The Chester Courant and Advertiser for North Wales

BEER AND POISON. Sir,-What was said a few days ago on the subject of beer by Mr. Yerburgh, M.P.. and l reported in this week's "Courant," induces me a to remark- "0 A 1. That, considering the many ingredients How used in the process of brewing, arsenical poisoning is not the only kind of poison of which beer-drinkers should beware. 2. That the beer to which mortality and disease have lately been attributed is the common and cheap beer drunk by the so- called working-classes, which is understood to yield the largest revenue and profit to the Trade." 3. That the analyses obtained by sundry firms of brewers in consequence of the recent "scare" should be regarded with caution, seeing that they do not state the constituent parts of the samples of beer examined. 4. That those brewers who have refrained from advertising their beer as pure," or "free from arsenical poison," are probably wiser than their competitors who have obtained certificate* from analysts, and have eagerly puffed their liquor pro bono publico-or for other reasons. It is said that good wine needs no bUSh," and it may be said with quite as much truth that "good ale needs no puff." But, surely, the term "beer" ought to be legislatively defined, and the use by brewers of all ingre- dients not allowed by law forbidden under severe penalties. The health and welfare of the public are of more importance than profit to "the Trade."—Yours obediently, VERAX. Liverpool, 13th Dec., 1900.

The Editor is not responsible for the opinions of his correspondents. S -AU letters must be authenticated by the sender's name and address. not necessarily for publication. Correspondents are particularly requested to write only 'N" on one side of the paper.

PRO-BRITISH MEETING: A SUGGESTION. Sir,-The "traitors" have had their field-day at the Picton Lecture Hall, Liverpool, the other day. May I suggest through your columns that the > local pro-British section of her Majesty's subjects should take some steps to organise a meeting as a counter-blast to the disloyal, anti-English, and ( treasonable sentiments that were enunciated at that rebel meeting? What a pity that we cannot put back the fingers of the clock by fifty years, when treason would receive its richly-merited doom at the hands of the public hangman! I £ think it decidedly unfair that a section—disloyal I that section undoubtedly is—should have the cmonopoly of ventilating their "grievances," which i consist in wishing the downfall of their country. Yes. I declare it to my sorrow that the object nearest to the hearts of the promoters of the ? .pro-Boer meeting in the Picton Rooms was the downfall of the British Empire and the name of England to be a bye-word and a reproach for all time. A Cabinet made up of such shining lights as Dr. Clark Labouchere (who hates Englishmen and everything English), and that veracious "oracle" of Carnarvon! What a prospect! It makes one shudder at contemplating such possi- bilities.. „ But all the silly vapourings of Lloyd Greorge, Michael Davitt and Miss Gonne will not prevail against the magnificent Unionist majority at Westminster. Amidst all the treason, slanders and lies one fact remains, that, to quote our poet, Kipling, we have "wiped something off the slate": we have avenged Majuba.—Yours, White Friars, Chester. CnlRo.

AN EA8THAM BANKRUPTCY. t Sir,—Mr. Arthur Henry Edwardson, the Secretary of the Wirral and Birkenhead Agricultural Society, has seen me on the sub- ject of the public examination in the Birken- head County Court of Mr. George S. Brown, late of Bankfields Farm, Eastham, reported in a recent issue of your paper. Mr. Brown stated that on the occasion of his marriage last year he informed Mr. Edwardson of how he was then financially situated. Un- fortunately, however, this statement is not correct. On the contrary Mr. Brown then told 1(r. Edwardson that he was worth some 29.000, and that his debts were of a very trifling nature. Under these circumstances Mr. Edwardson Very wisely advised Mr. Brown to make a settlement on his wife, and on being asked by Arr. Brown what solicitor be should employ Mr. Edwardson suggested Mr. R. D. Francis, of Birkenhead, with whom all questions of the settlement were left. Some months afterwards Mr. Edwardson ascertained Mr. Brown's true financial position,at which he at once expressed his indignation and asked to be relieved of the f trusteeship of the settlement as he would never have had anything to do with the matter if be had been originally informed of the true position of affairs. He then consulted me oil the subject, and as ltr. and Mrs. Brown (in whom the appointment of new trustees under the settlement was tested) declined to appoint new trustees Mr. Edwardson and his co-trustee, under the advice of counsel, applied to Mr. Justice Farwell for directions what course they ought to adopt in the matter, and the subsequent steps have been taken entirely under his lordship's directions. I shall feel much obliged if you will insert this letter in your next issue.—Yours truly, ARTHUR S. MATRia. Law Association Buildings, 13, Harrington-street, Liverpool. 6th December, 1900.

