The Chester Courant and Advertiser for North Wales

LOCAL GOVERNMENT OFFICERS. —T THE CHESHIRE ASSOCIATION. The firet meeting of this association (an exten- Bion of the original Association of Cierks to the District Councils and Guardians of Cheshire) was held at the Queen Hotel, Chester, on Satur- day, the 21st inst. There waa a largo and representative attendance of officials from throughout the county. Mr. Samuel Knight (clerk to Bollington Urban District Council) was in the chair, and in his opening address said that he extended a hearty welcome to the new members of the association present. Ho ex- plained that at the last meeting of the Associa- tion of Clerics to the District Councils and Guardians of Cheshire it was felt that only a limited number of officers in the county had previously an opportunity of becoming associated with each other, and that it was a wise step to alter the name of the association to the Cheshire Association of Local Government Officers" and extend ita membership to all Local Government officers in the county. This had! been done, the membership had very consider- ably increased, and he looked forward to the time when the association would have some Auadreds of members. Having explained that thw National Association of Local Government Officers had as its president, vice-presidents and officers men of great standing in the local government world, it was desirable, he said, that their association should become affiliated, to enable them to get representation on the National Association, in order that the interests of the officials of the many small authorities in the country should not be overlooked. Con- cluding, Mr. Knight pointed out the advan- tages to be obtained by an association such as theirs, and that while they were setting out to assist and protect themselves, they would in the long run, as they had already done, benefit the local authorities they represented. That had been the result of the old association, which had obtained several useful concessions from the County Council in respect of scavenging, estab- lishment charges, snow removal, etc., in con- nection with main roads. The Hon. Secretary (Mr. A. E. Caldecutt, clerk to the Hooie Urban District Council) explained at length the objects of the association, as no v. constituted, and the very satisfactory increase in the number of members. The lion, treasurer's accounts were duly examined and approved. Questions relating to local government audit and the recent Government. Departmental Com- mittee's report on their inquiry into the accounts of local authorities were discussed, as also ques- tions relating to the proposed Superannuation and Security of Tenure of Office Bill. Numerous instances were given of the great difficulties experienced by officials in the performance of their duties whenever these duties brought them into conflict with property belonging to councillors or those connected with them. A resolution was parsed referring the matter to the Executive Committee, with a recommenda- tion to ask the assistance of the local members of Parliament in support of the Bill to be brought, in next session. Dr. Garstang (medical officer, Bucklow Rural District Council) referred to the Notification of Births Act; 1907, and pointed out ihat there were many difficulties which might arise in country districts, no provision being made as to expenses incurred in carrying out the prescribed proce- dure. The Hon. Secretary gave a short summary of the provisions of the Public Health Acts Amend- ment Act, 1907, and opinions were expressed as to the advisability of adopting the various parts and sections of the Act. Mr. Whyatt (Hale Urban District Council) suggested that it would be advisable, in the firt instance, for each authority to appoint a small committee to confer with the clerk, medical officer, surveyor and inspector as to the parts which each particular authority might deem it necessary to adopt, as the Act wanted careful examination. Mr. Whyatt also pointed out that in the opinion of his authority it was doubtful whether lection 66, relating to cleansing and disinfecting of premises, etc., ought to be adopted on the of the serious expense which would be upon the rates, but with this exception 0 K'ns of opinion that the Act generally would advantageous. The provisions of the Act were discussed, and the necessity of having all the Public Health Acts consolidated was agreed to, and a resolution to that effect was passed, a copy to be forwarded to the Local Government Board. The Hon. Secretary referred to the desirability of the association being affiliated with the National Association of Local Government Officers, and a resolution was passed to that Effect, and also that Mr. Caldecutt be appointed •"j*6 representative of this association on National Executive Council of the National Association of Local Government Officers, and that the chairman for the time peing of the association be appointed the stand- IP-9 substitute in case the former was unable to attend any meetings of the National Executive Council. The hon. secretary was requested to examine the various sets of rules relating to similar local associations and to draw a fresh set of rules to meet the requirements of the present association, and submit the same to the Executive Com- mittee. Mr. George Leigh (clerk to the Bucklow TJnion) was unanimously elected president of the association for the current year, a,nd Mr. J. G. Whyatt (clerk to the Hale Urban District Council) and Dr. T. W. H. Garet ang (medical officer, Bucklow Rural District Council) vice-presidents. The following gentlemen were elected members of the Executive Committee, viz.:—Mr. George Leigh (president), clerk to the Bucklow Union; Mr. J. G. Whyatt (vice-president), clerk to the Hale Urban District Council; Dr. T. W. H. Garstang (vice-prcsident), medical officer of Health, Bucklow Rural District Council; Mr. A. E. Caldecutt (hon. secretary and treasurer), clerk Hoole Urban District Council; Mr. J. lI. Cooke, clerk Winsford Urban District Council, Mr. J. Arthur Cowley, clerk Northwich Urban District Council; Mr. A. E. Stringer, clerk Sandbach Urban District Council; Mr. H. Grant Bailey elrk Tarvin Union; Mr. A. E. Whittingham, ckrk Nantwich Urban District Council; Mr. Joseph Howarth, clerk Education Administra- tive Sub-oommittec for AJtrincham and Bowdon Area; Mr. John H. Johnson, assistant clerk Cheadle and Gatley Urban District Council; Mr. Herbert Hulmc, collector Bollington Urban District Council; Mr. John H. Grundy, untant and assistant clerk Hoylake and ^est Kir'ov Urban District Council; Mr. Edward Sykes, surveyor and engineer Cheadle and Gatley Urban District Council; •^tr. Charles Atkin, surveyor, inspector of Nuisances and collector, Hoole Urban District Council. It was decided to hold a meeting of the asso- ciation in June next at Chester, and that the annual meeting be held at Manchester. vTotee of thanks were accorded to the retiring chairman (Mr. Knight), and to the hon. eecre- tary (Mr. Caldecutt) for their past services, the Meeting expressing their obligation to the hon. 6ecretary for his services during the past; twelve ^ars, when he first originated the old associa- tion.—The Chairman replied, thanking the Meeting for their support. The Hon. Secretary said that years ago he ad. foreseen the difficulties attached to the duties of local government officials, which of Necessity in these small corporations brought he officials into conflict with the members, and pointed out the absolute necessity in the "iterests of the public that these officials should ^le eamG protection which Poor Law Jhcials enjoyed, ao that the Public Health Acts could be administered without fear or favour d irrespective of any interests but those of ratepayers.

