The Chester Courant and Advertiser for North Wales

MR. BARNSTON'S CONFIDENCE. ♦ "THE VICTORY WILL BE OURS." SPEECH AT SIIOCKLACH. If 0110 thing more than another shews how fcound is the progress of Unionism in the Eddis- bury division, it is the excellent, support which ldr. Harry Baraston obtains at his meeftungs on the most wretched of nights. Nothing could be more unfavourable than the weather on Friday eveiling, yet Mr. Barnston could hardly have had a more successful meeting than had at the aohools at Shocklach. Mr. John Howard, of Broughion Hall, presided over an ^Othaaiastic audience, aind on entering the room Mr. Barnston was heartily chcercd, and when he appeared on the platform and when he rose to speak the demosnst.ration, was repeated. Among others on the platform were Mr. P. Thompson, of Gatedbead (of the National Union of Oomaervative and Constitutional Aasooia- ^ttons), Mr. J. L. Randies (Tilston), Mr. Thos. Nut an acd Mr. Joseph Piggobt. Among others Pl%eot were the Rev. G. and Mrs. Matthias. Kiss Barnstoei, Me-ssrs. Joseph Leo, A. Evans, W. W. Buckler, W. Hughes, J. Davison, T. Price, S. Nixon, R. The 1 well, W. Erans, Jas Bough, K. Ferguson,- C. Tomlinson, Piggott, junr., C. F. Prichard (agent), cto. The Chairman, in introducing Mr. Bamstan, said that his family and himself were as much respected as anybody could be. Mr. Bains ton 'W'afi coming forward in their interests, and if they aocepted him, they would have a member ¡ whom they could all trust, although such a, man Was not so common in those days. (Laughter.) lIe thought they were all tired: of the present Government. They hod waited very patiently, and they had looked at the captivating pictures of big loaves. It had gesaerally ended in their having to pay more money for the little loaves. Coal had become more expensive, and if they looked across the water they found the state of the whole of Ireland was very sad. The Government took no steps to rectify that con- dition of things, a.nd Mr. Birrell, who could do Bomethin.gr, did not stir. (Hoar, hear.) WHAT RADICALS FEAR MOST. Mr. Barnston, in acknowledging the oordi- ality of his reception, took the opportunity of wishing everyone a very happy Christmas a.nd a bright and prosperous 1908. It was pleasant to him to see so many before him on that awful ttight, and it was pleasant to see so many old friends and to hav3 their old friend and neigh- bour, Mr. John Howard, as chairman. (Cheers.) Going into politics, Mr. Barnsrton, referring to the last election, said the principle on which the Radicals seem to have gone was that of "Get votes; get them honestly if you can, but, e.t any rate, get- them." (Laughter.) It was no Wonder that the Radical party realised the very Worst, thing that could happen to them would be a generaJ electino, because they knew they would not in any way repeatl their victory. They would, in fact, be well beaten, and he I himself would like to have an election in Eddis hairy- to-morrow. (Cheers.) Referring to the 4Lttaclc on the House of Lords, Mr. Barriston Pointed out that any Radical speech might be divided into two parts. In the first part, the Hadioal speaker would tell them of the Tjoiidei- ftil things which the Radical party had done. lIe would never touch on those lovely promises, none of which had been fulfilled; he would have been a fool to do so. He would tell them that 'tho Radicals had done more as regarded legisla- tion than any other Government of modern times. He (Mr. Barnston) had noticed that, Mr. Stanley had pointed out that very fact the other tUght. Then there was the second part of the •Radical spcech. The speaker always told them the same thing. He said that owing to the tirefckdful Hous of Lordis all pifogress was etopped, and the barrier of the House of Lords must, be done away with. Any intelligent per- "°n must see that those two statements could t possibly stand together, becai-ise they were diametrically opposed to each other. (Hoar, If, an the one hand, the Radical party passed all those wonderful measures, what "appened to that dreadful barrier of the House Of Lords? If, on the other hand, the bonier <30ci*st, -what happened to all their wonderful ^asiuicis? it, must- be perfectly obvious to any 0j }jac] aQy logical capacity at Oil, that those statements were mutually de- structive. (CSheers.) Mr. Barnston pointed out that the House of Lords were necessary to placet the country from somte temporary majority in the House of Commons. It was not always the House of Commons who represented the will of the people; and that was proved by ths history of the Home Rule question. (Hear, hear.) It was difficult to nefer to the present •Ministry at ail as a Government, because they Were about the MOST INCAPABLE GOVERNMENT which we had had in modern times (Cheers.) They were incapable, because the business of legislation had bcc-n hopelcsdy mis-managed, amd because the task of governing was con by the -Radical party to consist, in pall- ckring to the forces of mis-rule and disorder throughout the British Empire. They were in- satiable in the second place, because they had ^Ganaged to break overy promise which they had made to the electors at, the last general election, and they were incapable because they had a record of measures ill-oansidered, ill- contrived, inspired apparently with the one idea, as far as possible, of setting class against class, and creed against creed. If there was 0Q0 wicked thing in this world to-day it was to IIet man against his fellow-men and to set class fcgainat class, and still wol,,q3 to set erred against oreed. The Government were incapable also h^causie, in order to hide tlieir lamentable failures and to cover up their promises, which y could not perform, the Prime Minister, Su Henry Oampooll- Bannerman, had announced that, bofono they could fulfil their pledges, and before they could carry out what ho was pleased to call thoir mandates, they must begin by pull- '49 down the British Oonsti-tutkxn, and then Parting to try to build it up again. As their ^hail-man remarked, if one thing more than •Qother shewed the incapacity of the Govern- tnent, it was the deplorable condition of poor **e*land. The Government had admitted through h.eir Irish Secretary that when they had gone fcrto office they had found Ireland in a perfectly ul condition; whereas to-day, as every- body knew, tho country was in a state of tur- bulent illegality. (Hear, hear.) One oould not up a single newspaper without finding the odious system of cattle-driving was •"aiupant throughout the country. He did not "kittle people in Cheshire realised the awful no.vs what was taking place. Miserable farmers, loyal, peaooablie men, poor email holders, just as honest and loyal, wero being subjected to Wretched persecution, which would not be *oleratod in any civilisied country for a moment. \*°w, we knew that sort of tiling oould be put c**wn, because it had been done before. It J*>uld be stopped by putting into operation the jinxes Acts. The Radical Irish Secretary had v011-' very little. He had prosecuted a few men, they were only a few dupes and corner boW, who had probably been led on by others. to the real offenders, he was so frightened ~y the eighty Irish Nationalist members in the that, apparently, he took no notice of tk^rn' fLnc^ 1*>u&(,d to prosecute them and bring country into that ordinary etate of law and which was surely the- heritage of every- belonging to the British Empire. (Cheers.) he awful, hopeless, helpless state of Ireland the utter incapacity of the Government, owre were people in that, country just as honest people, in Cheshire, who were suffering in a that was AN ABSOLUTE DISGRACE oivilised country. (Hear, hear.) The ^^oais-t party were absolutely pledged to sup- the horretst Protestant minority in Ireland, d' hand them over to the dishonest and Sboyal faction. (Choers) Turn ing to the stion of Fiscal Raform, Mr. Barnston 6aid would put a few facls before them. In the j* place they were told that the country was k*1 state of the greatest prosperitj-. There had ? undeniably a sequence of good years of Ooy10' an< 'ho Radicals said country had ■y.01 beien so prosperous. At the very time Woi'e- making those s'tatemc-nls, there was °<>u'p 6l,1PPOS(K'> a single important town W0r^Cli which was not, devising schemes to make to]^r tho unemployed. Tliey were also food of the blessings of free ooulj ^Ulwl.pd a delightful thing, and if he So ffu^ ,roc toeid to-monx>w he siiould do so. 'wham 'tRW, there were only two places this could get free food; one place was tor.) a+ ar><^ the other was gaol. (Laugh- Present time, uadetr this Free Food Radical Government, the taxpayers were paying aixty-six millions CV year in taxes on food, drink and tobacco. Again, they were told of the bleesingr, of Free Trade. If we had Free Trade be was perfectly certain it would be the best system, but when Free Trade was talked about, they should remember there was not a single man in that room who could eeaad anything to & foreign country without paying a duty of at least 25 petr cent. (Cheers.) He wondered whether people realised when they were told the country was having that great wave of prosperity that our best workmen were leaving this country in greater numbom every year. They would agree that in estimating un- employment it was absolutely essential to keep in mind the importance of the Emigration re- turns. In 1898 the number of men who left the country was 140,000. In 1903 it ran up to; 262,000, in 1904 to 271,000, and in 1905 to 260,000. If we were losing the "AVeary Witiaes" and "Tired Tims," it would not matter, but the

