The Chester Courant and Advertiser for North Wales

DIARY OF COMING ENGAGEMENTS. Jan. 1, ifc.—"Babes in the Wood" at the Royalty Theatre. l-Adjourned Quarter Sessions at Knutsford 2-Chester Cattle Fair. 2-Chester Horse Fair. 2—Caergwrle Petty Sessions. „ 3-Hawarden Guardians. „ 4-Tarvin Guardians. 4-2arvin District Council. 4-Chester District Council. „ 6-Eddisbury Sessions. 6-Cheshire Education Committee. 6-City Quarter Sessions. „ 7-Uhester Guardians. 7-Infirmary Ball.

I £ AN INTERESTING ELECTION. Infinitely greater public interest than is felt ordinarily in a Parliamentary election will be evinced in the approaching election of an Irish representative peer, to fill the vacancy in the House of Lords caused by the death of Lord Kilmaine. The dominating fact, up to the present, is that Lord Curzon of Kedleston has consented to become a candidate. Under normal circum- stances, probably the claims of the Ex-Viceroy of India would have been put out of court on purely national grounds, and perhaps even as matters stand, there will be a split on that vital question. Still, the circumstances under which Lord Curzon enters the arena are so peculiar that they deserve every consideration at the hands of the Irish peers. When he received his great appointment to India, some nine years ago, an Irish peerage was conferred upon him. This distinction, it is scarcely necessary to explain, neither carries with it a seat in the House of Lords nor does it preclude the holder from sitting in the House of Commons. It was understood and hoped at that time that, at the expiry of his tenure of office in India, Lord Curzon would obtain a seat in the House of Commons, a sphere which he had occupied with much brilliancy before. The long and arduous duties of the Indian Viceroyalty, however, have told their tale upon Lord Curzon's constitution, and he now finds himself precluded, on medical advice, from seeking to re-enter that assembly. To remain in the ranks of the politically unemployed for any length of time would be a wrong and a waste of too scarce material, in Lord Curzon's case. His only sphere of active political work, by sheer force of circumstances, now lies in the House of Lords, and it would have been a graceful and tactfal act on the part of the Prime Minister to have given him a seat in the Lords. This, however, Sir Henry Campbell-Bannerman has declined to confer. The refusal is the more extraordinary, when it is remembered that all Lord Curzon's predecessors in India have received that distinction as a reward of their services, and not his bitterest enemy can accuse him of falling behind the high mark of statesmanship set by those who have gone before him in that exalted position. It cannot be, therefore, on personal grounds that the Premier has declined the customary honour to the late Viceroy. The real explanation obviously must be that Lord Curzon happens to belong to a party who are enormously in the majority in the Upper Chamber, and to augment whom the Prime Minister, for party reasons, objects. It is, however, rather a paltry act, seeing that in the natural course of affairs Lord Curzon will be entitled to a seat in the Peers, as the eldest son of Lord Scarsdale. Because Lord Curzon happens to be a Unionist, Sir Henry Campbell- Bannerman refuses to bestow on him this honour which has been given freely and uniformly to all his predecessors. In recent times it has been the custom to appoint DeefS to the Indian Viceroyalty, bat even they, on the completion of their term of office, generally have received a step of promotion. Since the Crown took over the government of India, the only commoner to act as Viceroy was Sir John Lawrence, who received a peerage on his retirement. It is under these circumstances, and in view of the Prime Minister's blunt refusal to follow long established custom, that Lord Curzon asks the Irish peers to elect him to the House of Lords. What the Irish peers will do it is difficult to predict. They have got a very friendly lead from the Duke of Abercorn and Lord Londonderry, who have addressed a letter to them, setting forth Lord Curzon's claims and explaining the circumstances. The preference of the Irish- men to have a fellow-countryman installed is but natural, and may weigh with a portion of their number. The Irish peers, of course, have the election in their own hands, but many of them will be influenced by the appeal of the Duke of Abercorn and Lord Londonderry, backed up, as it is, by a statement that Lord Lansdowne considers they would be fortunate to secure a represen- tative of such conspicuous ability and distinction as Lord Curzon. The point to be remembered by the Irish peers is that, by electing Lord Curzon, thpy would be striking a blow at this Separatist Govern- ment, and they would be strengthening the Opposition in the Lords in a way that could not be achieved by the selection of any peer from their own number. This much may be said safely without the odium of comparisons, for Lord Curzon has shewn qualities of statesmanship and has had opportunities for studying the art of government that are unique. It would be, therefore, an excellent day's work for the Unionist party, if he were elected to the House of Lords.

