The Chester Courant and Advertiser for North Wales

FUTURE OF "THE TIMES." 1 It is announced by Mr. C. Arthur Pearson that negotiations are in progress whereby it is contem- plated that the" Times" shall be formed into a limited company, with Mr. Walter as chairman and Ivlr. Pearson himself as managing director. The business management will be re-organised by Mr. Pearson, but the editorial character of the paper, it is said, will remain unchanged. The Press Association is authorised to state there is no truth in the rumours that the "Standard" is going to be merged into "The Times." Mr. Pearson also emphatically states there is no foundation whatever for rumours that the Tariff Reform League or body of Tariff Reformers are associated with him in the matter of The Times."

DR. ROBERTS'S IIEALTH. Yesterday (Tuesday) we were informed that Dr. Roberts's condltiun was very serious, and that he was gradually losing strength. He was, how- ever, fairly comfortable.

THE CHEESE TRADE. ♦ We have received from Mr. Abraham 0. Lakin, the enterprising secretary of the W hit- tiliuruh Dairy Farmers' Association, his annual report, which is of a most satisfactory nature. Hesaystbo pitch of cheese at the Whitchurch fairs in 1907 has been considerably in excess of the previous year, there being offered for sale 1,174 tons, shewing an increaso of 168 toOns. Prices were slightly lower generally, but there has been an increased demand. lie describe*; their last dairy show and fair as a "brilliant and unparalleled hllCc.e&S," being the largest ever held in the history of the association. The daman 1 for cheose kept steadily increas- ing. One of the largest Yorkshire retailers had since July purchased no less than 7,500 Cheshire cheese.

LOCAL SCHOONER IN DISTRESS. > FROM SALTNEY TO LLANDUDNO. On Monday a small schooner, which was pro- ceeding from Saitney, in the Dee, to Wicklow, with rook salt, and which had been buffeted by the wind all the morning and had 6prung a leak forward, ran into Llandudno bay, and dropped anchor about 100 yards north of the piar. As she was taking in water at an alarm- ing rate, and as the crew, it is understood, had become snort of food, they ran up a signal of distress. This was observed on the beach. and a boatman King the bell summoning the life- boat crew. Immediately afterwards one of t-he shore boats owned by Mr. W. Lloyd Jones and manned by his son, two other men. and himself, put off to the distressed schooner, which they quickly rcached. They took off the crew and brought them ashore. While they were alongside the vessel, one of the steamer from the Little Orme's Head Limo- stone Quarry, which happened to be passing, steamed round the schooner in order to be at hand in case of need. During this time the, gale was blowing fiercely, and there was a very rough sea outside the bay. Mr. Lloyd Jones and his crew were pulling back towards the shore when the lifeboat was brought on to the promenade. Although its services were not then needed it was launched within twenty minutes from the time of the ringing of tho bell. For practice the lifeboat was sailed out to the schooner and into the wild water out- side the bay. Tho schooner is the William and Henry, and the c-rew of three were Thomas Doyle (master), Charles Bolgor, and George Kerns. They were befriended, on behalf of the Shipwrecked Mariners' Society, and pro- vided with food and lodging at the cocoa- hoaso. At. night the stormy conditions still continued, but some men went cn board the William and Henry to pump her out. At the time of writing she was still anchored off the Piar.

LITTLE BUD WORTH. SCPPER-On New Year n Eve, by the ijiv t-ation of the vicar, the Rev. B. N. Atkinson, about 20 of the church workers, in- cluding the churchwardens, sidesmen, lay repre- eentativeis, and members of the church room committee, sat down to a capital supper at the Red Lion, provided by Host Worslev. After supper the ioyal and other toasts were dulv hor.->ured. and songs sang by the vicar, Messrs. A. Cowley and Waiter Wood, and some humor- ous vcrsota, introducing the names of most of the i.nhabiwuit» of Little Budworth. were read by Mr. E. T. Wellington. Mr. E. T. Wellington. SUNDAY SCHOOL TREAT.—On New Year's Day the Sunday School children were given their annual tea in the church room by the vicar. Afterwards oranges and crackers were distributed among the children, and the prizes were presented by Mi«j Egerton, who was accompanied by the Countess of Selkirk. Miss Clarke, and Master Rowland Egerton. The presentation of prizes was followed by a lantern I entertainment, the views shewn being "Alice in Wonderland," the vicar giving the descriptive reading. SOCIAL EVENING.—A successful parish social evening was held in the Oulton Park Schools on Thursday evening, and, thanks to the efforts of a large and energetic committee, a very enjoyable and pleasant time was spent by the large party of between 130 and 140 present. The first part of the evening was taken up by music, games, etc.. after which dancing was indulged in until 12 o'clock. The progra.mme for the first part of the evening, during which refreshments were handed round, was as follows:—Pianoforte eolo, Miss Hough; song, the Rev. B. N. Atkinson; song, Mr. C. II, Wood: song, ML-w Beatrice Wood; recita- tion, Mr. A. Cowley song. Mr. Bibbev; piano- forte solo, Misw Hough; short farce, entitled "The Darkie Photographer/' by Messrs.. C. Brookfield. T. Crank and H. Rogcrson. For the dancing the duties of M.C. were ably carried out by Messrs. C. Brookfield, T. Crank, H. Roger- ton and C. II. Wood, and the music (piano and violin) was supplied by Messrs. Wrench. The rooms were very tastefully decorated.

WESLEYAN SOCIAL—A took place at the Wc-sleyan Chapel on Wednesday night. A late member. Miss Hunt, of Rock Ferry, opened tho proceedingis with prayer and also sang. Miss Florrie Smith also sang. Miss AlIon and Miss B. Tompkins accompanied. Mrs. R. Jones kindly provided the refresh- ments and also entertained her class at tea prior to the social Various games were played, but a glocm seemed to hang about the proceedings through t.he death of Mrs. Derby- Bnire, a member of the congregation. -g-ation.

