The Chester Courant and Advertiser for North Wales

WELSH INDUSTRIES ASSOCIATION. + — EXHIBITION AT GROSVENOR HOUSE. The annual exhibition-sale of Welsh industries was opened on Thursday by Lady Grosvenor. The exhibition was held, by the kindness of the Duke of Westminster, at Grosvenor House. Lady Grosvenor, who wore a cream silk voile gown, trimmed with black lace, and a brown tulle hat with a cluster of lilies of the valley on the brim, was accompanied by Lady Lettice Grosvenor, dressed in pale blue cloth, with a pink chiffon hat with white ostrich feathers. The object of the association, which has been started only four years, is the development and encouragement of Welsh industries, and the improvement of the textile fabrics of Wales, and it is hoped to attain this end by providing the makers with good patterns, and by helping the cottage workers to find a better market, for their goods. Mills and hand-looms are included in the scope of the association, and it is hoped to do something towards preventing the country people from crowding into the towns. Various branches have been formed all over the country, depots for the sale of goods have been established, and classes and village workshops, where handicrafts can be learned and practised, are encouragcd. Lady Lettice Grosvenor is president of the Flintshire branch, and was selling at her staM Welsh homespuns, adaptable for either ladies' tailor-made gown? or for men's suite. Mrs. Corn- wallis-West, president for Denbighshire, was un- able to preside at her stall, but Lady Dundonald. one of the vice-presidents, was there for part of the afternoon. Others interested in the associa- tion are Airs. Oliver Ormerod. of Pickhill, Wrex- ham, Mrs. Drew, Mary Dowager Lady Hanmer, Miss Antonia Wi liams, Lady Powis, Lady Pen- rhyn and many other ladies. Lord Aberdare is president of the Finance Committee, and Lord Kenyon is one of the members.

TEA AND CONCERT. On Wednesday afternoon the annual tea, in con- nection with the St. John-street Welsh Presby- terian Church, was held in the schoolroom. About 230 sat down, and their wants were attended to by a number of ladies imder the superintendence of Mrs. R. IV. Dodd. The following presided at the tables: —Miss Knowles, Miss Roderick, Mrs. R. J. Davies, Mrs. Owen Griffith, Mrs. Josiah Wil- liams, Mrs. David Hughes, Mrs. William Parry, Mrs. Edward Davies, Mrs. T. Hughes, Mrs. Mills, Mrs. H. D. Wiliiam3, Miss Gwladys Davies, Miss I Roberts (Abboy-squara), Mies Dodd, Miss Jones (Panton-street), and Miss Jones (Short-place). After tea., a concert was held in the chapel. The Mayor presided, and was accompanied on the platform by Dr. Roberts, the Rev. J. Pryce Davies and Mr. Evan Williams. An excellent programme was gone through before a good audience. Miss Katie Jones (Cerrig-y-Druidion), who possesses a rare voice of great sweetness, proved herself a great favourite, and was encored several times. Mr. J. Halton Morris has a rich tenor voice, and was heard to advantage in the songs allotted to him. Dr. Lloyd Roberts gave two violin solos with great taste, to the accompaniment of Mrs. lIllls.-At the conclusion Dr. Roberts proposed a vote of thanks to the Mayor, the artists, especially Miss Jones and Mr. W iiliams, also the tea makers, the ticket sellers and the collectors.—Mr. R. J. Da.vies seconded, and the motion was carried with accla- mation. Much praise is due to Messrs. Evan Wil- liams and Bagshaw, who were responsible for the concert. The following was the programme:- Organ recital, "Festive March in D," Mr. H. D. Williams; song, "0 na byddai 'n haf o hyd." Miss Katie Jones; address, "Music," the Chairman; quartette, '"The Village Blacksmith." Miss Ellis, Messrs. Williams, Davies and Jones song, "The Last Watch," Mr. J. Halton Morris; violin solo, "La Se renata," Dr. Lloyd Roberts; recit. and aria, "Open unto me the gates," "I will extol thee," Miss Katie Jones; chorus, "Dyddian dyn sydd fel giaswelltyn," St. John-street Choir; duet, "Howell and Bioriwyn," Mr. J. Halton Morris and Miss Katie Jones: organ recital, "Grand Solemn March in E flat," Mr. H. D. Williams; song, "T. Bugail," Mr. J. Halton Morris; song, "Llam y Cariadau." Miss Katie Jones; violin solo, "Lost Chord," Dr. Lloyd Roberts; quar- tette, "Ti wyddost beth ddywed fy nghalon," Miss Ellis, Messrs. Williams, Davies and Jones; song, "0 tyr'd yn ol fy ngheneth wen," Mr. J. Halton Morris; song, "Ever so far away," Miss Katie Jones; chorus, "Pwy yw y rhai hyn," St. John-street Choir, led by Mr. R. W. Dodd.

CHESTER COUNTY COURT. THURSDAY.—Before His Honour Sir Horatio Lloyd. SAUGHALL DITCH DISPUTE.-The case was mentioned in which Mr H. D. Trelawny, of Shotwick Park, recently sued several persons for damages for trespass over the site of an alleged ditch at Saughall, which was claimed by a widow named AIM. Sadler as her property. Mr. Trelawny claimed an injunction as well as damages, but a jury, after a two days' hearing and a visit to the locus in quo, found a verdict for defendants with costs against Mr. Trelawny. There was a cross- action on the list, in which Mrs. Sadler claimed damages from Mr. Trelawny for trespass in regard to the same Lit of land, and in which she asked for a delaration that the property was hers and an injunction restraining Mr. Trelawny from tres- passing in the future. It was announced that a settlement had been arrived at, Mrs. Sadler to have £ 2 damages, a declaration of ownership, and an injunction, the costs against Mr. Trelawny to be on scale C," including counsel's fees for pre- paration of claim. A MASONIC PICNIC PHOTOGRAPHER'S CLAIM. George Atkinson, photographer. North- gate-street, sought to recover £ 2 2s. from members of two Masonic lodges at Hyde—the Industry (361) and the Clarendon (1,166)-speci- fically from J. H. Walker, who was W.M. ot 361 in 1899, and another brother named Scott, who was W.M. in 1898. Mr. W. H. Evan3 appeared for plaintiff and Mr. Frank Lloyd for defendants. The lodges named had a picnic to Chester in the summer of 1398. and were photographed by Mr. Atkinson at the Queen Hotel. A number of copies cf the group were ordered and delivered, and Mr. Atkinson received 25 for them, all parties to the transaction being satisfied. Prac- tically the same party had another picnic to Chester in 1899, and Mr. Atkinson again photo- graphed the group at (as he said) their own re- quest. The proofs were delivered, but not a single copy was ordered, and they refused to pay r. for the negative cr his trouble. The case for defendants was that plaintiff pressed for per- mission to take a negative on the second occa- sion, after the committee had decided not to have a photograph, and that the photograph was eventually taken on the understanding that plaintiff took the risk whether any copies were ordered or not; His Honour gave judgment for defendants without oost3. He adapted the view that some vain and irresponsible person had requested Mr. Atkinson to take the photograph He (the judge) was surprised no copies had been ordered, as the photographs were excellent ones, but there was no evidence to connect any liability with the defendants. EXCURSION TICKET LAW. The London and North-Western Railway Co. were plaintiffs in an action in which the de- fendant was Charles Burland, paper merchant, residing at 29, Saughall-road, Chester, and in which the amount claimed was 2s. 2d. From the statement of Mr. J. Fenna, the solicitor for the railway company, it appeared that the. company issued cheap half-day excursion ticket-i to Rhyl from Chester on Wednesdays and Saturday. subject to the condition that the holders of such tickets must travel to Rhyl by the 12.28 or 3.5 p.m. train, and from Rhyl to Chester by the 8.45 p.m. train only. the prioe of the ticket under these conditions being single fare for the double journey. On 9th April defendant travelled to Rhyl by the 12.28 train with one of these tickets, and returned from Rkyi by the 4.10 (a, stopping train). At Sandyc-roft, where the tiefcots were examined, lie was told that his ticket was not available by that train, and he declined to pty his fare, 2s. 2d., but gave the stationmascer his card. A correspondence followed, but he de- clined to pay, and the present proceedings were instituted. His detence was that ho had never seen the bill specifying the conditions, that he always travelled by any ordinary stopping trair: with an excursion ticket, not only en the Liver- pool and Manchester sections, but also on the Chester and Holyhead line, and that the com- pany were bound to bring him back by that train. --His Honour, however, held that he was bound by the conditions under which the ticket had been issued, which were reasonable conditions, and gave judgment for the railway company for the amount claimed and,costs.

