The Chester Courant and Advertiser for North Wales

FIRE AT A CYCLE CARNIVAL. FIVE PERSONS BURNT. I .A. Bad accident marred an otherwise success* cycle carnival at Wrexham on Friday in of the local infirmary. In lighting up a car j. Presenting an Arctic exploration scene, a /Khted match was dropped on the cotton wool jeering one of the explorers, who was ftt once in flames. One of his companions 8h» impulsively to his assistance, and his J!5? clothing also ignited. Others also w^topted to quell the flames and themselves the fate of their companions, until five 8o seriously burnt that they had to be 74reYed to the infirmary, where their injuries ih Promptly attended to. The most severely stored was Henry Elliott, who was burnt on bead^face, legs, and other parts of his body, b following were also badly burnt:—John rts, John Bevan, Fred Jones, and Tom Cherts. The whole of the car was enveloped ti&ttieSj but the three horses attached to it, were also dressed in cotton wool, were jjj.e £ 8ed before the flamed reached them, or the aP would have assumed even more serious Mt £ °rtions> as fche streets were densely packed spectators.

c OCOA. The most nutritious. J ^PS'S ^JOCOA. Grateful and comforting. ^JOCOA. For breakfast and supper. ^JOCOA. With natural flavour only. I ^jOCOA. From the finest brands. I

DISTRICT COUNCILS. MALPAS. ALLEGED POLICE SCANDAL. AN INQUEST DELAYED. The monthly meeting was held on Wednes- day in the Jubilee Hall, under the presidency of Mr. Evan Langley. There were present the Rev. C. Wolley Dod, Lieut.-Col. Barnston, Messrs. Morgan, Penk, Birch, Davies, Hough, Reeves, J. W. Parker (surveyor), T. T. Chubb (sanitary inspector), W. Ankers (water engineer), and G. Richardson (clerk).—It was resolved to charge Is. per thousand for water used by builders or others carrying out builder's work, and that the supply be through a meter for which a rent was to be charged to the user.—The Sanitary Inspector reported the district free from infectious disease. He had traced the pollution of a brook at Chorlton arising from several houses there, and also a further pollution of Edge brook from Ebnal.— It was decided to serve a notice upon the owners requesting an abatement.— Mr. Davies wished to know if the Council had any authority over the public well at the Sarn. It was on private property, but was accessible to the public, and they had an established right to it. The overflow was now blocked, and the adjoining property was being flooded in consequence.—Mr. Morgan thought that the parish council of Threapwood were not too busily employed to attend to this matter before bringing it before the district council. (Hear, hear.)—Replying to the notice of abatement of a pollution of Edge brook, arising from Mr. Frank Lloyd's smithfield at Hampton, Mr. Lloyd said they had done everything to prevent the pollution, and had taken the precaution to sweep the yard before washing. A tank for the sediment had been built A letter from Mr. Davenport was read with reference to the Bickley water supply, asking for permission to purchase a stand-pipe and accessories for the testing of the pipes, as the water was now being connected. This was granted.—Mr. Morgan said the first of the series of Dibden tanks had now been completed at Malpas. There had been a slight accident, which had necessitated a short delay and some alteration. This was now completed. He found they were under an agreement to com- plete the tank on Lord Cholmondeley's property within a certain period, which had nearly elapsed. It was necessary for them, therefore, to complete this second tank before proceeding with the one in Church-street, which the committee intended to have done before this one.—Mr. Reeves said if they had not been under an agreement to complete the one on the Cbolmondeley estate, he should have advised the testing for a time of the one they had now finished. The accident which had caused an additional expense he had fore- seen, and there was nothing to assure there not being a repetition of it.—Mr. Morgan said the defect in the present tanks was due to the limited area in which they had to be con- structed, which would not be the case with the others.—It was decided, on the motion of Mr. Morgan, seconded by Mr. Reeves, to instruct Mr. Davenport to proceed with the other tank.- Mr. Morgan said Mr. Batterbee was entitled to compensation for trespass, but he had offered to forego his claim.—Mr. Langley drew attention to a painful affair at Cholmon- deley. On Tuesday, 11th September, Thomas Murhall, whose home was at Whitchurch, and who had worked on the Cholmondeley estate for nearly forty years, died suddenly at Higgins- field, near Cholmondeley. He (the speaker) was v passing at the time, and after lending some little assistance advised the relatives of the deceased that their first duty was to inform the police, who would take the necessary steps for the holding of the inquest. On Wednesday morn- ing the police oonstable went over to Higgins- field to make inquiries, but the eldest Eon who was present at the death did not turn up. The constable saw him about three o'clock in the afternoon of Wednesday, and after gleaning all particulars, informed the coroner in a letter by the same evening's post. No reply was received until Friday morning, when the constable was told that an inquest would be held at Higginsfield on that afternoon at three o'clock. The inquest was held and the body, which had to be buried at Whitchurch, could not be interred until Satur- day. The weather was very warm, and decom- position having set in, the body presented a sickening sight to the relatives and friends. His object in bringing the matter before the Council was to see if some better state of things could not be brought about. In the late coroner's time the police constable had to visit the coroner and give him the particulars. It was not so now, and the constable had to write and await an answer. Such a state of things seemed to him most extraordinary when there were everywhere such telegraphic facili- ties. If the coroner had replied, he could not help thinking that something might have been done before three o'clock on Friday afternoon, when the coroner would be in possession of the facts by the first post on Thursday morning. He wished Mr. Dod, as member of the Police Standing Joint Com- mittee, would call the attention of that authority to the matter.—Mr. Dod: I will.