STOP PRESS, 'V ■■ j. "1. i^'l; f;. •'< 1-

A VICAR'S VALUED ADVICE. CHAS. FORDE'S BILE BEANS UNLIKE ANY ORDINARY MEDICINE. Thta Rev. H. Minton-Senlio-use, Vicar of St. Outhbert's, Birmingham, has eo thoroughly prov-ed the great merit of Chas. Forde's Bile Boans, both in his own oase and in the case of many of his parishioners, that he strongly advisee all sufforers from liver, stomach and bowel disorders to give this original medicine a trial. Writing from 155, City-road, Birmingham, ho says:—"I have de,rivoo so much benefit from Chas. Forde's Bile Beans, and have known so many cures wrought by them, that I feel I ought to testify to their worth. "For eeveraJ years I suffered from sick head- aches and biliousness. One afternoon I was fooling 00 ill from these ailments that my looks were nolaocd by several peopJe I viedted. At two houses I heard of how Chas. Forde's Bile! Boans had effected cures in oases similar to my own I resolved to try this remedy. At. the end of a week I was feeling better, and after a short, course of Chas. Forde's Bile Beans I found myself quite cured. Now I am never without this remedy in the house." Writing to-day, three years later, the Rev. Minton-Senhouse says: -"I am pleased to state that the good ciFocts of Forde's Bile Beans have been permanent. I constantly re- commend 'Chas. Forde's and give them away." Bo careful to note that it was the genuine and original Chas. Forde's bile beans which alone cured the rev. gentleman and his parishioners. No feeble imitation oould ever produce suoh a result or even any real benefit at all. Do not experiment with yom health by accepting aheap substitutes, but sae before buy- ing the distinguishing mark "Charles Forde's" on the label of every Is. ld. or 2B. 9dL sealed box.

VOTERS IN CHESHIRE. The new registers of voters in the county of Chester are now ready, and will be published shortly. In every department a satisfactory in- crease is shewn. The following are the total number of oleotora in each of too Parliamentary divisions; -Altrincham, 17,684; Crewe, 15,481; Eddisbury, 11,200; Hydo, 11,791; Knutsford, 11,663; Macdesfiedd, 9,003; Northwich, 13,098; Wirral, 20,729; total, 110,654. On the 1907 register there were 108,449 voters. There is thus an increase on the year of 2,205. All the divisions shew an increase with the exception of Eddisbury, where there is a decreas,e of eight voters. Wirral shews a laxge increase, the total on the 1907 register being 20,156. The total number of voters on the parochial regis- tor is 133,715, against 130,795 on the 1907 regis- ter, this being an increase of 2,920. The sum- mary of the register of county council electors shews that there are 123,648 in Cheshire, against 121,411 on the register for this year, thus shew- ing an inoroaae of 2,235. The following are tho totals on the new and old registers respectively in the local divisions:—Chester Castle, 2,430 against 2,391; Frodsham, 1,716 against 1,716; Malpas, 1,814 agwinst 1,830; Neston, 2,434 against 2,290; Tarporley, 1,508 against 1,630; Tattenhall, 2,081 against 2,077.

FLINTSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL. + SMALL HOLDINGS ACT. LOCAL REQUIREMENTS. (By Our Own Reporter.) A quarterly meeting of the Flintshire County Council was held on Wednesday at Mold, Mr. J. W. Summers (chairman) presiding. BUCKLEY BARBERS' PETITION. The General Purposes Committee had received a petition under the Shop Hours Act from barbers in Bucldey, in the following terms:- We, the undersigned, hairdressers and barbers oarrying on business within the urban area of Buckley, desire that an order in Council be passed regulating the closing time of all hair- dressers' and barbers' shops in the urban area according to the Shop Hours Act, 1904." It was explained that the total number of barbers was seven, and six had signed the petition. The Clerk said it was an expensive and troublesome proceeding to put the Act into operation when the men themselves were practically agreed. The Act was never intended for such a case as this. On the motion of Lord Mostyn, seconded by Mr. James Peters, the committee decided to pass to the next business. SHOTTON TITHE. Mr. A. J. Reney called attention to a state- ment in the minutes that the clerk had reported to the Standing Joint Committee the receipt of a formal notice from the Board of Agriculture that an order had been made directing the re- demption of the rent charge on land in the parish of Hawarden, and that the share proposed to be apportioned in respect of Shotton Police Station and premises amounted to 8s. Id. The re- demption money would be equal to 25 times that amount (£20. 28. Id.), with a small sum for incidental expenses. Mr. Reney protested against this payment, and said the amount to be paid was 8a Id., plus 2d. for incidental expenses. —Tire matter was referred back to the com- mittee. SMALL HOLDINGS. CAN TENANTS PURCHASE? From the minutes of the Small Holdings Com- mittee it appeared that Mr. John Owen, a repre- sentative of the Board of Agriculture, attended and explained the provisions of the Acts, and suggested that one of the first steps should be to make them known throughout the county, and to ascertain to what extent a demand for small headings existed. It was decided (1) that forms be approved, printed and circulated, viz.: (1) A summary of the Act so far as it is neces- sary for intending applicants, (2) a form of notice, and (3) a form of application. (2) That copies of the forms be sent to the various local authorities throughout the county. (3) That a letter be sent to the chairman of each rural and urban district and parish council and parish meeting, asking him to state, after holding a meeting or taking any other steps, what demand exists for small holdings in his pariah, and if any existe, to furnish the names of persons desirous of becoming small holders. (4) That copies of the notice be posted on the doors of all places of worship, and at police stations, post-offices, etc. and that forms of application bo sent to all police stations and post-offices. (5) That the committee to be appointed under the Act be directed to inquire into and report as early as possible upon all applications that may be received, so as to enable the Council to con- aider whether a bona-fide demand for small holdings exists in the different localities, and the steps necessary to be taken to supply it. The Chairman, moving the adoption of tho minutes, mentioned that Lord Carrington had given the assurance that there was an enormous number of applications for land in all parte of the country. It was likely, therefore, that small holdings would be a very important subject for the council's consideration, and he was glad tha.t the committee appointed had been strengthened by representative members. Mr. J. Philip Jones (Holywell) said the Act was next in importance to the Education Act, and it was quite possible that if it was success- fully put into force the County Council would have in a few years hundreds of agricultural tenants. He did not wish to discuss the merits or demerits of the Act, but it seemed to have one important defect—that under the new Act there was no facility for an occupier to become his own landlord. This militated directly against the successful working of the Act. He moved that the Board of Agriculture be asked whether under the Acts relating to small hold- ings and allotments it wap, now possible for an applicant to purchase his holding, and if so, that a question be formulated and sent out with the forms of application referred to. If the tenant could become owner after a period of years and the land transferred, the Council would do away with the cost of management and repairs. The Chairman thought the motion a little premature. The committee would consider the point raised, and decide what was the right course to pursue. Mr. Robert Jones quoted the opinion of Mr. Corrie Grant, K.C., that under the present Act a tenant could not buy land, but could under the Act of 1892. Mr. H. A. Tilby suggested that Mr. Jones should make hie resolution an instruction to the committee to ascertain from the Board of Agri- culture definitely whether a tenant could pur- chase, and that the information be circulated. Mr. Jones agreed, and a motion in this form was carried. MEDICAL INSPECTION OF CHILDREN. On the subject of the memorandum from the Board of Education regarding the medical in- spection of children attending elementary schools, Mr. T. W. Hughes, chairman of the Education Committee, brought forward their recommenda- tion that a joint committee of the County Council and the Education Committee be ap- pointed to consider the whole question. Mr. Hughes said if they were to appoint a medical officer of health for this duty, with a staff to assist him (there being no medical officer of health for the county), it woulld be a very serious item. The question was whether they could devise some scheme whereby they could arrange for the work to be done by the medical officers of the various sanitary districts. Representatives were appointed to meet those of the Education Committee. TERRITORIAL ARMY SCHEME. Mr. J. W. Summers, chairman of the Council, was nominated to serve on the County Associa- tion under the Territorial and Reserve Forces Act, 1907. COUNTY COURT FOR CONNAH'S QUAY. At a meeting of the General Purposes Com- mittee Mr. J. W. Summers referred to a move- ment which was on foot for the establishment of a County Court at Connah's Quay, and informed the committee that the difficulty was that there was no suitable building in the district. The matter was an important one, having regard to the large population. It was also felt that better accommodation for the magistrates' courts should be provided. The Clerk explained the arrangement with his Majesty's Secretary of State and the Treasurer for the time being of the County Courts at Holywell and St. Asaph for the use thereof for magisterial purposes. It was resolved that a representation be made to the Standing Joint Committee that a suitable building for county court and magisterial pur- poses is urgently reeded in Connah's Quay.

