piece is a difficult one to pro- duce. but Mr. Frank Fenton's company pourtray the picturesque story with much intelligence. "If I were King" belongs to the class of historical plays and novels that have latterly come so much I into vogue. The opening scene is laid in a tavern in Paris in the reign of Louis XL during a siege by the bold Burgundians. Francois Villon, a harum-scarum poet, sings a song ridiculing Louis' pusillanimity, and boasting what would happen "If Villon were the King of France." Un- beknown to him, one of his auditors is the King himself, and when Villon kills the Grand Con- stable of France all for the love of the fair Katherine, a lady of the Court., he is taken into oustody by the order of the King. He is given a cup of drugged wine, and the next morning, the King, as part of a scheme to punish him for his presumption, causes him to be informed that he is a noble and the Grand Constable. Later he tells Villon that he will be hanged at the expiration of a week if he fails to gain the hand of Katherine. The loY'-making passages of Villon and his attempt to free the city from the enemy have given the author the opportunity of introducing fino dramatic effects. Mr. Frank Fenton impersonates Villon with an excellent dash and fervour, which at once gain him the favour of the audience, while Mr. Clive Currie takes the, trying part of the King with ability. Miss Marion Gray as Katherine shews herself an actress of skill and versatility, and of the other lady members of the company Miss Louise Vansitter, in the role of the gay "Abbess." whose ending is so tragic, is deserving of praise. CHESTER TOWN COUNCIL ATTEND- ANCES.—The Town Clerk (Mr. J. H. Dickson) has issued the annual statement of attendances of the members of the Town Council. In the twelve- months the Mayor was summoned to 252 meetings and attended 138, while out of 103 meetings to which the Sheriff was called, he was present at 85. The record for the year belongs to Alderman John Jones (St. Oswalds), who put in the highest number of attendances, namely, 142 out of a possible 171 Next to him comes Mr. John Williamson with 113 out of 142, Mr. William Vernon with 112 out of 127 and Alderman John J ones (B.) with 112 out of 150'. Among the other leading attendances are the following M. Gibbons, 106 out of 112 Mr. Henry Dodd, 102 out of 118; Mr. Edgar Dutton, 94 out of 149 Dr. Stolterfoth, 93 out of 100 Mr' J. G. Holmes, 87 out of 142; Mr. John M. Frost, 81 out of 123; Mr. R. Cecil Davies, 81 out of 134; Mr. W. Ferguson, 77 out of 96; Mr. H. B. Dutton, 73 out of 93; Mr. J. Egerton Gilbert, 71 out of 92 Dr. Hamilton, 69 out of 99 Mr. John F. Lowe, 63 out of 86; Dr. Mann, 62 out of 73. All the other members attended less than 60 times. A LODGE ANNIVERSARY.—The members of the Westminster Lodge of the Royal Hearts of kiak x early dividing b nencLy feooiety celebrated tlmir th;rd anniversary by a supper and concert at the Falcon dining-rooms. Lower Bridge-street. B.o. George presided ov-r an attendance of more than Liiirty members, inclini ng Bio. G. D. Jen- kins. G.M., Cardiff; Bro. Bath. Crewe, represen- tative on the central body; Bra. J. Moore, treasurer of th2- Crewe No.1 Lodge; and Bro. A. Moore, secretary of the Westminster Lodge. During the evening an interesting address on the work of the society was given by Bro. Jenkins, who explained fully the changes in the constitu- tion of the society which will be brought into operation next year. He said the society would cease to ha- a yearly dividing society, and would be centralised, so that all benefits would be paid from one common fund instead of, as now. from the separate funds of each branch. In that way the society would be able to guarantee to all mem- bers the payment of full benefits at all times, and every three years there would be a division of whatever profits had been made. Ha said the society had now 400 branches and 27.000 members. PRESENTATION TO MR. A. W, CUNNAH. -On Tuesday morning the butchers and farmers attending Chester Smithfieid sales made a presenta- tion to Mr. A. W. Cunnah on the occasion of his marriage. There