—As the County Council had to bear the expense, Mr. Langley would like it to be inquired into whether it was from financial reasons that the police were not allowed to wire, or be granted better facilities of communication with the coroner in such cases. (Hear, hear.) The police constable did his best, and he was sure that the police were not to blame, as they were generally most anxious in the matter. NESTON AND PARKGATE. The monthly meeting was held on Monday evening. Mr. J. G. Thompson presided. Instructions were given to the surveyor to pur- chase and erect six more lamps. Eleven births and five deaths during the month were reported. CONTAGIOUS DISEASES: REFUSING THE HOSPITAL. A case of enterio fever had occurred at a house in Parkgate-road, and the patient had been removed to the isolation hospital. It transpired that two casee one of typhoid fever, and the other of scarlatina—had oocurred since the case of enteric mentioned.—The Surveyor said he had had the medical officer over to both cases the day after they occurred, and in the scarlatina case the parents would not allow the patient to be removed to the hospital.—Mr. Pugh: Why is this?—Colonel Lloyd: It is the same in regard to both cases, and very unfortunately for us we have no power to compel the removal of the patients to the infectious hospital.—Mr. Pugh said it seemed to him the silliest thing in the world. Here was a case of scarlet fever in a oottage surrounded by other cottages, and they could not compel the removal of the patient to an isolation hospital. Could not the medical offioer compel it?—Colonel Lloyd and the Sur- veyor No.—Colonel Lloyd added that it would be advisable for the patient to be removed to the hospital.-Mr. Pugh: It is a scandalous thing.— The Chairman: They are well treated at the hospital. Then you can do nothing about this case ?—Colonel Lloyd: No, sir; we are powerless. —The discussion then terminated. QUESTION OF NUMBERING THE HOUSES. Mr. Begg, in accordance with a notice, moved that steps be taken to have the houses in Neston numbered. He had taken the question up on behalf of strangers and people who did not get their letters delivered promptly on account of there being two or three families of the same name living in the same street.—Mr. Pugh: I quite agree with you, Mr. Begg.—Mr. Begg went on to say that in Parkgate-road, aocording to last year's register, there were two Anyons, two Robertses, and two Youngs; in Brook-street, three Anyons; in a small street like Mill-street, two Bartletts and two Robertses; in Bridge- street, two Joneses, two Smiths, and two Lewises; Liverpool-road, two Prioee; High-street, three Johnsons, etc.—The Clerk said they could compel the owners to number the houses, but the better plan would be to do the work themselves.—Mr. Woodward did not think that if one man went mad in the Council others should follow him. He thought it would be madness to number the houses in the present state of the place. People had always been found up to now.—Mr. Pugh said during the course of the canvass of the electors one had had to knock ^»t three or four door a in order to discover the particular man required.—Mr. Wood- ward I think everyone is pretty well known here. Mr. Pugh seconded Mr. Begg's proposition.—As an amendment, Mr. Woodward proposed that the matter be 'squashed' and never heard for some years until the place is thicker populated."—The amendment, which was seconded by Mr. Tdzer, was carried. NANTWTCH RURAL. CHOLMONDELEY WATER SUPPLY. The monthly meeting was held on Saturday, under the presidency of the Rev. H. I Black- burne.-The Isolation Hospital Committee recommended that a joint infectious diseases hospital should he erected under the Public Health Act of 1875, and that the Local Govern- ment Board be requested to grant a provisional order constituting the two councils into a joint authority for that purpose.—The Chairman gave notice that he would move a resolution td that effect at a special meeting of the Council next Saturday.—The Medical Officer of Health (Dr. Turner) stated he had written to Dr. Vacher, the county medical officer of health, asking whether the provision of 16 beds would meet with the views of the County Council. Dr. Vachor replied pointing out that according to the population of the combined districts there should be 32 beds. He preferred to have that number, but he would not oppose the scheme for 16 beds, if the administration and laundry accommodation were sufficient for a hospital of 32 beds.—At the meeting of the Water Committee, Mr. Davenport (the Surveyor) reported that the actual laying of water mains in Cholmondeley had been finished, but Mr. St. John Charlton wished the main, which was originally designed to be taken to the pumps and the water pumped to the Castle, to be taken on to the Castle, so that the drinking supply might be bad direct from the mains. The survey for the extension had been made, and the committee agreed for the extension to be proceeded with. The Egerton mains and the Cholmondeley mains were, the Surveyor further reported, now charged with water and the meters put in. There remained the finishing off of the mains, paving, and other matters to be attended to in both townships. The rise in the price of iron pipes during the time between the application for the loans for these townships and the receipt of the sanction of the Local Government Board might necessitate a supplementary loan. Appli- cations had been received for coupling up all the houses on the line of mains in Cholmondeley. The fire-hose for Calveley, Alpraham, and Church Minshull had been ordered. The fire hose-box at Charlton had been fixed.-The Surveyor stated that he had accompanied the Commissioner appointed by the Board of Agriculture under the District Councils Water Supply Facilities Act" in his inspection of the waterworks in the townships of Church Min- shull and Calveley. A portion of the communi- cation pipes in Alpraham had been marked up and the house services inspected. With respect to the proposed water supply to Ridley, the Surveyor statfed that Mr. St. John Charlton, on behalf of Lord Cholmondeley, agreed to guarantee the extension of the water main to Mr. Evan Langley's farm.—With regard to the proposed Peckforton water supply it was arranged for Mr. Cawley and the Surveyor to meet and go into the matter. = i