It was announced in the Senate at Melbourne, on Wednesday ii I '-lit that the Earl of Hopetoun is about to resign the Governor-Generalship of the Australian Commonwealth. HOLLO\ y\; PILLS. Cere for Indigestion. — Indigestion, with torpidity of the liver i, the curse of thousands, who spend each day with accumulated sufferings, all of which may be avoided by taking Holloway's Pills according to their accompanying directions. They strengthen and invigorate every organ subservient to digestion. Their action is purifying, healing and strengthening. They may be safely takey without interfering with ordinary Pursuits, or requiring much restriction in diet, liey quickly remove noise and giddiness in the head, and dispel low spirits and nervous fears. These balsamic Pills work the cure without debilita- ing- or exhausting the system; on the contrary, they conserve and support the vital principle by substituting pure for impure blood.

ARCHAEOLOGICAL SOCIETY. --+- RALPH HIGDEN'S TOMB. THE CITY CHARTERS. The annual general meeting of the Chester Archaeological and Historical Society was held at the Museum on Tuesday evening. The Ven. Archdeacon Barber presided, and there were also present Dr. H. Stolterfoth, Dr. J. C. Bridge, Mr. Henry Taylor, Mr. E. Hodkinson, Mr. T. S. Gleadowe, Mr. T. B. Blower, Mr. W. E. Brown, Mr. W. Conway (secretary), etc. Apologies for absence were read from Mr. Robert Yerburgh, M.P., and the Rev. H. Grantham. The Secretary presented the treasurer's state- ment of accounts for the year ending 31st March, 1902. The total income amounted to E126 8s. 5d. and the expenditure L123 Os. 2d., leai-ing a balance in hand of L3 odd. It was explained that the present journal of this year had not been paid for, and would cost J658 19s. 6d., thus causing a debit balance. The council, in their annual report, recorded a particularly interesting session, not only with regard to the papers that had been read, but also with regard to the increasing interest which the members themselves had taken in the various meetings and excursions. During the session six meetings had been held. By making a charge for admission to non-members to Dr. Bridge's lecture, "The Masque of Comus," the council were enabled to grant a sum of £10 to the fund which was being raised for providing better ac- commodation for the curator of the Museum. The summer excursion took piace on June 5 to Much Wenlock, and on the 16th July there was an afternoon excursion to Basingwerk Abbey. The recommendation of the council that more frequent excursions to inspect the many objects of interest in the city should be arranged had been carried out, and by the kindness of the Dean and under the guidance of the Archdeacon six visits had been paid to the Cathedral. It was intended that a permanent record of these excursions should be published in the journal of the society. The counoil had to report the issue of volume eight, new series, of the journal and to express their obligations to the editorial secretary, the Rev. F. Sanders, M.A., F.S.A., for his labour in connection therewith. The hon. treasurer's statement of acounts was sub- mitted, shewing a deficit of jE49 lis. lOd. The following gentlemen had been seleoted to repre- sent the society upon the Grosvenor Museum Management Committee, namely: Archdeacon Barber, Mr. H. Taylor, F.S.A., Mr. T. S. Gleadowe, Mr. E. Hodkinson, Mr. F. Skipwith, and Dr. J. C. Bridge, M.A. The council, while thankfully recording the fact that new members had been elected during the past year, again appealed to all members to do their utmost to induce others to join, and thus to place the society in a better financial position. Mr. E. Hodkinson, hon. librarian and curator, presented his report, and said that a few coins anu pieces of pottery had been received and a number of volumes exchanged for other publica- tions. The Chairman proposed that the report of the council, the hon. curator's and librarian's report, and the statement of accounts be adopted. It was certainly satisfactory to see the membership increasing and a larger attendance at their meetings, and especially at the excursions. Pie felt the society should be more widely and liberally supported than it was. Mr. Henry Taylor seconded. He would like to emphasise what the Archdeacon had said about the society's being better supported than it was. There was in an historical city like Chester, unique in its architecture and teeming with information of ail kinds and all periods, a mass of material which had yet to be brought to light. They ought to be better supported, and if the public would only realise the great and good work that that society had done and was doing, he felt certain that there would be a considerable addition to their members.—The resolution was carried. Mr. W. E. Brown moved the re-election of the retiring members of the council, namely, the Rev. H. Grantham, the Rev. Canon Cooper Scott, Dr. Stolterfoth, Mr. Henry Taylor, F.S.A., and Mr. W. W. Tasker.—Mr. Gleadowe seconded and the motion was agreed to. Mr. Haswell was elected hon. auditor, on the proposition of Dr. Stolterfoth seconded by Dr. Bridge. Mr. E. Hodkinson moved a vote of thanks to the donors of books and objects of antiquarian interest. He thought the society and city in general had been most fortunate in the kindness of their patriotic donors.—Mr. Tasker seconded and the vote was heartily accorded. Mr. T. B. Blower moved a vote of thanks to the president, vice-presidents, and officers of the society for the able way in which they had con- ducted the affairs of the society during the past year. He was sure they owed them their sincere thanks.-This was unanimously carried. Archdeacon Barber, in responding, said every- one present must have known how they wore indebted to the vergers of the Cathedral during the visits that had been paid to it. He thought it would be a graceful thing if they elected the two vergers hon. members of the society. They ought to pass a resolution of that kind.—Dr. Stolterfoth seconded and Mr. Henry Taylor sup- ported.—The resolution was heartily agreed to. At. the close of the meeting Archdeacon Barber read a paper on the discovery of Ralph Higden's tomb. He said he had not been able to find any papers in the published transactions of the society relating to the subject, but the Rev. E. L. Y. Deacle, who was precentor at the time, had very kindly furnished him with his recollections of the event, also with some correspondence on the subject. By the kindness of the editor, he was able to give an extract from the "Chester Courant" of June 3rd, 1874, being the portion of a paper read by the Rev. E. L. Y. Deacle at a meeting of the Archaeological Society on May 27th. The Archdeacon read the quotation, which described the discovery of a grave on February 16th of the same year, containing a body perfect in form. In a short time after its discovery the distinctness of the form was gone, and, besides some of the larger bones, nothing remained but a glittering white powdery matter. Writing on March 10th, 1902, the Rev. E. L. Y. Deacle said the grave was proved to be that of Higden, by an account of a Royal Progress found in the Bod- leian Library. Writing again in April, Mr. Doacle said that he sent a bit of the serge cassock which he found on the body to the British Museum, and from an unguent used they fixed the date of burial, which coincided with the death oi Higden. The tomb, if not actually in the wall, was cicse to it and might have been partly in the wall and partly in the adjoining pavement. At the time cf the discovery of the tomb, Canon Blomfield drew Mr. Deacle's attention to the fact that several of the later abbots were buried in the south aisle of the Choir. In mentioning these I facts, he contended that it was unlikely that a richiy ornamented tomb would be erected in honour of an ordinary monk. Among some notes by the late Mr. Ewen he found one mentioning the discovery of a coffin with the remains of an embalmed body in the Cathedral. According to the note a record had been found, proving it to be the body of Thomas Birchelsey, otherwise Lythellen, a chaplain to King Edward 1. He had since ascertained that the paragraph was ex- tracted from the "Chester Chronicle" of March 2nd, 1787, and he was much indebted to the chief reporter, who had kindly made search in e files of the paper and verified the extract. To account for the presence of the hazel rod he read a letter signed Emily S. Holt, which ad- vanced the theory that the hazel rod was a guard against witchcraft. Against this theory must be set the opinions of two ecclesiastics of the Roman Church. In a fragment of a letter he found it stated that hazel rods were buried with persons who had dene penance in lifetime and were so to say post-mortem ab&olutions. In some cases, it appeared, the dead body was scourged witn rods of this wood and the rods were buried with the corpse. As Higden was a lay monk, no sacramental vessels being found in the coffin the wand most probably indicated that he had re- ceived absolution in hora mortis. They would agree that it was interesting to have had those points brought to their notice, and that they owed a debt of gratitude to Mr. Deacle for hi" kindness in making this possible by placing the various papers at their disposal. ° Dr. Bridge said that they were very much indebted to the Archdeacon for putting on record what Mr. Deacle saw. It was a pity that society did not preserve Mr. Deacle's papers. He hoped it would now appear in print in their proceed- ings. Dr. Stolterfoth then exhibited and explained, by means of magic lantern slides, a number of the old city charters, from 1171 to 1689. lie said that the beauty of the writing was most remarkable, and as far as penmanship went we had not improved upon what our ancestors could do. Some, unhappily, had been damaged. The scroll work on some of the charters was very beautiful, and the portraits of the Sovereigns were excellent, except in the case of the one of Oliver Cromwell, which must have been done by a Royalist. At the conclusion the Doctor presented the si ides to the society. Mr. Henry Taylor said few cities had such a valuable series of documents. He wondered if the Corporation could see their way to print copies of the documents.

CHESHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL. A meeting of the Cheshire County Council was held on Thursday. At the commencement of the proceedings Alderman John Thompson was voted to the chair. ELECTION OF CHAIRMAN. Alderman Thomas Beeley moved the re-election of Co.onel Dixon to the chair, and remarked that he was sure no better choice could be made, for Colonel Dixon conducted the proceedings with urbanity and firmness, and with an absence of any- thing likely to cause friction. (Applause.) Dr. Atkinson seconded, and the proposition was unanimously carried. Coionei Dixon, in returning thanks, alluded to the kindness, courtesy and forbearance he had re- ceived from the members. Referring to the new Education Bill, he expressed the opinion that the Council would undertake the duties that would be imposed upon them in the same spirit that they had discharged their other duties. (Hear, hear.) On the proposition of Colonel Franc-e-Hayhurst, seconded by ttir Joseph Verdm, Alderman Thomas Beeley was re-elected vice-chairman. THE CORONATION. The Chairman remarked that every small village and public body in the country seemed to be gomg to celebrate the Coronation, and he thought it only right they should do something as a Council. The Fmanoe Committee had already put aside £ 1,000 for the purpose. He proposed that the chairmen of the standing committees be elected a committee to take the whole matter into. con- sideration, and see what shou:d be done and what money should be spent. Alderman Beeley seconded, and the proposition was carried. it was a.so decided to send an address of con- gratulation to the King. TUBERCULOSIS AND MILK. Mr. John Thompson, in moving the adoption of the report and accounts of the Upton Lunatic Asylum, referred to the question of tuberculosis. They would remember that in 1899 they slew almost the whole of the milch cows at the Asylum, and the results for the two last years were striking. N, hereas in 1899 there were 27 deaths from phthisis at the Asylum, in 1900 there was 12, and in 1901 11. The averago for 11 years was 15.2, but since these cattie were removed, and others pronounced free from tuberou'osis were bought, the results were remarkable. The per- centage of deaths from phthisis to the total num- ber ot deaths for last year was 9.6, as against an average for the last eleven years of 19.2. The average percentage of deaths to the average num- ber resident for the eleven years was 2.7, and the average for iast year was 1.1, whioh was about c-p-a- half. Whether that was the result of their efforts to stamp out tuberculosis he could not say, but it was striking. Dr. Hodgson (Crewe) said the Council was at first criticised for their action in causing the cattle to be killed, but the large reduction in the num- ber of tubercular cases was ample compensation for the cost incurred. Mr. George Cooke said the cows should be tested at least once a year. Mr. Thompson said tneir present herd was sub- jected to a test three years aga; and there had been no signs of the disease in tta ^fftws that had been killed subsequently. n, Dr. Hewitt asked if the patML .-3 were isolated as much as possible. Mr. Thompson replied that they tried to isolate I them as much as possible. The report and accounts were carried. IMPORTANT SCHOLARSHIP SCHEME. A lengthy statement by the organising secre- tary for technical instruction was submitted con- cerning the grants made by the Board of Educa- tion to aid local efforts in founding local scholar- ships in science and art. The grants are on the conditions that they are awarded on the results of a competition, and that a sufficient sum is provided tor the special purpose of the scholarship or exhibition by the contributions of living persons. The scholarships will enable managers of a local fund to provide for successful candidates pursuing their studies for one, two or three years at a day school where more advanced instruction is given. The Board of Education offers to assist such scholarships as follows:-For the first year of tenure by a grant of £ 4; for the second year by one of £ 7; and for the third year by one of £10. The grants are made on the condition that the managers of the local fund shall contribute each year U5 in respect of each scho;ar, and lodge this sum annually with the Board of Education ^before April 5th in each year. In order that the Council might avail themselves of these grants, it would be necessary to make a special grant out of the rates under the Technical Instruction Act equal to £ 5 per head on the scholarships offered in two classes. He suggested that the County Council should provide for the first year 100 scholarships at S-,5 each, making £ 500; for the second year 200 at £ 5 each, making £ 1,000; and for the third and succeeding years £ 1,500. For that contribu- tion they wouid receive from the Board of Hduca- tion B400 the first year, £1,100 the second year, and £ 2,100 the third year. < Mr. C. E. Thornycroft moved that the Technical Instruction Committee be authorised to take ad- vantage of the scheme, and that the cost be charged against the county fund. The cost, as approved by the committee, would be for the three years-L-550 in 1903, £1,100 in 1904, and £1,650 in 1905. The proposition was seconded. Mr. J. Charlton Parr alluded to the proposal that the committee should allow special aid to parents in poor circumstances, to enable them to keep their children at school, especially for the third year. That seemed to him an entirely new departure and new principle, and there were many questions involved. It looked like a bribe to parents to send their children to school. It would be rather difficult to judge which were the neces- sitous parents, and which cases were to be subsi- dised. He suggested that they should let the matter stand over until they saw how they were affected bv the Education Bill. Dr. Hodgson hoped the proposal would be car- ried. The grant would be some little compensation to parents for the loss they would suffer through not having their' children's services. Secondary education was wanted in this county as much, if not more, than in most counties. This scheme would enable boys to rise to the universities. Dr. Hewitt strongly supported the proposal, and pointed out that one most important effect of this increase of scholarships would be the improvement of the local secondary schools, as they would be providing them with the very class of pupils they reauired. Many children in viie elementary schools who had obtained scholarships had gone to the universities and distinguished themselves there. The Council had secured very hand- some contributions to the education of the county from a great number of the urban authorities throughout the county. Many of them had taxed themselves to the full amount allowed, and he hoped the county would now shew its confidence in its own Technical In- struction Committee, and in the Board of Educa- tion, and its desire to promote education by giving them the necessary amount. He hoped there would be no question of anything in the form of a bribe they wanted to put the matter in the form of such assistance as would ensure the solid education of those who were unable to attain such an education. The proposition was carried. NO SWINE FEVER. Mr. C. B. Davies (Eardswick Hall), in moving the adoption of the Diseases of Animals Act Com- mittee, exp.ained that there had been no outbreak of swine fever in the county since their last meetr ing. (Hear, hear.) RIVER POLLUTION. LANCASHIRE AND (;IIEHHIlU< GOOD EXAMPLE. Arising out of the proceedings of the Rivers Mersey and Irwcll Watershed Joint Committee, Dr. Hewitt said there had been an improvement over the whole ground with respect to river pollu- tion. Manchester, Salford, Oldham, Bury and Rochdale were all taking steps to make their sewage system thoroughly efficient, and the manu- facturers throughout the district had met them in a very willing way. It was satisfactory that Lan- cashire and Cheshire had set an example to the rest of the country. They were in advance of tho West Riding and the Ribble, which were the only other committees. They believed the time would come when the Government would see fit to extend I the committees to the rest of the country. FERTILISERS AND FEEDING STUFFS. Mr. C. B. Davies referred to the small extent to which farmers availed themselves of the ri. facilities for obtaining analyses under the Fertilisers and Feeding Stuffs Act, 1893, and sug- gested that the Council should send out circulars on the subject to the secretaries -of the various agricultural departments in Cheshire. The sug- gestion was adopted. THE MAIN ROADS. ALDERMAN BKCKETT'S RETIREMENT. Alderman Joseph Beckett, in moving the adoption of the minutes of the Main Roads Com- mittee, expressed his regret that he had been compelled to give up the chairmanship, a posi- tion he had held for thirteen years. Since 1891 the total expenditure on roads, etc., had been as follows:—Rural main roads, 1;531,395; urban main roads, £ 314,873; county and hundred bridges, £ 47.887 making a total of £ 894,156. The Chairman moved a resolution thanking Mr. Beckott for his management of the roads, and expressing regret that he had thought it ,ial necessary to resign the chairmanship. Mr. S. H. Sandbach (Malpas) seconded, and remarked that some Americans who had landed at Birkenhead recently asked him if all the roads in England were as good for cycling as those in Cheshire. (Hear, hear.) The proposition was carried with acclamation. A motion by Mr. Raffles Bulloy, seconded bv Mr. Charles Birchall, to the effect that £2.000 to be paid the Wailasey District Council in con- sideration of certain reads should be increased to £4,000, was defeated. HEALTH OF THE COUNTY. INFANT MORTALITY. Dr. Vacher, medical officer of health, submitted his preliminary report. Giving the proportion of persons to an acre, he stated that there was a great difference in the density of population in the various districts. In Altrincham there were more than 25 persons to an acre, in Crewe up- wards of 19, and in Hoolo upwards of 16, while in many rural districts there was but one person in several acres. The estimated population of the whole administrative county in the middle of 1901 was less than 1 (0.93) person to an acre. The number of births registered last year was 15,764, and the number of deaths 9,43o. The birth-rate was 2.3 below the exceptionally low birth-rate of the whole country, and the death- rate was 1.3 below the exceptionally low death- rate of the whole country. The death-rate in the Cheshire boroughs was, however, 0.4 higher than the death-rate in the 33 great towns of England and Wales. The mortality from the seven zymotic diseases, except fever, was lower in Cheshire than in the whole country. As regarded fever, the Cheshire mortality was equal to that in the large towns, and just above that in the whole country. Referring to the prevalence of infant mortality, Dr. Vacner said the proportion was very large in the borough of Dukinfield (281 per 1,000), Northwich urban district (228 per 1,000), and the borough of Stalybndge (221 per 1,000), while in some districts, such as Sandbach and Buglawton, it was exceptionally low. The Public Health Committee had resolved that in all cases where the county medical officer was 01 opinion that the infant mortality was high the clerk should call the attention of the sanitary inspector thereto and enquire waat steps had been taken to reduce it, and suggested that much good could be accomplished in reducing infant mortality by inducing ladies to visit tne homes of the poor and instruct the mother in the feeding, care and management of young children. The Isolation Hospitals Act Sub committee re- corded their opinion that the establishment of a sanatorium, or sanatoria, for the treatment ot consumption would be for the benefit of the community, and instructed the clerk to invite representatives from all local sanitary authori- ties and boards of guardians in the county to a conference with the committee. Alderman Dr. Hewitt said he was glad to see that the borough 01 Hyde had within the last few days sanctioned tne appointment of a lady inspector to undertake this particular branch of work. The committee were convinced that the authorities of Dukinfield, Hyde and Staiybridge would not relax their efforts with a view of re- ducing the rate of infant mortality. He was glad also that Stalybndge Corporation had recom- mended that steps be taken to provide an isola- tion hospital for that important portion of the county. THE BUDGET. THE NEW RATE. The Chairman of the Finance Committee (Dr. Atkinson) submitted the new budget, in which he stated that the county rate for several years past had averaged 5d. or 5d. in the i:, and otner ave 2- years even reacned bd. or óbd., but this year the committee were satisfied that they would be able to meet all the general requirements of the county with the help of a rate of 4d. in the The county debt at present stood at a sum below (by over £ 2,000) the sum at which it stood last year. It was now at £ 128,887. Proceeding, he said the County Council accounts, whicn closed on the 31st March last, have been made up by the accountant and now disclose a balance carried over of 1;62,753 Is., which, after the de- duction of the liabilities, and allowing for the technical education balance and "suspense ac- counts," on account of the past year, has left the available balance of upwards of £ 25,000, which, as before mentioned, lias been carried into the budget for the new year. The cash payments during last year (excluding what are called translers) amounted to the sum of £ 265,731 13s. 7d. (as will be seen by the statement in the agenda), comparing with the expenditure for the year ended 31st March, 1901, oi ±;kI4l,006 os. 4a., or a difference of i:24,075 7s. 3d. over that year, which was occasioned by "capital expenditure" on the new works at Parkside Asylum, police- stations, magistrates' rooms, and police pay and other matters. The new budget now submitted shews the gross amount of the estimated ex- penditure on all accounts (excluding loans and Police Pension Fund) at £ 318,211 8s., and to meet this the following is the estimated income Balances from last year, £ 25,288 7s. Id. to be received from sundry sources-fees, fines, and exchequer account, half pay of police, agricul- tural rates, etc., £ 90,824 7s. lid. exchequer con- tribution account—from the Government on account of licences and estate duty grant and customs and excise, and from sundry sources, £ 129,937 3s.— £ 246,049 18s. leaving deficits to be met by rates, viz., from county rate £ 48,160 10s. 2d, from general and local police rates E24,000 19s. 10d.— £ 72,161 10s.; total £ 318,211 8s. He proposed that a county rate of 2jd. in the £ be levied for the purposes of the county for the ensuing six months, and that precepts be issued accordingly; that a general police rate of } of a penny in the £ be levied for the pur- poses of the police force for the ensuing six months, to be collected and paid with the county rate; that the following local police rates be levied for the ensuing six months, the same to be collected and paid with the county rate:- Broxton district at i of a penny in the JS, Altrincham i, Eddisbury i, Nantwich Crewe 8 4 lg, Middlewich |, North Wirral g, South Wirral f, Dukinfield 1|, Prestbury J, Stockport A, Run- corn J. Mr. James Tomkinson, M.P., seconded and it was carried. THE EDUCATION BILL. It was decided to hold a special meeting of the Council to discuss the Education Bill.

