The Chester Courant and Advertiser for North Wales

THE KING. The King left London at noon to-day for New- market.

+ —— LORD TWEEDMOUTH & THE WAlt. Speaking in London to-day, Lord Tweedmouth said all the methods to which we had resorted in the present war were justifiable, but the Govern- ment never took proper precautions to see these methods properly c-arried out.

THE SHIPPING COMBINATION. NO COUNTER MOVE. The "Shipping Gazette" to-day sayi,-Wr Liverpool correspondent states, in most definite terms, that no stepa with the view of forming a counter-combination to the Morgan Trust have, up to the present, been taken by the Mersey ship- awners.

-+- ARTICLE CLUB LIBEL ACTION. THE SUinilNG-UP. In the King's Bench, to-day, Justice Lawranco summed-up in the libel action brought by Mr. Lawrance Cowrn, as secretary of the Article Club, against "Truth." His lordship said it would be a bad day for England when public writers wore not allowed to comment on matters of public in- terest. The question for the jury was whether in what they had said defendants had exceeded the limits of fair and just criticism.

A PEI\XSYLY ANIA DISASTER. NAPHTHA CARS EXPLODE. 20 PERSONS KILLED. 200 INJURED. [HKFTSB'S SPECIAL CABLE.] Pittsburg, Tuesday. Twenty persons vere killed and 200 seriously injured at Sheraden yesterday by a. fire caused by explosion on a train of naphtha cars, which collided. The escaping naphtha ran a mile and a half, and caused two further explosions. An hotel was blown to atoms, and a building, occupic-d by 200 persons, was wrecked.

SPORTING. -+- NEWMARKET MEETING. TUESDAY. VISITORS' PLATE.—Corn Flag, 1; War Paiat, 2; Happy Match, 3. Eleven ran. SELLING PLATS.Sunburnt, 1; Tarnbrook, 2; Aigrette, 3. Eight ran. NEWMARKET HAN;-TAP. — Sonatura, 1; Long- shoreman, 2 Roy.l Summons, 3. Eight ran. TRIAL PLATE.—Jubert, 1; Raveno, 2; Ursula, 3. Ten ran. BCKWEII. STAIRS.—CTneomber teat Bonifcza.

THE WAR. (See also page 7.) 0 OPERATIONS OF THE COLUMNS. DESPATCH FROM KITCHENER. DELAI-tEY'S LOSSES. Lord Kitchener telegraphs that the total cap- tures for the week ire 19 Boers killed, 6 wounded, 802 prisoners, 9 sv-renders, and a quantity of stock. No further ne -vs .Torn Ookiep. Enemy all with- drew towards Laugburg. Bruce Hamiltor.V* columns moved north again from the Lind!ey Line, in conjunction with Elliot and Barker, on the 9th May, capturing '27 prisoners. Colenbrander, continuing operations about Dylkop and Molipspoort, had added 70 more prisoners to those al.-eady reported. Ian Hamilton's columns, after clearing the area east of Hart's PJver, formed a line and moved west on the 7th May, in conjunction with Colonel Rochfort, from Ptloemhof. All arrived yesterday on the western railway with 357 prisoners and practioaliy all thi wagons and stock of the com- mandos in this a:>c::ict. This makes a total reduction in Delarey's forces of 860 men since Lí;; successful attack on Major Paris's column tv- months ago.

PEACE PROSPECTS. THE DATE OF MEETING. On making inquiry, on Monday, as to whether any date can yet be definitely fixed for the assembly of the ISoer leaders at Vereeniging, Router's Agency mderstands that the 15th inst. is the nearest approximato date which can at present be given for the meeting. The opinion in welt informed quarters as to the prospects of a peaceful issue ccn.tir.ues to be favourable.

CHESHIRE* COMING HOME, j -+- The s.s. Canada. left Capetown for England on May 7th. with Captain C. M. Abercrombie, Lieut. G. M. Frost (Ileswali), and 82 men of the Volunteer Company Cheshire Regiment, who left Chester for South Africa about fifteen months ago. The men "Vere stationed at Chester for a few weeks before embarking, and wer>, by the kind permission of the Chester liacecourse Company, accommodated in the saloons situated in the Chester Grand Stand. The various sections belonging to the 1st V. Pl. (Birken- head and district*, 2nd V.B. (Chester, Frodsham, and Runcorn districts), 3rd V.B. (Knutsford), and 4th V.B. (Stockport).

MAJOR-GENERAL SWAINE. « All ranks in t::e North-Western District will part with Major-General Swaine with feelings of regret. General Swaine was long enough in Ber- lin as Military Attache to become imbued with German ideas of a.-r.iy administration. At Chester it has been his aiL: tj relegate authority as far as possible; in fact, to- do in a small way what Mr. Brodrick is anxious, by means of his Army Clorps system, to carry out on a much larger scale. In the North-Western District the best results have ensued from decentralisation. Whether like bene- fits are to be looked ror elsewhere when the Army Corps system is finally launched remains to be seen. But Genera; Swaine has undoubtedly led the way in the direction of a change which has long been needed, and is shortly to bo made applicable to the whole of t e United Kingdom. —"The World."

AIRSHIP HORROR. A MID MR EXPLOSION. Paris was honvr-stricken on Monday by the news of a dreadful accident which occurred early in the morning, when the latest airship, "La. Pax," was wrecked in mid air by an explosion, and its inventor, M. Severo, a Brazilian Deputy, hurled to earth 1,500 feet below to meet a shocking death. The balloon, marced by Senor Severo and by an engineer named Sachet, in the employment of the Peicket firm vhich made the motors of the airship, ieft the park where it was kept at half-past five on Monday morning. The motions of the balloon, which seemed to be executed with great facility, were followed by a large number of per- sons, some in carriages, some in motors. The air- ship had arrived o rer the Avenue du Marne, nearly opposite itue de la Gaite, when suddenly a huge sheet of flume was seen to burst from it. The flame was fO!('d by a tremendous report like that of a can nor., and the balloon, which was at the time at an altitude of about 150 yards, dropped to tho gr'u "id. The two occupants fell on to tho pa verne i..t Efforts for their assistance were made at one, but Senor bevero and his assistant were dead. They had terrible wounds on their heads, ai d, moreover, their legs were broken. The bc,,t;" were taken to the police station in Ruo de la Gaiete, the officials of which had at once been apprised of the accident. The corpses of Sesvor Severo and -his assistant, as they lio on the mattress at the police station, present a feurfal spectacle, especially that of Sachet, the engineer. The flame which caused the explosion binned him. in tho most shocking fashion. The skin cf his face and hands was completely charred, and erurrhWi away at the touch. An effusion of blood ii-, the head accentuated the chastiy aspect of the face. Sachet hud evidently fallen on his left side, because the thigh and ribs on that side alone are fractured. Senor Sevvro feU on his feet. By the force of the impact the joints were forced out. of their place. It results, more- over from an examination conducted by Dr. Macret, that the pelvis and ribs of the unfortunate I inventor were fractured, while b.i3 skull was also fractured.