f Immediately after the Chester Castle bye- el-action wo expressed some curiosity as to the rotum which would t<3 inade on behalf of Mr. Rigby, the defeated ciamdid^.t-9, in the matter of election expenses. That return is now pub- lished. Our curiosity was stimuLated by the almost unpreoL-tknied lavishncss of tho Radicals in the department of printing", advertising and biU-posting. To say that Mr. Rigby did three times tho amount of mural decoration and print- ing fh- ti- Mr. Frost shewed is perhaps too modest a stetonicDt of the case. Printers' ink and paper were shed by tho Radicals in an utterly prodigal fashion. Yz't., an examination of the two re- turns of expanses shews that oil priiiting, sta- tionery, bill-posting and advertising Mr. Frost spent £ 29. 3s. 8d., and Mr. Rigby only £ 29 Os. 6d. How was it done? The Radicals arc fond of making a fusa over the observance of the Fair Wage Clause in all public contracts. Was Mr. Rigby eclually particular about that clause and about paying full price for all his printing, bill-posting and advertising?

It is with peculiar pleasure that we publish to-day Mr. R. Challinor's review of the die alii re &cec,3 trade during the past year, because it reflects a very healthy state of things in this great industry. We learn that the make has been exceptionally heavy and the priocs through- out have been satisfactory to the farmers. During the first three months of the year the highest price obtained in the last fifteen years was readied. Mr. Cliallinor adduces statistics to shew that the Cheshire cheese trado is on the crest of a wave of prosperity, and altogether 1907 will be remembered as an eventful year in this respect. With reference to the prospects of capturing a fairer share of the London market, a point to which we directed attention only last week, Mr. Challinor states that London ie asking for more of our best dairies, and the matter is having local attention. He makes the useful suggestion that "it would be better if London would go further and ask for some good cheese of medium quality, aa the East End should provide a good demand for wholesome cheese of guaranteed purity at prioes from 7d. to 8d. per lb., and if it could only obtain an opening in that part of the metropolis, it would sell upon its merits, and soon become a popular article of diet, the demand for which would rapidly increase." It is gratifying also to observe that Mr. Challinor's predictions for this new year are full of optimism, based on an inner knowledge of the conditions governing the industry. A word of recognition is due to the Cheshire Dairy Farmers' Aeeociation, of which Mr. Challinor is tho mainspring.

LOCAL NEWS. A The Countess of Enniakillen has been recently staying at Florence. Theresa Countess of Shrewsbury has left 37, Lowndes-square for Biarritz, where she will spend the winter at her villa.. Mr. Assheton-Smith, whose condition was not quite so favourable on Saturday, was on Monday better. Among the house party at Cholmondeley Castle are Colonel Sir Nigel King3cote, K.C.B., and Lady Emily Kingscote, Mr. A. M. Wilson, and his son, Mr. Maitland Wilson. On Friday the Cholmondeley covers were shot over for the second time by the Marquis and a party which included Lord George Cholmondeley, Mr. A. M. WiJlJon, Mr. M. Wilson, junr., and Mr. St. John Charlton. The bag was a good one. A marriage has been arranged and will shortly take place between Lieut.-Colonel H. L. Smith, D.S.O., 1st Battalion East Surrey Regiment, and Edith Claribel, youngest daughter of the late John Read Toralin, Esq., of Stoke Field, Notts. News has just reached this country that Mr. T. B. Ellis, M.A., of the Indian Civil Service, has been appointed judge of the High Court at Delhi. Mr. Ellis is only thirty-three years of age, and is a native of Wrexham. He is a nephew of Mr. J. W. Eilis, Holyhead. The usual presents of beef and flour, which have been given for so many years, were pre- sented to the cottage tenantry and estate work- people on Tuesday last in the Castle yard. Nearly 2,000 lb. weight of beef were required, and the finest flour was also given in proportion. The Marchioness of Cholmondoley made the dis- tribution, and her ladyship was assisted by Mrs. St. John Charlton and the Rev. E. F. Gorst. MR. J. H. WELSFORD.