Hiterarg Notices. THE OCTOBER MAGAZINES. (SECOND NOTICE.J Badminton for October includes within its well-stocked covers an article illustrated by unique photographs of Prince Alfred and Big Game." Shooting in the Himalayan Range is specially dealt with. One of the shooting party was the Maharajah, who was attended from his camp by the President, Col. Lawrence, C.B., and whose head-dress alone was valued at E40,000. More Continental Sportsmen is the title of as well illustrated an article as we have ever seen. The hunting pictures are superb, while the portrait of his late Majesty, King Humbert, at his mountain lodge, is a striking picture in the peculiar style of Milanese portraiture. Riding to Hounds" and photographic notes On the Rough Allot- ments make up with other articles an interesting number. In the hunting contribu- tion the following passage occurs:— It is, indeed, far better for the old fogeys, or those just qualifying for a place in their ranks, to bow gracefully to the inevitable, and far safer for them too. Therefore, gentlemen, take my advice and never attempt to ride beyond your nerves, how- ever high your reputation may once have been, and however loth you may be to have to acknow- ledge you are not the man that once you were." In the Strand Magazine there is a deeply interesting article entitled Which is the finest building in the world?" The feature of the number, however, is a capitally illustrated con- tribution by Lord Charles Beresford on The Rank-and-file of the British Navy," from which we take the following In the old days when the press gang scoured the streets of our seaside towns, and swept up anyone that was able-bodied, the lower deck could hardly have been the best place for a youth to commence life in. Bad food, harsh treatment, and but few kind words were the men's lot. To-day the life and surroundings of the lower deck have entirely changed, and the most careful parent may, without fear, let a sturdy boy enter the British Navy, secure in the knowledge that good food, good treatment, fair wages, an excellent education, and many opportunities of distinguishing himself will be afforded him, and the better bred the youngster and the sounder his education the more chance he has of getting on in his chosen profession. It is true that, by the force of circumstances which now present great difficulties, it is almost impossible at present for a youngster who chooses the Navy to emulate the example of such gallant soldiers as Major-General Macdonald, and many others who have gained the highest ranks of their profession after having started on the bottom rung of the ladder. It is to be hoped that these circumstances may shortly be taken under consideration, and that it will become possible for more seamen to attain the rank of lieutenant. There have only been three commissions offered to naval men who have entered the service as bluejacket boys in the last fifty years. The Wide World" keeps up its repu- tation for the sensational, yet true litera- ture, Stronger than Fiction," A Big Game Trip with Somaliland," My unsuccessful Bear Hunt," Mountain Climbing, and The Fate of the Pearler Ethel," rank among the distinctive features of the issue. Those interested in extraordinary religious usages will find much to instruct in The Hot Water Ordeal of the Shintos," and Tzintzuatzan and its Titian." The Sundav StPA.nd FAT IA n KMRVLIF --t# -_a -VA..ag number, containing a good deal of Sunday reading, together with lighter literature, such as •• The Trail of the War," by May Bateman In the Mine," by F. M. White; "The Grave of Manning's Wife Sunday on a Man-of-war," and Refining the Hooligan." NEW BOOKS. Sailor Songs (London, Fredk. Warne and Co. j Is.).—This handy little new naval song- book, which is issued in pocket size, contains the words of all the best and latest popular songs pertaining to England's glory on the sea, added to the collection edited by J. E. Carpenter. The book contains all that is worthy of preservation among our sea ballads, and it ought to have a most popular run. The Army System as it Is (London, The Outlook" Publishing Company, 109, Fleet- street, E.C.; 6d.).-In view of the keen interest now being taken in the subject of Army Reform, the "Outlook" Publishing Company has issued in pamphlet form a series of extracts from important speeches delivered on this question during last year by Mr. George Wyndham, as Under Secretary for War, in the House of Commons. The extracts are grouped under three headings," The Military Machine," "Imperial Defence," and "The Machine Tested," and altogether they form a valuable addition to the controversy on the state and prospects of our national defences.

CHBSTSR WATER FILTRATION.—On Tuesday, on the invitation of the directors of the com- pany, the members of the Health Committee of the Corporation visited the works to view before the water was turned on a reconstructed filter of large capacity which has just been completed, and is now in operation for filtering purposes. This filter, together with one adjoining it, has now been reformed on the most modern and most approved plans, the water from the reservoir into which it flows on being pumped from the river passing on to the ,surface of the filter bed in the first instance, thence by slow percolation through graded sand to the pipes below, and on to the pure water tank. When it becomes necessary to cleanse the surface of the filter bed, pure water from the tank is brought under the filter bed and forced, or rather rises by natural gravitation through the sand to the surface, carrying off into adjoining drains all accumulated impurities which may have been deposited on the filter. We are informed that the present average rate of filtration is 24* gallons per square foot of filter surface per 24 hours, as contrasted with 44 gallons to the same area and time in years gone by. The recognised standard of the Local Government Board is 144 gallons per foot in the same time. We think this may well assure consumers that the pro- cess of the filtration is carried out in Chester in a way which cannot be surpassed. ADVICE TO MOTHERS !—Are you broken in your rest by a sick child suffering with the pains of outting teeth P Go at once to a chemist and get a bottle of MRS. WINSLOW'S SOOTHING STRUP, which has been used over 50 years by millions of mothers for their ohildren while teething, with perfect success. It is pleasant to taste, produces natural, quiet sleep by relieving the child from pain, and the little cherub awakes as bright as a button." It soothes the child, it softens the guma, allay all pain, relieves wind, regulates the bowels, and is the best known remedy for dysentery and diarrhoea, whether arising from teething or other causes. Sold by Chemists everywhere at la. lid. per bottle.

