The Chester Courant and Advertiser for North Wales

CHESHIRE STANDING JOINT COMMITTEE. » A. quarterly meeting was held on Satur. ,day at Chester Castle, Colonel France- Say hurst presiding. CHIEF CONSTABLE'S REPORT. The Chief Constable submitted a return of crime for the quarter ended 31st August. 1900. The total number of persons apprehended and Summoned was 3,115, of which number 30 were committed for trial, 2,528 summarily convicted, Bad 557 discharged. Of the number summarily convicted 2,211 were fined, and of this number 223 were allowed time to pay. One hundred and sixty-nine persons were sent to prison in default of payment of fine, six of such after having been allowed time to pay. In comparison with the corresponding quarter of 1899, there was an increase of 29 apprehended and a decrease of 242 summoned, the former ftused by offences of begging and immorality, and the latter by fewer cases under the High- way Act, drunkenness, county bye-laws, &c. When compared with the same period of 1895 there was an increase of 120 apprehended and a decrease of 212 summoned, the increase arising from drunkenness, larceny simple, begging, &c., and the decrease from fewer offences under the Rabies (Muzzling of Dogs) Order. Twenty licensed houses were proceeded against, 12 being convicted (no licences endorsed), and 8 dismissed, as against 26 proceeded against, 15 convicted (one conviction removed on appeal), 3 licenses endorsed, and 11 dismissed in August quarter last year, and 13 proceeded against, eight convicted (no licences endorsed), and five dismissed during the same period of 1895. During the year ended 29th September, 1900, 57 licensed houses were proceeded against, 38 convicted, one licence endorsed, and 19 cases dismissed (one of the convictions was quashed on appeal), being a decrease of seven proceeded against when compared with 1899, and an in- crease of 14 when compared with 1895. There Was a decrease of 104 persons proceeded against for drunkenness during the year 1900 when compared with 1899, and a decrease of 28 when compared with 1895. The Brewster Sessions recently held throughout the county resulted in an increase of six wines and spirit licences to existing beerhouses, &c.; eight wine and spirit licences to grocers, chemists, &c.; and a de- crease of one full licence and two beerhouses "on." AN UNSATISFACTORY FEATURE. The Chairman said he noticed there was one unsatisfactory feature about the Chief Constable's report. There was an increase of drunkenness in females as compared with last year. He did not know whether there was any reason for it. Alderman James Smith regretted to notice that in North Wirral there appeared to be a larger percentage of drunkenness than in any other district. It had been said previously that that was partly due to the number of excursionists who came in the summer months, and that it was not entirely due to the residents. He should like to know if the Chief Constable could give any reason for it. The Chief Constable admitted that it did seem rather an excessive number as compared with the population of other districts. He could not give any particular reason. Alderman Smith said it was a district which was visited largely by excursionists. Possibly the police were more zealous. The Chief Constable pointed out that of the 120 proceeded against in North Wirral during the quarter, 110 were convicted by the magi- strates, which shewed that the police had only been doing their duty. TRAGIC DEATH OF A CONSTABLE. Alderman John Thompson referred to the death of a constable who, it was stated, had died at Liscard from the effects of eating bad meat supplied to him while on duty at Altrincham election. The Chief Constable said dinners were pro- vided for the men, and one of the constables afterwards died. The inquest had been opened, and it was stated by the doctor who attended the constable that death was due to the eating of bad meat. The inquest was adjourned, and what the result would be he could not tell. Mr. Killick asked who was responsible for the catering. The Chief Constable said the catering was put into the hands of a local man, and he provided a meat meal in the middle of the day and tea in the afternoon, and the money for that came from a special duty allowance to constables. It was a very sad thing. There was no complaint made of it at the time; all the men seemed to have eaten the meat. He remembered that young constable when he (the Chief Constable) was there in the afternoon. The deceased came off duty and said his stomach ached. That was the last time he was on duty, and it must have been then two or three hoars after eating the food.. Alderman John Thompson: Was there not another constable ill ? The Chief Constable: Tes, there was another constable ill. Alderman John Thompson: Were there not other complaints made ? The Chief Constable: Not to my know- ledge. Captain Congreve: How many partook of this meat ? The Chief Constable said about 50 men were on duty and the superintendent in charge partook of the meat. Captain Congreve: It is an extraordinary thing. The Chairman said as the coroner's jury had not yet decided upon their verdict, it was hardly time to discuss the matter. Alderman John Thompson said they were only asking for information. A PAINFUL AFFAIR. The Rev. C. Wolley-Dod wished to call attention to a matter connected with the police of the Broxton division. The matter was referred to at the Malpas District Council meeting, and in a report of the proceedings one of the Chester news- papers had used the sensational head- line "Alleged Police Scandal." He found on enquiry there was no ground whatever for any such allegation, and he wished to make a brief statement of the facts. On the 11th of September, during very hot weather, a man died suddenly. The duty of the