DEATH OF COLONEL MILLER. We deeply regret to record the death of Lieut.- Colonel George Thomas Miller, which occurred at his residence, Folliott House, Northgate- street, Chester, on Monday, at the age of 68. Deceased had been in feeble health for some time, but there was nothing in his condition to occasion alarm. Only on Saturday he sat on the Bench at Chester Castle, where he was a regular attendant. On Monday evening he had a seizure, and passed away suddenly. Colonel Miller was a native of Jersey, and he had been occupied in military duties most of his life. He served in the late 48th Regiment (Northamptonshire), and afterwards became adjutant of what was then the 3rd Staffordshire Militia, and is now the 4th, He retired from the Army some twelve years ago, and since that time had lived in Chester. He first resided at the Manor House, Boughton, and on the death of his uncle, Mr. Miller, he went to Folliott House. Deceased's chief recreation in his younger days was hunting. He did not take a prominent part in public affairs, but was uni- versally esteemed for his genuine and courteous disposition. Colonel Miller, who was a Conserva- tive and a staunch Churchman, was a widower. The funeral will take place at the Cemetery on Friday.

VOLCANIC CATASTROPHE. 0& AVALANCHE OF FIRE, LAVA & ASHES. A TOWN BURIED. THOUSANDS PERISH. The town of St. Pierro, in the French West Indian island of Martinique, containing a popu- lation of nearly 26,000, was totally destroyed on. Thursday morning by a sudden eruption of Mount Pelee, a normally quiescent volcano 5,000 feet high, which overhangs the town, and which lately had been shewing signs of activity. The details, so far as they are reported by the French warship Suohet, which lay off the coast, and by British vessels which escaped, shew that a gigantic train of fire, supposed to be molten lava and ashes, fell on the town and set it on fire. Nobody seems to have escaped save a few con- neoted with the shipping in the harbour, which was all destroyed except the British ship Roddam, which, running the gauntlet, steamed outwards and escaped, sustaining much damage and losing a score of the crew killed and injured. The crew of the Roddam state the disaster was "like a glimpse of hell, beggaring language." The totai loss of life in Martinique is Row esti- mated at 40,000-including the Governor. Very great consternation prevails in Paris. This volcanic visitation of the West Indies may prove far more terrible than is at present known. It is officially announced that the dread volcano of La Soufriere, in the British island of St. Vincent, .was—as seen from the sea—-m eruption on Wednesday, and the x-esults are likely to prove most serious. The Colonial Office on Saturday received the follow- ing from Sir F. Hodgson, Governor of Barb&does Soufriere, bit. Vincent erupted violently yesterday. Loud reports resembling artillery tire were heard at Barbadoes at three o'clock in afternoon. At five in the evening darkness and thunder, accom- panied by a strong downpour of dust, continued till night time. 40,000 PERSONS PERISH. It is now possible to form a fairly accurate estimate of the extent of the disaster which has befallen tho r rench colony of Martinique in general, and its commercial capital, St. Pierre, in particular. Every telegram received shews that the catastrophe has been in no way exaggerated, and that to all intents and purposes St. Pierre has been annihilated, with the vast majority of its inhabitants. Some estimates place the number of the dead as high as 40,000, but tho exact truth probably wdl never be known. One telegram states that about 5,000 fugitives are collected on the hills around St. Pierre, but there is nothing to show whether these unfortunate people, who are being removed as quickly as possible, formed part of the population of that town, or had tied from their homes in the adjoining country. The bodies of the dead are being cremated. The stories told by eye- witnesses vary in details, but all agree in describing the terrible suddenness with which the avalanche of tire, lava, ashes, and stones overwhelmed the un- happy town. In five minutes, or less, the destruc- tion was wrought, so that there was no chance of tlight, even had any secure place of refuge been available. Little doubt exists that the Governor of the Colony, M. Mouttet, and many of his officials perished, together with numerous representatives of French mercantile firms. A similar fate overtook the whale of the shipping in the harbour, which is said to have contained nearly a score of vessels, with the exception of the British steamer Roddam, and the safety of this boat appears to have been entirely due to the heroism 01 her commander, Captain 1! reeman. While three-fourths of his officers and crew lay around him dead or badly injured by the storm of flame that descended from the volcano, lie,, alone and unaided, steered his vessel out of the zone of danger, remaining at 1us post in spite of the serious burns he had himself sustained. With great Inc promptitude the French Government is bestirring itself to render assistance to the stricken island, and a special messenger has left Brest with a first instal- ment of £ 20,000 for the aid of the sufferers. The American Government has also ordered two war vessels to proceed to Martinique to ascertain what help can be given. A bill authorising the President to afford this succour has been submitted to Congress and has passed the Senate. COMPLETELY IN RUINS. STREETS STREWN WITH BODIES. Tho King has sent a thousand pounds to Paris for the rehef of tho sufferers by the Martinique disaster. A letter of profound sympathy, accom- panied by ten thousand marks, has been 8ent by the German Emperor to President Loubet, and the Czar has telegraphed his sympathy, as weli as that of the Czarina. The Italian Chamber on Monday voted a message of sympathy. Relief parties who have landed at St. Pierre report that the city is completely in ruins, and the streets strewn with bodies, no living thing being seen, and no water procurable. Subterranean rumblings were still heard, and in the northern part of the Island the land was in a state of constant move- ment, tho sea for a mile from the shore being covered with wreckage. The British administrator of Dominica hears from Martinique that new orators are open in many directions, rivers are overflowing their banks, and almost total darkness continues. The Governor of Barbados has sent food and medical help to the island. ST. VINCENT ERUPTION. 500 LIVES LOST. From the official and non-official telegrams to hand on Monday it appears that the situation in St. Vincent is very serious. A message from Sir Robert Llewelyn to the Colonial Office states that 500 persons have lost their lives, and other despatches place the figure as high as 700 The British Govern- ment is taking steps to relieve the distress in the island, and has authorised Sir R. Llewellyn to incur any necessary expense for this purpose Meanwhile the volcano. La Soufriere, is displaying great activity, and access to the affected regions still seems to be extremely difficult, if not absolutely impossible. So far, however, Kingstown and Georgetown, ..the two principal towns in St. Vincent* are safe, and it is hoped that they are too far distant from the scene or the eruption to be seriously injured. The King has sent, through the Colonial Office, a gracious message of sympathy with the inhabitants of St. Vincent in the calamity that has befallen them. TALES OF SUFFERING. 500 UNBURIED CORPSES. [REUTER'S SPECIAL CABLE.] New York, Tuesday. Telegrams received here report that the atmos" phere at St. Thomas is now fine. At Dominica refugees with pitiable tales of suffering continue to arrive, and a few refugees from Martinique have arrived. At St. Vincent, La Soufriere in eruption has destroyed plantations, and 500 unburied corpses have been found. Earthquake shocks have occurred at Roseau, Dominica, and Barbados is in total darkness. TO THE RESCUE. DOCTORS, NURSES, AND PROVISIONS. [RENTER'S SPECIAL CABLE.] New York, Tuesday. The Solint landed at St. Pierre yesterday doctors and nurses with field hospital outfit and provisions.

