The Chester Courant and Advertiser for North Wales

PARR'S BANK. AMALGAMATION SCHEME. At a special general meeting of Parr's Bank to-day, a scheme was provisionally approved for amalgamation with Pares's Leicestershire Banking Company, Limited.

COMMERCIAL'S CONJUGAL RELATIONS. To-day, at Northwich, Charles Gray, a weE- known Northwich traveller, was charged with neg- lecting to provide maintenance for his wife and two children. The parties have been married 26 years, and separated i 1900, but resumed rela- tions in June last.—Complainant deposed that in October he burst the door, and had since drank con- tinuously.—Defendant said he had given his wife JE700, house furniture, and B600 insurance policies.—The Bench granted a separation order with 10s. weekly maintenance.

DESTROYER IN DANGER. STRANDED ON VERICK ROCK. At four o'clock this morning, in a thick fog, the torpedo boat destroyer Recruit struck Verick Rock, about a 'mile off Cape Cornwall, St. Just, and began to sink The crow were ordered to the boats and a rocket sent up. The destroyer soon settled on the rock, and as she remained fast, the crew re- boarded her and a.re standing by. The sea is smooth and there is no danger to life. If tugs arrive before the tide rises there is a probability of saving the vessel. Lloyd's Penzance agent telegraphs at 8.37 a.m Water reported in tht- stoke hole of Recruit. Penzance, 10.40 a.m. The steamer Fleswick, of Whitehaven, and the City of Brussels are standing by the stranded Jlcoruiz. The tide L, rising, but the sea remains very calm. It is feared the bottom of the vessel is rent, and there is httle probability she will be immediately towed off. ASSISTANCE FROM DEVONPORT. The cruiser Hyaciath, the destroyer Vigilant, and tugs are being 3ent from Devonport to the Recruit's assistance. The Recruit, which is com- manded by Lieut. Cecil E. Rooke, was launched last year.

YORK MEETING. TUESDAY. APPRENTICES' PLATE.—Cara Mia, 1; Overbury, 2 Boss Croker, 3. Six ran. STAND SELLING STAKES.— Nekomis g, 1; Busiris, 2 Corn Rose f., 3. Seven ran. ZETLAND STAKES.—No Denial, 1; Verglas, 2 Syme, 3. Five ran.

DEATH OF M. CONSTANT. A FAMOUS ARTIST. A Renter's telegram from Paris states that M. Benjamin Constant, the well-known painter, died on Monday afternoon. M. Constant was born in Pans in 1845. He studied at the Eoole des Beaux Arts, and under M, Cabanel. He was one of the most famous painters of the modern French school. His best-known pictures are "Samson and Delilah," "Le Harem," and "La Vengeance du Cherif," while his portrait of Queen Victoria attracted much attention at last year's Royal Academy. "La Vengeance du Cherif," painted in 1885, was a larga picture typical of the master's latest manner-mr.. Oriental subject as melo- dramatic as possible, with ample opportunities for the nude, and strong effects of colour. He exhibited "Judith" and "Justinien" in 1886; "Orphee" and "Thoodora" in 1887; decorative panels for the new Sorbonne in 1888; Le Jour des Funerailles," a jcene in Morocco, in 1889; "Beethoven" and "Victrix" in 1890. The painter bad won several medals, and was promoted to the rank of Officer of the Legion of Honour. He married a daughter of M. Emmanuel Arago. I

KING OF THE BAROTSIS, o A CORONATION GUEST. An interesting Royal guest for the Coronation, King Lewanika, paramount chief of Barotsiiand, arrived at Southampton on Saturday by the Dunottar Castle. He was met by a privatc- secretary from the Co'onial Office, bearing a special letter from Mr. Chamberlain, containing 8. tnessago of weloosoc? from I £ ing E-dw&rd. Lo- wanika is a tall, v/ell-built and very black man, with a very intelligent face. The Rev. Mr. JciJa, of the Paris Evangelical Mission, who has known Lewanika. intimateiy for twelve years, in the course of an interview with Reuter's representative, gave some additional par- ticulars about the chief's fife. "This," he said, "is the first time that Lewanika has ever been further from home taan the outskirts of his king- dom. He is about fifty years of age, and a man of the greatest intelligence. He comes from a long line, who for centuries have ruled Barotsi- land. His grandfather occupied the throne some- where between 1820 and 1830, and on his death was succeeded by oti- of his sons, who died, and whose place was taken by a younger brother, uncle of Lewanika. During this chief's reign the great Makololo invasion occurred, and for nearly forty years this people ruled the country. In 1866 a revolt occurred, and Lepopa, another uncle of Lewanika, captured the throne, Lewanika himself came to poorer at the end of 1377, and with the exception oi about a year has remained until now paramount chief. In 1384. as the direct result of Lewanika's extreme cruelty, a revolt took place, and Lewanika had to fly for his life, only narrowly escaping death. He suc- ceeded in escaping to the outskirts of Barotsiiand with his eldest son Litia, but his other sons and some of his daughters were massacred, and his wives captured. For a whole year he remained in exile, buc again came into power in 1385. after a series of desperate conflicts. Since then he has ruled uninterruptedly. Now and again a stray traveller visited Barotsi. Although Livingstone passed through the country, Lewanika never saw him, and the chief's first real experience of Euro- peans was with the Rev. F. Coillarte, of the Paris Mission, who has been a lifelong friend, and is now in his country. Since 1889 I have been work- ing with Mr. Coillarte in Barotsila.nd. and have been in constant communication with Lewanika. In 1388 Lewanika asked for British protection over his country, which is about the size of Ger- many, but. his chiefs at that time were- not agree- able.- Since 1890 his kingdom has been practically, and in 1897 definitely, under British protection, Lewanika now receiving an annual subsidy from the Chartered Company. As I have said, Le- wanika is a transformed character, but is not a professed Christian. His only reason for not be- coming one is his unwillingness to abandon poly- gamy. He ha3 twelve wives. His son Litia, heir to the throne, is a Christian, is married to one 11 wife, and speaks a little English. His eldest j daughter has also abandoned Paganism. Le- wanika has always realised the advantages of British rule, and for years past has done his best to promote Christianity. His present Prime Minister was specially selected because he was a Christian. Lewanika himself, though in a degree forced to be a polygamist, is by no means a vicious man. For seven years he has never touched alcohol in any form, and for nine years has rigorously forbidden slave raiding. He has not given up polygamy because it is so closely associated with the native religious belief. Scarcely a Sunday parses without his being present at the "Christian services, and he actually assists in educational work in his country. There are no fewer than a thousand children under training in Barotsi. Lewanika deliberately chose to be under British protection. Years ago he might have been under Portuguese influence, but he repeatedlv refused this, as he always recognised the superioritv of British methods. In this it is onlv right to say he was encouraged by Khama, who often sent messages and letters to him.