DEATH OF MR. JOHN THOMPSON, + ACTIVE PUBLIC CAREER, Cheahiro has lost one of its best known public men by the death on Monday of Mr. John Thompson, at his residence, Netherleigh House, Chester, and in recording the sad in- telligence we share in the regrot whioh it has occasioned throughout the city and county, in which he had been for so many years a pro- minent figure. The news of his passing must have corao almost a^ a shock to most people, for it was not generally known that he was ill. Just a week previously he occupied a seat cn the benoli at the Cheshire Quarter Sessions at Chester Castle, and was then apparently in hid usual health. It seems that he became ill on the following morning with an attack of 6ick- ness. He wart better the next day, but on Thursday pneumonia developed, and, not- withstanding all that the skill of Dr. Elliott could do for him, he passed away at 11.30 o'clock on Monday morning, after less than a '.reek's illness. Mr. John Thompson was born at Northaller- ton, Yorkshire, on September 26th, 1832, and was therefore seventy-five years of age. He was educated at Sedbergh School and Trinity College, Cambridge, and had the distinction of eoming out nineteenth Wrangler in the Mathematical Tripes in 1853. Three years later he took his M.A. degree. Mr. Thompson adopted engineering as his profession. He was assistant to Mr. Wm. Peace, of Wigan, agent to Lord Crawford, for some time, and in 1853 lie married Mr. Peace's eldest daughter, who survives him with three daughters and cne son, Mr. J. C. P. Thompson. The daughters are Mrs. Owen, wife of the Rev. C. H. Owen Mrs. Garnett;, wife of the Rev. Canon Garnett, Rector of C'hri-stleton and Mrs. Bell, wife of Mr. Claude Bell, of Seryah, India. One daughter, Mris. MacWat-t, died on the 30th July last at Netherleigh House. She was the widow of Mr. Norman MacWarr, Procurator Fiscal of Alloa. Deep sympathy is expressed for Mrs. Thompson and the family in their fresh bereavement. The lato Mr. Thompson came to Chester in the early sixties, and first, lived at Field Hoole. From 1872 to 1889 he resided at Boughton Hall, and since then at Nether- leigh House. Always a keen cricketer he fcunded the Boughton Hall Cricket Club, and for many years was a playing member, while at the time of his death he was its president. When at Cambridge he captained the Trinity College eleven. The active public career of Mr. Thompson covers a lengthy period, and affords a notable example of zealous service to hi-s fellow-men. Whether sitting in the County Council Chamber or on the magisterial bench he stood out a man of ability and foresight. His views always commanded the respect due to clear judgment, ond he was an accomplished debater, being endowed with a remarkable facility for mastering facts and seizing points. His cleverest opponent^ in the Council always found him a foernan worthy of their most skil- ful efforts, and let the subject of discussion be what ir might Mr. Thompson was rarely at a loss fcr a good argument. He displayed the same thoroughness of knowledge on the bench, and legal advocates found him well vonsed in the common law. He made the licensing laws asiticly. and of that court ho wa.s admittedly an able chairman. Mr. Thompson was a magistrate of both the city and county of Chester. He qualified for the city on April 6th, 1876, and for the county on the 28th June. 1880. He oat at Chester Castle, and was appointed chairman of that bench in April. 1906, in succession to the late :\1r. Trelawny., Dec-eased was one of the oldest Cheshire magistrates, his appointment having been made on June 23th, 1880. He sat for the Chester Castle Division, being a very regular attendant, and succeeded to the chairmanship of the bench on the death of Mr. H. D. Trelawny. He wa., aL-o chairman of the Cheshire Licensing Compensation Committee since its inception, and was exceedingly painstaking in the dis- charge of the onerous duties which thus devolved upon him. For the city of Chester he was for many years a magistrate and chairman of the Licensing Justices. Although failing health and advancing years compelled him some time ago to sever his on with the County Council, he continued to devote a great amount of time to public service in many directions to the last, and mig-ht truly be said to have died in harnoris. In addition to his magisterial work, he was a member of the Cheshire Standing Joint Police Committee, chairman of the Finance Sub-corn mi c tee of the Standing Joint Committee, member of the Chester Cattle Courts and County Buildings Committee, tha Justices' Clerks Salary and Fees Committee, the Police Districts Committee, and the Police Pensions Committee. CO UNTY A DM IN IS TRATOR. Possessing administrative abilities of a high ordr, Mr. John Thompson displayed to an ad- mirable degree those qualities which combine to make a model public man. Pareiculaily was his worth recognised in his cap-teity as a chair- man.. in which he brought to bear a firm and busines3-liko spirit, studiously endeavouring to einlc partizaurjhip and to act with justice to his i eoi leagues. On the Cheshire County Council ho iouud ptenty of scope for bis energies, and very few members of that body have elevated so much t-iniio to the work. Deceased was or.of the first members of the Council, being elected in January, 1839, for the Chester Cast!c Divi- sion. Keen public interest centred in that elec- tion, Mr. Thompson being opposed by the late Aid. Charles Brown. The contest was close and hardly fought, and Mr. Thompson was ve- turii-cd with a majority of 35. In the following nioijth the that provisional meeting of the County Council was held at Chester Castle, v.dien a division took place for the election of a provisional oiiairmaii, Earl Egerton of Tat ton being elected with a siiiali majority of votes over the late Mr. Duncan Graham. At the expiration of his three years' term of office Mr. Thompson was again returned, this time with- out opposition, for his division. On the 10th Feb., 1890. when an ald-oi manic vacancy oc- curred by the. death of Aid. Peter Green, Mr. Thompson was unanimously elected a county alderman, his seat on the Council being subse- quently filled by Mr., now Aid., R. T. Richard- son. Among the many departments of County Council work with which he was actively iden- tified, the control of tlae Up',c.-i Lunatic Asylum was pea-haps tho most important. In 1339 h,, was elected chairman of the Committee of Visi- tors. in succession to Mr. Duncan Graham, and it wa.s during his regime I hat- the great enlarge- ment of the Asylum buildings WM carried out. His ceai: man ship of Upto.n Asylum must always remain conspicuous for an economical yet effi- cient policy. If the expenditure-on lunacy at t.har lime was great, the responsibilities which faced the committee were no less forml di b'e. Tix-y found III the Upton Asylum an old insti- tution which had been erected at a time when riw knowledge of lunacy was very imperfect, and it was mainly a large biiek ba.rracks with no cnanoe whatever of any system of classifica- tion of lunacy. Tho committee were fortunate in having a chairman v/ho possessed a bu>in-ei;s head, the faculty of erg an i sat ion and the ability to grasp details. The extension of t.he Asylum tGiL and the various works which ijeoessarilv fol- lowed involved an expenditure of over £ 103.000. V. hen Mr. Thompson became chairman there were 592 pruicnts at Upton; io-dav they num- ber considerably over a thousand, and a. further building ex ten, .ion is contemplated to deal with the still increasing number. In the same period there has been a proportionate increase in the number of attendants. As shewing the oe-j'ious financial aspect which had to be faced at that time, it may be mentioned that when Mr. Thorn pen resigned, the chairmanship of ihe committee the 'annual covt of maintenance had increased since JS89 from £ 10.837 to oyer Notwithstanding this vast ineieaso of expenditure, the management of the Asylum has I always boem regarded as most economical, con- sistent with the expensive requirements of the Lunacy Commissioners. Mr. Thompson was, i!10.ë-cd, complimented on h.ing chairman cf the most economical asylum in t-he count,rv. In December, 1904, on retinng from the chairman- ship. Mr. Thompson was entertained by his colleagues of the committee at a complimentary dinner, at which Dr. Hod-eon, his'suece. ecr, occupied tee chair and paid a glowing tribute? to the- vaiuo of his work. Deceased took an active part in the work of putting the Education Act of 1902 into opera- tion in Cheshire, being a member of the County Council Education Schema Committee, whioh framed the present system of educational admin- istration. His multifarious duties, howovor, prevented him from acting as a member of the Education Committee iiBelf, which was estab- lished shortly afterwards. Another sphere of his work on the County Council in which he devoted considerable time was the River Wea- ver Navigation Trust. As an indication of his hard work on the Council, it may be mentioned that his record of attendances at committee meetings eclipsed that of any other alderman or councillor. One of Mr. Thompson's last ser- vices as a member of the Council was one which received hearty appreciation in the rural con- ¡ stituencies. Tb him was entrusted the raising of the important point as to whether members sitting for boroughs and certain large urban districts, whose councils are their own educa- tion authority, have the right to voiie on the County Education Committee. Notwithstand- ing the cheap ridicule of Dr. Hodgfon and the legal ruling of the clerk, the attitude taken up by Mr. Thompson and several of his colleagues mat with wide sympathy and approval. A Unionist in politics, the deceased gentleman acted a3 whip to the Unionist party in the County Council for twelve years. Dr. Hodgson was at that tune Radical whip, and it is worthy of note that in spite of the widely divergent views of these two gentlemen a warm peisoaial friendship always existed between them. In May, 1904, Mr. Thompson, to the general regret of the Council, resigned his office of county alderman, the Council placing on re- cord their appreciation of "the signal services rendered by him to the county." His retire- ment was bo marked by the presentation of a handsome silver rcse bowl at the hands of the Unionist members in recognition of his twelve years' services as whip of the party. THE FUNERAL. The first part of the funeral service will be held at St. Mary'owit-'iout-the-Walls on Thursday, a.t 11.15. The interment, will take place at Christleton at 12.45. DEE FISHERY BOARD. The late Mr. Thompson took a keen interest in the river Dee, both in its fishery and in its navigation aspects. He was a member of the Dee Fishery Board for over twenty years-, and wm dtputy-obairman for many years. On the cfcath of the late- Duke of Westminster, Mr. Thompson was appointed chairman in 1900, and he held the position up to the time of Iris death. lie was most regular in his attendance, never missing a me.eting if it was at all possible for him to be present. While lie was able, he himself was a.n enthusiast with the rod and line, and often fished the upper reaches of the Dee, He took a personal interest in all the work of the Board, and the caic of the fish passes lc made a matter of special attention. DEE CONSERVANCY BOARD. Deceased joined the Dee Conservancy Board Oil its formation in 1889, and was appointed deputy to the late Duke of Westminster, who was the first, eh ah rr,an. On the death of his Grace. Mr. Thompson succecded to the offioo of chairman. No one took a greater interest or attended the meetings more regularly than Mr. Thompson, and his death will be a great lo.s j to the Board. When the Birkenhead Water Bill was before Parliament, he took an active share of the work of the Conservancy Hoard and the Fishery Board in opposition to the scheme, and his services were of the utmost value, and had prepared himself to give evi- dence on lx>half of the Fish-cry Board if he had been called upon. VARIED INTERESTS. For a large number of years th:- deceased gentlema.n was associated as one of the lion, secretaries of the Bishop Gialiam School and the Chester Industrial School with the laltc Mr. Samuel Smith, and sinco his death with Mr. C. P. Smith. He became a director of the Chester Cocoa. House Co., Ltd., on its forma- tion in 1877, and sucoced-od the late Sir Thomas Frost in the chairmanship when the latter gen- tleman letired about the year 1902. Mr. Thomp- son was also associated with the Haikyn Dis- trict Mines Drainage Co. from its incorporation in 1876. being first vice-chairman, and chairman on the death of the la"'?- Duke of Westminster. He was foimerly partner with tho late Mr. IXxilry in the proprietorship of the Dee Oil Works, and it, was curious that at that, time Mr. Thompson was chairman of the Conserva- tive party in Chester, and Mr. Deel-ey was chairman of the Liberal party. Tho 'business was artervvards taken over by a limited com- pany. and since 1899 Mr. Thompson wa, its chairman. He was also chairman of Hall's Col licrias, Ltd.. and a director of tbo Llanar- mon District Mining Co., Ltd. Deceased was deeply interested in matters educational, and was chai-rm.vn of the governing body of the Queen's School and a member of the governing body of the King's School. He Llro associated himself with the work of the Chester Y.M C.A., ¡ of which he was chairman, and he was hon. sec'Mtarv of the Society for the Home Teach- ing of the BUnd in Chester, of which Mr. Walter Conway is the hon. treasurer. He was one of the founders of the Nursing Home in at or Tower-street, and was interested in the now defunct Deaconess Insti-tution in Boughton. Deceased won a strong Churchman, and was always a willing helper in church work. At the time he lived nit Boughton Hall he taught in the St. Paul's Sunday School. In St. Paul's parish he will be chiefly remembered for his munificent contribution towards the restoration of St. Paul's Church about the year 1873. Mr. Thompson was a churchwarden at the time, and he bore the cost of the roof. about £ 1.200. the total alterations costing about £ 4.000. Of late years he took to cycling, and was a familiar figure on his tricycle. CHESTER EDUCATION COMMITTEE. At the Cibjesi-er Education Committee on Mon- day. Mr. E. M. Sneyd ICynncrsley, in mention- ing the Queen s Sehoo- expressed the regret all the members of the committee felt at the loss of an honoured fellow-citizen, Mr. John Thompson. Mr. Thompson had been one of the earliest promoters of the Quean's School, and he was chairman of the governing body. Other members a!so made sympathetic allusions to the death of Mr. Thompson.