I The Archdeacon of Breckon, Archdeacon Bevan. devoted a portion of his recent charge to the speech of Mr. Asquith recently delivered in the House of Commons. Dealing with Mr. Asquith's enumeration of communicants in the Welsh dioceses, the Archdeacon refuses to accept the figures as correct, still less does he accept the conclusion drawn from them, and they indicate a very low condition of Church efficiency, such as would justify the forfeiture of her endowments. "GEERAL" BOOTH.—Notwithstanding the fact that General Booth was 73 years of age last month, he appears to he as active as ever. lie has just returned from a fourteen days' campaign in Holland, where most enthusiastic and successful gatherings have been held in the largest available buildings, including the People's Palace in Amsterdam. This week the General is visiting Ireland, and, for the first time, will conduct a meeting in Cork. The Army had but lately begun work in the South of Ireland, with much success.

MEMORIAL TO MR. RHODES. At a meeting on Monday afternoon, at which Earl Cowper presided, it was decided that the nation's memorial to the late Mr. Cecil Rhodes should be erected at Bishop Stortford, his birth- place. A general committee was appointed, con- sisting of the most distinguished men in the country. Among them were the Dukes of Devon- shire, Portland, and Sutherland, the Marquisea of Salisbury, Granby, Londonderry, and Ormonde, the Earls of Clarendon, Dartmouth, Derby, Meath, Rosebery, Sandwich, Scar- borough, Verulam, Warwick, and Cowper, the Lords Enfield, Aldenham, Farquhar, Lamington, Rothschild, Strathcona, Tredegar, Windsor, Wolverton, Glamis, and Lord Charles Beresford, Sir James Blyth, Sir Walter Giibey. Sir George Faudel-Phillips, and Sir F. G. Milner, the Agents-General for all the colonies, several M.P. 's. and the Provost of Oriel College, Oxford. A special committee was further appointed to deal with the whole question, and as to the form the memorial should take. A subscription of 2500 from Sir Walter Giibey was announced, the donor suggesting that the memorial should take the form of the endowment of Bishop Stortford School.

BOILERS FOR THE NAVY. — .0 ADMIRALTY DECISION. It is understood that the Lords of the Admiralty have come to an important decision regarding the boilers which shall be henceforth used in the Royal Navy. During recent years cylindrical boilers have been largely superseded by water-tube boilers —mainly those of the Belleville type-in British ships of war; but the Earl of Selborne and his colleagues have determined that in future our war vessels shall be fitted with a combination of boilers, one-fifth cylindrical and four-fifths water-tube This is really an adaptation of the German system. It will be remembered that the Boilers' Committee, presided over by Vice-Admiral Domvile, con- demned the Belleville boiler, but declared that in the present condition of naval engineering the lea cylindrical boiler was not sufficient for the purposes of the Navy, and that some form of water-tube boiler was essential. The system which the Admiralty have actually adopted was, in fact, recommended by the Committee. It is assumed that the combination of the two types will give the advantages of each-that the cylindrical boilers can be used when a vessel is cruising for a long distance at comparatively low power, while the water-tube boilers will be called into requisition when it becomes necessary to get up steam in a brief space of time, or when full power is needed in an emergency.

CROQUET. UOOTON PARK CLUB. In anything but propitious weather the first club tournament commenced on Friday,- and extended over Saturday and Monday, the weather continuing cold and cheerless throughout, except for an occasional gleam of sunshine on the concluding day. The entries, naturally, wore few in consequenco, but some good games were played. Mrs. Wilford LLoyd won the singles in class "A" by the narrow margin of three points, from Mr. H. H Cox, after she had lowered the colours of Captain Lock (two bisques) by eight points. Mr. Cox had in the previous round knocked out Miss N. J. Beausire (three bisques). In class "B" Miss Duckworth played a strong game throughout, though in the final she only got home by three points, after look- ing almost hopelessly out of it at one period of the game. By her win Miss Duckworth has qualified to play in the final for the special prize offered by Mrs. Edgar Storey, to be played for at each club tournament by class "B" players, and won out- right at the concluding tournament of the season. In the doublas Mrs. Wilford LLoyd was again to the fore, as with Captain Lock for a partner she won the final from Mrs. W. E S. Tyler and Mrs. J. W. Ffoulkes after a good fight by six points. The win would have been accomplished a bit sooner, but for one of those sensational incidents which some- times occur. Mrs. LLoyd in pegging out, after sticking her partner, failed herself, though less tlian a foot away, to touch the peg, thus enabling her opponents to notch a point or two before they succumbed. FINALS Handicap Singles, Class A. for those having 7 bisques and unde»:—Mrs. Wilford LLoyd (7) beat Mr. H. H. Cox (4) by 3 points. Handicap Singles, Class B, for those having over 7 bisques and upwards :—Miss Duckworth (11) beat Mrs E. Boazley (10) by 3 points. Handicap Doubles:—Captain Lock and Mrs Wilford LLovd (scratch) beat Afrg. T. W. Ffoulkes and Mrs. W. E. S. Tyler (41,) by t; points.

CRICKET. BOUGHTON HALL v. BIRKENHEAD VICTORIA.— Played on Saturday at Boughton Hall. Score :— BOUGHTON HALL. B'HEAD VICTORIA. P Morris-Da vies lbw E Brocklebank b Hod- b Fraser 15 kinson 21 H Howell-Evans b E Barnes c Morris-Davies •Brocklebank 2 b Churton 7 Gore b Brocklebank l.'ii Calloway b Churton .21 Churton b Williams 0 J C Brocklebank b Douglas b Duggan 29 Douglas 20 Henshall lbw b E I Williams b Hodkinson 0 Brocklebank 10 H S Brocklebank b Comerford not out ..21 Douglas .21 Ball c Brocklebank b Fraser b Douglas 10 Jenkins 2 HoslcinscMorris-Davies Hodkinson not out 2 b Douglas 7 Hack did not bat Owen not out 2 Bankes Jenkins st Gore b Hod- kinson 0 I Duggantout 1 Extras 9 Extras 8 Total (7 wkts) *18G Total (9 wkts) .118 *Innings declared closed. BKOMBOUOUC; K POOL V. NKSTON AND DISTRICT. —Played on Saturday at Bromborough Pool. Score:— BEOMBOROUGH POOL. JNKSTON & DISTRICT. J Adams c Gleaves b Cr-Roberts c Earl b Housden 19 J Adams 11 Burns c Metcalf b Metcalf b Greatrix 0 Cramer-Roberts 14 Gilling b Greatrix 1 Pugh b Cr.-Roberts. 10 Nicholson b Greatrix. 9 Jones c & 1) Cr-Roberts 0 I W Housden b Greatrix 3 Brocklebank c J IIous- Barrett b J Adams. 1 den b Cr-Roberts o Gilling b Greatrix 7 Earl c J Housden b Cr- Comber b Greatrix 0 Roberts 1 Gleave c & b J Adams.. 0 Greatrix b Cr-Roberts. 0 J Housden not out 1 Williams c Gilling b Newman b Greatrix 0 Cr-Roberts 9 Greatbanks lbw b New man 6 A Adams b Newman 3 E Worthington not out 0 Extras 3 Extras 8 Total 74 Total 41 Total.74 Total.41 MOSTíX PARK V. -AIOLI).. Played at Mostyn Park on Saturday. Score :—• MOLD. I MOHTYX PARK. "urst b Bulcoek 12 Bevirigton b A,tbury I r) Eaton not out 134 Pardon b North 17 Martel not out .42 Davies b A Evans 13 North did not bat I Inglis b Astbury 0 I Evans" Fraser b Evans 1 Astbury Beresford b Astbury. 6 A Evans" Bulcock not out .11 Hughes Rowlands not out 0 Scargill Hall did not bat Marston Barnard Jones Collings Marston Barnard Jones Collings Extras G I Extras. 8 Total (1 wkt) 194 Total (6 wkts) 72