DEPOPULATION OF PENRHYN. + TRADE PARALYSED. Lord Penrhyn has intimated that the quarry- men can return, but his invitation has not been responded to. No hopes of a settlement are entertained until a drastic change has been made in the management. Out- side efforts are being made to get the Board of Trade to intervene, for the trade of the whole district has been completely paralised. This intervention, if it takes place, will be independent of, if not indeed against the wishes of the disputants. The officials of the Quarry men's Union state that they do not intend to invite Mr. Gerald Balfour to intervene. They consider it useless, and instead they devote their whole energy to the task of finding work for the men elsewhere. They have succeeded in this beyond their most sanguine expectations, and yesterday batches of quarrymen were sent away to Hollinwood, Oldham, and other places in the north. The process of depopulation is going on rapidly and steadily, and few of the quarrymen remain unemployed. The Bangor Board of Guardians yesterday received invitations for 30 men to go to Devonshire. The Relief Com- mittee is working busily, and a series of charity concerts has been arranged.

A NARROW ESCAPE. Miss Annie Brook, a weaver, living at East- wood's Buildings, Dark Lane, Mirfield, has had one of the most wonderful escapes it is possible to conceive. So sensational are the facts relat- ing thereto, that to prevent the possibility of disbelief, she has made the following sworn declaration before Mr. E. B. Wilson, Commis- sioner for Oaths, of Mirfield. This statement fittingly summarises her case: "I, Annie Brook, of Dark Lane, Mirfield, in the County of York, weaver, do solemnly and sincerely declare as follows :—Four years ago I began to suffer from neuralgia. I had five teeth drawn. I was attended by a doctor, but got worse. I suffered from heart disease, anaemia, indigestion, dropsy, and dizziness. No less than ten doctors in all attended me, but I got no better. I was an in-patient at Dewsbury Infirmary for nine weeks, and an out-patient for a long time. I was at Bridlington for three weeks, but got no benefit. I was mad with pain and could not get relief. I could not go up- stairs for nine months, and had to sleep on a sofa. My mother gave me up, and prepared my grave clothes. For four years my mother had not a whole night's sleep with me. She used to feel at me every few minutes to see if I were dead; for the doctors said that I might go off at any minute. I began to take Charles Forde's Bile Beans for Biliousness. Eight days after I began I was able to sleep. After taking five boxes I was quite cured again. Nothing but Bile Beans cured me. And I make this solemn declaration, conscientiously believing the same to be true, and by virtue of the Statutory Declarations Act, 1835." Charles Forde's Bile Beans for Biliousness, which brought about the above cure, are obtainable from all chemists, or from the Bile Bean Manu- facturing Co., 119, London Wall, E.C., by send- ing prices, Is. lid., or 2s. 9d. for a large box. So much confidence have the proprietors in their preparation, that they are willing to send a free sample to every reader who writes to the above address and mentions this advertisement. Needless to say, Miss Brook's story has caused considerable stir in circles where she is well known.