Secretary of the Cheater General Infirmary doTn«»-° ^knowledge w>th thanks the receipt of a the ~p0r\°^ 7s- to the Infirmary and £ 1. la. to eitiT,i fiate Convalescent Home from the Ooni °^es the Chester Northgate Brewery ^g?Pany, Limited. Eiffel Tower 0 a a n m BUt! FLOUR. A xd. packet makes 15 delicious light buns with Certun success, Almond, Lemon, or Vauilla,

MR. YERBURGH & VOLUNTEERS. + THE SHIRKERS BEHIND. The following letter from Mr. Robert Yer- burgh appeared in the "Lancashire Daily Poet" on Tuesday: — Sir,—In your report of my speech at the National Service League meeting at Preston, on the 20th instant, I am represented as say- ing that among the Volunteers were to be found "shirkers," and that they were in this respect the country's shame. A more complete misrepresentation of my words it would be im- possible to devise. Having been a Volunteer as a schoolboy of 15 years, and having since had the honour of holding a commission as major in the 2nd Vol. Batt. Cheshire Regi- ment, it is not from me that so gross and un- true a charge against my old comrades would

STOP PRESS. »• I I

CHRISTMAS HUMOUR. HOAX AT CHOLMONDELEY. A NOCTURNAL ADVENTURE. The Christmas joke par excellence is associa- ted with what was at first reported to be a "daring burglary" perpetrated at Cholmondeley Castle by motoring "thieves," but which was quickly discovered to be nothing more alarm- ing than a Christmas joke played upon the Marquis by some of his friends. The racing cup, which was the only article the "burglars" carried away, has been returned, and the whole country is laughing over an adventure con- ceived and carried out in the festive spirit of Cluistimstide. It was a startling narrative which was first spread abroad, and in its circulation the tale lost nothing in its exciting details. The earliest news seemed to leave no doubt that the daring raid on Lord Lonsdale's mansion had been re- peated. What, however, at once raised sus- picion as to the genuine character of the "bur- glary" was tho plain fact that tho nocturnal visitors had neglected to hop themselves to many valuable articles, being content with a mero souvenir of the "call." Between two and three o'clock in the morning the Marchioness of Cholmondeley was disturbed by the barking of her dog, and afterwards she heard the noiao of the closing of a window. Her ladyship, how- ever, thought little of the incident, and no in- vestigation was then mada Later in the morn- ing it was discovered that the Castle had bren entered, a large window in heavy oak sashes being found open. A silver cup, which, it is stated, was won by Lord Cholmondelcv's Screech Owl (owner up), and which bore the date of the victory, was missing, as were also a considerable number of cigars. There were footprints iicir the win- dow, and near the entrance on the Chestcr- road were discovered the tracks of a. motor-car. One of the pair of large iron gates at the lodge had been broken right off, and several broken bars were found even as far as ten yards on the road side of the entrance. Parto of a hand- brake of a motor-car and of a mud-guard of the same vehicle were also found. The polica were communicated with, and Supt. Hicks, of Broxton, and his staff made in- vestigations. Col. Hamerslcy (tho Chief Constable) personally visited he Castle. It was stated that the lodge-keeper and his wife heard a motor-car arrive about 1.30 a.m. They noticed that no lights appeared on the front windows, but after the car had entered tho park the windows on that side were lit up by brilliant lights, shewing that the car was being driven backwards. The wheel tracks ended near a large bush, a short distance inside the park. About 2.45 a.m. the lodge-keeper heard the oar leaving at a great speed, and this time some part of the car caught the gate, and the impact must have been severe. Mrs. Dodd, of the Post-office, was also disturbed by the pass- ing of tho oar at a great speed, and some guests at a farm COs? by, chancing to be out of doors, saw tho vehicle dashing along" the Chester-road, and remarked on the excessive speed. On learning of the affair, our reporter went out to Cholmondeley, and was kindly received by the agent to the estate, Mr. St. John Cliarl- ton, who was able to clear up the whole matter. Ha informed our representative that although at first it was supposed a burglary had taken place, it had afterwards appeared from a fuller investigation that it waa a practical ioke. To confirm this view was the fact that the visitors had neglected several valuable silver articles in the dining-room, which no genuine burglars could have overlooked. Another curious cir- cumstance was that lumps of coal had been put in the place of all the missing articles. The knowledge of the Castle that the visitors must have had, and the maimer in which the affair was carried out, were also against the "burg- lary" theory. Tho police were quickly satis- fied and stopped their inquiries. The end of the mystery was heralded by the brief police mes- sage: "Cup returned; mystery cleared up." Later, tho explanation was authoritatively given to a Press representative that some mem- bers of the house party at Eaton had played a practical joke upon the neighbouring party at Cholmondeley, and had temporarily taken away one or two mementoes of their visit. ENJOYED IN THE HUNTING FIELD. Our hunting correspondent says the story of the joko caused a great deal of fun in the hunt- ing field on Thursday. THE DUKE'S REPLY. The Duke of Westminster informed the Press Association on Friday morninsr, in reply to a telegram regarding the Clu Imondeley Castle incident, that he had nothing to say. COL. HAMERSLEY AND THE JOKE. Col. Hamerslcy, Chief Constable of Cheshire, on Friday said the ineidentat Cholmondeley Castle was a foolish joke and he would let the matter drop.

