The Chester Courant and Advertiser for North Wales

THIS DAY'S TELEGRAMS. PREMIER'S VISIT TO THE QUEEN. Lord Salisbury, accompanied by his son, the Rev. Lord William Cecil, arrived at Ballater by special train from Aberdeen, at half-past eight this morning, and drove to Balmoral. The Premier will breakfast and rest at the Castle, and will be received in audience by her Majesty at 11 o'clock. WARNING TO RAILWAY PASSENGERS. A young man named Birchall, residing at Brynmill, was killed to-day while attempting to enter a moving train on the Swansea and Mumbles Railway. DISHONEST SOLICITORS. STRONGER PUNISHMENT ADVOCATED. The annual provincial meeting of the Incorporated Law Society opened at Weymouth to-day, Mr. Robert Ellet, of Cirencester, pre- siding, and 180 members attending. The president, in his address, condemned the recent malpractices and failures of solicitors. The offenders were a small number of the great body of solicitors. The society was determined to support measures for punishing offenders. They looked to the Legislature to strengthen the criminal law regarding the misappropriation of clients' money.

THE SOUTH AFRICAN WAR. BULLER AT CAPETOWN. [RENTER'S SPECIAL CABLE.] Capetown, Tuesday. General Buller has arrived. As the Hawarden Castle was not expected so early there was, in consequence, no demonstration. Sir Redvers was heartily cheered while driving to Govern- ment House. The Corporation entertains him to-morrow, and presents him with an address.

POWERS AND CHINA. « ANGLO-GERMAN AGREEMENT. LORD SALISBURY'S POLICY. The following statement was issued from the Foreign Office on Saturday :— An exchange of Notes containing the follow- ing Agreement took place on the 16th inst. between Lord Salisbury and Count Hatzfeldt. Her Majesty's Government and the Imperial German Government, being desirous to main- tain their interests in China and their rights under existing Treaties, have agreed to observe the following principles in regard to their Mutual Policy in China:— (1) It is a matter of joint and permanent International interest that the ports on the rivers and littoral of China should remain free and open to trade, and to every other legitimate form of economic activity, for the nationals of all countries, without distinction, and the two Governments agree on their part to uphold the same for all Chinese territory, so far as they can exercise influence. (2) The Imperial German Government and her Brittanic Majesty's Government will not, on their part, make use of the present complication to obtain for themselves any territorial advan- tages in Chinese Dominions, and will direct their Policy towards maintaining undiminished the territorial conditions of the Chinese Empire. (3) In case of another Power making use of the complications in China in order to obtain, under any form whatever, such territorial advantages, the two Contracting Parties reserve to themselves to come to a preliminary under- standing as to the eventual steps to be taken for the protection of their own interests in China. (4) The two Governments will communicate this agreement to the other Powers interested, and especially to Austri-Hungary, France, Italy, Japan, Russia, and the United States of America, and will invite them to accept the principles in it."

%porting. NEWMARKET MEETING.-TuBSDA. Y. TRIAL PLATE.-Biddo, 1; David II., 2; Joe Ullman, 3. Ten ran. SCARBOROUGH STAKES.—Marconi, 1; Scotch- man, 2; Old Buck II., 3. Seven ran. FORDHAM WELTER HANDICAP.—Ardeer, 1; Perthshire, 2; Carbinia, 3, Fourteen ran. NURSERY STAKzs.-RoWurs filly, 1; Doubt- ful Honour, 2; Fire Island, 3. Sixteen ran. DUNSTALL PARK MEETING.—TUESDAY. NATIONAL HUNT FLAT RACE.—Balaustine, 1; Warlingham II., 2. Three ran. PENN STEEPLECHASE.—Palmleaf II. walked over. COMPTON HURDLE.—Harbour, 1; Blue Ruin, 2; Broken Vows, 3. Five ran.

A BUILDER AND HIS CONTRACT WITH CHESTER UNION. 0 At the fortnightly meeting of the Chester Board of Guardians, yesterday (Tuesday) morning, when Mr. J. Pover presided, a letter was received from Messrs. McLellan Bros., Chester, asking to be relieved of their contract with the Board for building a ohildren's home at Saughall, on the ground that they had other work in hand in addition to the other contract with the Board to erect a Central Home in connection with the same scheme. A long discussion took place as to why Messrs. McLellan should be relieved of one con- tract and allowed to retain the other, several arguing that such a course would be unfair to other firms who tendered and had their figures published in the newspapers.—It was decided that the clerk should write to the firm in ques- tion informing them that if they were un- willing to undertake both contracts the Board would require them to be relieved of both. Messrs. McLellan's reply to the communication will be the basis of the Board's decision at the next meeting.

Boys BURIED IN SAND. — Three youths were suffocated at Blaydon-on-Tyne on Friday afternoon. A lad named William Stuart was filling a cart with sand from a bank, when several tons of sand fell, burying him, his horse and cart, and two boys named Bell and Watson, who were standing near. Watson's dead body was recovered after the lapse of three-quarters of an hour by a gang of men rm?° £ a<se*; work to remove the fallen sand. The bodies of Stuart and Bell were recovered an hour later. STATION GAI&iDEmg.-Travellers on the Great Western Railway will probably have noticed and admired the tastefully arranged gardens which are to be found at many stations on that system; but it may not be generally known that the company, recognising the desirability of encouraging its staff to make the most of the garden ground available at the stations for the cultivation of flowers, shrubs, &e., has each year, for nearly a quarter of a century past, given, in deserving cases, money prizes of from JE5 to 10s.—the aggregate value of such prizes being E250 per annum. As was anticipated, the result has been that since the company first commenced to offer these prizes the number of stations on the Great Western line which has been improved by the addition of attractive and well-cultivated gardens has considerably increased. In awarding the prizes regard is had to the maintenance of a uniform standard of excellence throughout the season, the pro- gress made compared with past years, the special circumstances of the station, such as situation, climate, soil, &c., and (so that all things may be in harmony) the neatness and cleanliness of the station generally-the results being considered by the company at the ter- mination of the season and the prizes distri- buted at Christmas. The successful handling of capital is a sub- ject which must of necessity appeal to every man of business, from shopkeeper to banker, and the publication of an important work on profits and dividends is therefore interesting to note. Nothing could be clearer or more readable than the manner in which this book deals with money matters. It is bright, pithy, and eminently instructive, and the purokam of a copy (the price is 2& 6d.) should prove a thoroughly sound investment. t..