—Numerous friends in the Chester district will be pleased to hear that Mr. and Mrs. J. H. Welsford, who latterly have been living at Higginsfield, Malpas, are about to take up their abode again at Hoole House, Chester. They will be in residence at Hoole probably in February or March. ACCIDENT TO MR. GEORGE BARBOUR. We regret to learn that Mr. George Barbour, of Bolesworth Castle, niab with an accident on Saturday. He was going round his estate when be bad a fall and broke his collar bone. Under the care of Dr. Jordison he is going on well, but he will be unable to keep any engagements for a week or two. The Hon. Treasurer of the Chester District Nursing Association begs to acknowledge the reoeipt of the sum of B10, a donation from St. Oswald's Sick and Poor Fund. per Rev. E. 0. Lowndes. RAILWAY APPOINTMENT.-Mr. Owen Hughes, of the goods department of the London and North-Western Railway at Chester, has been appointed chief clerk and assistant goods agent for the company at Holyhead in succession to Mr. W. Edwards, who is retiring. Mr. Hughes has been stationed at Chester since the 1st April, 190G. ARRESTED AFTER FOURTEEN MONTHS -At an occasional court held at Mr. W. H. Churton's office, Chester- em Tuesday, before Mr. B. C. Roberts, jjav5 l Frederick Dobson was charged with duociuug from the 4th Batt. Royal Irish Fusiliers at Dublin, on October 17th, 190(3. P.S. Sandilands stated the case, and prisoner was remanded to await an escort. SWINGBOAT ACCIDENT.-On Christmas Day John Wm. Jagger, of 82, St. Anna-street, and 21 years of age, met with a nasty accident while enjoying himself in a swingboat at the pleasure fair in the Cattle Market. While the swingboat was in motion he fell out, and received two cuts on the forehead and knocked up the first finger of his left hand. He was removed home. GLADSTONE STATUE DECORATION.— Sunday being the anniversary of the birth of Mr. W. E. Gladstone, the statue to the Statesman in the Strand facing Kingsway was decorated with laurels, on which, however, no cards were fixed. On the pedestal at the west front was placed a handsome wreath of white flowers, attached to the wreath being two streamers of blue silk, on which were the words in gold letters, From the Duhvich Liberal and Radical Association." THE INFIRMARY BALL.-The Mayor of Cheater begs to acknowledge with thanks the receipt of the further following donations to the Infirmary Ball Fund :Ilrs. Welsby, JE1. Is. Mrs. C. P. Douglas, f- 1. Is. Mrs. Geo. Hayes, £ 1. Is. Mrs. Francis Barnston, 21. Is. Mrs. F. Skipwith, £1. Is. Mrs. Peter Jones, Pl. Is. Mrs. Blagden, £1. Is. Mrs. Ed. Powell, £ 1. Is Mrs. R. Shand, 21. Is.; Miss Kerr, £ 1. Is.; the Mayoress of Chester (Mrs. John Jones), 92. 2s. and Mrs. Vernon, 92. 2s. TRAM RETURNS.-Tho returns of the Corporation Tramways shew that on the Saltney section 43,490 passengers have been carried and have paid £ 176. 16s. 5d. in receipts. Compared with the corresponding week last year these figures shew an increase of 2,495 in the number of passengers, and £9. 16s. 5d. On the Boughton section 15,191 passengers have been carried and have paid v58. 8s. 4rjd. for the uso of the cars. Compared with the corresponding week last year there is a decrease of 461 passengers and 2s. Gd. m cash. CHESHIRE DOCTOR'S CHRISTMAS BOX.—On Christmas Day Dr. Smith, of Woa- vcrham. Northwich, was uilostentatiously pre- sented with a handsome motor-car, and motor house complete, by the inhabitants of Wcaverham, Acton, Delamere, Cuddington, Norl>cy and the surrounding district, to con- gratulate him on his recovery from a semous illness, and as a recognition of 40 yoa.n;' pro- fessional services and 18 years' service as Cheshire County Councillor. A sum of L-720, was raised, 1,500 subscribers responding within a month. A FLINTSHIRE COUNCIL APPEAL.— The Holywell Rural District Council have decided to appeal against the decision of Judge Moss in a case recently heard at Chester County Court, in which Evan Evans, Rose Villa, Bagillt, sued the Council for damages and an injunction in respect of the flooding of bis land at Bagillt, owing to the alleged defectiveness of the Council's tewers. His Honour at the hearing found that the Council had been guilty of negligence in not keeping their sewer clean, and gave judgment for plaintiff for £5, with liberty to appeal to both sides; the ques- tion of costs and the injunction asked for to be deferred for six months, to give the Council an opportunity of considering their position. VEGETABLE AND FLOWER SEEDS.— The unfavourable season of the past year for seed growing has made the vegetable and flower seeds somewhat scarce for the coming season, but Messrs. McHattie, of Chester, state their ability to meet the increasing demands. In their cata- logue of garden seeds, which has recently been sent out, the prices will be found to be practically the same as in previous years despite the shortage. The vegetables produced from Messrs. McHattie's seed, which have been photographed for illustrating the catalogue, are of the finest, and these, with the floral pictures, make a highly interesting price list. The well-chosen collections of flower seeds which are enumerated will be found useful and inexpensive by the amateur gardener. A list of appliances is added to the catalogue. CHESTER PANTOMIME.