The Chester Courant and Advertiser for North Wales

KRUGER'S MOVEMENTS. RUMOURED STAY AT ALGIERS. Paris, Oct. 26. According to a despatch to the 11 Matin from Algiers, a rumour, at present unconfirmed, is current there that the Dutch Consul has been informed that the Gelderland will land Mr. Kruger at Algiers. Mr. Kruger, it is added, will only proceed to France after a stay at Algiers, the length of which has not yet been fixed. It is officially denied that Dr. Leyds has been either officially or privately received by M. Delcasse since the Boer delegates passed through Paris. There is likewise no truth in the report that the French Government is pre- paring an official reception for Mr. Kruger in Paris.

SOUTH AFRICAN RAILWAY CONTRACTS. The War Office has issued the following:- Statements have appeared in the Press to the effect that Colonel Girouard, as Military Director of Railways in South Africa, has placed in America large orders for railway material and rolling stock. Nothing was known at the War Office as to the alleged orders, and a telegram of inquiry was therefore sent to the Commander- in-Chief in South Africa. Lord Roberts replies as follows:— Pretoria, October 21st. "Referring to your telegram, No. 4,499, of the 19th inst.No orders have been placed by Girouard in America. I believe Wernher, Beit, and Co., acting for various mining firms, have, owing to inability of English houses to complete orders in time, placed a portion of their order in America."

WELSH FUSILIERS' CASUALTIES. Among the casualties issued from the War Office on Saturday, were the following:—Royal Welsh Fusiliers: Capt. H. Delme-Radcliffe, slightly wounded, scalp, Frederickstad, October 24th; and Lieut. F. H. Nangle, slightly wounded, leg, Frederickstad, October 24th.

ANNEXATION OF THE TRANSVAAL. PRESENTATION OF V.C'S. CAPTAIN CONGREVE'S REWARD. The following official despatch has been received from the Commander-in-Chief:— From Lord Roberts to the Secretary of State for War. Pretoria, Oct. 25 (11.10 p.m.). 1,404.—Oct. 25.—The ceremony of proclaim- ing the annexation of the Transvaal to her Majesty's dominions passed off most success- fully. As the Royal Standard was hoisted in the main square the Grenadier Guards presented arms and the massed bands played God Save the Queen a salute of twenty-one guns was fired by the 18th Battery. The Military Governor then read the Proclamation. The bands again played God Save the Queen!" and the troops gave three cheers for her Majesty. The Victoria Cross was then presented to Major Phipps-Hornby, Royal Horse Artillery; Major Babtie, Royal Army Medical Corps; Captain Congreve, Rifle Brigade; Captain Fitz- clarence, Irish Guards; Lieutenant Norwood, 5th Dragoon Guards; Corporal McKay, Gordon Highlanders; and Gunner Lodge, Royal Horse Artillery; and the Humane Society awards to Lieutenant Harvey, Nesbitt's Horse, and Pri- vate Cassidy, New Zealand Mounted Infantry. The troops in garrison then marched past. The Colonies were represented by the Royal Canadian Regiment, the New Zealand Mounted Infantry, the Body Guard, Roberts' Horse, and various details; England by A" and J" Batteries Royal Horse Artil- lery, Household Cavalry, 18th Battery Royal Field Artillery, 36th Company Southern Royal Artillery, 26th Company Royal Engineers, Grenadier and Coldstream Guards, Norfolk, Lincoln, and Hampshire Regiments, and 1st King's Royal Rifles; Scotland by a detachment Royal Scots Fusiliers, the regiment which was at Pretoria when the British flag was hauled down and the South African Republic flag hoisted in 1881, and by the Gordon Highlanders; Ireland by the Royal Irish Regiment; the Yeomanry by the 48th Company; and the Volunteers by sixteen companies of various regiments, all of which will shortly proceed to England. Six thousand two hundred troops marched past, all looking in the best of health and most workmanlike. Wales would have been represented by the Royal Welsh Fusiliers, but that distinguished corps is engaged to-day adding fresh laurels to its splendid reputation. Sir Godfrey Lagden with some of the Basuto chiefs were on the ground. These latter were evidently much impressed, and begged that their expresions of loyalty might be communi- cated to the Queen. Pretoria, Thursday. After the annexation parade, Lord Roberts informed the New Zealanders that they would be allowed to take back with them to New Zealand the gun which they captured from the Boers at the Vet River. Sir Alfred Milner has gone to Johannesburg, which he will make his summer place of residence. He is going to Capetown for three weeks before taking over the government of the country.

FIGHTING DE WET. WELSH FUSILIERS IN ACTION. BOER TREACHERY PUNISHED. THREE MEN EXECUTED. From Lord Roberts to the Secretary of State for War. Pretoria, Oct. 25 (11.10 p.m.). Barton, who has been troubled for some days past at Frederickstad by a force of Boers under the ubiquitous De Wet, attacked them this morning with half Royal Welsh Fusiliers and three companies Royal Scots Fusiliers, sup- ported by guns and mounted troops. The Boers were scattered in all directions. They suffered heavily, and we captured several prisoners. Our casualties were Wounded: Second Lieutenant A. G. Bruce, Royal Scots Fusiliers (forearm, slight), and fourteen men; Royal Welsh Fusiliers, Captain H. Delme Radclifle (head, slight) and Lieutenant F. H. Mangle (slight). Commandant, America Siding, reports that a party of Boers who were raiding stock on the farms of loyal Boers were followed up by Lieutenant Lewin, King's Liverpool Regiment, who recovered all the stock. One of his men was killed. The War Office on Saturday issued the follow- ing official despatch:— From Lord Roberts to the Secretary of State for War. Pretoria, Oct. 26 (6.55 a.m.). 1,407 Oct, 26.—Barton's losses yesterday wore greater than at first reported. Addi- tional casualties were: Killed—Royal Scots Fusiliers, Captain W. L. Baillie and 12 men. Wounded-Royal Scots Fusiliers, Second Lieutenant J. A. G. Elliott, abdomen, dan- gerously Captain D. H. A. Dick, leg, severe. Royal Welsh Fusiliers, Lieutenant W. Best, slightly, and about 25 men. The Boers left 24 dead and 19 wounded on the ground. Twenty-six of their number were taken prisoners, and several rifles wore captured. Three Boers, who held up their hands in token of surrender and then treacherously fired on our men, were fortunately captured. They were tried by court-martial, convicted, and sentenced to death. I have confirmed the sentence. Barton speaks in high terms of praise of the gallantry displayed by the Royal Scots and Royal Welsh Fusiliers. Methuen reports that his and Douglas's columns dispersed a party of Boers not far from Zeerust yesterday. Six dead and wounded Boers were left on the ground, 28 prisoners were captured, and a large number of cattle, &c. Our casualties: Wounded, 6 men severely, and 2 slightly 1 man missing. General Kitchener reports from Lydenburg that, hearing the enemy were collecting near Krugerspoort, he made a night march and cap- tured the laager. Several Boers were wounded and four taken prisoners. We had no casualties. A party of Boers occupied Philippolis a few days ago. The little garrison held out very pluckily, having three killed and eleven wounded before they were relieved. As the entry was effected by treachery on the part of some of the inhabitants, I have directed Kelly- Kenny to send all implicated out of the country. Lieutenant Chapman, Prince Alfred's Volun- teer Guards, with fifty cavalry details, fell into an ambush a day or two ago beheen Spring- fontein and Philippolis. Seven men got away; the rest were captured.