ASHTOiY SEXAGENARIAN'S SUDDEN DEATH.- Mr. T. Moore Dutton (Deputy County Coroner) held an inquest on Monday at the Golden Lion, Ashton, on the body of Julia Birchwood, 68 years of age, wife of Joseph Birchwood. farmer, Ashton. It appeared that early on Saturday morning deceased awoke and complained that she felt ill. Her daughter gave her a drink of whisky and water and deceased returned to bed. Her husband noticed that she was not breathing and found that she was dead. A verdict of Death from natural causes" was returned.

— +- MA LP AS. COTTAGES ON FIRE.—A fire broke out on Monday afternoon at the cottage of Mrs. Cart- wright, a widow with a young family. The ad. joining cottage of Mr. Thomas Allman was also attacked by the flames, and both were entirely gutted. By the timely exertions cf many willing helpers, most of the furniture was saved, together with a sum of money that the widow's son had saved, amounting to E13 10s. The money was all that remained in a tin box, the other contents of which were burnt to a cinder. An aged woman named Mary Martin was an invalid in one of the houses, but at the outset she was conveyed out of danger and taken on a stretcher to the house of Mr. J. Barlow, a neigh- bour. The cottages were the property of Mr. W T. Drake.

-7- At Brynmawr, on Friday, Robert Sidney Mum- ford, cashier of the local branch of the Capital and Counties Bank, was sentenced to six months' imprisonment for embezzling JE409. Accused's solicitor intimated that Mumford intended re- couping the bank as soon as possible.

CHESHIRE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY, THE FORTHCOMING SHOW. The General Committee of the Cheshire Agri- cultural Society, whose annual show will be held at Hyde next August, announced on Monday night the following additional prizes:—Offered by the Tarporley Hunt Steeplechase Fund, L5 for first, and JB2 for second, for brood mare suitable for breeding hunters; same for the best cart mare and the best cart foal. Two silver cups, value not less than five guineas cash, offered by Mr. Edward Chapman, M.P. for the Hyde Division, for the best bull in the show, within^ a radius of five miles, and tho best farmer's heavy horse. Earl Egerton again offered a cup, value not less than £ 10, for the best shire mare or filly. The Cheshire BeG- keepers' Association asked for better terms. They desired the society to divide the difference between the entrance fee and the prize money. The Secretary (Mr. T. A. Beckett) pointed out that the cost of fitting up this seotion was consider- able. He thought if the society would stick to their guns the association would come all the same. The Hyde and District Dog Fanciers' Association sent a deputation, asking for the co- operation and assistance of the society in their proposal to work a dog section in connection with the show. The meeting agreed, and allowed the local association to take the entry fees and provide the prize money; the society to guarantee them J35, while the Mayor of Hyde, who is president of the society this year, personally guaranteed that the local association should not lose more than B5. A condition of these offers was that the prize list for dogs should not be below last year's amount, namely, JB24. Up to the present, it' was reported, the subscription list for the snow has reached JB98, apart from cups, etc., and the chairman stated that fifteen or sixteen other promises had been received. The Secretary suggested that prizes be offered for the best local turnouts, and this was left to be dealt with by the local committee. It was suggested that there should also be prizes for the best fire brigades. The Mayor: I am afraid we should be accused of backing certainties. (Laughter.)