—Judging by the nightly audiences, the pantomime, "Babes in the Wood," which commenced at the Royalty Theatre on Bcxing Day is already a pronounoed success. From beginning to end laughter holds way in pit and circle and gallery, and no one soema to find a dull inoirnent. It is a pleasuro to notico the merri- ment of the children, whoso young voices ring rhrc'ug'h the auditorium, for it is on thoir ac- oount mainly that pantomimes have become a Christmas institution. A host of artists are engaged in the porformaiios of "Babes in the Wood," and tilic piece is prettily staged. It now goes with a capital swing and there is not a single hitch. Apart from the ordinary run of tho fun several special turns are intro- duced, including some clever dancing'. The songs are a feature', one particularly worthy of notice being a lullaby by a number of children. Tho burlesque of the piece is in capahlo liantfo, and the ludicrous situations oreyted by Messrs. Harry Albery, Sammy Foetor, and T. D. Tandy aro irresistible, while the antics of the two knockabouts, Messrs. Conaii and Doyle, as "Burgling Bill" and Gentls Georgie," convulse tho audience. Miss Baby Lillybello and Miss La Belle Sylviamake two pretty and interesting "Babos," while Mias Cissie Kingillcy is a charming rather than a bold "Robin Ilood." The pantomime would not be oomploto without the mystic b&nd of fairies, who are headed by Miss Nora Prcn- dergast, as "Sylvania, the good friend of the forest, the friend of children in general, and of the Babes in particular," while Mr. Leonard Charles makes a very wierd demon as he flutters about the stage. The time-honoured harliquinade is revived in a modiified form, while a pretty transformation scene, "A Dream of Summer," is also introduced. Dur- ing the recess prior to the production of the pantomime several improvements, including the re-carpeting of parts of the theatre, have been made for the comfort of the public, and the genial manager, Mr. C. E. Fountaine, is to be congratulated on his enterprise.

CITY POLICE COURT. FRIDAY.—Before Messrs. John Thompson (in the chair), B. C. Roberts and F. Skipwith. BOYS DAMAGE A HAYSTACK.—Johrf Moss, 14, Stanley Gill, 11, and Vincent Peers, 11, of Saltney, were summoned for damaging a haystack to the extent of 30s. P.C. Griffiths, Saltney, st-ated ihat on tho 11th December he saw the defendants gaming on the top of a haystack, belonging to Mr. Jos. Woodhouse, of Saltney. They were kicking the hay about, and the ropes that held it together had been loosed. Mr. Woodhouse, in his evidence, ad- mitted that a great deal of the damago had been done by the wind on the night following the offence, in consequence of the stack not being immediately repaired.—Each defendant was ordered to pay 3s. 6d., and 5s. costs be- tween them. MONDAY.—Before Messrs. J. G. Frost (in the chair), W. Vernon and A. Storrar. DISGRACEFUL CONDUCT.—John Jones, a grey-headed plumber, a Cestrian, but of no fixed a.bcdc, was charged with being drunk and disorderly in Gloucester-street on Satur- day, and he was also summoned for arrears of maintenance.—P.C. Wood, who proved the case, said the prisoner had the street up all Saturday afternoon.—P.O. Hewitt corrobor- ated, and said prisoner acted like a madman in tho aells. His boots had to 00 taken off to keep him from kidking at tho cell doors.- Prisoner's wife said she obtained a-separation against her husband on the 10th April, and he was ordered to pay her 6e. a week. Ho had nOl!; paid her a penny, and the arrears now amounted to Lll. lck& Prisoner persisted in annoying hor.—Prisoner said tho separation order WM obtained under faJse pretences, and he did not intend paying anything. He went to the house to see his dhildTon, and was re- fused permission. Formerly he was 28 years in one employment in Chester.—Tho Chief Constable said the prisoner some time ago was eentenoed to two months' imprisonment for the neglect of his family, and on being released his wife obtained a separation order against, him, He had been convicted several tones since, and came out of prison only on Saturday. Each tame he was discharged he got drank LOO annoyed his family.-Sentcnoe of a month's imprisonment in each case, to run oonourrently, was passed.