A WOMAN AND A BAG. ♦ ALLEGED THEFT. At Chester Castle Petty Sessions on Saturday, before Messrs. Horace D. Trelawny (chairman), B. C. Roberts, John Thompson, J. Pover and T. B. Richardson, Agnes Wilson, who belongs to London, was charged on remand with stealing a Gladstone bag, the property of the London and j North-Western Railway Company, valued at JB5, on Friday, 9th May. Mr. J. Fenna prosecuted on behalf of the company. Ann Elizabeth Butcher, of the Young Women's Christian Association, Abergele-road, Colwyn Bay, stated that on Friday, .9th inst., she was travelling from Glasgow to Colwyn Bay. She arrived at Chester Station at 4.32 p.m. She had as her luggage the Gladstone bag (produced). It contained articles of clothing. The bag and contents were of the value of £ 5. She had to change trains at Chester. She gave her bag to a P°rter, asking him to place it on a truck for th ■ train. She afterwards missed the bag, and one of the company's servants found it with prisoner in a third-class carriage. George Birkett, Birkenhead, assistant fitter, in the employment of the L. and N.W. Railway Company, arrived at Chester on the 9th inst. at 4.32, on his way to Crewe. He saw the last wit- ness alight from the train. She placed the Gladstone bag on the platform and walked away. Witness saw prisoner on the platform in the com- pany of two men. The three of them got into a compartment of the Birkenhead train. Prisoner came out of the compartment in a few moments and took the bag from the platform into the compartment. He and others went to the com- partment and brought prisoner out, and found the bag under the seat. Prisoner struggled violently on being brought out of the compart- ment. Thomas Jones, ticket-collector, Chester, also gave evidence. Detective George James Throssell, said he saw Jones and the prisoner in a waiting-room. Jones said "This woman has stolen the bag." Prisoner said that she did net steal it; a man stole it Witness took prisoner to the Hoole Police Station. In reply to the charge, prisoner used foul language. She refused to give any address or any information about herself. Prisoner now pleaded "Not guilty." Prisoner was also charged with assaulting .Inspector Charles Whalley on the same date. Mr. J. Fenna said that when prisoner was brought out of the compartment she struck Whalley a violent blow in the eye. There was no provocation.—This statement having- been corroborated, the Bench sent prisoner to gaol for 14 days with hard labour in regard to the assault and committed her to the Quarter Sessions on the charge of alleged theft. Mr. Churton remarked that the fourteen days' imprisonment would not make much difference prisoner would only have a little healthy exercise. (Laughter.)