TELEGRAPH MANUFACTURING CO. » AMALGAMATION SCHEME. IMPORTANT MEETING. An extraordinary general meeting of the Telegraph Manufacturing Company, Limited, was held at the Law Association Rooms, Cook- street, Liverpool, on Friday. Mr. J. Taylor pre- sided, and there were present- Messrs. G. C. Taylor, J. S. Harmood Banner, Alexander, Barber, Griffiths, Smethurst, Robertson, L. Kay, Allen, Whalley, J. B. Harrison, J. Shaw, Barsley, Rudd, Wells, etc. The Chairman said he thought that meeting was the most important that had been called in connection with the company, and it was the first meeting at which no accounts were to be brought before the shareholders. The reason they were called together was the question of the proposed amalgamation, and therefore the only business to be considered was the resolution but before he proposed it, he would ask the solicitor to read the agreement, so that they might know exactly what they were dealing with. It appeared that the agreement bears the date 28lh April, 1902, and is between John Brotherton, on behalf of the Telegraph Manufacturing Oom- pany, Limited, oalled the vendor company, on the one part, and the British Insulated Wire Company, called the purchasing company, on the other part. The vendor company agroe to sell, and the purchasing company agree to buy, tho whole of the undertaking of the vendor company, except the sum of £ 12,354 3s. 4d., which the vendor company retain. As part of the con- sideration of the sale, the purchasing company undertake to pay and discharge the debts, liabilities, and obligations of the vendor com- pany. A further part of the consideration is that the purchasing company agree to pay the costs for winding up the vendor company. As the residue of the consideration of the sale, the pur- chasing company is to pay to the vendor com- pany £400,000, to be satisfied by the allotment to the vendor company, or its nominees, of 20,000 fully paid preference shares, at 25 each, and 30,000 ordinary shares of J65 each, in the purchasing company. In the event of the vendor company passing a resolution for winding up, and also a resolution for a division among its shareholders of the assets in specie, then if a. shareholder dissents, the agreement provides that his shares are to be sold, and if the proceeds are not sufficient to satisfy him. then the purchasing company is to pay up the deficiency. The preference and ordinary shares to be allotted to the vendor company are to rank with the other preference and ordinary shares of the purchasing oompany, and shall be entitled to the same rates of dividend as those paid on the other shares of the purchasing company. The sale takes effect as from the 31st December last, and is to be com- pleted on the 31st May. The purchasing com- pany pay all the costs of the agreement and the carrying of it into effect. The purchasing com- pany on completion of the purchase are to appoint Messrs. Harmood Banner, G. C. Taylor, and J. Taylor three directors of the vendor com- pany, to be directors of the purchasing company. On completion of the agreement, the purchasing company are to undertake the necessary steps to change the name of the purchasing company into one embodying the distinctive features of the two companies. The name is to be settled by Mr. Muspratt, chairman of the British Insulated Wire Company, and Mr. James Taylor, chairman of the Telegraph Manufacturing Company. At the conclusion of the reading of the agreement, the Chairman said that although the agreement stated the terms of the amalgamation, it did not state the advantages which would accrue to the shareholders of the Telegraph Manu- facturing Company. It had beoai evident to them for some considerable time that competi- tion had been increasing, and that if the profits wore to be maintained they must increase the turnover. If they entered into tho business of making rolled cables there would be still greater competition created than there bad been pre- viously, and prioes in their (the directors') opinion were bound to increase. There was the probability that the working expenses would consequently increase. After a lot of considera- tion the directors came to the conclusion that it would bo better to enter into partnership with a firm doing that class of work, than to enter into competition. The biggest competitor in tho work undertaken by the Telegraph Manu- facturing Company was joining hands also. By joining with the British Insulated Wire Company their interests became mutual. The British Insulated Wire Company, as stated by the chair- man at the last meeting, did not have as good a year a3 one oculd have wished, but from the figures for the last month, submitted to the present company, it was seen that they were doing a largely increased trade. The cable-making plant had been got to work since the agreement was su I) n" ttecf. Ile ci,,cl not think they could expect much for the first year, but he hoped the concern would work smoothly after that time, and ho oould aoe that a great advantage would accrue to both firms. More especially would that happen with regard to the foreign trade. In South Africa, where trade was reviving, they were knocking at each other s heads and lessen- ing profits. This amalgamation would prevent a severe i competition, which would undoubtedly have arrived in the near future. He had been a worxer for the company, and he claimed to know the business from beginning to end. What had been done was for the benefit of the shareholders, who, he said, would not be deserted. The directors intended to give the whoTe of their time to the interests of the firm. Last year a new factory was being erected for the making of switchboards and the instrument work. Other towns in England were going in for that kind of work, but the work in Portsmouth, Tunbridgo W oils, and Glasgow had been secured bv the company. The British Insulated Wire Company secured the cable work. which was a very heavy item. The amalgamation would put them in the position of carrying on the telephone indllStrv from beginning to end. and, if necessary, of running the exchanges for the town councils. He then moved the following reiJolntiolJ -"That the m-ovisional agreement dated the 28th day of April, 1902. and made between John Brotherton on behalf of this company of tho one part, and the British Insulated Wire Company, Limited, of the other part jbeint; an agreement for the sale of the undertaking of this company to tho British Insulated Wire Company, Limited), be. and the same is hereby ratified and confirmed, and that the directors be and are hcrebv authorised to affix this company's seal thereto in token of such ratification and confirmation, and to carry the same into effect with such (if any) modifications in the details thereof as they may think fit to assent to." Mr. Harmood Banner seconded. He said the question of amalgamating with the British Insulated Wire Company had had the very careful consideration of the directors. Mr. Taylor and his co-directors had looked into the matter very carefully, and satisfied themselves with regard to the manufacturing possibilities. The directors were 1 satisfied, subject to certain conditions, all of which had been complied with, with regard to the financial position of the pur- chasing 0 company. Then they had to consider the terms. He could say that the terms first offered were by no means like the terms which had now been obtained. At that time the shares of the British Insulated Wire Company were considerably higher than they were now. Of course the first thing the directors desired to do was to give the shareholders an equal income by giving them six shares for five, and a very good return at the present prioe on shares held by the shareholders. The directors were oon- vinoed thgy were doing the wisest thing in amalgamating. The resolution was carried unanimously and a vote of thanks accorded to the chairman.

CORONATION FESTIVITIES. FARNDON. The inhabitants are taking considerable interest in the preparations to celebrate the Coronation. Several meetings have been held in the Schools, under the chairmanship of Mr. Barnston, and an influential committee of management has been formed. Thursday, the 26th June, the actual day of the Coronation, has been fixed for the parish festivities. There will be a service in the churoh, when the special form issued by the command of tho King and endorsed by the Lord Bishop of the Diocese will be used. Subscriptions are coming in hand- somely, and there appears every prospect of a most enjoyable festival. It is much hoped that some permanent memolal of the Coronation may be placed in the village for the sake of posterity, and that the whole of the sum collected will not be entirely spent upon amusements. ELLESMERE PORT. At a meeting on Thursday evening it was decided that a large united parish effort should take place on the Friday in the form of a procession of friendly societies, day school children, etc., followed by tea, presentation of medals, sports and fireworks. A subscription list was opened, and ;E25 was promised in the- room. The committee appointed were Drs. Cahill and Finney, Messrs. YVhitridge, Price, Breckon, J. Stockton, McNiel, Crewe, Fogg, Ellis, V(ynne Dutton, Lloyd, Wilkinson, Wailbank, Atherton', Reid, Wilson, Foxall, Thos. Catherall and Haw- non. The friendly societies and the brass bands wore each asked to appoint two committee men. Mr. Demurquo was asked to act as treasurer, and Mr. T. H. Whitby and Mr. T. H. WTilson as joint hon. secretaries. On the initiation of the Chair- man, a discussion ensued regarding the provision of a permanent memorial. No resolution was taken oil the matter. CREWE. At a meeting of tho Crewe Town Council on Wednesday a resolution in favour of the presentation of a loyal address to his Majesty the King on the occasion of the Coronation was rescinded, and the Mayor was requested to for- ward a telegram of congratulation to his Majesty, and to offer a sum not exceeding 25 guineas to the King's Consumption Hospital Scheme. It was resolved to increase the grant of £ 350 to the Mayor on account of the local Coronation festivi- ties to £ 500, the amount to be applied to an entertainment to the school children and the aged and deserving poor. TARPORLEY. At a meeting of the District Council, held on Tuesday, it was decided to ask the following gentlemen to act on the Coronation Committee The clergy and ministers of the district, the school- masters of the district, two representatives from each of the five local friendly societies, and the Hon. H. R. Arden Baillie Hamilton, Mr. H. Wil- son, Mr. J. H. Biiiington, Mr. H. W. Dutton Mr Henry Biiiington, Mr. A. V. Aston, Mr. Grocott. Mr. M. Gouidiug, Mr. R. Bate, Mr. T. Cawley, Mr. E. Cawley, Mr. H. Woodward, Mr. S. Green- way, Mr. J. H. Dods, Mr. A. Williamson, Mr. G. Bebbington, Mr. C. W. Beckett, Mr. S. Wade, Mr. George Platt, Mr. R. Clarke, Mr. E. Fitton, Mr. W. Crank, Mr. R. Dodd, junr., Mr. S. Bar- ker, Mr. Jos. Lewis, Mr. W. Carter, Mr. J. Booth and Mr. John Southern. The Chairman of the Council, Mr. T. H. Gordon, announced his intention to present the school children with medals. SANDYCROFT. A meeting was hteld in St. Ambrose School last week to consider -the best means of celebrating the Coronation. Mr. John Jones presided. It was decided to gi ve the members of the Day and Sunday Schools, under 17 years of age, tea, the cost to be borne by public subscription. Various amusements are to be provided and every- thing points out to a successful celebration. FRODSHAM. A meeting of the Frodsham Coronation Com- mittee took place in the Town Hall last week, Mr. C. E. Linaker presiding. It was ar- ranged, in reference to the age of children attend- ing the treat on Coronation Day, that the maxi- mum age be 15, and that all above be ineligible. A sub-committee was appointed for the collection of the necessary money for the festivities, and dis- tricts arranged. It was unanimously decided to collect under one general head, and not to divide into various sections, as at the Jubilee celebrations. It was resolved that the children have their tea and treat at Mersey View, and that Mr. Parker- Iloose be consulted as to tho cost per child. The provisions for the treats were to be divided among Frodsham tradespeople. The Rev. H. Hooper suggested that at the making of the proposed bon- fires no intoxicating liquors should be allowed. The Chairman assured Mr. Hooper that ail of the committee would use their best endeavours to see that nothing in the way of drunkenness or debauchery ensued. MOLD. Widespread enthusiasm is being manifeisted locally in the forthcoming festivities, and it is locally in the forthcoming festivities, and it is patent that no efforts will be spared to carry out the festivities worthily. Mr. Samuel Beresford, chairman of the Urban District Council, is presi- dent of the Executive Committee, and he is re- ceiving able support from the gentry and towns- people generally. At a meeting of the committee on Monday it was decided that the schoolchildren of Mold, Gwernymynydd, Gwysaney and New Brighton be regaled with tea and that the aged poor be entertained to a substantial dinner. The town will be elaborately decorated, and it is probable that prizes will be offered for the best illuminations. Two brass bands have been secured and a variety of amusements will be pro- vided on the Recreation Ground. I

