The Chester Courant and Advertiser for North Wales

CADBURY'S COCOA bi.s a world-wide repnt-ation as a delicious, strengthening' beverage, and a valuable nutritive food. The Lancet says it repre- sents the standard of highest purity." Always insist on having CADBU"Y'f:Aold only in Packets and Tins—as other Cocoas are often substituted for the sake of extra. profit. 2 THE COAL TAX FOREIGNERS TO PAY. — The "Times" coirespondent at Copenhagen says:—The increasing agitation in England against the coal duty creates astonishment here. Judging from the need of the Baltic countries and shipping for British coal, merchants here do not believe that the Continent can supply them with anything but a minimum at acceptable prices, and consequently foreigners will pay the duty on English coal. Even if the recently-discovered coal-bed in Iceland proves abundant, it will only be of local significance for the island and the ships fishmg in her waters. Samples of Icelandic coal will shortly arrive here to be examined by experts. SIR JOHN BRUNNKR AND THE TEACHERS. A deputation from the Cheshire District Union of Teachers waited on Sir John Brunner, Bart M.P., at Winnington Hall, on Tuesday, to discuss the following important questions:- The Corporal Punishment Book (introduced by Mr. R. Lloyd, of Chester); the Higher Ele- mentary School Minute (Mr. Knott, Anden- shaw); the Cockerton Judgment (Mr. J. F. Moulton, Runcorn) Security of Tenure (Mr. Harrison, Barnton). Mr. Cookson (Weston Point) and Mr. Epps (North wiob) also were included in the deputation. Sir John said he Was much impressed with the arguments brought against the Corporal Punishment Book, the chief of which was that the entry of petty offences might seriously affect the future of the scholars. With regard to the other questions, Sir John was entirely in accord with the views of the N.U.T., and said the fact that every local authority had pushed forward the higher grades of education was a proof that the public desired it. National aid was given most niggardly to higher education, and he pointed out that in the whole country there was not one first-class school of engineering, whereas there were seven in Germany and twelve in the United States. On the Cockerton Judgment Sir John said there was a strong feeling in the House of Commons that the mischief done by that judgment should be put right. He also thought teachers should have the reasonable security of tenure, especially now that the Superannuation Act is in force, that they claimed. ADVICE TO MOTHI KS !— Are yon BROKEN in your rest by a sick child suffering with the pains of cutting- teeth? Go at once to a chemist and get a bottle of MRS. WTNSLOW'R SOOTHING SYRUP. which has been used over 50 years by millions of mothers for their children while teething, with perfect success. It is pleuaaut to taste, produces natural, quiet sleep by relieving the child from pain, and tbe little cherub awakes us bright as a button." It soothes the elii'd, it softens the gums, allay all pain, relieves wind, regulates the bowels. j? is the best known remedy for dysentery and diarrhoea, whether arising from teething or other causes. Sold |by Chemists everywhere at Is. lid. Per bottle.

SLiterarg Notices. MAY MAGAZINES. [FIRST NOTICE.] Blackwood's for May is, as UE,, full from cover to cover of high-class, a; tractive reading, prominent amid which is tht- continua- tion of last month's article on Some Editors—and others." The anecdotes recounted here are well worth remembering. "Maga" has ever been a relentless enemy of the pro- Boer, and the writer of Musings without Method in the present issue has the following amiable dig at the candid friend" During the past year the pro-Boers, lending an eager ear to every unsupported calumny, have dis- played with an acrid insolence the hatred they bear to their own country. England can do no right—that is their motto; and so keen is their joy in what they believe England's failure, that no concession would appease their greedy detesta- tion. Happily they find approval where they pledge their affection—abroad; at home their spiteful ignorance is sternly disregarded save in their own packed and guarded meeting-houses. But there is another cannibal active in the land, who would publicly devour his own kin. And he is more dangerous, because less ingenuous, than t.ho disciples of Stead. For he is a candid friend: he wishes nothing but well to the empire. It is nothing less than patriotism which moves him to reveal the horrid truth that Great Britain is ruined body and soul. Of course, there is one possible method of retrievement. If only the rulers of the empire will listen to the profound advice of the candid friend, all will be well. So he wanders up and down, fatuous and irascible. You may hear him in clubs murmuring "Mon- strous monstrous He bustles about, prophesy- ing disaster, and growing every day more and more arrogant. Nor can we pass him by with a shrug of contempt, for the man has an easy knack of deceiving the unwary. His 'noisy protestation of patriotism does not sound so hollow as it should to those who know not the type, while the facile schemes which he sketches over a whisky-and- soda seem quite pleasant to his friends through the haze of tobacco-smoke. Moreover, he loses no op- portunity of ill-doing being idle, he is preter- naturally busy in his idleness. He is carried hither and thither in a whirlwind of talk; he writes uninformed articles in sensational journals, and he is so desperately in love with himself that lie spurns his muffin every day that his name does not shine in print. The "Badminton Magazine" is an excellent issue. Two articles dealing with cricket will be turned to with gl'blt.t interest. Home Gordon discusses in a chatty way Modern Wicket- keepers," and H. J^nner-Fust III., in eight pages, tells of the achievements of The Oldest Living Cricketer" his grandfather, Mr. Herbert Jenner-Fust, of Gloucestershire. This veteran was born in 1806, when George III. was King, and he ia now a hale and hearty nonagenarian. Herbert Jenner as a cricketer was a thoroughly all round man. As a "wielder of the willow" he was second to few, and his bowling, of course underhand, was very destructive. But his real forte lay in keeping wicket, and it was behind the sticks that he made his name, being probably the finest keeper of his day. Keeping wicket in those days was a very different thing from what it is now. Then a wicket-keeper simply kfipt wicket, and did not, as now, have to act as a longstop as well. Consequently he was enabled to take risks in the way of stumping off leg balls that no keeper nowadays would dream of taking, in case he should give away byes. Lest it should be thought that he had to face bowling slower than the modern expresses, he tells the following tale, for the truth of which, though he is not in the habit of drawing the long-bow, I will not be responsible: "I was keeping wicket," he says, "and a lightning bowler, 'Brown of Brighton,' was on. He bowled a ball which broke the bat, the batsman's leg, and the middle and leg stumps whizzed past me, went through a coat held in front of it by the longstop, killed a dog, and finally disappeared through a stout oak paling!" TUB Kite craze, which threatens to assume gigantic proportions this summer, is the subject of a deiigtuiul aiuclu in Liio May JNumber ot i aaimii u by Mr. Marcus TinciaL During the late presidential election kites were flown 111 every State by electioneering agents as a novel means of canvassing votes. Kite flying stations were established in tne large towns, and big sums of money were spent on outfits, and in paying experienced men to tly the kites. Not until quite lately, however, has the kite-flying craze reached bntain, but when it arrived thousands were captivated, and at the fashionable seaside resorts kite-Hying bids fair to oust all other pastimes. There are signs of a kite boom of gigantic proportions in England this summer. Kite-llying, like opium-smoking, has an insidious fascination. In almost every case the man who buys a cheap box kite, and flies it successfully once or twice, becomes a hardened kite maniac. The more expert he becomes, the greater grows the fascination. It is pleasant enough to send a single box kite up in the air in a steady breeze, to teel the pull on the string as you work the kite higher, and to watch the little bright patch of colour against the deep blue of the sky-but there are no words t'o tell of the joy a man feels when, for the first time, he sends a strong team of large kites on one string soaring up to pierce the heart of a cloud, so that some appear above, some are lost in the mist, and others are seen below, all tossing various ways in varying wind currents. However a man may scoff at kite- flying, he will yield to its fatal fascination when he has once watched a kite mount to such a height that the leader is lost to siffht in the brightness of the sky. In that line which is peculiarly its own the "Humanitarian" for May is of greater interest than usual to those who find attractiveness or duty in the study of men and morals. "Sweeter manners, purer laws," is a plea for better rules of conduct among men, and the first part of A look backward and a glance forward" goes to shew that everything is stamped with progress. Constance Countess De La Warr writes in in- teresting fashion on Society, past and present," and M. Yoes Guyot—one time editor of Le Siecle," that famous Parisian daily which did not prosper because it was fair to England—has an able article on "The social and economic position of France." He concludes that the Fui-di con- ception of public, and even private, life means protectionism, which is despoiling the fair face of France." NEW BOOKS. "Familiar Wild Birds" (Cassell and Co.).- This highly instructive work, which was com- menced recently in serial form, has now reached its third part, and promises when complete to form a book of considerable value. Ihe plates, with which the pages are plentifully enriched, are works of art, while the description of the birds and their habits may be relied upon as being accurate in every detail. "Royalties of the World" (Messrs. George Newnes, Limited).—The volume of Royalties of the World" being issued in sixpenny numbers by Messrs. George Newnes promises to be an exceedingly popular production. Part IV., now published, contains biographical sketches and beautiful, coloured portraits of Pru.. Henry ot Batcenberg, the King aud Queen oi Sweden, and the King of Spain.