TEN MONTHS IN A BOER TOWN. FACE TO FACE WITH STARVATION. The brother of the Rev. J. Cairns Mitchell, B.D., of Chester, has had a trying experience during the Boer war. Mr. George Mitchell was in business as a merchant in Harrismith, Orange River Colony, and on the outbreak of the- war was commandeered by the Boers. Fortunately, however, the doctors would not pass him for service at the front, and he has been at Harrismith all through the exciting period of hostilities. For ten months they were entirely cut off from all outside communication with the world. They had laid in a stock of necessaries to last for six months, and these had to spin out for ten months. Just before succour arrived they had no soap; they had burned their last candle; their last drop of oil had gone into the lamp, and their sugar and other eatables had been distributed. In fact, starvation stared them in the face, and would have been their fate had not succour arrived in the nick ef time. But the story is best told in a letter received from Mr. G. Mitchell's partner at Harrismith. We give the following extracts At last we can breathe and talk once more in something else than a whisper. The troops are here at last. We had been disappointed so often after Colenso, when Ladysmith was taken, Heilbron, Bethlehem—they were always to be in, in a few days, and they never came. Things began to get serious for us. A lot of Banditti came down from the Transvaal via Vreder, and did a lot of looting. Then some of Hasbrook's and Olivier's men came in and took what they wanted AT THE MOUTH OF THE PISTOL. The town authorities if they did not actually direct the looting parties at least winked at them. Then two of the worst of the officials cleared away from the town, and joined Hasbrook, and it was said they were just outside of the town with a looting party, when they heard that General Macdonald was actually coming in. His instructions were to go after Olivier, but the representations made by one of our doctors decided him to come, and it was good that he did. Moreover he waited with the cavalry (sending the infantry forward) till General Rundle was in touch, and sent word to Natal that the Berg was clear. The con- sequence was that he came in on Saturday. The Lancers and Hussars came from Lady- smith on Sunday night, and General Rundle arrived on Tuesday. We heard that General Macdonald was only, two hours out of town on Friday night, and our hopes went up. Then we heard that he was sent on after Olivier, and did not intend coming to town, and we were again disappointed and dismayed. Then we heard that a letter had come to the Landrost saying he would call for the keys on Saturday. On Saturday morning we put our red, white and blue badges in our pockets, and, donning our best clothes, we went out to watch the hill opposite, where we had seen what was said to be the British camp fires. On the Friday night they soon began to make their appearance. First a company of horsemen in khaki galloped over the rise, and came towards the town. Out came the badges and the field glasses. Then more horsemen and' then Infantry, Highlanders-the 42nd, it turned out to be. Meanwhile Captain Thatcher and the Company of Prince Albert Guards (from Port Elizabeth) had reached town and posted pickets at the various thoroughfares, took over the keys of Court House, Railway Station, &c., fcc., and tried to answer a few of the eager questioners who surrounded them. They put everything in order for the General, who was only an hour later. The H.L.I. were just outside the town and were not coming in. This damped our joy, but we soon heard the pipes in the distance, and the beat of the drum made us ten years younger all at once. It was queer to see the Highlanders in khaki with khaki aprons over the kilt. But never mind how they looked—every one of them was a soldier of the Queen. The Boers are coming in shoals to give up their guns, and at last the British have learned not to trust them, so this time the Boer does not go back to his farm, but is kept under guard until such time as peace is restored. The town is empty as far as provisions are concerned, but yesterday two trains came in with food for the soldiers, so we expect soon to have our supplies up also. We had laid in a stock for ourselves for about six months as we thought, but we have had to make it spin out for ten months. Ten months to-day since the train stopped. Last night we burned our last candle, and emptied our paraffin oil tin into the lamp. Tea, sugar, salt, soap, &c., &c., are just done. Another fortnight WOULD HAVE MEANT FAMIEMB for us. Many, most indeed, were worse off. Tea sold at 7s. 6d. per lb., sugar la. 6d. while it lasted, coal 10s. and lis. a bag, paraffin oil JE2 for 4i gallons; and many could not procure these things for love nor money. We are thankful it is over here, for it was getting very disagreeable of late. Thankful, too, we have come out so well. We were commandeered for about £100 at the very first, and then George and I got British sub- jects' certificates, and refused to give more, and when the looting was going on our stock was so low that they ignored or overlooked us, or had mercy on us somehow or other, so we escaped. The Government, too, paid up all our accounts for the goods they bought, not the commandeered goods of course. Sheets for hospital, overcoats, &c., &c., and although we were strongly and openly British all through, the Burghers were never once nasty to us, but as for the officials in town, they did their level best to harass the British in town, but of that some other time. They are all sitting thinking about it in prison to-night, except two, who are still at large somewhere. So you see we have been kept" so far. I wonder if the home circle is all complete yet. We often fear to think of opening the first mail.

DEATH OF A WELSH MAGISTRATE.—The death took place on Wednesday of Mr. Benjamin Davies, J.P., Rhosllanerchrugog, Ruabon, who was one of the most prominent and respected magistrates in North Wales. For a number of years he held the position of vice-chairman of the Wrexham Rural District Council, and he had also been connected with various other public bodies. He was the local postmaster, and he also carried on business as a grocer and provision merchant. He leaves a widow and family to mourn his loss. One of his sons (Dr. J. C. Davies) is deputy coroner for East Den- bighshire, and the other is a clergyman of the Church of England, and resides at Holywell. "WOT CHEB, MATE?" may be a rough form of salutation, but the kindliness of its intention cannot be questioned; therefore it may not be out of place to adopt it here. Those who may be suffering from bad health can be speedily relieved from their misery by the aid of Holloway's Pills and Ointment. They are equally good for the old, young, or middle-aged. For weakness, lassitude, headache, fever, diarrhoea, dysentery, measles, croup and similar complaints, these medicines cannot be equalled; whilst for skin diseases, sores, ulcers, scrofula and old wounds, they have effected cures in cases declared hopeless by eminent medical men. Full directions as to the use of these remark. able remedies are given to purchasers..