constable in such cases was to give notice by letter by the next post to the coroner. It was too late to send the facts by that night's post, but they were forwarded on the Wednesday, and the coroner would receive it on Thursday morning. The Coroner fixed Friday afternoon for the inquest, and there was no doubt that the body by that time was in an offensive condition. Indignation was expressed, but the constable was not to blame. The late coroner preferred that the police-constable should visit him in person, but this proved inconvenient in many ways. The late Dr. Churton was very likely not in at the time, and the constable was kept waiting several hours. The new Coroner asked that the information should be sent in by post, and this was the arrangement at present. His (the speaker's) own suggestion was that the policeman might have sent notice by telegraph. That he believed might have been done if there had been anything urgent in the case, but there was no reason to suppose that there was anything urgent. It was unfor- tunate that the weather was so hot, but there was no doubt that the body was in an offensive condition. He had thought it right to make that statement to shew there was no blame whatever attachable to the police con- stable, who acted according to the coroner's orders. The Chairman thought the constable might have telegraphed on the Wednesday morning. Then a whole day would not have been wasted. Alderman Tomkinson, M.P., thought the quickest means should always be taken to com- municate with the coroner. The matter then dropped. IMPROVEMENTS AT CHESTER CASTLE. At a meeting of the Chester Castle Courts and County Buildings sub-Committee, Mr. H. Beswick (county architect) had submitted the following report upon the progress of the works being carried out to the parade ground behind the courts at Chester Castle. The works now being carried out on the site of the old prisons are well advanced. The terrace wall is almost completed, and the new parade ground is ready to receive the macadam. The roadway from Shipgate-street to the parade ground has been formed in the position, and to the incline required by the artillery corps, and the new entrance gates to Shipgate street are being built. The ground below the terrace and inside the City Walls has been filled up by the Chester Corporation and is nearly at the proper level. The openings have been made in the City Walls and the old prison wall is nearly all removed. The new road has been set out and will now be proceeded with." He had also laid before the committee plans and sections of the new road now being con- structed by the Town Council. The committee resolved that the fencing of the land belonging to the county, from the new road, be approved, and the county architect be authorised to carry out the same at an estimated cost of 2300, and the Town Council be requested to construct a fence 'of a similar character upon their side, being the opposite side of the new highway. It was also resolved, That the county architect be authorized to have planted at the proper time, the county land abutting upon the proposed new highway, and on the same level thereof, and also the portion of the county land near Shipgate-street, and which first-mentioned land the committee has agreed to plant and maintain as an ornamental ground, at a cost of approximately the sum of X75." The Clerk had laid before the committee a letter from Colonel Wilford Lloyd thanking the committee for the use of the cells as offices, and for improvements to the entrance gate and roadway. Sir Horatio Lloyd moved the adoption of the report, and a suggestion was thrown out that the land might be sown with grass. Sir Horatio explained that as there was no further use for the old gateway in the City Walls after the construction of the new highway, it was pro- posed to build it up. Mr. H. Lyle Smyth explained that if a kerb had not been necessary, the cost would certainly have been very much reduced. He seconded the motion. The Rev. C. Wolley-Dod said he should be very sorry to see the estimates cut down to effect an improvement which would not be becoming the old city. The motion was carried. It was decided to connect the public water supply with the police-stations at Neston and Ellesmere Port, to allow the widow of ex-con- stable John William Lodge a sum of X.54 16s. 6d. he having died within a year from the date on which his pension was granted; and to allow Constable Samuel Lowndes an annual pension of R52 16s. on his retirement, after a service of over 25 years.

GRAVE CHARGE AGAINST A WIFE. I WISH I HAD KILLED HIM." Before the Mayor (Aid. H. T. Brown) and Mr. T. Smith, at Chester City Police Court, on Saturday, Martha Dodd, 4, Kaleyards, was charged in {custody with feloniously wounding her husband, Frederick Dodd, on the previous night.—Stating the facts shortly, the Chief Constable (Mr. J. H. Laybourne) said about 12 o'clock on Friday night prisoner's husband was brought to a police officer in Foregate- street, bleeding from a very severe wound in the forehead. He was taken to Dr. Lees, who dressed the wound, and said the man would probably have bled to death if a longer delay of medical assistance had occurred. The man was afterwards taken home, and prisoner was arrested. She admitted hitting her husband with a boot, and on being charged said I wish I had killed him.P.C. Arthur Williams said Dodd was bleeding profusely from a large wound in the forehead on the night stated, and he was immediately attended to.—Mrs. Dodd said her husband had been drinking all day, and she threw her boot at him, but not with the intention of inflicting serious injury.—On the application of the Chief Constable prisoner was remanded for seven days, bail being allowed, herself in £10 and another surety of the same amount.

