The Chester Courant and Advertiser for North Wales

THIRD SERIES. [Edited by W. FERGLTSSON IKVINE and J. BUOWNBILL J Being Local Gleanings, Historical and Antiquarian relating to Cheshire, Chester and North [Vales, from many scattered fields. Oh, let me teach you how to ktiit again This scattered corn into one mutual siheaf. Titus Audronicus, V, iii, 70, 71. NOTES. F6421 JOHN BRUEN. V. (Continued from No. 622.) He entertained many Boarders.—At the year's end he brought home his beloved wife to Staplefoid, where they lived in great peace and love and being well settled there were many of the greatest gentlemen in the country that sued to him, some for themselves, some for their children, to be enter- tained in his family, and all to this end that being partakers of so good means of grace under his religious government and holy example, the ignorant might be instructed, the unruly reclaimed, the superstitious reformed, the profane converted or restrained, the babes in Christ might be nursed and grow up by the sincere milk of the Word, and that such as were of riper years might be fed with a stronger meat; by which means his house became a nursery for religion, a vineyard which the Lord blessed to bear trees of righteousness and fruits of holiness. Amongst these the first that dealt with him in this kind was that accomplished gentleman Thomas Wilbraham of Woodhey, esquire, who having married his eldest daughter to the heir of the house at Utkinton, of great place for his birth and blood, and of good parts and civil disposition (yet addicted to the pleasures and lusts of youth), was very desirous to place them as sojourners for a season in Mr. Bruen's house under his government, that thereby they might be the better weaned from such Occasions of evil as haply elsewhere they might be exposed unto. This godly motion was by Mr. Bruen willingly entertained, partly to satisfy the worthy gentleman's desire (whom he much esteemed) and partly that he might have opportunity to do good to the young couple, being near akin to him and now committed to his trust; and accordingly he entertained them and their attendance into his family. His Prudence.—Now his manner was, when any came first into his family, to try their dispositions and inclinations and how tractable they were like to be to good duties and practices. For which end he carefully observed their ways, saw much and said little, bore and forebore as occasion required, taking special notice of any good they said or did and passing over many lesser faults till he had fitter opportunity to reclaim them. Amongst others this young gentleman Mr. Done could not well away with the strict observation of the Sabbath. Whereupon," saith he, "we did all conspire to do him good, ten of my family speaking one after another and myself last, for the sanctify- ing of the Lord's Day; after which he did very cheerfully yield himself, blessed be God." He reforms his House.—" ,t another time," saith he, "coming into hii chamber I found over the mantel a pair of new cards, and nobody being by I took out the four knaves and so laid them there again. Bur; for want of such knaves his game was marred and he never played in my house after. And in like mimner," saith he, twenty years before, being in one of my studies and seeing a pair of tables under my feet, i took them with the men, dice, and all the cards I found and put them into an oven that was then in heating and thereby he rid them out of his house. And to justify his detestation of these games he set down in writing these collections "Against Cards and Dice. [Among Mr. Bruen's reasons are] 7. There is no recreation of body or mind in these games, unless it be in desire and hope of gain by another man's loss, which is unlawful. 8. Cards seeui less evil than tables, but there is never a barrel better herring, there is so much craft in packing, &c. 10. The coat cards were in times past the images of their idols. 11. We should abstain from such games (1) because they never were nor are of any good report in the Church (2) there is a great appearance of evil in them; (3) the command of the magistrate forbids them by the name of unlawful games" (4) they tend not to God's glory (5) they are causes of much hurt to our neighbours and occasion of many sins and sorrows to the gamesters and their families, &c. Alea, vina, Venus tribus his sum factus egenus. He sets up Bibles in his House.—And therefore for the preventing of these mischiefs and to exercise the heads and hearts of his family and of such as came occasionally to his house, he bought two goodly fair Bibles and set them upon two desks, one in his hall, the other in his parlour, which practice of his was so much the more commendable because it was answerable to the Canons and Constitutions of our one Church of England, made and printed 1571, by which there is a serious and heavy charge laid upon all archbishops, bishops, deans, cathedral ctmrches, &c., that they provided themselves Bibles °i A faire«t 51ld largest volume and of the Book of Acts and Monuments ["Foxe's Martyrs"] and place them in their halls and dining-rooms that they might be for the use of their own AVI5! suc'1 strangers as came unto them." Mr. Lruen having thus reformed and ordered his own family, he began to take notice of some defect in the public ministry, whereupon he procured a faithful minister of Christ (Mr. Ar. at.) to be preacher at Tarvin, whose ministry being very powerful and profitable he so much delighted in him that he maintained him and his family very bounti- fully and entertained him kindly. Concerning which hear his own testimony "I may well say saith he, of that worthy servant of God Mr. John Bruen, as it was said of oah, that he was a just and a perfect man in his time and walked with God. Whilst I was preacher at Tarvm, I had little main- tenance but what I had from him, and with much cheerfulness did he minister both to me and mine that which was sufficient, affirming oftentimes that lie had not the less for that which I and mine received from him. He was ever one and the same at home and abroad, very faithful unto God and loving unto men, walking in the uprightness of his heart in the midst of his house." Mr. Perkins his Testimony of him.—About this time the fame of Mr. Bruen came of Mr. Perkins [of Cambridge], who hearing of his excellent parts and pains in the profession of religion and exercises in his family and of his government of his house and the religion of his servants, being ravished with heavenly joy and stricken with an holy admiration at the hearing of it he brake out into these speeches Certainly this is no other than the house of God, and for the practice and power of religion the very topsail of England." NOTE.-The marriage of (Sir) John Done and Dorothy Wilbraham took place about 1598. Who was Mr. Ar. St. the second of Bruen's preachers at Tarvin ? Can anyone give the origin and correct forms of the proverbs (Latin and English; above quoted (To be continued.) [643] KATHERINE BULKELEY, LAST ABBESS OF GODSTOW. Although this lady was abbess of Godstow, the Oxfordshire nunnery well known as the place of Fair Rostiuond's penance, surrendering through a notary (perhaps, not a law, but a Church notary) 17 Nov., 31 Hen. VIII., yet I think it probable she was descended from an ancient Cheshire family and for this reason I introduce her letter through the "Sheaf." The family I allude to, is that of Robert Bulclogh, Lord of Bulclogh, co. Chester, in King John's time, from which were descended the Bulkeleys of Eaton, Cheshire; the Bulkelevs of Standlow, Stafford the Bulkeleys, Lords of Beau- maris and most probably the Bulkeleys of Ireland, and Wiltshire. Her letter (printed in Mr. Wright's volume of Letters edited for the Camden Society, as also by Burnet) runs thus:— Pleasith hit your Honour, with my moste humble Dowtie, to be advertised, that where it hath plensyd your Lordship to be the verie Meane to the King sMajestie, for my Preferment, most unworthie to be the Abbes of this the King's Monasterie of Godystowe; in the which Offyce, I truste I have done the best in my Power to the Maytenance of God s trewe Honour, with all Treuth and Obedience to the King's Majestie and was never moved HOT desired by any Creature in the KhigT BehalT or in your Lordships Name to surrender and give upe the House; nor was never mynded nor intended so to do, otherwise than at the King's Gracious commandement, or yours. To the which I do, and have ever done, and will submit my self most numblie and obedientlie. And I truste to God, that I have never oifendyd God's Laws neither the King's wherebie that this poore Monasterie ought to be suppressed. And this not- withstanding, my good Lorde, so it is, that Doctor London, whiche (as your Lordeship doth well know) was agaynst my Promotion, and hath ever ] sence borne me great Malys and Grudge, like my mortall Enemye, is sodenlie cummyd unto me, with a grcate Rowte with him and here dothe threten me and my Sisters, sayeng, that he hath the Kind's Commission to suppress the House, spyte of my Tethe. And when he sawe that I was content that lie shulde do all Things according to his Com- mission and shewyd him playne, that I wolae never surrender to his Hande, being my Awncyent Enemye; now he begins to entreat me, and to invegie my Sisters, one by one, otherwise than I ever harde tell that any of the Kyng's Subjects liathe been liandclyd and here tarieth and con- tynucth, to my great Coste and Charges and will not take my Answere, that I will not surrender, voir "°Wi thr KjngvS Gracious Commandement, or £ m! kip°? Lordeship s. Therefore I do most S"?ouhaveebcne LH°"t^ewe Lorde, ahif- T i ene ,;U)d to directe your Honor- the Kins^GraJions 1 An(l whensoever oorneCtoml You stnT^emCnt' °r yours' sha11 obedyant to ?v nd me. most reddl° and tW Ti f T j the same" And notwithstand inf, rJP^ LTonf'Ml1'. llk« an untrew Man, hath informed your Lordship that I am a Spoiler and a Waster, your good Lordship shall knowe that the contrary is trewe. For I have not alienatyd one halporthe of goods of his Monasterie, movable or immovable, but have rather increasyd the same. Nor never made Lease of any Farme, or on Peece of Grownde belongyng to this House or there hath bene in Tymes pasteallwaioo set under Covent Seal for the wealthe of the House. And therefore my verie Trust is, that I shall fynd the Kynge as Gracious Lorde unto me, as he is to all other his Subjects. Seyng I have not offendyd. And all and will be moste Obedyent to his most Gracious Commandment at all Tymes. With the Grace of Allmighty Jesus, who ever preserve you in Honour longe to indure to his Pleasure. Amen. Godistou the vth Daie of November. Your most bownden Beds Woman KATHERINE BULKELEY. Abbes there. This lady was very greatly respected by Lord Cromwell, but she had to surrender, as she did, on the 17th of the same month, as already stated. Some further details will be found in Dom Gasquet's book on the Suppression of the Monasteries" li. 464 and ii. 231-3). Beds Woman or Beadswoman — like Beads Beds Woman or Beadswoman like Beads man—was commonly used in concluding letters about that period, implying of course that the writer would pray for the person addressed. W. H. BRADFORD. [(44) A CHEMIST'S BILL 150 YEARS AGO. Among some old St. Oswald's papers, I have found an account of John Crewe against the Overseers of the poor of St. Oswald's, from 1750 to 1752. It is too long to copy in full, but the items (omitting repetitions), will probably interest many readers of the "Sheaf." E. C. L. s. d. s. d. the Ointment 0 8 twelve Powders 1 4 two Bladders 0 3a Syrup 0 8 a Tincture. 0 9 Poppy Heads 0 3 a Pectoral Mixture 1 4 Liquorice Root 0 1 Flower of Sulphur 0 2 Extraction of a a Purging Draught 0 8 tooth 0 6 an Electary 1 8 an Elixlr 0 a Julep 1 3 a Vomit and a Bolus 0 4 Carduus 1 0 Oil of Turpentine. 0 G Basilicon 0 2 an EyeWater 0 10 an Infusion 1 4 a dose of Glauber a Cerate 0 3 a. dose of Glauber a Cerate 0 3 Salts 0 4 two Ear Blisters a large Blister and and Melilot 0 3 Mellilot 0 6 Liquorice Juice 0 2 a Haustus 0 8 Senna 0 3 a Plaster of the Hiera Picra 0 3 Shoulder 1 0 Irish State (?) 0 1 a Liniment 0 8 Rupture Plaster 0 3 an Emulsion 1 0 Adheesive Plaster 0 2 an astring Plaster 0 8 Syrup of Poppies. 0 4 a paper of Ingred's. 0 6 a cord'l Julep. 1 7 a Balsam 0 6 Pennyroyal Leaves 0 2 Diapalma 0 3 Phlebotomy 1 0 three doses of pills 1 0 Pearl Barley. 0 1 Bloodletting. 1 0 a Gargle. 1 0 a Collyrium 0 8 Peppermint Water 0 4 Hoggs Lard 0 3 an Issue cut 1 0 a Bottle of Drops. 1 0 [645] CHESHIRE DOMESDAY NOTES. I. Those who confine their study of the Domesday record to this county usually avail themselves of the facsimile reproduction, or of Mr. Beamont's "Extension and Translation"; but those who take a wider range use the printed edition which follows the original MS. line for line and page for page. This last is numbered in folios, but the facsimile, followed by Beamont, in pages (i. to xiv.), and it may therefore be useful, in beginning a collection of short notes on this part of the Conqueror's great survey of his realm, to give the connection between the facsimile and the folios of the original: Page. 1 olio. Page. Folio. Page. Folio. 1 262b 6 265 11 267b 2 263 7 265b 12 26S 3 263b 8 266 13 268b 4 264 9 266b 14 269 5 264b 10 267 in references to the pages the columns are often denoted by a and b thus "Nesse (6b)" means that the account of Nesse will be found in the second column of the sixth page in the facsimile, or of folio 265 in the orieinal. It is hoped that those interested in the local record vill find the Sheaf a useful means of com- municating notes and criticisms, so that a clearer knowledge of its meaning may be attained. (To be continued.)