The Matin" states that the Paris Exhibition balance sheet shews a deficit of over two million marks. CHESTER WELSH SOCIETY.-A.t a meeting of the Chester Welsh Society on Friday, under the presidency of the Rev. R. A. Thomas, an interest- ing paper was read by Principal T. F. Roberts, of the University College of Wales, Aberystwith, on the subject of "Education and Principle." The lecturer dealt exhaustively with the problems of Welsh education, and advocated a re-organisa- tion of the elementary school system, and the introduction of a new system of secondary educa- tion in which the three agencies of literature, science and art should have free play. Villages in Wales were waiting for the minimum condi- tions of educational progress, which were a sheer necessity. The re-organisation of continuation teaching by the co-operation of oounty and local authorities under expert advice was, he believed, one of the deep needs of our time, and was a necessary condition of the creation of special schools adapted to local industrial conditions.— On the initiative of Dr. Roberts, Principal Roberts was heartily thanked for his paper. HIMROD'B CURB FOR ASTHMA.—Established over a quarter of a century.-Prescribed by the Medical Faculty throughout the world. It is used as an inhalation, and without any after bad effects. Testimonials of efficacy from the late Lord Beacons- field, Miss Emily Faithful, Sir Morell Mackenzie, and Oliver Wendell Holmes. Trial sample free by post. In Tins at 4/3. British Depdt: 46, Holborn viaduct, London; also of Newbery, Barclay, Sanger, Edwards, May Roberts; Butler & Crispe; Thompson, Liverpool; all Wholesale Houses.