PATRIOTIC ENTERTAINMENT AT CHESTER. 6 A BRILLIANT FUNCTION. It is extremely rare that one hears such a ananimouschorus of approval with regard to any affair of the kind as that which has been elicited by the concert and tableaux given in Chester Music Hall on Wednesday in aid of Lady Lansdowne's Fund for the Officers' Branch of the Soldiers' and Sailors' Families' Association. Initiated by the Marchioness of Cholmondeley and Miss G. Leche of Carden Park, the latter of whom discharged the onerous duties of honorary secretary, the idea was taken up at the outset by the representa- tive county families of Cheshire and North Wales with an enthusiasm that deserved nothing but success, and the ball once set roiling neither expense nor trouble was spared to carry the entertainment to a satisfactory issue. The beauty of Cheshire and the northern part of the Principality was easily enlisted on behalf of a cause appealing to the sympathies of all, and the result was a veritable triumph. So far as general artistic effect, excellence of grouping, handsome costumes, and completeness of detail are concerned, the tableaux and scenes have seldom, it may be safely asserted, been surpassed. It would have been impossible to improve upon the manner in which the tableaux were arranged by Mrs. Langford Brooke, Mrs. Egerton Leigh, Mrs. Cotton-Jodrell, and Mrs. Hornby Lewis, while the Marchioness of Chol- mondeley. Lady Mostyn, and the Hon. Mrs. Brodrick, were equally successful in the arrange- ment of the scenes, in which they were assisted by Mr. Herbert Sydney and Mr. T. Walmsley Price. A great deal depends in these matters upon an efficient stage-managership, and here again the promoters of the entertainment were fortunate in being able to rely upon the services of Mrs. Cotton-Jodrell and Mr. Kinsey Peile. The music was under the direction of Dr. Bridge and Mr. J. T. Hughes, and much praise is due to the orchestra for their sympathetic and skilful accompaniment of the various pictures. The programme-sellers, who were prettily dressed in Grecian costumes, were the Misses J. Barnston, D. Barbour, Logan, Sand- bach, Skipwith, H. Greenshields, and Hampton- Lewis, while Miss Trelawny had cleverly designed the programme. The Hon. Cecil T. Parker and a number of other gentlemen acted as stewards. Judging from the capital attendances both on Wednesday afternoon and evening, the financial result of the entertainment should be eminently satisfactory. In the afternoon the Music Hall was crowded to excess, among those who had booked seats being the High Sheriff (Mr. B. C. Roberts) and Mrs. Roberts, Countess Grosvenor (who was away from home), Lady Broughton, Countess Crewe, Lady Hughes, Sir Piers Mostyn, Lady Penrhyn, Lord Harlech, the Dowager Lady Hanmer, Lord Egerton of Tatton, Sir Pnilip Grey-Egerton, Lady Pules- ton, the Hon. Mrs. Cecil T. Parker, the Hon. G. Kenyon, M.P., the Hon. Mrs. De Tatton Egerton, Mr. J. Tomkinson, M.P., Mrs. Dalrymple, Miss Mainwaring, Mrs. Bullin, Mrs. E. Leigh, Colonel Davies-Cooke, Mrs. Barnston, Mrs. Thompson, the Hon. Mrs. E. Warburton, the Rev. J. R. Armitstead, Mrs. Wolley-Dod, Mrs. Ethelston, Admiral Black- burn, Mr. George Barbour, Colonel Platt, Miss Cunliffe, Mrs. Cornwall Legh, Mr. G. Houghton, the Rev. Canon Blackburne, Colonel France- Hayhurst, Mrs. Littledale, Mrs. Kay, etc. After an overture from The Bohemian Girl by the orchestra, the curtaiu rang up to a tableau The Challenge," an effective piece of portraiture in which Miss Lyon, in a becoming yellow gown, represented the peacemaker, and Mr. Bradshaw Isherwood and Mr. Mainwaring the two fiery hot bloods. A striking success, histrionically, was the tableau A Daughter of the Pharaohs." Miss Parker took the part to perfection with her stately pose and queen-like expression. Her gold and green draperies hung gracefully, and the effect was heightened by the artistic arrangement of her dark hair, a fan of peacocks' feathers which she held, and gold bands worn on her arms. Miss Parker was attended by two slaves- Lady Lettice Cholmondeley in white and scarlet draperies, and Miss Massie in dull blue, making a most picturesque effect with her rich coloured hair. "The Miss Gunnings were admirably portrayed by Mrs. Von Schroder and Miss Olive Jodrell, in white glace silk, gowns and black fichus, powdered hair, large black picture hats and huge white muffs. The studio scene was quite one of the most effective; in it Miss Langford Brooke was posing to Mr. Baskerville Glegg, who was paint- ing her picture, while Mrs. Egerton Leigh, in a most beautiful gown of gold tissue, was seated at the feet of the model. The Greek draperies were most becoming to Miss Brooke. The scenes from the life of Mary Queen of Scots were arranged by Mrs. Hornby Lewis, with Lady Kathleen Cole representing the unfortunate queen. She looked lovely in all the scenes, and it is difficult to say which part suited her best. There was more dramatic interest W her tableaux than in any of the others, and with her charming and expressive face she thoroughly entered into the spirit of the part she played, and appealed most forcibly to the audience. In the first portion she was found in the Convent Garden, surrounded by her four Maries, who were singing to her, at least such was the effect given; in reality Miss Horsford behind the scenes contributed the music, a most effective addition to the scene. The queen wore a pearl, grey brocade gown, trimmed with sable, and opening over a gorgeous embroidered petticoat; and on her head a jewelled cap. The Maries, all pretty girls, were dressed one in blue, another in pink, the third in yellow brocade, and the fourth, Miss Chandos Leigh, in a lovely gown of white and old rose. In the farewell to France the queen was seen on board ship with the coast of France in the distance, and this made a very successful background. The queen was attired in black velvet, slashed with white satin, while Chastelar (Mr. Dilke), her attendant, wore a handsome suit of pale blue brocade. In the abdication scene the queen wore a superb and most becoming gown of red velvet. Excellent was the look of intense scorn on her face as the humiliating deed was shewn to her by Lord James Murray (Mr. Kinsey Peile), whose costume was a most faithful reproduction of the dress of the period. In the execution scene, 20 years later, the queen shewed traces of age and grief. Her gown was an expressively mournful one of black velvet, and in her hands she clasped a silver crucifix. Mrs. Surtees, as her nun, looked charming, and the costumes of the executioner and halberdiers were perfect. This scene was most pathetic, and the look in Lady Kathleen's face, as she awaited her tragic fate, was quite per- fect. A sweetly pretty tableau was The Three Graces," who were appropriately represented by the Misses Cotton-Jodrell, Paget, and M. Massey-three distinctly pretty girls. Miss Cotton-Jodrell wore a frock of white and yellow crepe de chine, and she had a blue ribbon entwined in her hair; Miss Paget wore chiffon in two shades of rose over pink satin, and a soft swathing of pink chiffon in her hair, and Miss Massey