A CHESTER WILL.—Among the latest wills proved is the following: Sarah Ellen Mills, of 2, Granville-road, Cheater, £ 1,103,

HAWARDGN'S EIGHT SCHOOLS. 1 HELPING THE FABRIC FUND. LADY GROSVENOR RECALLS OLD TIES. On. Saturday the Countess Grosvenor opened an attractive sale of work, which was held in the Rectory Parish Room, Hawarden, in aid of the School Fabric Fund, and other parochial purposes. The School Fabric Fund wae opened about two years ago with the object of raising £5,000 to place the eight schools of the exten- sive Hawarden parish in such a thorough state of repair ae to satisfy the local education I authority, and so preserve the denominational character of the religious teaching, which the esteemed rector (the Rev. Canon Drew) has eo much at heart. The rector offered to devote annually the whole of the nett revenues erf hie benefice to the purpose, and, jointly with Mm Drew, opened the fund with a further gift of £ 1,000. His noble example inspired the parish- ioners to generous support. The stalls were stocked with a large quantity of ueeful cloth- ing of all sorts, the outcome of the work parties held last year on behalf of the fund. There were a number of other heavily laden stalls, and included in the eale were some game from Sandringham. Tho stall-holders were ae follows:—Book stall, Miss Constance Gladstone; Hon. Mrs. Henry Gladstone and Mies Olive Cooper; flower stall, Mrs. Straohan Gardiner and Mrs. Morel; game stall, Mrs. Chambers; workers' stall, Mrs. Chadwick Mies Davies and Miss Cooper; tea room, the' Misses Huributt. There were present at the opening ceremony, besid-ae the Countess, the Rev. Canon and Mrs. Drew, the Hon. Mrs. W. H. Gladstone, Mite Glynne, Mrs. Mayhew, Mrs. F. B. Summers (Chester), Mise Taylor (Chester), Mrs. Rowlev, Miss Evans, Miss Duokworth. etc. The Rector (the Rev. Canon H. Drew) said it was unnecessary to introduce Lady Grosvenor to the people of Hawarden, because she had a longer association with that parish than the himeelf had, and she w very closely connected with Hawarden through being one of the trustees of the foundation of St. Deiniol's Library. He offered her a most hearty welcome from them ail for her great kindness in coming to open the sate of work. (Hear, hear.) It was auch a pieasuro to have her there, as she was so entirely in sympathy with tho main purpose of that undertaking. The main purpose of the sale was for the School Fabric Fund and for parochial purposes, but the other parochial purposes would have to take a back seat, if they found any seating accommodation at all. (Laughter.) The main purpose was to get a little help for this great undertaking in connection with the work upon ir school-s. They had set their hand to a very serious ta&k in that parish. He had not heard of any parish in the whole country which had got so many schools in it, and which had such a very tough nut to crack in connection with them at the present moment, but they had put their hands to the plough, and they intended to see it through to the end. v.r ie very much in earnest about the re- lig:oL. Ideation of their children. They felt tiK-y v..<• on tho truest lines of liberty. They oonte-nded that it was not the business of either the House of Commons or county councils to say what kind of rerigious instruction their children should have in their eohoole. They SBiid it waa for the parents themselves to have t'he principal voice in the matter, and to that they meant to hold fast, and they did not mean to be frightened from their work by Mr. McKorma, or any otlictr Minister or any party. So far they had succeeded with regard to these eight sctliools in putting three of them into finst-mte condition. He thought they would boar favourable comparison with any other schools in the diocese or county, and with the most generous support and assistance of Lady G-rosvmar's son, the Duke of Westminster, they were at the piesent moment well advanced in building an entirely new school in one of their districts to tak9 the plaoe of the old school which had been condemned. They had already taken srtepe in connection with the five othesrs, and when they saw the work wae done at these buildings they would have only the schools at Hawarden with which to deal. There were be- tween 500 and 600 people, mostly residents in the parish and friends from outside, who had subscribed to the fund, and they had received £4,354. 6s. 6d" which wae wry encouraging. They hoped that the sale of work would bring a little mono grist to the mill, as they wanted a largo sum, to put their schools in a thoroughly deltightful and first-rate condition. (Applause.) THE COUNTESS' SPEECH. Tiro Countess Grosvenor made a very happy speeoh in declaring the sale of work open. She said: Ladies and gentlemen to my thanks for your kind welcome I must add that it is puroiy a work of love and thanksgiving to me to be to-dlay, to be permitted onoe more to Jraw close the ties of friendship and neighbour- hood in remembrance and affection for the past, for we cherish that sympathy which has ever united your Castle to Eaton,. Those great lives we love to think of inspire us still, and are a charge to us to try in all humility and reverence to carry on their tradition, and to do the work as they would have it don?. They would re- joice now in your generous purpose. As we are assembled here to shew our approoiat ion of that supremacy of charity whidh your Rector has had for his eight schools, let us he'p him by fram- ing those schools to-day in gold. While your church stands as a light undimmed through all the centuries to hand on the faith and piety of tiheir forefathers ae a priceless heritage to the children of to-day, and of the ages yot to come, mtay those children never cease to learn the Catechism within those schools of the Church which it is our privilege now to assist. With our full of hope and gratitude to you for your Rector's great work, I have now the honour to announce this sale open. The buying and selling then commenced briskly. Later in the evening a jumble sale was held.