DUKE OF WESTMINSTER'S RETURN. THE TENANTRY'S WELCOME. A meeting of the Duke of Westminster's Chester and Cheshire tenantry was held yester- day (Tuesday) afternoon at the Blossoms Hotel to arrange for welcoming his Grace on his return from the war, and on coming to take up his residence in his Cheshire home. Mr. John Jones, of Saighton, as one of the oldest tenants on the estate, presided, and the meeting was largely attended by both city and country tenants. Mr. S. R. Fearnall was appointed hon. secretary, and a committee was formed to undertake the arrangements for the presenta- tion of an illuminated address to the Duke, extending a hearty welcome home from the tenantry. A PUBLIC WELCOME. TOWN COUNCIL'S DECISION. We understand that nothing definite will be done with reference to the arrange- ments for welcoming the Duke of West- minster home until the committee has been formed. The desire is, of course, to make the committee as representative as possible, and with this object the Mayor has invited those of his fellow-citizens who are desirous of co-operating to meet him and the members of the Town Council at the Town Hall, to-morrow (Thursday) afternoon, at four o'clock, for the purpose of forming the committee and organising the arrangements. At Chester Town Council, on Wednesday, the Mayor (Colonel H. T. Brown) explained that a communication was made to him on Tuesday that the Duke of Westminster in all proba- bility would land in England, on his return from South Africa, on the 2nd November. (Hear, hear.) He had always understood that it would be the wish of the Council and the wish of the city, on the Duke's return, more especially as his Grace was abroad at the time, and they were unable to shew their respect for him on the occasion of his attaining his majority, to shew the Duke some token of their goodwill on his first coming among them after taking possession of his titles and estates. (Applause.) In all probability, although it was indefinite at present, his Grace would be in Chester a very few days after his landing in England. He (the Mayor) now asked them to allow him to consider them the nucleus of a committee, to be extended by the addition of other of their fellow citizens outside the Council, for the pur- pose of considering and carrying out, if it were thought desirable to do so, and he had no doubt it would be, something in the way of a public acknowledgment to the Duke on his arrival, and possibly some festivities on the occasion. He now asked the Sheriff to second the following resolution, which he (the Mayor) moved:— "That the Council do resolve them- selves into a committee, with power to add to their number to any extent that it might be thought desirable by them, for the purpose of testifying their good- will to his Grace on his return to England, safe and sound as they all hoped he would be; also on his attaining his majority." He asked the members of the Council to be good enough to give any names which suggested themselves to them as being those of gentlemen likely to wish to join the Committee. The wider they threw the matter open the better. There would be almost a unanimous wish on the part of the citizens to testify their goodwill. The Sheriff (Mr. R. Lamb) I have great pleasure in seconding. Alderman J. J. Cunnah: Would it be advis- able to have a public meeting so as to enable any gentleman wishing to join the committee to do so ? The Town Clerk: If the Council decides to-day to form the nucleus of a committee, the Mayor would, if agreeeable to the members of the Council, issue a notice inviting all citizens who wished to co-operate, to meet on a certain day. The Mayor said if a large committee was formed smaller committee's could be selected from it to carry out the details of the cele- bration. The motion was carried unanimously. OTHER REFERENCES. Mr. George Barbour alluded to the Duke's home-coming at the prize distribution of the -Cheshire Dairy Farmers' Association on Wednesday as follows :-1 see from the news- papers that the youthful Duke of Westminster is starting to-day from Capetown for his native country. He has hoisted the English flao, on the heights of Pretoria.-(applause) --and I hope it will not be a far distant day when he comes to live among his tenants and neigh- bours, and when we may often see him taking the same interest in this Association that his grandfather did for many years. (Renewed applause.) The Earl of Crewe, speaking at the same gathering, said:—I have had the pleasure of knowing the present Duke of Westminster from his early boyhood, and I may say-and I am sure his friends will say so too-he is sure to carry out all the good traditions of his house. He has had a great chance; he has been asso- ciated in the most interesting possible scene with the most eminent civilian in South Africa, and the most eminent general. (Applause.) That, we feel, has been of great advantage to him, and when he returns, as I trust he soon will, I am quite certain he will receive a very warm welcome indeed to the home of his ancestors. (Applause.)

ANOTHER CHOLMONDELEY FIRE. SUSPECTED INCENDIARISM. Another disastrous fire broke out on Satur- day morning at the farm on the Cholmondeley estate tenanted by Mr. Maurice Shone, Broomy Bank, in which one whole rank of the farm buildings on one side of the farm yard were entirely destroyed. The fire demolished a rank consisting of shippons, with barns and lofts, containing the produce of twelve acres of this season's exceptionally well-harvested corn. Eight cows which were in the shippons at the time were badly burnt, one so seriously that it had eventually to be slaughtered. The out- break was discovered about 7.30 a m. on Satur- day morning, and it was with difficulty that the cows were removed from the shippons at all. The Malpas and Cholmondeley fire engines were engaged the whole of the day at the scene, and the loss is estimated at from E500 to JE600, which, we are informed, is covered by insurance. This is the second farm fire that has occurred upon the estate of the Marquis of Cholmondeley within a month, and the seventh within a comparatively recent period. All the evidence points to incendiarism.

HARTHILL. FUNERAL. On Thursday afternoon the remains of Harriet Parker were laid to rest in the churchyard of the pretty secluded village of Harthill. Deceased, who passed away at mid- night on the previous Monday at Bolesworth Castle, was considerably over 80 years of age, and had been for nearly 30 years nurse in the family of Mr. Goorge-Barbour. She was a tried and trusted servant, and in spite of her great age her sincere interest in the family's welfare was unabated. The funeral service was con- ducted by the Rev. T. Plummer, and was attended by Mr. and Mrs. Barbour and all the members of the family at home; Miss Cope- man, Barmere, with whom the deceased had previously lived; Mr. Stanley Pearson and Percy Pearson (nephews), and Mr. Pearson, jun. (a cousin); Mr. Capel Lutener, Mrs. Plummer, Miss Cope, Mr. Lea, Mr. Smith (Churton), and the servants from Bolesworth. There were several wreaths, including one from a niece, one from Mr. and Mrs. Barbour, one from the servants, and one with the words Nana, a token of remembrance from the children."