CREWE. I' THE RESULT. DECISIVE RADICAL vicroity. Both candidates drove round the constituency on Saturday and ha i /1. iiearty rec.t i.u». LV.e result or ttie poll Weld dtldal"tld by the Mayor of Cr-awe (Mr. J. H. Moore) about 12.30 at night as follows:— J. Tomkinson (R) 6,120 J. E. Reiss (U) 4,921 Majority 1,199 A great crowd had assembled round the Town Hall, and demonstrated their enthusiasm. After the counting, Mr. Tom"i.lnson proposed a vote of thanks to the Mayor as returning officer. Mr. Reiss seconded th j motion, which was carried. The Mayor, in reply, expressed his pleasure that the election had been conducted in such a gentlemanly manner on both sides. Mr. Reiss proceeded to the Unionist clubs and addressed his supporters, thanking them for their work and their loyalty. The newly-elected member addressed a crowd of nearly 10,000 persons on the Market-square. Mr. Tomkinson (who was accompanied by Mrs. Tomkinson, the Countess of Crewe, and Lady Celia Crewe Milnes) spoke from the balcony over the Liberal Committee-rooms. Rain was falling in torrents, but the great crowd sent up cheer after cheer, and joined in singing Auld Lang Syne" and He's a jolly good fellow." For fully ten minutes Mr. Tomkinson stood in the rain waiting for the enthusiasm to subside. Then addressing them, he said by the splendid poll of that day they had won a glorious victory for the grand old cause. (Cheers.) They had conferred on him the highest honour that it was possible for any man to aspire to, and more than that, had replied effectively and with no uncertain voice to the attempt at dictation made by Mr. Chamberlain from Bir- mingham. (Groans and cheers.) Their verdict had shewn that in their trta hearts and minds they had determined that they would not take their politics from. Birmingham. (Cheers.) Standing before them as their honoured representative, he desired to return his sincere thanks for the splendid work they had done in the good cause, and for the mag- nificent victory they had won. Their victory would be an encouragement to true Liberalism throughout the country, and also in the neigh- bouring divisions of the county of Chester. (Hear, hear.) To his opponent, Mr. Reiss, he tendered his sincere acknowledgments for the gentlemanly way in which the contest had been conducted, and now the contest was over he trusted by his action that he would be regarded as the representative not of one section, but of all the classes of the constitu- ency in the House of Commons. (Cheers.) Mrs. Tomkinson also addressed a few words of thanks to the crowd, which afterwards dis- persed. There were 26 spoiled ballot papers. The figures at the last two elections were as follow :—1895: Hon. R. A. Ward (C), 5413; W. S. B. M'Laren (L), 4863. 1892: W. S. B. M'Laren (R), 5558; H. W. Chatterton (C), 3990. THE NEW MEMBER FOR CREWE. Mr. James Tomkinson, of Willington Hall, Tarporley, the newly-elected member for the Crewe Division, was born in 1840, and is the second but eldest surviving son of the late Colonel William Tomkinson. He was educated at Rugby School and Balliol College, Oxford, and in the year 1863 to ok his degree with honours in classics. Mr. Tomkinson married in 1871 Emily Frances, only daughter of Sir George Palmer, Bart., of Wanlip Hall, Leicester. As a politician Mr. Tomkinson has been before the public since 1881, when at the bye-election caused by the death of the senior member, Sir Philip Grey-Egerton, he contested West Cheshire (of which Crewe was then a part) against his cousin, Mr. Henry J. Tollemache, and was defeated by 382 votes on a poll of 9,218. In 1885 he unsuccessfully contested the Wirral Division against another cousin, Colonel Cotton-Jodrell, who gained a majority of 1,495 on a poll of 8,017. In 1886 and 1892 he contested the Eddisbury division of Cheshire against Mr. H. J. Tollemache, and was defeated on both occasions, on the former by a majority of 679 on a poll of 8,035, and the latter by one of 536 on a poll of 8,620. In 1895 he became the Liberal candidate for the N un- eaton division of Warwickshire, where he has some landed interest, and sustained his fifth defeat by the Conservative candidate, Mr. F. A. Newdigate, by a majority of 1,397 upon a poll of 9,747. He enters Parliament now for the first time. Mr. Tomkinson.is a keeraiagri- culturist, and his estate is one of the best managed in Cheshire. Mr. Tomkinson is major and hon. lieut.-colonel of the Earl of Chester's Yeomanry Cavalry, in which force he has served for 34 years. Under the title of Of The Diary of a Cavalry Officer in the Peninsular and Waterloo Campaigns" Mr. Tomkinson recently edited and published an account of the military service and adventures of his father, the late Colonel Tomkinson.