GUESTS OF "KING CHRISTIAN.—President Loubet and M. Delcasse, on their return voyage from Russia, on Sunday, visited Copenhagen. They were met before landing by King Christian and the Danish Princes, and escorted to the Amalienborg Palace, where they were the guests of his Majesty at luncheon. In proposing the health of M. Loubet, the King said he drank to the health of the President, and to the welfare of the beautiful land of which he wa* the first and most worthy representative. In reply, M. Loubet said nothing 'e him greater pleasure than to greet the revered Ploverei°-nof a nation for which France had nothing but esteem and sympathy. The French President and M. Delcasse then returned to the Montcalm, which continued its voyage to France.

PEACE PROSPECTS. ARRANGEMENTS AT CHESTER A MILITARY SALUTE. In the event of peace being declared, we under- stand a military salute will be fired on the Roodee. Residents near the Roodee will do well to slightly open their windows to avoid breakage through vibration.

A MONITORY NOTE. The proceedings at Friday's Cabinet Council, says Saturday's "Times," have naturally given rise to much speculation; but, in view of the extreme reserve maintained in responsible circles all through the different stages of the Pretoria nego- tiations, the various accounts to which publicity is given by the news agencies should be received with extreme caution. From the nature of the cir- cumstances in which the Cabinet Council was sum- moned, it may be inferred that the communica- tions submitted to it from the British authorities in Pretoria contained a statement of various points upon which an agreement has not yet been reached in the conferences with the Boer delegates, and in connection with which the latter have either asked for fuller explanations or pleaded for further con- cessions. Some of these points do not, probably, present serious difficulties; but others may have been regarded as inadmissable; and though on the whole there appear to be substantial grounds for hoping that the negotiations will result in the surrender of the Boer forces still in the field, it 8 u rr(, would be premature to assume that an immediate agreement on all the chief points is within sight. The terms of the reply to be given to the Boer delegates by his Majesty's High Commissioner and the Commander-in-Chief in South Africa. are c understood to have been settled at the Cabinet Council, and the delegates will in turn communi- cate them to the representatives of the com- mandos assembled at Vereeniging. Shortly after the Cabinet Council, which lasted nearly two hours, most of the Ministers returned to the country, as some little time may be ex- pected to elapse before the final resolution of the Boers is made known. Mr. Balfour proceeded to Hatfield on a visit to Lord Salisbury. Mr. Chamberlain, however, remained in town. IMPORTANT REFERENCES. MR. BRODRICK AND LORD ROSEBERY. At the dinner of the Volunteer Service Officers, Mr. Brodrick, in the course of his reply to the toast of the Imperial Forces, said: "I should go beyond my duty to-night if I were to enter upon these communications which are now passing, and which are a prelude, as we all hope, to the sur- render of the Boers now in the field. (Cheers.) All I may say is this, that the Government are as determined as ever they were not to purohase a temporary immunity from trouble by sacrificing anvthing which would tend to the permanent peace and security of South Africa. (Loud cheers.) I do not suppose there is any man in this room who has more reason to wish for pce than I have. I do not suppose, also, that there is anyone more conscious that all true Imperialists, all those who have given up their time or have risked their lives in the war, and all those who are now en- gaged in it, and all, or very nearly all, politicians will be at our back in the declaration I have just made to you." Lord Rosebery, speaking at tne National Liberal Club on Friday night, briefly referred to the topic of the hour, and said: "I have never doubted, and I do not doubt, that since this, I will not say armistice, but this peaceable arrange- ment was entered into, practically on the basis of the Boers surrendering their ^dependence, peace was certain in South Africa. But at any rate, whether that be so or not, the conclusion of peace is only the beginning of pacification." UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER. Pretoria, Friday. Mr. Seddon, the New Zealand Premier, speaking at an entertainment given in his honour, said, the soldiers and colonials having done their duty, it now devolved on the statesmen to do theirs, by securing peace, which, in the opinion of the majority, was only attainable by unconditional surrender. A SIGNIFICANT MESSAGE. Mr. Seddon, the New Zealand Premier, who has been in Pretoria, has telegraphed to Wellington that he has had a satisfactory interview with Lord Milner and Lord Kitchener, and that he does not consider the sending of another contingent is necessarv- According to a telegram from Pretoria. sent on Saturday, the advance portion of a commando had arrived at Balmoral, and the remainder of the commando was expected to arrive there at midnight to surrender. CABINET MEETING. The Cabinet met at 11.30 a.m. to-day. An idea prevailed that the meeting was not to be until noon. and consequently, there was no great assemblage of spectators in Downing-street when the Ministers began to arrive. Lord Salisbury came to town early. Much speculation prevails as to whether or not the gathering is to be followed by official announcements in the Commons. All the members were in attendance. The crowd waited until the Cabinet had been sitting about an hour and a half, and then quietly dispersed. Lord Balfour of Burleigh was the first Minister to leave the Foreign Office, he having to attend a sitting of the London Water Committee at 1.30 p.m. The other Ministers remained in Council. NO ANNOUNCEMENT TO-DAY. The Cabinet broke up at 1.45 p.m., and by 1.50all the Ministers had left the Foreign Office. It is believed no announcement of a definite character regarding peace negotiations will be made in the House this afternoon. IN THE BALANCE." BUDGET DISCUSSION INCONVENIENT. In the House of Commons to-day in a short dis- cussion concerning the business of the House, Mr. Balfour informed Sir Henry Campbell- Bannerman that it would be inconvenient to discuss the Budget while other things were in the balance. Mr. J. O'Kelly: Will Mr. Balfour inform the House' what terms have been offered to the Boers? No answer was given.

HELSBY. PARISH COUNCIL.—A meeting was held on Monday evening, Mr. J. T. Collier presiding.— The Clerk (Mr. G. Britland) said he had in- structed Messrs. Blythe and Nield to proceed with the bier for use at burials, and for which their tender had been accepted.—A letter from Parrs' Banking Company was read, stating that their directors had under consideration the ques- tion of opening a branch at Helsby.—The clerk was instructed to ask them for an early settlement of the matter.—The Chairman said the clerk wished to have a certain sum voted to him for payment of small accounts, but after discussion it was decided that the chairman should be autho- rised to sign cheques up to J65 value in the interim between meetings, the accounts to be subsequently passed by the Council.—The question of a safe for keeping the Council's documents, etc., in was brought forward, and it was left to the chairman to make enquiries into the matter. PAROCHIAL COMMITTEE.-A meeting of the Parochial Committee was held on Monday, Mr. J. T. Collier (chairman) presiding.—The Clerk read a letter from Mr. Radford, in which he stated that he had got out all the quantities for the sewage scheme, and he enclosed draft adver- tisement for the contractors' tenders.—The Clerk said he had requested Mr. Radford to let the Council have the separate quantities for th:' differ- ent sections of the scheme, and he had promised to do so as soon as possible.—It was decided that the plans of the scheme should be deposited at the surveyor's office for inspection.—A letter from Mr. W. Litt!er, of Liverpool, was read, complain- ing of the nuisance arising from sewage in a ditch adjoining his property situated in L'ttler's- lane. After discussion, it was decided that the surveyor be instructed to have it thoroughly cleaned out and kept in order until the sewage scheme comes into operation.—The Clerk produced the form of agreement between the Helsby and District Water Company and the Runcorn Rural District Council Tor' the purchase of the former's undertaking, and pointed out certain alterations made by the Water Company's solicitors.—After some discussion, the alterations in the agreement were modified so as to be considered satisfactory to both parties, and eventually passed by the Council.—The Inspector reported that he had received a complaint of an overflow of sewage from Mr. Musgrove's property, and he was instructed to see that gentleman and request him to attend to it at once.—A request from Mr. B. Clarke for a licence to use a shippon at Hillside Farm as a slaughter-house was granted for twelve months.—Mr. Collier complained of the bad state the road had been left in by the Frod- sham Gas Company after laying mains in Bate's- lane, and Mr. Ball also made a complaint of a similar nature in regard to the same road, due to the laying of water mains by the Helsby and Dis- trict Water Company.—The Surveyor was in- structed to attend to the matter and explain his reasons for not giving it his attention before.—The Chairman produced plans of the schoolroom pro- posed to be built by the Primitive Methodist and as the surveyor was not present, Messrs. T. Guest. S. Ball, J. Noden and \V. B. Barlow were appointed as a sub-committee to examine them, and if in order, to submit to the District Council for confirmation.