THOSE DIZZY FEELIXGS. --+- Sudden fits of dizziness, faintness, palpitation, shortness of breath, and spasms, are five common but startling symptoms which prove the kidneys are out of order and need attention. Dodd's Kidney Pills are just the attention they need; a few doses will soon make such symptoms dis- appear. Thousands suffering from such affections, and believing they have serious trouble with the heart, have found the kidneys to be the secret of the trouble, and the cure, Dodd's Kidney Pills. Mrs. A. Nicholson, of 24, Balfour-street, Paley- road, Bradford, was under this impression, and suffered for seven years, believing all the time she had heart trouble. At times she was bed- fast. Hearing of Dodd's Kidney Pills, she tried them. Eight boxes made such an improvement that she subsequently wrote: "1 can positively say they have completely cured I am not like the same person, and HM11,y believe they saved my life." We have hundreds of testi- monials like this, and they are worth every sufferer's consideration. Dodd's Kidney Pills arc 2,3. 9d. per box, of all eml' Chemists, or post free on receipt of price from The Dodd's Medicine Co., 23, Farringdon Avenue, London, E.C. Remember the name, D-o-d-d-'s.

F.S.I. SUCCESS.—Mr. Hugh C. Brierley, third son of the late Mr. J. C. Brierley, of Chester, has just passed the examination held in April for the fellowship of the Surveyors' Intitute (F.S.I.). In the previous examination for associateship a year ago, lie was placed first on the list and carried off the Institution prize of 15 guineas.