CHESTER CATHEDRAL. I SsaviOK LIST FOB WEEK COMMENCING DEC. 18. WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 18TH (Ember Day).-Morning, 7.45: Matins and Holy Communion. 10.15: Litany, hymn 352. Evening, 4.15: Service, Travers in F; anthem, "Bow Thine ear" (Byrde) preacher, the Rev. Father Cary, M. A. THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19TH.-Morning, 8.0: Holy Oem- munion. 10.15: Service, Stainer No. 2; anthem, "Re- joice greatly" (Gadsbyi. Evening, 4.16: Service, Turle in D; anthem. Seek ye the Lord" (Roberte). FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20TH (Ember Day).—Morning, 7.45: Matins and Holy Communion. 10.15: Lit&ny, hymn 495. Evening, 4.15: Service, Walnoisley in D minor; anthem, "Rejoice ye with Jerusalem (Stainer); SATURDAY, DECEMBER 21ST (SD. Thomas, A.M. Ember Day.).-Morning, 8.6: Holy Communion. 10.15: Service, Morgan in C; anthem, I- Oh that I knew" (Bennett). 1L15: Holy Communion. Evening, 4.15: Processional hymn, 404; Service, Goss in E anthem, "The Lord will comfort Zion (Hiles), SUNDAY, DECEMBER 22ND (Fourth Sunday in Advent).— Morning, 8.0: Litany and Holy Communion. 10.30: Processional hymn, 202; Ordination Service; introit; anthem, "Hosanna. to the Son" (Gibbons); choral cele- bration, Wesley in E preacher, the Rev. J. M. New, M. A. Evening, 3.30: Serrice, Cooke in C; anthem, Rejoice in the Lord alway" (Purcell); hymn 353..30: Magni- ficat and Nunc Dimittis to Chants; processional hymn, 48; hymns a37, 52, 5S8; preacher, the Rev. A. Baxter, B.A. Hymn 383 (sung kneeling before the Benediction).

NEW INCE VICAR. Mrs. Park-Yates, of Inoe Hall, has presented tho Rev. Frederick George Slater, M.A., Rector of Caponhuret, to the living of Ince, of which she is patron. Mr. Slaiter has been Rector of Caprnhurst since 1901. He is a late scholar and exhibi- tioner of Sidney-Sussex College., Cambridge, 'e r" taking his degree of B.A. in 1881, and his M.A. degree in 1891. He was ordained deacon in 1891, and priost in 1892 at Truro. He was curate of Tywardreath, Cornwall, 1891-3, St. Columb Minor, Cornwall, 1893-6, and vicar of North Rode, Coaigkton, 1896-1901.

VOLUNTEER LONG-SERVICE MEDALLISTS. $ ANNUAL DINNER. The annual dinner of the Chester and Dis- trict Volunteer Long-Service Medallists' As- sociation was held on Saturday evening at the Masonic Hall. The President (Lieut.Colonel Charles Gamon V.D.) occupied the chair, and an unusually large gathering, numbering about sixty, included Colonel T. J. Smith, V.D., Colonel J. U. Cunningham (1st. V.B.C.R.), Lieut.-Colonel F. J. Bcnna-lie (1st C. and C. R.G.A.), Lieut. Siddans, A.S.C., Lieut. Ll. Marriott, R.N.R., the Rev. D. Herbert Pierce (chaplain (list F RE.), Captain J. Williamson, Lieut. J. Dey, V.D., amd the following- 1st C. and C.R.G.A. B.S.M. F. J. Latham, B.S.M. R. G. Gerrard, B.S.M. J. R. Bennett, Q.M.S. Charles Gillham, S.M. Wm. Williams, Sergt. W. Ectioeton. 1st Flint RE. (Vol.): O.S.M. Jno. Jones, C.S.M. J. Mountfort, Sergeant R. Edwards. Sargeaait E. Connah, Sapper F. Hughes, Sapper T. Roberts. 1st V.B.C.R. Sergoant J. Jackson, Sergeant G. Cash, Sergeant R. Matthews. 3rd Y.B. Duke of Wellington's R. O.M.S. T. H. Haswell. 2nd. V.B.C.R.: Q.M.S. F. T. Holland.. Q M.S. J. Davies, Q.M.S. G. Brookwell, Q.M.S. W. Gamon Lockwood, Col.jSergt. W. Carr, Col.- Sorgt. A. C. H. Davies, Col.-Scrgt. H. Ander- son, Col.-Sergt. G. Tilston, Col.-Sergt A. Tennyson, Col.-Sergt. D. M. Robsrte, Hospl.- Sergt. E. Myddleton, Col.-Serg"t,. W. Peel, Sergt. 0. H. Shaw, Sergt. W. Ebery, Sergt. J. Jackson, Corpl. G. H. Crawford, CoTpl. J. H. Simoock, Corporal J. Hulse, Pte. R. Evans, Sergt. J. H. Williams. Apologies for absence were received from Q.M.S. Sewiell (Llandudno), Q.M.S. T. Humphreys (Buckley), Sergt. T. Bailey (Denbigh?hiro Hussars), Oorpl Gorst (2nd V.B.C R), Colonel Sheriff Roberte, Mr. W. H. Churton, and Major Gibson (Buckley). Colonel T. J. Smith, proposing tho toast of "His Majesty's Imperial Faroes," saiid Volun- teers had been laughed at in the past, but publio opinion of them had so altered in the course of time that they were now referred to as the Imperial Foroes. Might the day soon come when, a Volunteer was regarded in the same light as a member of the regular Army. This had been gradually coming for a long time, and ho folt sure that if any scheme would work, it was the new Territorial Army scheme of Mr. Haldane. He and Colonel Bonnalie had the honour of attending one or two of the meetings in connection with that scheme, and those meetings impressed him with the idea that all thoeo present intended to do theiT beet to make the scheme a suocess. He was sure they would be supported by the ramk and file and the officers of the Volunteer corpe, and he hoped that because the exigencies of the scheme might cause a little dislocation of cer- tain unite, those unite would not take um- brage, but regard the scheme as a whole and try to make it a success. Cheshire was in the proud position of being called upon to find a brigade, and it was to be hoped that when the new corps were called forth them would be Volunteers to fill the ranks. If Nelson's maxim oould be applied to every Englishman there would never be danger of an invasion of England, ajid he hoped the day was not far distant when every able-bodied man would do his dtaty in foOme. form to the State, In Colonel Bonnalie Chester was fortunate in having a capable officer of Artillery, -whose corps was in a most flourishing condition. (Applause.) Lieut.-Colonel Bonnalie, in responding, re- ferred to the advantages of Volunteering, notably in the improvement of physique and development of character. As 001. Smith had said, the Volunteers wore for yea,re not taken seriously. Now the country was faced with the necessity of preserving a thoroughly effi- cient Volunteer Army, or of resorting to com- pulsory training. It was the opinion of ali the members of the Cheshire Association that if any scheme of forming an Army on volun- tary lines would answer, he was sure it was that odheme now being put into operation. Volunteers had now an opportunity of becom- ing a real and thoroughly important part of the British Army, and they must do all in their power to carry out the scheme. (Ap- pkujse.) Col.-Sergeant Carr proposed "The President and Vice-presidents," remarking that Colonel Gamom had in the ocurse of thirty years' ser- vice filled every grade from that. of private. The President, in responding, said the As- sociation was growing in usefulness, and he was convinocd that old Volunteers throughout the country would be encouraged by its suc- cess to form similar organisations. Q.M.S. Has well proposed "Our Guests and Musical Friends."—Colonel Cunningham, re- sponding, cocpreeeed the opinion that Mr. Haldane's scheme was the most practical that had ever been put before tho country. If it failed we would have compulsory service with- in eighteen months. Proper training in mus- ketry was easential, and it was abeurd to ex- pect a man to be an efficient shot on sixty rounds of ball cartridge served annually. Q.M.S. Brookwell, who also responded, said he was authorised on behalf of the Volunteer Ball Committee to present £ 5 to the Associa- tion's Benevolent Fund. The President, in the name of the Associa- tion, gratefully acknowledged the contribu- tion. The toast of the "Chester and District Vol- unteer Long-Service Medallists' Association" wae drunk on the proposition of the Rev. H. Pierce.—Captain Williamson, in responding, mentioned that there were 47 members present whose combined period of service amounted to 1,323 years; Lieut. Day alone having served 40 years. An enjoyable musical programme was per- formed by Mr. Loui Parry, Ma-. E. Robinson, Q.M.S. Haswell, Lieut. John Day, Corpl. J. Gortt, and B.S.M. Gerrard, Mr. R. Thomas acting as accompanist.