At the Old Bailey on Friday John J. Walker, wholesale butcher, was fined £ 500 for endeavour- ing by bribe to induce a servant of the Metro- politan Asylums Board to give him a list of butchers who had tendered to supply meat to the Board. LICENSED VICTUALLERS' GATHERING.—The annual meeting of the No. 3 District (Lancashire and Cheshire) Licensed Victuallers' National Defence League was held at the Queen Hotel, Chester, on Wednesday afternoon. There was a large attendance of members. Alderman Aaron Siddail (Ashton-under-Lyne) presided, and Mr. Isaac Turner (Liverpool) occupied'the vice chair.—The annual report stated that the associations comprising No. 3 District of the League were now actively engaged in com- piling information as to the number and nature of the clubs in their several districts. This evidence, when completed, would bu forwarded to headquarters in London to form a basis for legislation on the club question. Thisquestion was one which bristled with many and serious difficulties, but they hoped that a legislative solution might be found which would relegate them to a position no longer antagonistic to the licensed liquor retailer. Tbe subject of immediateinteresf to the Trade was undoubtedly the Child Messenger Bill. It was hoped that e oie the Bill reached the Committee the t aBees would l*>t the Legislature know me Ve^W°U -1 110t to the encroach- ments of their liberty threatened by this Bill.- 1 lie Chairman expressed satisfaction that the Chancellor of the Exchequer had not imposed an increased taxation on the trade of the licensed victual'i.ors.-A IdEr wall Siddail was unani- mously re-elected chairman for the ensuing year, and Mr. Turner vice-chairman. Mr. Ingle (Manchester) was elected treasurer, and Mr Jas. Sudren was re-appointed secretary A FREE EXCURSION TO THE COAST at this time of the year would be an acceptable boon to many a hard-working man, but as such an instance is hardly likely to occur in these dull times, the next best thing a poor man can do, instead of getting change of air and scene is to purity liis blood aud cleanse his system with a few doses of Holloway's Pills, ihis wonderful medicine for many years has been a blessing to tbe commercial world, it givea tone to the system and purifies the blood and rapidly increases the strength of the brain. It also cures indigestion in its most advanced form and in cases of nervous debility it is without a, rival.

PECULIAR CASE. « MEDICAL EXAMINATION NECESSARY. Before Messrs. R. L. Barker and Roger Jack- son, at the City Police Court on Saturday, J. Bennett Marshall, a labourer hailing from Shrewsbury, was charged with frequenting Eaton-road that morning with intent to commit a felony. Prisoner pleaded not guilty. He was further charged with assaulting P.C. Tarran while in the execution of his duty.—Mr. A. Sharpe, jun. (magistrates' clerk): Do you plead guilty to this charge also?—Prisoner: I have been in a road race.—The Chief Constable said the man had made that statement before, but he could make no sense of it.—The Magistrates' Clerk What do you say in answer to the charge? —Prisoner: Guilty, of course. (Laughter.)— P.C Tarran said that shortly before three o'clock that morning he saw prisoner coming round Handbridge Church in the direction of Eaton- road. He carried a branch of a cherry tree in his hand, and witness bid him "Good morning." Prisoner shouted out "Good morning," but when witness asked him how far he was going Marshall did not reply. Witness followed him, and then prisoner commenced to proceed up Eaton-road at a running pace, but he was soon caught. Prisoner then became very violent, but witness stuck to him until twenty minutes to four, when a lamp- lighter came along and assisted witness to take the man to the police-station. He (the constable) was kicked several times by prisoner.—The Chief Constable said it would be advisable under the oircumstances to remand prisoner for a few days so that a doctor could examine him. There seemed to be something peculiar about him.- Prisoner was remanded till Thursday.