HELSBY. CABLE WORKS FIRE BRIGADE.—The an- nual supper given by the directors of the British Insulated and IleLsby Cables, Ltd.. to tho members of the Ilelsby Works Fire Bri- gade took place at the Robin Hood Hotel on Monday evening. After an excellent repast, to which about 20 sat down. an onjoyabl? even- ing was spent. Vocal solos were rendered by Dr. B-riant, Mes-sfs. H. Slnw, J. Edmondson. Chief Officer Barow and Firemen Iloose and Atherton. In addition to the members of the Fire Biigado there were also present Messrs. Jas. Taylor and G. C. Taylor (directors), J. Brotherton (works manager), C. R. Soroulc, E. W. Crosland, J. Edmondson, H. Shaw, Brigade- Surg. Dr. Biiant. the Rev. E. W. Evans. and Chief Officer Jarvis. of the Castner Kellmer Fire Brigade. The usual toasts were honoured, and during the evening allusion was lnade to the appointment of Chief Officer Jarvis (CasHier Kellner) and Chief Officer Barlow Cable Works) to the offices of secretary and treasurer respectively of the North-Western District of the National Fillco Brigade Union. The even- ing closed with a hc'arty vote of thanks to the director. TREAT.—The annual treat given to the scholars of the Parish Church and Mission" Room Sunday schools took place in the Recrea- tion IIa:l on Saturday, and was most enjoyable. About 250 scholars sat down 1-0 an excellent tea, th" Sunday school superintendents and teachers assisting at the tab'.es. Afterwards a capital cinematograph entertainment was given, the cost of which was generously defrayed by the Rev. Clifton-Smith. The Rev. E. Al-. Evans then thanked the superintendents and t-ecchors for their self-sacrificing and excellent work, also proposed a vote of thanks to the Rev. CMfton-Sndlh for Iris kindness in providing the- cinematograph entertainment, which W,,6 given in a most- hear-tv manner. The prizes were pro- sentod by the Rev. Clifton-Smith to the scholars. The Charles Reynolds prizes for the boy and girl gaining the highest number of marks wore won by Willie Cowap and Annie Baxter re- spectively. The Viea-r afterwards referred to the fact that it would probably be the last time the Rev. T. W. Sharpley would be pre- sent at such a gathering, and asked ,hoC scholars to give him three ringing cheers. I be; Co was a hearty response. Before leaving, each scholar was. presented with an orange.