(From Our Own Reporter.) On Friday morning the West Cheshire Coroner (Mr. Bate) held an inquest on the body of Miss Mary Wolley-Dod (whose tragic death we an- nounced in our last issue), at Ed¡.(e Hall. Major Francis Wolley-Dod, brother of the deceased, residing at 139, Holland-road, Ken- sington, said he saw deceased on Thursday, the 19th inst., at Edge Hall, and she went to bed about nine o'clock. So far as witness knew e was perfectly sane on all subjects except she imagined she was afflicted with several aerious diseases, and that the doctors were try- ing to conceal the fact from her. The Coroner: Do you think she had suffered from any aiimtnt, or was it simply fancy? Witness: She had been in bad health for some time, and went to a nursing home in the be- ginning of November. She was under a Lon- don doctor at the time. She fancied she was very much worse than she was. She had fan- cied for some years that she had diseases which she had not got. On every other subject I consider she was of sound mind. In reply to further questions, witness said his sister came to Edge Hall with a companion, who was accustomed to such cases as hers. Tho Coroner: She had never to your know- ledge threatened to take her life. Witness: Never to my knowledge, but some years ago. when I was out in India, she was put in an asylum, and lost her reason for a time. I havo no direct knowledge of what happened then. The question of her health was apparently her trouble?—Yes. As far as you know there was nothing left behind?—Nothing. A letter was found ad- dressed to me, but it had been written at least four months ago. Replying to the foreman (Mr. J. Davies), wit- ness said his sister was a lady of considerable means, and was in no money difficulty. Miss Ethel IJarnier, deceased's companion, said she had bcon with Miss Wolley-Dod since Thursday week. She was under no restraint. Miss W-olley-Dod and she came to Edge Hall by train on Thursday. She remained with de- ceased most of the time until Tuesday, but she was not with her throughout the day. because deceased sometimes liked to be alone. She noticed no change in deceased on Monday; if anything, she was more cheerful than usual. The Coroner: She was naturally depressed? —Witness: Yes, she was very depressed about her health. Witness said the last time she saw deceased was at twenty minutes to nine. They were worried about her mind, because she was so ill and worried about herself, but she was very much better on Monday. The Coroner: The- doctor came that morn- ing?—Witness: Yes. You had no instructions to watch her in any way?—I was very careful. There was no suggestion to you that she might take her life?—No. It was not suggested to you that she should bo watched?—Tho doctor told me to look after her carefully and to keep her cheerful. Describing the events of Tuesday morning, witness said no one saw or heard deceased, and it was doubtful that she left the house after the servants had risen. The door in the hall had been unlocked. Deceased had left no com- munication, and her papers were found just as she had left themi. The Coroner: Do you think she was account- able for what she was doing?—On every point exoept concerning her health. Was hor impression that she was Buffering from some fatal illness?—Yes, she thought she was very ill. By tho foreman: The home which deceased had been to was an ordinary nursing home, and not an institution for people suffering from mental trouble. Jennie Fisher, housemaid at Edge Hall, and Thomas Jones, gamekeeper, gave evidence con- firming the reports already published of what. took placo on Tuesday morning. The latter arid that when he recovered the body it was fully dressed, except for the hat and one shoo. A Juror: Why did you go direct to the pond when deceased was reported missing?—I wes asked to look wherever I (-oii-,d., and to t.-I-v, particular notice of the ponds. Dr. Jordison, of Malpas, said Miss Wolley- Dod had been a patient cf hid for m;.ny years. She was in a very depressed state of mind, but he had never observed any suicidal tendency She had had a deJusion that she was suffering from a disease which had no existence what- ever. His opinion with regard to that had been confirmed by several doctors who had seen her. He had never thought it neceesary to put her under restraint, and there had bsen no re- straint. On Monday deceased's mental condi- tion had been better than for many days. She had sent Christmas cards and presents to her nieces and nephews, and had written to her doctor in London. He (witness) had had a letter from her. It was written in French, and quite well expressed, and laid undue stress on trivial symptoms. Deceased had taken her life undoubtedly under a sudden impulse. Major Wolley-Dod eaid deceased had been troubled with sleeplessness previously.—By the Foreman: She had suffered from no bodily ail- ment which should have caused her any mental anxiety at all. This conoluded the evidence, and the Coroner briefly addressed the jury, commenting on the fact that deceased was depressed in consequence of a delusion that she was suffering from an ailment. He said they would all offer to the family their sincere sympathy in their bereave- ment. After a few minutes' retirement, the jury re- turned a verdict "That deceased committed eui- oide during temporary insanity," and expressed their sympathy with the members of the family. THE FUNERAL. The funeral of Miss Wolley-Dod took place quietly at Malpas Cemetery on Saturday morning, the interment being in the family grave. The officiating clergyman was the Rev. Lawrence Armitstead, rector of Malpas. The following were the chief n-ioumets: -Major Francis Wolley-Dod, Mr. Frank Wolley-Dod, brothers; Master Willie Wolley-Dod, nephew; and Miss Marjory Wolley-Dod, nicce; Miss Ethel Harmer, deceased's companion. The cortege was met at the gate by Capt. R. W. Etholston, Mr. S. H. Sandbach, Mr. George Barbour, the Rev. the Hon. A. R. Parker, Mr. Charles Winding Jones, Mrs. Greensiiiekfe, Mrs. Rasbotham, Miss A. B. Cox, etc. The following tenantry were present: Mrs. P. Beech, Mrs. Thomas Beech, Master Hugh Beech, Mr. Bostook, Mr. Joseph Jones, Mr. Thomas Fox, Mr. R. Matthews, Mr. Tom Griffies, Mr. Tom Barlow, Mr. Arthur Nicholas, Mrs. Biggins. Among the hall servants wore Mr. James Hun- ter (gardener), Mr. Tom Thelwell (butler), and Mr. Wm. Griffiths (bailiff). In addition to the family carriage there were carriages from Mr. R. L. Greonshields, Mr. George Barbour, Mrs. Rasbotham, Dr. Jordison, Mr. W. Will- ding Jones and Mis. Littledale. The coffin was of polished oak with brass fittings, and tihe brass p'ate bore the following inscription:- "Mary Wolley-Dod, died 24th Dec., 1907. aged 56 years." The bearers were the following workmen on the estate: Messrs. Thoma.s Jones, H. Specd, James Phillips. Chafes Harrison, Rienard Dawson and W. Lightfcot. Although it was tho express wish of the family that no uowers should be sent, there were a few floral tributes. The arrangements were carried out by Mr. G. S. Morgan, Malpas.