LOCAL GOVERNMENT JOTTINGS. + Huddersfield has received the sanction of the Local Government Board to borrow L98,483 for electric lighting purposes. The income from the gasworks amounted to £94,061, and the surplus balance to £7,107, of which £ 3,473 has been devoted in aid of the borough rate. Wrexham is suffering from a large influx of tramps. The Chairman of the Board of Guardians (Captain Griffith-Boscawen) drew attention to this at the late meeting, and the master added that they were "all able-bodied men." In reply to a guardian as to the reason for the increase, he said many of the tramps professed to have been in the Army and alleged that they had just "come back from thofrout." (Laughter.) Some of them, no doubt, were old soldiers. The slate-quarrying town of Blaenau Festiniog has just completed and opened an electric supply, provided by a company formed some two years since for the purpose of developing to some extent the great amount of water power running to waste in the district; supplying power to the quarrying industries; also for lighting the streets and for private consumers. The supply to the latter is to be at the rate of 4d. per unit and Id. per unit to quarry companies. In addition, the company has entered into an agreement to light the streets and supply private consumers at the rate of 4d. per unit for 15 years. Exasperated, no doubt, by the amount of their vaccination bills, the Runcorn Board of Guardians have decided to memorialise the Local Govern- ment Board to issue an order providing that persons who desire re-vaccination at their own homes should pay the fees, and that the Board supply lymph gratuitously to private prac- titioners for primary and secondary vaccinations. I w However views may differ respecting this sub- ject, there can be no doubt respecting the equity of the claim of well-to-do people to avail them- selves of a privilege for which they are called upon to pay in the rates, and indirectly to pay for those who are too poor to pay for themselves. The Runcorn Board, however, cannot be accused of miserliness, for at the same sitting they unani- mously resolved, on Coronation day, to provide a treat for the inmates of the Workhouse, including special diet and "a pint of bitter beer" for umner, with many etceteras, and double pay to outdoor recipients of relief. The Aberystwyth Board of Guardians have adopted a set of drastic resolutions in regard to vagrants. Conclusively stated, they assert that the admission of vagrants into workhouses pro- motes the spread of infectious diseases through- out the country; that the vagrancy laws are a blot on the poor-law system, inasmuch as they directly tend to promote pauperism; that the casual ward system has failed, as the wards are but little used by the class of persons for whom they were intended, viz., the bona fide traveller in search of work, while they are thronged by habitual tramps; that a law be passed giving boards of guardians power to detain all habitual vagrants admitted into their wards for a period not exceeding 28 days, as a means of preventing the dissemination of infectious diseases through- out the country, as well as a means of abolishing vagrancy; that a law be passed giving power to boards of guardians to detain the children of habitual vagrants under fourteen years of age, who shall be removed to certified industrial schools, and there detained at the expense of the State until they attain the age of sixteen years; that a. law be passed to establish labour bureaux in every town and village to serve as registry offices, where employers in want of hands can enter their requirements, so that vagrants in search of work may know where to apply. There is a vein of humour in these resolutions, if the guardians could but see it. However, if they can succeed in abolishing the ubiquitous tramp, the Aberystwyth Board will merit distinction. An important point affecting Boards of Guardians with reference to re-vaccination came before the Andover Guardians on Friday, on a proposal to publish in the paupers' list the names of persons who had been re-vaccinated at the expense of the rates. Mr. H. Nicoll, a guardian, said he had called at WTiitehall with reference to the proposed publication of names, and found that if the guardians did so it would be an illegal act. They would throw themselves open to actions for in- junctions and damages, and be surcharged the cost of publishing the lists. Persons who accepted free vaccination could not be classed as having received out-relief.