AN OLD-AOE PENSION SCHEME.—A scheme of old-age pensions, which comes into operation next month, has been evolved at Streatley Berkshire, in connection with the Streatley and Basilden Benefit Society. The society, which was founded forty-five years ago, is in the position of having only four members left, though it possesses funds amounting in the aggregate to RA68 12a. 10d. One of the standing rules which has been acted on through- out its existence has been to exclude every member arriving at the age of seventy. The trustees, finding that there are several old men still living who were cast adrift, some of them considerably over eighty years of age, consulted the Actuary and Registrar of Friendly Societies, and they have drawn up a scheme by which ten or twelve of these excluded members will be again put on the books, and receive from the reserve fund a pension of St. 6d. per month.

MISFORTUNES OF AN M.P. I » MR. HERBERT LEWIS'S GRIEVANCE. On Monday night, at Bagillt, a demonstration took place for the purpose of welcoming and congratulating Mr. J. Herbert Lewis, M.P., upon his re-election as the member for the Flintshire Boroughs. A torchlight procession, headed by the local brass band, escorted Mr. Lewis to the Foresters' Hall, where a meeting was held, the Rev. J. Lewis presiding.—Mr. J. Herbert Lewis, after thanking the electors for again returning him as their Parliamentary I representative, laid Bagillt had always supported the Liberal party in the boroughs, but on this occasion he did not hesitate to say that as Wales had stood to the Liberal cause so had Bagillt stood to Flintshire Liberalism. (Applause.) He then proceeded to speak of his position. He referred to the sacrifices he had made, how he had paid all his election expenses and the regis- tration work, and how he had given up his profession in Liverpool to represent the Flint Boroughs in Parliament. He asked his hearers not to think he lacked in sympathy or inclina- tion to help forward any good object, but he asked them to consider the many calls there were upon him, and to refrain from appealing to him for subscriptions for chapels, eistedd- fodau, concerts, and such like objects; also clubs for recreative purposes.—Dr. J. H. Wil- liams, the Rev. W. W. Jones, and the Rev. W. Williams addressed the meeting, and a' resolu- tion was passed to form a Liberal Association. tion was passed to form a Liberal Association.

— AN ANCIENT CHESHIRE COURT. «♦ On Saturday there was held the annual meeting of the Court Leet for the Manor of Halton. The gathering took place in the court-room of Halton Castle, which now forms part of the hotel erected on the site of the original gateway. Unfortunately the high steward, Mr. Robert Davies, of Warrington, was unable to be present, and the deputy steward, Mr. Kirkconnell, officiated in his stead. The quaint ceremonial of olden times was carried out in due form. Warrants had been sent to those qualified in the wide area over which the court now holds sway, in name if not in fact. The attendance was, however, not up to the average. The bailiff, Mr. J. Walker, made the usual proclamation from the entrance to the court. All who owe suit and service to the court" were commanded to draw near, give your attendance, and answer to your names.' Those present answered to their names, signed the roll as jurors, and selected Mr. Thomas Wright, of Halton, to act as foreman—a position he has filled for many years. Foreman and jury were sworn to true presentment make without fear, love, favour, or affection," and to "present no man out of malice or hatred." There was, however, no culprit awaiting judgment, and there was no complaint of parochial remiss- ness made. The deputy high steward delivered a charge full of historical reminiscences. He stated there was an unbroken record of Halton Court Leet from 1347, in the reign of King Edward III., or something like 550 years. There were many peculiar customs of the court which had fallen into disuse. There were the officers known as appearers, whose duty it was to moderate the fines and amercements upon those unable to pay the penalty imposed. There also used to be appointed an ale Conner, for the purpose of going round to the various public- houses to taste the ale and see if it were of good quality. Conner meant one who knew what good ale was, and if there was any volunteer, the court might revive the office. There were also many curious charges made which had, however, been commuted into some other form. These courts were originated for the preserva- tion of peace, for the adjustment of offences of a minor character, and for the redress of private injuries.—After the closing of the court, dinner was served, under the presidency of Mr. irk- connel. The chief toast was the health o the Queen as Duke of Lancaster and Lady Paramount of this Manor."

WHITCHURCH BOARD OF GUARDIANS. A meeting of the Whitchurch Board of Guardians was held on Friday, Mr. R. P. Ethelston presiding.—The relieving officer's report shewed that the out-relief during the fortnight was as follows :—First week, 167 out- paupers, relieved at a cost of 914 11s. 2d.; second week, 158, at 913 14s. The correspond- ing period for last year was: First week, 149, at.213 14s. 4d.; second week, 143, Xll 19s.— Mr. W. H. Smith That is a serious increase.— The Relieving Officer: That is explained by the fact that we have had several large families in receipt of onti-rolief. The Master's books shewed that during the past past fortnight there had been 67 inmates in the house, against 82 for the corresponding period of last year, and that 101 vagrants had been relieved during the same period, against 139 last year.—Miss Ambrose (children's attendant) wrote stating that, in view of another appointment as assistant nurse at Ormskirk, she wished the Board to accept a month's notice of retirement. Applications to fill the vacancy were laid before the Board from Miss Mary Gill, of the Woodhouse, Whitchurch, and Miss Martha Wilson, Combermere Kennels.— Miss Gill appeared before the Board, and subse- quently, on the motion of Mr. Langley, seconded by Mr. Spencer E. Smith, it was decided that Miss Gill should be taken for a month on trial.—An application for the post of nurse was laid before the Board from Miss E. Kay, of Quoisley Brook, near Wem.—The appli- cant appeared before the Board, and testi- monials were presented from Dr. Watkins (medical officer), Dr. Leader, of Wem, and others, and on the motion of Mr. W. H. Smith, seconded by the Rev. R. B. Faulkner, it was decided that the applicant should be asked to come for a month.—On the motion of Mr. G. S. Morgan, seconded by Mr. Spencer E. Smith, it was decided to allow X3 per annum for nurse's uniform. The question of beer money was raised, and the Chairman said that as the salary with beer money and uniform would come to 230 129. for the first year, it should be put in that way. He thought it would be simpler, and less complicated.—Mr. Langley, Mr. Topham, and others said this was an old custom, and the Clerk said that to his knowledge it was usual in other similar institutions. The applicant was eventually called in, and agreed to the terms offered by the Board, engaging herself for a month on trial, to commence at once.— The Chester County Asylum wrote stating that the rate of maintenance for the quarter was 7s. 7Jd. per head per week, against 7a. 7d. during the previous quarter. The Local Government Board wrote stating that X270 19s. lid. had been paid to the credit of the Board as the half-yearly instalment under the Agricultural Rating Act.—Orders in reference to the new dietary regulations were laid before the Board, and it was decided that a com- mittee to consist of the Chairman, Mr. Langley, Mr. Pearson, and Mr. W. H. Smith should be appointed to consider this matter and report to the Board. The Local Government Board wrote sanctioning the appointment of Dr. Bernard Watkins as deputy medical officer.