was a large gathering. The gift took the form of a handsome silver tea and coffee fervice and kettle, suitably inscribed, supplied by Messrs. Lowe and Sons. Mr. Rowe Morris, in making the presentation, referred to the high esteem m which Mr. Cunnah was held by the tnntmn ,i attended the Smithfield sales. His conduct of the sales had always been characterised by the greatest fairness, and he always did his best for a seller to obtain a fair market value. The fact that the present had boon sabsCriTjed to by between 170 and 180 friends was a pleasing evidence of the esteem in which he was held. Mr. Cunnah suitably returned thanks, remarking that he sincerely valued the friendship which prompted the patrons of the sale to make him so handsome a present. He bad always done his best both for the butcners and the farmers. On the motion of Mr. Henry Dodd a vote of thanks was passed to Mr. T. Clarke for his efforts in promoting the presentation. HOOLE'S NEW ORGAN.—The Churchpeople of Hoole are congratulating themselves on the possession of an organ which, next to the Cathe- dral, is fit to be compared with any in the city. The new instrument was dedicated on Wednesday afternoon in the presence of a large congregation by the Venerable Archdeacon of Chester. The other clergy present wore the Rev. F. Anderson (vicar) and the Rev. A. H. Waller (curate). The Archdeacon, in an appropriate address, touched upon tho part an organ played in making church services congregational. Dr. W. B. Brierley. organist of West Kirby Parish Church, "opened" the organ and gave an enjoyable recital, a pleasing feature of which was an air with varia- tions and fugal finale in C sharp of his own composition. In the evening a bright service was conducted by tho vicar. Tho collections at the two services amounted to £ 14. 5s. 3d. The organ 1111.3 been erected by Mr. C. H. Whiteley, Chester, under the supervision of Dr. Brierley. and wo understand that the churchwardens (Messrs. T. W. Chalton and F. Coveney) have re- ceived a letter from Dr. Brierley in which he says: The tone of the instrument throughout I con- sider of superior quality." The cost of the organ is about L650, and of this B200 has still to be raised. UPTON RIFLE CLUB.-Another interesting handicap competition with the military rifle, fitted with the Morris tubes, was concluded on Saturday at Upton. About 30 members competed for prizes, kindly given by Messrs. Anthony Bradley, Thomas Hart Davies, Richard Ithell, Edward Dean, junr., Thomas Hinde, C. Worrall and J. Dean. The entrance fees were also divided into six prizes. Mr. James Prince was the handicapper, and the con- ditions were 15 shots each in Tarious positions. The first prize was won by Ernest Smith after two ties twice with J. C. Thornton, both scoring 62. The other winners were Jas. Robertson 61, James Stacey 60, Hector Hughes 59, J. H. Williams 58, J. Williamson 5 and J. J. Moore, Raymond Prince, C. Worrall and J. Dean, all scored 56 each Jas. Hignett and Philip Rutter 55. There was also & competition for boys under 16 for > silver medal, given by Mr. James Prince, which was won by T. Morris with a capital score of 65 out of a highest possible of 75, excessive of allowances. Consider- ing that the target is only six inches square and the bull's-eye f of an inch, the shooting may be thought a creditable performance. The members of the club take great interest in the pastime, and it is the means of turning out remarkably good shots. There are only two nights a week for practice, and upwards of 16.000 rounds of ammunition have been fired in the last 12 months. VALUABLE ENGRAVINGS.-A valuable set of engravings of Morland's pictures, which have been lent to the Grosvenor Museum by Mr. A. Knox, Saltney, are well worth an inspeotion. They are ten in number, and the titles, engravers and publishers are as follows:- (1) Morland's "Summer," (2) Morland's "Winter." engraved by Wm. Barnard, published Aug. 21. 