DENBIGHSHIRE QUARTER SESSIONS. 0 JURT'S EXTRAORDINARY DECISION." At these sessions on Friday at Wrexham, Captain Griffith-Boscawen presided over a full bench of magistrates. Among the gentlemen who qualified as justices for the county were Mr. Stanley Weyman, of Llanrhydd Hall, Ruthin, the well-known novelist; Mr. Foster Cunliffe, a former captain of the Oxford Uni- versity cricket team, and heir to Sir Robert Cunliffe, Acton Park, Wrexham; and Mr. W. Jones, The Quinta, Overton, clerk to the Over- ton magistrates. The Chairman, in his address to the Grand Jury, said that crime in the county was about the same as usual. He was pained to find, however, that out of the eight prisoners four were indicted for indecent assaults. Unfortunately there had been too many of these cases in the past, and the late Lord Chief Justice at the assizes at Ruthin some months ago made some very strong re- marks respecting these cases, and he had hoped those remarks would have had some effect, but he was sorry to find that they evidently had not. Colonel Mesham, the vice chairman, proposed the following resolution:—" That the Chief Constable be instructed to obtain, with the assistance of the Clerk of the Peace, a complete list of all public-houses and places for the sale of intoxicating drinks in the county of Denbigh, with the names of owners, occupiers, and the changes of ownership, transfers, and convictions which have taken place during the last five years, and that it be shewn on such list whether the houses are tied or not tied. That a form or schedule be drawn up and sent to each division, so that the returns shall be uniform, and then printed and a copy sent to each justice of the peace in the county."—Mr. W. Thomas (Wrexham) seconded, and the motion was agreed to. Jack Hinton, aged 25, who has been con- victed under various names for felony and other offences in different parts of the country, was charged with stealing £ 3 from the person of Thomas Davey, a Liverpool builder. The prosecutor attended Wrexham races on September 3rd along with some friends, and while watching the finish of one of the races the prisoner stole his purse. The prisoner, who only came out of prison in June after serving nine months' imprisonment, was now sentenced to 12 months' imprisonment. Edward Salisbury, collier, living at Brymbo, near Wrexham, was ordered to come up for judgment when called upon for having tried to commit suicide by throwing himself into a pool of water. Mr. Humphreys, butcher, living at Gwersyllt, near Wrexham, was indicted for having attempted to commit suicide.—The jury found a verdict of not guilty, and the prisoner was discharged. W. Barker, an old offender, was sentenced to six monthe' imprisonment for stealing a pair of boots, the property of John Jones, Ruthin. The prisoner said it was election day, and he did not remember doing it. Evan Pritchard, aged 18, a labourer, was charged with committing an assault on Anne Jones, at Llangerniew. A previous conviction for a like offence having been proved against the prisoner, he was sentenced to six months' imprisonment. W. Jones, a blacksmith, living in Salop-road, Wrexham, was charged with committing an assault upon a married woman, named Sarah Margaret Davies, living at Cerney. Mr. Samuel Moss, M.P., appeared for the prosecu- tion, while Mr. Yates defended. The jury found a verdict of not guilty.—The Chairman said it was a mostjextraordinary decision, and he refused to have the jury any longer. He therefore discharged them, and said he hoped next time they were summoned they would do their duty. A fresh jury was then sworn. Edwin Wright, a blacksmith, who went out to South Africa with the Volunteer Service Company of the Royal Welsh Fusiliers, but was invalided home, was also charged with assaulting the same woman, Davies. Mr. Moss prosecuted, and Mr. R. V. Bankes defended. The jury found the prisoner not guilty, and he was discharged. J. G. Smith, a tramp, was sentenced to five months' imprisonment for assaulting a little girl, named Anne Rogers, living in Trafalgar- road, Wrexham.

ADJOURNED CHESHIRE QUARTER SESSIONS. ♦ The adjourned quarter sessions for the county of Chester were held on Thursday. The Chairman (Sir Horatio Lloyd), in his charge to the Grand Jury, said the calendar was a very ordinary one, the number of prisoners for trial being about the same as usual. FIRST COURT. (Before Sir Horatio Lloyd and other Magistrates.) SUCCESSFUL LICENSING APPEAL. Mrs. Mary Ealie, who formerly held a beer- house licence for the premises, 6, Hope-street, Birkenhead, appealed against the refusal of the justices to grant her a renewal of the licence.— Mr. E. H. Lloyd appeared for the appellant, and Mr. Clement Higgins, Q.C., and Mr. Trevor Lloyd appeared for the justices. The magistrates gave as their grounds for refusal that the licence was not required in the neigh- bourhood, and that the house was not duly qualified as by law required. The decision of the justices, Mr. Higgins explained, had rested mainly on the second ground that the house was not of the necessary value. In 1869 it was requisite for a licensed house to be of the annual value of X15, but the house in question was rated at only X13 nett. Eliminating the rates and taxes, the house in question was of the value of only something like 43. a week.—Mr. Lloyd said Mr. Higgins's contention was practically that the Birkenhead justices had been parties to a farce for thirty years, and the drink had been served in this house for that period under a licence which was valueless. It was perfectly true that under the Act of 1840 no licence could be granted to a dwelling-house unless it was rated upon a rent or annual value of X15, but in 1869, when justices' licences first came into existence, protection was granted to houses theretofore licensed, or, as the Act said, to houses in respect of which a licence is in force now." He therefore contended that the licence was in force on the 1st of May, 1869, and that when the licence was granted the dwelling-house was rated at the requisite amount. The justices below had practically held that this was an 1869 house, and their grounds of appeal plainly shewed that they regarded it as such.—The Court con- sidered the point, and on their return the Chairman said they were of opinion that they ought not to stop the case on the ground raised. The words where a licence is in force" in the Act of Parliament of 1869 meant a licence that was in force irrespective of whether or not it ought to have been in force. He thought after the lapse of 31 years they ought to assume that the justices at that time had some ground for doing as they had done. They might have thought that X13 did not represent the annual value of the premises. —Mr. Higgins, having failed in this contention, proceeded to argue that the premises at present were not of the requisite value of E15. He called three expert valuers in support of this whose valuations of the premises as a dwelling-house were all about 4s. a week.