UNSPENT MATCHES. TO THE EDITOR. Sir,—May I call your attention to the careless habit of throwing down unspent matches in the streets of Chester ? My sister was walking before me in the Watergate to-day, and trod on one, which blazed up. Fortunately, her dress was woollen. Had it been of a lighter fabric the result would have been most disastrous. I rarely walk out in Chester without see:ng urspent matches upon which I always carefully put the heel of my boot.—I remain, yours faithfully, 29, Nicholas-street, A. DONNE. Dec. 29th.

-+- A GRATIFYING RESPONSE. TO THE EDITOR. Sir,—Accept my thanks for so kindly printing my appeal for the Chi dren's Home in your paper; and please allow me, through it, to convey them also to all those who so generously responded by sending money, books, toys, sweets, cakes, etc., and through whose kindness I was able to provide such a happy joyous time for the little ones on Christmas Day. I would specially thank all tho dear children donors for tho pretty things they sent. I know their Christmas was the happier for remembering first to brighten the lives of those who, though so much is done for them, must have a good deal of hardship and sadness.-Youra very truly, (Mrs. R. P.) ROSE A. WARD. 4, Hough Green, Chester, Dec. 26, 1907.

TRAMCARS ON THE GROSVENOR BRIDGE. TO THE EDITOB. Sir,-Somo little time a.go you had a. letter upon this subject, drawing attention to the dangerous habit of tranicars passing oil- another on this bridge. For a time. this ceased. Now it occasionally recurs, and I suppose only until the Corporation are mulcted in damages, consequent on an accident, will it cease. Then the poor ratepayers will ha.ve to pay. Every- one admits that there is no need for this per- versity. The tramears merely want retiming on that portion of the route. I do not go into the question of the legality of two oars being at the same timo on this bridge. Astute heads will tell you that it is oon.tratry to a distinct undertaking when the tramway was passed. One point is dear, a worse place to pass could not woil bo found, apart from the strain on this beautiful bridge. I see motor notices are to go up tihere. This is useful, but I fancy rnany people will agree that the "beam" is in the Corporation "eve." AN OBSERVER.

THE RACE COMPANY'S PROPOSAL. TO THE EDITOR. Sir,—I do not quite sec in what particular Messrs. Birch and Co.'s letter to the Corporation asking a simple, business-like question—whether, if the Race Company restored a stand, the Cor- poration would grant an extension of the lease— is described by a member of the Corporation as "a clever letter." It seems to me the most ordinary letter any prudent person would write. People do not usually build on leased land except the term is a very long one. To do otherwise would be folly in nine caees out of ten. The real point that touches the public is would this stand be an obstruction or encroach- ment? There is a strong feeling that no further encroachment should bo allowed. Thir) year a much larger piece of the Walls was taken in, and the roadway, as many people are informed, illegally blocked for three days. The public tolerate this good naturedly, but they should not be tried too much. The Corporation's duty is to keep the Rcodee open for the public free. The Race Company have a decided privilege and bargain with the public, so let them be satisfied, and not seek any further encroachments. ONE OF THE PUBLIC. o—

CORPORATION ESTABLISHMENT CHARGES. TO THE EDITOR. Sir,—I was glad to notice that a stand was taken against any increase in the Corporation Town Clerk's office, and though I know nothing of the young solicitor whon. the Mayor wished placed on the staff at £100 a year, I am glad this was only temporarily done. Chester, after ail, is but a small city when comparison is made with other places. The work in the offices of the Corporation is not by any means harder or in some departments as exacting as in some other cities where the staff, proportionately, is certainly no larger, indeed if as large. So much depends on the initial training of those thus employed. If they have been trained in busy centres they will appreciate their duties and understand the readiest and most systematic methods of getting through their work. Adding to a staff is often merely adding to complexity. Further, it Is well known that young solicitors are generally glad to obtain experience without pay for a year, and that then they get about £75 to £100 in the very best offices only for a time. Many get no employment at all after all their heavy fees. The Mayor could hardly be aware of that when be advocated this appointment. I suppose this gentleman was not articled to the Town Clerk ? If so, it is hardly right to find this gentleman's articled clerks a position on the staff. A RATEPAYER.