A CONSTABLE'S GALLANTRY.— Constable Log-an, of the Metropolitan Police. has distinguished him- self by an heroic attempt to save a suicide's life A young domestic servant threw herself into the river Lea and sank. Summoned to the spot, Logan doffed his helmet and tunic and jumped into 14ft. of water. He dived several times to the bottom, feeling for the body, but without result In his attempt at rescue the brave constable nearly lost his own life, and when he desisted from the task he was greatly exhausted and covered with mud.

THE CHESHIRE YEOMANRY. FROM OUR OWN REPORTER. The Earl of Chester's Imperial Yeomanry entered on their second week's encampment at Oakmere on Tuesday in last week. In the morning there was drill from eight o'clock to one o'clock, under Colonel the Earl of Harrington. The regiment turned out again at 2.30, and were engaged till five o'clock in skir- mishing and rifle drill. The camping ground lends itself splendidly to extended movements, and the attack against an imaginary enemy was ably car- ried out. Several miles of country were covered, I and the manoeuvres were of a very practical description. The men practise shooting with the Morris tube in camp, and excellent progress in marksmanship is recorded. Wednesday was another long field day. The morning was spent in squadron and regimental drill. Each squadron leader drilled the regiment in turn. The afternoon was spent in skirmishing and rifle drill. The field movements were entered into with intelligence and enthusiasm. Colonel Courtenay, of Chester, was present in an un- official capacity, and made some interesting suggestions. On Thursday the regiment were prisoners to Jupiter Pluvius. In other words, the steady and heavy fall of rain, which was truly described by a trooper as "worse than ever," was solely responsible for the cancelling of the regimental orders for the day. It was most unfortunate, for a very important scheme of outposts had been arranged. With a view to carrying out this plan the camp was earlier astir than usual, and the disappointment was keen among the rank and file when the rain compelled abandonment. The camp presented a sorry spectacle in the aftor- noon. As one approached there was so little activity that the little canvas town seemed deserted The tents, no longer "snow-white," were saturated; the horses stood dejectedly at their posts; here and there were muddy pools of water; above was a leaden sky with not a silver streak or patch of blue to relieve the gloom. Tne soldiers, with characteristic resource, made the best of it. Some curled themselves up in their rugs and slept, while many devised various methods of spending the hours of ease. The scheme of mimic warfare was postponed. SHAM FIGHT SCHEME. The general idea was sketched as follows: A hostile force (blue that has landed in the estuary of the Dee has seized Chester, and the Cheshire Brigade of Volunteers (red) have been obliged to retreat to Northwich, leaving the Cheshire Imperial Yeomanry as a rearguard to watch the enemy's advanced guard that have seized Eddisbury Hill. The officer commanding the Brigade directs the officer commanding the Cheshire Imperial Yeomanry to throw out a line of outposts to watch over and check the enemy's advance." The special idea was outlined as followsThrow out a line of outposts from the bridge over the railway at Winsford Junction to the cross-roads between Sidebottom Farm and Forest Farm. If the enemy does not advance you will be ordered to concentrate at Plover's Moss. 'A' Squadron, under Major the Hon. A. de Tatton Egerton, will watch the country between a line drawn perpendicular, east to west, between Winsford Junction and Massey Lodge. 'B' Squadron, under Major Lord Arthur Grosvenor, will be responsible for the country between lines drawn, east to west, between Massey Lodge and Folley Farm. 'C' Squadron, under Captain H. M. Wilson, will be responsible for lines drawn perpendicular, east to west, between Folley Farm and the cross-roads between Sidebottom Farm and Forest Farm. D' Squadron, under Major Brocklehurst, will patrol the country between the line of outposts at Eddis- bury Hili, and will try to obtain accurate in- formation concerning the strength and position of the enemy, who are supposed to be in a position at Eddisbury Hill; and if driven back, will fall back by the Abbey Arms to the cross- roads near Oakmere Hall." THE SOCIAL SIDE. There is no lack of entertainment at the Oak- mere Camp. When the day's work is over, the horses groomed and fed and the evening meal partaken of, the troopers are free to enjoy them- selves as their fancy dictates. The social side of the camp has been more developed this year than ever. Cricket, football, and other outdoor games have been enjoyed when the weather permitted. On Wednesday evening Eaton Squadron repre- sentatives beat an eleven of the Arley Squadron in a cricket match. The officers have played polo in an adjoining field, while many troopers have put in considerable time in the tent-pegging enclosure, doubtless with a view to securing prizes on a future day. Tent-pegging is not so easy as it seems, dash and brilliancy in execution requiring much practice. Some troopers have evinced a desire to perfect themselves in the use of the sword and bayonet. On Wednesday even- ing our representative witnessed a few interesting side shows, including a contest between "sword (mounted) and bayonet (dismounted)," and a single-sticks affray. The same evening there was a SING-SONG CAMP FIRE, which was a great success. Materials for a huge bonfire were conveyed to the top of a little hill in the camp, and was lighted at night-fall. The flames, gleaming fitfully in the Forest, attracted many visitors, who gathered round with the regiment. Numerous songs were rendered, Capt. Sir niiip Grey-Egerton, among others, singing one, for which he was loudly applauded. Thus a couple of hours were spent in merry-making. Many indoor entertainments have been en- joyed. On Tuesday evening the officers gave a dance at their mess, which had been tastefully decorated for the occasion. Among the. ladies present were the Duchess of Westminster, Lady Grey-Egerton, Lady Delamere, Mrs. Tomkinson, the Misses Kearsley, Miss Swetenham, Mrs. Legh, etc. The musio was supplied by the regimental band. On Thursday evening the men enjoyed another capital concert given by the officers. In addition to these there have been many impromptu entertainments, which have added brightness to the camp life. On Thursday a visit to the camp was antici- pated from the Lord Lieutenant of the County (Earl Egerton of Tatton), and an escort, under Lieut. Phillips, went to Hartford Station to meet the train. His lordship, however, did not arrive, probably on account of the disagreeable weather.' The Cheshire Hounds, while on exercise, have once or twice called at camp. The health of the regiment and the horses continues excellent. Regret is expressed that Sergeant- Major Cooper is detained at home through ill- ness. Sergeant-Major Dye is this time the regimental sergeant-major, and is capably dis- charging the manifold duties of the position. VISIT OF LORD CHESHAM. An interesting day was spent on Friday in the Earl of Chester's Yeomanry camp at Delamere. The reveille sounded at five o'clock, and half an hour later the men were grooming their horses. Breakfast was served at 6.45, and the parade was to have been at eight o'clock, but was delayed by rain. An important sham fight had been planned, but the unsettled state of the weather caused a change in the programme, ordinary field manoeuvres being undertaken instead. There was extended formation and skirmishing under the colonel commanding, the Earl of Harrington. About the middle of the morning there was a distinguished visitor to camp in the person of Lord Chesham, who made a complimentary inspection of the regiment. The various squadrons were put through the different movements by Lord Chesham, and they finished by filing past his lordship, arms at the carry. After dinner the squadrons were lectured by their commandants on reconnaissance and out- post duty. For the evening another concert was arranged. The Duchess of Westminster accompanied Lord Chesham's staff in the field on horseback. The