THK .TONKS FAMILY.—At the annual meeting of the Carnarvon Board of Guardians the Jones family was very much in evidence. Mr. Charles A. Jones was placed in the chair pro. tem. Then Mr. Jeffrey Jones proposed and Mr. Thomas Jones seconded the election of Mr. Richard Jones to the chair for the year. He was elected unanimously. Mr. Jeffrey Jones was also elected to the vice-chair on the motion of Mr. Wm. Jones, and quite a number of Joneses were put on the assessment committee; while Mr. T. R. Jones, the relieving officer, brought a number of special cases under the notice of the guardians, the names of most of these applicants for relief being also Jones.

ANOTHER LIBERAL SPLIT. HON. T. A. BRASSEY RESIGNS. The Hon. T. A. Brassey has addressed the fol- lowing letter to the secretaries of the National Liberal Federation. Park Gate, Battle, May 9. Dear Sirs,—The decision of tho Executive Committee to include in the Bristol programme the two resolutions to which I gave notice of objection before going abroad last month leaves me no option but to resign my position as a member of the committee. I take this strong step because (1) I believe that the resolution on the war will have an injurious effect on the prospects of peace, which were never so bright as at the present moment, and because (2) I am convinced that to make Home Rule for Ireland one of the chief planks in the party platform is to renew an attempt which the experience of 1886 and 1893 has proved to be futile, and is a fatal mistake from a party point of view.-Yours faith- fully, (signed) T. A. BRASSEY."

BRITISH WAR METHODS- A SWISS VINDICATION. Some Swiss gentlemen from the cantons of Geneva, Vaud, and Neuchatel, including Lieut. Pache, who went out to fight for the Boers, have issued a protest against thk- iiostilo attitude of the Swiss Press towards England in connection with the war. They say :—"we are a neutral country and abide by that neutrality. At this moment, when there is a talk of arbitration, it is to Switzer- land that one naturally looks, and yet with a few exceptions where can we find writers and journalists who have had the common honesty to look at the question except from the Boer stand- point. They have all too quickly forgotten that it was the Boers who declared war, and that no country could brook such an ultimatum as Kruger despatched to England. Wherever we glance over that immense Empire over which the English tiag floats, we find that it bears with it au equal justice for all races, giving the same rights of life and property to all men, irrespective of colour, and in commerce extending an open door to all, without privilege for the British nationality. Not only has the English nation never shewn us hostility, but on several occasions has effectively come to our aid. In several of their colonies there are constantly Swiss in great numbers, often at the head of commercial and industrial concerns, and always reaping the benefits of that colonial system where there are no fetters on enterprise and whose freedom is in some aspects grander than that of which we are so proud."

FISHING BOAT DISASTER, -+- One of the most serious accidents that have over- taken the St. Andrews fishing boats for many years occurred on Monday afternoon about half- past 4, resulting in the drowning of five persons. The weather on Monday was bright, but a stormy north-easterly wind blew with heavy squalls at times; the St. Andrews fishing boats, however, worked in the bay, and all returned home in safety, with the exception of the yawl belonging to James Gourlay Grieve. It is surmised that the boat, which was carrying full sail, was caught in a sudden squall and had filled and sunk. Seeing that the boat had disappeared, and as no signs of it could be observed near where it was last seen, the worst forebodings were entertained. The alarm was at once given, and five fishing boats put off from the shore. Several fishermen, noticing the disappearance of the boat, immedi- ateiy put out from the harbour. They discovered the yawl, but no trace of the crew could be seen except several caps floating in the water. Tho yawi was taken in tow and brought to the West Sands, where it was beached. The names of those who are drowned are James Gourlay Grieve, skipper, married, with a family of five; two of his sons, Fred Gourlay, 17, and Bruce Gourlay, 16; Alex. Burns Slater, 36, married, with a family of five and Alex. Greig Slater, a young lad 15 years of age. James Grieve was for many years coxswain of the Boarhills lifeboat, and several years ago distinguished himself by his bravery at tho wreck of the Francis of Drammen, and was specially recognised by the Norwegian Govern- ment. The disaster naturally created great excite- ment. on Monday night in St. Andrews, and much sympathy was expressed for the relatives of those who had so suddenly perished.