FROST AND SKATING. ——♦ During the week end skaters had a good time in the Chester district, as in many other parts of the country. On Wednesday night there were ten degrees of frost at Eccleston, when eleven were registered by Mr. Siddall at Chester. During Thursday night Mr. Wells's record at Eccleston shewed fifteen degrees, while twelve and thirteen were the records of Messrs. Dicksons at their nurseries at Upton and of Mr. SiddaU at Chester. During Friday night the frost intensi- fied, for twenty-four degrees were recorded, by Mr. Siddall and there were twenty degrees at Eccleston, while so late as nine o'clock on Saturday morning there were nineteen degrees at Eccleston. Mr. Siddall'a record for Saturday night was nineteen degrees, and even about noon on Sunday there were nino degrees of frost. It ceased to freeze at nine o'clock at night, and a thaw set in. Rain fell just after midnight, and Cestrians awoke on Monday morning to find a return of a warm but <Lamp atmosphere. At nine o'clock the thermometer stood at 50 degrees. Since Thursday good skating had been obtained at Trafford on flooded meadow land adjoining the Gowcy. On Satur- day the lake at Eaton was reported to be bear- ing, and on Saturday and Sunday the Duke kindly threw it open to the public, and on the second day tome hundreds enjoyed themselves on the ice there. They were allowed to approach the lake through the gardens, the Duke and Duchess and members of the party from the Hall, including the Princess of Plovis, skating during the afternoon on a reserved portion of the lake. Tho public also had accesw to the Serpentine for skating. The Dee was frozen over between Chester and Eaton, but the ice was not of sufficient thiekness to permit of safe skating. A few venturesome spirits, however, might have been seen pursuing the pastime on the shallow part of the Dec Fords, near the edge of the river, fortunately without accident. On many ponds and flooded meadow lands in the district skating was general on Sunday. The severe weather in most parts of the country was attended by loss of life, fatal ice accidents occurring at Frankby and Hauley. Several deaths arc due to exposure, and there was much distress as the result of the severity of the weather. The Severn, at Ironbridge, Shropshire, was frozen. MOTOR MAIL STOPPED. The motor mail running from Chelmsford to Southend was delayed early on Friday morning owing to water having frozen in the radiatois. The mails were transferred to a wagon, but the first post war, not delivered till the after- noon. WARMER IN ICELAND In Iceland, where the weather was influenced by a moderate breeze from the southward (warmed by contact with the relatively mild surface waters of the Atlantic), the thermometer on Friday morn- ing was higher than in any part of the United Kingdom. Of the five stations in the island from which daily meteorological reports are received, four reported a temperature at least as high as 40deg., the reading at Seydisfjord (43deg.) being I 17deg. higher than in London and 22deg. higher than at Oxford. Although the frost has been very severe, it has not boon by any means a record, as so recently as February, 1902, over twenty-five degrees were registered. About fourteen or fifteen years ago Ce.-trians will remember that the river Dee was frozen over for several weeks. BOILER EXPLOSION IN CHESHIRE. A serious boiler explosion occurred on Sun- day morning in Oakland Avenue, Haslington. near Crewe, and Mr. and Mrs. John Has.-all and their two daughters and a man named Cooper were injured. They were sitting by the kitchen fire when the boiler at. the back of the grate burst with a loud report, wrecking the room and blowing out several windows. Mr. Hawaii was badiy injured, one leg being broken, and he was taken to the hospital. The others were only slightly injured.

IIAWARDEN. MANCOTT MALE VOICE CIIOIR.-Tlic, annual dinner of the Mancott, Male Voice Choir was held at, the County School OIL Saturday, the chair being taken by Mr. Arthur Lyon, con- ductor. Lyon thanked the members for their support during tho past ten years. The evening's proceedings were enlivened with vocal items by Messrs. A.. Lyon, W. T. Baker, J. Bryan and W. Barrett.

• ALDFOLLD. CHILDREN'S TREAT.—On Thursday the children of the Aldford and Churton Church Sunday schools had their annual LI'E.at. Tea. was served in the Girls' Schoolroom, and was followed by games and dancing. For the latter Miss Barker and Miss Roberts acted as pianists. During the evening tongs wore rendered by May Jones, May Ennion, L. Ennion, Eva Griffith, Maggie Thomas, Annie Griffith. Lucy Roberts and Percy Ennion.

4 HAWAKDEN. GIFT FOR MEMORIAL CHAPEL.—The "Parish Magazine" sta.tes: We have to record the arrival of the very beautiful gift of an altar cross from the Honourable Mrs. Henry Gladstone. The work has been designed and executed under- the superintendence cf Sir William Richmond, R.A., and has been placed in the Memorial Chapel. The designer thus describes his work "On the Ocean of Erernity stands the Angel of the Resurrection, bearing aloft a sphere representing the world. From this globe .spring-; a Ores*.—-tho Tree of Life— intertwined with vine leaves and Briar rose." The candlesticks for the altar have yet to come.

FLINT. NEW SCHOOLS.-At a. Illeelillg of the Flint School Aicoommodiation Sub-committee of the Flintshire Education Committee, held at the Town Hall on Monday, the following tenders were received and opened for the erection of a new Council school at. Flint:—' Mr. Alfred Bibby Lloyd, Flint, £ 4,150; Sir. T. Wright, Ha warden, £ 4.245; Mr Peter Ed- wards, £ 4,297;. Mr. Price Williams, £ 4,300; Mr. Ma-thcw Spencer Rogers, Flint, £ 4.373; Mr. Samuel Huxley. Malpas, £ 4,500; Mr. R. Williams, £ 4,600; Mr. T. J. ion, £ 4.670; Mr. D. H. Thomas, Oswestry, £ 4,743. A tender was also submitted from a Liverpool firm amounting to £ 4,273. It was resolved to make a recommendation to the Education Committee to accept the tender of Mr. Alfred Bibby Lloyd for £ 4,150. Mr. A. B. Lloyd the Mayor of Flint, and is also an alderman of the County Council.

6 BUN BURY. NURSE FUND COXCERT.-A concert and dramatic entertainment, promote.d by the Vicar, the Rev. if. Woodman, ,n aid o' the Banbury Nurse Fund, were given in the Public Hall, on Monday evening, before a crowded audience, many failing to gain admit- tance. A programme of exceptional ai.irao- tiveness had been arranged All the artists must have been gratified with the reception accorded them, for each was most generously applauded and encores were the rule. 'Cello solos were given by Lady Tollemache, accom- panied by Miss l'hrelfall, and were the most attractive feature in the evening's entertain- ment, being immensely enjoyed. This was her ladyship's first appearance before a Bun- bury audience, ami, she received a very hearty reception. A farce entitled "A Model of a Wife" occupied the second part cf the pro- gramme, and created much amusement. The following was the programme :—-Vocal quar- tette, "Tell her I love her so," Messrs. C. H. Woodman, G. S. Woodman, J. M. Taylor, and the Rev. II. Woedman song, "The admiral's broom," Mr. G. S. Woodman; 'cello solo, "Berceuse," Lady Tolle-mache; song, "Tho May morning." Mrs. Whichello; song, "I'll sing thee- songs of Arabi," Mr. Cyril 11. Woodman; trio, "Peter Piper," Messrs. C. H. and G. S. Woodman, and the Rev. H. Woodman; 'cello solo, "La Cinqnantinc," Lady Tollemache; .:rong, "Genevieve," Mrs. WCiicbello; pianoforte solo, Paderefwski's "Minuet," Mis* Naylor; a farce in one act, en- tided "A Model of a Wife," dramatis per- son £ 8—-Mr. Stump ( a painter and teacher of drawing), Mr. G. Hughes; Pygmalion Bonne- foi (an ontbusiastio Fienchman), Mr. C. H. Woodman; Tom, Mr. G. S. Woodman; Mr". Stump, Mrs. S. Cawley; Clara (her niece), Mrs. F. Blain; Two Young Lad es (Stump's pupils), the Misses Robertson.