I FAMOUS ENGINE-DRIVER. The death took place at Crewe on Friday of Mr. Ben Robinson, one of the best-known engine-drivers on tho London and North- Western Railway. The circumstances were somewhat tragic. Mr. Robinson a month ago handed in his resignation, intending to retire at the end of the present week. On Thursday he took the newspaper train from Crewe to Holyhead, and returned at night with i's the Irish boat express. While walking from Crewe steam sheds to his home he was suddenly taken ill, and a comrade found him sitting on a doorstep in Camm-street in a state of collapse. He was removed to his residence close by, and died yesterday morning. Mr. Robinson was one of the most careful and trustworthy men who ever stood on the footplate. His father was a driver before him on the old Manchester and Birmingham Railway before it was acquired by the North-Western. It is a curious coincidence that the father served the railway company for forty-eight years, and deceased put in fifty-two years' service. Robinson knew every yard of the main lines from Euston to Carlisle and Euston to Holyhead, and -for many years he had charge of the important Scotch expresses. His ex carefulness and steadiness induced the directors of the company always to give him charge of the royal train when the late Queen was travelling to and from Scotland. He also drove the engine Hardwick in the famous race to Scotland some years ago. He aloo broke the record on the North-Western line for long distance running, taking a train from Euston to Carlisle 300 miles, without a stop. He had an absolutely clean record as a driver, and never met with an accident. Some years ago the North-Western Company sent him to Chicago with the new engine, Queen Empress, for the exhibition. This was the first British locomotive ever run over the American lines. Mr. Robin- son drove his engine across the American conti- nent, and at every stopping place the Americans crowded round and annexed everything portable even to the lumps of coal, as mementoes of the trip.

MOLD EISTEDDFOD. ♦ EFFECT OF EDUCATION ON MUSIC. The fifty-seventh annual Christmas eisteddfod in connection with the Mold Welsh Calvinistic Methodist cause was held at Mold Town Ilal! on Wednesday. Speaking at the evening meeting, the Rev. John Owen, the pastor of the church, said that the question was sometimes if whether such meetings had not outlived their time, and whether competitive meetings and the local eisteddfod, if not the National Eisteddfod iteelf, belonged lb an age which was passing away, and that the conditions which made their success possible had ceaecd to exist. They were told that the schoolmaster was abroad, and that their education schemes were complete, and it might be asked if those two factors did not to some extent weaken the desire to prepare for and attain distinction as such competitive meetings. There was no doubt, however, that the work with the children was hampered owing to the demands made upon their time in the elementary and intermediate schools, but still there was a largo class which they were in danger of over- looking, namely, those who, having left school, had commenced to work, and such meetings appealed to them, and would tell in the elevation of a large number of young people who, even if their efforts were not crowned with success, would benefit in spirit by labouring. The results of the various competitions were as follows Tenor, Tom Morris, Brymbo; tenor and bass duet, Tom Roberts, Brymbo, and Robert Roberts, Haikyn; children's choral competi- tion, Bistre Choir; soprano, Miss Maudie Tong, Llanarmon; mixed choir competition, Mynydd Issa. Minor Lompetitions.-Sol.o, Gwcn Simon, Mold, 1; Nellie Evans, Haikyn, 2; M. E. Evans, Halkyn, 3. Recitation (boys), R. Arthur Morris, Nannerch, 1; R. E. Williams, Mold, 2; G. H. Evans, Mold, 3. Recitation (girls), Annie Evans, Tryddyn, 1; Maggie Morris, Tryddyn, 2, Edith Evans, Mold, 3. Boys' w!o, J. W. B'ackwcll, Coedpoeth, 1; D. J. Davies, Mold, 2; R. J. Davies, Mold, 3. Contralto solo, Miss May Jones, Halkyn; ladies' challenge solo, Miss Hattie Vaughan Davies, Halkyn; best oration, Thomas Bellis, Soughton, Mold; open recitation, William Evans, Mynydd Issa, and Willie Rogers, Rhoeeemore, equal first; bardic ode, equal first, the Rev. Mr. Roberta, Northop, and John Hughes, Mold; essay competition, John Robert Jones, Mold; male challenge solo, J. R. Roberts, Liverpool.