officers engaged in polo practice in the afternoon. REGIMENTAL. SPORTS. Ideal weather prevailed on Saturday, and a large number of visitors came to the camp. From a military point of view the encampment has been attended by valuable results. The showy, and somewhat useless, drills of the past have been dis- pensed with, and manoeuvres of an eminently practical nature substituted in their stead. Despite the disagreeable climatic conditions that have pre- vailed, the health of the men has been excellent, and the horses, which have not been under cover at all, have stood the cold and wet wonderfully well. Very y few of the animals have been sick, and many of them look better than when they went into camp. On Saturday Trooper Riseley, of Congleton, had his head cut, and was rather badly shaken through his horse falling backwards, while Regimental Quarter-Master Lewis was thrown from his horse and dislocated his shoulder. Saturday morning was devoted to outpost duty, and the judging of horses, in which the men always take the keenest interest, took place, the judges being Major Kearslev and Captain Higson. The prizes for the best troop horses in the squadrons were awarded as follows :—"A" Squadron. Sergt. Wright, Trooper Cook, Trooper Greaty, Trooper Moss; "B" Squadron, Quarter-Master Alhvood, Sergeant Pickering, Trooper Jackson, Trooper J. Jones; "C" Squadron, Lance-Corporal J. Piatt, Trooper Hull, Trooper Simpson, Trooper Boffey, Trooper Hitchinson (reserve); "D" Squadron, Quarter-Master Lawton, Trooper Price, Trooper Bowen, and Trumpeter Lawton. The winners of the regimental prizes wereLance-Corporal J. Platt, "C" Squadron; Trooper Hull, "C" Squadron: Quarter-Master Sergeant Alhvood, "B" Squadron; Trooper Greaty, "A" Squadron; and Trooper Price, "D" Squadron. Regimental sports were held in the afternoon. A large attend- ance of spectators included the Duchess of West- minster, who rode over in a motor car from Eaton with Mr. George Wyndham, M.P., Mr. Christopher Kay, Col. Courtenay, chief staff officer North-Western District, Mr. J. L. Birkett, &c. Colonel the Earl of Harrington acted as judge, and among the officers present were Lieut.-Colonel Tomkinson, M.P., Major Lord Arthur Grosvenor, Captain Sir Philip Grey- e Egerton, Captain the Duke of Westminster, Captain H. M. Wilson, M.F.H., Captain Neil Haig (adjutant), Lieutenants E. W. Swetenham, Harry Barnston, Legh, R. N. H. Verdin, Barbour, &c. An interesting item was a musical ride by 14 picked men from the various squadrons. The principal competitions resulted as follows:—Heads and posts: Trooper Hall, C Squadron, 13 points; Trooper Blackburn, "A," 11; Trooper Walley, B," 9. Lemon cutting: Corporal Hanna, "C" Squadron, 14; Trooper Yarwood, "C," 10; Trooper Hazlehurst, "A," 8. Victoria Cross (rescuing dummy figures): I, Trooper Hule, "C" Squadron; 2, Trooper Jackson, "B" 3, Trooper Walley, B Tug-of-war: 1, Eaton Squadron 2, Arley Squadron. SUNDAY. Charming weather again prevailed on Sunday. Colonel Tomkinson visited all the lines in the morning and the commanding officer inspected the new clothing. LNIany, of the men have been supplied with a drab cotoured uniform, and next year they will be furnished with this uniform. They also have a smart looking uniform, for walking out, with blue serge jackets, and they have been supplied with regimental cloaks instead of the out-of-date capes. In the morning there was a celebration of the Holy Communion at eight o'clock, the Rev. J. Prodgers (hon. chaplain) officiating, and at ten o'clock church parade was held in the open, there being a large attendance of the general public. The regi- mental band supplied the music, and the hymns sung were "Through the night of doubt and sorrow," "Onward, Christian Soldiers and I "Fight the good fight." The hon. chaplain preached a. sermon on Memory, taking his text from St. Luke xvi., 25. MONDAY. Despite occasional showers, pleasant weather ^aain the rule on Monday. The men had a 8 j <fy'3 work- Reveille sounded at 5 o'clock, and "stables" occupied the time from 5.30 to 6.30. Breakfast was served at a quarter to seven, and the regiment turned out half an hour later, the parade being at nine o'clock. Col. Courtenay inspected the regiment, the different squadron commanders and captains taking their turn at drill. In the afternoon the various squadrons paraded at intervals of about an hour, and the officers and non-commissioned officers were tested in their knowledge of drill by Col. Courtenay. Among the visitors to the camp were the Duchess of Westminster. Our reporter gleaned some interesting particulars respecting the commis- sariat department from the caterer for the SE,Irgeants' mess and the men's mess, Mr. John Baker, Tattenhall, who has discharged his duties to the satisfaction of everyone. Mr. Baker has cevised a special cooking range for the camp. It is in three sections, which bolt together, and is very portable. The range can be taken to pieces in five minutes, and this would obviously be a great convenience in warfare. There are about 450 men in camp, and the task of supplying their inner cravings is no light one. About 4 cwt. of bacon is cooked every morning, and 1,400 eggs poached, while about 6501b. of meat is served up daily, with the same weight of vege- tables. Already the regiment have disposed of about three tons of potatoes. TUESDAY. INTERESTING SHAM FIGHT. To-day is the second day of the inspection, and the operations are favoured with fine weather. Reveille sounded at five o'clock, and shortly after breakfast the men turned out for the purpose of carrying out a tactical scheme under the super- vision of General Hallam Parr, C.B. (the new com- mander of the North-Western Military District), and Colonel Courtenay. The general idea of the operations was that a hostile force (red), having landed in the estuary of the Dee on the 26th inst., had seized Chester, and the Cheshire Brigade of Volunteers (blue) had been .obliged to retreat to Northwich, leaving the Cheshire Imperial Yeo- manry as a rear guard to watch the enemy's ad- vance guard that had seized Eddisbury Hill. Under the special idea it was arranged that the officer commanding the Cheshire Imperial Yeo- manry should throw out a line of outposts at eight o'clock this morning from the bridge over the rail- way at Winsford Junction to the cross-roads be- tween Sidebottom Farm and Forest Farm. If the enemy did not advance, they would be ordered to concentrate at Plover's Moss and attack the advance guard that was now holding Eddisbury Hill. The advance guard of the enemy was repre- sented by a detachment of fifty soldiers from the Chester Castle Depot (Cheshire Regiment), and thus all the four squadrons were enabled to act on the defensive. Under this arrangement the opera- tions were conducted on a larger scale and in a more satisfactory manner than last year, when both of the opposing forces had to be furnished from the ranks of the Yeomanry. The Yeomanry squadrons were in position at nine o'clock, the officers in command being Colonel the Earl of Harrington, Colonel Tomkinson, M.P., and Captain Neil Haig (adjutant). The A Squadron, under Major the Hon. Alan De Tatton Egerton, were instructed to watch the country between a line drawn east and west between Winsford Junction and Massey Lodge. B Squadron, under Major Lord Arthur Grosvenor, were placed between Massey Lodge and the Abbey Arms; while C Squadron, under Captain Wilson, watched the country from the Abbey Arms to the cross-roads between Sidebottom Farm and Forest Farm. D Squadron, commanded by Major W. Brock'ehurst, took up a position at Sandy Brow and acted as a support to the other tnree squadrons. Considerable interest was mani- fested in the operations by a number of specta- tors, who were afforded an interesting exhibition or mimic warfare. The country surrounding the camp is eminently suitable for manoeuvring, and even the Boers might have envied the manner in which the belligerents took advantage of the cover afforded by the undulating ground. Each side made its dispositions with considerable skill, and shots were frequently exchanged during the morning, the operations being still in progress at the time of writing. The camp will be struck to-morrow (Wednesday) morning.