DISASTER IN GERMANY. + EXPLOSION AT A FACTORY. A terrible explosion occurred on Thursday afternoon at a chemical factory at Griesheim, near Frankfurt. The factory afterwards caught fire, and the conflagration assumed such enormous proportions that the residents fled from the village. About half-past five a second explosion took place. The total of killed and injured is estimated at about one hundred. CAUSE OF THE CATASTROPHE. RECOVERING THE BODIES. Frankfurt, Thursday. It has now been ascertained that the catastrophe was in the first place due to a slight fire, which ignited several cylinders of picric acid, thus causing a terrific explosion. Some of the houses adjoining the factory were set on fire, while others were demolished by concussion. The fire was still raging at midnight. Within the factory walls the work of recovering the injured and the bodies of the killed is being carried on by torchlight, gas supply being interrupted. 150 INJURED. MANY MISSING. Frankfurt, Friday, 9 a.m. The fire at Griesheim had at midnight been so far extinguished that all further danger was then regarded as averted. The number of injured is estimated at 150. Many persons are missing, and a thousand persons are thrown out of employ- ment. FURTHER EXPLOSION FEARED. Frankfurt, Friday. It is stated that eighty dead bodies have been recovered, and more are believed to be still buried under the ruins. Doctors have proceeded to Griesheim. A number of firemen are among the victims. The hope that all further danger had been averted has not been realised. An explosion of the great benzine reservoir is now feared, and the inhabitants are fleeing to Frankfurt.

POWERS AND CHINA. ♦ STUBBORN FIGHTING. GERMANS ENGAGED. Count von Waldersee, in a dispatch to his Government, states that General Kettler's Brigade, having been reinforced, marched in four columns towards the Great Wall. Colonel Hoffmeister drove the enemy back on the 23rd, and forced them to retire, with heavy losses, into Shansi. t'he Germans, who had four men wounded, captured four flags and four guns of an old pattern. On the same day Major von Miihlenfels encountered a strong party of the enemy, which had occupied a bastion on the heights commanding the Pass. The enemy fought stubbornly in a particularly strong position, which was only taken after an engage- y 11 ment lasting 11 hours. Three officers were wounded, two men killed, six severely, and 10 slightly wounded. Colonel von Wallmenich and Major von Mulmann's Column also defeated the Chinese. The Field Marshal adds that the enemy suffered severe losses, and were every- where in full retreat. General Kettler's Brigade is marching by short stages on to Pao-ting-fu. SEVERE FIGHT WITH BANDITS. BRITISH OFFICER KILLED. Reuter's cablegrams, dated Pekin, Sunday, state:—An official report has been received here that a company of the 4th Punjab Infantry has had a severe engagement with a force of bandits, estimated to number 1,000 men, between Ching- wangi-Tao and Suning-Fu. Major Browning and one sepoy were killed. The company of Punjab Infantry was sent by General Reid, com- manding at Shanhaikwan, to break up a band of robbers which had been giving trouble in the neighbourhood of Fu-Ning-Fu. The Punjabis were attacked by a combined force of Boxers and robbers, numbering over a thousand. The com- pany retreated to Fu-ning-Fu, whither reinforce- ments have been sent from Shanhaikwan. The Boxers appear to have been well-armed, with modern rifles. THE FRANCO-GERMAN EXPEDITION. A Reuter's despatch, dated Paris, Sunday, says It is understood that, in consequence of the issue of the Chinese Imperial decree ordering the Chinese troops under General Liu to withdraw, the joint Franco-German expedition which was to have started from Pao-ting-fu to drive back Liu Kwanting and his forces, has been aban- doned. It is further stated in official circles here that France will now withdraw 10,000 troops from China, leaving 6,000 men at the disposal of the French Minister at Pekin. SHARP FIGHTING. The International force which was sent from Shan-hai-kwan, to punish the band of Chinese who killed Major Browning, defeated and scattered the enemy, killing fifty of their number. Major Browning's body was recovered. From Tientsin is is reported that the British have dis- covered nineteen Krupp field guns and a quantity of ammunition buried in the vicinity of Shan- hai-kwan.

MONMOUTH ELECTION.—The Monmouth nomination is fixed for May 2, and the polling for May 7. Shamrock II. left the Clyde on Saturday for the Solent, where she will race Shamrock 1. Shamrock I., however, has been so altered that she may prove a more formidable opponent than is generally anticipated. FORETOLD IN A DREAM. A remarkable case of a tragedy foretold in a dream came before the coroner at Thames Ditton on Friday. Arthur Manning, of West Ham, and a companion hired a boat at Hamp- ton Court. It was Manning's first experience of rowing. He rowed away from the lock, and then turned the boat and pulled it into the weir. The boat was smashed. Manning was drowned, and his companion was saved. Manning's father said on the previous night he dreamt that his boy was drowned, and in his dream he saw everything just as it had been explained. When his son was leaving the bouse he warned him not to go boating. THE OVERHEAD TROLLEY SYSTEM.-Another alarming electric wire accident occurred in Lime-street, Liverpool, on Thursday afternoon. Two telephone wires suddenly fell upon the trolley wires of the tramway system, and at once became highly charged with electricity, spurting out blue flames and twist- ing about in all directions. Pedestrians fled panic-stricken from the spot. One of the live wires fell across a horse. The animal reared and danced about excitedly, and the successive shocks could be counted by the sudden rearing and struggling of the afflicted animal to get away. Ultimately the horse was pulled aside. A breakdown gang was soon on the spot, and repairs were quickly effected. I BREWERY COMPANY FINED AT NORTHOP.— At the Northop Petty Sessions on Thursday the Chester Northgate Brewery Company were summoned, under the Workshops and Factories Act, for employing a boy under 13 years of age who had not obtained a certificate from the certifying inspector.—Mr. Hilditch, H.M. inspector of factories, said he visited the defendants' premises at Kelsterton (Flintshire) on the 20th March and found employed there a boy named Thomas Shaw, who was under 13 years of age. He produced the birth certificate, which shewed that the boy would not be 13 until April 13 this year. Moreover the boy had been employed since last October.—Mr. Trubshaw, on behalf of the defendants, admitted the offence, but pleaded that it was of a trivial character. The boy was really employed as a van attendant, and bad only occasionally been employed in the brewery during the absence of employed in the brewery during the absence of someone else. The boy had since obtained a certificate entitling him to be employed.—A fine of 5s. and costs was imposed.