CHESTER & THE CORONATION. — THE KING'S COMMAND.. GRACIOUS COMPLIMENT. On Saturday the Mayor of Chester (Mr. James Garrett Frost) received the following gracious invitation to attend the Coronation :— CORONATION OF THEIR MAJESTIES KING EDWARD VII. & QUEEN ALEXANDRA. By command of the King, the Earl Marshal is directed to invite Air. James Frost, the Mayor of Chester, to be present at the Abbey Church of Westminster on the 26th day of June, 1902. NORFOLK, EARL MARSHAL. The compliment paid to the old city, through its chief rate, will, we feel sure, be highly gratifying to the citizens. Everyone will rejoice that Chester will be represented at the historical ceremony to which the Empire, on which, it is our proud boast, the sun never sets, is looking forward with the most pleasurable anticipation. The invitation card is beautifully illustrated with the Royal arms and the several national emblems, and will, we are certain, be highly prized by his Worship and family as a memento of a truly important occasion. The chairmen of the North Wales County Councils have received his Majesty's commands to attend the Coronation. MEMORIAL TREES. A SUGGESTION- It has been suggested by the Improvement Sub- Committee that the Mayor and Mayoress of Chester be requested to plant trees in the Grosvenor Park on the occasion of the Coronation of his Majesty King Edward VII. CORONATION HOLIDAYS. BUTCHERS' ARKANGEMJCXTS. The Improvement Committee of Chester Town Council has received a letter from Mr. Geo. E. Oldmeadow, intimating that at a meeting of repre- sentative butchers it was resolved, to observe Thurs- day, the 26th June, as a complete holiday, but that, owinsr to the nature of the business, thev will find it necessary to open their shops for lialf-a-clay on the following day (Friday), closing on that day at one p.m., and suggesting that the Public Market be closed on the Thursday and on the Friday after one p.m. Consideration of the matter was deferred for the views of the Market tenants to be ascertained. SCHOOL HOLIDAYS. The Rev. J. K. Montgomery has written the following letter to the Chester School Attendance Committee :—"On consulting the teachers of Victoria-road School, I find that, owing to the Coronation holidays at the end of June, it will be more convenient to commence the holidays on Thursday, July 31st, and re-open school on Monday, September 1st—instead of July 17th and opening August 18th as suggested —and we shall do so accordingly. Whatever dates are adopted generally for other schools will suit Boughton British." It was ordered that the Clerk reply that the British Victoria-road School is the only school which has not accepted the dates sug- gested, and ask for reconsideration of the decision, it being of great importance (as proved by past experience), that all schools should close for the holidays and re-open simultaneously. At a later meeting of the Committee, Mr. A very reported that in reply to the communication from the Com- mittee, the Rev. J. K. Montgomery had informed him that the British Victoria-road Schools would adhere to the dates named iij his letter of the 18th inst. THE BONFIRES COMMITTEE. Viscount Cranborne, M.P., presided on Tues- day evening at Westminster over a meeting of the Central Coronation Bonfires Committee. Canon Rawnsley and Mr. Griffith-Boseawen, M.P., as hon. secretaries, reported that they were already in communication with between five and six hundred places throughout the United Kingdom, where it was proposed to light bon- fires on the night of June 26 by way of cele- brating the Coronation. It was stated that a scheme for lighting a large number of bonfires in Ireland had been organised by Colonel M'Calmont, M.P. The committee agreed to accept the offer of the Great Wheel Company to sent up rockets from the top of the Great Wheel at, Earl's Court Exhibition at five minutes to ten on the appointed night as a signal to those lighting bonfires in London and throughout the Home Counties. UPTON. On Friday evening a parish meeting was held in Upton school to consider the arrangement for celebrating the Coronation of the King. Mr. B. C. Roberts presided, and the attendance included the Rev. VI. Sparling, the Rev. A. E. Farrar, Messrs. Ballance, A. Tyrer, sen., Tyrer, jun., John M. Frost, J. Prince, Beckett, Ithell, E. Dean, sen., E. Dean, jun Thornton, J. H. Williams. Robinson, Bullock and Evans. On the proposal of Mr. Tyrer it Wi" unanimously decided that a rate be levied for celebrating the national event in a becoming manner. After the general meeting the Parish Council elected a committee to carry out the festivities. INCE. A meeting of ratepayers was held in the School- room last week to consider in what form the Coronation should be celebrated. The Vicar presided. He informed the meeting that Mrs. Park-Yatos had kindly offered to provide the festivities. It was proposed by the Rev. E. Charley and seconded by Mr. Houghton That the parish do something to celebrate the King's Coronation." This was carried unanimously. It was decided that a double lamp be erected in the square, and as many single lamps as funds would allow. A committee to arrange matters was ap- pointed, consisting of Mrs. ParkrYates, the Rev. E. Charley, Messrs. T. Darlington, A. Soott, E. Littler, T. Ellams, W. Brown, W. Greenway and C. Cheers. CHRISTLETON. The large and fully representative committee, with the Rev. L. Garnett as chairman and Mr. S. Earlam as hon. secretary, recently appointed to arrange and carry out the Coronation celebrations in the village has commenced its work in earnest. A liberal response to an appeal for subscriptions has enabled that body to draw up a programme which will make it possible for practically the whole of the parishioners to par- ticipate in the day's festivities. The celebration is to be held oil Thursday, June 26th. The pro- ceedings are to include a procession through the village cf school children, headed by the Christie- ton Brass Band a special service in the parish church, conducted by the rector; sports (confined to parishioners) Morris's Field, kindly lent for the occasion by Mrs. Townsend luce; and dancing, either in the field or in the Boys' School. The children are to be entertained at tea. and all the householders and others are to be invited to a meat tea. During the day merry wili I be rung on the church beib. In addition, if funds allow, trie children will be presented with somo memorial of the auspicious event. The members of the committee are working with such zeal and I unanimity, that there is every prospect of a very successful celebration of the Coronation of his Majesty King Edward VII. TARPORLEY. Mr. T. H. Gordon presided at the adjourned meeting held in the Public Hall on Wednesday. He explained that the meeting was held to receive j the scheme formulated by the committee ap- pointed at the former public meeting. On his request. Mr. Edward Cawley, deputy clerk of the Council, read the minutes of the committee, which recorded the following resolutions:—Re- solved, that Dr. Hewer, Dr. Smart, Mr. J. Marshall Brooks, Mr. J.. J. Daine, Mr. E. W. Dixon and Mr. Henry Heald be added to the committee. Resolved, that the committee recom- mend that the services in. the church and chapels on Coronation day bo held at half-past one o'clock. Resolved, that the offer of the Tar- porley and Clotton Brass Band to play on the 26th Juno for JE8 be accepted. Resolved, that a tea be given to the children and the old people of 60 years of age and upwards, and that Mr. J. M. Brooks, of Portal, be asked to lend his riding school for the purpose, and that the Rev. W. U. M. Hughes and Mr. Vods be deputed to see him. Resolved, that Mr. Baker, of Tattenhall, Mr. Garner, of Spurstow, Mr. E. Parker, of Alpra- ham, Mr. P. Percival, of Northwich, Mr. A. J. bait, ot larporiey, and Mr. Willett, of Tilstone- by-Malpas, be asked to tender for supplying the tea to the children and old people. Resolved, that the tea commence at half-past three. Re- solved, that the procession start from the Manor House at hall-past two. Resolved, that there bo a bonfire on the night of the 26th June, that the chairman, the Rev. W. O. M. Hughes and Mr. Edward Cawley select a bonfire committee, and that not more than about £ 3 be spent on the bonfire. Resolved, that there be sports, and that the Rev. W. O. M. Hughes, Messrs. 'Henry Billington. J. H. Dods, T. W. Dunning, W. I. Grafton, Martin Goulding, S. Greenway, Joseph Lewis, John Pickering, R. Syrnrns Fred Vernon, H. W ilson, S. Wade and E. Wilkinson, with power to add to their number, constitute the sports committee. Resolved, that Mr. Edward Cawley be treasurer. Resolved, that the follow- ing be appointed collectors :—Eaton Messrs. R. Clarkej R. Dodd, jun., G. Piatt and Samuel' Siddorn; Rushton Messrs. Samuel Barker, T. Barker. W. Carter and F. Dodd; Tarporley: Messrs. Samuel Brooks, J. Clarke, T. Dunniii" Herbert W. Dutton, J. W. Gastrell, T. H. Gordon and Herbert Wilson; Utkinton Messrs. S. Davies, J. Nicholas, J. H. Dods and R. Syntms. A note that the following1 gentlemen had kindly promised to start the subscription books was received with applause:—Mr. Hubert Wilson (Summer Hill), £ 10; Mr. T. H. Gordon, £ 5; Mr. Martin Goulding, L2 2s.; and Mr. Gastrell, ;61.The Chairman said now that the work of the committee was before the meeting, they had an opportunity of either adopting or altering the proposals. With the exception of the adoption of a suggestion by Mr. Martin Goulding, that the procession start from the bottom of High-street, the proposals of the com- mittee were adopted. On the motion of Mr. F. Dodd, seconded by Mr. T. Barker, it was resolved that admission to the grounds should be free. The Rev, 0. M. Hughes reported that Mr, Brooks had given permission to use his riding school and the park, ana would also throw open his grounds for inspection. (Applause.) On the motion of Mr. Martin GDuld ng, seconded by Mr. II. Dods, the offer of Mr. Brooks was accepted and a resolution expressing the thanks of the meeting for his kindness was passed. It was resolved to ask the friendly "jocieties to join in the procession and to bear the incidental ex- penses incurred by each society in doing so, also to provide a tea for the juvenile members. CREWE. The Mayor of Crewe has had bis grant for Coronation festivities increased from J6350 to £ 500; and out of this he proposes to entertain 9,000 school children with tea and games, and to present each with a commemorative medal, and to give a tea and entertainment to 800 old folks. There will be a huge bonfire erected near Crewe Railway Works. The employes of Crewe Rail- way works, about 9,000 in number, will have a day's holiday without loss of pay. HAWARDEN GUARDIANS' PROPOSALS. ADDRESS TO THE KING. INMATES' TREAT. KING'S HEALTH IN BEER. TEMPERANCE PARTY'S OPPOSITION. On Thursday the Hawarden Board- of Guardians were ocoupied some time discussing the arrangements for celebrating the Coronation. Mr. Wilcook raised objection to the resolution, contained in the minutes of the last meeting, to give the inmates, of the workhouse two days' Coronation fare. He said there were many workingmen who had to pay rates, and who would not be able to have a single day's treat. He gave notice of motion to rescind the resolution at the next meeting of the Board.—The Chairman pointed out that it would not be in order, as it had been passed at the last meeting unanimously. -Notice of motion was, however, handed in. The Chairman proposed that the resolution passed at the last meeting, by which the Guardians decided to send an address to the King, be rescinded. The District Council had Ic decided to send an address, and as the two bodies were almost identical, it would not matter much which sent it.—Mr. Wiloock seconded, and the motion was carried. Mr. Millington moved that in recognition of the Coronation each adult person in receipt of outdoor relief receive 6d. extra and each child 3d. for one week.—Mr. Wilcock moved an amend- ment that the extra money be Is. and 6d. re- spectively.-The amendment was carried. Miss Thom proposed that every inmate who liked should have a glass of beer to drink the King's health in. Mr. W. Shepherd seconded. They ought to let the poor have a glass of wine if they liked it instead of beer. Mr. Millington said that by yielding to such a resolution they only added another stick to the fire which had brought the paupers to the house. He would not do it, from principle, for the world. He considered no man a friend of the poor who forced intoxicating drink upon them. Mr. Shepherd (warmly) We don't want to force it upon them. Mr. E. Sidney Taylor: Ask him to withdraw it, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Millington withdrew the word "force" and substituted the word "offer." No man who offered that and withheld other things was a friend of the poor. Mr. Shepherd: What have we withheld? Mr. John Jones did not think they ought to allow the meeting to degenerate into a temper- ance gathering. (Hear, hear.) They ought to have Mr. Tennyson Smith there. He moved that the beer be not allowed. The Rev. G. Owen thought there were many people in the house who did not drink beer. He moved that tobacco be substituted instead. Mr. W. Shepherd said the inmates liked a glass of beer to look forward to and to think about. Mr. A. Wright seconded the Rev. G. Owen's motion. He agreed with what he had said. Mr. R. Roberts said it would never do them any harm, because they were past that. They had come there through it, and they would like it. Mr. J. Hampson protosted against the argu- ments of the temperance folk. They seemed to think the man who proposed a glass of beer very bad indeed. It was most selfish to deprive these people of a glass of beer on Coronation day. Thev would only get one glass. It was the least they could do to give way, particularly because the motion had been proposed by a lady. The Chairman did not think it quite fair that because they could not see eye to eye they should be called selfish. The amendment was a direct negative. The proposition was carried by twelve votes to seven, amid applause. GRESFORD. A public meeting was held at the National Schools on Friday evening in order to arrange for the Coronation festivities. A good attendance included the vicar (the Rev. E. A. Fishbourne), Mr. Aliington Hughes, Miss Allingion Hughes, Mr. Hugh Lowndes, Mrs. and Miss Lowndes, the Misses Howell Evans, Miss Brydon, Miss Houghton, Miss Manisty, Dr. and Miss Mules, Dr. Manisty, Mr. Jennor, Mr. Reginald James, Mr. Percy James,. Mr. G. F. Robertson, Mr. Brockbank, Mr. F. C. Bate, Mr. Charles Lloyd, Mr. J. H. Mason, Mr. James Lee, Mr. J. Griffiths, Mr. J. Tilston and Mr. Charles Davies (acting clerk). Upon the motion of the Vicar, seconded by Mr. Lowndes, Mr. Aliington Hughes vvas voted to the chair.—The Chairman, in open- ing the proceedings, read letters from Chancellor Trevor Parkins, Mrs. Howell Evans, Mrs. Townshend (Annefield), and Miss Egerton re- gretting their inability to be present, but ex- piessing warm approval of the object of the meeting and promising substantial support.—It was agreed that all persons present should form a general committee of management, with an executive committee for carrying out details, Mr. Aliington Hughes being elected chairman, with Mr. Brockbank as hon. treasurer and Messrs. Charles Davies and John Parry as hon. secretaries.-The Vicar suggested that they should follow the lines of the Jubilee festivities, by giving a. tea, with sports, to the children of the parish. Several ladies and gentlemen spoke also favouring some provision for the old people. Dr. Mules desired to see a tea provided for every- one. The Chairman feared that the latter pro- posal would prove too expensive, besides being almost impracticable. After considerable dis- cussion, it was agreed to appoint collectors, who would see what subscriptions they were likely to obtain, and, should there be any surplus, to arrange for a permanent memorial of the Corona- tion. A sub-committee was appointed to secure the services of a band. WREXHAM. At a meeting of the Executive Committee re- sponsible for the due celebration of the Corona- tion at Wrexham, held last week at the Guildhall, under the presidency of the Mavor (Mr. W. Soames), estimates of expenditure Were submitted from the various committees, amount- ing to a total of £ 336. Four thousand Sunday scnool children are to be provided with tea at the rate of 6d. per child, and 2d. per child" is to be devoted to sports for them, on the Thursday (June 26). Eighty pounds is to bo expended in providing 800 aged and poor pecple with a dinner; £ 40 is set apart for bicycle and foot races and old English sports, which are to take place on the racecourse on the Friday (June 27). The borough and local volunteer bands are to be engaged on both days, at a cost of L45, and Lio is to be paid for the ringing of the parish church beds. The Wrexham Church Sundav School teachers memorialised the committee with refer- ence to the age limit of the school children to be Jiny nrto the tea bein« fixed at 15> as it would dojar 25 per cent, of the Sunday scholars. The committee decided to adhere to the age limit already agreed upon. The Mayor is goin<r to present a medal to every school child and°has also promised a subscription of £ 25 to the funds. LLANDUDNO. The committee which, under the presidency of Councillor Robert Roberts, is preparing for the Coronation festivities at Llandudno met on Mon- day evening, when a letter was received from Lord Mostyn (chairman of the District Council) expressing his readiness to grant a 99 years' lease on the Public Library building, in the event of the town's deciding to adopt the Free Libraries ^_('t, as one form of celebrating the Coronation. Much satisfaction was felt by the committee at the generous offer, and the matter was referred to a sub-committee. Arrangements are beino1 made tor the festivities to cover two days and in the programme will be included treats to all the poor people and the school children. CORONATION MUSIC. We have received from Messrs. Novello and Co., music publishers, Berners-sfcreet, London, a copy (price Gd.) of the music for the form and order of service issued by the King's command and recom- mended for use in churches of the Church of England throughout the Empire on the day of the Coronation. The publication contains the com- plete words of the service, and a special feature of music is that the whole of it will be sung at the Coronation in Westminster Abbey on June 26th. The Coronation hymns and tunes are printed at the end of the service. This form and order of service has been generally authorised by the bishops for use in their respective dioceses on Coronation Dav or on any of the three days following the 2Gth of June.