LITERARY NOTICES. 1 + THE JANUARY MAGAZINES. Mr. Ellis Ashmead Bartlett, who was with the Japanese army at Port Arthur, and described the siege and capitulation, contributes to the January "Blackwood" an article on The French Army on CailApaigri. An Aocount of their Operations m Morocco," with special reference to the question, How would the French army of to-day fare in a war with Germany? Mr. Bartlett accompanied the French troops during the fighting at Casa Blanca. Old Galway Life: Records and Recollections," ia a racy account of the conditions of life throughout the "Wild Territories" in the daya when the Penal Laws were enforced. Homer and the Critics," by Andrew Lang, discusses and disposer of the argument of the separatist critica who ma Intain that the Epics were a slow growth through four or five centuries and the work of numberlctis minstrels. Beyond the Dreams of Avarice" exposes the methods and apparatus of an American mining swindle from which the writer's friends narrowly escaped. Charles Whiblcy writes pungently on "The American Language." "Drake: An English Epic," by Alfred Noyes, contains some very beautiful love lyrics. The Trenches," by "105," and "The Sub-Lieutenant," by "210," are respectively sketches in the Blackwood vein of vividly imagined future warfare by land and water. In Britain and Russia in the Middle East" tho writer brings out the folly of the arrangement entered into with Russia, and the extraordinary sacrifice of British interests involved. The "Musings without Method" deal with Bishop Burnet and his History of His Own Times, Mr. Robert Bridges' views on Shakespeare's audience^ and criticism for the million, apropoe of Sir Conan Doyle's uninformed verdicts on literary subjects. The eeriol story, The Fly on the Wheel," by the author of "John Chilcote, M.P, makes good progress, and the number concludes with a splendid tribute to The Leader of the Unionists in the Hou. of Lords," in which Lord Lansdowne's career is sketched and vindicated and his present position upheld. The New Year number of the "Quiver" has plenty of attractive reading for the season. One article, though short, is appropriate unfor- tunately for all seasons in this age—"Bad Manners," by Isabel Brooke-Alder. Whatever may be claimed for the variegated system of cramming, or so-called education, in our bustling life, it cannot be said that it has improved the manners of the rising generation. Politeness and courtesy apparently nowadays arc not com- pulsory subjects, and while the Three R's are pathetically neglected, the expensive rate-aided schools turn out boys and girls who either have forgotten their manners, or never learnt any. Though known by many names, fops have always been with us, and the most famous of these are the subject of an interesting article in the January numlier of "Pearson's." Beau Brummell was undoubtedly the best-known of them all. and the two best-known stories of this famous dandy refer to tho Prince, one of which we quote. On a certain memorable occasion when the Prince was prccent-. Brummell turned to him and said. Wales, ring the bdJ.' With- out a word the Prince pulled the bell-rope, and, when the servant appeared, ordered the beau's carriage. This story, however. Brummell him- self denied, and it is recorded by one of his biographers that he had heard him say I was on such intimate terms with the prince that if we had been alone I should have asked him to ring the bell wit.hout offence: but with a third person in the room I should never have done so: I knew the Regent too The" Cornhill" contains the customary instal- ment of "Wroth," by Agnes and Egerton Castle atJd the opening chapters of a new serial by Mrs. Henry de hi Pasture, entitled Catherine's Child." In his series "At Large," Mr. A. C. Benson writes on Kelmscott and William Morris. Mr. Ian Malcolm, who has had access to a large number of the artist's still unpublished letters, writes on "Edward Lear"; and Pro- fessor James Sully, in "Reminiscences of the Sunday Tramps," recalls the goodly company whose "chief" was Sir LeMie Stephen. Mr. G. M. Trevelyan contributes an article on "The War-Journals of 'Garibaldi's Englishman, so ingenuously travestied hy Dumas. "My Night In" is a humorous Christmas sketch by his Honour Judge Parry short stories are Kayuke and Algo." by K. and Hesketh Pricliard and Love and a Bee," by G. F. Brad by. Poetry is represented by Mr. A. F. Wallis' "A Christmas Teti Party while a new feature in the magazine is a critical note entitled "The Book on the Table," contributed this month by Lady Robert Cecil. To the January number of the "Sunday Strand" Frederick A. Atkins contributes an ar- ticle of exceptional interest, entitled "Round the World in Seventy Days with a Camio.ra." A topical article gives a graphic account of tho Armenians, and their only na-tional Churoh in England. The text is illustrated by some unique photographs hitherto unpublished. "Sun- day at the King Edward VII. Sanatorium at Midhurst," which is written by one who lias benefited, makes interesting reading. n' Tho January number of the- "Captain" te-c-nrs with interest; seasonable stories, articles and pictures combining to form an isme that no boy or "old bov" could resist. This issue con- tains a1 so the fir?" of a series of articles bv E. II, D. Seweil, entitled Nurseries of Rugby Football," dealing with football at Rugby, Mer- chant. Taylors' Sdhool, The Leys School, Taun- ton School. Marlborough College, and St. Paul's Scihool; a f cc-oncl "Leaf from the Diary of an 'O:d Shikari, describing a tieter dioot in In- dia; "My Lord the Elephant," by G. E. Mit- ten. which tells how these great beash are caught and tamed in Burma. NEW BOOKS. COLLINS' ILLUSTRATED POCKET CLASSICS.—This series of pocket classics, which is a marvel of cheap production, has just been extended by the addition of several favourite works, namely Jano Austen's "Sense and Sensibility" (cloth, Is. nett); Lord Lytton's "Last Days of Pompeii" (cloth, Is, nett); A. Duiru's "Tho Three Musketeers" (leather, 2s. nett). The Collins Modern Fiction series at 7d. nett has received an augmentation in the form of "A Weaver of Webs," by John Oxenham "A Daughter of Heth," by William Black; "The Wreck of the Grosvenor," by W. Clark Russell and Comin' thro' the Rye," by Helen Mathers. The success of the issue of these copyrights has induced the publishers, Messrs. W. Collins, Sons and Co., 144, Cathedral-street, Glasgow, to issue at an early date books by R. L. Stevenson, A. E. W. Mason, Conan Doyle, Gertrude Atherton, Hall Cain, B. M. Crocker, &c. In view of the extraordinarily low prices at whieh these excellently printed books are placed on the market, it will be possible for practically everybody to build up a good collection of popular works.