was in green velvet. In the tableau An Idyll of Spain" Lady Grey- Egerton looked charming in a dress of yellow satin and gold, to which were attached jewels and coins, and Mr. Etienne Martinez was suc- cessful as the Spanish gallant. Perhaps the most delightful picture of the afternoon was .'The Gleaners' Return," in which the charac- ters were taken by Lady Lettice Cholmondeley, Miss Barbara Tomkinson, Miss Tatton, and Miss Doreen Kearsley. The fair gleaners, simply dressed, were gracefully represented re- turning home carrying corn, and a striking background was formed by the setting sun. An excellent lime-light effect was produced, and the tableau altogether was most realistic. The concluding item of the first half of the pro- gramme was "A favourite occupation of the Empress Josephine," in which the parts were sustained by Mrs. Egerton Leigh, Miss Tippinge, Miss Trelawny, Miss Langford Brooke, and Mr. Bradshaw Isherwood. The second portion opened with a Welsh Druid scene, admirably arranged by Mr. T. Walmsley Price. The Druids were first shewn awaiting the ceremony of the cutting of the mistletoe, and afterwards the mistletoe was cut. All the "dramatis persona" were of Welsh nationality, and the two scenes were extremely weird and picturesque. Sir Watkin W. Wynn was the Archdruid, and he was supported by Lord Mostyn, while the Druidesses were Lady Magdalen W. Bulkeley, the Hon. Mrs. Brodrick, Mrs. Hayes, Mrs. Assheton Smith, Miss Cun- liffe, Miss Paget, and Miss Peel. They were attractively garbed in pale blue robes, wrought with silver, and they wore garlands of gold oak leaves. Particular local interest attached to the historic scene, after the picture by Herbert Sydney, illustrative of the escape of Henry Tudor, Earl of Richmond, afterwards Henry VII-, from Mostyn Hall. This tableau was arranged and staged by Mr. Sydney himself, who visited Chester for the purpose. The picture belongs to Lady Augusta Mostyn, and includes portraits of the present Mostyn family who appeared in the tableaux in the characters they represent in the picture. The historic incident illustrated by the picture is described as follows" Henry Tudor, who was concealed by Richard ap Howel, at Mostyn Hall, was about to dine with the family, when the soldiers of Richard III. unexpectedly entered. Milord,' said the Captain of the Guards,' we have come in search of the Earl of Richmond He is not here,' replied his lord- ship, How is this then?' said the Captain pointing to the table. Lord Mostyn replied It is always our custom to have an extra place laid for a friend; and as I cannot look upon you in any other light, I shall be happy if you will partake of our hospitality.' In the meantime Henry Tudor effected his escape." The grouping of the tableau was per- fection itself, and the dresses were conspicuously handsome. Lady Mostyn wore a rich yellow brocade costume with jewelled head-dress and long veil. Lady Hardinge was in black velvet, studded with turquoises, with long-pointed sleeves lined with ermine, her charming face and fair hair most becomingly framed by a winged black velvet cap, also studded with turquoises. Miss Pennant looked quite lovely in an ethereal gown of white and silver with a blue head-dress and silver veil. The children in the picture went straight to the hearts of the audience. The men's dresses were also beautifully carried out, and the im- pression given was quite that of an old picture. The other performers in this scene were Lord Mostyn, General the Hon. Savage Mostyn, Hon. Mrs. Savage Mostyn, Hon. Frederick Wynn, Captain Darby Griffith, Mr. Percy Nevill, Mr. Harry Mainwaring, Mr. Massie, Mr. Barnston, Hon. Gwynedd Mostyn, and Master Teddy Wynn. The concluding tableau—a patriotic scene representative of Great Britain and her Colonies-was a dazzling blaze of colour and light. Britannia. was fittingly depicted by the Marchioness of Cholmondeley, who looked quite regal seated on a high throne, crowned with jewels and holding a sceptre in her right hand. Her gown was of white satin, embroidered with the rose, sham- rock and thistlei a crimson and ermine cloak over her shoulders. On her rióht hand stood India (Mrs. Hayes), in a gorgeous robe of red and gold tissue, which came origin- ally from the wardrobe of a Mahrahnee —this oriental dress suited Mrs. Hayes's beauti- ful eyes and colouring remaikably welL Canada (Lady Grey-Egerton) was in a rioh gown of snowy white, with powdered hair sparkling with diamonds. Australia (Lady Magdalene Bulkeley) looked magnificent; on her head a high-spiked jewelled crown, and gold embroidered robe garlanded with pdin- settias. New Zealand (Miss Massie) wore a becoming gown of two shades of mauve, with orchids in her hair. British Columbia (Lady Kathleen Cole) had a graceful costume of pale yellow with a green scarf, and a wreath of poppies and maize. Newfoundland (Miss Baskerville Glegg) was in white with gold sequins. Burmah (Lady Lettice Cholmondeley) again looked wonderfully handsome in rose and green. West Indies (Miss Olive Jodrell) was in yellow and red, and held a West Indian parrot in her hand. The Pacific Islands (Miss Barbara Tomkinson) looked very well in mauve and blue silk, with a wreath of orchids. Natal (Miss Charlton) wore black, with pale blue in her hair. Cape of Good Hope (Miss Langford Brooke), in silver, embroidered with Cape Irises and diamonds in her hair. Gold Coast (Mrs. Assheton Smith) was admir- ably dressed for the part, glittering in gold and wearing her own magnificent jewels. Cyprus, Ascension Island, and Hong Kong (Miss Kearsley, Miss Lyon, Miss Eva Tatton) were all well dressed. Other Colonial posses- sions were represented as follows :-Soudan, Miss L. Trelawny; Gibraltar, Capt. Collins; Malta, Mr. Massie; Transvaal, Master Grey- Egerton; and Orange River Colony, Master Roland Grey Egerton. After a few seconds a smaller curtain was raised at the back, and disclosed "War" (Miss Parker), resplendent in scarlet, with sword and buckler in her hand. Then the small curtain fell, and when it was raised a second time revealed Peace (Miss Cotton- Jodrell), who with her fair hair and white robes, made a splendid contrast to the preceding picture, and her white wings and soft draperies gave her quite an angelic effect. Lady Grey- Egerton's two dear little boys walked down from beside Peace, and kneeling each on one knee laid the flags of Orange IRiver Colony and the Transvaal at the feet of Great Britain. At this point God save the Queen" was sung. A particularly enjoyable feature of the programme was the exquisite singing of the Countess Valda Gleichen, who was perhaps heard to best advantage in the old Cheshire song, "The Keys of Heaven." The Misses Clara and Marianne Eissler contributed a delightful harp and violin duet, and Mr. Wilkinson gave a song. In the evening there was again a large audience. The programme was practically repeated, the only new items being songs by Mr. Hedmondfc. The whole of the elaborate scenery used for the production of the tableaux was specially painted by Mr. T. Robinson, Liverpool, and staged throughout by .Messrs. Garnett and Son, Chester.