- Mr. Lloyd contended ithat if the licence were taken away the premises would let as a shop, for which they were admirably adapted, at a rental of over 6s. a week. He also called several expert valuers, who estimated the premises as a shop to be worth about 7s. 6d. a week. After consultation with the other magis- trates, the Chairman said the Bench were of opinion that the annual value of the premises exceeded 915 a year, and therefore the appeal would be allowed. The Bench granted a case for appeal on Mr. Higgins's first contention. A DISHONEST SERVANT. EVIL COMMUNICATIONS, &0. Martha Schroder (18), servant, pleaded guilty to stealing from the house of her employer, Isaac Harris, at Liscard, a gold lever hunting watch, a lady's hunting enamel watch, a lady's gold guard, a gold bracelet, a diamond ring, a gold double albert, a lady's gold ring, two 8ilvertable spoons, and 93 7s. 6d. in money on the 11th July. Mary O'Brien (18), servant, and Harry Williams (32), labourer, were indicted for receiving the stolen articles.—Mr. Colt Williams appeared for the prosecution. It appeared that the girl Schroder came to her mistress' house late on the night in question, and on being reprimanded by her mistress for her unpunctuality said she would leave her service. She went upstairs, and Mrs. Harris, on going subsequently into her bedroom, found her gold chain lying on the ioor. On opening her jewellery drawer, she found the contents, to the value of JE38, together with RZ 7s. 6d. in money, had gone. The lady charged her with having stolen them, but she denied it. Schroder had been seen on the same night talking to the other female prisoner, and the women got together and pawned a number ot the goods. The prisoner Williams, with whom the women kept company, received two of the stolen articles-a silver watch and chain.—In view of the fact that this was the first offence recorded against the female prisoners, the Court bound them over to appear for judgment if called upon on their promise to enter a home. Williams bore a serious criminal record, having been convicted on numerous occasions of serious offences, including burglary, and he had at present an unexpired period of eighteen months ticket-of-leave on a sentence of penal servitude for six years. He would be now sent to penal servitude for three years, and the sentence would include the year and a half he had to serve upon his previous sentence. A CALLOUS CHESTER MOTHER. Elizabeth Godwin (30) was indicted for wilfully neglecting her five children of ages ranging from two to seven years of age on the 13th August and on other occasions between the 12th May and the 12th August at Hoole, in a manner likely to cause them unnecessary suffering or injury to their health.—Mr. Trevor Lloyd, prosecuting on behalf of the N.S.P.C.C., said prisoner was the wife of an engine driver who was in receipt of good wages (£1 19s. a week). He, it appeared, was in no way to blame, as he had done all he could by handing to his wife all his wages each week. She, however, squandered the money in drink, frequently absented her- self from the house, and left her children to get on as best they could. The inspector of the society visited her on numerous occasions during June, July, and August, and repeatedly found her intoxicated, and the children in a very filthy state. Even since prisoner had been released on bail there had been no improvement in her conduct; her drunken habits and her neglect of the family continued.—The society's inspector (Mr. R. Nicol) and Dr. Harrison, police surgeon, having given evidence in support of the case, prisoner was sentenced to six months' hard labour. SECOND COURT. (Before Mr. H. C. Yates and other magistrates.) IMPUDENT FRAUDS AT NANTWICH. Robert James Shenton (18), formerly a printer's apprentice, but now out of employ- ment, was indicted for obtaining RA 11s. by fraud from Mr. Harry Mervyn Lutwyche, a young gentleman of means staying at the Brine Baths Hotel, Nantwich.—Mr. Trevor Lloyd said prisoner had been collecting without authority for several clubs. In July he went to Mr. Lutwyche at the Brine Baths Hotel, and asked for a subscription for a new pavilion which, he stated, the cricket club were going to build. Mr. Lutwyche gave him 10s. In August he asked prosecutor for a subscription for the swimming bath, and received one guinea, and subsequently he asked Mr. Lutwyche for a subscription for the football club- from the membership of which, it appeared, he had been expelled. Mr. Lutwyche gave him a cheque for X3, making it payable on prisoner's suggestion to Joseph Johnson, secretary of the club. Prisoner endorsed the cheque n Joseph. Johnson" and cashed it.- Prosecutor entered the box, and Mr. Trevor Lloyd said I am afraid a good many people will go to you for subscriptions."—Prosecutor: They will not get any more. (Laughter.) Pro- ceeding, prosecutor said his suspicions were aroused when he received a letter in prisoner's handwriting purporting to come from the com- mittee of the club. He made inquiries in Nant- wich, and found out that the note and prisoner's collecting book were bogus.—P.S. Jones said prisoner, although out of work, visited billiard rooms.—Prisoner was found guilty, and sen- tenced to six months' hard labour. A DRUNKEN FREAK. Thomas Dodd (26), collier, Haslington, was indicted for stealing a mare, a cart, a set of harness, &c., the property of Joseph Baker, farmer, Warmingham, near Crewe. Mr. Trevor Lloyd prosecuted, and Mr. W. B. Yates defended. On August 10th, while prosecutor's trap was left outside a shop in Crewe, prisoner drove off in it. Prosecuter s servant saw him driving away and shouted at him. The man turned round, saw him, and drove on. Prisoner was afterwards stopped by a police sergeant and taken into custody.—The defence was that prisoner took the horse and trap in a drunken freak, and that he had no intention of convert- ing them to his own use.—He was acquitted. A LIFE OF IMPOSTURE. John Rose (68), described as a gardener, was indicted for obtaining three sums of a shilling each from widows residing at Seacombe and Liscard. Mr. S. Moss, M.P., prosecuted. Pris- oner's modus operandi was to call upon people and represent that he was travelling for a Birkenhead coal firm. By quoting cheap rates he induced them to give him orders, and in each of the three cases in question he obtained Is. on account. None of the people received any coal. The jury found him guilty, with a recommenda- tion to mercy. The Chairman read a long list of convictions, shewing that almost continuously since 1874 prisoner had been convicted of fraud. He described him as being as big an imposter as it was possible to find, and sentenced him to twelve months' hard labour. SENTENCES. Joseph PovaU (29). bricklayer, for burglary at Liscard, was sentenced to two months' hard labour. David Fynkester (21), a Polish Jew, described as a painter, was sentenced to one month's hard labour for burglary, also at Liscard.