CHESHIRE BRIGADE AT SALISBURY PLAIN. THE WEEK'S WORK. [FKOM OUR CORRESPONDENT.] The Camp, Thursday-evening. The Bearer Company travelled from Chester in a saloon which was attached to the train contain- ing the first party of the 1st Cheshire Battalion. After a long, but comfortable, journey, we ar- rived at Ludgershall at 6.10 p.m. The company had only just commenced their march to camp when a very severe hailstorm pelted down upon them; in fact it was about the worst storm most of the men had been in, being intensely cold, but the colonel had foreseen the approaching storm, and had ordered the men to unpack their great coats, and so prevented them from getting wet through. On arriving at. camp, we found the ad- vance party had everything in readiness, and we were quickly settled down. On Monday the company commenced their duties, which consisted of hospital and field work, the men not on actual hospital duty being exer- cised in drill and lectured to. Tuesday was a field day. It was supposed that there would be an attack on the camp by tho troops from Park House camp, but this was frustrated. The men were out from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., the Bearer Com- pany taking up the position of a field hospital. Wednesday was a quiet day, so far as the Bearer Company was concerned, drill and lectures being the order of the day. The several battalions (1st, 3rd, 4th and 5th) were engaged in skirmishing tactics. On Thursday the Brigadier-General made his inspection in field tactics of the 3rd Battalion, and made his annual inspection of the 5th Bat- talion, the Bearer Company being engaged in hos- pital duties, etc. The camp has been almost entirely free from accidents or severe sickness, the cases treated in- side the hospital consisting mostly of colic, gastric catarrh, influenza and chills. At the time of writing, there does not happen to be even one Pat leit in the hospital. The strength of the Bearer Company is 41 N.C. officers and men, un- der the command of Brigade-Surgeon. Lieut.-Col. H. W. King, M.D., Surg.-Capt, Averill (5th V.B. Cheshire Regiment, acting adjutant), and Surg.- Capt, Sidebottom (of the 4th Battalion). Staff- Sergt. G. C. Jones has had to combine the duties c of both sergeant-major and quartermaster-sergeant, and has ablv carried out the work. Sergt. II. Leithead is in charge of the hospital, and feergt. D. E. Hignett is orderly room sergeant. The strength of the brigade in camp is about 3,000.

ECCLESTON. I KINDNESS TO ANIMALS.—Gerald H. Williams, aged 11, a pupil of Mr. F. Turner, A.C.P., of Eccleston, has been successful in gaining the first (boys') prize, offered by the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, for an essay on "Kindness to Animals."

FARNDON. I COMMISSION FOR A TROOPER.—We are pleased to hear that Mr. Robert A. Owen, who went out for the second time as a private in the Imperial Yeomanry to South Africa, has been given a commission in the 118th Company. He has lately been serving with the relieving force under General Callwell to Ookiep. -+-

BARROW. ANNIVERSARY.—At the United Methodist Free Church the annual school sermons were preached on Sunday by the Rev. J. Gaunt, of Northwich. Special hymns were sung by the choir. Collections in aid of the choir and Sunday school were taken, the total amount realised being £7 12s. 8. It is arranged to take the Sunday scholars to Overton Hills on Tuesday, June 3rd.

SUICIDE FROM A STEAMER. On the passage from Holyhead to Dublin on Wednesday morning, of the London and North-Western Railway Company's express steamer, Scotia, Mr. William Healy, surgeon, of 54, Gower- street, London, jumped overboard when the vessel was near the Kish Lightship. The engines were stopped and reversed, and the starboard cutter launched, but, after cruising about for thirty-five minutes, no trace of the body could be found, and the Scotia proceeded on her journey to North Wall. Mr. Healy was going to Ireland for a change of air, in company with his brother, who had left him for a few minutes.

DENBIGHSHIRE YEOMANRY. «—— ANNUAL ENCAMPMENT. [By OUR OWN REPORTER.] The Camp, Tuesday. To-day the Denbighshire Hussars Imperial Yeomanry went into camp for their annual train- ing, and will remain under canvas until June 13th. The tents are pitched in Myddelton Park, a charmingly situated spot in the midst of the beautiful scenery of the far-famed Vale of Clwyd. The encampment is within easy distance of the ancient town of Denbigh, and a prettier site for the purpose it would be difficult to find. On the one hand are the ruins of the old Castle, with which so many historical events are associated, and on the other the Clwydian range of hills, with Moel Fammau and Moel Arthur standing out boldly like two sentinels keeping their watch. The strength of the regiment is close on 500, and considerable difficulty has been experienced in finding ohargers for all the men. It is not to be inferred from this that there is a scarcity of suitable horses in the district. The question seems to resolve itself into one of £ s. d. Each man is allowed by the Government J65 for the horse he takes into camp, and the farmers who have horses for hire claim that they are entitled to the whole of this sum. Many of the men, however, are not willing to pay more than C3 or E4 for the use of a horse. Another sore point with the Yeomen is the conditions the farmers wish to impose with regard to the insurance of the animals. There is, of course, much to be said on both sides of the matter. To get over the trouble the authorities have been compelled to bring a large number of horses from Salisbury Plain, but this, from several points of view, is not a satisfactory arrangement, and it is to be hoped that in future it will not be necessary to go further afield than Denbighshire for mounts for the Denbighshire Yeomanry. To-day the sun shines brightly, and albeit the wind is a trifle cold, the weather is exceedingly pleasant. The regiment is composed of four squadrons, namely, A, Wrexham; B, Denbigh; C. Bangor; and D, Liverpool and Birkenhead. The latter squadron comprises several Wirral men, and, to the man in the street, it is rather curious they should cross the border, when there is a regiment nearer home, in the county in which they are residing, to which they might belong. About thirty men who have seen service in South Africa are under canvas. Colonel Parry, D.S.O.. is in command of the regiment, and the other officers in camp are Captain Holford, D.S.O., 7th Hussars (adjutant), Majors Ormrod and Buddicom, Capts. Williams, Cotton, Piercey and Wynne-Eyton, Lieuts. Wrigley, Lloyd-Edwards, Priestley and Griffiths, and Surgeon-Captain Williams, while the regimental sergeant-major is Sergeant-Major Bruton. Three of the squadrons wear khaki, and the fourth still has the old uniform. At the time of writing the regimental orders for the training have not arrived from Chester.