THE LATE HER. W. H. R. M. JOHNSON, OF MOLD. 4 The funeral of the late Mr. W. H. R. M. Johnson, of Mold, took place at the Mold Cemetery on Wednesday, and was marked by every manifestation of respect and esteem for the memory of the departed. The flag was at half-mast on the parish church tower, and the appearance of both business establishments and private houses was significant of the general sorrow. At half- past three o'clock the mournful procession left the Bank House, the residence of the deceased, for the parish church. At the church gate the procession was met by the surpliced clergy and choir, and the opening sentences of the burial service were read by the vicar, the Rev. J. Poole Hughes. Upon entering the sacred edifice the ear was greeted with the strains of Mendelssohn's 0 rest in the Lord. The hymn The Saints of God was rendered by the choir, after which the lesson was read by the Rev. Thos. Jones, vicar of Llanyfyllin, and formerly vicar of Mold. The Rev. Stephen B. Jones, vicar of Rhosesmor, read the prayers, after which the hymn Now the labourer's task is o'er was sung with much feeling. As the cortege left the church for the Cemetery the Dead March in Saul was played by the organist, Mr. W. H. Adams. The route of the procession via High-street and Wrexham- street was lined, by sympathetic spectators. Upon arrival at the Cemetery the concluding portion of the burial service was impressively conducted by the vicar. The floral tributes formed a superbly handsome collection, and were sent by the following:— Mr. and Mrs. John Smith, Moseley; Mr. and Mrs. W. C. Kemp, Birkenhead; Mr. and Mrs. J. C. Griffiths, Carmarthen; Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd Price and family. Holywell; Mrs. Basil E. Philips, Rhual; Mr. Hugh Moore, Chester; Mr. and Mrs. Price Jones, Mold; Mr. and Mrs. J. J. Lewis, Mold; Lil and Gladys," Mold; Mr. and Mrs. T. S. Adams, and Ella, Mold; Mr. and Mrs. Davies-Cooke, Gwysaney; The Mold Orchestral Society; Mr. Parry and family, Preswylfa; "Eddie and Fred," London; His Five Sisters;" Lottie, Bessie, and Carrie," Birken- head the Mold Bank Staff; Wife and Child"; Mr. Campbell, Leicester; Mrs. Pring, Mr. and Mrs. Lowndes, and Miss Pring, Bideford; Mr. and Mrs. P. Doe, Great Torrington; Mr. and Mrs. Huxtable, Forber Hall; Mrs. Hayes, Birmingham; Mrs. and Mrs. B. Browne, Earl's Court; Kate, Jeannie, and Effie; Mrs. Clayton Boyes, St. Asaph; Mr. and Mrs. T. B. Williams and Winefred, Mold; Dr. and Mrs. Edwards, Mold; Mrs. R. T. Webber, Bryn Weltar; Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Roberts, Tyddyn; The Alun School and Mr. Scargill, Mold; Mr. and Mrs. H. E. Field, Birkenhead; Mr. and Mrs. Spencer, Staveley; Mrs. W. Davies, Caergwrle; Mr. and Mrs. Hopkinson and W. Field, Heswall; Mrs. Howells, Mold; Mr. Thomas Parry, Mold; Mr. and Mrs. J. Saum, Mold; Mr. Walmsley, Ruthin; Mr. Richard Hughes, Denbigh; Mr. John Watkinson, Brook Park; Rev. S. B. Jones, Rhosesmor.

I CHESHIRE WEDDING IN LONDON. ♦ ■ — SIR GILBERT GREENALL-MISS F. E GRIFFITH. On Thursday afternoon, at the church of St. Peter's, Cranley Gardens, South Kensington, London, the wedding took place of Sir Gilbert Greenall, second baronet, and Miss Frances Eliza Griffith. The bridegroom is the only son of the late Sir Gilbert Greenall, first baronet, who sat as M.P. for Warrington for many years, formerly lieutenant in the Cheshire Yeomanry Cavalry, and now Master of the Belvoir Foxhounds. His residences are Walton Hall, Warrington, and Woolsthorpe-by-Belvoir, Grantham; while the bride is the only daughter of Captain Edward Wynne Griffith, formerly in the 1st Dragoon Guards, J.P. for Cheshire, Denbighshire, and Merionethshire, of Tiresford, Tarporley; Plas Newydd, Den- bighshire; Gwastadfryn, near Towyn, Merionethshire, and grand-daughter of the late Rev. W. W. Park, of Ince Hall, Cheshire, and niece of the late Captain Park- Yates, of Ince Hall, Cheshire, for many years Master of the North Cheshire Hounds. The service was fully choral, and splendidly rendered by the choir of St. Peter's. The entrance to the chancel was artistically arranged with palms, banked with white chrysanthemums, lilies, spireas, and foliaged plants and ferns, and the altar vases were filled with bouquets of white flowers. The nuptial ceremony was impressively conducted by the Rev. Henry Arbuthnot Feilden, M.A., vicar of Kirkby Stephen, Westmoreland (cousin of the bride), assisted by the Rev. L. J. Theodore Darwall, M.A. (formerly master of the schools, Oxford), and now vicar of Walton, Warrington, of which Sir Gilbert Greenall, Bart., is patron. The bride was accompanied by her father, who during the singing of the nuptial hymn, The voice that breathed o'er Eden," preceded by the officiating clergy and surpliced choir, conducted her to the chancel entrance where, under the shade of the drooping palms the first portion of the marriage service was said, and in due course gave her away. The bride looked stately in a Wedding Robe" of cream crepe sappho, draped with old family Limerick lace, chenile, and silver em- broidery, and full court train of cream panne trimmed with chiffon. Her fine tulle veil covered a tiara of real orange blossoms. Her ornaments wore a diamond necklace, the gift of Sir Gilbert Greenall, Bart., a massive diamond star, the gift of the bride's father and mother, and diamond wings, the gift of her brother and sister-in-law. Lilies of the valley, gardenias, and white roses in foliage, tied with white satin streamers composed the bride's bouquet. There were only two bridesmaids, Miss N. Griffith (cousin of the bride) and Miss Whitley (cousin of the bridegroom), who were gowned in pale blue crepe de chine, trimmed with real lace, and fichus of white mousseline de soie. They also wore black tucked taffeta silk hats, trimmed with black feathers, and fastened with a gold and turquoise buckle. Sir Gilbert Greenall presented each with a unique diamond and ruby brooch, and a neat nosegay of deep red carnations, tied with Cambridge blue ribbon to match the gowns. Mr. J. J. Whitley (cousin of the bridegroom), of Woodlands, Acton Bridge, was the best man. During the service the hymns 0 perfect love all human thought transcending and Now thank we all our God" were sung with great effect. The ceremony over and the register signed, the bridal party drove to 8, Roland-gardens, South Kensington, the town residence of Mrs. Tupper (the bride's aunt), where Mrs. Wynne Griffith held a reception which was largely attended, among those present and at the church being Mr. Pierpoint, M.P., Warrington; Mr. R. Myddelton, Mr. Joseph Robinson, of St. Helens; Mr. J. T. Down, Warrington; Mrs. W. D. W. Griffith, in a black silk dress, and bonnet to correspond; Miss Bagot, in a mauve dress and hat en suite; Mrs. Bagot, in a black silk dress and lace cape; Miss Shiffner, in a grey skirt and coat and hat en suite; Miss E. Shiffner, in a green coat and skirt and toque to match; Miss Fletcher, in a blue coat and braided skirt, and black and white hat; Miss Peel, in a black dress, trimmed with white lace; Mrs. Hardinge, in a black satin gown Miss Hardinge, in a green skirt and coat, and white lace hat; Mrs. Frank Corbett, in a blue cloth dress braided with black, and hat to match; Mrs. Ball, in green cloth, and black hat; Miss Hall, in grey, with hat accordingly; Miss Pankhurst, in a fawn dress and black hat; Mrs. Whittles, in a black and white brocade, and bonnet with jet trimming; Miss