HOXOTJKED CHESTER -Lord Rosebery, who was elected Chancellor of the University of London, on Tuesday. conferred thedegree of Bachelor of Science on Wednesday afternoon on Margaret Sefton Bowers and on Harold Theodore Thompson. B.A., at the Imperial Institute, in the presence of aii immense gathering. Both the students men- tioned belong to Chester. TKAM RETURNS.—The returns for the week are as follows :-lonilay, passsengers 3,405, receipts kl5 15s. 3d. Tuesday, 4,356, £24 Gs. fxl. Wednes- day, 7,660, £47 18s. lid. Thursday, 5,908, £ 33 2s. 2d. Friday, 3,123, E14 8s. 10d. Saturday, 4,1)17, £ 22 13s. lOd. Sunday, 1.573, £ 8 2s. 8d. The total for the week is 31,095 passengers, compared with 17,428 passengers during the corresponding week last year, an increase oif 13,667 passengers and receipts £ 166 8s. 5d., compared with £ 196 2s. 9d. during the corresponding period, last year, a decrease of £ 29 14s. 4d.

THE EDUCATION BILL. -0 CHESTER LIBERALS' DISSATISFACTION At a recent meeting of the executive of the Chester Liberal Association the following resolu- tion was carried unanimously, and a copy sent to the Right Horn. A. J. Balfour, M P., the Right Hon. Sir H. CampbeU-Bannerman, M.P., the- Right Hon. Sir John Gorst, M.P.. Mid the member for the city Mr. Robert Yerburgh, Al. P. "That this meeting believing the Education Bill now before Parliament will practically deprive the rate- payers of efficient representative control over education, will subsidise privately-managed denomi- national schools, nearly double the education rate. tax the whole community for the maintenance of sectarian teaching, do nothing for the improvement of education, and leave unredressed every educa- tional grievance, gives it as its strong opinion that nothing effective can be done unless elementary and intermediate schools be freed from denominational control, and hereby offers its protest against it being passed into law."