AnVICE TO MOTURRB!-Are you broken in your rest by a sick child suffering with the pains of G" at to a chemist and get a bottle of MRS. WINSLOW S SOOTHING SYHUP mother^fo^t? 50 yeara by of mothers for their children while teethinjr with perfect success, ft is pleasant to taste, produces natural quiet sleep by relieving the child from pain, and the little cherub awakes "as bright as a alSv°nil • soothes the child, it softenB the gums relieves wind, regulates the bowels dWrvL best known remedy for dysentery and diarrhoea, whether arising from teething or other causes. Sold by Chemists everywhere at Is lid per bottle.

PARACHUTE PERILS. « MOLD LADY'S DEATH. Miss Edith Brookes, sister of the well-known lady parachutist, Miss Maude Brookes, was killed at Sheffield on Tuesday night. Miss Brookes made an ascent from the Wednesday Football Ground at Owlerton in the presence of thousands of people. She was taking her sister's place. When the balloon had reached an altitude of 2,500ft. she jumped from it. The parachute only opened very slightly, and, turning over, never became inflated with air. Miss Brookes was seen to be turning round as if the rope was twisted. Everybody hoped that at the last moment the terribly rapid descent would be checked, but the parachute failed to open, and Miss Brookes dropped to the ground with a thud, practically every bone in her body being fractured. Miss Brookes was 23 years of age. THE INQUEST. The news of the tragic death, on Tuesday at Sheffield, of Miss Edith Brookes, the parachutist, created a painful sensation in the Mold district. The parents of deceased and her sister, Miss Maud Brookes, one of the best known para- chutists in the kingdom, reside at the Royal Oak Inn, Llanarmon, and both sisters are stated to have visited Mold as recently as Saturday last. The inquest was opened on Friday morning. It appeared that deceased made her first parachute descent on Whit Monday. Miss Maud Brookes, who has had fourteen years' experience of parachuting, said the de- ceased was her sister. She had wished for some years to become a parachutist but until this year her friends had discouraged her. Until Monday deceased had never been up in a balloon, but she was well instructed as to what she must do. Witness thought the accident must have occurred through the ropes of the parachute twisting. Her sister was a healthy girl, not subject to fainting, and was a trained gymnast. jrrofessor Lempnere, proprietor of the balloon, stated in evidence that he could not account for the accident, unless the deceased fainted and failed to launch herself properly. It was usual for a beginner to go up alone the first time, there being no way of practising parachuting. He had employed many parachutists during the last fifteen years, and this was the first serious acci- dent he had had. Percy Chavassc, who supervised the ascent, said deceased was not at all nervous when she started. The ropes of the parachute were twisted at start- ing, but not to a dangerous extent. He believed the accident must have occurred through de- ceased fainting and falling among the ropes of the parachute. This witness admitted that Miss Maud Brookes was advertised to make the descent, and Miss Edith Brookes passed herself off as the lady, even the organiser of the show, Mr. Wm. Brown, of Sheffield, being unaware that it was not Miss Maud, but her younger sister. Before starting witness advised deceased not to go up if she was nervous. The inquest was adjourned. FRESH LIGHT. An important witness has come forward with re- gard to the death of Miss Edith Brookes. He is an observer,'who followed the ascent through a good telescope, and carefully watched every movement of the performer while in the air. According to his statement Miss Brookes suddenly lost her seat on the trapeze attached to the balloon, turned a complete somersault, and fell into the ropes of the parachute, which immediately broke from the balloon and commenced to fall, but was too entangled to open properly. The last the observer saw of Miss Brookes falling she appeared to be shaking her arm about, probably in a frantic but futile endeavour to disentangle the ropes. THE FUNERAL. The funeral took place on Saturday afternoon at Kirkdale Cemetery, Walton, Liverpool. The body, which left Sheffield on Friday afternoon, arrived in Liverpool late the same evening, and remained overnight at the station. When the train left Sheffield immense crowds gathered in the station and the adjoining streets. Owing to everything in connection with the funeral being kept quiet there were not many at the cemetery. Among the relatives present were Mr. Brookes (the girl's father), Miss Maud Brookes (sister, the well-known parachutist), Mrs. and Mr. Harburn (sister and brother-in-law), Mrs. Morgan (sister), Mr. George Torr. The service at the cemetery was conducted by the Rey. M. Thomas, of Kirkdale.