SHOCKLACH. CHOIR. SUPPER AND DANCE.—On Thurs- day evening the Vicar and Mrs. Ma'thias en- tertained the choir and Sunday school teachers at Nt0 Vicarage at their mmul supper. After- wards the company retired to the sclioolroom and met invited friends. There were about 70 present, and dancing eomnx-nced with "Sir Roger de Cover ley." Mia* Mabel Wragby efficiently presided at the piano, and a vote of thanks was accorded to her by Mrs. J. Hough, on. behalf of tho tea oh ere.

BELFAST AND LORD SHAFTESBURY. —The Belfast Corporation cn Wcdneodajy oonferred the freedom of the city upon the Earl ,i>f Shaftesbury in recognition of his ser- vices as Lord Mayor for the part year, and as a mark of esteem for the house of which ho is the present head. Lord Shaftesbury, in acknowledging the honour, said t.h<11; the list of honorary burgesses contained the names of such pre-eminently important men as Lord Roberts, Sir Donald Currie, Lord Pirrie, Field-Marshal Sir George White, the late Lord DufIeri:1, and Sir Thomas H. Ismay, and that he should be considered worthy of such an honour was an indication that he had tried to live tin to the traditions of his predecessors. CREWE SEWERAGE SCHEME. The Crewe Town Council discussed on Wednesday a new sewerage works scheme, which, it is esti- mated, will cost £ 00,000. Mr. Jesse Williams said that if the works were carried out near the Queen's Park, as was proposed, they would prove :t serious nuisance, and would prevent people having the full enjoyment of the park, which was one of the beauty spots of the town. He sug- gested that a site should be found in the open country. They did not wrtnt two sewage works in Crewe.—Alderman W. M'Neill said that if Mr. Williams's plan was adopted the cost would be £ 10,C00 or £ 20,COO more than was contemplated. The Government Inspector had examined the site near the park and approved of it.-Tiie Council decided to refer the matter to a special committee.

CHESTER STOCK & SHARE LIST ■—4 Reported by Messrs. WAKMSLEY, JONES & Co., 29, Eastgate Row (North), Chester. CONSOLS 331 BANS RATE 6 Prestnt pni- ChesterCorporation 3i Irredeemable Stock .lto—. CliesterCorporation 3 Redeemable Stock 90—95 Chester Gas Co 5^ A Ordinary Stock 109!—1 r 14 >• n 4 Con Preference Stock. 90—i05 • > ,i 3J Debeature Stock Stf—y 1 ChesterWater works Co 7 Consolidated Stock .1SQ-1-2 7 New Ordinary Stock .170—172 i, II 6ZIO Perpetual Preference Shares, fully paid l(ij—1<J Wrexham and East Denbighshire Water Co Couolidated Stock 105—170 ii Cons. Pref. Stock 115—117 •> Ordinary Stock ,1'4j—J22 Hawarden& District Water Co £ 10 Shares, fully paid 7-8 Nat. Prov. Bank of England, Ltd. ,675 Shares, £ 10 10s. paid 39—40 • £ t)0 Shares, £ 12 paid 45&—46 £ North and South WalesBank, Ltd. £ 40Shares, £ 10 paid 32|— Parr's Bank, Ltd. £ 100 Shares, iellu paid .8Jt-3i Lloyd's Bank, Ltd. £50 Shares, £ S paid 3iij — 3- J Bank of Liverpool, Lt(i elOO Shares, £ 12 10s. paid.36i—0C3 British Law, Life, Kire Insur., l,t(L.. elO Shares, £1 paid 4^— Chester Boat Co., Ltd £ 10 Shares, fully paid 7—10 Chester Cocoa House Co., Ltd. £ a .£4 5}—G I, £ 5 „ 1;3 Chester Oeneral Cemetery Co £ 5 „ fully paid 3J—4} Chester New ilusic Hall Co.,Ltd £ 25 18—20 Chester Nortligate UreweryCo.,Ltd. Orcl. klO Shares. ti £10 Pref. Shares 4 Debentures 00—02 Betic's Brewery, Ld, £ 10 Ordinary Shares .1 k-4)i 6 £ 10 Pref. Snares *t>i—7 Birkenhead llrewerr Co., Ltd £ 10 Shares, £5 paid 0}—10J Xio Shares, fully paid 1 i»—15i Chester Grosvenor Co., Shares, fully paid 23 -5 Chester yueen Uail- way HotelCo., Ld. E20 Shares, fully paid 20—21 „ £ 20 „ £ 10 10—11 Chester Blossoms liotel, ttd iklo „ fully paid 9—10 Chester Steam Laundry Co., Ltd. £ 5 10 -,1 Chester ltace Co., Ltd tlOO L-I5 135—195 Walker, Parker & Co., Ltd £ 10 Shares, fully paid, 6 Oum. Pref 3-4 II „ 4i Debentures *78-83 Victoria 1'ier and Pavilion Co., Cohvyn Bay, Ltd. Ll Ordinary Shares 14 HaikyuDr'iuageCo. A:10 fully paid ii0,^—21J Holywell ilalkvn Mining and Tun- nel Co., Ltd RI Sha.-es fully p,t 9,—12 Haikyn Milting Co., Ltd. 91 Siiares, fully pait 1-2 East IblkYIl Milling Co.,Ltd.jei .fully paid 5 —6 South Ilalkvn Min- ing Co., Ltd £ 1 „ 12 C, L 7,16 New North lialkyn Mines, ti Ord. Shares, fully paid.37,6—42 C 17,0 „ .3a,—3.0 North Ilendre Min- ing Co., Ltd £ 2 10s. Shares, fully paid ,2:1-31 Pantymwyn Alining Co., Ltd £ 1 Shares, fully paid -J—1 Talaere Mining Co., Ltd 21 Ord. Shares, fully paid „ Jtil Pref. 11 „ United Minera Co. Ltd xi Ord. Isle ci Man Mining Co., Ltd. (Fox- dale) Mines 95 1—li 7-J Pref., A:17 10s. paid 25—30 Llanarmon Mining Co., Ltd £ 1 Ord., fully paid J;ll->rcf. Wirral Railway 3 Debenture Stock *73^—75 j „ 81—S)i 4 £ 10 Pref. (1803) CJ-7J Irre. 4 Pref. Shares (tb96) (j-7 I 11 1, 1. (1390) li— Wirral Runways Co. Ltd £ 10 Ord. Shares 2-3 Ex dividend.