BIRKENHEAD ELECTRICAL TRAMWAYS. 0 The traffic receipts on the New Ferry route for the four weeks ended with Su .lav, April 21, were as follow, the figures in parenthesis being the returns for the previous 1 ur weeks Miles run, 16,392 (14,611); penuj solej, 146,213 ^13o,iiu_j olca 32,449 (26,606) i pAfc.svMigt-rs camea. 118,66c (162,722); total rncwipta, X879 12s. 7d. (£788 17s. 4d.). It is proposed to construct double tracks in place of single tracks at an estimated cost, as follows :—Prenton-road West, £ 2,086 Park-road South, Z3,136 Park-road North, £ 4,694; Cleveland street, Corporation road, and Beaufort-road from Duke-street to the borough boundary, £ 6,569; New Chester-road, between the abattoirs and St. PaulVroad (in- cluding two passing places), £ 205; Laird-street from Park-toad North to the car sheds, £ 4,066; a passing place m Argylw-streot, £ 468; passing placw in Hamilton-street, £ 468; total, £ 21,693. Arrangements have been concluded securing to the tramways committee the use of land on the north side ot Woodside Ferry approach for the erection of tramway offices. It is proposed to increase the salary of the borough electrical engineer (Mr. William Hates) from S300 to X500, of which one-half shall be contributed by the tramways committee.

RAILWAY SERVANTS DISMISSED. «- — The directors of the London and North- Western Railway Company have been petitioned by six men, who were dismissed from the com- pany's service in Manchester on Monday, to grant them an interview. The petition states that no allegation of incompetence or neglect of duty was made against any of them, and they asked the reason of their dis- charge, but the officials declined to assign one. They point out that their length of service varies from six years to over 26 years, and they submit that they are entitled to know the reasons for their dismissal. The petition con- cludes as follows:—"It is generally felt that this action has been taken because your petitioners, among others, were subpoenaed by the defence in the recent libel action Linaker v. the Railway Review.' RESOLUTIONS BY RAILWAY MEN. A meeting of railway men in the Stockport district was held on Saturday evening at the Blue Bell Hotel, Stockport, to discuss the dismissal of certain of the employes of the London and North-Western Railway Company, and other matters of difference which have arisen between the company and a number of their men. Mr. Tenevan, president of the Stockport Trades Council, was in the chair, and there was a large attendance.—The Chairman said he made no doubt that the company bad dismissed the men in question because they had appeared as witnesses in a certain law case, but he ventured to think that during the next few days the expressions of indignation that would go up from the district would be such that the directors of the company would not be able to ignore it. If the matter were put before the public in a right light, the company would be compelled to recede from the position they seemed to have taken up.—The following resolution was unanimously carried :—" That this meeting protests against the action of the London and North-Western management in dismissing from their service, without any apparent reason, a number of men who have been in their employment for a considerable number of years; and pledges itself to do all that possibly can be done to bring about their reinstatement."—One of the speakers said the trouble was not new, but had been expected for along time, and now that it had arrived they must stand together and fight to a finish for their rights. (Applause.) Mr. Thomas Arnold, secretary of the Man- chester Conference of Railway Workers of Lancashire, thought it would be advisable to prepare for the worst, and if it did come to a fight they must be in readiness. A meeting of members of the local branches of the Amalgamated Society of Railway Servants was held on Sunday evening in Stockport, and it was largely attended. It was reported that after considerable but unanimous discussion the following resolution was adopted without dissent:—" That this meeting of the three Stockport branches considers that these men have been discharged for their connection with the Linaker libel case. We protest against such action as being detrimental to the liberty of the subject, and that the strongest legitimate steps possible be taken to see that justice is done. We would further urge upon our general secretary to come to Stockport as early as possible and take charge of the matter, and, should he think it advisable, to bring the organising officers with him." Arrangements are in progress for meetings, if necessary, of protest during the week, and on Sunday next, in addition to ordinary branch meetings, a mass meeting has been arranged for.

ELLESMERE PORT. MUSICAL SUCCESS.—Mr. James Ernest Roscoe, son of Mr. Joseph Roscoe, of Elm- street, has won the silver medal of the National College of Music with his composition The Song of Moses," aud has been appointed a public representative of the college and a properly qualified musical teacher in the United Kingdom.

SANDYCROFT. CONCERT.—A concert was held in the Assembly Hall, on Tuesday evening, in aid of the New Institute. The items of the pro- gramme were contributed by the Misses Pollie Humphreys, Agnes Croxton, and Gwladys Williams, and Messrs. Roberts, Nield, Barrett, Jones, H. Bairstow, and R. Todd, and Master Willie Humphreys. Miss L. A. Wright was the accompanist.