HOSPITAL SUNDAY.—The Secretary of the Chester General Infirmary begs to acknowledge with thanks the receipt of the following Church collections:- St. Paul's Church, Boughton, 926 7a.; Buckley Parish Church, £ 9 2s. 7d. (25 19s. 7d. to the Infirmary and X3 3s. to the Parkgate Convalescent Home); Holy Trinity Parish Church, X9 Os. 9d.; Bunbury Church and Spurstow School, E4 10s.; Stoke Church, RZ 4a. 2d.; City-road Wesleyan Methodist Church, RZ 39.; the Good Shepherd Mission Church, Buckley, 92 9s.; Alvanley Church, X2 2s.; St. Martin's Welsh Church, 92 2s.; Northgate-streeb Catholic Apostolic Church, 92 2s.; St. Paul's Mission Church, 21 15s. 9d.; Ewloe Primitive Methodist Chapel, j61 Is.; Delamere Church (additional), 18s. 5d.; Mission Church of the Good Shepheard, £ 14s. 6d.; St. Thomas' Church (additional), 12s. 6d.; St. David's Mission Church, Ewloe Green, Buckley, 5s. 1; Holy Trinity Mission Room, 5s. 5d. OLD FALSE TEETH BOUGHT. Many ladies and gentlemen have by them old or disused false teeth, which might as well be turned into money. Messrs. R. D. k J. B. Fraser, of Princes-street, Ipswich (established since 1833), buy old false teeth. If you send your teeth to them they will remit you by return post the utmost value; or, if preferred, they will make you- the best offer, and hold the teeth over for your reply. If reference nee^saary, apply to bacon & Ck)., IsAnkurii, If ,ich. J

SIR J. BRUNNER AND THE WAR. ♦ HIS CHANGE OF FRONT. Mr. Charles L. Samson, the Unionist candi- date for Northwich at the recent election, writes to the Liverpool Courier as follows:—In his address to the electors, Sir John Brunner said: I have never said and do not say now that the war was unjust, for the reason that it was we who were first attacked." In reply to this address I published a placard calling attention to this statement and to the faet that Sir John Brunner attended and took part in a meeting held at the Westminster Palace Hotel on the 14th February, 1900, at which a resolu- tion was unanimously passed denouncing the war as a crime and a blunder. From first to last through the election I described Sir John Brunner as a pro-Boer and Little Englander," and to prevent any possibility of misunderstanding I, on the 8th of October, signed and publicly issued a document, in which I charged him with being a pro-Boer and Little Englander, and I stated that I did so because:— 1. He was a member of the notorious South Africa Conciliation Committee. 2. He attended and took part in a meeting held at the Westminster Palace Hotel on the 14th February, 1900, at which a resolution was unanimously passed denouncing the war as a crime and a blunder. 3. He moved a resolution at such meeting that it was desirable to raise a fund for enforcing the principle of the resolution that the war was a crime and a blunder, and of other resolutions. 4. He took the chair at a meeting convened by the Liverpool Branch of the South Africa Conciliation Committee, and which was described by the press as a pro-Boer meeting, and held in Liverpool on the 30th May, 1900, the principal speaker at which was that well-known pro-Boer, Mr. Leonard Courtney. 5. He voted for an amendment to the address moved by Mr. Philip Stanhope. And I wound up the document by challenging him to deny any of these facts. Sir John Brunner was particularly careful not to accept my challenge, and while studi- ously refraining throughout the contest from any allusion to the war further than to blame the Government for allowing the Boers to amass arms and ammunition and for neglecting to send out cavalry, he over and over again indignantly denied that he was a pro-Boer. Moreover, a number of his supporters were bold enough to deny that he was present at the meeting at the Westminster Palace Hotel in February. Of course Sir John did not deny this, because he could not, as he was present and spoke at the meeting. Imagine my surprise when I read the report of Sir John Brunner's speech at Davenham on the 16th inst., in which he told his audience that he condemned the war," that he/should go on condemning it," and they might call him pro-Boer if they liked." Having regard to the above sentiments ex- pressed in his speech, I can well understand the statement at the commencement of it that throughout the contest he had never been able to say anything about the origin of the war." Of course he dared not during the con- test have expressed the sentiments he expressed directly after the election was over, and for the reason that if he had done so he would not have had the slightest chance of being returned. 1 charge Sir John Brunner distinctly with having deceived and fooled the electors. In his address he said 11 I have never said and do not say now that the war was unjust." The day after he is returned hA tells the electors to whom the address was issued that he condemns the war and should go on condemning it. I have lost the election, but I would rather lose election after election than gain one by the methods of which my opponent has been guilty. I should think even the most zealous of his supporters will now regret that they have supported a man who before the election con- demned the war as a crime and a blunder, who during the election poses as a defender of the war and repudiated the term pro-Boer, and who directly after the election tells them that he has condemned and will always continue to condemn the war, and that people are at liberty to call him pro-Boer if they like.