CRICKET. EATON PARK V. HELSBY.-Played at Helsby on Saturday. Score.- EATON PARK. I HELSBY. Rev Fuller b Wilson. 1 Cartwright b Chapman 8 Aldis c E Crosland b J Crosland b Drake 7 Cowap 3 Wilson not out 105 Barton b Wilson .0 Cole not out.. 33 Jones b Wilson 24 E Crosland did not bat Drake Ibw b Wilson 3 Nicholas Killick c Malpas b do. 15 Brooking Chapman lbv b Cowap 6 Malpas Hodge b Wilson 0 Knight Ashton c Brooking b Stanway Wilson 2 Cowap Holt not out 0 Wills b Wilson 0 Extras 1 Extras 6 Total 55 Total(2wkts) .159 BIRKENHEAD ST. MARY'S V. HOOLE.—Played at Birkenhead Park on Saturday. Score:- HOOLE. ST. MARY'S. Walton b Wildgoose. 1 Jones b Hill 0 Gardner lbw b Curwell 1 Wildgoose b Hill 0 Billington b Curwell. 1 Curwell b Hill 15 HillcNoursebCurw'11.11 Lewis b Walton 8 Laird not out 22 W Jones lbw b Walton 4 Rhodes b Curwell 0 R Jones b Walton 34 Colborn c Wildgoose b Weston c Laird b Hill. 13 Edwards 2 Edwards run out 6 Stockton c & b Curwell 0 Jenkins c Elliott b Hague b Curwell 0 Walton 1 Elliot b Wildgoose 2 Davies b Walton 1 Dingwall c Jenkins b Nourse not out 0 Curwell 0 Curwell. 0 Extras 2 Extras 3 Total 42 Total 95 FKODSHAM v. MANCHESTER ZEPHYRS. — Played at Frodsham on Saturday. Score :— at Frodsham on Saturday. Score :— Howard b Thorp 0 RutterbJeacock .11 FKODSHAM. I ZEPHYRS. Cross c Evans b Thorp 2 Fagan c Howard b do. 9 Molyneaux b Thorp 2 J Thorp c Howard b Selby c Thorp b Thorp 4 Ashworth 7 Prescott c Thorp b Evans c Molyneaux b Baker 1 Ashworth 1 Linaker run out 0 C Thorp c Selby b Kenneriey b Baker 1 Jeacock 32 Boston c & b Thorp 0 Jack Thorpe Ashworth Jeacock b Thorp 0 b Molyneaux 0 Ashworth c WTest b Evans lbw b Jeacock 18 Baker 0 Johnson b Rogers 0 Rogers not out .3 Fortune run out 0 Baker run out 2 West not out. 0 Extras 7 Extras. 7 Total.20 Total 87 NESTON AND DISTRICT V. BIRKDALE AND SOUTH- PORT.—Played at Parkgate on Saturday. Score :— BIRKDALE & SO'PORT. I NESTON & DISTRICT. Trantom b F Cramer- R Barrett c Holden b Roberts 18 F Beckett 18 Mawson c J H Gilling A Barrett b Young .24 b Cramer-Roberts 0 W Housden b Young 1 Young c& b F Cramer- Mott c Trantom b Roberts 26 Young G Holden c & bF Cramer- F Cramer-Roberts c F Holden c & bF Cramer- F Cramer-Roberts c F Roberts 9 Beckett b Young 0 F P Beckett b F Nicholson b F Beckett 5 Cramer-Roberts 35 MT Cramer-Roberts b Terry b F Cramer- F Beckett 1 Roberts. 0 J Housden b Young 0 Collinge c R Barrett F S Gilling b Young. 0 b F Cramer-Roberts 7 JH Gilling not out 0 Thorneley c & b F Gleave b Young 0 Cra.mer-Roberts. 4 Sutclitfe not out 7 W E Beckett c Gleave b F Cramer-Roberts 4 Chad wick b M T Cramer-Roberts 0 Extras 13 Extras 7 Total 123 Total 62 Total. .123 Total. .62 ASHTON HAYES V. INCE.—Played on Saturday at Ince. Score:— ASHTON HAYES. INCE. Mounfield c Lloyd b Hassall b Nickson 7 Hassall 4 J Jones run out 4 Nickson lbw b Nield.14 Proffitt b Nickson 3 Hassall 4 J Jones run out 4 Xickson lbw b Nield.14 Proffitt b Nickson 3 Hayes b Hassall 6 I Lloyd c Nickson b Gleave e White b do. 13 Mounfield. 0 H P Gamon c Jones b Seeker b Nickson 0 Hassall 1 White b Mounfield 0 Littler c White b 1 Ellams run out 0 Hassall 0 Reckitts b Nickson 0 V P Gamon b Lloyd 0 Garner run out 2 Boyer not out 4 Turner not out 1 Faster b Hassall 0 Nield b Nickson 4 Fairhurst c Nield b Hassall 1 Total 43 Total 21 FUNT V. MOLD.-Played at Flint on Saturday. Score:— MOLD. FLINT. Hurst c Hawkyard b E J Hughes c&b Mott 9 Jones.. 3 Hawkyard lbw b Eaton 1 Eaton c J Hughes b W Hughes b Mott 15 Bradley 39 J LI Williams c Eaton Mantle st E J Hughes b North 4 b Hawkyard 1 HO Williams b North 2 Mott c J Hughes b do. S Jones b Jones 0 Northst E J Hughes Bradley b North 9 b Williams 54 Evans b North 5 Lewis c&b Bradley. 1 E A Hughes lbwb Jones c J Hughes b North 0 Hawkyard 27 Smart did not bat Wagstaffe c J Williams b H Williams 0 Lowsby not out 5 Scargill not out 3 Fletcher did not bat. Extras 6 Extras. 8 Total (8 wkts) .1471 Total (9 wkts) .108 ..Innings closed. ASHTON HAYES "B" TEAM V. WAVERTON.— Played at Ashton Hayes on Saturday. ,icore:- Ashton Hayes: W Gleave b Dutton 5, Rimmer b Day 0, Wade c Ireland b Dutton 3, H Shallcross b Guest 34, Waring b Day 2, A Shallcross c & b Dutton 13, Stevens c Belcher b Ireland 0, Haynes c Belcher b Ireland 6, T Gleave b Guest 0, Dodd b Guest 0, Schofield not out 0, extras 1, total 64. Waverton: Boden c Wade b H Shallcross 4, Walker b H Shallcross 0, Day c Wade b H Shall: cross 8, Guest b Wade 0, Davies b H Shallcross 0, Dutton b Wade 0, Griffith b Wade 0, Ireland b Wade 3, Belcher not out 1, Blower b H Shallcross 2, Gregory b Wade 0, extras 2, total 20. CHOLMONDELEY V. MAESFEN.—Played at Chol- mondeley Park on Saturday. Score :—Cholmon- deley Grifnes b J Fletcher 3, Wilkinson run out 12, Jones b J Fletcher 1, Bird c Rees b S Fletcher 2, Brassey c Anthony b S Fletcher 0, Hopley b S Fletcher 0, Coffin c T Parker b J Fletcher 9, Dale b T Parker 4, Davies not out 5, Dodd run out 0, Brookes b J Fletcher 0, extras 5, total 41. Maesfen: Rees b Coffin 0, R Parker b Coffin 10, T Parker c & b Jones 4, S Fletcher c & b Jones 7, Fleet c & b Jones 4, Mason c Griffies b Coffin 0, Stockton c Hopley b Jones 2, J Fletcher b Coffin 1, J Anthony not out 3, Challinor b Jones 0, A Anthony c Hopley b Coffin 0, extras 2, total 33.