4t — THE GOVERNMENT AND CRIME. TO THE EDITOR. Sir,—Son re people, wo know, arc never satis- fied; but it would be strange indeed if too Irish oattJo raidors complained of their treat- ment by tho present Government. Let us ad- mit that Mr. Birrell, Mr. Asquith, and Sir Geo. Grey shake their heads, and are shocked—oh.! so shocked!—at such unseemly conduct. But they make it quite olear that they will not punish it. That is, they wiU not allow any of tihese gentry to be tried by an impartial tri- hunal--a tribunal, which coidd bo relied upon to convict.. The Government openly, and almost ostentatiously, admits "tho efficacy of coercive measures in preserving order and repressing crime"; but at the same time proclaims its resolute and inflexible determination not to ex- orcise coercion. Well, wilELt could tho cattle raiders ask for more? Would not any English burglar, highwayman or garrotter bo saltislied with such benign forbearance? In justification, or praise, of this tolerant at- titude towards crime, we are solemnly told that cattle raiding is not "stealing." Weil, what of that? On 17 November last thirteen bullocks belonging to Mr. Dove, of Westmeath, were deliberately roasted alive. That, was not "stealing"; and, if nothing but stealing is to bo punished, would afford an equally good ex- euae for regarding it with indifference or ap- proval. Hero it may not be amiss to recall the atti- tude of Mr. W. E. Gladstone towards crime in Iroland. Alluding to boycotting ho said, in tlhe House of Commons (26 May, 1882): "Now, gentlemen, what is boycotting? In the first place it is combined intimidation. In the aocond plaoc it. is combined intimidation made use of for the purpose of destroying the private liberty of choica by fear of ruin and starvation. In tho third place it requires a sanction; and tho sanction of boycotting by which alone it can in the long run be made thoroughly effective^ is murder." Now note the language of Mr. Gladstone after ho had achieved "Irish salvation" and was maintaining himself in office by the votes of the very men ho had 90 fiercely denounced. Thus: "Exclusive dealings may be very bad tftvings; but they are the only weapons of self- dofemeo belonging to a poor and disheartened people" (11 May, 1887). Again: "I cannot overlook the fact, which stares me in the face, that it (exclusive dealing) has been used to promote causes not only lawful, but almost sacrned" (25 Aug., 1887). Certainly, if we axe to admit excuses like this. they might be urged in justification of a good many crimes. Take, for instance, the betrayal of Jesus Christ by Judas Isoariot. Who will deny that it was not instrumental in working tlhe salvation of all mankind? And no one, I suppose, will deny that being "a sacred oause" ? Reverting, however, to the attitude of the present Government towards crime, we find it identical with that adopted by Mr. Glad- stone towards "the abettors and perpetrators of outrage," as ho called the cattle raiders or cattie roasters of his day. As Mr. Gladstone discovered, in convenient season, that these men wore "the organs and repres^nta-tives of a nation" (17 Feb., 1888), so we can feel no sur- prise that the members of the present. Govern- ment, the followers and admirers of Mr. Glad- stone, should trsad so closely in his footsteps, and extend a benign toleration to the malefac- II tors of the present tiID£+-Joo abettors and perpe- trators of ourtrago now almost daily committed. —I am, etc., CHARLES FELLOWS. Old Bank Chambers, WeivwhamDtaa.