ROSEBERY AND HOME RULE. .—-—^ DEFINITE PRONOUNCEMENT. Lord Roseliery has written the following prefatory note for the reissue, by the Liberal League, of his speeches at Liverpool and Glasgow The Liberal League desires, contrary to my in- tention, that the following speeches should be republished. If so, it must be with a few words of preface. That portion of them which relates to the Irish question has been denounced strongly, but not unexpectedly, by Irishmen and others. It has been maintained that there is something of apostasy in my attitude towards the question of Irish govern- ment. On the other hand, I hold, and it is clear as daylight to all but those who are honestly or wilfully blind, that it is not the speaker but the question which has changed. After an eruption the cone of Vesuvius is apt to assume a. new shape The blind would be justified in declaring that they saw no alteration; the obstinate might make the same assertion. But the new cone would still differ from the old. So of Irish government. In 1885, mainly or largely from the refusal of the Conservative Govern- ment to renew the exceptional powers which the Liberal Government had deemed necessary, Air. Gladstone and his friends were impelled to con- sider whether it was not possible to meet the Irish demand for self-government—a demand which by the operation of the new suffrage had acquired new strength. Several plans offered themselves. It had been suggested to form some sort of central administra- tive board of Irishmen without the name, but with much of the power, of Parliament; it was possible to give a subordinate and limited Legislature with the name of Parliament; or it might be practicable to give to Great Britain and Ireland a similar and equal system of county or local government, mutatis mutandis, so that for the future there should be no question of administrative inequality. For reasons given in one of the speeches here re-published it was decided to adopt the second course. Twelve years later the Conservative Government adopted the third, the one which I had alwavs desired. In October, 1885, tefore the question of Home Rule had assumed a concrete form in British politics, I made a speech at Paisley, which has been so often quoted against me that 1 may be allowed to quote it again on my own behalf 1 am afraid there is only one policy to be pursued towards Ireland, and it is tbIs-to treat Ireland exactly, so far as may be, as you would treat any other part of the United Kingdom, when- ever you can do it, without regard to language of menace and insult or opprobrium from those you are trying to benefit. Whenever you can do it, try and treat Ireland exactly as you would treat Scot- land or Wales. If you pass a. measure of local government for Great Britain, pass as near as may be exactly the same measure of local government for Ire- land. She will not thank you she will receive your measure rather with a curse than with a blessing; but what I want to point out is this, that it is un- worthy of British statesmen, who know so much of Irish affairs, to heed any longer the reception which may be given to their measures by the leaders of public opinion in Ireland. If, in the exercise of that measure of local government, she shews some of the qualities which encourage statesmen, do not be deterred, but give her more than we have ourselves, in consideration of her long suffering, in considera- tion of her ancient sorrows, of the treatment she has received from us." At the same time the then and present Prime Minister was indicating his belief that county government was more dangerous than a Parliament in Ireland so that time may be said to have played havoc with judgments as to Irish government. But this, after all, is not the important matter. What does concern the public is this. Does anyone suppose that, given a new and equal system of county government in Ireland, it would have been the policy of the Liberal party, either in 188U or 1803, to add to it a Parliament such as was proposed in those years? Some few abstract and advanced thinkers might have urged such a course, but it is not credible that the Liberal party would have adopted it. This, then, is the point—that the conditions of the problem of Irish government have fundamentally changed, that it must be viewed in a new aspect, and approached in a new spirit. Equality of treat- merit, so far as possible, throughout these islands, which constitute the heart of our Empire, should be the aim that statesmen should have in view. That is a policy of justice and of true union, a policy in accordance with the best Liberal traditions. But it is a policy which must be pursued gradually and tentatively, if it is to receive tho necessajy support of the nation at large.

YOUKSHIKK MIXERS' WAGES.—All branches of the Yorkshire Miners' Association have decided to refer the question of wages to the arbitration of Lord JMiles of Hereford. ROYAL ANGLESEY ENGINEER -NIILITTA.-The full strength of the Royal Anglesey Engineer Militia, under the eonynand of Colonel Sir R H. Williams Bulkeley, Bart., was on Monday embodied at Beaumaris, the encampment, as in previous years, being neaj- Llanfaes. The strength of the battalion is said to be the heaviest on record, due, doubtless, to the extension of the recruiting ground, which now embraces Lancashire and Cheshire.

CHESTER STOCK & SHARE LIST -+-- Reported by Messrs. WARMSLKY, Joyfjs & Co 29, Eastgate Row (North), Chester. CONSOLS 95J BASK KATK 3% Present price. OhesterCorporation 3 Irredeemable Stock OhesterOorporation 3 Redeemable Stock m'r Chester Gas Co 5% Ordinary Stock llO—1*15 Ches'terWaterworks 4% Pre!ferenCeSt0Ck Co 71 Consolidated Stock I"O-lw » »» 7 New Ordinary Stock, 1st and 2nd moieties 170 17.i » 6 £ 10 Perpetual Preference Shares, fully paid 161—17i Wrexhani Water- works Co Consolidated Stoek 180-185 5 Preference -CIO Shares 15 TI »"r>- Ordinary £ 10 Shares 12 J—13 Hawarden& District Water Co £ 10 Shares, fully paid par Nat. Prov. Bahk of 1 England, Ltd. £ 75 Shares, £ 10 10s. paid 491— ■v li J" c J.1. £ <30 Shares, £ 12 paid 58 —59 North and South Wales Bank, Ltd. £ 40 Shares, £ 10 paid 351—358 Parr s Bank, Ltd £ 100 Shares, £ 20 paid 87 — STit Lloyds Bank, Ltd.. £ 50 Shares, £ 8 paid ">l Bank of Liverpool, 'm Ltd L100 Shares, Cl2 IN. paid 341—35 British Law, Life, Fire Insur., Ltd. £ 10 Shares, £ 1 paid 11 « Chester Boat Co., 2 ■" Chester Cocoa £10 Shares, fully paid 11—12 Chester Cocoa House Co., Ltd. £ 5 >f t £ 4 >' >> £ 5 £$" *5 Chester General Cemetery Co £ 5 „ fully paid par Chester New Hall Co., Ltd £ 25 ia Chester Northgate Brewery Co., Ltd. Ord. klO Shares, fully paid llj 12 „ „ G £ 10 Pref. Shares', fully pii. 1:^—14 Bent s Brewery, Ld. £ 10 Ordinary Shares 141—151 „, >• 6 £ 10 Pref. Shares 12*—121 Chester Grosvenor "0f-e' Ltd— £ 20 Pref. Shares 31 35 Chester Queen Kail- way Hotel Co., Ld. E20 Shares, fully paid 28-30 Chester Blossoms 14—15 Hotel, Ltd. £ 10 fzilly paid Chester Steam Laundry Co., Ltd. £ 5 o_m Chester Kace Co., Ltd. £ 100 „ £ 75 195-200 Dee Oil Co.. Ltd. tl Ord. Shares Walker, Parkers Co., Ltd £ 10 Shares, fully paid, 6 Cum. Pref. 1 » J. H. Biili^ton, DebentUreS Ltd., Chester First Mort. Deben. Stock par 5 Cum. Pref. £ 10 Shares v>ar » J Ordinary £ 10 Shares paf Victoria Pier and p Pavilion Co., Colwyn Bay, Ltd. £ 1 Ordinary Shares 1—I1- Ha kyn Dr inage Co. £ 10 Shares, fullv paid <>4.! Halkyn Mining Co., J TT^'D" Shares, fully paid 10—11 Holywell Halkyn Mining and Tun- Ltd- £ l Shares 19/- paid 19/—20 East Halkyn Minings o £ 1 fu»y Paid 2 —2J- South Halkyn Mm- in? Co., Ltd £ 1 „ 12 North Hendre Min- in<? Co., Ltd £ 2 10s. Shares, fully paid 4 ti Talaere Mining Co., 1 Ltd RI Or(i I. £ 1 Pref. „ „ „ United Minera Co., Ltd Ll Ord. Isle of Man Mining Co., Ltd (Fox- dale) Mines R5 M 25 2J rr 7| Pref., £ 17 10s. paid" '25—SO ljanamion Mining- Co., Ltd £ Ord., fullv paid 7 0—12 6 >> £ 1 Pref. 1° 6 17 (> W in-al Railway 3 Debenture Stock par 4 Preference (1896 issue) 100-1-101 4 Preference (1899 issue) 95—9T W'rral Railways Co. Ltd- Orel Shares, fUll,) paid 3 £ —3J