NATURAL HISTORY NOTES. (From The Field.") ♦ THRUSH NESTING IN MISTLETOE. A common song thrush built in a clump of mistletoe growing on an apple tree in my garden. The young birds have flown. and the berries are still thick on the mistletoe.-E. Willmott (Great Warley, Essex). CURIOUS NESTING SITE OF GREEN- FINCH. An old enamelled egg saucepan had been care- lessly thrown into the branches of a straggling blacÀLüorn, and had caught in them with the bowl uppermost. In this bowl a greenfinch has built a singularly neat and compact nest.—Arthur Dixon (Faversham, Kent). NESTING OF MAGPIES. Mr. Charles Dixon, in his work on The Nests and Eggs of British Birds," states that dried grass is never used in the lining of a mag- pie's nest. It is, 1 think, of rare occurrence, but a few days ago, May 8, I found one contain- ing the above-mentioned substance as well as the usual fibrous roots.—J. A. Walpole Bond. HARDINESS OF SWIFTS. In Lincolnshire, during Whitsuntide, I was over some of the old fen ground, and although there was a bitter north wind blowing, and the air was extremely cold, with heavy showers of cold rain and some hail, there were numbers of swifts flying over, apparently full of health and v^our; But there were no swallows; indeed, the Hirundines have, I fear, succumbed to the continuous cold weather of May —F Boyes (Beverley). j NIGHTINGALES IN YORKSHIRE. A pair of Nightingales have this year located themselves on the banks of the Nidd at Knares- bcrough. The song is proving a great attraction to residents in the neighbourhood, who assemble every night to hear it. Nightingales are also leported from Doncaster and Castleford. It is strange that they should penetrate so far north this year, as it has been a wretchedly cold sprint -R. Fortune (Harrogate). ° NAME OF ANTELOPE WANTED. If your correspondent, Mr. Frank H. Meiland, who asks in the last number of your journal (May 17, p. 754) for the correct name of an antelope found in North-Eastern Rhodesia, will kindly forward to me a skin and skull of this animal I shall have great pleasure in determining it for him, and will subsequently present the specimen, in his name, to the British Museum of Natural History at South Kensington, where, I have no doubt, it will be gratefully received.— P. L. Sclater (Zoological Society of London, 3, Hanover-square, London, W.). COMBAT BETWEEN SWIFT AND STARLING. On May 13 I picked up on the pavement cutside the house two birds, a. starling and a swift. The switc was quite dead and much mauled. There was nothing the matter with the starling, and so great was its fury that it continued to worry its victim as I held it in my hand. The swift, I presume, had just landed and had crawled into the hole in which the starling had its nest, per- haps to get out of the heavy rain that was failing at the time.—John C. Wylde. [Starlings are pugnacious birds, and often dispute the possession of nesting sites with other species.-Ed.] BIRDS' NESTS IN PRIVET HEDGES. In reply to F. H. H. G., I have twice found blackbirds' nests in a privet hedge, and in a privet tree on the lawn chaffinches have built their nests for years. This year a robin also nested in the twisted branches near the trunk of the tree, which is rather a large one.-Gretta Williams (Pentre-ty-Gwyn, near Llandovery, S. Wales). [From the replies received it would seem that privet is not obnoxious to birds, as was originally suggested, although it is not one of the plants commonly chosen by them for nesting purposes. Further instances of its selection, therefore, are not needed.- Ed.] STARLING ROBBING SPARROW'S NEST. A few days ago I saw rather an amusing sight. Below my window there is a ventilator in which a starling is building its nest. I happened to look out, and saw the starling fly to a sparrow's nest some fifty yards away, and begin pulling at it, while the sparrows flew round and round and ohirped indignantly. The starling then flew back with two or three large straws, followed by the two indignant sparrows. Is not this an unusual occurrence?—W. M. C. (Woolwich). [Usually the process is reversed, and the sparrows are generally the robbers. They often dispossess the house martins.-Ed.) A STRAY PEREGRINE. A Teignmouth boatowner made a outfjoua capture about three miles off Pabbacombe, S. Devon, on May 18, for he there picked off the water, where it was struggling desperately, ? fine peregrine falcon, in good plumage. The bird gave him a nip or two at first, but is now quite tame, and will feed from the hand. This obviously points to its being a trained bird, and the finder is much exercised as to how he shall restore it (doubtless for a -consideration) to its rightful owner. Anyone who has lately lost a haws might apply to Mr. Pittaway, 8, Strand, Teignmouth. The wind was blowing fresh from the south at the time of the capture, which would rather point to the hawk's having been blown out to sea from the direction of Dartmouth or Plymouth.—F. G. A.

The Mayoralty of Macclesfield, which was ren- dered vacant nearly a fortnight ago by the death of Alderman Frederick Hill, has been accepted by Mr. Thomas Crew, a former mayor of the borough. j