Greenall, in a crushed straw- berry gown trimmed with lace, and unique hat; Mrs. Le Marchant, in black and amber, and hat to correspond; Mrs. Masaey, black satin and yellow bolero, and black bonnet Mrs. Griffith, in black spotted silk, trimmed with orange, and bonnet to correspond; Mr. and Mrs. Stubs, Mr. George Shiffner, Mrs. Tupper (aunt of the bride), Mr. John White, Mrs. Park Yates. Mr. J. Burgess, Mr. W. D. W. Griffith, Mrs. Wood, Mr. and Mrs. Croxton Curzon, Mr. and Mrs. Cyril Greenall, Mr. and Mrs. Costeker, Mr. A. Wigan, Mr. J. Griffith, Mr. E. Griffith, Mr. E. W. Kershaw, &c. Early in the afternoon, amid the hearty congratulations of all present, Sir Gilbert and Lady Greenall left for a honeymoon tour in the midland counties, The costume de voyage was of royal blue cloth, tailor made, trimmed with black military braid, and a bolero coat embroidered with white cloth; vest and revers of blue and white panne in an Oriental design, brightened with fine gold thread embroidery, and a sable toque. The wedding-cake was supplied by Messrs. R. Bolland and Sons, Chester. The presents, which numbered over 300, included:— To the bride: the bridegroom, diamond tiara, diamond reviere, and diamond pendant; the bride to bridegroom, gold sleeve links Capt. and Mrs. Griffith, diamond star, antique bracket clock; Mr. and Mrs. Cyril Greenall, diamond and sapphire bracelet, silver dessert knife and forks Mr. and Mrs. E. W. Griffith, diamond rings and pearl shirt studs Mrs. Tupper, diamond and turquoise brace- let; Mrs. Park-Yates, silver blotter and silver envelope box; Miss Park, diamond and ruby ring; Miss Griffith, diamond bracelet; Mr. Hornby, silver tea spoons; Captain Shiffner, silver cigarette box Mr. and Mrs. Hague Cook, silver table mirror; the Rev. D. and Mrs. Feilden, antique china inkstand; Captain and Mrs. F. Fetherstonhangh, diamond and enamel links; Mr. Corbet, antique silver glove box; Miss and Miss J. C. Lloyd Williams, gold brooch; Miss Bowles, oak chair Canon and Mrs. and Miss Upperton, case of silver button hooks and shoe horn, &o.; Major-General A. Williams, silver telegraph form case; Miss Lewis, silver photograph frame; Mrs. Marshall, Batter- sea enamel box; Miss S. Fetherstonhaugh, silver frame; Misses Massey, gold purse; Mr. and Mrs. F. Cotton, antique gold vinaigrette; Mrs. Hall, antique Dresden china clock and candelabra; the Baroness M. de Tryll, Russian leather writing case; Mr. and Miss Hughes, silver string box; Miss Tupper, silver-mounted purses; the Misses James, satin handkerchief and glove sachet; Miss Hall, Russian leather writing case; Miss Shelton, antique silver box; Miss Park, silver inkstand; Miss E. Hutchinson, pearl curb chain bracelet; Miss Dora Le Marchant, silver frame; Mrs. Hardinge, antique china bowl; the MissesPrioe, silver travelling clock; Miss Hardinge, silver frame; the Misses Peel, Venetian glass bowl; Miss Gold Edwards, Russian leather photo frame; Mr. W. Coupland, silver blotter and silver envelope case; Colonel and Mrs. Lynes, silver candlesticks; the Rev. J. and Mrs. Timperley, ivory prayer book; Mr. Kinshaw, silver-mounted scent bottle Mr. and Mrs. J. Hughes, antique tea caddy and scent bottle; Mr. and Mrs. Birley, Russian leather case of cards and markers; Mrs. H. Carroll, silver paper knife; Mrs. Lee Townshend antique mahogany mirror; Miss Whitley, cushion; the Rev. H. B. Bloss, Christina Rossetti's poems Colonel Tomkinson, antique silver taper; Mr. W. Edwardes and Miss Edwardes, silver cream jug; Miss Eden, carved elephant; Mr. Greenall, antique china flower pot; Mr. Fleminge, antique silver box; Mr. and Mrs. Stubs, picture; Mr. and Mrs. G. Shiffner, silver scent bottle; Mr. and Mrs. Tuneause, Colport vase; Miss E. Peel, Venetian glass vase; Miss Chard, silver frame; Mr. Marshall Brooks, pair of silver gilt dishes; Mr. and Mrs. J. Lloyd Williams, silver powder box; the Earl of Enniskillen, diamond and turquoise brooch; Mr. and Mrs. William Wynn, leather writing case; Mr. Robert Edwards, silver button hook ana shoe horn; Mr. Robert Pierpoint, M.P. for Warrington, pair of antique Roman silver fruit spoons; Mr. J. ujbfrt*, large silver frnit- spoon; Mrs. Lantorti Sidnsbnrj, silver powder box: Hir Richard. G]vLn, Westward Ho;" Miss \?i::ngrton, silver paper j knife and wlrr- Nxk ir^/kor, Lcrd Defomere. j ,-i-:>ise«he!J silrut oaskc-t; lPdy Kathl^jvi V, >r tea cwidy; Mr. :n¡, Chao aaoheli; Mr. and birb Tl vase; Mr, and Mrs. I jiobeiw1 newspaper rrv-ok; Mr. and Mrs, W William, Wedgewood dish and stand Sir o-ud Mrs. ii. Roberts, Ivttar r-u-.k MY Li; M!n Colonel and Mrs. Howard i' and eoauwlfrasiea: Mrs. Hantcrafcon, Dresden fliina boi, Mr ana Mrs. J. Williams, Japanese vaae^; MUP Tiirelfail, ostrich feather th", biases Di an s-, siivt-r- mounted .t botfcla C,1hmd and Mrs Mosham, hasting «aga?&Beat tablet*; the Rev and Mrs. Grier, silver frame; the Misses Radcliffe, frame Mrs. Lubbock, gold and ruby shirt links Mr. H. Lynes, gold pencil; Captain and Mrs. Ellison, silver clock; {Colonel ana Mrs. Curzon, silver matchbox; Mrs. Mates, silver spooils Mr. and Mrs. Tinsley, pair silver flasks; the Rev. W. and Mrs. Hughes, Dutch silver ornament; Mr. and Mrs. Whitley, antique Sheffield-plate inkstand; Mr. and Mrs. Gordon Houghton, silver box and silver hand-glass; Mrs. W. Dixon, china pig; Mrs. and Miss Cotton-Jodrell, pair silver photo frames Mrs. Swayne, silver-mounted puire Mrs. Roberts, embroidered cloths; Capt. and the Hon. Mrs. Allfrey, silver case of patience cards Miss Bankes, set of silver buttons; Mr. J. L. Birkett, two cut-glass scent bottles; Mr. and Mrs. Bagot, pair Dresden china figures; Mr. T. Parsons, Macraine lace; Miss D. Hall, case of patience cards; Mr. C. Phillipps, vase; Judge Wynne Ffoulkes, antique silver vinaigrette; Mrs. Douglas Hall, silver engraved box; Major and Mrs. Kirkpatrick, silver aneroid; Mrs. W. Thursby, silver card case; Mr. and Mrs. T. Tupper, hand-painted d'oyles; Mrs. Massey, silver photograph frame; Miss V. Rhodes, em- broidered satin blotter; Colonel and Mrs. Hardinge, silver photograph frame Mr. and Mrs. Griffith (Garn), revolving book stand; Miss N. Griffith (Garn), French china box; Mr. A. W. Butt, hand-painted satin and leather letter rack; Mrs. Heaton and Miss Fenton, silver calendar; Miss Tumour, diamond brooch and diamond bracelet; Mr. H. Barber, silver candlestick Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Wigan, silver clock Mr. R. Davies, case of gold buttons; the Tenants on the Walton estate, silver tea tray, and silver tea and coffee service Tenants on Denbighshire and Merioneth estate, a massive silver beaker and illuminated address; the Indoor and Outdoor Servants at Tiresford, silver card case; Servants at Walton Hall and Woolsthorpe, large silver inkstand; Mr. Robert Davies and Staff at Warrington, pair silver tazzas; Servants at 8, Roland Gardens, silver engagement tablet; Mr. Myddelton, gold- mounted hunting crop; Miss Burgess, pair of artistic plaques; Mr. Peter Whitley, large diamond pendant; Old People at the Almshouses, Tarporley, Venetian glass vase, water bottle, and tumbler, &e. To the Bridegroom Messrs. P. Davies and Co., pair of silver tazzas; Mr. and Mrs. Cyril Greenall, silver dessert knives and spoons; Miss Susan Greenall, silver photo frame Mr. and Mrs. E. W. Griffith, pearl stud; The Rev. T. and Mrs. Whitley, silver mirror; Mr. J. J. Whitley, pair of silver vases; Mrs. T. and the Misses Greenail of Chester, Sheraton knife box; Mr. J, Robinson, coffee