HOOTON PARK RACES. The favourites quite monopolised the inter- esting meeting at Hootcn on Boxing Day. There were six races, and in each event the favourite was returned a winner. It must not be interred from this that eport was unusuaLy tame. Despite more than one small field, interest was sustained to the last, and exciting indeed were two finishes. In the firet place, Judina, who went wrong in her, last race, won the Moderate hurdle event, and was lucky, inasmuch as Liandaff stumbled at the last barrier and ruined an exceiicnt clxanoe. Then fouowed an intensely-exciting bout between two clever jockeys. George Williamson was on Grandiflora, and as Frank Mason was at Kempton Park, the services of H. Aylin, the well-known flat-race jockey, were obtained for Ruysdale. Grandiliora held a good berth throughout, the race, and the Duke of West- minster's horse made one slight blunder. At the distance the pair were level, and they ran neck and neck to the winning-post, Major Jordan's horse winning by the shortest of short heads. Mr. Gunter rode his own horse, Bodger II., in the Westminster Steeplechase, and was | successful against Mars III. and Eteocies. The big event of the day fizzled out. It is indeed a pity that for a sum of J3500 only four horseis should be sent to the post. Mystical, who hae been winning cleverly over hurd.es, was a sound favourite, the Cesarewitch candidate, Iman, being a bad second. Fincastle shewed up promi- nently in the race. Moynalty, owned by Mr. O. H. Jones, was succeseful in the Three Mile Steeplechase, in which Quarto fell, but was re- mounted, thus preserving a clean record—no horse having failed to finish: in fact, this was the only real blunder throughout the proceed- ings. For the final event- an exhilarating finish was seen. It was the Novices' Steeplechase cf 70 eovs., and even Mr. G. P. Sar.day's repre- sentative helped to make the excitement increac, as he could not be shaken off till well towards the finish. Then H. Avlin's powers were seen at their best. He was on a well- known Lancashire gentleman's horse (Mr. G. Walmsley'e Extravagance), and was opposed by one of Hartigan's clever 'chasers in Velgo. It was a fight to the finish. This time, however, Aylin was more fortunate, and he gained the verdict narrowly. The weather bright and cold, the course in excellent condition, the attendance large, and a successful meeting—that is a sum- mary of events. Details:— MODERATE OPTIONAL SELLING HURDLE RACE, of 70sovs.—Two miles 10 11 Mr. B. Walker's JUDINA, 3yrs. W. Williams 1 10 7 Mr. J. Milnthorp's Liandaff, 4y.A. Box 2 10 12 Mr. Crook's Richard I., 4yrs.T. Bissill 3 11 5 Mr. J. Widger's Nobleite, 4yrs., H. Aylin 0 (Winner trained by F. Hartigan.) Betting 7 to 4 on Judina, 4 to 1 agsfc Liandaff, 5 to 1 Richard the First, and 6 to 1 Nobleite.— Won by half a length; ten lengths separated second and third. HOLIDAY HURDLE HANDICAP of 70 sovs. Two miles. 11 3 Major Gordon's GRANDIFLORA, 5yrs. G. Williamson 1 11 1 Duke of Westminster's Ruysdale. 5yrs., H. Aylin 2 11 0 Capt. C. Wood's Bertillon, 4vrs. W. Williams 3 10 7 Mr. E. Binns's Hunt Supper, 4y., Heaney 0 10 0 Mr. J. Eccles's Entente Cordiale, 4yrs.. Owner 0 (Winner trained by W. Woodland.) Betting: Evens Grandiflora, 7 to 4 agst Ber- tillon, 9 to 2 Ruysdale, and 10 to 1 any other.— Won by a short head two lengths separated second and third. WESTMINSTER HANDICAP STEEPLE- CHASE of 80 sovs. Two miles. 10 7 Mr. G. Gunter's BODGER II., 4yrs. Owner 1 10 11 Mr. W. Nelson's Mars III., Gvr., W. Lynn 2 11 6 Mr. G. P. Sanday's Eteocles, a.Owner 3 Winner trained by Owner. Betting-6 to 4 on Bodger II., 2 to 1 agst Mara IIL, and 5 to 1 Eteocles.-Won by thirty lengths two lengths separated second and third. ROSSMORE WELTER FLAT RACE of 300sovs. Two miles and a quarter on the flat. 9 11 Mr. A. M. Crickett's MYSTICAL. 4yrs. F. Close 1 12 0 Sir J. E. Backhouse's Iman, 5yrs. T. Thatcher 2 11 3 Mr. G. Gunter's Fincastle, Oyrs.Owner 3 11 4 Mr. W. Crosdale's Coal Sack, a.H. Aylin 0 I Winner trained by Close. Betting: Evens Mystical, 2 to 1 agst Iman, 7 to 2 Coal Sack, and 6 to 1 F'neastle.-Won by three lengths; the same distance separated second and third. HUNTERS' HANDICAP STEEPLECHASE, of 70sov.—Three miles. 11 12 Mr. O. H. Jones's MOYNALTY, 4yra R. Chaiwick 1 12 2 Mr. G. P. Sanday's Bouncing Girl, aged Owner 2 11 0 Mr. T. Bater's Goodson, 4yrs .E. Lawn 3 11 5 Mr. J. H. Nelson's Quarto, 6y W. Lynn 0 ¡ 11 0 Mr. W. Parker's Girdle, 4y .W. Garry 0 (Winner trained by Bostock.) Betting: G to 4 on Moynalty, 5 to 2 agst Good- son, 0 to 1 Quarto, and 10 to 1 each Bouncing Girl and Girdle.—Won by ten lengths eight lengths separated second and third. II NOVICES' STEEPLECHASE, of TOsovs.—Two miles. 12 7 Mr.G.Walrasley'sEXTRAVAGANCE, Gyrs H. Aylin 1 11 10 Mr. A. B. Walker's Voglo, 4yrs, W. Williams 2 11 7 Mr. G. P. Sanday's Varlet, aged..Owner 3 (Winner trained by W. Woodland.) Betting: 11 to 10 on Extravagance, 11 to 10 agst Voglo, aad 10 to 1 Varlet.-Won by half a 'I length a bad third.