BROUGHTON PETTY SESSIONS. » THURSDAY.—Before Messrs. W. Carstairs Jones (chairman), J. Watkinson, R. Podmore, and F. L. Hancock. UNDER PROOF WHISKY AT SALTNBY.—• Charles Burlinson, licensee of the Queen's Hotel, Saltney, was summoned under the Food and Drugs Act for selling adulterated whisky. Mr. J. B. Mars ton (Mold) appeared for the defence.—Inspector Robert Jones (Flint) said he visited the hotel on September 7th and purchased a pint of whisky from defendant's wife, to whom he paid 2a. for it. He divided the whisky into three parts, one of which he sent to Chester to have analysed. It was found that the whisky contained more water than it legally should by 1 per cent.—Mr. Marston Did you sample any of the whisky your- self ?—The Inspector: What do you mean ? (Laughter.)—Mr. Marston said his client, who occupied a tied house, was in the habit of sending to his brewery for proof spirit which he (the publican) reduced to its proper strength by adding a certain quantity of water. The brewery having run short ot whisky defendant went to Chester and bought some reduced spirit there, and his wife, who was under the impression that it was proof spirit, added so much water with the result already known. At the time Mrs. Burlinson was quite innocent that the whisky had previously been reduced.— The Magistrates retired, and upon their return the Chairman said they considered the case proved, and Burlinson would be fined £1 and costs.. MOLD JUNCTION COFFBB, 50 PER CENT. CiticoEty.-A summons was also taken out against the Co-operative Society Stores at Mold Junction for adulteration of coffee.—Mr. Marston defended.—Inspector Jones said he went to the stores on the 7th of September, and was supplied with half a pound of loose coffee, for which he gave 10d., by an assistant. Of the three parts he divided he had one analysed, and it was discovered that this part contained 56 per cent. of chicory.—Mr. Marston said there was no reason or motive for his clients to be dishonest, when nearly all of the customers were members of the firm.-The Bench, how- ever, took a serious view of the case and imposed a fine of L5 and costs (E6 altogether.)

FLINTSHIRE QUARTER SESSIONS. ♦ APPOINTMENT OF DEPUTY CLERK OF THE PEACE. These sessions were held at Mold on Wednes- day, Mr. P. P. Pennant presiding over a large attendance of magistrates. Mr. Robert Jones (Manchester House, Mold) was foreman of the grand jury. A little county business was transacted. This was the sessions for appointing justices to act under the provisions of the Luimcy Act.- The Chairman said it was customary to appoint three justices from each petty sessional division.—Only a few alterations were made in the existing list, the following being newly appointed to act-Messrs. E. H. Wain (Mold), H. H. Hughes (Caergwrle), W. C. Pickering (HolyweU), and M. A. Ralli (Prestatyn). Mr. Trevor Lloyd applied on behalf of the London and North-Western Railway Company for the enrolling of certificates relating to two cases of road diversion over the company's line in the county of Flint. In each case Mr. Lloyd submitted the plans and explained that the new roads were ready and open to the public.— Mr. R. S. Kelly (deputy clerk of the peace) said all the notices were in order.—The application in each case was granted. The Chairman said there was one matter he wished to bring before his brother magistrates. He had received a notification from the Clerk of the Peace (Mr. T. Kelly) that morning stating that he had appointed his son, Mr. Robert Stewart Kelly, as deputy clerk of the peace, and that this appointment had received the sanction of the Lord-Lieutenant. In receiving this inti- mation, he thought he would be expressing the feelings of all the members of the Bench when he said that this was an occasion when they could not but recollect the great number of years that Court had had the assistance of Mr. Kelly. He (the chairman) had known that Court for over 40 years, and he did not remember the time when they had not the assistance of Mr. Kelly. During all those years he was sure Mr. Kelly had discharged his duties with great ability, and to the satisfaction of all. Owen Jones (36), an itinerant clock cleaner, was indicted with having stolen a watch and chain, value 10s., the property of Edward Edwards, at Rhyl, on the 25th August. Prisoner pleaded guilty. The Chairman said the prisoner was repeatedly in gaol, but he seemed to come out very little Detter than when he went in. It was to be hoped that would be the last time the prisoner would come before that court at any rate, and he would now be sentenced to six months' imprisonment with hard labour. George Doran (27), was charged with steal- ing three sacks, value Is., the property of Messrs. Webb and Son, bone and manure works, Saltney, near Chester, on the 24th September. Mr. T. Morris was for the prosecution, and Mr. Ralph V. Bankes defended.—It appeared that the prisoner was at the time employed at these works, at a salary of about 35s. per week, and it was alleged that he took these sacks away with- out authority.—For the defence it was pleaded the prisoner had no intention of stealing the bags. He only wanted to take some fowls home which he had bought, and he intended to take the sacks back again to the worka. At the most, it was urged, the prisoner was only guilty of a breach of rule in having borrowed the bags.— The jury returned a verdict of Not guilty."— The Chairman said he quite agreed with the verdict, and he might say the prisoner left the court without a stain upon his character.