1802, by Wm. Barnard, No. 1, Fitzroy-street, Fitz- roy-squara, London; (3) "Streaky Breasted Red Dunn," (4) "Black Breasted Dark Red," published Jan., 1810, by R. Ackcrrn..iin, at his Repository of Arts, 101, Strand; (5) "Boys Bathing," (6) "The Aagry ia.rmer," engraved by E.. Sooti, published "uty 2, 1804, by John P. Thompson, Cheat New- porr-stre-ot; (7) "The Wairener," engraved by Win. Ward, engraver to H.R.H. Duke of York. published Jan. 1 1806, by H. Morland, No. 10. Dean-streot, Soho; (8) "Rabbits." (9) "Guinea Pigs,' (10) "An Interior with Group of Pigs," from or:ginal painting by G. Morland, in the pos- session of J. R. Smith, engraved by L. R. Smith. and published Jan., 1807, by Thos. Palser. Surrey bide, Westminster Bridge. In several instances the titles of the engravings are given both in Eng- lish and French, dus to the fact that the prints had an unparalleled sale not only in this country, but abroad, particularly in France and Germany. "The Angry Farmer" forms one of the most popular of Morland's juvenile series of pictures. Tiiis was engraved by his brother-in-law, W. Ward. "Guuea Pigs" is one of his works which has re- cently been mentioned in "The Art Journal' in a biographical sketch of tho author's life and works.

DEE ENCROACHMENTS. « A BIG TASK COMPLETED. The London and North-Western Railway Com- pany last week dispensed with some 200 of the local workmen whom they have regularly employed during the past five or six weeks on the works designed to arrest the serious encroachment of the sea on the land near their main line at Holywell. The company consider they have now done all that is possible—ot a temporary character—to arrest the erosion at this particular point, though there are signs that before long other stretches of the land will be involved. The work accomplished consists in filling up the main breach or gap with stones, and the construction of a deep and very strong pitching of stone on the land for a distance of about half-a-mile. In this work upwards of a hundred thousand tons of stone, obtained from the Llan- ddulas quarries, have been used. A high clay embankment has been finished, which will serve to keep the water from the fields towards Holywell when the field now affected is flooded, and the work of stone-facing the railway embankment will be still pushed on. It is understood that the railway company have not yet decided what form their permanent defensive works shall take, but probably they will build a huge stone embankment extending for a distance of at least a mile. APPEAL TO GOVERNMENT. On Wednesday, Mr. W. H. Moore, Crown Re- oeiver of Rents, held a court leet at the West- minster Hotel, Rhyl, for the lordship of Engle- field. With regard to the encroachment of the sea east of the boundary of the Rhyl district, Mr. A. A. Goodall (town surveyor) said there was serious erosion still going on outside the boundary of Rhyf within the district of the St. Asaph Rural District Council. In reply to the Crown Receiver, Mr. Goodall said the owner of the abutting land lived in Leeds, and did not seem to be at all par- ticular whether the sea took away his land or not. But it was a serious.thing for the town of Rhyl.- Mr. J. W. Jones (one of the jury) said that this was essentially a national question, and on the East coast a movement had been started to ob- tain an Imperial grant for this purpose.—Eventu- ally, Mr. F. J. Gamlin submitted the following representation, which the jury unanimously ap- proved of:—"That this jury presents to this oourt leet that serious erosions by the sea are taking place immediately outside the eastern boundary of Rhyl, and threaten to flood a vast tract of land, and to cause serious danger to the town itself. They, therefore, respectfully urge upon the Government to make coast defences an Imperial question at the earliest possible oppor- tunity."—The jury were subsequently entertained at lunch by the Crown Receiver. The ravages of the sea along the ooa6t on the west of the Isle of Man, near Michael, which have long been a sorce of ooncern, are again asserting themselves. Legislative assistance ia being sought on the lines similar to those pur- sued at Norwich with a view to invoking Govern- ment aid for the protection of the coast from tiio attacks of the sea.