CHESHIRE CHAMBER OF AGRI- ouLl'iJRK. [By OUR OWN REPORTER.) On Monday a general meeting of the Cheshire Chamber of Agriculture was held at the Crewe Arms Hotel, Crewe. Colonel Cotton-Jodrell pre- sided over a small attendance, which included Messrs. W. McCracken, Cartwright, J. Corbett. T. Dutton, J. Furber, Prescott, T. Holland, Wright (glacclesfield), R. Peacock (Chester), J. Nunnerley (Audlem), Lewis and Whittaker, with the secretary (Mr. C. B. Davies). Letters explain- ing absence were received from Colonel Dixon, ^lessrs Henry Tollem^be, M.P., R. Barbour, arry Barnston, J. Beecroft and Roger Bate, mi MILK-BLENDED BUTTER AI P ^Pointed Mr. Henry Tollemache, "T to attend a deputation to Mr. Hanburv on he question of the saie of milk-blended butter. At the same time it was decided to call the atten- lon ot Mi-. Tollemache to the resolution passed at the last meeting, that it should be illegal to soil butter blended with any substance which shewed on analysis a greater percentage of water than 16 per oent. SHEEP SCAB. COMPULSORY DIPPING ADVISED. The question of sheep scab was under considera- tion. i Cartwr.i&ht (Cholmondeley) asked if there 'Pi. c/1 an mcre.ase of sheep scab in Cheshire. °.eefetai'y, in reply, said he was confident u j during the last twelve months the disease had been gradually decreasing, and there were fewer outbreaks in the county now than there were two years ago. A Member said he was informed a few weeks ago by a local policeman that there was now no sheep scab in the county. Mr. Cartwright said that, coming from a dis- trict where sheep scab had been very prevalent, he was strongly of opinion that the County Council had been too lenient in not making dipping com- pulsory. That authority should be asked to in- sist upon the dipping of sheep that were imported irom other counties, because he thought sheep an^maTd? C.reated b-v the over-heatmg of the Th rn11^ lon° Jou.'ieys. were'no re™io^s ^e?h°Ut at PfSent there sheep scab *hlS COunt^ regard to Mr. Cartwright moved a. resolution recommend- ing that all sheep imported from counties other than those which could shew an immunity from Siieep scab should be dipped once immediately oil arrival, and again fourteen days afterwards." Mr. J. Corbett seconded. Mr. J. Furber pointed out that the sheep might be in the hands of the dealers during the fourteen days, and there would be the difficulty of keeping them separate from other sheep. The Secretary pointed out that two years ago drastio regulations were adopted in Cheshire with a view to keeping down sheep scab. The regu- lations had, however, been removed, and for some time there had been no regulations whatever, yet there had been less sheep scab in the county during the last two years than there had been in previous times when strong regulations as to dipping were in operation. They were told that the regulations were a source of great inconvenience to farmers, and he hoped the Chamber wouid hesitate before adopting the resolution. Ir. Wright asked if dipping would not be bene- ficlal to the sheep, irrespective of the protection it afforded against contagion. Mr. Cartwright replied that it would. Mr. J. Corbett thought it was to the advantage of everybody keeping sheep to dip them. The resolution was carried by seven votes to four. SHEEP-WORRYING BY DOGS. A SIMPLE REMEDY. A discussion took place on the subject of sheep- worrying by dogs, which will be under discussion at the next meeting of the Central Chamber. A letter was received from Mr. Roger Bate, in which he stated it seemed to him the best thing to secure the sheep and lambs was to make a law that al! dogs be chained or confined from six or seven o c.ock at night till eight o'clock next morning, except when being under the care of their masters during these hours, and that dogs kept by farmers all paid the tax. If a dog was good for any pur- pose, he was worth his licence. The poor man who kept the only animal he could keep had to pay. He thought the farmer who obeyed these restrictions would be likely to save the defenceless sheep and their young. Mr. Corbett concurred with Mr. Bate in the opinion that dogs should be chained during the night. A Member pointed out that many farmers kept dogs to protect their property during the night, and they would not keep a dog if they were com- pelled to chain it at night. Mr. Prescott thought it would be a very good thing if dogs were fastened at night, because he knew that dogs that had been let loose at night to protect the premises, had gone astray and were some of the worst sheep-worriers in the county. The Chairman: I am afraid when a dog gets drawn into such evil practices, it is very difficult to eradicate them. Mr, 'L} +P""on woved, and Mr. Prescott seconded, that dogs be chained from one hour after sunset till one hour before stmrise. Mr. Holland said lit- would take stronger measures, and say that -eny dog found at large during the night would be liable to be shot. (Laughter.) Mr. Wright understood that anybody was at liberty to shoot a dog to save the life of his sheep. Mr. Holland said that was not so. He was of opinion, however, that the owners of dogs that worried sheep should be liable to pay compensa- tion. He had had several good flocks of sheep ruined by dogs, and it was solely on account of the worrying by dogs that he had given up keep- ing sheep. Mr. J. Furber moved ä an amendment—That though sympathising with the idea, the Chamber is of opinion that so long as the dog be on the owner's premises, no action should be taken." The meeting voted—for the amendment 6, against 11, and the resolution was accordingly carried. SPEED OF MOTOR-CARS. Discussion was invited on the subject of the speed of motor-cars, which will be before the Cen- tral Chamber. Mr. Holland said he did not know whether it would be of any use to adopt regulations, as the law seemed to have no effect with regard to the speed of motor-cars. Motor-cars had been passing through his neighbourhood at the rate of sixty miles an hour during the last fortnight, and it was a wonder that nobody was killed. It seemed to him that the officers of the law dare not interfere. (Laughter.) Mr. Whittaker said if they could not pass a reso- lution, they might influence public opinion. It was very difficult to judge the speed of a motor- car, and the regulations were violated every day. He did not think it was safe for a motor-car to run more than 15 or 16 miles an hour. Mr. J. Nunnerley (Audlem) said it was remark- able that serious accidents had not occurred in consequence of the high speed of motor-cars. Motor-cars flew along the main roads and bye- roads in the country at a speed of forty miles an hour, and the excessive speed was practically dangerous from the fact that the footpaths on the main roads were being widened to such an extent that they occupied at least one-third of the width of the road. He moved that some limit should be placed upon the speed of motor-cars, which should not exceed fifteen miles per hour. The resolution was defeated by nine votes to three. A resolution was then adopted, on the motion of Mr. Furber, in favour of the placing of a reason- able limit upon the speed of motor-cars. COMPENSATION FOR FEEDING STUFFS. A report was submitted by the committee ap- pointed to consider the proposals of the Sur- veyors' Institution on a scale of compensation for feeding stuffs. They recommended the Chamber to approve the principle suggested by the Sur- veyors' Institution, that compensation ing the value to an incoming tenant- should be based on the manurial value, and not on the cost price of the feeding stuffs consumed, and that Messrs. Lawes and Gilbert's Table 10, as pub- lished in the journal of the Royal Agricultural Society of England, December 31st, 1897, be ac- cepted as a guide. They recommended the more general practice of free sale of produce, and of market value being allowed for unconsumed pro- duce, and for farmyard manure left on holdings, in which cases claims for feeding stuffs consumed be not preferred. The committee would, never- theless, allow some elasticity in valuer's practice to meet the exigencies of special cases and for solely grass land farms. The value of farmyard manure should be based on the quality of the feeding stuffs consumed and the description of the stock fed, and also on the care with which the' manure has been preserved, and on the situation and demand caused by the 'system of farming fol- lowed in the district. The committee specially recommended that the condition and previous management of the holding be in every case kept in view in arriving at a valuation for unexhausted improvements. They also suggested that the Chamber invite a conference with the Surveyors' Institution, with a view to a mutual arrangement. After some discussion, the report was adopted, on the motion of Mr. Prescott, seconded by Mr. Wright.

SHREWSBURY STORE STOCK SALES. Preece, Everall and Waddington s special sale tock place on Friday, when tolls were paKl °n 9^ cattl The sale opened with 60 splendid We S bullocks from Sir Edward Newgate, which made from £ 10 10s. up to £ 13 2s. Gd. a head, 32s. 6d. to 40s. 6d. a cwt. Another important lot, 100 Angus cows and heifers from Mr. Phibbs, of Ballymote, sold remarkably well, and made from 31s. to 37s. a cwt. Mr. Hawkshaw's Angus bullocks made 38s. 6d. to 41s. 3d. a cwt., and a large consignment of 85 from Mr. R. M. Campbell, of Dungiven, made from 36s. 8d. to 39s. 6d. a cwt. Lord Sligo's lot sold very well, and made 43s. 2d. a cwt., the record price at these sales. The firm's next sale will be held on June 20th, Lord Sligo, Mr, Phibbs, Mr. Campbell, Mr. Hawkshaw, Mr. Murray, and Mr. Johnstone have already made large entries.