set; Mr. T. J. Dowin, writing chair and screen; Mr. and Mrs. Peter Stubs, oil painting Mr. and Mrs. Thorold, coffee set; Mr. Trinsley, silver tobacoo box; Mr. Edgar Lubbock, travelling clock Mr. and Mrs. E. G. Davies, silver ornament; Mr. and Mrs. John White, silver mirror; the Rev.L. G. T. and Mrs. Darwall, silver bowl; the Hon. Mrs. Gifford, sleeve links Miss Whichcote, silver match box the Rev. J. F. Tofts, cicrar-holder; Mrs. Stone, gold cigarette case; Mr. E. Jones, silk hand- kerchief Mr. and Mrs. Muskett, silver and enamel matchbox; Mrs. Lyon, silver bird Mr. and Mrs. Phillips, silver vase; Captain and Mrs. Shiffner, silver cigarette box; Mr. and Mrs. Parr, silver muffineer; Mr. Roger Parr, silver reading glass; the Rev. fi. and Mrs. Pigot and children, travelling clock; the Rev. H. T. and Mrs. Clark, silver ink- stand Mr. Bainbridge, silver souffle dish; Sir ueorge ohifiner, silver-mounted photo frame; Mr. Fleming, silver box; Mr. and Mrs. Honlt, travel. ling clock; Sir George Whichoote, silver inkstand; Mr. V. Hemins, silver toast rack Mrs. Blunt, silver ash tray; Mr. H. Whichoote, watch letter weight; Mr. T. L. Wilkinson, album; Mr. G. Davenport, horse shoe iron stand; Mr. and Miss Trisken, silver matchbox and stand; the tenants on the Walton estates, massive silver tray with inscription, and complete silver tea and coffee ser- vice; the employees at the Wilderspool and St. Helens Breweries, a magnificent silver rose bowl on massive black ebony stand, with inscription the Walton Chureh Choir, silver tray and scent bottle; the Walton School Scholars, pair of handsome silver vases the servants at Walton and Woolathorpe, massive silver inkstand the servants at Tresing- ton, antique silver cow, etc.

DEE SALMON FISHERY. ♦ SATISFACTORY SEASON. THE POLLUTION QUESTION. IMPORTANT REPORT. A meeting of the Conservators of the River Dee Fishery District was held at the Town Hall on Saturday, under the presidency of Mr. John Thompson. The Clerk (Mr. Jolliffe) explained that during the past season there had been taken out eight trammel nets realising £ 120; 49 draft nets realising £245, and three coracle nets realising 96 153., making a total of 4371 15s. That was an increase of JB86. The Chairman said iE365 entitled eight rep- resentative members to be appointed. It was resolved that eight representative members be elected, and that Major Leadbetter be the returning officer. The following report by Dr. Easterly (St. Asaph), Messrs. Samuel Davies (BagiUt), and John Jones (Connah's Quay), who were appointed a committee to inspect and report on the different sources of pollution of the river was submitted:— The Chester Weir was the highest point of the river inspected, and we are pleased to report that we did not discover there the signs of any pollution whatever. We inspected the outlet of the Shropshire Union Canal at Crane-bank, and found the water running out fairly clear. We then proceeded to the Chester Sewerage Works. We looked at the outlet which was discharging, most copiously, an effluent which seemed to us to be heavily laden with deleterious matter, much more so than when we inspected the same outlet in 1898. We met the manager, and he informed us that the times of discharge were intermittent, and that if the Board wished it he could always regulate the time of discharge to synchronize with that of the ebb-tide. We recommend the Board to note this statement, and to take the necessary steps for carrying out the idea. At Saltney we found the outlet of the drainage discharging a very foul effluent. A sample was taken and we recommend the Board to have it analysed. We inspected the surroundings of Dobbins's knackers' yard, but as the outlet pipe was under the water of the river nothing of the nature of the effluent could be seen or remarked upon. The candle works were next visited, but there was nothing offensive to be seen. We found nothing at Proctor and Ryland's Bone Works to be complained of. From the boat we looked at the outlet of Balderton Brook, and found the sluices clean and inoffensive, but as there was only a very small flow of water we consider that the effluent could not be deleteri- ous. We found nothing offensive at the Dee Oil Works, and so have no remarks to make thereon. At the Higher Ferry there was nothing to complain of. At the sluice below the Higher Ferry, on the Flintshire side, and from the London and North-Western Rail- way Colony, untreated sewage was being discharged, and we recommend the Board to communicate with the Railway Company on this matter. Dutton's Sluice seemed to be only a stagnant pool from which no serious harm could accrue. Sandycroft Gutter contained a quantity of untreated sewage, and we recom- mend the Board to communicate with the Hawarden RuraL District Council on this subject. The drain at Mancot and Pentre con- tained nothing of a nature deleterious to the river. The sluice at the Black Works seemed to be fairly attended to, but it needs constant attention, the works being in immediate con- tiguity to the river. At Connah's Quay we inspected the Sealand's Sluice by the Dee Bridge, and found the stream unpolluted, being all salt water. We then proceeded to Summers' Iron Works, but as the tide was in we were unable to examine any effluent—particularly so, as one outlet consisted of a concealed or covered up lead-pipe, the mouth of which was some distance in the river; consequently, we arranged for one of our committee and Super- intendent Simpson to visit the works at low water. On Monday, June 18th, they accordingly visited the works and took a sample of water from the lower outlet, from which flowed about 12 gallons per minute at the time of their visit. This sample was taken to Chester, and on the following day two small fish (trout) were put into it, which were dead in four minutes. We strongly recommend the Board to have this sample analysed, and also to ask Mr. Summers to take the necessary steps to remedy the existing evil. At the Wepre Brook there was a large discharge of water, but it was contaminated by an amount of untreated lkIiV&gO .t,, and we recuununud that the attention ci the Ucbau S-vcU.-iry L.lHb(;J oe called to the with a VUJW of preventing such CDtemrnfcyrii, Xhf bor«-r wo*k* at t- <jli looked afi«>r la of their fclftuente. tIet or I | •/ruttfi. kmc -lie uii < liuuiW*Ui Workb, and found (the eliiuent to be offensive a»v' •*? 