THE SETTLERS IDEAL HOME NEW ZEALAND I .—. Arrangements have been made with the Shaw, Savill WW & Albion Co., The New Zealand Shipping Co., and the iH A Federal Steam Navigation Co., for REDUCED -i—> > FARES for 2nd and 3rd Class Passages. At the 'Sgl afr present time reduced rate passages are limited to Farmers, TBI teatf, Agricultural Labourers, Shepherds, Wooa Cuttere and M — «j' men able to milk cows and manage lire stock, who, if CL approved, must take £ 25 with them. Domestic (Women) f i&fl 'i 1 Servants will be granted passages at the reduced rates Xi/ |B8 subject to their taking with them not less than £ 2. For s Kg application forms and further information apply to the 1 \S W High Commissioner for Kew Zealand, i3, Victoria Street, 1 15 ggV LondciJ, or the Agents the United Kingdom of the j a ShÏpping —^ MUIRHEAD & WILLCOCK MANCHESTER, ALDERLEY, SOUTHPORT& BOLTON. | T■ ■ Rips StQton Our Own Make 9 w Choice English and Foreign Cambridge Beef and Tomato 1 CHEESE. SAUSAGES. i Finest Old Ywk&Cumberland Bury Black Puddings | I Hares E} UCACAMTQ Boned Turkey and Game Lobsters, Potted Shrimps, B H o piES (to crder). &c., &c, &c. H .I" 'T C'T:.&I:o r- -t:'Iii;è' 4. UAA -Ati AC .l/q gill B|fi I jlllli ing serious developments—a Cold, Chill or Shivering may BPI I be the forerunner ot dangerous disease, and a dose of LICORICINS EM STOP IT, and thus ASTHMA. BRONCHITIS, INFLUENZA and CON- 6bPJ al^PsuMPTiON be prevented. This is no idle statement but has been proved in ;housands of cases. Dout be put off with anything that is said to be just as HbSP' effective," nothing else can equal it, as LICOFICIKB stands alone. Bottles 7t,d., 1/1% and 2/9, all Chemists. Send Id. Stamp for Free Sample—MASDALL & Co. (Dcpt 0.), Stockton-on-Tees. BEWARE OF IMITATION.

MALPAS RURAL COUNCIL. —— The ordinary monthly meeting was hed on Wednesday, Mr. Langiey pre.siding.-A letter was received from the Uhoimondeley estate office in reply to the clerk'e letter suggesting that the estate plumber should disconnect the water main to the Willey Farm, and stating that; instructions to that effect had been given. Correspondence between the clerk and the Surveyor of Taxes was read. The surveyor had called the attention of the Council to the fact that during the year ended March, 1907 a profit of J655. 17s. 2d. was shewn to have been made on the water rates accounts, and adding that if the Council had no accounts of charges to set against this they were liable to income-tax charges. In reply, the clerk stated that the Council made no actual profit, as the savings were used in the upkeep or improvements in the mains as were required. The surveyor, however, objected to there explanations, con- tending that the profit was liable for income-tax unless there were any expenses, euch as a pro- portion of establishment charges and interest on loans, which could be set against it. In the opinion of the surveyor the application of the profit in the manner described by the clerk did not exempt the Council from payment. The clerk. in his reply to this letter, pointed out that the money was raised as & compulsory rate under the seal of the Council. He added he had heard nothing further from the surveyor, but in the event he might do so he asked for per- mission to call upon the surveyor, when the matter could be more fully gone into.—The per- i mission was granted. Permission was granted to the Postmaster- General to erect a new series of telegraph lines to the Council's boundary near Egerton Hall from the main road near Malpas. The Sanitary Inspector report-ed the district free from infectious diseases. A few nuisances were ordered to be set right. The Surveyor reported that cinders were re- quired on the road at Overton Common, and permission was granted for this.