HA WARDEN. Miss Helen Gladstone has accepted the post of Warden of the Women's University Settle- ment, Southwark, in succession to Miss Sewell, resigned. Miss Gladstone will go into residence early in September. CHORAL SOCIETY.—A social gathering of the members and friends of the Hawarden Choral Society took place at the Gymnasium on Monday. A large number was present. Tea was partaken of, and the remainder of the evening was spent in dancing, interspersed with various musical items, recitations, &c. The Choral Society rendered the chorus from Stern- dale Bennett's "May Queen (" Wake with a smile 0 month of May "), also the male voice part song The Chafers," Mr. R. W. Pringle conducting. Songs were rendered by Messrs. E. Thompson, H. Dickinson, J. Worley, E. Duder, A. Lewis, also Mesdames M. Wilcock, Ella Leach, M. Rowlands, J. Ledsham; piano- forte solos by Miss V. Thompson and Mr. R. W. Pringle. The Rev. W. H. Parkes referred in eulogistic terms to the indefatigable efforts of the hon. secretary (Mrs. Leach) in connection with the work of the society and also to her successful efforts in making that evening's gathering so enjoyable. A cordial vote of thanks was passed to her. The general verdict is, that the proceedings were happy and success- ful in every respect. The room was elegantly decorated by a committee of lady members.

WORTHENBURY. INTERESTING PRESENrATION.-At the close of last vear the Worthenburv and District. Horticultural Association decided to make Mr. Urmson a small present in recognition of his work on their behalf. This was, however, put off for a time, and only culminated on Friday evening. The sub-committee, consisting of Mr. Piggott (chairman), and Messrs. T. Huxley and Mellor, with several other friends, assem- bled at Mr. Urmson's, where they met with a hearty welcome. Mr. Piggott, in making the presentation, said how much they were indebted to their host for his labours, which were more onerous and difficult than most people were aware of. He had served them faithfully and well for about 26 years in the past, and they hoped he would do so for years to come. It gave him (Mr. Piggott) much pleasure to preside that evening, and he took that opportunity to con- gratulate Mr. Urmson on his recent marriage. I'he present, a handsome silver flower vase, richly chased and carved, about ten inches high, with a suitable inscription, was then handed over. Mr. Urmson suitably acknowledged the gift, and afterwards entertained the deputation at supper.

MOLD. NEW RATE.—The overseers of the rural parish of Mold on Wednesday decided upon a rate of 2s. 2d. in the £ to be levied to meet the calls made by the Holywell Rural District Council, the Guardians, and School Board. DECREASE OF POPULATION.—We un- derstand that the population of the Urban Parish of Mold (even with the addition of Broncoed, which was only recently included in the urban district) has fallen off considerably, while in the rural parish, including a portion of Buckley urban, there is a slight increase. Fhe population of the parish of Cilcen is returned as practically stationary, and that of Nerquis shews a reduction. DEPARTURE OF THE REV. H. EVANS.— On Tuesday evening a large number of the well-wishers ef the Rev. Herbert Evans, who has been curate of this parish for three and a half years, assembled at the National Infant School, for the purpose of presenting him with a purse of gold and wishing him God speed on the occasion of his leaving the parish to take up an important appointment at Stepney, London. The Rev. J. P. Poole-Hughes, M.A. (vicar), occupied the chair, and Mr. P. Tatton Davies-Cooke made the presentation, both gentlemen speaking in high appreciation of Mr. Evans's services.—Mr. Evans expressed his heart-felt thanks.

SAUGHALL. PARISH COUNCIL.—The first meeting of the new council was held in the schoolroom, on Monday evening, there being present Messrs. John Ball, James Ball, Maddock, Nicholas, Crump, Maw by, Foulkes, Speed, Hughes, and A. Warrington (clerk).—Mr. Maddock was elected chairman pro. tem., and after all the new councillors had signed the declaration of acceptance of office, Mr. John Ball was unani- mously chosen as chairman for the ensuing year. Mr. Ball thanked the members for this honour and hoped that at the end of the year they would be satisfied with his services.— Messrs. George Ellis and John Hughes were appointed overseers for the following year, and it was decided to make a call on the rates to the extent of one penny in the £ to meet expenses. —Certain accounts were next passed for pay- ment, and afterwards a general opinion was expressed that it was desirable, in the interests of the council, that its clerk and assistant- overseer should reside in the village or neigh- bourhood of Great Saughall. A discussion took place, and it was eventually decided to call a special meeting for Monday to consider the matter.—It was also resolved that the future meetings of the council be held in the Town Hall, and Mr. Crump gave notice that at the next meeting he intended moving a resolution with regard to the second delivery of letters in the neighbourhood.

TARPORLEY. EATON RECREATION ROOM The annual committee meeting was held on Monday evening. The accounts shewed a satisfactory balance of X6. The room has been well attended during the winter months, and serves a most useful purpose. THE CHURCH.—The Rev. F. Clifton Smith, M.A., senior curate of Tarporley, has been offered the living of Daresbury, near Warring- ton, by Sir Gilbert Greenall, Bart. Mr. Clifton Smith has accepted the living. He has been curate at Tarporley since 1894, and will leave with the best wishes, mingled with regret, of the parishioners. EATON VESTRY. This vestry meeting was held on Monday evening. The accounts were passed and shewed the satisfactory balance of £ 5. Messrs. W. Crank, T. Ackerley, P. Roberts, C. Billington, were re-elected as church officers. A handsome new bookcase, which is a gift, has just been placed in the church. CRICKET CLUB.—The annual cricket supper was held at the Swan Hotel on St. George's Day. The Rector presided over an excellent company, which included Messrs. C. Hewer and J. Dods, the Rev. E. W. Evans, the Rev. L. Brown, and Messrs. J. Pickering, J. Davies, &c. After the usual loyal toasts, followed by Bishop and Clergy," the Chair- man gave the toast of the evening, Tarporley Cricket Club." He mentioned how the club had grown in past years, and how beneficial the coaching of the professional engaged for three weeks should prove to players. Everything pointed to another successful season. Their captain, Mr. Smith, was leaving. They would miss him very much, and he asked all to join with him in wishing him the best of wishes in his new work at Daresbury.—Mr. Clifton Smith replied, thanking all for their kindness and saying how great a pleasure it was to him to do all he could for cricket in Tarporley. He was very sorry to go. The club was in a very successful condition financially and otherwise, and all promised well. Last season was very successful, thanks to Messrs. Vernon, Smart, and Daine. Though he was leaving he should always retain his interest in Tarporley cricket, and he hoped the club would go on prospering even more in the future than it had done in the past. The concluding toasts were "The Army and Navy," The Earl of Haddington," and "The Town and Trade." Songs during j the evening were sung by the Rev. E. W. Evans, Mr. J. H. Dods, and Mr. W. E. Garner. I