TAKE CARE OF YOUR PENCE. Get the most for your money. Currants cost from 3d. to 6d. a pound, yet there is more nutnment of a kind in a pound of them than in a pound of lean beef at one shilling. The rest is all saving towards a sovereign which can take care of itself. Your Grocer has an enlarged edition of the most useful little cookery book, "Currants— A few Tasty Recipes." He will give you a copy free. Ask him for it.

ANOTHER SUCCESS BY MR. KEN- DRICK.—At the New Brighton Tower car- nival, on Boxing night, Mr. J. A. Kendrick, Chester, took second prize for seasonable cos- tume (Father Christmas), and Miss Bessie Kendrick took third prize in the ladies' class (Christmas Ornaments).

c j THE SETTLERS IDklAL HOME I 7 luIr NEW ZEALAND 1 Arrangements have been made with the Shaw, Savill \41VB & Albion Co., The New Zealand Shipping Co., and the w Federal Steam Navigation Co., for RKDUCEID ——- -ri FARES for 2nd and 3rd Class Passages. At the f m —A present time reduced rate passages are limited to Farmers, UjH HWfaci- Agricultural Labourers, Shepherds, WOOQ Cutters and QH — J' men able to milk cows and manage live stock, who, if approved, must take £ 25 with them. Domestic (Women) f fg I pt, Servants will be granted passages at the reduced rates KI 11 subject to their taking with them not less than £ 2. For h el e application forms and farther information apply to the » TO UB High Commi-.sioner for New Zealand, 13, Victoria Street, 1 W f London, or the Agents in the United Kingdom of the | IjL -Irr- -JE- A C TSO ilk Gic! The chief valup. of LICORICINE in its pronipt action, theret)v at once check- ng seriotis de-elopments-a Cold, Chill nr Shi x ering u-iay be the forerunner ot dangerous disease, and a dose of wi.11 STOP IT and thus ASTHMA. BFONCHITIS, I.IZFLUENZA and CoN- £ P^ .^jiS^suMPTioN be prevented. This is noddle statement but h-^ been proved in nothing else can equal it, as Licopicine stands alone Bottles 7^1., l/l £ and 2/9, all Chemists. Send Id. Stamp for Free Sample—Mandall & Co (Dept O.), Stockton-on-Tees. BEWARE OF IMITATION.

THE LATE DR. STOLTERFOTH BEQUEST TO NATURAL SCIENCE SOCIETY. Dr. Stolterfoth. who clied 4th October last, left property amounting to £ 15,197. 8s. Id. including £ 2,108. 14s. 8d. nett personalty. The executors are the widow, Mrs. Mary Elizabeth Stolterfoth, and his nephews, Charles Sigisn.und Stolterfoth, M.R.C.S., of Stokencliurch, Buckinghamshire, and George Herbert Stolterfoth, of 8. Bedford Row, W.C., solicitor. The will is dated lith April, 19(1). The testator left a selection of his he usehold effects to the value of £IJO to his sister, Maiia Augusta Stolterfoth, and to the Chester Society of Natural Science all his miscroscopes, cabinets, slides, and preparations, all his other scientific instruments, and all of his books., relating to natural history or microscopes. The balance of his household and personal effects and P,100 he left to his wife absolutely, and he left the residue of his property to his wife for life, w:th remainder to his sister-in-law, Frances Eliza Stolterfoth, for life, and ultimate remainder to her children, Charles Sigismund Stolterfoth. Geo. Herbert Stolterfoth, Frances Mary Scolterfoih, and Constance Eilen Stolterfoth.

CHESTER CASTLE ELECTION. CANDIDATES' EXPENSE-}. The aooounts of the expenses of the candi- dates in the recent bye-eleoticn in the Chester OaetIe on of the County Council have been delivered this week to the returning officer. The candidates were Mr. Thomas Gibbons Frcst, who was successful by a large majority, and Mr. Thomas Arthur Rigby (Radical), who reoeived his second defeat in the division. The eummaries of the expenses are as follows: — Mr. Frost:—Four lists of voters, 10s. clerk, L2; printing, L14. 3s. 6d. advertising, E3 12s. stationery, JEl. 14s. Sd. bill-posting, £ 9 13s. 6d.; leaflete, 2s. 6d. hire cf schools for public meetings—Mickle Trafford 5s., Hoole JE2, Inoo 5s., Boughton 12s. 6d., Dunham 10s., Upton 10s., Saughall 10s. committee rooms, L2. Ic-. postages, £ 9. 15e. 6d. total, i;43 5s. 2d. Mr. Rigby Printing and stationery, JS19 Is. 6d. advertising and bill-posting, £9. 19s. postages, L9. 8s. 7d.; hire of rooms, £ 5. 3s. 6d.; clsrks and messengers' wages, JB5. 55.; stationery and registers, JE1. lis. sundries, 3s. 3d. total, £ 48. lis. lOd. The legal maximum of expenses allowed to each candidate in the Chester Castle division is C48. 12s. 9d. This is calculated on the register of 2,391 voters, at the rate of 1;25 for the first 500, and threepence for every name afterwards.