CREWE. EXCHANGE BURNED.—Crewe Corporation Corn Exchange was gutted by fire on Friday, several thousand pounds' worth of damage being caused.

KINGSLEY. A CHILD'S DEATH.-Mr. J. C. Bate held an inquest on Friday, at Frodsham Lordship, concern- ing the death of Mary Hough, the nine-month-old daughter of Peter Hough, labourer, Kingsley.— Jane Anne Eastwood, district nurse, saw the child on Sunday, when it was suffering from broncho pneumonia.—Dr. Selby said he made a post- mortem examination. He hardly thought that pneumonia was extensive enough to have caused death.—A verdict of death from natural causes was returned.

HA WARDEN. NEW ST. DEINIOL'S LIBRARY. The new St. Deiniol's Library at Hawarden, the national memorial to Mr. Gladstone, which will cost £ 10,000, is now nearing completion. The exterior is exceedingly handsome, the stone being of light colour, and the architecture Gothic. The interior comprises two large halls, corridors, studios, etc., and the fittings are of carved oak. The foundation-stone bears the inscription: "In this building, erected to his memory by a grateful Nation, is preserved the Library of William Ewart Gladstone, who, eminent no less as Theo- logian than as Statesman, established this founda- tion for the advancement of Divine Learning. This stone was laid in the presence of the Lord Bishop of the diocese, by the Duke of Westmin- ster, K.G., Oct. 5, 1899. G. C. Joyce, warden."

H FLSBY. CHURCH PARADE.—The first church parade held in connection with the local order of Druids' and Foresters' societies took place in ideal weather on Sunday afternoon and created a good deal of interest. Not only was the procession watched by a large number of people but the church was filled to its utmost capacity. The members of the respective orders, of whom a number wore their regalia, assembled at the Telegraph Manufacturing Company's works at about 2.30 p.m., whence they marcned in procession, headed by the Helsby Braas Band, to the parish church. About 200 members took part. The service was conducted by the Rev. E. R. Hutchinson, vicar of Dunham Hill, who preached M» (ho 8W man fay*1 4iiA WOTCJS "Ijove the brotherhood." The band accompanied the hymns. A collection was made in aid of the Chester Infirmary funds.

DUNHAM HILL. ANCIENT ORDER OF FORESTERS.—The annual anniversary of Court Dunham-o'-th'-Hill, 547, took place on Tuesday. The members assembled at the court-house, the Wheat Sheaf, at 9.30, and headed by the Helsby Public Band, proceeded to church, where an excellent and ap- propriate sermon was delivered by the vicar (the Rev. W. Hutchinson). After service, the proces- sion was reformed, and the residences of honorary members at Trafford and Thornton-le-Moors were visited. Dinner was afterwards served at the court-house. The Rev. Mr. Hutchinson presided, and was supported by Bros. Wright, Hassall and W. Lee (honorary members), and Jeffs, D.C.R., Potts, P.D.C.R., and Johnson (secretary). After dinner the usual loyal and patriotio toasts were duly honoured. The balance-sheet, submitted by the secretary, shewed that this old-established court is making considerable progress, the member- ship during last year having increased, and the funds to the extent of about £ 100.

FLINT. ODDFELLOWS' SPORTS.—These sports, held on Tuesday, were favoured with fine but cold weather. There was a capital entry, and the attendance numbered about 3,000. Results: Boys' race (150 yards): 1, D. J. Lloyd, Flint; 2, E. D. O'Niel, Flint; 3, R. J. Lloyd, Bagillt. Flat handicap (120 yards): 1, W. Walton, Shotton, 12 yards start; 2, J. Kelly, Sheffield, 7; 3, S. J. Newns, Chester, 11. Won easily by two yards. Pony race, distanoe about six furlongs: 1, Mr. R. Wright's Annie; 2, Mr. R. Horton's Good Scholar; 3, Mr. W. G. Roberts's Lady Nin. High jump: 1, J. Williams, Rhyl; 2, G. Hum- phries, Buckley; 3, T. Jones, Flint. One mile bicyole handicap: 1, Robert Durham, Queen's Ferry, 50 yards start; 2, T. Ridgway, Chester, 20 3, H. Pope, Mold 105. 200 yards dog handi- cap 1, E. Westhead s Maggie, 14 £ yards start; 2, W. Tatlow's Young Bill, 15; 3, E. Westhead's Barmaid, 20. Quarter-mile handicap: 1, J. Geestry, Flint, 40 yards start; 2, W. Peters, Connah's Quay, 37; 3, A. S, Hall, Chester, 25. -» —

BUN BURY SCHOOL CONCERT.—A concert was given in the Public Hall on Wednesday by the scholars of the girls' and infants' school in aid of the fund for providing a school piano. The entertainment was m every way a success, and reflected great credit upon Miss Wager (the headmistress) and her staff. Tne sum of £ 5 lis. lOd. was realised, the total amount now in hand for this object being 217 3s. 8d. The Rev. S. P. Townend occupied the chair. Gladys Edwards and Laurie Manley were well received. Connie Davenport as "Maritana" was a great success, her rendering of the "Recita- tive" being specially worthy of praise. The chorus "Angels that around us hover" was taste- fully sung, and the chorus "Let me like a soldier fall" was re-demanded. Ruth Smethurst was unfor- tunately taken ill, and her part in the second half had to be left out. Her place in the dances was taken by Miriam Vickers. Mr. J. Humphries was received as usual, and his singing of "Jack's the Boy left nothing to be desired. Later in the even- ing he gave "Off to Philadelphia." The "Fan drill'' by the babies was pleasing and amusing. Connie Davenport in the coon songs Dinah and I lute her was quite at home, both songs being received with enthusiasm. All the dances were faultless, and the balloon song and drill were very pretty and effective. Nellie Williamson as Fairy in the introduction and as Don Ctesar in "Maritana" proved herself a capable little actress, the scene between Don Caesar and the Corregidor being well acted. Mr. J. M. Taylor acted as accompanist throughout the evening.

The Best for Supper. Van Houten's Cocoa is so perfectly digestible that there is no fear of its causing a bad night's rest. Its nourishing qualities enable the blood to build up, during sleep, the material wasted by the previous day's work, worry or excite- ment. It soothes the nerves, and is alike strengthening, pure and delicious. | Don't forget to order a Tin from the Grocer next time.