I CITY rOLIOE COURT. $ FRIDAY.—Before theMayor. Messrs.W.Vernon, R. bamb and A. Storrar. FAMILY DESERTION.—Charles Steen, a labourer, of no fixed address, was summoned for desertion by his wife, Jane Stc-o.n, 54, Christl-c- ton-road.—Compl.iinaii-t, who has four children, said her husband had loft licr at intervals for the p.ist twelve months, and had not been at homo for two months at a time. She had if- ceived no money from him for four months. They had always quarrelled and could not agree. —Defendant, who complaancd that his wife and hor eldest sou had turned him out of the house, was ordered to contribute 5s. a wct'k. LANDLORD AND TENANT'S FURNI- TURE.—George Lowndes, labourer, Clare- court, Ch:t,rJú.-sÜ("0t, appeared on an adjourneel summons charging him with fraudulently re- moving his furnituro on the. 19th November niov lig .-S with ir/c-nt to avoid distress for rent.—Mr. F. B. Mason, for tho prosecution, explained the circum.sta.ucos. which were reported a fortnight ago. The ea«e had boen adjourned' to allow de- fendant the opportunity of paying the amount of rent in arrears- (17s. 6d.). Mr. Mason si;id that de-ifcindant had made no attempt- in the meantime to pay.—Defendant, however, pro- duced the money, and after paying it into court ho was ordered to pay a further 6s. for costs. FIFTY-SEVENTH APPEARANCE,Tho. Dol:u"i, Hawarden Ci-t.st'e-entry, was fined 10s. and cost- for being drunk and disorderly in Bridge- .x-.o,t on the 2nd inst.—The Chief Constable said this was prisoner's 57th appearance. DRUNKEN DRIVE-R-Henry Le- hawker, Flint, wa-i fined .53, and costs for being drunk while in charge of a horse on Hough Gicen.

PU LFORD. CONCERT,-An interesting children's concert, under the direction of Master Eric L. Fuller, took place at the National Schools on Saturday, anel attracted a large and appreciative audience. All the items were well rendered, eliciting hearty applause. The duties of accompanist were per- formed by Mrs. Oscar Finlay. The proceeds were in aid of the church flower fund. The pro- gramme was as follows :—Overture, Ringettanz du Knaben," Master Eric Fuller; song, ''The Longshoreman," Mr. J. S. G. HurreH; song, "I built a bridge of Francies," Miss Lettice Reynolds; pianoforte solo, "Plamte d'Amour," Mis3 Constance Jolliffe; song, "The Minstrel Boy," Master Maurice King; song, Wiien Childer Plays," Mr. J. S. G. Hurrell; conjuring exhibition, Master R. Mainsty; pianoforte solo, "Ondine," Miss Joyce G amon; song, "The Wishing Cap," Miss Lettice Reynolds recita- tion, "Admirals All," Master Jack Cullimore song. "King Charles," J. S. G. Burrell; song, the Rev. A. Baxter song. Master Maurice King; pianoforte solo, "Serenata," Master Eric Fuller; song, "Messmates," Mr. J. S. G. Bun ell; song, the Rev. A. Baxter. At the close Master Eric Fuller warmly thanked all who had assisted in making the concert such a success.

4 ECCLESTON. DANCE.—At the Rector's dance and social, which we reported last week, the music was provided bv Messrs. Reg. and Robt. Williams. HON. "C. T. PARKER'S HOUSEHOLD BALL -On Thursday night, by the kind in- vitation of the Hon. Mrs*. Parker, about 150 guests attended in the ISohcolrocm and spent a. most enjoyable evening. Tho proceedings were commenced by the Hon. C. T. and Mrs, Parker leading off with a ribbon dance, whioh formed a most picturesque scene. Great praise is due to Mr. Matthews for the pains lie had taken in preparing the floor, also tu Mr. Gil- christ (head gardener to the Hon. Mr. Parker), who had transformed the school into a perfect fairyland. Me"sr. E. Wells, Morris, and Matthews were very busy in their duties as JVLC"3,. aho Mis. Davics, who supervised the refreshment department in her usual efficient manner, the talles looking very attractive with the choice selection of fruit,etc., so kindlysup- plied from The Paddocks. Mr. Reg. ~S\ ilhatns pro- vided tho muic. At the cioeo of the pro- ceedings Mr. Mat 1 lu ws called for cheers for the Hon. Mr. and Mrs. Parker, which were very heartily ghen. Then "God save the King" was sung, 2 a.m. having arrived all too soon.

DANCE AT THE HOLBORN.—An enjoy- able "Mikado" dance was held at tho Holbcrn Restaurant Foregafe^treet, on Wednesday evening. The company present numbered about 130, the M,C"s. being Messrs. J. Bailey Piercey, Walter Walmsley, C. F. Owen, Chas. Pym (Tattenhall), and N. J. Dandy. An ex- cedent programme of music was supplied by Messrs. Marchant's Band, and dancing, which commenced at 8.15, was kept up with vigour until 2.30. The function was attended by many from the villages surrounding Chester, includ- mg Christleton, Barrow, Tattenhall, Rossett, Tarvin, Mickle Trafford, and Guiilden Sutton.

The Editor is not responsible for the opinioll of his Correspondents. All letters must be authenticated by the sender"* name and address, not necessarily for publi- cation. Correspondents are particularly requested to write only on one side of the paper.

BLUE CAP DOG (CREWE) APPEAL. A PROTEST. TO THE EDITOJL Sir,—I have rea.d with very groat interest tilo reports which have appeared in your paper on the. various proceedings in this uase, culmii-n" ating finally in the decision of the justices be- ing reversed, on appeal to Quarter Scusdons. I hold no brief for the owners. I am not in* taiiested financially or otherwise in the Trade, but I certainly dlêl object to paying for this litigation. My object in wri-t-ing is to pro:i3>t as a 1 ate pay or against the cc-unty being saddled with the. justices costs in this expensive and fruitless litigation, and I s.rn;oero»iy trust that some member of the Cotiti-t-y Council will take the matter up, with a view to relieving the rate- payers from the burden which has boon impeded upon them, simply to satisfy the vanity of the Crewe justices. I remembor not more tha.n two years agO that the Birkenhead magistrates embarked upon experimental legislation on somewhat similar lines, fortifiod by an indemnity from the- Fina-noo Committee of the Corporation. Objection waØ taken in the Council tu t.bo expenditure of th ratepayer's' money, and the resolution of the Finance Committee was i-csokided. An applica- tion was made to th2' High Court, with the result that the justices who took part in the proceedings had to pay the who of tiie costs- I am strongly of opinion that tho same course should bo taken in Crewe, and if eaoh of tlir3 justices who have adjudicated upon this cape were oil led upon to provide the costs out of their own pockets, I am quite certain ws should lia-vo a great, deal less sentiment and more j us- tioo in the future. I strongly commsid tuiis suggestion to each of our representatives on the County Council, and trust that thoy will see to it, that the rate- payer are not eadd'ed with these expenses. Yours faithfully, RATEPAYER. Jan. 6, 1908.