AUCTION SALES. -0 SALE OF CHESTER PROPERTIES. On Saturday Messrs. Cunnah and Roberts held a sale at the Blossoms Hotel. The house, No. 11, King-street, was sold to Mr. A. Bradley for 2550, and the two houses, Nos. 27 and 29, Ermine-road, to Mr. H. G. Hope for JE685. Mr. J. M. Nicholson acted as solicitor to the vendors. SALE OF CHESTER HOTEL SHARES, &c. On Saturday Messrs. Cunnah and Roberts sold by auction at the Blossoms Hotel the following five shares of 920 each fully paid in the Grosvenor Hotel Company, which were purchased by Mr. H. A. Latham for X48 10s. per share. Five shares of X20 each fully paid up in the Queen Hotel Company realised JE31 per share, and five similar shares 930 10s. per share, Mr. Davies securing both lots. Six similar shares were sold to Mr. J. S. Latham for J630 per share, and ten shares, with X10 paid, were knocked down to the same gentleman for iEl4 110s. Two shares of 225 each, fully paid, fell to the bid of Mr. S. Smith at JE18 per share. Messrs. Walker, Smith and Way acted as solicitors to the vendors CREWE SHIRE HORSE SALE. The annual sale of pedigree shires was held in the Cheshire Repository, Crewe, by Messrs. Frank Lloyd, Nuttall and Co., on Friday. The auctioneers gave fAO in prizes, and the com- petition in the various classes was very keen. The prize-winners included :-Silver cup, value 5gs., for the best shire mare foaled in or previous to 1896: 1, Mr. Edward Green, The Moors, Welshpool, sold for 280ge.; 2, Mr. W. Dyke's (Pulford) mare, foaled in 1890, by- Mona's Prince, sold for 80gs. Silver cup value five guineas, for the best shire filly foaled in 1897: 1, Mr. Geo. Mullock's (Poulton), brown filly, Poulton Heiress, by Calwich Heirloom, sold for 200gs. to Mr. Tom Edwards, team owner, Liverpool 2, Mr. Edward Green, The Moors, 26,533, Moor's Czarina, by Regent II., sold for 125gs. Silver cup value five guineas, for the best shire filly foaled in 1898 or 99: 1, Mr. T. Gittins, Pool Quay, Welshpool, sold for 200gs.; 2, Mr. Dew- hurst, Poulton-le-Fylde, sold for 90gs. Silver cup value 5gs., for the best colt or filly foal: 1, Mr. Edward Green, The Moors, sold for aOOgs. to Mr. Joseph Hill, Smethwick Hall, Congleton. (This foal has again changed hands, and is now the property of Mr. Bell, Norley Hall, Frodsham). The silver cup, value 20g8., for the best shire in the sale: 1, Mr. Edward Green's (The Moors) Oesford Kathleen, which, with her filly foal, realised the handsome figure of 480gs. EDGE, MALPAS. Frank Lloyd and Sons, of Wrexham and Whitchurch, held a very important and success- ful sale of a freehold dairy farm, small holding, and several pieces of accommodation land and cottage property, situated at Carden, Chorlton- lane, and Threapwood, all in the neighbourhood of Malpas, on Tuesday, at the Wyvern Hotel, Malpas. There was a large and representative company present, and the bidding for the smaller lots was very spirited throughout. The first lot comprised the Manor House Farm, Edge, and occupied by Mr. Sumner. It contains 105 acres of land, principally pasture. The bidding started at 94,000, and advanced by 9100 to £ 4,800, when X5,000 was forthcoming by Mr. Pickering, Moor Farm, Shocklach, which made him the purchaser. Mr. H. Lee, Cuddington, Whitchurch, acted as solicitor for this lot. Lot 2 was a small helding of 2! acres with a cottage at Edge Green, adjoining part of Lot 1. This was started at E150, and was ulti- mately knocked down at R,290 to Mr. Birch, of Messrs. Birch, Cullimore and Douglas, solicitors, Chester. Messrs. Cartwright and Sons, Chester, were the vendor's solicitors for this lot. The next lot of properties were those belonging to the trustees of the Malpas General Charities. Lot 1 was a small holding of 5! acres, at Carden Green, Malpas, with a small house, shippon for three cows, and a piggery. This created a very keen competition, and was ulti- mately knocked down at £ 610 to Mr. Barker, of Messrs. Barker and Rogerson, solicitors, Chester, on behalf of Mr. J. H. Leche, of Carden HalL Lot 2 was three accommodation fields at Chorlton, containing 3 acres, opposite the Cherry Hill estate. They realised £ 240, and were bought by Mr. Rd. Clutton, who also became the purchaser of lot 3, which comprised two accommodation fields adjoining, 31 acres, at £ 230 r afao lot 4. for accommodation fields, ¡ 1\J.1O. at R330.

REMOVAL OF INFECTIOUS PATIENTS. Sir,—By a report of the monthly meeting of the Neston and Parkgate District Council in your issue of the 17th inst., I see it was stated by the surveyor and others that the Council had no power to compel a person suffering from an infectious disease to enter an isolation hospital. As the matter is of very great importance, will you allow me to point out that this is not the case ? By section 124 of the Public Health Act, 1875, where a hospital is provided within convenient distance, a justice may, on the certificate of a medical practitioner, order the removal of any person who is suffering from any dangerous infectious disorder, and is without proper lodg- ing or accommodation, or lodged in a room occupied by more than one family, or is on board any ship or vessel. In the case of War- wick v. Graham it was held that the expression without proper lodging or accommodation* means such lodging or accommodation as would prevent infection of other persons living in the house, not merely ordinary habitable, clean, comfortable lodging, with proper accommoda- tion for a sick person. Therefore the cases mentioned could have been removed.—Your obedient servant, L.