GRESFORD. WORKMEN'S CLUB AND INSTITUTE.- The balance sheet for the past year in connectio with this excellent institution has just been issuec The total receipts wfere C60 5s. Id., and after payin all expenses a credit.ha.limnfi amounting- t

SAUGHALL. CONFERENCE.—On Whit-Monday the villagt experienced a large influx of visitors to attend t conference organised by the North Wales and Cheshire division of the Churches of Christ." In the afternoon they assembled in the Grove Chapel, under the presidency of Mr. Thomas Davies, oi Mollington. Reports from the various churches shewed, in many instances, gratifying progress. The chief feature of the meeting was a paper by Mr. James Flisher, of Manchester, on "The Church's Ministry to the Young." The subject was ably dealt with, and an interesting discussion followed. The afternoon meeting was succeeded by a tea in the Town Hall, permission to use the building having been given by Mr. Trelawny. Over 150 sal down to tea. Owing to the number of friends, it was necessary to hold the evening meeting in the Town Hall, which necessitated the removal of tht tea tables, &c., at very short notice. The meeting was presided over by Mr. J. Jones, of Egremont, and was addressed by several speakers, including Mr. J. Flisher, of Manchester, and Mr. Bartley Ellis, of Wigan. Advantage was taken of the occasion to present a handsome chair, with a suit- ably inscribed silver plate affixed, to Mr. Thomas Davies, as a mark of esteem, and in grateful recognition of many years' service as secretary of the association.

WILLASTON (WIRRAL). PRESENTATION TO MISS CAUNCE.—An interesting presentation has been made to Miss Sarah Caunce, second daughter of Mr. William Caunce, of Hadlow Cottage, Willaston, on the occasion of her marriage with Mr. Arthur Scott, of Little Neston the haj £ >y event taking place on Wednesday. Miss Caunce has been associated with the Neston National Schools from childhood, and was one of the principal members of the teaching staff up to a few weeks ago. She was highly popular both with managers, teachers and children, and a testimonial, which was set on foot by Miss Fairbrother, the headmistress, and Miss Webb, the senior Sunday school teacher, was freely supported, with the result that Miss Caunce has been presented with a handsome tea and coffee service. Acoompanying the service was the fol- lowing letter from the Rev. Canon Turner, chair- man of the School Committee:—"On behalf of the headmistress and teachers of Neston National School and a few friends, I ask your acceptance of the accompanying tea. and coffee service on your resignation of the post of assistant mistress. In offering you this token of their regard, the donors desire to express their cordial good wishes on youi approaching marriage. As chairman of th( managers, I may add that your long and faithfu services (extending over 13 years) have beer greatly valued, and that your resignation was ac. cepted with much regret.—Wishing you ever happiness in your married life, I remain, yours very truly, E. C. Turner."

MALPAS. LIVERY STABLE-KEEPER'S FAILURE.— On Friday, before Mr. Registrar Speakman, at Crewe Bankruptcy Court, Lucy Dod, of Hampton, Malpas, attended for her public examination. The total indebtedness was returned as £336 3s. 2d., and the deficiency jS89 14s. 8d. The debtor alleged as the cause of her failure the taking over of her late husband's liabilities after his death. Bankrupt, in reply to Mr. F. P. Lamb, deputy official receiver, stated that her late husband, Mr. Philip Dod, who died in May of last year, had carried on business as a livery stable keeper at Hampton, near Malpas, for about twenty years. The bankrupt's first hus- band was the late Mr. J. E.j'Hall, woollen merchant, of Bury, who when he died left her in trust about £ 4,000. She was married some years after to Philip Dod, and assisted him in his business. Her income from her previous husband's estate was about £ 150 a year, and for a year or two before Dod's death she estimated that she put about a third of that to the support of his business. After Dod died she continued the business, taking over his liabilities. At his death he was insol- vent. Several creditors sued her and obtained judgment against her, some of these debts having been incurred prior to her late husband's death. Mr. Lamb asked if any interpleader action was set up. The debtor said she believed her solicitor made a. protest, but she did not know whether any action was taken. In February two execu- tions were levied at the house and stables at Hampton, and the whole of her effects were sold. With the exception of about E55, for money borrowed, the liabilities were mainly in respect of goods supplied. In January the debtor sold a considerable portion of her effects, which reached about AZW. She had the sale because she found the business too large for her to carry on. She paid the money so ""realised to her creditors. The debtor has three children, two by her first hus- band and one by the second. She still had an interest in the estate of her first husband, who died about 1892.—The Deputy Official Receiver said the position was rather a complex one, and he asked for an adjournment for the examination of certain documents.—The Registrar adjourned the examination for two months.

BUCKLEY. CHORAL SOCIETY.—The Buckley Choral Class, under the leadership of Mr. Wilfrid Jones, which is held under the auspices of the Mold School Board, gave their third annual per- formance to a crowded and enthusiastic audience on Wednesday night in the Central Hall, the oratorio being "Judas Maccabseus." The previous festivals were rendered in a huge marquee, but this year two performances have been given, the former taking place in January. The artists were Messrs. Maldwyn Humphries, Emilyn Davies, Miss Florrie Williams, and Miss Florrie Jones, the orchestra leader being Mr. Haseldene. ST. MATTHEW'S CHURCH RENOVATION. —A specially-convened vestry meeting of St. Matthew's Parish Church, held on Thursday night last week, the Rev. Harry Drew presiding, requested the vicar and churchwardens to apply for a faculty for the erection of the peal of bolls and clock, and for the removing of the font e.nd its replacement by a new one, which is being erected by old scholars to the memory of the late schoolmaster, Mr. Tyson, at a cost of £ 110. The dedication services of the font, the new baptistry, the memorial erected to the memory of the late Mrs. W. E. Gladstone (the gift of Mrs. Drew), the porch, and bells are provisionally arranged to take place on July 30 next. ROWDYISM AT MOLD.—Our Mold corre- spondent writes:-Thc, evening visits to Mold on Saturdays and Bank Holidays of the Buck!ey larrikins has for years past been a cause of dis- quietude to the peaceable denizens of Chester- road and Pentre Hill, Mold. Not very long ago a party of home-returning roysterers amused them- selves by overturning the boundary wall of the Primitive Methodist Chapel. The Primitive Methodists of Mold, be it said, are a struggling denomination, who rely for their very existence upon the physical exertions and self-denial of a faithful few. The miscreants fortunately were discovered, and were compelled to make good the result of their wanton destructiveness. 'Tis to be regretted the matter was not made the subject of police court proceedings, and that a period of de- tention with hard labour was not the result. At midnight on Whit Monday one. of a party of re- turning Buckleyites varied the harmony by resort- ing to the use of firearms near Fair View, with which to decide a friendly (?) argument, and evi- dences of their amiable deliberations remain on an adjacent bill-posting station in the form of shots and blood splashes. We are left to conjecture what form the next outrage on the public peace will assume, and what loss to life and limb may be the consequence.

I ALDFORD. CHURCH ARMY. During the past week n services conducted by Captain Robinson of the held each even tig in the g Churton Infant School.

^OKTHtouFi. SCHOOL REPORT. The managers have > ecently received the report of Mr. L. J. Roberts, J his Majesty's Inspector. It is as follows This f school is taught in a highly satisfactory manner. Ihe premises have been much improved. The new I museum cupboard is a great boon."