BR0XT0N PETTY SESSIONS. ♦ YESTERDAY (TUESDAY).—Before Messrs. R. Howard (chairman), J. Howard, T. M. L. Vernon, R. 0. Orton and E. R. Massie. ROYAL OAK, BROXTON.—The transfer of the licence of the Royal Oak Inn, Broxton, was granted to Samuel Cheers Nickson, on the appli- cation of Mr. T. Moore Dutton. A STRAYING PIGS.-John A. Evans, farmer, Agden, was summoned for allowing 12 pigs to stray at Agden on the 2nd May. Defendant pleaded guilty. P.C. Edwards proved the case. A fine of Is. and costs was imposed. MOVEMENT.—Charles Manning, Cholmondeley, was summoned for failing to deliver up two declarations, in contravention of the Swine Movement Oraer.-P.C. Kennerley said that on the 2nd May a young man named Herbert Manning delivered two declarations dated 16th and 17th April. They should have been delivered about April 19th. He had spoken to the defendant on two or three occasions about the declarations.—A fine of 10s. and costs was imposed. DESTRUCTION OF BIRDS.-James Crump, Hampton, pleaded guilty to shooting eight rooks at Edge, while a youth named Frank Ravens- croft, Hampton, also pleaded guilty to being in possession of two rooks.-P.C. Kennerley said that on Sunday afternoon, May 11th, he was on duty at Edge. He noticed the birds in the rookery were being disturbed. He went to see what was the matter, and_saw Crump shooting up into the trees with a catapult. He saw Ravenscroft pick up one rook and walk a little distance and pick up another.—As this was the first case which had come before the Bench, the magistrates decided to let the defendants off. They would have to pay the costs (4s. 6d.). Next time they would not be let off so lightly. DRIVING WITHOUT A LIGHT. Thomas Edge, farmer, Chowley, pleaded guilty to a charge of driving a horse and trap without a light, at Waverton, on 8th May, at 11.15 p.m. P.C. Crowther proved the case.—Defendant was fined 5s. and costs. ALLEGED WORKING OF UNFIT HORSES. —John Morhall, carter, Wrrexham, was summoned for working two horses at Broxton on the 8th May, while unfit for work.—Defendant pleaded "not guilty."—Mr. S. D. Edisbury, solicitor, Wrexham, appeared for the defence.—P.C. Kennerley, No Man's Heath, said that on the 8th May he visited the New Inn at Hampton. He left the house by the back door and saw two horses attached te a ginger-beer cart belonging to Messrs. J. and F. Edisbury, Limited, Wrexham. One of the horses was a bay mare and the other a chesnut gelding. The mare had a raw wound about the size of a penny on the near shoulder. The wound was red and inflamed. Witness put his hand on the wound and the mare began to dance about. A pad was on the shoulder, and when the horse tightened the collar the pad was right on the wound. On the off shoulder there were two wounds about the size of a halfpenny. They were red and inflamed. On the near shoulder of the gelding there was a wound about an inch and a half long, towards the point of the shoulder. That was also red and inflamed and puffed up. On the collar there was hair and what appeared to be blood about the size of a man's hand. Witness noticed the horses were very lame. De- fendant told witness that he did not know that there was anything wrong with the horses. Wit- ness said he must not take the horses any further. He went away, and returned in a few minutes and found the wagon had gone. He went to Broxton and saw the defendant driving up to the Egerton Arms. P.C. Rogers, who was present, did not examine the horse.-P.C. Rogers, Hanley, said he examined the horse. The last witness was close by, and could see him ex- amining the horse.—Mr. S. D. Edisbury said that the defence would be a complete denial of the whole story. He needed hardly point cut the discrepancy of the evidence of the officers. Those horses belonged to a firm which had always been very particular about their horses. They had a veterinary surgeon, who periodically examined the horses, and he could find no fresh wounds. The horses had been in regular work ever since, and were perfectly fit. Defendant now gave evidence, and stated that the wounds were perfectly dried up.—John Roberts, veterinary surgeon, Wrexham, who had examined the horses on the day in question, said the bay mare had a chronic thickening of the skin about half way up the shoulder, which had been there about a couple of years. On the other shoulder there were small abrasions of the skin, which witness covered with a sixpence. The chesnut gelding had two very small abrasions of the skin which could be covered with a shilling. The horses were perfectly fit for work.—Other corroborative evidence having been called for the defence, the magistrates dismissed the case. INHUMAN STEP-MOTHER.-Annie Foulkes, Coddington, was charged with ill-treating her step-daughter, Sarah Ellen Foulkes, 11 years of age, between October 29th and April 30th.—Mr. E. Brassey, who prosecuted on behalf of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, said that defendant was almost continually beat- ing the child. The society did not wish to press the case. They would be perfectly satisfied if the woman was bound over.—Inspector R. Nicol, N.S.P.C.C., said he examined the child on the 5th May, and found a bruise on her skin as if it it had been done with a stick. Defendant's husband acknowledged to him that his wife was hot-tempered.—Elizabeth Williams said the child was cruelly ill-treated every day. The child had to get up at six o'clock in the morning and do most of the housework before she went to school. One day witness heard defendant thumping the child's head against the wall. Some time before Christmas the child fell into a pit, and defendant kept her in her wet clothes until she went to bed and told her she wished she would fall into the and told her she wished she would fall into the pit and not come out again.—Mary Ann Wright- man, another neighbour, on one occasion saw de- fendant dragging the child by the hair of the head from the wash-house into the house.—The I magistrates inflicted a fine of 10s. and costs and oidered the child to be taken charge of by the society's officer until the next court day, when the matter would be further gone into.—The Chairman said the Bench did not feel justified in allowing defendant to have the custody of the child any longer. Defendant had behaved in a most shameful manner. THEFT OF A BICYCLE.—Wm. Lennan, farm labourer, Cholmondeley, pleaded Not guilty" to a charge of stealing a bicycle, valued at 30s., belonging to Mary Hulme, Cholmondeley, between the 9th and 22nd May.—Mary Hulme said she was the wife of Edward Hulme, farmer, Cholmondeiey. She bought the machine of a servant who had now left her employment. The bicycle was kept in the saddle-room, where the Irish labourers had their meals. A servant told her, on the 22nd May, that the bicycle had gone, and witness gave information to the police.— George Boffey, farm bailiff, said he had seen prisoner using the bicycle. He had told him not to.—P.C. Kennerley said that he made en- quiries about the machine, and saw the prisoner at Mr. Willis's, he having left complainant's em- ployment. Prisoner brought the machine out of a cellar.—Prisoner was ordered to pay J61 and costs.