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MARRIAGE OF MISS U, M. LYLE SMYTH. » The wedding of Mr. Hugh Lyle Waring Smyth, youngest son of the late Mr. John Acheson Smyth, of Ardmore, Londonderry, to Miss Una Maud Lyle Smyth, third daughter of Mr. Hugh Lyle Smyth, of Barrowmore, Chester, took place on Wednesday, the 14th November, at St. John's Church, Buenos Ayres. The Rev. Eccles Hodkinson officiated. The bride looked charming in her dress of white satin trimmed with old lace and pearls, and she carried a lovely white shower bouquet, the gift of the bridegroom. Her bridesmaid was her sister, Miss Norah Lyle Smyth, who wore an em- broidered white crepe de chine dress, and a hat of white silk and yellow pan velvet, carrying a yellow and pink rose bouquet. Mr. R. McSmyth, the bride's cousin, was unavoidably absent. The bride was given away by Mr. C. J. Tetley, and Mr. Grenville Wells acted as best man. The church was prettily decorated with pink flowers. IMany of the bridegroom's friends were present, and were afterwards entertained at the Royal Hotel by Mrs. C. J. Tetley. The newly married couple left Buenos Ayres in the evening for El Correntino. The presents in- cluded the following Mr. Lyle Smyth, canteen of silver and silver tea service; Mrs. Lyle Smyth, diamond, ruby and emerald necklace, lace dress and fan; Miss Lyle Smyth, bookcase, works of George Eliot, Thackeray and "Arabian Nights"; Miss N. Lyle Smyth, embroidered satin kimono, riding whip, photos rijnd frame; Miss 'G. Lylte Smyth, works of Shakespeare, embroidered bedspread and night- dress case, gloves; Mr. G. Lyle Smyth, four silver lamps; Mr. M. Lyle Smyth, book plates and frame; the Rev. and Mrs. H. A. Arnold, tea and coffee services and Bible; Miss G. and Master H. Arnold, ink bottle; Mrs. Smyth, silver soup tureen, entree dishes and duchesse covers (em- broidered); Mrs. Daniell, Benares tray and stand, coffee service and tie case; Mrs. Rees Smyth, silver-mounted carvers; Miss Georgina Smyth, silver kettle and stand; Mr. and Mrs. Hardcastle Sykes, silver teapot; Miss Sykes, book and clock; Mr. A. Sykes, diamond lace fasteners; Miss Turner, silver salver; Miss M. Turner, cheque; Mr. W. Turner, cheque; Mrs. W. Turner, fan; the Rev. and Mrs. Cecil Hook, silver jug; the Rev. and Mrs. H. Langtry, silver butter dish, lace and embroidered handkerchiefs, and Prayer-book; Miss Langtry, pincushion cover; Mr. Mac- donald, cheque; Miss Macdonald, works of R. Browning; Baroness Giachetti, gold pencil case; Lady Charlotte Arnold, silver card case; Mrs. Anderson, silver frame; Mr. and Mrs. Birch, bracelet; Mrs. Bryans, works of Spenser and toast rack; Miss Bryans, works of Mrs. E. B. Browning; Mr. and Mrs. Balfour, mustard, pepper and salts; Mr. and Mrs. Harmood Banner, sauce boats; Mrs. Buckland, miniature; Mr. and Mrs. Leigh-Bennett, folding writing table; Mr. and