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SHOTWICK. VESTRY MEETING.—The vestry meeting in connection with St. Michael's Parish Church was held on Tuesday evening, and presided over by the vicar (Rev. G. D. White). Mr. R. Kellock presented the wardens' statement of accounts, which shewed a debit balance of El 4s. on the year's working. This deficit was very generously cleared off by Mr. Trelawny, who received the hearty thanks of the meeting for his kindness. The vicar again nominated Mr. Kellock as his warden, and Mr. T. Samuel was re-elected people's warden. Messrs. Hewitt and T. Roberts were re-appointed sidesmen.

-+- BUCKLEY. LOCAL MAN HONOURED.—Mr. J. R. Griffiths, organist of the Congregational Chapel, Bridge-road, London, and son of Mr. Joseph Griffiths, Daisy Hill, baker and confec- tioner, has had the degree of Bachelor in Music conferred upon him by the senate of the University of Durham. We congratulate Mr. Griffiths upon the honour he has achieved and hope his future will be a brilliant one. POLICE CHANGES.- Sergeant George Langdon, who has been at Buckley for upwards of four years, and who succeeded the late Sergeant Jones, has been promoted by the Chief Constable of Flintshire to the St. Asaph district in succession to Sergeant Pearson. Sergeant Langdon is a most popular officer, and general regret is expressed at his departure. The new sergeant of Buckley is Sergeant Richard Davies, of Holywell, brother of the Deputy Chief Constable (Superintendent J. Ivor Davies, Mold). A PARISH MATTER.—At a meeting of the Holywell Board of Guardians a letter was read from the Local Government Board notifying that in consequence of the parish of Buckley (Mold) being joined to the parish of Buckley (Hawarden), thus severing their connection with Holywell Union, it had become necessary to vary their certificate of the amount due to the Board of Guardians under the Agricultural Rates Act, 1897. A new certificate was issued for XI,744 4s. 2d. ALL SAINTS' CHURCH.—The annual meet- ing of the churchmen and sidesmen was held on Wednesday. The vicar of Bistre (the Rev. J. George) presided.—Mr. Thos. Hughes read the ac- counts for the past year, which were very satis- factory.—Mr. Coles proposed the re-election of Mr. Hughes as warden.—This was seconded by Mr. James Peers and carried unanimously.—The following were appointed sidesmen Messrs. Geo. Blackwell, John Coles, Edward Hughes, James Peers, Thomas Haiges, William Ellis, Thomas Bartley, Robert Davies (Lane End) and Robert Davies (Daisy Hill).—It was agreed that the Easter offerings be devoted towards the choir trip in the summer.—The Rev. T. Dale-Jones said that a hearty vote of thanks ought to be given to Mr. Ralph Catherall for his great kindness in training the choir. He was greatly indebted to him.- Mr. Coles seconded, and it was carried with ac- clamation.—Mr. Dale-Jones said that as Miss Jones had resigned her post as organist, it was necessary to appoint her successor. He had ap- pointed Mr. Joseph Connah, who formerly was organist at the parish church—(cheers)—and one of the most competent. musicians in the district.— Mr. Coles said Mr. Dale-Jones deserved their best thanks in securing Mr. Connah. It was a most popular appointment.—Major Gibson was heartily thanked for putting incandescent lights in the church, and for his services at All Saints'.— With reference to renovating the church, it was decided to make an appeal and to appoint the war- den, sidesmen, and Messrs. Ralph Catherall, T. Jones (Lexham Green), and Robert Griffiths a committee, and the curate-in-charge (Mr. Dale- Jones) secretary.

NESTON. RESERVIST'S SAD AFFLICTION.—On Mon- day Joseph Simpson, a West Kirby postman, was brought before Colonel Lloyd charged with being a lunatic not under proper control. It appeared that the prisoner was a Reservist, and about 15 months ago he went out to South Africa. Some three months ago he returned and took up his old position as postman.—After hearing the evidence the Bench committed the prisoner to Upton Asylum. INTERESTING MARRIAGE.—A marriage of considerable interest to the inhabitants of the parishes of Neston and Thornton Hough took place at St. Francis's Church, Chester, on Wed- nesday, the bride being Miss Fanny Binner, youngest daughter of the late Mr. Edward Bin- ner, of Birkenhead, and the bridegroom Mr. Sim- eon Howard, a native of Thornton Hough. The bridegroom is a member of one of the best-known families in that district, but now resides at Marsh Farm, Sealand, where the happy couple will shortly take up their abode. A number of the friends of both contracting parties were present at the ceremony, and the presents were very numerous, those of the bride alone numbering about seventy. DEATH OF MRS. W. AARON.—We regret to announce the death of Mrs. William Aaron, wife of Mr. William Aaron, who for many years preceding June of last year was the owner and occupier of The Broadlake, Neston. Since Mr. preceding June of last year was the owner and occupier of The Broadlake, Neston. Since Mr. Aaron sold his residence Mrs. Aaron and himself have been sojourning at various popular resorts. For some time they made a practice of spending a portion of each year on the Continent, and at the time of Mrs. Aaron's death they were re- siding at the Hotel Du Cygne, Montreux, Switzer- land. At the time of writing very meagre par- ticulars are to hand, but it is understood tfeat the deceased passed away very suddenly at Montreux on Tuesday. Judging by recent correspondence she was in her usual good health up to that time. The news has caused a painful sensation in Neston and district, where Mr. and Mrs. Aaron had for many years actively associated themselves with every movement calculated to benefit the parish, and were generous supporters of any local philan- thropic cause. Mr. Aaron formerly served on the Neston and Parkgate Local Board, and was one of the sidesmen of the parish church and a school manager. Mrs. Aaron served for a lengthy period as a honorary member of the Neston Ladies' Club. The funeral took place at Montreux on Friday. WILDFOWLER'S DEATH.—Mr. Wm. Law- ton, one of the most interesting characters in this locality, passed away on Sunday, aged 77 years. The deceased lived on the Ness section of the Colliery in a wooden house, which he erected on a portion of the Stanley estate some forty years ago. His home abutted on the Dee estuary, and up to recent years deceased was one of the most successful and best known wildfowlers for many miles around. He always displayed great in- genuity, and was a very successful builder of wild- fowling punts, small yachts, and even of lifeboats, several of which were designed and launched from the miniature dockyard at the colliery. An interesting sketch, entitled "A Wildfowler of the Cheshire Dee," by Dr. Speechly, in reference to the old man, appeared in these columns a few months ago. The funeral took place at Neston Parish Church on Wednesday, and was attended by the relatives and friends of the deceased. The coffin, covered with floral tributes, was conveyed by hearse to Neston, and Messrs. Thomas Lee, James Ellison, W. Jones (Parkgate) and Thomas White acted as bearers. The chief mourners were William Lawton, Thomas Lawton and Mrs. M. Jones (sons and daughter), Walter Lawton, Mrs. Ellison, Alfred Lawton. Raymond Lawton, Walter Jones and Fred Jones (grandchildren), Peter Jones (son-in-law), Mrs. and Miss Jackson, John Shone (Chester), John Smith (Liverpool), William Ellison, Mrs. Goldson, Mrs. Dolphin, &c.