THROAT AFFECTIONS AND HOARSENESS. BROWN'S BRONCHIAL TROCHES, which have proved so successful in America for the Cure of Coughs, Colds, Hoarseness, Bronchitis, Asthma, Catarrh, or any irritation or sore. ness of the throat, are now imported and sold in this country at 1/1J per box. Put up in the form of a lozenge it is the most convenient, pleasant, safe and sure remedy for clearing and strengthening the voice in the world. No family should be without them. The genuine have the words BROWN'S BRONCHIAL TROCHES" on the Government stamp around each box.—London Depot: 33, Farringdon-road, and of all Patent Medicine Vendors. A PROTRACTED ELECTION. Both candi- dates for the county of Orkney and Shetland, Sir L. Lyell (R) and Mr. J. Cathcart Wason, Liberal Unionist, have now about com- pleted their campaign, and both are sanguine of success. At the last election Sir L. Lyell had a majority of 712 votes, but there were many abstentions, only about half of the electorate polling out of a constituency of 7,420. All the fishermen were away at the last election, but are now home, and, if the harvest operations do not interfere, it is expected to be a heavy poll. The polling took place yesterday (Tuesday) and to-day (Wednesday), and it will be next Tuesday before the result is known. Beyond doubt HORNIMAN'S PURE TEA is of wonderful value, refined flavour, delicious to the palate and invigorating to the system. Sold by-Chester: Spencer, 36, Bridge-street; Co- operative Society; Moss, 68, Brook-street; Prit- chard, Christleton-road; Cryer, 98A, Foregate-st.; Jones & Davies, bakers, Hoole. Lee, chemist, Neston. Swindells, baker, Little Sutton. Langford, grocer, Tarvin. Birkenhead: Dutton, chemist; Haywood, chemist; Packwood, grocer. Rhuddlan: Roberts, grocer. New Ferry: Fawcett, chemist. Upper Brighton: Somerville, Garratt, chemist. Bromborougrh Pool: Co-op. Society. Mynydd Isa: Co-op. Society. Frodsham: Baker. Tarporley: Dunning. Tattenhall: Bateman. Hoylake: Smith, grocer. Mold Junction: Co-op. Society. Flint: Williams, grooer. Connah's Quay: Smith, groeer.

WAR FUNDS IN CHESHIRE. INFLUENTIAL MEETING AT KNUTSFORD. In response to an invitation issued by Earl Egerton of Tatton and the Duchess of Bucking- ham and Chandos, a conference was held on Saturday afternoon at the Town Hall, Knuts- ford, to discuss the future working in the county of Chester of the Soldiers and Sailors' Help Society, and the Soldiers and Sailors' Families Association, and to propose terms on which they could be worked in harmony, or amalgamated in accordance with the recommendation of the Government Committee for the better adminis- tration of the funds for the relief of soldiers and sailors and their families. Earl Egerton presided, and there were also present the Duchess of Buckingham and Chandos, the Countess Grosvenor, Lady Newton, Lady Shakerley, the Hon. Mrs. Tatton Egerton, Mrs. Cotton-Jodrell, Mr. and Mrs. Legh, of Adling- ton, Captain Husey, the Rev. R. Corbett, Mrs. Langford Brook, Mrs. Tatton, Mrs. Frost, Mrs. Rigby, Mrs. Lyon, Mrs. Kay, &e. Earl Egerton said that now that the pressure of the war was over, he thought it desirable that in the county of Chester they should take note ot what had been done for the soldiers and sailors, and endeavour so to organise the funds for their relief, and the relief of their families, that there should be no overlapping, but, on the other hand, a complete organisation in every part of the county to deal directly with those who were coming back from the war, or with the families of those who had died in the war. In February last a committee was appointed by Mr. Arthur Balfour to consider with the managers of the various charitable funds available for the relief of persons who had served, or were serving, in the war, how those funds might be administered with the least waste, and to the best advantage of those for whom they were intended. That com- mittee had drawn up a report from which he would quote the following extract:—"These funds are divided into three classes, (1) those which deal with the wives and de- pendents of living soldiers (2) those which deal with the widows and de- pendents of soldiers who have died in the service; (3) those which deal with sick and wounded soldiers and sailors invalided home, or discharged disabled.' At the time the Lord Lieutenant's Fund was started in Cheshire the most pressing cases were those of the soldiers who were going to the front; but the most pressing cases now were those of the widows and dependents of men who had died in South Africa, and of the men who were sick, wounded, or discharged disabled, The issuing of the report of the committee to which he had referred was followed by a meeting at Marl- borough House, presided over by the Prince of Wales. His Royal Highness saw the difficulty which arose through the various funds over- lapping, and made certain recommendations to the Lord Mayor of London. The latter sum- moned a conference at the end of July, and to shew them the enormous amount of money that had been subscribed for those objects, he would quote statistics from the Lord Mayor's report. At the end of July, excluding the Refugee Fund, close upon £ 1,000,000 had been remitted to the Mansion House; E421,332 had been subscribed for the widows and orphans; X95,659 for the British Red Cross Society; 9106,062 for Lloyd's Patriotic Fund; 9186,011 for the Soldiers' and Sailors' Associa- tion and 9182,977 for the Lord Mayor's Discretionary Fund in connection with the war. The conference resulted inithe formation of a permanent Central Consultative Council, which was composed of the leading Lord Lieutenants and Mayors throughout England. The large committee thus constituted would put itself into communication with the officials of the different local funds, and would see that the central societies were in touch with the local associa- tions all over the country. The report of the Council of the Soldiers' and Sailors' Families' Association, of which the Princess of Wales was the president, was presented during the sum- mer of this year, and he recommended that they should in future work upon the lines of that report. The report stated that A working alliance was in the course of the year arranged between the association and the Soldiers' and Sailors' Help Society, with a view to join together into one working organisation throughout the kingdom the large number of ladies and gentlemen voluntarily giving their services for the objects of the two societies, but heretofore working independently. A special point in the arrangement was that it was not to be con- sidered obligatory for the office bearers of either society to undertake the duties of the other, and that the finances of both were to be kept quite separate and distinct, the funds of the association not being available for men, nor the funds of the society available for women. When taking this step, the Council had chiefly in view the object, long desired by many interested in all naval and military works of this nature, of trying to draw into closer co- operation the different agencies established for the benefit of all connected with the services." The Soldiers' and Sailors' Help Society had not done any active work, because it was not required at the commencement of the war but now its services