Mrs. H. J. Leigh-Bennett, calendar; Barrow- more Servants, gold and opal bracelet; "Annie and Grace," cuddy spoon; Barrow Choir, silver sugar basin and sifter; Sunday School Class, Prayer-book; Mr. and Mrs. Cholmeley, silver buokle; Mr. and Mrs. U. Corbett, silver scent bottle; Major and Mrs. Cooke, silver clock; Mrs. Clarke, teaspoons; Mr. and Mrs. Fred Carlisle, embroidered serviettes; Mrs. Pitcairn Campbell, silver bell; Miss Darby, silver cross; Mr. Davis, silver calendar; Miss Ada Dutton, nightdress case; Miss Enthoven, engravings; Col. and Mrs. Frewen, old silver spoons; Miss Frewen, whist markers; Mr. and Mrs. Frank Foster, silver frames; Mr. Fortune, silver muffineers; Miss Fletcher, book; Mr. and Mrs. John Frost, silver purse; Dr. Foster, gold sleeve links; Mrs. Malcolm Graham, fan; Madamoiselle Girardin, sil- ver buttonhook; Miss Harris, photo frame; Mr. and Mrs. Hendry, silver-mounted salad bowl; Mr. and Mrs. Holt, bronzes; Mr. and Mrs. S. Holme, travelling clock; Mr. and Mrs. R. Har- greaves, Sheffield candlesticks; Mrs. S. Har- greaves, silver cake basket; Mr. and Mrs. Harvey, oarvers; Mr. and Mrs. John Hopkins, silver tea- kettle; Mrs. Kemble, silver frame; Mr. and Mrs. Krabbe, silver thermometer; Dr. and Mrs. King, silver purse; Mr. and Miss Lyle, travelling clock; Major and Mrs. Acheson Lyle, Prayer-book in silver case; Mrs. and Miss Scared, gold safety pin; Mr. Mackay, set of harness; Mr. and Mrs. Morris, silver hand glass; Mrs. Morgan, silver butter knife; Col. and Mrs. Martin, toast racks; Mr. and Mrs. Robt. McIver, gold sleeve links; Mr. and Mrs. Nicholson, charm; Mr. and Mrs. E. A. Ould, opal ring; Miss Ould, sachet; Miss M. Ould, Matthew Arnold's works; Miss Kate Ovenden, paper knife; Miss Owen, paper knife; Mr. Tabley Pownall, tea caddy; Miss Poe, cream jug; the Misses Parker, hat rack; Mr. and Mrs. Paul, dinner service; Mr. and Mrs. Edward Paul, silver hairpin box; Mrs. Hugh Paul, embroidered cushion and table covers; Mr. and Mrs. Ravens- croft, cream jug and sugar basin; Mrs. Round and family, silver pepper pots; Mr. and Mrs. Robson, coina vase; Mr. and Mrs. S. Rathbone, travelling clock; Col. and Mrs. Savage, silver tea strainer; Miss Savage, Irish lace handkerchief; the Misses Shand, silver tea caddy; Mr. and Mrs. W. Swetenham, silver buttons; Mrs. Stevenson, napkin rings; Mr. and Mrs. Moncrief Scott, decanters; Mr. and Mrs. Swindley, silver-backed brushes; Mr. Shallcross, carved medicine cup- board Miss Shard, silver frame; Mr. and Mrs. Tetley, gold studs and charm; Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Tyrer, cruet; Mr. Trelawny, silver mustard pot; Miss Miny Trelawny, silver seal, Miss Thompson, sachet; Mr. and Mrs. J. R. Thomson, silver spoon; Miss Upperton, silver calendar; Mr. Nigel Wells, horse; Mr. and Mrs. Anson Yeld, silver sardine lifter; Mr. Henry Wootton, silver bon-bon dishes.