NOKTHWICH. UNIONISTS' SPLENDID FIGHT. MR. SAMSON'S MORAL VICTORY. The result of the polling in the Northwicb Division was declared on Monday. The whole of the ballot boxes were taken to Northwich on Saturday night, and the votes were counted on Monday morning at the Verdin Technical Institute. About mid-day a crowd began to assemble in front of this building, which is situated on the outskirts, at the Davenham end of the town. Ths counting clerks commenced their task at half-past ten, but it was not until a few minutes past one o'clock that the result was publicly announced from the steps of the Institute by the High Sheriff, who read out the figures as follows:— •Sir J. T. Brunner (R) 5,377 C. L. Samson (C) 4,678 Majority 699 I Majority. 699 No change. Previous election: Sir T. G. Brunner (G L), 5,706; T. Ward (C), 4,068; majority, 1,6;58. The declaration of the result was followed by considerable cheering, mingled with hooting, but the crowd, who had by this time assumed large dimensions, were very orderly in their behaviour. Both candidates were present during the counting of the votes, Mr. Samson being accompanied by Mrs. Samson, Mr. Thomas Ward, Mr. C. J. Hughes, and several other gentlemen who were among his principal supporters throughout an arduous campaign. After the announcement of the figures the can- didates shook hands in a cordial manner, and Mr. Samson then left the building with his wife. He was warmly cheered by those in the crowd who were wearing the Conservative colours, and as he drove through the town to the Conservative Club the hearty reception accorded to him was a proof of the great popularity which he gained during the election campaign. The streets were crowded with people, and considerable excitement was mani- fested in all parts of the town. The Conservative party were by no means depressed at the result, but, on the contrary, they felt that it had been a great achievement to reduce Sir John Brunner's majority to such a comparatively low figure, and there was nothing but praise for the manner in which Mr. Samson had championed the Unionist cause. When Mr. Samson arrived at the Conservative Club he was received with cheers, which were followed by the singing of For he's a jolly good fellow." Mr. Samson, in the course of a short speech, said they had made a very good fight, and he was much obliged to those who had worked so hard for him. It was not in mortals to com- mand success, but he thought they had done their best to deserve it. (Cheers). He believed that if the election had been confined to North- wich and Runoorn only, he would have had a majority, but they had had to fight against the solid phalanx of Liberal votes at Winnington. He should always have very pleasant recollections of Northwich, and if ever they wanted him to fight for them again he should only be too pleased to do so. (Cheers, and a Voice: We will put you in next time.") Of course, it would have been much more pleasant to him, and he had no doubt much more agreeable to them, if he had been able to address them as member of Parliament for Northwich. But there were such things as moral victories, and he thought they had achieved a very great moral victory. (Cheers.) They had all worked hard for him-(a Voice: 'We've fetched it down a thousand ")-and he hoped that the organisation of the party would be put in a thoroughly good state, so that they would AnL.r g again when the time came. (Cheers.) Mr. Thomas Ward moved a vote of thanks to Mr. Samson for the splendid service he had rendered as their candidate. He spoke of the great difficulties which Mr. Samson had had to encounter in contesting that division, and said that the reduction of the Radical majority to such a substantial extent was a source of much gratification. Major Wilbraham seconded the motion, which was supported by Mr. J. H. Cooke (Winaford), and carried amid cheers. Mr. Samson, in reply, again thanked the workers, expressing great gratitude in particular to Mr. Ward and Mr. Hughes. Mr. Samson then drove to the Angel Hotel, where a large crowd of his supporters assembled and indulged in vigorous cheering. Sir John Brunner, M.P., visited the Gladstone Club, and in the course of a speech there, said that he was going to behave so that everybody would say he was a jolly good fellow." There was no doubt that the causo of the drop in his majority was the false cry against Brunner, Mond and Co., to the effect that they did not take on men over 30 years of age. His majority was not reduced because the constituency did not believe him to be as good a Liberal as ever he was. (Cheers.) He promised them that he was going to remain true to Liberal principles. That constituency was Liberal to the core, and if it had not been for false rumours his majority would have been as large as before. (Cries of Two thousand.") After making another speech from the balcony, Sir John Brunner proceeded to Winnington, and subsequently visited other parts of the division.