LIGIITING-UP TABLE. t All cycles and other vehicles in the Chester district must be lighted up as stated in the following table:- P.M. Wednesday, January 8 5.f Thursday, January 0 5.10 Friday, January 10 5.12 Saturday, January 11 5.14 Sunday, January 12 5.13 Monday, January 13 5.1<» Tuesday, January 14 5.18

MARKETS AND FAIRS. £ LIVERPOOL CORN, TUESDAY.-Wheat market closing firm tone, fufly last Friday's prices, only quiet trade with millers. Flour steady, unchanged prices, fair demand. Maixe, very fair trade concluded. Mixed American, 5s. Hd., new, 5s. 7d. Plata. 53. od. Odessa, 5s. 5d. per cental. Beans quiet, more on offer. Peas, firm, with limited tracIe. Oats and barley, quiet. SALFORD CATTLE, TUESDAY.—Trade both for cattle and sheep rather slower with prices slightly tending downwards. Quotations:— Cattle, 5d. to 61d. per lb. sheep, 7d. to ;d, calves, 5id. to fd. Three hundred and seventy- one beasts on offer and 7!J more sheep also calves and 20 pigs at market. LIVERPOOL CATTLE, MONDAY.—The supply of cattle was rather larger than last week. Demand fair for well-finished stall-fe:fs, but grass cattle were difficult to dispose of at late rates. There was a large increase in the supply of sheep- Demand, though slow in the early mornings finished good, and prices were quotably dearer, particularly for small sorts, to) which the top I d. to 41 d quotation applies. Prices :—Beef, (!d. to -lid » mutton (Scotch) lOd. to 8d. Irish t>id. to Gkl. per lb. WRBXIIAM CATTLE, MONDAY.-There was a, larger supply of stock at the market to-day than was the case during the last fortnight. Trade was also slightly better, and the clearance was a good one all round. Beef realised from Gd. to Gij|d. per lb., mutton 7d. to 8d., veal 7'.d., ,4 and pigs from 8s. 9d. to Vs, (jd, per score IUS. Some good heifers and dairy cows were on odor and sold well.. LONDON CATTLE, MONDAY.—At the Metropolitan Cattle Market this morning the supply of beasts, compared with Monday last, shewed an increase of 5G0 lieal. For all grades of English fat beasts trade ruled fairly steady, with an upward tendency in values. Irish beasts were somewhat slow of sale, and shewed a slight down- ward tendency in value for Waterford. A sloW' trade for fat butchering cows and bulls, sellers being obliged to accept 2el. per Sib. less money tor the former. Top prices paid per 81b. as follows 90-stone Norfolk 4s. 6d., extreme 4s. 8d.; go-stono Devon, 4s. 4s. to 4s. Od. Do-stone Hereford, 4s. 4d. to 4s. Gd, 95-stone runts, 4s. 2d. to 4s. 4d.; Oo-stono Dublin, 4s. 2d. to 4s. 4d. 100-stone Waterford, 4s. to 4" 2d.; 100-stone Shorthorns. 3s. lOd. to 4s. 90-stone fat cows, 3s. 4d. to 3s. Gd. fat bulls, 2s. Vd. to 3s. 3d. Trade for English sheep ruled extremely slow, salesmen being willing to accept a reduction of 2d. per Sib. on late currencies to effect sales. A small con- signment of Scotch sheep made our top quota- tions. Lambs were in light supply, and shared in the slow trade. Calf trade 8tedrly, Quotations per Hlb" sinking the OiTzil :—Bca-ts, 2s. 0d. t<J 4s. 8d. sheep, 3s. lOd. to (is. 2d. calves, 4s. <>d. to. 5s. 2d lambs, Gs. to Us. 8d. M AN CHESTER HAY AND STRA'V, MONDAY.—Clover, Gd. straw, wheat 3d., 0:11 3d. per stone. BRADFORD WOOL, MONDAY.—Following the reaction consequent on the improvement 0 the financial situation there is a considerahle aii;0 iiit of business both in wool aid tops sixties- Merinos are firm at 2s. 2d. Is. lid. has been 2 made for crossbred forties with a tendency allalllst the buyer. English wools show improvement- Mohair, however, is still inactive. Considera'"0 business has bean done in worsted yarns botll twofolds and singles. a CATTLE AND HORSE FAIRS, THURS- DAY.—At these fairs on Thursday there veer0 small supplies, very few buyers and the 'fa'f prescnteel a holiday appearance. Small business was done at priccjs about the same as the fair. Prices:—Cattle: Milch cows, £ lGto £ 22> calvers, £ 15 to £ 2'); barrens, zOtO to L13 hc:i £ lJ to £ 14. Horses Cart horses, i:12 to £13, and anv prices for the poorer classes. CHESTER EGG AND POULTRY.—Butter. Is. 2d. per lb. eggs, 7 for Is. chickens, 2s. 6d. to fid. each capons, 4s. each ducks, 3s. lie!. to 4s. each turkeys, Is. to Is. Id. jwr 11;. g««se* liJd. and lid. per lb. pheasants, us. Gd. Per brace; grouse, 5s. Gd. per brace; haies, 4s. to 4i. <'d. rabb'ts, 3s. and pigeons, 0d. each. CHESHIRE BUTTER ANDEGG.-SupP;y EI:-alter, with generally an active inquiry. SWC £ port (Friday): Butter, Is. 3d. and Is. 4d. P- ib.; eggs, G for Is. Crewe (Friday): Is. 2d. and Is. 3d. per lb.; eggs, G for Is. Noi*1 g wich (Friday): Butter, Is. od. per lb. egPT^ and 7 for Is. Sandbach (Thursday): Bu. ,H- Is. 3d. per Ib. eggs, 7 and 8 for Is. Butter, Is. 3d. per lb. eggs, 7 and 8 f')r ,3' Cangleton Butter, Is. od. per lb. eggs, G for J Altrincham Butter, Is. 4d. per lb.; eggs, ag G for Is. Nantwich: Butter, Is. 3d. per lb. 7 for Is. Knutsford Butter, Is. 2d. and Is- ter per lb. eggs, G anel 7 for Is. I'tiiicoriiB Is. 2d. and Is. 3d. per lb.; eggs, 5 for Is. Ch<^ Butter, Is. 2d. And la. 3d. per lb. eggs, 0 an for Is. CHESTER CORN, SATURDAY.- grain in small supply, and prices are maintained in the tew samples changing Feeding stuffs dearer, particularly mill 0 ,oro Bran and thirds extremely scaice. Indian c. al>out Gd. higher. Flour Gd. dearer. I4°re. wheat, spot parcels in good demand at ld. to per cental advance from Tuesday. NEW ow p. D. s- D- S- V. 8jl 0 Wheat, white. per 7511). 0 I) 10 0 0; 0 (J GO 0 11 Wheat, red „ 75it>. 6 0 — 5 ^0" Malting Parley 6Jib. 0 0 — 0 0 0 0 — a l) Grinding do. Glib. o o o ol o 0 0 Oats 16U>. 'i 7 — t S> i 0 0 0 0 Deans. bc-I 1). o o ol 0 0 0 0 E^yptinn Beans IMOIb. 0 0 0 0; 0 0 ::11 9 Indian Corn „ 2401b. 0 0 0 0 14

RAILWAY APPOINTMENT.-Mr-jfJdS Hughes, of the goods department of the 1 0 and North-Western Railway at Chester, n t for i. appointed chief clerk and assistant goods ag jjr- the company at Holyhead in succes^1'1™ s W. Edwards, who is retiring. E<Ir> been stationed at Chester ^lco thej-st^ii.p — r *-»— —- rttiesh'1* Piinted and published.for and on behalf of tl-e (j> by and North Wales Newspaper Companv, CotH"'1 JAMES ALBhUtT BIRG11 ALL, at the ( Otni-e, 8, Bridge-street, in the City 01 W RDNMDAY, January 8,