NORTH CHESHIRE. The fixture was Home's Mill instead of the Fox and Barrel on Tuesday in last week. The master, the Earl of Enniskillen, being absent, Mr. Lee Townshend took his place. A fox was found near Dunham. Hunting him past Home's Mill, the line was carried on to Alvanley, leaving Fox Hill on the left. We then crossed the Frodsham- road, hounds losing their fox close to Kingsley. This was a good sporting hunt, wanting nothing but a better scent to have given it a little more pace. The Dunham Willows were drawn blank, but the Barn House close to held a brace. They left the cover in opposite directions. Hounds got away with one which ran for Barrow; here he turned to the, left. The hunt was carried on close up to Mouldsworth, where he made a turn for Manley, and back under Dunham by the Willow Beds. Hounds lost their fox close to the Cheshire Lines at Swinford Mill. Among those present were Capt. and Mrs. Higson, Mr. H. E. Wilbraham, Mr. Burder, Col. Tait, Capt. Featherstonhau'gh, Mr. and Mrs. Hugh Peel, Mr. Hornby Lewis, Mrs. Hollins, Mr. B. Jones, Mr. Davenport, Mr. Ferguson and Mr. H. Hewitt. Arley Hall being tne fixture for Friday, a large and fashionable company was present to meet the Master (Earl Enniskillen). A ball having been given overnight, a little law was given to late- comers. We soon found a fox. Pushing him through the gardens we ran towards High Leigh and lost him. The Park Wood gave us another fox, which ran to Pickmere. Turning to the left under High Leigh, and back across the park, we lost him near Great Budworth. Hounds then went on to the Kennel Wood, Marbury, and found directly. We pushed our fox close up to Cogshall. Turning to the right, we ran over the road at Great Budworth. Here scent failed, our fox being just in front of hounds going in the direction of High Leigh. SOUTH CHESHIRE. This pack had another good da 's sport on Wednesday, the meet being Broomhall, near Nant- wich. Hounds got away with a fox from Broomhall Wood. Crossing the railway we ran over a nice line close to Swanley. Hounds then turned for Ravensmoor, and into the Admiral cover at Dorfold. Going on at a good pace we ran for Brindley Lea, hounds losing their fox close to Ridley. This hunt was a good point, occupying about forty-five minutee. We drew another fox from the Little Wood at Broom- hall. Going over the Crewe railway, we ran by Ealeston, and back to Broomhall. The South Cheshire met at Ridley on Saturday, a large field being present Among those I noticed were the Duke of Westminster and Miss Cornwallis-West, the Earl of Shrewsbury, Mr. and Mrs. Homby, Major and Miss Kearsley, Mr. Jas. Tomkinson, M.P., Mr. Hy. Chaplin and Miss Chap- lin and Lady Boughey. Peckforten Wood was blank. The Bath Wood at Spurstow was next visited. After some time spent there, every- one thinking it was tenantless, a fax was disturbed. Pointing for Ridley, he turned and led us over the brook for Brindley Lea. Hounds lost him close to Hurleston. We soon found another fox in Ridley Wood. He took us down to Bunbury and turned short back, past Spurstow and Brindley. Hounds ran their fox for Hurleston, and through the Bache House. From here we crossed the canal, the fox getting to ground close to Stoke. Swanley and the Admirals* were both blank, so hounds were taken home. Altogether this was a very nice day's sport. MR. PENNEFATHER'S HILL PACK. A very good day's sport was had with this pack at Eddisbury Lodge on Saturday. Among the small field were a few good sporting farmers who thoroughly enjoy themselves once a week in some part of the forest with Mr. Pennefather's pack. A few of those present were the master (Mr. Pennefather), Mr. Colt Williams, Mr. and Mrs. Ockleston, Mr. Speakman, Mr. Greenway, Mr, Walter Harrison, Mr. Andrews, Mrs. Williams (The Cottage), Mr. Davenport, Mr. Wright (Forest Farm), and Col. Hamerslev. A fox was found close to the meet, and he took the hounds at a good pace past Longley and close to Kelsall. Here he turned to the right past Ashton Hayes. Crossing the road at the bottom lodge, we went through the Rookery Wood. It looked as if the fox meant Dunham, but making another turn to the right, we ran up to Manley, hounds killing their fox close to the Hall after a good hunt lasting about fifty minutes. We had another gallop from close to Delamere Station. Hounds ran at a fast rate past Eddisbury Lodge, close up to Ashton Hayes, through Spy Hill and over the Norley-road. Here he bent to the left for Mouldsworth Station. The hounds ac- counted for their second fox in the Rookery Wood. Mr. Pennefather has gone to a great deal of trouble with his pack. He has now got together a really nice lot of. hounds, with plenty of music and pace about them. With a good scent they always mean catching their fox if he keeps above ground. BLUNCAP.