FLINTSHIRE. MRS. HOWARD'S GALLANT FIGHT. The Flintshire election of 1900 will be memorable for the plucky part played in it by Mrs. Howard on behalf of the Unionist cause and her husband, Colonel Howard, who is gallantly doing his country's work in South Africa with the Welsh Yeomanry. It required no small amount of courage for a lady to under- take this work, particularly in such a scattered constituency as Flint County, but Mrs. Howard bravely entered into the contest, and the Unionists in the division owe her a deep debt of gratitude for the splendid way in which she has championed their cause. Mrs. Howard introduced herself to the electors in the follow- ing touching letter :—" Wygfair, St. Asaph, North Wales. Dear Sir,—My husband now being in South Africa in command of the Welsh portion of the Imperial Yeomanry, too far off to address you himself, I venture to appeal to you, the electors of Flintshire, on his behalf. His political opinions are known to you, so I need not speak of them. Should you do my husband the honour of returning him as your member, I feel sure he will make every effort to promote the best interests of his con- stituents. His absence in his country's service I know, will not go against him in your estima- tion. May God in His mercy soon permit us to receive home those whom we love so dearly. I beg to remain, dear sir, faithfully yours, VIOLET HOWARD." Mrs. Howard has spoken at numerous meetings, and she has also energetically devoted herself to canvassing. She has in fact done everything in her power to ensure success, but of course an election without one of the candidates is like a play without one of its principal characters, and there can be no doubt that Colonel Howard's candidature has suffered through his absence at the front. The polling took place on Saturday in cold and boisterous weather. Mrs. Howard-in a motor car-and her husband's indefatigable election agent (Mr. T. W. Hughes, of Flint) visited during the day a large number of polling stations, and Mr. Samuel Smith, the Radical candidate, and his agent, Mr. F. Llewellyn Jones, were also very much in evidence. The electors numbered about 10,700, and there were 34 polling stations. Rhyl, with 1,219 voters, was the strongest polling station, and Bangor-is-y-coed, with 106, was about the smallest. It was estimated that the Unionists had the advantage in the Rhyl district, and that the Radicals made considerable headway in Prestatyn and Buckley. At the close of the poll the ballot boxes were placed in safe custody, and on Monday morning they were removed to Flint Town Hall, where the count- ing took place under the superintendence of the High Sheriff (Mr. H. Hurlbutt), the Town Clerk of Flint (Mr. Hy. Taylor), and Mr. Ollive (representing Mr. T. T. Kelly, Mold). Mrs. Howard and Mr. Smith and his sister were present, together with their chief workers. At about two o'clock Mr. Hurlbutt announced the decision in the counting room as follows :— Smith (R) 4,528 II Howard (U) 3,922 Majority 606 Mr. Smith moved a vote of thanks to the High Sheriff for the courtesy he had shewn them all, and for the very efficient way in which he had performed the duties of returning officer. He included in the vote of thanks Mr. Taylor, who had rendered valuable service at that election. He wished to tender his sympathy to Mrs. Howard, who had worked so nobly for her absent husband. (Applause.) She would quite understand that one might have two emotions at the same time. Of course he was glad of the victory for the Liberal cause, but at the same time he felt sorry for her dis- appointment, and wished her to convey to her husband the universal respect that was felt for him while he was fighting his country's battles. (Applause.) Mrs. Howard said: I do not know whether it is the right thing for a lady to second the vote of thanks, but I hope I may be allowed, in my husband's name, te do so. (Applause.) I should also like to thank Mr. Smith for the kind way in which he has spoken of my husband and of myself. Of course, I am very sorry that the new member for Flintshire is not far away at this moment—(laughter)—but at the same time we cannot help it. We have done our best, and we, none of us, can do more. While I congratulate Mr. Smith upon his victory- (applause)—I wish we could have sent a cable to Col. Howard with M.P. after his name. (Laughter and applause.) I again give Mr. Smith my best wishes. (Applause.) The vote was carried, and Mr. Hurlbutt, in returning thanks, expressed his indebtedness to Mr. Henry Taylor and Mr. Ollive for the admirable way in which they had discharged their duties. An adjournment was then made to the balcony overlooking the street, where a fairly large crowd had assembled. Mr. Smith had a rather unfavourable reception, which led him to remark that he was very glad to see that Col. Howard had got some good friends there. It would be a very dull world if they were all of one opinion. (Groans.) That was his fifth contest in Flintshire, and he wished to thank the county for the loyal way in which it had supported him for so many years. He assured them that he would do his best for the whole county. (Cheers and groans). That election had been fought fairly, honestly, and with good humour, and he hoped they would all be friends again now the battle was over. (Cheers.) Mrs. Howard, who was received with cheers, briefly thanked those who had supported her husband, and congratulated Mr. Smith on his success. Mrs. Howard then went over to the Unionist committee rooms, accompanied by Major Birch, Mr. Lloyd Price, Mr. T. W. Hughes, and others, and addressing the crowd from a window she said of course the result was a disappointment to her, but it could not be helped. She wished to particularly thank Mr. T. W. Hughes and his brother for their valuable services. (Cheers.) Hearty cheers were finally given for Colonel Howard. Mr. Smith addressed his supporters at the Liberal Club, remarking that they had achieved a great victory for Wales. Wales had proved steadfast, and it was the only part of the country that had done so. Wales and Monmouth had sent 28 Liberals from 34 con- stituencies, so that they were nearly at the high-water mark reached in 1892, and were a good deal better than at the last election. (Cheers.) Considering the tide of Toryism which had swept over England, it was a wonder they had done so well. (Cheers.) He was glad the election had been fought honourably, without violence or row- dyism, and in a way that was creditable to the county. He would pay his compliments to the lady who had made such a good fight for her absent husband—(cheers)—and he wished to regard the whole county as his friend and to represent the whole county in Parliament. (Cheers.) Flintshire has now been faithful to him in five successive contests, and he was now perhaps the oldest member for Wales, a country which had the reputation of sticking honourably to its members. (Cheers.) Mr. J. Herbert Lewis, M.P., who was present, was loudly called for, and said he rejoiced with the Liberal electors of the county on the great