MARKETS AND F.\p:s. • > LIVERPOOL CORN, TITESDAY.—Wheat, only moderate trade. about Friday's rates; No. 1 Northern Duluth, new, Gs. 4M. to Gs. 5d. No 1 Northern Manitoba, Gs. 4Ad. -Beans, Saidi, 31s. Gd. to 31s. 9d. Peas, Gs. 10d. Oats, firm, but quiet; white, 3s. 2d. to 3s. 4d. IVIaize, quiet new mixed, 5s. 8d. to 08. 8.{d. old, 5s. 8fd. to 5s. 9d. Flour* unchanged. SALFOUD CATTLE. TUESDAY.—At market: Cattle, 1,GS7, prices about the same sheep and lambs, 14,324, choice samples slow but firm; calves, 185, with a very fair trade. Quotations Cattle, 5d. to 7td. sheep, 7d. to 0-fd. lambs, 9d. to lOid. calves, 5d. to S"<i per If). W^REXIIAM CATTLE, MONDAY. There was a good supply of stock at to-day's market, and trade was brisk. Quotations :-Beef. Gd. to 7d., mutton, 7d. to 8cl., lamb, 9d. to 10d. per lb., and pigs 10s. per score lb. 1 D LIVERPOOL CATTLE, MONDAY. There was a. larger supply of cattle, which met with a slow demand, and prices were generally lower. The supply of sheep was considerably larger than on Monday last. Demand slow for mutton, only handy weights maintaining late rates. Lambs also a slow trade. Prices Beef, 7 l. to 5-Jd. per lb.; mutton, !1d. to 6d. and lambs, 10d. to 9d. WHITCHTIRCIL CATTLK. MONDAY.—The supply of stock at this market to-day was an exceedingly large one, almost equal to that of the previous fair and business was brisk throughout. Buyers were present in considerable numbers, and several were oig purchasers of calves and pigs, the lacter selling hardly quite so well as of late, although still dear" Some choice quality beef came under the hammer, the primest making close on 7d per lb. Dairy cattle met with a ready sale at prices that must have been satisfactory to the vendors. Sheep and lambs a good show, and quite as well sold. LONDON CATTLE, MONDAY.—Beast supply com- pared v/ith Monday last shewed an increase of 70 head, and consisted chiefly of Norfolks. Trade opened slow, butastheday advanced became firmer in regard to value, clearance being expected. Steady demand for butchering cows and bulls at fully late rates A decrease of 1,180 in number penned in the sheep market wether sheep met a steady trade at last week's quotations, but ewes were iower in price Best quality of small lambs were a shade dearer, but other grades lower Calf trade nominal. Beasts, 3s.4d. to 5s. 4d. sheen 3s lOd to 6s. 2d. lambs, 5s. 8d. to Gs. lOd ™ 8 b MANCHESTER HAY AND STRAW, MONDAY Hay, Gd. to íd., clover, (id. to 7.. clover 4 (best Lincoln), 8Jd. straw (wheat), Gid. straw (oat) 5jd. to Od. per atone. BRADFORD WOOL, MONDAY. —Very tight market Top makers have advanced quotations on the pound that present Bradford rates are relatively below London, but users as a rule decline for the present to pay further rises. In medium crossbreds such as 40's and 46's there is, however, a fair response to the improvement nt Coleman-street. A little better feeling in English wool, but values do not move. Spinners well engaged. CHESTER CATTLE, THURSDAY.—The fair was well supplied with store and dairy cattle, and there wl,,i a satisfactory demand in the better classes in both departments Poor and backward cattle were not wanted at all, and the general high prices and con- tinued cold weather made these almost unsaleable. £ n°,sh«ePo0n offer. Prices :-Milch cows, £ 14: t° £ 22; ca vers, £ 12 to £ 20 barrens, £ 0 to £ 19? heifers,. S8 to M.4 stirks, C6 to £ 10 UHESIHRF: BUTTER AND EGG.—Liberal supply of home dairy produce at all markets. Quotations continue fairly easy. Steady trade doing. Stock- poi t (Friday) Butter, Is. Id. to Is. 3d. per lb. eggs, 14 for Is. Altrincham (Tuesday) Butter. Is. 2d. and Is. 3d. per lb. eggs, 13 and 14 for Is. Macclesfield (Tuesday): Butter, Is. ld. and Is. 2d per lb. eggs, 15 for Is. Crewe (Friday): Butter, Is. and Is. Id. per lb. eggs, 15 and 16 for 18. Sandbach (Thursday) Butter, 13. 2d. and Is. 3d. per lb. eggs, 15 for Is. Congleton Butter, Is. 2d. per ib. e^s, 14 and 15 for Is. Northwich Butter, Is. 2d per lb. eggs, 15 for Is. Nantwich Butter Is lcl and Is. 2d. per lb. eggs, 16 for ll" Knutsford: Butter, Is. 2d. per lb. eggs, 14 for if* Runcorn Butter, Is. 2d. per lb. eggs 14 for Is" mST; *u ld-and u Ib- for CINSSTER EGG AND POULTRY, SATURDAY.-Prices at this market were-Butter, Is. and Is 2d. per lb. eggs, 13 and 14 for Is. chickens, 2is. (id. to 38. each ducklings, 3s. to 3s. (id. each rabbits, 4d. Gd Sid. to Is.. 2d. each pigeons, 9d. each. CHESTER CORN. SATURDAY. Little or no wheat' on offer or delivered this week. Prices very steady, and the same apolies' to all other grain, supplies being small. American maize favours buyers on the week's prices. Foreign wheat market steady. ° NKW OLD s- D- s. T>. 8. D. 8. D Wheat, white per 751b. 0 0 to 4 8 0 0 to 0 (1 Wheat, red „ 7r.ll>. 4(> — 4700 — 0 F> Malting Barley „ (iOlb. 4 0 — 0 0 0 0 — 0 0 Grinding do „ C41b. 33 — S400 — 00- ^"ats 4(jib. 3 3 — 3 <5-0 0 — 3 0 Beans „ aoib. 5 6 — 00G0 — 0 0 Beans, Ear.vptiaii. „ 2401b. 0 9- —18 0 0 0 0 ft Indian Corn 2401b. 14 ft —if, 0 0 0 —15 O

CREWE HORSE REPOSITORY. Messrs. Henry Manley and Sons, Limited,, announce their great of 800 horses at Crewe, on Wednesday Ihursdav, and Friday next, May 14th, 15th, and Ibtn. The entry is, we are informed, an excellent one. The sales open on Wednesday with the sale of 100 prize-winning pedigree hackneys, inehidinsr many noted show horses, followed with the sale of 150 smart Welsh bred cobs and ponies. The chief entry this day includes the entire stud of hacknevs, numbering 22, the property of Mr. C. V. Haworth Thornton Towers, Poulton-Ie-Fylde, 3,nd it ii worthy of note that every animal in this stud that has been exhibited is a prize-winner. The whole of these with the exception of three lots tie for un- reserved sale. Another important entry includes eight fall winners) from Mr. E. Tweedale, Marland Stud. Lancashire. Printed and published for and en behalf of the Cheshire and North Wales Newspaper Company, Limited, by JAMES ALBERT BIBCHALL, at the Chester Courant Office, 8, Bridge-street, in the City of Choeter.- WHBNBSDAY, May 14,1902.