would be very much in request. If the course that he would recom- mend was pursued the branch of the society in Cheshire would become a branch of the Soldiers' and Sailors' Families' Association, and he had to appeal to the ladies who worked so well for the families of the soldiers to do the same for the soldiers when they returned. He had no doubt that the Government would do something for those soldiers who were invalided or permanently disabled, but the Government worked very slowly, and until the men got assistance from the Government it was quite clear that voluntary effort must step in. The men who were convalescent would want to obtain work, and situations would be required for them. At the present time there were a large number of men in the convalescent hospitals throughout the country, and he was glad to have a few in the Convalescent Home just out- side that town. They hoped that many of them might be discharged convalescent, but there must be a large residue who would be permanently disabled, and it was very desirable that those men should be looked after. In the first instance, they would be taking a step in the right direction if they simply made the Soldiers' and Sailors' Help Society a branch of the Soldiers' and Sailors' Families' Association. So far as he knew, the various funds had been very well administered in that county, but it was desir- able that the committees of the Soldiers and Sailors' Families' Association should be in touch with the various local bodies in order that there might be no overlapping. It was necessary that the funds should be administered locally, and every care must be taken to see that the soldiers were well looked after, as well as due economy exercised in the management of affairs. (Hear, hear.) After a short discussion, the Duchess of Buckingham and Chandos moved the following resolution:—"That this conference, representing the Soldiers' and Sailors' Families' Associa- tion and the Soldiers and Sailors' Help Society considers it advisable that the local committees of the Soldiers' and Sailors' Families' Associa- tion should include in their management the objects of the Soldiers' and Sailors' Help Society, on the basis of the alliance between the two societies arranged and recorded in the report of, the Council of the Soldiers' and Sailors' Families' Association for 1900, signed by the President, the Princess of Wales." The Countess Grosvenor seconded the motion, and it was carried unanimously. Lady Newton proposed: "That the com- mittees in this county of the Soldiers' and Sailors' Families' Association be requested to place themselves in communication with the managers of any other funds raised for the same or similar purposes, such as the Royal Patriotic and Lloyd's Patriotic or Newspaper Funds, so as to ensure that there should be no overlapping of funds from want of sufficient information as to the relief of eases." This was seconded by Mrs. Cotton-Jodrell, and carried. The proceedings then came to a close.

CADBURY's COCOA, on the testimony of the Lancet, 'represents the standard of highest purity.' It is entirely free from all foreign substances, such as kola, malt, hops, &c., nor is alkali used to darken the colour (and so deceive the eye). Dr. Andrew Wilson, in a recent article in the Illustrated London News, writes Coooa is in itself a perfect food, and requires no addition of drugs whatever.' CADBURY's COCOA is absolutely pure, and should be taken by old and young, at all times and in all seasons; for Children it is an ideal beverage, promoting healthy growth and development in a remarkable degree. Insist on having CADBUBY's, as other Cocoas are often substituted for the sake of extra profit. Sold only in Packets and Tins. 3

Scott's Emulsion Cured this Little Boy, But he should have taken this remedy much sooner than he did. I ARTHUR WILLIAM LACEY. (from a Photograph.) 7a, Franche Court Road, Earlsfleld, London, S.W., April 27th, 1900. Dear Sirs,—I am very pleased to be able to tell you of the happy results of my experience with Scott's Emulsion for my little son, who had a serious attack of pneumonia about two years ago. This was followed by measles and whooping cough, and we were told that we should not be able to rear him. After a time he commenced to improve, but was never the same child as before his illness, About every three or four weeks he became so hot that anyone would have thought he had scarlet fever. His temperature varied considerably: it has reached 1041o, and in less than half-an-hour it has gone down to 90°. He would then be languid and pale and quite lose his appetite for weeks, and then he would again pick up a bit for a time, but never made any particular progress. We tried everything we could for him, but nothing did him sfood for any length of time. At last, as a last resort, I gave him Scott's Emulsion, and to your splendid remedy I feel I owe my boy's life. From the commence- ment of this treatment he began to improve, and to-day he is a strong and healthy boy with a splendid appetite, and eats everything I give him. The bloom of health is on his cheeks, and he goes to school with the other children. I cannot tell you how grateful I am for all that Scott's Emulsion has done for my child, and send you this letter as a slight acknowledgement. In gratitude, believe me, Very sincerely yours, A- (Sift'ocr": {IvIrO It is a great mistake for anybody to think that because Scott's Emulsion con- tains cod-liver oil it should only be used as a last resort. When cod-liver oil had to be taken in its ordinary form its taste and the difficulty many had in digesting it seemed rather to put it in the light of a last resort" remedy. In Scott's Emulsion, however, the taste of cod-liver oil is completely disguised, and its per- fectly emulsified form makes it of no tax whatever upon the stomach. Scott's Emul- sion has therefore given to cod-liver oil its greatest value by placing it within Jihe reach of everybody-young and old alike. In addition to cod-liver oil, Scott's Emul- sion contains the hypophosphites of lime and soda, and glycerine, which add greatly to its value as a medicinal agent. Children love the taste ef Scott's Emulsion and adults take it readily. In serious diseases, like consumption and scrofula, Scott's Emulsion can be taken continuously for a long period, without in any way impairing digestion. This remedy is better adapted ¡ to the needs of a wasting or emaciated system than any other preparation offered to the public. Children gain appetite, flesh, and strength, and are transformed into perfect pictures of health by Scott's Emulsion, when no other remedy or no other form of cod-liver oil will do them any good. Scott's Emul- sion differs from all other forms of cod-liver oil, being made from a special formula and by a special process. You cannot form any adequate idea of the possi- bilities of cod-liver oil until you have tried the genuine, Scott's Emulsion, which may be distinguished by our TRADR MARK. trade mark, which is on the wrapper of every genuine bottle. A sample of Scott's Emulsion will be sent to any address in Great Britain upon receipt of threepence to cover postage and mentioning the name of this paper. Appli- cations for samples should be sent to Scott and Bowne, Limited, 95, Great Saffron Hill, London, E.C.