I CRRISTLETOIV. A NIGHTINGALE IN THE VILLAGE.—The sweet melodious voice of a nightingale has been heard in this village for the last two or three nights so it is stated. It starts to sing between eleven and twelve o'clock at night in the park adjoining the Rectory, and small crowds of villagers have listened to the wonderful bird for over an hour together. The park seems to be the favourite resort of this nightingale.

CONNAH'S QUAY. TIIE BAND.-On Tuesday, at the annual meet- ing of the Public Prize Brass Band, Mr. W. H. Lloyd presided. The receipts for the year were £ 165 8s. 10d., out of which £ 120 had been paid on account of the new instruments. The election of offioers resulted as follows: -President, Mr. E. Blane; vice-president, Captain E. Hughes; hon. treasurer, Mr. T. Mathias; hon. secretary, Mr. W. H. Jones; auditors, Messrs. J. W. Connell and D. Ferguson; committee, Messrs. W. H. Lloyd, J. Hewitt, J. Williams, A. Stewardson, F. Welch, R. Edwards, T. Williams, 0. T. Ellwood, J. Harris and B. Hughes.

NORLEY. PARISH COUNCIL.—The annual meeting was held on Monday. Colonel Lascelles was re-elected chairman and Mr. John Gerrard vice- chairman. Messrs. John Gerrard and John Lewis were re-appointed overseers. There being sufficient money in the bank to meet current expenses, it was resolved to issue no precept on the overseers for this half-year. The condition of the road from Mrs. W. Pickering's corner to Breech Moss Well was discussed, and it was stated that it was so bad that children could not get to school along it at certain times. It was decided to write to the Runcorn Rural Council cn the subject, and a committee was appointed to take what action may be necessary to get it repaired. Complaint was also made respecting the hine from Norley to Delamere; Station, and it was resolved to write to the Northwich Rural Council for advice.

HOLYWELL. GUARDIANS AND TUBERCULOUS" Cows.—At a meeting of the Holywell Board of Guardians on Friday evening, the Master reported that he had bought a cow, subject to the Farm Com- mittee ratifying the purchase.—Mr. J. Prince (Connah's Quay) thought the cow should be examined by a veterinary surgeon to ascertain whether it was free from tuberculosis, remark- ing that it had been ascertained that between 40 and 50 per cent, of cattle were affected with this disease.—Mr. R. Foulkes said he could not sit there and allow )J[-. Prince to accuse Welsh cattle of being affected with tuberculosis to the extent of 50 per cent. English and Irish cattle might be, but he did not think they would find 3 per cent. of Welsh cattle so affected.-The Farm Committee at this juncture went to in- spect the cow, and on their return Mr. Prince said the cow was a very little one for a large institution like that. (Laughter.) He thought it should be tested for tuberculosis.—Mr. E. Jones: There's no need for that.—Mr. Prince: You ought to do it. It's done in Manchester and other places.—The Chairman That is different altogether.—Mr. Prince said the best cows were not in the country, but in the towns, where they would not keep animals when they began to decline.—It was decided to get a younger and stronger cow for the workhouse. — ♦ —

EASTHAM. A BRAVE FIREMAN. Mr. Frederick Smith, a fireman on a boat, whose home is at Bunker's Hill, Higher Bebing- ton, has been admitted to the Royal Southern Hospital, Liverpool, suffering from serious injury sustained through gallantry which should win him the respect of his fellows. Mr. Smith was on his boat at Eastham Ferry stage when his attention was arrested by cries of "Stop me! Stop me!" A little girl on a bicycle was rushing headlong down the hill, and was bound to dash either into the pay-gates or over the rocks. Realising the peril of the juvenile cyclist, Mr. Smith placed himself in the way and received the full force of the impact. That was how Mr. Smith came to sustain hia injuries and how a little girl was saved from possible death. Her rescuer certainly deserved a better fate. The incident occurred about a fortnight ago, and the splendid story of Mr. Smith's bravery would perhaps never have been recorded but for a sad feature of the case. The hero has a wife and five children, who, through his detention in hospital, are deprived of his wages. Unfortunately the name and address of the rescued cyclist were not obtained at the time, and all efforts to that end have since proved futile. In consequence of representations made to them by the relieving officer, the Wirral Guardians cheerfully granted a weekly allowance to the family, but further help is needed, and communications may be addressed to Mr. Hignett, Woodhey, Rock Ferry. Surely there was never a worthier case nor better opportunity for those who can admire a plucky attempt to avert a catastrophe.