AMATEUR THEATRICALS. CHARITABLE EFFORT AT CHESTER. The first of five amateur theatrical perform- ances promoted by Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Preston, Abbot's Grange, on behalf of several charitable- institutions in Chester was given on Monday evening in the King's School, before a crowded audience. The nett proceeds of all the per- formances will be divided between tho Chester District Nursing Association, the Working, Boys' Home, the Police Court Mission, and St. Oswald's Parish Hall, and one-fifth to" each of the other charities. The entertainment took the form of a piay entitled "Hastsirac, or a Turkish tale retold," iounded on the ttory of Alt Baba and the i'orty Tinevee in its production Mr. and Mrs. Preston, who have given their services generously on former occasions in aid of de- serving causes, spared no pains to ensure its success, and their efforts happily received the warmest recognition. By tileui the play had been entirely arranged, and tiie stage mounting left nothing 10 be desired tor artistic beauty and spectacuiar effort both in respect of the scenery, two charming settings of which had been specially painted by Mr. Preston, and the Oriental splendour 01 the costumes designed by Mrs. Preston. A pretty tableau with electrio illumination made an effective finale. The priircipal characters were abiy represented by Mr. Eric Preston (Ali Baba), Mr. R. Reynolde (Ganem), Mr. Montagu Preston (Hassarac*, Miss D. Broadbeut (Cogia) and Mrs. T. C. Granger (Morgiana), an attractive feature of Mrs. Granger's role being her graceful and spirited performance of Morgiana's wild "dagger dance." The other parts were well interpret-ed by the following:—Air. Kenneth Preston (Zamir), Mr. Hugh Sparling (Kassour), Mit-s Waims-ey Price (Bardah), Mi& E. Comber (spirit of magic cave), Miss Hero Taylor (Zaidic), Miss Lake (Lal'ah), Miss Eileen Jephson (Fatima), Mr. Kenneth Preston (page), Mr. Walmslcy Price and Mr- Hugh Sparling (arabs), the Mioses Cooper Scott, Comber, Bsswick, and J. Beswick (attendant*). The enjoyment of the pLay was enhanced by bright and tuneful music, arranged and selected by Ml". Ardern, who had specially composed an overture and Morgiana's dagger dance. An orchestra under his direction was composed of tho following:—Pianoforte, Mr. T. Ardern 1^; violins, Miss Duckworth, Miss Taylor, Mr. K. Best; 2nd violins, Miss Churton, MiR. Silver, Miss Spurling, Miss Best; viola. Miss E. Pit-; violoncello, Miss Tomlin and the Rev. J. D* Best; contra basso, the Rev. J. Croke Robineoo. Mr. T. Ridley carried out tho duties of carpenter.

YULETIDE FESTIVITIES. INFIRMARY XMA'S TREE. The. patients in the Chester Infirmary had their share of happy Xmas on Monday, and in the enjoyment of the festivities all aches and pains were forgotten. The function is an annual one, and to those who are compelled to remain in tho institution away from theit friends at this festive season of tho year it is a gladsome day. Throughout the Infirmary had been cheerfully decorated with holly and other greenery, etc., and the staff, under tha guidance of the lady superintendent (Mis3 Addis), seemed to have spared no effort to make the proceedings paes off with great eclat- They had been readily supported by many c00* s-derate citizens, who had contributed cloth* ing, toys and othc'r suitable gifts. A large Xmas tree adorned the children's ward, and the little ones gazed in rapture on the fairy- T" land-like scone. The festive picture wouit» not liavo been complete without Father mas, but Dr. Powell, house surgeon, the role, and attired in the familiar robed distributed good cheer and gifts. All the in- mates reoeiived presents, moiudinj suitable clothing, etc. Numerous visitors the whole institution being Uirovm open, and in their tour of inspection one could not fail to to impressed by the general home-like ap- pearaneo of comfort and order. tea was served, and