1. piirnie j colour. ptHicuiarty in the immediate vicinit> i tae Connexion Chapel. At I Golftyr tufcre ie a aow of ur.treated «sj. There '-vfts nothing of an offensive nature issuing from the .Kristerton firoworv. From thcuoe we went to the Wales Paper WorhLf-, and from the appearance of the effluent we inferred that it was very bad. It was situated about 200 yards from the works, and formed a strong stream about four feet wide and one foot deep, its velocity being about one foot in one second. From a rough calculation we estimated the flow to be not less than 120 gallons per minute. We took a sample, not only of the water, but also of the solid matter which floated on the surface of the water by the side of the stream. We strongly recommend the Board to have these two samples analysed. Two fish, on the follow- ing day, were placed in the fluid taken from the stream, and they were dead in two minutes. At Flint we went over the Chemical Works, and took a sample from the effluent, with which we were more favourably impressed than the contrary. The outlet at Messrs. Walkers, Parker and Company's Lead Smelting Works, has a small flow which cannot but be considered detrimental to the fish in the river, and the Board should occasionally notify these gentlemen to be care- ful to render the discharge as harmless as possible. Several works in the Greenfield Valley were afterwards inspected, viz.: The Welsh Flannel Factory, the Abbey Paper Mills, and the British Gas Works, and we found little of anything of a nature deleterious to the river. The owners and managers of these works seem to be both anxious and careful to keep their effluents as pure as possible, but we recommend the Board to occasionally commu- nicate with them so as to keep them up in their carefulness. The Chairman remarked that the Chester Corporation was about to spend a very large sum in dealing with the sewage, so that it would not be turned into the river in its present state. That would take a long time to do, but it was a very good thing for everyone that it should be done. Mr. F. F. Brown: The scheme will cost £ 50,000. The Clerk explained that he had communi- cated with the Saltney Parish Council, and had received a reply stating that the Hawarden District Council bad already submitted a scheme for the better drainage of East Saltney, which would involve a large expenditure, and was now before the Local Government Board. He had communicated with Messrs. Summer, who owned the ironworks at Hawarden Bridge, and had received a reply from them in which they said," We put so little of anything injurious into the river that the fish can be in no way affected by anything we do. We will, however, endeavour to minimise it as much as possible." The Chairman asked if any fish had been found near the ironworks dead, and if their death could be attributed to the pollution. Mr. J. Prince (Connah's Quay) said the fishermen who had watched the effluent very closely considered that it had improved this summer. The Chairman, alluding to the fact that young fish had died in a sample of the effluent, said it must be proved before a prosecution could succeed that the pollution went into the river in such large quantities that it made the body of the .water in the river unfit for the fish. Dr. Stolterfoth (Chester) said if the water taken some distance away killed the fish, it would be good evidence, but the fact that the raw effluent killed the fish was not sufficient. Mr. S. Davies thought they must give Summers' credit for what they had done. It would not be fair to pres-s them, seeing that they were willing to do what they could. A letter was read from the North Wales Paper Works stating that the discoloured effluent from their works was caused by vege- table fibre and not chemicals, and was quite harmless. The Board gave instructions for a sample of the eSuent to be taken for analysis. Mr. Prince asked if it was possible for the effluent from chemical works such as those at Flint to be innocuous. Dead salmon had been picked up there. Mr. S. Davies defended the chemical works, and explained that the reason that the effluent was not deleterious was that there was an excellent supply of water in the works. If Mr. Prince visited the works he thought he would be surprised that the effluent was so pure. Mr. Simpson (superintendent of the fishery): I have visited the place many times and I am surprised myself. The Chairman said Lord Denbigh's agent, who had established some fish hatcheries near Holywell wished to form a small mussel bed on the Welsh side of the river, and for that reason he asked to be allowed to move some small mussels from the Parkgate side. Lord Denbigh's agent explained that he used a large number of mussels at the hatchery. It was decided to ask the Lancashire Sea Fisheries Committee, who made some experi- ments in this direction, whether they considered the scheme would succeed. A member asked if the pollution above the Chester weir was going to be examined. The Chairman was afraid that was rather a big order. He had hoped that a joint board would be formed by the county councils, but the efforts in that direction had failed. The Cheshire County Council were prepared to take action, but the other county councils seemed loath to meet anybody in the matter. Mr. Prince said the sanitary authorities themselves were the chief offenders in the matter. They could not have a better examina- tion of the upper portion of the river than that made by Dr. Bruce Low. Major Leadbetter remarked that in his evidence before the Salmon Commission he gave it as his opinion that pollution destroyed the salmon eggs, and that that was the immediate cause of the decline in the salmon fisheriep. The pollution from Llangollen and other places must have a great effect in spoiling the Dee salmon fishery.

TOWN COUNCILLORS' WORK. ——* A YEAR'S RECORD. The annual statement of attendances and non-attendances of members of the Town Council shews that the Mayor has made a total of 63 attendances out of .198 meetings to which he was summoned, and has attended all the 16 Council meetings. The Sheriff comes out very creditably with 129 out of a possible 168, and he attended all the Council meetings but one. For strict attention to business, however, Mr. J. F. Lowe holds the best record with 87 attendances out of a possible 90. Mr. Lowe took the palm last year for the smallest number of absences (six). He is followed very closely by another indefati- gable member in the person of Mr. Roger Jack- son, who was absent only four times out of 107 meetings to which he was summoned. Mr. Edgar Dutton has a creditable record with 13i attendances out of a possible 165, as also have Messrs. J. Gooddie Holmes (with 122 out of 157), B. C. Roberts (with 73 out of 109), and W. Vernon (with 124 out of 157). Mr. Moss has eminently maintained his reputation for absenteeism in having attended only eight meetings out of a possible 47.

MINERALS ON THE HAWARDEN ESTATE. ♦- GLADSTONE v. POTTS. In the Chancery Division of the High Court of Justice, before Mr. Justice Kekewich, on Thursday and Friday, the action of Gladstone v. Potts was heard. The plaintiffs were Ger- trude Gladstone, widow (the Hon. Mrs. W. H. Gladstone), Henry Neville Gladstone, Herbert John Gladstone, M.P., and William Glynne Charles Gladstone, an infant (by Charlea George Viscount Cobham, his next friend); and the defendant, Frederick Arthur Potts. Mr. Warmington, Q.C., Mr. Warrington, Q.C., and Mr. Clare (instructed by Messrs. Barker and Rogerson, Chester), were for plaintiffs; and Mr. Renshaw, Q.C., and Mr. Potts (instructed by Messrs. Potts, Potts, and Gardner, Chester) were for the defendant. The plaintiffs in this case are the persons who are now entitled to the interests of the lord of the manor of Hawarden, and the mines and minerals in the manor of Hawarden, while the jefenda.al mid that by certain conveyances to ii-m fi'cr, th ■ Dee Conservancy Company the mines and mi1 jrals belonged to him. According to counsel the title depended upon the coEol v iion of various Acts oi Parliament passed ? a the view of benefiting and straighto v; the course of the river Dee and makicg ^viui^ble the sands and marshes as agricultural land. The real question was with re to t iic title to the mines and minerals nuder each part of those lands as had been the i>uojeot of three conveyances in favour of Mr. Potts. ^ir ti v conclusion of the arguments on Friday aitetii ion, the court reserved judgment.

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