oil gr A PERFECT BEVERAGE. ^9 t vam SB EH || is known and prized throughout f» H the whole world for its high S quality and delicious natural raj flavor. I S M vam I Best & Goes Farthest. I

MR. YERBURGH, M.P., AT SANDBACH. » A CONVINCING SPEECH. [By OUR OWN RJEPOETBR.] Mr. Robert Yerburgh, M.P., has experienced as hard a three weeks' work as any man could desire. For close upon a fortnight he waa actively engaged in the Chester campaign, with the brilliant result that everyone knows; and, as soon as that was over, he rushed off to lend his services to Unionist candidates in various parts of the country. Since leaving Chester last Saturday Mr. Yerburgh has addressed meetings in Darwen, Lancaster, Kirkcud- brightshire, Skipton, and on Friday evening he finished up at Sandbach. The one day that he did not speak on a public platform he devoted to voting, and he. registered his mark on the ballot paper in no fewer than three constituencies one in Scotland and two in England. The popular member for Chester undertook a lengthy rail- way journey and drive in order to support the candidature of Mr. Reiss at Sandbach laat evening, and on his -arrival he received a flattering welcome. There was a strong element of Radicalism in the meeting, and interruptions were freely indulged in. Mr. Yerburgh, however, met his" hecklers" in a pleasant and gentlemanly way that completely won them over. While he disarmed criticism he made several telling points, and the atten- tive conduct of this portion of the audience reminded one of those who, having come to scoff, remained to pray." When the meeting was concluded I asked a gentleman who has had an extensive experience of political speak- ing, both in the House of Commons and the Provinces, what he thought of Mr. Yerburgh's speech, and his reply was It was a most con- vincing piece of oratory." And the word convincing fitly described it. At the outfit Mr, Yerburgh justified the appeal of the Government to the oountry at the present important juncture, reminding the audience that it was a cardinal doctrine of our Constitution that the Government of the day was returned to office to carry out a certain programme upon which the electorate had pronounced its decision. Following that out, he asked them was the question of the war and the annexation of the two Republics before the country at the last election ? (" No.") Then, he argued, it was the duty of the Government on the first possible opportunity that presented itself to go to the people and ask their opinion on these great questions. (Cheers.) That was NO TOBY DOCTRINK. It was a sound democratic doctrine; a doctrine that until the Government received their man- date from the people they had no right to carry out any new policy of the first magnitude upon which the country had not been consulted. (Hear, hear.) Some people, however, said K admitting that, why did you not postpone the election until the new register had come into. force?" (Ironical cheers.) That was a very good point, but if the loss through the appeal to the country at the present time was upon any side it was upon the side of the Unionists —(loud cheers)—because it was well-known that the larger number of removals took place among the wage-earning classes, and we had seen, taking the broad result, that it was among the wage-earning classes of the country that the Government had received the greatest amount of support. (Cheers.) Here there was some interruption, and a man at the back of the rodm shouted, What about Derby ? Mr. Yerburgh: Well I will give you Derby, and I will place Newcastle against it. (Cheers, and another voice, What about Manchester, Liverpool, and Birmingham P ") Mr. Yerburgh: Yes, and gentlemen do not forget Glasgow. (Loud cheers.) Pro- ceeding, Mr. Yerburgh mentioned as another argument against the postponement of the appeal to the country, that Mr. Labouchere advised the Boers to endeavour to gain time because, when the war cloud had rolled away, in a short time the country would be howling about a dozen other things. Therefore, if the election had been postponed, there would not have been a clear issue before the country. (Hear, hear.) Re- ferring to the appeal by the Opposition speakers for a STRONG OPPOSITION he remarked that he should be the last man in the world to say that a strong Opposition was not needed by the country, but what constituted a strong Opposition ? Did they think it was numbers ? (" No.") Was it not unity of pur- pose ? (" Yes," and cheers.) That was how Mr. Parnell was able to dominate the House of Commons. The late Opposition were weak because they were divided and could not agree upon any one point of policy, and were they going back now with any united policy ? (Laughter). They had not made up their minds, and he defied anybody to say they had. (Cheers). Lookers-on often saw the most of the game, and it was interesting to note what a looker-on in Germany thought on the subject. In a recent issue, the" Times" 1 published the following extract from the com- ments on the political situation in this country of a writer in Berlin:—" It is not probable that a party will be victorious which upon such an important question as that of South African policy is divided into three sections. One section regards the war against the Boer States as just, and demands their annexation,"—that was the party represented by Sir Henry Fowler and Sir Edward Grey—" the second regards the war and the annexation as j crimes,he (Mr. Yerburgh) believed that Mr. Labouchere and Dr. Clark were members of that section-- while the third condemns the t war, but is willing to accept the annexation "— that was the section represented by Sir Henry Campbell Bannerman—(laughter)—and then the writer went on to say Who could have the courage to place the destiny of the country in the hands of such a divided party ?" (Cheers.) Personally, while he wanted a strong Opposi- tion, and hoped the Opposition would be able to speak with one mind, he was glad that this large majority had been returned, and he would tell them why. During his election at Chester a gentleman came all the way from Holland to record his vote in his (Mr. Yerburgh's) favour. (Cheers.) This gentleman came to see him, and he told him that in Holland people were watching the result of this election with even a keener eye than we at home, because they believed that IF A RADICAL OOVSRNHBNT WAS RETURNED to power, the Boers would again have a chance of regaining their independence. (Hisses and interruption.) He was not bringing a charge against any man of being a pro-Boer, he believed that every man who voted for a Radical candidate considered that in doing so he was