THE CREWE ELECTION. Sir,—Though I do not think I was born to set the world to rights, or to rival the King of Spain in believing he could have given valuable hints had he been present at the Creation, I should nevertheless like to remove a false impression touching the Crewe Election. Even in newspapers extremely well-informed, and in letters from private persons, I find it held that Mr. Tomkinson, of Willington, won the seat because it had been practically given away by his predecessor. Mr. Tomkinson won because he was an ideal Radical candidate, with long years of unsuccessful effort behind him, long years of up-hill, hard, strenuous work for his party, long years of friendship with Mr. Gladstone. He stepped out of an almost impregnable fortress, backed by intimacy with the electorate, fortified by unmistakable political, business and financial prestige, and recommended by the goodwill and favour of the greatest leader the party has ever had. Mr. Tomkinson could hardly have lost had he tried. His candida- ture, moreover, inspired sympathy and, even an opponent may say, deserved encouragement. Considering, too, his labours and experiences in the past, it is not surprising that voters rallied to him in platoons and battalions. To my thinking, Mr. Robert Ward has not had overmuch justice meted out. I was with him at a few meetings in 1895 and noted his popularity, his engaging way of canvassing, and the trouble he took on platforms. Aided by the almost unparalleled devotion of Unionist adherents, he won in magnificent style; was almost carried off his feet to the poll, and triumphantly placed at the head. I have never understood that he was lperspiringly keen to contest the division, but, having consented to stand, be put the thing through in state. He was a first-rate candidate, and his success did the party good far beyond the area of the division. It is quite true that, chiefly owing to non- political reasons, he did not shine as a member of Parliament, and I took the liberty of saying my say on the subject in The Times" many months ago; but, writing deferentially and respectfully, I cannot agree that Mr. Ward's past de-merits detract in the least from Mr. Tomkinson's present merits. Mr. Ward's weak- ness as a member did not constitute Mr. Tomkinson's strength as a candidate. Their cases, moreover, differed: while in 1895 Mr. Ward set himself to gain a Radical seat, Mr. Tomkinson set himself to regain a seat originally belonging to his party. Both hon. gentlemen were successful, and, while Mr. Ward had the great boom of Unionism at his back, Mr. Tomkinson had practically to be his own boom. Mr. Reiss had no boom of any magnitude and, into the bargain, had to face, perhaps, the very best candidate in all England whom this particular division could have selected. In these very busy and exciting days I think, still with deference and respect, that Mr. Ward might be remembered as a champion candi- date, one the Unionists carried after a stiff fight in the enemy's camp, and that Mr. romkinson may be allowed to feel, neming contradicente, that it is his own good sword which has secured him a well-deserved victory. The three great Unionist victories of 1895 were Crewe, Mid Northamptonshire, and Cardiff. Where are those victories now ? Where will they be in (say) 1905 or 6 F-Very truly yours, R. ST. J. CORBET. Shrewsbury, Oct. 22.

GRAVE CHARGES AGAINST A YOUTH. ♦ ALLEGED DARING THEFTS. A rather sensational story was told by the Chief Constable (Mr. J. H. Laybourne) at the City Police Court yesterday (Tuesday) morning, when the magistrates on the bench were Messrs. J. R. Thomson (chairman) and Geo. Dutton. It was about a lad answering to the name of Frederick Rowlands, 15 years of age, who said he belonged to Massam, in Yorkshire, and now appeared in the dock on a charge of stealing a purse and 21s. from the dwelling-house of Ellen Newns, 3, Charlotte-street, Sealand-road, on the 22nd inst. Mr. Laybourne said prisoner came to Chester on Monday week and obtained lodgings in Cornwall-street, where he stole 5B. and cleared away. Then he went to Mrs. Huxley's house in River-view, Handbridge, and here stole some gold rings valued at 932. From this house he went to seek lodgings at Hoole, where he appropriated a cash box and a gold ring, while at Howson-terrace, Garden-lane, where he stayed for a short while by paying so much a week, another gold watch was missing. Saltney was also visited by this adventurous prisoner, and be secured lodgings under false pretences. Finally Rowlands took up his abode :temporarily at Ellen Newns's house, from which the purse and money already referred to was taken. At the latter place prisoner represented that he was a gilder's apprentice and was earning 15s. a week. He agreed to pay 12s. a week for his lodgings. The Chief Constable remarked that he thought prisoner had done enough during his short stay in Chester. The best place for him would be a reformatory. Detective Sergeant Crewe said he received prisoner into custody the previous night from the Hoole police, and found upon him JE1 Os. 5d., two gold rings, a watch, and a bunch of keys. He after- wards found the purse belonging to Ellen Newns in a ditch in Sealand-road on being told by Rowlands that it was there. Two postage stamps were in the purse. At first prisoner denied that he stole anything.-He was remanded for seven days.

The Marchioness of Bute, Lady Margaret Crichton-Stuart, and Lord Colum Crichton- Stuart, left Mount Stuart, Rothesay, on Satur- day for London, en route for Palestine. They carry the heart of the late Marquis of Bute for burial at Mount Olivet, a request that this should be done being contained in his will. DEATH OF THE RBV. C. GARRETT.—The Rev. Charles Garrett, late superintendeat of the Liverpool Wesleyan Mission, and ex-president of the conference, died at his residence in Liverpool on Sunday afternoon, after a long illness, at the age of seventy-seven. Mr. Garrett was educated at Richmond Wesleyan College, and was chosen president of the conference in 1882. During his twenty-eight years' ministry in Liverpool he was presented with a testi- monial and a purse of l.OOOgs. in recognition of his labours in the cause o( religion and I temperance.

HA WARDEN. ENTERTAINMENT.—An entertainment, under the auspices of the Hawarden Cricket Club, was given by the Chester Pierrot Troupe at the Gymnasium, on Friday. The programme com- prised songs and dances, and concluded with the farce, The Area Belle." The parts were sustained by Messrs. Joe Brickland, Fred Powell, Frank Hewitt, Will Brickland. Alf Mills, and J. Southard. The troupe was under the direction of Mr. J. Southard, and Mr. J. Edwards was the pianist.

SHOCKLACH. HARVEST FESTIVAL.—The harvest thanks- giving services were held in St. Edith's Church on Sunday. The vicar designate (the Rev. W. Wilberforce) preached in the morning and the evening service was taken by the Rev. Arthur B. Davies, of Ellesmere College. The church was tastefully decorated by the following ladies, Mrs. Brassey, Mrs. Wilkinson, Miss Darlington, Miss P. Nickson, and Miss Cissie Wilkinson, Mrs. James Hough, Miss Piggott, Mrs. Vaughan, Mrs. Ollerhead, Mrs. Lawrence, Mrs. Houlbrook, and Miss Lucy Piggott. The collections realised 96 63. 4d.