WEATHER-COCK AND GARGOYLE. + A NESTON ROMANCE. The present weather-cock has occupied his elevated position since the year 1747. the lattc-r date being perforated through his body, and with tha exception of giving himself airs occasionally, has on the whole performed his parochial duties admirably. He has, it is true, faced in almost as many directions as the famous Vicar of Bray himself, but this was his mission in life, and if on several occasions, owing to being elevated, he has got a little out cf position, he has always risen to the occasion and resumed his perpendicular outlook upon the great world in gen6ral, and tho little world of Nest on in particular. On the restoration of the church a little over thirty years ago four I red sandstone gargoyles, with all the haunting beauty of their ancient tribe, seated themselves one on each of the four faces of the tower, and from this lofty eminence watched with unmoved countenances the carryinge-on of the good people below. Up to a few days ago both gargoyles and weather-cock behaved themselves like "re- spectable Churchmen, and wero in every re- spect a credit to the cstabJishmedit. Not a single word had baen heard to pass between them, but on tho eventful night referred to it is alleged that a conversation sprang up with the gale, and that words rose eo high that several phrasos were heard in the thoroughfare below. To a sneering remark of the weather- cock in reference to giddy young gargoyles who had got above their position, tho south gargoyle, in loud tones addressed to no one in particular, retorted by comments on ancient fowl who had been hatched in the days of the young Pretender, and consequently had been anything but squane ever sinoe, as for being vain, it was a singular thing that the word with a littlo variation in the spelling was always in the neighbourhood of a weather-cock, etc. Ho (the gargoyle) always kept his position. and would be extremely sorry to turn with the wind like some people he knew, and who lived a long way off, etc. The weather-cock at this was observed to whizz round again and again, apparently speechless with rage, but what followed is perfectly clear from the nature of the circumstantial evidence which still re- mains. With a terrific shriek the weather- cock flow Ftraigbt upon the gargoyle, toro off his head with on2- tremendous peck, and, tri- umphantly quoting the famous Shakespearian exclamation about Buckingham, flew far across the churchyard and pitched among the grave- stones. The. gargoyle's head diopped at the foot of the sun dial below, and the weather- vane, in trying to stop the quarrel, broke off short, and hangs full-length on the side of the tower like a mast struck by the shot of an enemy's vessel.

COUSTY POLICE COURT. 9 SATURDAY.—Before Mr. John Thompson (caairnian), Colonel Evans-Lloyd, the Hon. Cecil Parker, Mr. B. C. Roberts, Mr. R. T. Richardson, Mr. J. M. Frotst, and Mr. A. R. Smith. TO STOP SHEEP WORRYING.—Owen Lloyd, Whitby, waG summoned under the bye- laws for not having his dog under control at nlgpt.-P.C. Dignau deposed to seeing defe- dant's retriever dog in St 'icn-roa.d, "Whitby, at 2 a.m. on the 19th instant.—Supt. Suther- land said there had been several oases of sheep worrying in the district, abd the prosecution was intended to prevent dogs being out at night.—A fine of 10s. and cost* was imposed.

EMLYN EVANS TESTIMONIAL. PRESENTATION AT LLANDRINDOD. At the National Eisteddfod of 1906 arrange- ments were made for promoting a national presentation to Mr. D. Einlyn Evans, the ,-lsh composer, and Sir Marchant Williams wa3 appointed treasurer, Messrs. M. T. Morris, Vincent Evans. and E. Jenkins, secretaries. The--e gentlemen set to work at t-nce, and a large and liberal response resulted. The formal pre- sentation took place at the Gwaiia Hotel, Lian- drindod, last evening. The presentation took the form of a beautifully worded address and a sum of 500 guineas. Suitable speeches were made by Sir Marchant Williams and others. Music was provided by Miss Marie Noveilo Williams, Cardiff; Mr. David Ellis, Cefnruawr; Mr. D. Jenkins, and others. Many letters of syvnpathy were received from leading Welshmen in all parts of the Principality.

BOMB IN A FIELD. -9- BOYS' PRANK IN CHESHIRE. Another hoax, on this occasion one that was calculated to arouse an unusual degrae of alarm, was perpetrated in the no rib-eastern por- tion of Cbeshiie late on Thursday night. The residents in the neighbourhood of Offerton, near Stockport, were greatlY startled on hearing a loud explosion. The police made inquiries and found that the source of the ex p. os ion was a kind of "bomb"' in the shape of a tube, which was discovered partly buried in a field. It hat contained a Jalgc- quantity of powder and piece* of a canister, and it had been exploded by means of a fuse. In the afternoon a farmer had eeen the "bomb" against a tree in a field, but did not suspect its character. The Cheshire county police at Marp.e have made inquiries and have oome to the conclusion that no outrage was in- tended, but that it was a prank by a number of boys who desired to frighten any people woo, might be in tho neighbourhood. There are, however, no houses in the immediate vicinity, the nearest residsnce being that of a Stockport councillor a quarter of a mile away.

MOTORING TO CHESTER NARROW ESCAPE. CRASH ON LEVEL-CROSSING. Details were made known on Friday of an exciting experience which befell a party of motorists who were travelling in North Stafford- shire on Christmas Eve. The Hon. Ivor Gt, i-st and his wife were motoring to Chester, and on the way had to pass over a level ciossmg 'at Weston Railway Station. The gales were closed to allow tlx) fast Manchester to London express—which loaves Stoke-on-Trcat at a quarter past one in the afternoon-to paso through. There is a sharp curve at the ap- proach to the gates, and befoie the motorists were aware of the danger they had crashed into the middle of the crossing, the gates of which weio badly smashed, while the motor- car wr. completely wrecked. The stationmastcir knew tuat the express was due, and was anxious to avoid jeopardising the train. There was just time to lower the danger signal when the train steamed up, and was delayed until the line was cleared. Happily none of the occu- pants of the car were seriously hurt. The Earl of Shrewsbury quickly sent assistance from In- geet-c. Both the Hon. kni Mrs. Ivor Guest were hunting with the house party from Eaton on Saturday.