doing the best for his country. He admitted that point, but it was not the view taken abroad. (Cheers, and a Voice: "They say we are traitors.") He did not take that view, he believed that they were all doing their best for their country according to their lights, but they had to consider what the people abroad were saying. This gentleman from Holland had no axe to grind, and he told him that in Holland they believed that if the people of this country returned a Radical Government to office the Boers would have this chance of regaining their independence. (A Voice: What do they know about it ? and cheers.) It did not matter what they knew about it; the point was what they thought about it. We must recollect that our Empire was not confined within these little islands—(hear, hear)—but that it was diffused all over the globe, and that our territories came into contact with those of other countries. Foreign countries were now regarding us with a jealous eye, and if the Boers regained their independence they would welcome it as a sign of the coming downfall of the British Empire. (Cheers.) We.had made up our minds at home, but that was not sufficient; we wanted to con- vince foreign countries that we had made up our minds. (Renewed cheers.) Replying to the charge that the Government had not carried out a SOCIAL PROGRAMME, Mr. Yerburgh alluded to the Workmen's Compensation Act, the Act for the Protec- tion of Railway Servants, the Trades Disputes Conciliation Act, and the Money- lenders Act. These measures were small ones, but they dealt with the daily life of the poorer classes of the community, and the Government that passed them deserved well of the country at large. (A Voioe: Will you have a drink ?" and laughter.) Mr. Yerburgh:- No, thanks; I am not thirsty. I am a good stayer. (Cheers.) Promptly taking up a chal- lenge thrown out by a member of the audience with regard to Old Age Pensions, Mr. Yerburgh explained that the Government had shewn their anxiety to deal with the question by referring it to two Commissions. The last Commission had suggested a scheme which they believed to be perfectly work- able. It involved A large expenditure of money, and the Government had appointed a commission of financial experts to enquire into the financial considerations of the proposal, so that whatever Government went back to office would have this matter before it. Speaking as a supporter of the Government he said that if the Government had not when it next appealed to the country an old age pension scheme in operation, then the country would have a very good ground of quarrel with the Government. iCheers.) Mr. Yerburgh went on to eulogise «ord Salisbury's masterly foreign policy; and refuting the charge that the Government had wasted money, he contrasted the costly and ignominious policy of the Liberal Govern- ment in the Soudan, with the inexpensive and successful war carried out under the Unionist Government. He answered Lord Rosebery's complaint that the nation had been kept in a state of disquietude and unrest by pointing to the satisfactory condition of trade dnring the last five years. The year 1899 was the most prosperous year of the century, and that proved that the Government had inspired the country with a general feeling of confidence and trust. If they returned the Government to office-and they knew the Government were going back—(cheers)—the probabilities were that that feeling would continue, and that trade would be prosperous and wages would rise. With regard to the various delinquencies with which the Radical candidate had charged the Government, he ventured to say that he had proved conclusively that Mr. Tomkinson had not a leg to stand upon. (Loud cheers.) Mr. Yerburgh was heartily thanked for his speech.

BUNBURY. SUDDEN DEATH.—Mr. Coroner Bate held an inquest on Tuesday touching the sudden death of Charles Elson, shoemaker, aged 73, of Bun- bury Heath. On Saturday deoeased, while milking cows in company with his daughter. became unconscious, and fell on the ground. He was carried home, where Dr. Jones saw him shortly afterwards, and pronounced life extinct. He attributed death to an apoplectic fit.-A- verdict in accordance with the medical evidence was returned.

MALPAS. SOCIAL CLTTB AND INSTITUTE.—On Wednes- day evening a social evening was held in the Jubilee Hall, to inaugurate the Literary and Debating Society's season's course. After refreshments Mr. Morgan explained the objects of the society. Subsequently Miss M. Huxley opened she musical part of the programme with an overture on the pianoforte. Enjoyable songs were given by Miss Moore Calica, Mrs. Eccles- ton, Messrs. Eccleston (Whitchurch), E. Mercer, E. Reeves (Whitchurch), F. Tomkin, E. Bevin. At the close, on the proposition of Mr. J. W. Wycherley, seconded by Mr. G. Huxley, a warm vote of thanks was accorded the vocalists; Mr. Barnett for making the arrangements; and Mr. E. Mercer for the loan of plants.

t CHILIAN CABINET RESIGNS. — New York» Saturday. A Herald despatch states that the Chilian Cabinet has resigned for political reasons. The Duke and Duchess of Connaught left London on Saturday for Germany. Great reticence was observed as to their movements, but it is believed they are on their way to Cronberg, where the Empress Frederick is lying seriously ill. SULPHOLINE SKIN LOTION. The only effective remedy for SKIN TROUBLES. Sulpholine quickly drives away Eruptions, Pimples, Eczema, Acne, Blackheads, and all Disfigurements, developing a fair, spotless skin and beautiful com- plexion. Try Sulpholine Lotion Shilling Bottles.

victory which Mr. Smith had won for Liberal principles. He was glad Mr. Smith was going with him as a colleague, and it was a good thing to have two members for one county ( going up together who were prepared to support ( one another in all that concerned the general I and local interests of the county. (Cheers). They would try to do their duty in the face of I the tremendous Tory phalanx they would have to meet, and they would all hope that the voice of Wales, which was now represented by seven Liberals to every one of the Conservative members—(cheers)—would be heard, and that her wishes might to some extent prevail.—Mr. Lewis expressed his sympathy with Colonel and Mrs. Howard in their defeat, and referred to his own victory in the boroughs, returning thanks on his own behalf to the Liberal workers in that neighbourhood. The figures at the last election were Smith 4,376, Howard 3,925, majority for Smith 451. In 1892 Mr. Smith defeated Sir R. A. Cunliffe by 1,452; at the General Election, 1886, he was unopposed, having just previously defeatedilir. Pennant by 1,510 at the bye-election consequent upon Lord R. Grosvenor's elevation to the peerage; and in 1885 Lord R. Grosvenor (L) had a majority of 1,626 over Mr. H. A. Lloyd- Mostyn (C). On the present occasion there were 20 spoiled votes.