SCARBOROUGH BANK ARREST. I ♦ PRISONER IN COURT. Before the Scarborough magistrates on Fri- day, Edward Crosby, 38, manager of the South Cliff branch of the York City and County Bank, appeared on bail, charged with wilfully, unlaw- fully, and with intent to defraud falsifying a counter book. It will be remembered that on Tuesday of last week Mr. Crosby was found unconscious at the bank, and on recovering sensibility he stated that he had been struck on the head with a stick by a man who entered the bank while he was busy with his books, and whom he was thus unable to describe. An investigation is stated to have shewn that notes to the value of some hundreds of pounds were missing. The accused, who appeared to be in a weak condition, was accompanied by his medical attendant. Henry Riches, chief constable, stated that he arrested the prisoner at the residence in Scarborough of the Rev. G. Hogarth, his father- in-law. After the warrant had been read to him the accused said, I have told Mr. Sayner (the manager of the chief Scarborough branch) everything I can say, and I cannot say any more. Shall I tell you what I told Mr. Sayner ? Without waiting for a reply, he proceeded, I own I took X100, but I repaid it." In response to the formal charge he only remarked," Right." The prisoner was remanded on bail, two sureties in JE250 each.

CHILD'S FALL FROM A TRAIN. HANDLES INSIDE CARRIAGES. The undesirability of there being handles on the inner side of railway carriage doors formed the feature of an inquest held on Thursday by the Bolton coroner (Mr. Rowland Taylor) on the body of a child named Douglas Buchanan, three years of age, who was travelling with its mother on the London and North-Western Rail- way from Wrexham to Bolton on Wednesday. There were two women and two children in the compartment, and the train had only got under weigh after leaving Kenyon Junction when the door flew open and the child was thrown out. It was with the greatest difficulty that the other women prevented Mrs. Buchanan leaping after her child, which was found terribly mangled, and after being attended by Dr. Auden, of Leigh, was taken to Bolton Infirmary, where it died. The question raised at the in- quest was whether the door of the carriage had been left unfastened, or had been unfastened by the little one. The coroner said he regarded these inside handles as a nuisance. The guard on the train did not think the child could un- fasten the door, but Hindle, the foreman porter at Kenyon, declared that all the doors were fast when the train left there. Inspector Atkinson suggested that the child loosened the handle by banging against it in playing with the other little one. A juryman said off-side doors ought to be locked. The inspector said this was prohibited by Act, but a double lock was being introduced which was a great im- provement, A verdict of Accidental death was returned.

NESTON BIGHT OF WAY DISPUTE. 0 A LEGAL CONFLICT. At Birkenhead County Court, on Wednesday, his Honour Judge James and a special jury were occupied about five hours in the hearing of an action brought by Joseph Andrew Keats, Dunston, Torquay, Devon, as the trustee of the will of the late Mr. Joseph Lyon, Neston claiming first an injunction to restrain John Woodward, builder, Bridge-street, Neston, from trespassing upon a certain yard adjoining High- street, Neston, the property of the plaintiff, and secondly damages and costs for trespass.— Mr. F. C. Smith, barrister (instructed by Messrs. Simpson, North and Co., Liverpool), appeared for the plaintiff, and Mr. W. H. Churton, solicitor, Chester, for the defendant. The facts proved were as follow:-Mr. John Woodward (the defendant) was the owner of .certain property, including a road and part of a yard adjoining the High-street, Neston. This property conaisted partly of a brew-house and malt kiln to which there had always been access with carts from High-street along the road belonging to Mr. Woodward, and also across a yard which was the joint property of Mr. Woodward and the late Mr. Lyon. Plaintiff contended that the defendant had no right to use this yard with carts and horses. Defendant contended that he had an easement over the yard for the purpose of access to his malt kiln and brew-house, and that such access bad been in existence for time immemorial further, that it would render his buildings absolutely useless if he could not get to them with carts. It was admitted on all hands that unless he used part of the yard, which was the plaintiff a property, he could not obtain access to his buildings with carts.—Plaintiff's case was that the late Mr. Lyon's predecessor became entitled to his property and part of the yard under a lease dated May, 1828, for 99 years. A mass of evidence was given on both sides shewing the uninterrupted use of the yard by the de- fendant since he became the purchaser of the adjoining property in 1892, and for forty or fifty years prior to that date. A long, legal argument took place be- tween the parties, and eventually the judge said the verdict of the jury was entirely in favour of the defendant upon the mn-in issue as to the easement of way over the yard. He therefore refused an injunction, and awarded tW defendant the general costs of the action exoept such costs as were caused by the technical trespass. As regarded the technical trespass plaintiff was awarded the sum of one shilling without costs.—Plaintiff's counsel applied for leave to appeal, but the judge refused to grant it.

HIMBOD'S CURE FOR ASTHMA. -Established over a quarter of a century, -Prescribed by the Medical Faculty throughout the world. It is used as an inhalation, and without any after bad effects. Testimonials of efficacy from the late Lord Beacons! field Miss Emily Faithful, Sir Morell Mackenzie, and Oliver Wendell Holmes. Trial sample free by post. In Tins at 4/3. British Bep6t: 46, Holborn Viaduct, London; also of Newbory, Barclay, Sanger, Edwards, May Roberts; Butler & C-ispe; Thompson, Liverpool; all Wholesale Houses.