ACCIDENT IN THE FIBLD.—While hunting with the North Shropshire Hounds on Friday Sir Joseph Spearman, The Hall, Wem, met with an unfortunate accident. When jumping out of the road into a field his horse fell or stumbled, and Sir Joseph was thrown heavily on his back. SIR W. W. WYNWS HOUNDS 1CSKT ON Friday, Deoemher 21, Wynnstay .at 10.45 Saturday, Pee. 22, New-atreet Laae at 10.45

NEW BOOKS. "FOES IN LAW. Need it be explained that the title of Miss Rhoda Broughton's latest charming novel applies to that great and not always welcome batch of relations that impose themselves upon one through marriage ? Lettice Trent, the heroine of this tale, is a young lady who lives in good circumstances with her brother in the country, until that worthy at the age of 38 falls an easy prey to a girl of 19, of uncommon beauty, but burdened by a father with a very considerable "past" and a whole troop of brothers and sisters, some of them engaged as minor lights on che stage, and all of them more or less vulgar. Lettice herself is the essence of order and propriety, and the effect may be guessed when she is ushered in as bridesmaid among this awful chaos of in-laws." One of the leading actors in the romance is the Reverend Randal Chevening, the curate of the Trent parish, an interesting and ardent young cleric, who is besotted in devotion to Miss Trent, in fact the story opens with charming abruptness with the first proposal scene, in which the offer is kindly but not very firmly declined. The study of the curate's character gives the novelist opportu- nities for some very clever, incisive writing, and admirable is the delineation of the love- despairing preacher who takes his revenge out of the unresponsive object of his affections by basing his next sermon on the text, Thou shalt do no murder," and preaching deliberately at her. The jaundiced divine regards Cain's crime as clumsy in comparison with the refined cruelty of his modern descendants who adopt the worst form of fratricide, the murder of a brother's soul. The pale young curate is one of those characters who candidly confess that they cannot live by bread alone, but require the sustenance of womanly love and sympathy. What between the importunate addresses of the curate and the intolerable behaviour of her young sister-in-law and her attendant train of relations, the life of Lettice seems scarcely worth living. For the rather dramatic denouement we must refer the reader to the novel itself, but sufficient has been said to indicate that the romance is one of deep, moving, human interest, with an excellent plot well worked out, and abundance of skilful character-drawing. There is only one shortcoming, which is made all the more conspicuous by the other patent beauties of workmanship. Miss Broughton, as every novel reader knows, can and does here produce a finished piece of writing; but now and again there are evidences of a looseness of composition which ought not to occur in an authoress of her standing. Foes in Law," by Rhoda Broughton. (London and New York: Macmillan and Co., Ltd.—6s.) The Young Paper Toy-Maker (London- Simkin, Marshall & Co., 4, Stationers' Hall- court, E.C., Is.)—This book of pictures affords an excellent entertainment for children in the winter evenings. By cutting out the illustra- tions according to the printed directions, colouring, and bending them, quaint paper toys are produced. A box of coloured crayons accom- panies each book, in which there is abundant material for the exercise of juvenile ingenuity and artistic taste for a considerable period. co Hazell's Annual" is a work of reference which is indispensable to office, club, and library. An advanced copy of the 1901 edition is remarkably up to date. The task of compil- ing this edition seems to have been exceptionally heavy, but the memorable events of 1900, including the great war, the crisis in China, the General Election, and the re-eonstruction of the Ministry are dealt with. In its pages are given a detailed account of the military operations in South Africa up to the time of going to press; the official list of casualties, and the names of the heroes who have won the V.C.; the pro- ceedings in Parliament; the financial measures necessitated, and the military problems raised by the war. The fullest information is given of Army reform and the re-organisation of the War Office. There are biographies of members of the new House of Commons, with the pollings in every eonstituency, and a special article on the main features of interest con- nected with the General Election. The scope of the work is remarkable, and,' with the excep- tion of one or two trifling slips, "Hazell's" maintains its reputation for accuracy. Tuic LIVB STOCK JOURNAL ALHANAC J'O 1901 (Messrs. Vinton and Co., Ltd., 9, New Bridge- Street, London, E.C.; price le.).-Bigger and bulkier than ever, this publication looms large among agricultural literature; and, what is more, the contents, as well as being fuller, are of the usual superior quality for which this well-known firm of publishers has been so long famous. To attempt to enumerate in small compass the con- tents would be absolutely impossible, but as a small sample it may be stated that the opening article, with aoompanjing engraving, relates to a famous hackney mare, which eetablidbtfd great celebrity for trotting towards the olose of the last century. Mr. W. T. Trench, in a readable paper, advocates the claims of "Hunter Sires for Breed- ing Light Horses." Under the title "Army Horses Abroad," Sir Walter Gilbey, Bart., gives an interesting account of the types of military horses shewn at the International Show at Paris, and proves how successfully foreign breeders have introduced English blood in order to secure the objects they have had in view. Mr. P. A. Muntz, M.P., has a sensible and pithy article on the "Demand for Heavy Horses, and how to meet it." "The Rate of Growth in a Horse" is a subject dealt with in a most informing manner by Pro- fessor Cossar Ewart, and his elaborate paper is sure to be read with interest. Mr. C. Stem offers many valuable hints as to "Military Stables and Stable Management." Sir Richard D. Green Price, Bart., also touches on a question of the day in his contribution on "The Pony: Its Breed- ing for Army Purposes." "The value of Local and County Shows" is ably handled by Lord Middleton. Mr. W. B. Tegetmeier discusses the question of "The Supposed Influence of a First Sire," and gives another blow to the belief in telegony. A number of other interesting papers are from the pens of Messrs. R. Bruce, Primrose M'Connell, J. Thornton, A. Mansell, S. H. Druce, R. Henderson, &c. The almanac is profusely illustrated, and contains the usual farmers' tables and copious general information. It may indeed well be termed an agricultural year book. I