BKOWX S BRONCHIAL TROCHES BROWN'S BRONCHIAL TROCHES CureCotusb, Cold, Iloarseness, and Influenza. Cure any Irritation or Soreness of the Throat, Believe the Hacking1 Cough in Oonsmnp'ion, 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-mgmamill; -,JiV2';j .¡C_ -dkO"t.O:4 -l{. THE Furnishing GoodsNew Year s Gifts thte Lowest Possible Prices I at PTHWIPPP FURNISHING STORES, beauaT.lsl^ck I ■ THE ST X wJLl JLiJIlXu BOLD ST., LIVERPOOL. «, «». f IS DELIVERED FR ZE to any I P CASH i~»R EASY HIRE PURCHASE TERMS. Catalogues and Terms Free. aroat | b

I NEW CHESHIRE MAGISTRATES. I 1 LOCAL HONOURS. The following names have just been added to the Commission of the Peaoe for the County of Chester:—Mr. James Hepheard, Appleton, maltster; Captain R W. Ethelston, Malpas; Mr. Henry Roberts, Appleton, merchant; Mr. R. U. Stubbs, Winsford, motor engineer; Dr. John Oldershaw, New Brighton; Mr. W. Ward Piatt, New Brighton, chartered accoun- tant. Mr. F.W. Monks, Appleton, iron and steal manufacturer Mr. L. Greening, Grappenhall; wire manufacturer; Mr. C. T. Whitley, Stret- ton, architect; Mr. G. Dakin, Latch ford Mr. J. Morley, Sale; Dr. W. A. Renshaw, Altrin- cham Dr. A. Craigmile, Liscard; Colonel Wilford N. LLoyd, Eocleston Hill; Mr. W. McCracken, Crewe; Mr. R. H. Posnett, Run- corn, farmer; Mr. R. P. Wailey, Cotton Ab- bots, farmer; Mr. J. G. Frost, Boughton Hall; Mr. R W. Cartwright, Wh itchurch, farmer; Mr. H. Darbyehire, Disley, merchant; Dr. H. Leak, Winsford; Mr. J. M. Frith, Runcorn; Mr. W. Bancroft, DarnhaJl, farmer; Mr. Arthur Knowles, Alvaeton Hall, Nant- wich; Mr. F. W. Flinn, Wallasey; Mr. W. S. Waithman, Macclesfield; Mr. W. Lea, Nant- wich, auctioneer; Mr. W. B. Hodgkinson, Marple; Dr. F. MacDougall, Runcorn; Mr. C. W. Tomkinson, Wellington Hall; Major D. A. S. Nesbitt, Liscard; and Mr. John Cooks, Brookside, Romily.

have come. What I said was that the Volun- teers were the country's glory—as undoubtedly they are—offering to the world as they do the splendid example of men voluntarily giving' up their time, sacrificing their ease, and forfeit- ing their amusements for their country's sake. But behind the. Volunteers, I pointed out, sheltered a vast rabble of "shirkers," behind the patriot citizens, animated by a spirit of self-sacrifice and devotion to duty, lurked the crowd of loafers and pleasure-seekers to whom self was everything and duty to their country nothing, and this, I said, was the country's shame. I further added that to be a Volunteer must mean a serious handicap to a man so long as "shirkers" and "lurkers" were tacitly en- couraged by the State, and that it was in- equitable and unjust in the highest degree to allow any citizen to be placed at such a grave disadvantage. The present voluntary system, penalising as it docs the patriotic to the advantage of the unpatriotic, must go Juetico demands a change. Expediency advises it. The country, in the event of a national emergency, must have sufficient men to defend it. Let all, then, share the burden. Let every man, whatever may he his position or his wealth, "duke's son or cook's son," be compelled, in discharge cf his civic duty, to learn the use of arms. We are rich, it ie true, and so able to hire soldiers. But they cannot give us security, as a great Englishman, Bacon, has reminded us, "neither is money the sinews of war, as is trivially said, when the sinews of men's arms in base and effeminate people are failing," adding: "for Solon said well to Croesus, when in ostentation he shewed him his gold, 'Sir, if any other come that hath better iron than you, he will be master of all this gold,' therefore let any prince or State think soberly of his forces except his militia of natives be of good and valiant soldiers." There are some, no doubt, who will urge that national servico would create a military spirit in our people. But the direct contrary would be the case. The obligation to serve would have a restraining and sobering effect, and the irresponsible jingo of the music hall would be- come the responsible citizen soldier. Of us might then be said, as was said by another great Englishman of his model citizens of a model State, Utopia, "War or battle is a thing very beastly, they do detest and abhor. They count nothing so much again,st glory as glory gotten in war. They do daily practise and exercise themselves in the discipline of war upon certain appointed days lest. they should be to seek in the feat of arms."—Yours, etc., RCBERT YERBURGH. Woodfold Park, Blackburn. P.S.—Colonel Compton Hall, Walton-le- Dale, will be glad to receive the names of any ladies or gentlemen who may wish to join the National Service League. [We regret the error, which, however, only appeared in a small portion of our issue of the 20th inist.-Ed "L.D.P."]