ROSSETT COCOA-ROOMS DISPUTE. + JUDGE'S DECISION. At Wrec.iun County Court, on Wednesday, his Honour Judge Moss delivered judgment in the oase of Mrs. Balfour, widow of Mr. Alex- ander Balfour, of Rossett, against Mae. Catherine Jones, in which it was sought to re- cover possession of the Roesett Cocoa Roome. In 1881 Mr. Balfour, with a view to promote the oauee of temperance and to benefit the workingmen of Rossett, had erected the Rossett Coooa Rooms. There was a large room, which was used from October to March as a reading- room and working-men's ulub, being governed by a committee elected by the members. Mrs. Jones had been in the service of Mr. Balfour and was appointed manageress of the Cocoa Rooms. She and her husband were to live there rent fro?, and she was to receive 8e. a I week, Mr. Balfour paying rates and taxes. In leturn, Mrs. Jones had to provide refreshments and attend to the reading-room and club. In I 1884 a now arrangement was entered into whereby Mrs. J ones was to have entire control and responsibility of the refreshment depart- ment, and Mr. Balfour was to cease paying the weekly wage ajid rates i-nd taxes. Mrs. Jones, however, st'.tl remained caretaker. Mr. Bal- four died in 1886, and the following year his widow left Rosaett and made her home in Scotland. Mrs. Balfour alleged that before leaving Rossett she told defendant she would only be allowed to remain m the Cocoa Rooms on condition diatdiieatt-erided to the reading- room and club and that ahe was to reaider to Mrs. Baifour each year a report of the number of members and how things went on. His Honour foand as a fact that Mrs. Jones, al- though she denied the interview with Mrs. Balfour, did send theaa reports until" 1904, when the cluo wae closed, but up to that time tho reading-room and club were continued as in Mr. Balfour's time. Mirs. Balfour, finding the club closed and one of the main objects for which Mr. Balfour had erected the build- ing defeated, decided to convey the building to trustees in perpetuity for the benefit of the parish. Correspondence took place between I the parties, md Mrs. Jones admitted that, until Mrs. Balfou" wrote to her at the beginning of 1906 she would never have dreamed of claim- ing the property, adding: "It is hor cruelty which has prompted this action of mine." The contention of the defendant was that • she was not in occupation by virtue of services to be rendered, but that she was a tenant at will, and that a £ suoh the Statute of Limita- tions began to run in her favour twelve months after the new arrangement in 1884, and that she now had a good possessory title. His I Honour could not aooept this view of thn case. The evidence, to his mind, was absolutely over- whelming against it. He thought the defen- dant's ocejfpatioai was a service occupation pure and simple, and that the statute availed her nothing. He must therefore give judgment for the plaintiff with costs, and ordered that > possession should be given up within 28 days. wwiBaaBmaarnBBnanaiV

RECTOR'S DAUGHTER DROWNED 4, On Thursday, at the Rev. II. T. Owen. rector of Trevor, his wife, and daughter, Mies Florence Owen, were walking in the grounds of Valla Crucis Abbey, the daughter, aged thirty, dashed from her parents' side and leaped into the deep Abbey pool. The aged rc-ctor plunged in after his daughter, making a heroic effort at rescue, while Mrs. Owen hurried to a farm for assist- ance. Mr. Owen was eventually dragged from the pool in a state of collapse, but- when Mieft Owen was recovered life was ex tine;. On Friday the inque-t was held.—The father of the deceased said that ahvut thr o'clock on Thursday afternoon she and her mother came to tho Abbey, where he was waiting. Deceased had been very ill for some time. She threw herself out of the bedioom window, about twenty feet from the grcund, in Sep- tember, and said in explanation that Jesus Chris* had told her to do so. After his daughter and wife came to tho Abbey cn Thursday, deceased rushed out and made for the Abbey pool, threw herself into the water, and he followed her into (he water and tried to rescue her. The water was very deep, and had he gone further he would have been drowned. Aid, which was summoned, did not arrive for ten minutes, and his daughter was troon hooked out.-Mis. Frances Owen said her daughter had suffered from religious mania since September, afid had said she would like to go into the river Dee. The doctor had told witness that she was not safe to be trusted by herself, but it would have broken her heart to have put her under restraint.—The Coroner But it might have saved her life.—A verdict of "Suicide while of unsound mind" was re- turned.