MOLD. TEACHERS' ASSOCIATION.—The quarterly meeting of the Mold and District Teachers' Association was held in the Board School, Mold, on Saturday. Addresses were delivered by Mr. L. J. Roberts, H.M.I., and Mr. R. Rhydderch, H.M. sub-inspector, on the New Code." They urged the teachers to endeavour to strike out on newer and broader lines than had hitherto been adopted, and to take the fullest advantage of the liberty whieh was now placed in their hands. The various subjects of the school curriculum should be as far as possible corre- lated, and an increased use should be made of illustrations. Mr. Goodman Roberts, clerk to the Mold School Board, proposed a vote of thanks to the inspectors, and commented on the excellent relationship which prevailed in the district between teacher and inspector.—Mr. Charles Dodd, Wrexham Board School, was nominated for the vice-presidency of the North Wales District Union.

TARPORLEY. HARVEST THANKSGIVING AT EATON CHURCH.— On Sunday the pretty little church of Eaton presented a bright appearance on the occasion of the harvest thanksgiving. Although the architecture of the church only lends itself to limited decoration, yet the helpers were able to fill the windows, the font, and corbels with artistically arranged groups of flowers and fruits. The windows in the body of the church and the font were relieved with corn and coloured flowers, fruits, and autumn berried plants, arranged by the Misses Crank, Miss Walton, and Miss Turner, and the large window, which was arranged by Mr. Bruckshaw (gardener to Mrs. Hall, of Eaton Hill), was filled with beautifully-grown vegetables and herbs from the gardens of Mr. Joseph Wrench and Mr. Bruckshaw. The chancel, which was taken in hand by Miss A, Fitton, was mainly decorated with white chrysanthemums, coloured fruit, and leaves of the beautiful purple ampelopsis. The sheaf and miniature stack were arranged by Mr. Walton and Mr. Thomas White respec- tively, and plants were kindly lent by Mrs. Hall and Mr. J. Wrench. The church at both services was crowded to excess. In the after- noon the Rev. E. W. Evans, vicar of Little Budworth, preached, and the evening service was conducted by the Rev. W. O. M. Hughes, rector of Tarporley. The offertories, fruit and vegetables will be sent to the Chester Infirmary.

WREXHAM. SCHOOL BOARD.—At a meeting of Wrexham School Board, on Friday, it was agreed that the formal opening of the new school premises erected on the Cae Shack at a cost of about E10,000, should take place on the last working day of the present session, a few days before Christmas, and the Clerk was instructed to communicate with the Secretary of the Board of Education, inviting him to take part in the ceremony. MARRIAGE OF MR. EOISBURY AND Miss MURLESS.—On Wednesday afternoon the Plas Power Church, near Wrexham, was crowded with a large gathering to witness the marriage of Mr. Stanley D. Edisbury, only son of Mr. J. F. Edisbury, Wrexham, and Miss Bessie Murless, eldest daughter of Mr. Charles Murless, of Bersham Hall. The bride's father has for many years been a member of the Wrexham Town Council, and has been twice Mayor of the borough. He is well known in the coursing world, having held a nomination in the Waterloo Cup for several years. The bride- groom is a solicitor, is president of the Welsh Football Association, secretary to the Wrexham Infirmary Committee, secretary to the Wrex- ham Science and Art Schools, and holds other public offices. The ceremony was performed by the Rev. A. LI. Taylor, chaplain of Plas Power, and the Rev. R. J. Hopkins, vicar of St. Mark's, Wrexham. Mr. Herbert G. Heasman acted as best man, and the bridesmaids were the Misses Millie Murless, sister of the bride; Gwennie Knight, cousin of the bride; and Dollie and Mary Hughes, nieces of the bridegroom. After the ceremony a reception was held at Bersham Hall, and later in the day the newly- married couple left for London, en route for Rouen and Paris. The wedding presents were exceedingly numerous, and included one from the Council of the Welsh Football Association.

MALPAS. PARISH COUNCIL.—A special meeting of the Parish Council was held on Tuesday night in the Jubilee Hall. Mr. Danily presided, and there were also present Messrs. G. S. Morgan, R. Reeves, J. Huxley, G. Huxley, J. W. Wycherley, W. Ankers, and W. Bentley (clerk). The account for men's time at the recent nre at Cholmondeley was presented, amounting to iC7 15s. 6d., and a cheque was signed for the amount, together with Mr. Hesketh's bill for horse hire. Mr. Joseph Tomkin's water rate was recommended to be assessed at 3s. 9d. for the half-year. The water assessment for the Hayes was recom- mended to be assessed at 25s. a year and 5a. extra for a horse. It was resolved that a water meter be used for any special building purposes, and that the water be charged at the rate of la. for a thousand gallons, and that a rent of Is. per month be charged for the use of such meter. Subsequently a meeting of the ratepayers was held to vote a sum of money for the use of the Parish Council for the purpose of meeting the expense of lighting the town for the current year. It was resolved that the sum of £3J be voted. INTERESTING PRESENTATION.—On Saturday afternoon an interesting ceremony took place in the Infants' Schoolroom in presentations to Mrs. Edwardes, mistress ot the Alport Girls' School, and Miss Danbury, mistress of the Infants' School, in recognition of the faithful and devoted services of those ladies for 25 and 26 years respectively. A large attendance of scholars' parents and others included Lady Margaret Ormsby Gore, Mrs. Wolley-Dod, Mrs. Assbeton K&sboth&m, Mrs. F. Barns ton, Mrs, Robert Parker, Miss Macaulay, Miss Wolley- Dod, Mrs. Jordison, the Misses Jordison, the Misses Cox, Miss Lewis (The Bank), Mrs. T. Bevin, Mrs. Danily, Mrs. Wycherley, Mrs. G. S. Morgan, Mrs. Salt, Mrs. Battarbee, Mrs. Clutton, Mrs. Mercer, Mrs. J. Reeves, Miss Reeves, Miss Taylor (Wigland), the Rector (the Rev. the Hon. A. R. Parker), Mr. H. Edwards, Mr. G. Weaver, Mr. J. W. Wycherley, &e. The presentations took the form of solid silver tea services of Queen Anne pattern. each inscribed as follows-Of Presented to Miss Elizabeth Danbury, from her friends in the parish of Malpas. 1875-1900"; "Presented to Mrs. Sarah Jane Edwardes, from her friends in the parish of Malpas. 1874-1900." Accompanying the tea services were two illuminated addresses with a list of names of 182 subscribers.—Mrs. Wolley-Dod, in making the presentations, re- ferred in eulogistic terms to the work of the reci- pients in their capacity of schoolmistresses. She had known them many years, and she felt sure it was the wish of all the subscribers that they should bestow those presents as a mark of their respect and esteem. She had known both from the first day they came to Malpas, and she well remembered the laying of the first stone of the school they were met together in. Having had many opportunities of seeing the work of the schools, she could evidence the energetic and untiring labours of the mistresses. (Applause.) —Mrs. Edwardes and Miss Danbury suitably acknowledged tine gitts.—The Rev. the Hon. A. R. Parker, in moving a vote of thanks to Mrs. Wolley-Dod, quoted two reports of the examiners of the schools, the one in reference to the infants' school stating These children are taught with the same care and devotion as they have always been," while the report upon the girw school stated Children who come to this school are fortunate indeed." (Applause.)—XliQ resolution was carried with acclamation,