ftbe grms anb Folunteers. Friday night's Gazette contained the í following :—The Cheshire Regiment: Lieut. I C. G. Porcher to be captain, vice W. H. Ander- son, seconded; Sec. Lieut. E. R. Jones to be lieutenant, vice P. L. Grove, promoted. PABKGATB ARTILLKBT CAKP SCANDAL.— The following notice appeared in Tuesday's London Gazette ":—" The undermentioned officers are removed from the Volunteer force, her Majesty having no further occasion for their services: Lieutenant-Colonel S. Owen, Lieutenant P. W. Kerby, Surgeon-Lieutenant S. P. Johnson, M.B. Dated 12th December, 1900." It is further understood that three other officers, including Acting-Adjutant Kimberley, have been called upon to send in their resignations within fourteen days. A meeting of officers of the company was held on Tuesday afternoon to consider the situation, when it was resolved to draw up a memorial to the War Office asking for a reconsideration of the case on the grounds that the officers did not at the time of the official enquiry fully appreciate the gravity of the charges preferred against them, and that by reason of this they did not come before the conrt with that legal prepara- tion of their defence which the circumstances demanded.

HOOTON PARK SPRING XXXTING. The three races which will constitute the Spring Meeting of the enterprising Hooton Park Club have attracted excellent entries, a fact which testifies to the growing popularity of the meetings promoted by the Club. The entries closed on Tuesday, and the dates of the meeting are Friday and Saturday, April 19th and 20th. No fewer than 50 horses have been entered for the Great Cheshire Steeplechase of 1,000 sovs., while for the Birkenhead Four-years-old Steeplechase of 300 sovs. there are 27, and for the Great Hooton Park Hurdle Race of 500 sovs. 46. As class is well represented, the races are bound to prove interesting.

QUFEN SCETOOL (OLD GIRLS) V. HELSBY (LADIES). A match took place at Helsby on Saturday between the above teams, resulting in a very easy win for Helsby by six goals to none. For the visitors Miss Dorothy Broadbent played an excellent game as full back. For the home team Miss Joan Dickson (captain), and Miss Bertha Dickson played brilliantly, the latter of whom scored twice from outside right with two splendid shots. NESTON AND DISTRICT v. HUYTON 2ND ELSVKN. This match was played at Huyton on Satur- day. Owing to the early morning's rain the ground was very boggy, but the weather was fine. Neston brought a full side, but Huyton began with one man short. Playing downhill and with the wind, the visitors had the best of it during the first half, and A. Barrett, with the assistance of Jackson and Ormrod, put on two goals. Towards the- close of half-time a penalty bully was given without dispute against Huyton, but the referee got so muddled over the affair that he declared "half-time. This was singular, as in all other respects he gave excellent decisions. The ground in the second half beeame so much cut up that it was difficult to get at the ball. Both sides attacked alternately and scored two goals each. Jackson and Barrett for Neston, and for Huyton the centre forward and inside left, put on the goals. The Huyton centre-half played a great game, while the Neston backs, A. Pemberton and J. A. Hubback, especially the latter, played a fine defensive game. Neston won by 4 goals to 2.

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A KHAKI ORDER FOR LIVERPOOL. J Among the contractors who were fortunate enough to receive Government orders for work in connection with the housing oi troops in South Africa, were Messrs. Bruce and Still, the well- known contractors for iron, steel, and wooden buildings, of 49, Sefton-atreet, Liverpool. They were instructed on August 12 th to provide no fewer than ten of what are known as huts for the use of the troops. AI these huts are 113 feet long by 26 feet wide, the magnitude of the order can easily ba pugw, and the aeoompanying illuatra. .r"]f- lion Will give a clearer idea of the comfortable manner in which the troops are housed. Outside the steel and iron work requisite for the oonstrae- tion ef these buildings, no less than 300 tons of timber was used. Messrs. Bruce and Still are further to be congratulated on the fact that they not only tuned out the work in a manner highly satisfactory to the Government inspectors but completed the contract and had the hats shipped, by the contract time, viz., October 31st.