MESSRS. BOLLARD'S SUCCESS. In connection with the Royal visit to WTales, Messrs. Bolland, of this city, were again favoured with Royal patronage. They fur- nished and elaborately decorated a large marquee at Bangor, in which the Princess of Wales received purses on behalf of the Carnarvonshire and Anglesey Infirmary. The front of the Infirmary was also elaborately decorated. At Bangor, on Friday, Messrs. Bolland supplied th& monstre marquee, in which they served the Royal luncheon in a style worthy of their great reputa- tion. This marquee was lined throughout with red and white sateen and beautifully decorated' with festo-ons of smilax and red and white roses. Hanging baskets, some of which were filled with fern and roses, others entirely with roses, added a pleasing effect to the general appearance. The wall panels were arranged with floral devices. The 23 tables were artistically decorated with Bowers, patriotically emblematical, red and white roses and blue cornflowers, forming a most unique arrangement. There were altogether 700 guests and at the Royal table, which was handsomely ap- pointed, 88 of the most distinguished gue=ts sat down The President, Lord Kenyon, occupied the chair The Princess of Wales sat on his right, while the Prince was on his left. Earl Carnngton, Earl Spencer, Lord and Lady Mostyn, Lady Mary Lygon, and mango others, were also present. Light refreshments were supplied to their Royal Highnesses and suite, and also the most distinguished members of the University, at the Pavilion at Carnarvon on Friday. The arrangements for furnishing the Royal apart- ments were also satisfactorily carried out by Messrs. Bolland. They received every assistance from the London and North-Western Railway representative, Mr. Entwistle, the new district superintendent. All the firm's arrangements were highly satisfactory, and the event may be placed in the list. of their greatest successes.

CITY POLICE COURT. — — W EDNESDAY.—Before the Mayor, Messrs. Thos. Smith, G. A. Dickson, J. Gooddie Holmes J. M. Frost and Dr. Stolterfoth. LICENSING—Robert Llewellyn Baker applied t irough Mr. W. A. V. Churton for temporary authority to sell at the George and Dragon Hotel ™ -street, of which house he is the owner! —Mr. Churton explained that on Saturday the tenant "did a moonlight flit" from the premises without giving any notice. Mr. Baker wanted temporary authority until he got another tenant. —The application was granted.—Mary Ann Bass was granted temporary authority to sell at the Budge water Arms, Nelson-street, in succession to her late husband, Edward Bass. SINGULAR ASSAULT CASE.—Ernest Ward, barman, 76, Melville-place, Liverpool, surrendered to his bail on a charge of assaulting Thomas Morris, labourer, Upton Heath, last Wednesday night. Prisoner pleaded not guilty, and was de- fended by Mr. Lord, of Liverpool (instructed by Mr. Lloyd).—Complainant, whose face was dis- figured by a bad black eye, alleged that while walking homewards along Upper Northgate-street on Wednesday night the prisoner, who was in com- pany witn several other men, came across the street to him, opposite the corncr of Chichester- street, and challenged him to fight. Before he had tune to act on the defensive he received a violent blow behind the ear, which stunned him for a time. He found himself on the ground with prisoner on the top of him. The assault was quite unprovoked, and he never saw prisoner before in his life.—Cross-examined, he admitted that. he had been in more than one public-house that night; ha could not say how many public-houses he visited. It was truo that he took his coat off to retaliate when prisoner attacked him.—Mr. Allan Morris gave evidence in support of complainant's case. He saw a crowd at the top of Chichester- street, and on approaching saw Morris with his coat off, in company with a man who was not the prisoner. He thought from their behaviour they were having some fun. When he got closer, he saw the prisoner come to Morris from the other side of the road, and say to him in strong language, "If you want to fight, I will fight you." He thereupon knocked Morris on the ground, and in a most cowardly manner dealt him several blows while he was down. A policeman then came on the scene and apprehended prisoner. Morris was bleeding profusely, and witness, with a desire to see fair play, accompanied the policeman to the station.—Cross-examined: He did not see the commencement of the row-A constable stated that on hearing a row at the top of Chichester- street he went to the spot, and found Morris bleeding very badly. He had his coat and waist- coat off. Witness did not see prisoner strike him, but acting upon Morris's instructions he appre- hended prisoner.—For the defence, Mr. Lord pointed out that Morris's statement was the only evidence of the assault, because it was the only evidence which dealt with the beginning of the affair. Prisoner and his friends saw complainant on the other side of the road, shouting and waving his arms like an excited, drunken man. They paid no attention to him, but prisoner was unex- pectedly attacked by him and knocked down by a severe blow on the head. Complainant fell on the top of him, and while the men were on the ground it was not improbable that prisoner used his fists in self-defence. Ward bore a very good character, and had never been in trouble before in his life.—Evidence for the defence having been given, the Bench dismissed the case. A SOLDIER'S FREAK.—Patrick Kelly, a soldier in the South Lancashire Regiment, pleaded guiity to stealing a box of haddocks, value 4s. 6d., at the General Railway Station on the previous day.—It appeared from the evidence that prisoner was seen loitering on the platform near the parcels' office, and was observed by a ticket examiner, named George Rigby, to take a box from a truck and take it into a waiting-room. A station police- man afterwards saw him in the waiting-room, trying to roast one of the fish before the fire. He was intoxicated.—Prisoner said he returned from South Africa with his regiment only on Monday, and was making his way from Southampton to Warrington. He got drunk on the journey, and did not remember committing the theft.—The magistrates discharged him with a warning. A SERIOUS CHARGE.—Thomas Taylor, labourer, Garden-lane, was committed to the assizes on a charge of assaulting a little girl, named Emily Evans, residing at 6, George-street, on the 6th inst. FRIDAY.—Before the Mayor, Mr, J. G. Holmes, and Mr. J. J. Cunnah. SOLICITING BOATING CUSTOMERS.— Charles Ainsworth, boatman, The Groves, was charged with canvassing or soliciting certain per- sons to his boats by hallooing, contrary to tho boating bye-laws.—Mr. 'V. A. V. Churton, who prosecuted on behalf of Mr. R. P. Bradbury, said that the summons was taken out under section 10 of the boating bye-laws.—Robert Gerrard, captain of the steamboat Ormonde, said that on Thursday afternoon, 8th May, defendant was standing -about two feet on the Dee Steamboat's iimit, shouting out to people who wished to go on the Ormonde, I that the steamer would not get back until 7.30, and that if they went up in his barge they would get back before that time. As a matter of fact, the steamboat was timed to get back by 7.10.-A licensed boatman named Tasker corroborated.— Mr. Geo. H. Stuart, stated that he was returning1 from the Races on Thursday, May 8th, and while passim; the steamer stage he heard Ainsworth calling out that the boat would not be back until half-past seven. His object was to fill his barge. —The defence was that, according to the steam- boat time-table, the boat was not to be back until half-past seven.—Defendant's father gave evidence, and when asked by the Bench if he did not know that nobody had a right to solicit people toc him boats, replied that it was dono from one end of the Groves to the other.—Mr. Cunnah pointed out that that did net mend the matter.—Defendant, against whom there were two convictions for breaches of the boating bye-laws, was fined 20s. and costs, or a month, the Mayor intimating that if he came there again he would receive the maximum penalty.

OPERATIVE BAKERS' WAGES.— The agitation by the operative bakers of Chester for higher wages and shorter hours is now amicably settled, the maister bakers having liberally conceded to their demands. The Most Nutritious. E P P S'S Gra tefuI-Comforting. I COCOA Breakfast—Supper.