HAWARDEN SESSIONS. 6 THUl-LSDAY.—Before Messrs. T. R. Probert (in the chair), H Hurlbutt, jun., Herbert Watkmson, W. iiryer, and W. Newton. MAD WHEN DRU1\R.—Arthur Hughes, an ironworker, of Radcliffe-lane, Pentre, near Flint, was summoned for being drunk and dis- orderly on the 29th Aug-ust Ja.SL-P.C. Tale said the defendant was absolutely mad when drunk.-Supt. Ivor Davids sa,id this was defen- dant's tenth appearance, and he had just served two months' imprisonment.—Defendant said he had not been in a public-house in Connah's Quay for nine mont hs.—The Superin- tendent remarked that this was because he could not be served.-—Defendant was fined £ 1 and 9s. &d. costs. CHESTER MAN AND A GUN.—Samuel Parker, of Sealand-road, Chester, was sum- moned for using a gun for kill'ng and pursu- ing game without a licence.—Defendant pleaded "not guilty."—Mr. Thomas, super- vieor, of th,, Inland Revenue, Birkenhead, stated ihat on the 22rd October defendant was seen by a farmer named Lea in a field adjoin- ing the latler's farm, with a rabbit in his possession. De^cnd-awt was aleo observed to fire at a phtiusanr, and the bird was seen to drop in an adjoining field. Defendant subse- quently went into the held and picked up too pheasant.—Jos Lea. farmer, Sealand, gave evidence bearing out this statement. Defen- da.nt interrupted, saying "You are a liar." Paitrick Stretch ajid Haj-ry Bellie, farm labourers, of Sealand, corroborated.—Defen- dant admitted shooting a rabbit, which he picked up, and he ea:d that just as he shot a pheasant flew up, but he did not shoot it or pick it up. He did not go into the adjoining field.—Mr. Tho.nas: Had you a gun lioennei- No, not at the time, but I had had one- for three years.—A fine of 10s. and £ 1. lis. costs was imposed. APPOINTMENT.—Mr. T. R. Probert was appointed a justice to represent the division of Hawarden on the County Licensing Com- mittee.

OPPOSITION TO HOYLAKE TRAWLERS. At present a fleet of some 3u trawlers from Hoylake fish the waters near Bangor, says a correspondent, and almost daily send many wagon loads of fish away to the Liverpool markets. Whether stimulated by this fact or not, a powerful syndicate of local and country gentry has recently been formed with head- quarters at Bangor, which proposes to establish a large fishing industry to work the west coast. The syndicate proposes to acquire two steam trawlers in addition to a large fleet of sailing trawlers, and it is hoped in course of time to create a very large business of this kind in Bangor. Another commercial scheme being mooted in the town is the establishment of II smithfield for which the district offers excellent facilities. BROWNS BRONCHIAL TROCHES BROWN'S BRONCHIAL TROCHES Cure Coujfb, Cold, Hoarseness, and Influenza, Cure any Irritation or Soreness of the Throat, Believe the Hacking Cough in Consumption, Relieve Bronchitis, Asthma, and Catarrh. Carry them about with you. Sold everywhere, Is. lid. per box. BROWN'S BRONCHIAL TROCHES BROWN'S BRONCHIAL TROCHES .1't''li2I;:¡.t.¡Ü"l.c:iF -= ï:?:,¡,rL-t'"t=\LL:-5: -'Q.:3&W-;Y;Aol- ;)-¡f.' _O>JoI"- F U AT s I Furnishing Goods FOR Xmas PresentsTHE Lowest Possible Prices AT "PTFYNNPTPT? FURNISHING STORES, THE XTIv/1N JuliLlXv BOLD ST., LIVERPOOL. 1 CASH OR EASY HIRE PURCHASE TERMS. Catalogues and Terms Free. "S" |

unfortunate thing was that we were losing soma of our best workmen. It was only the thrifty, who in prosperous times saved money, who were able to pay their passage abroad, and it was only the skilled workers, who know they could command good wages in any country, who dar?d to go out. The position of Germahy wae dilfeient. In 1881 the returns shewed that 220,000 people emigrated. About that time Prince Biernarek altered the Fiscal system of the country, with the result that although Ger- many's popu!ation had increased much faster than our own, Germany sent abroad in 1903 36,000 people, compared with our 262,000; whereas in 1904 271,000 people left this country, only 28,000 left Germany; while in 1905 German emigrants numbered again 28,000, against our 260,000. When one con- siderted the number of men who were leaving this country every year, and when one con- sidered that in every great ceaitre of industry there was a Large amount of unemployment, which would continue through the winter, surely it was wise to see if the time had not come for some reform in the Fiscal policy of this country. (Cheers.) In conclusion, Mr. Barnston said that he was going into different parts of Eddisbury every week, and every day ho felt more and more confident that there was victory in store for him when the time came (Loud ohoors.) Ho believed the votaro of this country had found out the Government, and were sick of their promises, and ha believed the Unionists would go into the battle united, and he ventured to think that when the battle was ovtci." tfntei victory would be theiirs. and ho should have the honour of being their member in the next House of Commons. (Loud cheers.) Mr. Thompson, in the course of a short speteoh, mentioned that that was his first visit to Cheshire after an absence of 43 years. Speak- ing on Tariff Reform, he. oaid the foreigners sent us patent medicines to poison us, Belgian spades to dig our graves, Swedish coffins to bury us in, audi German pianos to play the "De.o., March" over us. (Laughter.) We not only got their surplus products, but their refuse in the form of alien immigration. (Hear, hear.) That being his last meeting, Mr. Thompson acknowledged Mr, Prichard's kind- ness tow-aids him. On tho motion of Mr. Randies, seconded by Mr. Nixon, a vote of thanks was accorded the speakers. A similar compliment was paid the chairman. A public Unionist meeting was held in the Primitive Methodist Schoolroom, Coxbank, Aud- lem, on Thursday evening. Mr. John Hobson, of Moss Hall, presided, and was supported by Mr. Harry Barnston and Mr. P. Thompson, of Gateshead. Thero was a large attendance, among those present being Messrs. J. Hulse, F. Shaker, T. and A. W. Whietom, T. Emberton, S. Lewis, J. Vaughan, G. U. R. Boeston, W. Pureell, J. Fisher, P. Griffiths, G. Gibson, P. Moseley, C. F. Priobard (central agent), etc. Mr. Barnston, to whom all listened with great attention, spoke on the principal topics of the day.—Mr. P. Thompson spoke on the evils of Socialism and the necessity for Tariff Reform. —A vote of thanks to the speakers, proposed by Mr. T. Emberton, seconded by Mr. Samuel Lewis, concluded a successful meeting.