after the distribution Of presents the Cathedral Ohcir boys, under Dr. Bridge, rendered an enjoyable selection of carols, being warmly thanked for their sr. vices. Altogether the treat was a great su0" ccss, and the Infirmary sUiif aje to bo c°11" gratulated for their untiring efforts. BROUGHTON WORKHOUSE CELEBRA- TIONS. Tho inmates of the liawarden Union arS not forgotten during +he festivo season of f"Ao, year, and on Monday evening the annual en- tertainment and Christmas trco werte he' proving an unqualified success. Those ivho"lr necessity compels to seek tho sihelter of t.h Union are dependent upon others for th4 pleasures of this life, and it was a joyou* sight to see the cheerful countenances and cited looks of these poor people, who delighted with -ill the good things provided- The spacious dining hall had been very c^e £ i tively decorated by the courteous master -14 matron (Mr. and Mrs. Roberts) with ever- greens and mottoes, and it presented a ant and home-like appearanoe. An excelle»1' tea was provided for the inmates, who vveffO as pleased as if it had been a Royal repast, and the numerous visitors were also cnteTt.ai'n' A largo Xmas tree occupied a prominent tion in tho hall, and it was heavily laden wi a choice selection of suitable presents, incluw_ ing clothing, etc., and when illuminated it presented a pretty picture. These cifts we graciously distributed by Mrs. ToAer and Cooper. The entertainment was attended' OJ many friends, despite tho fact that the even ing was very wintry, snow falling. Tfoo s^ema Chairman of the Board (Mr. Wrn. Fryer) pre- sided, and those present included the follow- ing guardians:—Messrs. J. Millington (vioe- chairman), John Wright, R. G. em, R. Littler, Lewis (Brynyorkm), J. glpe-neer, P- Wilcock, R. Williams, and Edward Jones, wi«J Mr. Jones (relieving officer), Mr. Barne (sanitary inspector), many with their wives- and the Master and Matron. Thore were ate* present the Rev. Cooper (chaplain) and M and Mies Cooper, the Rev. L. nohorttl (StJ. ney) and Mrs. Roberts, Mrs. Toler, Mr. (Wensbury), Mrs. Austin Peppin and Mrs- Aebury (Liverpool), Mrs. Drew, Mr. Pugh, lr. Fred Roberts (Canada), Mr. Jones (mille^ Hawarden).—Letters of apology were from Mr. Horace Mayhow (Brougihton Ha^/J Mr. Hurlbutt, etc.—Mr Fryer, on behalf ° the Guardians, thanked the kind friends had so liberally contributed to tie enjoYl of the inmates. t An oxoellent musical p1*^ gramme was provided, and the audience ^e^ mose enthue;astie, encores being frequent. A was as follows :f—Piano solo, "Spinning Wheel," Master W. H. Lovett; song, "Mona, Mr. R. Matheson; character song, "If I boa been born a girl," Mr. G. Lewis; "Dadidy," Miss A. Bellis; banjo solo, -1- Tippett; song, "Myf&nnwy," Mr. Ben J°n^L piano dmetr, "The British Cavalry," the Mi^^ Howorth and Ash.brook; song, Mr. duot, Messrs. Parry and Mumford; song, 4 Kay; trio, "I like a little farm well Mr. Ben Jones and party; song, Miss IJ" Griffiths; pianoforte solo, Mr. Tom Roboi song, "Europe Game of Nap," Mr. ^o80Sr Ffoulkea; song, "The Old Sundial," Mi^ Peters; song, "There's a land," Mr. Hayes; comio song, Mr. T. W. Kirkhain song, "The Sailor's Grave," Mr. J. D°w^^ song, "Oh, Blest Redeemer," Miss song, MT. J. Peters; song, "The Shawl," Mr. Davis Hayes; song, -vfr. Philadelphia," Mr. G. Lewis; comic Tippett; song, "Mary of Argylo," Mr- ,< Jones; song, "Five o'clock in the nornillgl,v Miss K. Peters; duet, "Life's dream 13 ?Te. M'iss and Mr. Ffoulloes; eong, Mr. R. eon; song, Mr. G. Lewis; song, JV J. Bethlehem," Mr. Davis Hayes; sang, M';M'r Downey song, Miss Kay eemg, HoS!?e' :1 aan Hayes; song, Miss Ffoulkes; sonz, M. Griffiths; song, Mr. Webb; ^>mlc ^eS; Mr T. W. Kirkham; eong, Mr. Ben long, Mr. Joseph Ffoulkes; "God Save j King." Thanks are dfuo to Master Matron for their untiring efforts, artists f<»r their services, and to the eubscri to the fund which covera the oost of and Gift&