-1 Chester Stock attj £ fjare 1 Reported by Messrs. WAi?,MSLICY, JONES & CO- 29, Eastgate Row (North). Chester. COKSOLS 93 £ —99& BAn: BATE 4% preten* Chester Corpora- price. ti°? ••••••• 3J Irredeemable Stock .118 — Chester Corpora- tion ""A 3 Redeemable Stock Par Chester Gas Com- ply 10 A Ordinary Stock 225— 7 B & C „ 160-170 "„r '• 7 Con. Pref. Stock 195-200 Chester Water- works Co 74 Consolidated Stock 180— »• »t tf 7 New Ordinary Stock, 1st and 2nd moieties 170—1'* 6 210 Perpet'l. Pref. S Shares, fully paid 17 —I8 Wrexham Watsei- works Co. Consolidated Stock 180-185 It 5 Preference 210 Shares 15 Ordinary iOlO Shares 12^—13 Haw'd'n & District Water Co CIO Shares, fully paid par £ Nat. Prov. Bank of .England Ltd. Ji75 Shares, £ 1010s. paid 53 —W » » >• M60 Shares, 1112 paid .61 -62 < North and South Wales Bank Ltd. R40 Sbares. 210 paid 371-34 ■ Parr's Bank Ltd. £100 Shares, M'O paid 86f—87t Lloyd's Bank Ltd. £50 Shares, M8 paid S2f~32|. Bank of Liverpool j Limited 9100 Shares, 4912 109 paid 38J—39i British Law, Life, Fire Insurance Limited. MI0 Shares, £1 paid It-it Chester Boat Co., 12 Limited 410 Shares, fully paid 11—12 Chester Cocoa House Co., Ltd. 25 „ £4 „ •t •» •> £ 5 „ ■ £ 3 Cheater General Cemetery Co. £ 5 „ tany I)SM pgx ChesterGrosvenor Hotel Co., Ltd. £ 20 „ „ 49 —50 Chest'rNewMusio Hall Co., Ltd. £ 25 „ „ 21 Chest'r Northg'te Brewery Co., Limited Ordinary £ 10Shares,tally pd ..11J—121 „ <• 6 Pref. £ 10Shares,fully pd ..13J — jt Chester Lion S Brewery Co., Ltd. 5J% B Cum. Pref. £ 1»Shares V& M Chester Queen s Bailway Hotel a Co., Ltd 920 Shares, fully paid .28 -30. „ je20 £10 14 -15 Cheater Blossoms ':10 Hotel, Ltd £ 10 „ fully Chester Steam Laundry Co.,Ltd. £ 5 „ fully: Chester Tra.mw'ys >9 Co £ 10 „ fully 5 -7 A Chester iiace Co., S Limited £ 100 „ 275 M Dee Oil Co., Ltd. Ml Ordinary Shares pa* V Walkers, Parker A m Co., Ltd. £10 Shares, fully paid, <» m Cum. Pret 1J—2i JM „ „ „ 41 Debentures 84—8t» 9 J. H. Billington, 9 Ltd., Chester 41 First Mort. Deben. Stock .par JM „ „ „ 5 Cum. Pref. deM Shares. par i* a* •• Ordinary 210 Shares w Victoria Pier and Pavilion Co., 11 Colwyn Bay, Ltd. Al Ordinary Shates Halkyu Miuiugco. Ii Limited. £1 Shares, fully paid 11 —12 Halkyu Drainage Co £ 10 Shares, fully paid 24J—25J East Halkyu Min- iag Co., Ltd jel „ 15/- 33/-—36, SouthHulkyuMin. ingCo.,Ltd. £ 1 fully 2J—21 „ £ 1 18/ -Hi Northlfendre Mining Co.rLtd. £ 2 10.i. Shares, fully paid 5 -6 Talacre Mining Co. Limited .el Ord. fully paid „ „ £ 1 Pref. „ „ „ Vnited Minera Co., IAnilted SlOrd. „ 171&paid .21)/-30/- Isle ofman Mining Co.. Ltd. (Fox- dale) Mines 95 JJ." JJ 3 £ — ii 7|Pref., £ 17 10s pd 25—30 Llanarmon Mining Co., Ltd.. igi Ord., fully paid 5/—10/- „ £1 Pref., fully 15-10 Wirral Bailway 3% Debeature Stock par 11 li >, 4 Preference (189&issoe).lv)lfc—102 Wirral Railwlys Co. Limited 210- Ord. Shares, fully paid .3 —34

GORED TO DEATH BY A BULL.—-A- rarD& labourer named John Hughes, fifty years of Age, employed at Calcot Hall Farm, on PeIlybaI Mountain, near Holywell, has met with a shoe** ing death. Kept in a field on the farm was »» irritable and savage bull, of whose characte_ Hughes was of course aware, but the bull.16 stated, would never venture to approach he was accompanied by his dog. On the If* inst., however, Hughes was in the field JtP? accompanied by his usual companion, the and the bull attacked him in a most SaIC44 0, manner. Having knooked Hughes dowA bull gored him with its horns, breaking right arm and fraoturing three of his r*,f* -g of which penetrated his lung. The eventually driven off by a number of men j with pikels. Hughes was carried home attended by Dr. Morris, of Holywell, succumbed to his injuries on Sunday. Jointed and published for and on behalf of the ChesbtfJ and North Wales Newspaper Qcunpany, Lua" JAMES ALBEBT BIBCHALJ* at tb» *» Office, 8, Bridge-street, it» the City ot WroiraftSAT, October 24,18QW