TATTENHALL. OPENING OF NEW CHAPEL.-An interest- «-g Jcerejnony ,took place at Tattenhall Lanes on i Wednesday afternoon. The occasion was the opening of the new Primitive Methodist Chapel and School. The chapel which formerly stood on that spot was erected in 1851. It having become unsafe, it was decided to build a new one, with the result that the present building was erected. The chapel itself is slightly larger than its pre- decessor, while there is the addition of two school- i rooms. On Wednesday, a large number of the members of the chapel assembled outside and sang1 the hymn, "How pheasant, how divinely fair." A prayer having been offered by the Rev. T. Kynaston, Tarporley, Mr. J. Sadler introduced Mrs. H. A. Clegg, Chester, and presented her with a beautiful silver key, with which she opened the chapel. A service was then held, at which the Rey. J. Tolefree Parr (London) preached. In the evening Mr. Parr gave a lecture, entitled "Wanted —A Man," which was listened to with great in- terest by a large audience. At the service the members of the Chorley Choir assisted, while the organist was Mr. Wilfrid Sadler. 'i

,It ".D. The marriage arranged between Mr. Hamish Cross, son of the late Major James Cross, J.P., of Widnes and Mold, and of Mrs. Cross, of Llangollen, and Lily Constance, fourth daughter of the late John Pinckney, of Great Durnford, Salis- bury, will take place very quietly, on the 19th of June, at Great Durnford. PROMOTION FOR A MOLD CURATE.— The Rev. Evan Jones B.A., who for the last four and a half years has been senior curate of Mold, has been offered and has accepted the living of St. Mary's, Llanfaircareinion, rendered vacant by the death of the Rev. William Jones. THE SERVICE VOLUNTEERS. The first annual dinner to commemorate the first employment of Volunteers in actual service, which took place on Friday evening in London, and is reported in another column, owes its inception to Captain T. M. Keene, Mold (A) Company, 2nd Vol. Bat Royal Welch Fusiliers, who is the lion. secretary. DEATH OF AN INDIAN MUTINY | VETERAN. — Last week the remains of Mr. 1 William Henry West, were interred in St. Mary's I Churchyard. At the age of 14 years the deceased enlisted in the Northumberland Fusiliers, and his 21 years of Army service included an experience in the Indian Mutiny. For 26 years he occupied the position of book-keeper to Messrs Henry Roberts and Sons, the County Stores. Deceased was a remarkably well-read man and of more than average intelligence, and this fact in conjunction with his unvarying courtesy accounted for his widespread popularity.

NESTON. MAKING HIS BED ON THE PARAPET — At the Petty Sessions, on Wednesday, William Parry, of Burton, was chairged before Colonel Lloyd with beig drunk and incapable on the pre- vious day. It appears that Parry had been ob- served about the town in a very drunken state, and finally Mr. Reginald BusheU, finding him lying drunk across the parapet and in danger of rolling in the way of any passing conveyance, communi- cated with the Neston Police Station, and he was taken in for safety.—Fined 10s., including costs. CYCLE CLUB.—On Thursday evening a social gathering in connection with Neston and District Cycle Club took place at the Hooton Hotel. Owing to the persistent downpour of rain, the members were unable to cycle to the rendezvous, as had previously been arranged, and travelled by train. After a substantial repast, the cus- tomary loyal and patriotic toasts were proposed by Mr. F. Goodwin, who occupied the chair, and during the intervals songs were given by Miss B. Jelliooe, and Messrs. Ashley, Swallow and Mealor. PRESENTATIONS.—Miss C. M. Rooke, daughter of Mr. Rooke, stationmaster, Neston, was on Tuesday the recipient of several presenta- tions at the National School, Atherton, Lanca- shire. Miss Rooke served her apprenticeship at the National Schools, Neston, and secured a position at Atherton, where she had been two and a half years. has now obtained a post under the West Ham (London) School Board, and will commence her new duties on Monday. Miss Rooke was presented with a drawing-room clock, with candlesticks to match; a blouse watch by the scholars; a picture by the headmistress; a table centre and cushion cover by the assistant teachers; vases and photo frames by the pupil teachers; two gold charms by two little scholars; a teapot by Mrs. Brown; and a hall brush stand and salt cellars by Mrs. and Miss Evans. The Rev. Mr. Potter, curate, expressed his regret at the severance of Miss Rooke's connection with the schools and also at the loss of her valuable assistance in the choir. He wished her every success in her new appointment.

WHITCHURCH. ) CRUELTY TO A MARE. -At Whitchurch Petty r Sessions, on Friday morning, Joseph and William Bradshaw, Heath-lane, Whitchurch, farmers, were oharged with cruelty to a mare by I working her while in an unfit state. George Lang- ford. in the Bradshaw's employment, was also charged with working the mare.—P. S. Taylor and P.C. Jones said the mare was in great pain, and totally unfit for work. They had never seen a worse case.-The Bradshaws were fined 2s. 6d. and costs, and Langford 6d. and costs. FOUR MONTHS' IMPRISONMENT. — Edward H. Ridings, a respectably-dressed insurance agent, was charged on remand at Whitchurch Police Court, on Friday morning, with stealing an opera glass, a tobacco pouch, pince-nez and other articles, from Alfred Ladds, a fellow-lodger; a sil- ver watch from Mrs. Parry, Whitchurch; and a pair of spectacles and a scarf pin from Mrs. Kelly, his late landlady. He was apprehended at Man- chester last Saturday by Sergeant Taylor. He was sentenced in all to four months' hard labour. DOG V. Sow.-At Whitchurch Petty Sessions, on Friday, Chas. Brown, Whixall, was summoned for setting his dog at a sow belonging to Thomas Huxley, with intent to be cruel. The evidenca shewed that the pig had been bitten in two places and bled profusely, her recovery at one, time being doubtful. Complainant's father said defendant admitted having set his dog at the, pig. Mr. Senior, veterinary surgeon, Wem, gave evidence. The Bench decided that action should have been taken in the County Court. POLICE STOP A MARRIAGE.—At Whit- church Police Court on Tuesday, before Mr. W. Ledsham, Lewis Victor Ellson was charged with deserting the Lancashire Regiment, and was remanded to await an escort.—Ellson, it may be remembered, was apprehended by P.S. Taylor in Whitchurh on May 4th. The escort duly leached Shrewsbury, but when at Wellington Station, en route for Aldershot, Ellson managed to slip the escort, and nothing more was seen of him until Monday. On the after- noon of that day P.C. Andrews had been taking a prisoner from Whitchurch to Shrewsbury, and having completed his business went into a public-house, where he saw Ellson. He at once took him into custody, and they reached Whit- church at 6-20. Ellson is a native of Northwich. He had procured a licence for his marriage with a widow, and but for the intervention of the polica the marriage would have taken place before this.