WHITCHURCH. PETTY SESSIONS.—At these sessions, on Friday, Thomas Gough, dealer, Nomansheath, was summoned for working a horse in an unfit state in Brownlow-street on April 1st. P.C. Jones proved the case, and Mr. McGhee, veterinary surgeon, stated the condition of the horse, and said it was lame and quite unable to walk properly. Defendant, who said he thought the horse was able to walk properly, was fined £ 1 and costs (£1 18s.).-Mrs. Matilda Elliott, Waymills, Whitchurch, summoned her husband, John Elliott, for assault and battery, alleged to have been committed on April 21st. Mr. J. M. Etches, for the complainant, said that since coming out of prison a short time ago the defendant had acted fairly well for a time, but recently he had been drinking, and had treated the complainant in the most brutal way. He had rushed at her and ill-treated her, and on the particular occasion referred to he had actually ripped the front of her bodice open with a knife. Defendant (who was not in court) had written to the complainant asking her to forgive him but the complainant had forgiven him many times. Mrs. Elliott gave evidence, and said that on the night in question he kicked her and threatened to kill her; he also took out a knife and tore her clothes about. He frequently treated her in this way, in spite of the fact that she kept him and the family; he never gave her a. penny piece. Mrs. Smith, in the employ of Mrs. Elliott, gave evidence as to the offence for which the defendant was summoned. She cor- roborated the complainant, and said that when she brought a policeman the complainant was hysterical. P.C. Morris said that on Wednesday last he was called into the house, and saw Mrs. Elliott crying, while Elliott was under the. influence of drink. He said he would not do it again. Mr. Etches said it was Mrs. Elliott's in- tention to apply for a separation order. De- fendant was sentenced to three months with hard. labour.

At Cross Gates, near Leeds, on the North- Eastern Kailwav, on Friday morning, a collision oc- curred between a goods train and a coal train. Croft, a guard of the latter, was killed. The line was blocked for several hours. OLD FALSE TEETH BOUGHT. Full value in cash or offer per return of post. R. D. & J. B. Fraser, Ltd., Princes-st., Ipswich* The largest and oldest buyers in the world.

MACCLESFIELD CHURCH RESTORATION. "STATELY AND SPLENDID." After an expenditure of £ 21,000, and being three years in the hands of the restorers, the Macclesfield Parish Church of St. Michael was on Wednesday re-opened and consecrated by the Bishop of Chester. The church dates back to 1278, 19 years after the granting of the first char- ter to the borough, and was founded by Queen Eleanor, wife of Edward I., and consecrated by the Bishop of St, Asaph, acting for the Bishop of TiinlifiolH and Onvpntrv in rl;rv>P" 1VIawloc- field was situated until the creation of the see of Chester in 1541. The late Sir Arthur Blomfield prepared plans for the restoration. The chancel was first dealt with, and then the work stopped for a time for lack of funds. In 1898 there was a revival of interest in the project, and a movement was begun which has ended in the complete restor- ation of the church. "Stately and splendid" were the words used by the Lord Bishop of Chester in describing the restored building. Mr. F. D. Brocklehurst, of Hare Hill, Cheshire, became chairman of the executive of the Restoration Com- mittee, and headed the subscription list with £1,000. Mr. James Kershaw promised £ 1,500. Shortly afterwards Mr. Kershaw withdrew his promise, and undertook to bear the whole cost of restoring the tower. This he has done, at an ex- penditure of £ 3,400. Mr. Kershaw later gave another JS500, and it was stated on Wednesday that he was the anonymous donor of £1,000, given on the con- dition that the balance of £5,000 was forth- coming in time for the re-opening. These other thousands were raised. On Wednesday the town was decorated with flags. At the appointed hour the choir of the church, with the clergy and the Bishop of Chester, who was accompanied by the Bishop of Exeter (a son of the late Dr. Ryle, first Bishop of Liver- pool, who was a Macclesfield man), assembled in front of the Town Hall, and proceeded to the prin- cipal entrance of the church, singing the 122nd Psalm. The Mayor, the Town Clerk and the members of the Corporation also joined in the procession. W hen the head of the procession reached the west door of the church the choir and clergy formed in two lines, and the Bishop pro- nounced "Peace be to this House." After un- locking and entering the church the Bishop of Chester read the consecration prayers. The Bishop afterwards preached a powerful sermon on the injunction to Provoke one another to love and good works." He pointed to the way in which this injunction had been acted upon in the rebuilding of the church. The work had, he said, been carried out in a spirit of love and good fellowship, and of holy, not unhallowed, emulation. No root of bitterness had come in to trouble them. The work from beginning to end had been worthy of the God to whom the church was dedicated, worthy of the Christian fellowship which it was intended to house, and out of which it sprang. There was a saying, the Bishop added, that God buries his work- men but carries on His work." He named a few of the men who had, in one way or another, been associated with this restoration work whom God had called to rest. Among them were the late Bishop of Oxford (his predecessor in the Bishopric of Chester), the late Bishop of Liverpool, the late Duke of Westminster (who laid the foundation-stone of the restored nave), that model layman," Sir Arthur Blomfield, who pianned this stately and splendid work, and the head of the firm of contractors who had carried out so faithfully the architect's plans. He has buried them," said the Bishop, but He has not ended their work. Their works will follow them here below." After the consecration service was concluded Holy Communion was administered to a large number. At a later period of the day there was a public luncheon in the Drill Hall, attended by I the Bishop of Chester, the Bishop of Exeter, Arch- deacon Woosnam, Mr. F. D. Brocklehurst, Mr. J. Kershaw, Mr. Herbert Philips, Mr. C. E. Thornycroft, Colonel Thorp, Sir Thomas Wardle and others. The Bishop of Chester presided. -The Bishop of Exeter, in proposing "The Restoration Committee," referred to the in- timate connection which his family had had with Macclesfield for many generations, his grandfather having been member for the borough.—Mr. James Kershaw replied for the committee.