DESTRUCTION OF ST. PIERRE. ♦ AN EYE-WITNESS'S NARRATIVE. Mr. C. W. Lambert, who has just returned to this country by the La Plata, has a graphic story to tell of his experiences off St. Pierre on the day of the catastrophe. He was a passenger on board the R.M.S. Esk, then making for the port of the I doomed city. The first destructive upheaval from the volcano began about 8 a.m. on May 8, and at 9 p.m. on the same day those on board the Esk saw the land of the island loom on the ship's beam about five miles away. A few minutes later and the vessel had run into utter darkness, while dense clouds of ash began to fall, slowly at first, but increasing in rapidity and volume until the sea around was covered. At this time detonations could be heard from the crater like a sustained cannonade, and vivid flashes of flame shot athwart the sky. When it became clearer the entire city, with its four miles of frontage, was seen to be one colossal mass of flame, the roaring of which could bo distinctly heard. Even the ship's telescopes could dis- tinguish nothing amid the flames, but with the naked eye steamers and sailing vessels could be seen aflame in the harbour, while into the sea there poured broad streams of boiling lava, which at its contact with the water shot up cloud3 of white steam. Rockets were fired from the Esk as a signal to any persons who might be afloat on the water, but they met with no response. A boat, manned by two officers and four men, put off for the shore, which was skirted within 100 yards for two hours without a single living person or thing being seen. Nearer approach could not be made on account of the lava. At about 11.30 the Roraima's magazine exploded with a deafen- ing report, shooting a column of flame 200 feet into the air. Pieces of wreckage were carried by the tide against the side of the Esk. The Esk steamed away from the scene of the calamity at about 1 a.m., and about 7 a.m. entered the harbour at St. Lucia, where the Roddam had preceded her a few hours earlier. full justice has not vet been done to the splendid heroism displayed by her captain, Mr. Freeman. Badly burned by lava on several parts of the body, and with his hands and wrists swollen from the same cause out of all human semblance, he had stood in agony on the bridge, without quitting his post for one moment from the time his ship was struck until he had navigated her safely into St. Lucia harbour. Neither he nor his men could obtain food all this time, as all had been spoiled by the ash clouds which overspread everything and permeated every- where.

The family of the late Mr. T. Hardcastle Sykea, of Cheadle, have offered to build a parochial hall at. Cheadle to his memory. The cost will be about £ 1,400, and JB450 which had been subscribed for the purpose locally will be devoted to the purchase of the freehold of the site.

CHESTER STOCK & SHARE LIST Reported by Messrs. WARirsLEY, JONES & Co 29, Eastgats Row (North), Chester. CONSOLS 96 BANK RATE 3% Present price. ChesterOorporation 3t Irredeemable Stock ,116-118 ChesterCorporation 3% Redeemable Stock par Chester Gas Co 5 Ordinary Stock 110—115 'I w 4 Preference Stock '105—108 Chester Waterworks Co 71 Consolidated Stock 180^190 n ii 7 New Ordinary Stock, 1st and 2nd moieties i"o 175 « « C £10 Perpetual Preference Shares, fully paid 10!—17A Wrexham Water- works Co. Consolidated Stock 180—185 5 Preference £ 10 Shares .15 rr >, Ordinary £ 10 Shares 12'—13 Hawarden & District Water Co ZIO Shares, fully paid par Nat. Prov. Bank of 1 V England, Ltd. £ 75 Shares, ZlO 10s. paid 50 —51 „T •• £ 60 Shares, £ 12 paid 581—591 North and South Wales Bank, Ltd. Z40 Shares, jetO paid. 351-3511 Parr's Bank, Ltd. £ 100 Shares, £ 20 paid 87J—87? Lloyds Bank, Ltd.. £ 50 Shares, £ 8 paid 33i—33i Bank of Liverpool, Ltd 4100 Shares, P-19. 10s. paid 341 -35 British Law, Life, Fire Insur., Ltd. ;CIO Shares, Zi paid I I Chester Boat Co., Ltd. iClO Shares, fully paid 11—12 Chester Cocoa House Co., Ltd. £ 5 R4 5 11 11 A:5 L3 11 5 Chester General Cemetery Co £ 5 fully paid .par Chester New Music Hall Co., Ltd. £ 25 „ „ „ IS Chester Northgate Brewery Co., Ltd. Ord. £ 10 Shares, fully paid 11}—12 6 £10 Pref. Shares, fully pd.. 13$—14 Bent's Brewery, Ld. R10 Ordinary Shares 141,-15t 6.% £ 10 Pref. Shares 12*—12 £ Chester Grosvenor Hotel Co., Ltd. 220 Pref. Shares 31-35 Chester Queen Rail- way Hotel Co., Ld. £ 20 Shares, fully paid 28—30 £ 20' „ £ 10 14—15 Chester Blossoms L Hotel, Ltd. R10 fully paid 10—10J Chester Steam Laundry Co., Ltd. 95 9—10 Chester Race Co., Ltd IEIW R75 „ 195—200 Dee Oil Co., Ltd. Cl Ord. Shares Walkers, Parkers & Co., Ltd. 910 Shares, fully paid, 6 Cum. Pret 1-2 „ ii Debentures 84—8& J. H. Billingrton, Ltd., Chester H First Mort. Deben. Stock par 11 11 5% Cum. Pref. £ 10 Shares par Ordinary £ 10 Shares par Victoria Pier and Pavilion Co., Colwyn Bay, Ltd. £ 1 Ordinary Shares 1-11, Halkyn Dr'inageCo. tlO Shares, fully paid 23t7-24t Halkyn Mining Co., Ltd. 41 Shares, fully paid 10-11 Hoiywell Halkyn Mining and Tun- nel Co., Ltd. JE1 Shares 19/- paid East Halkyn Mining Co., Lt(L Ll fully paid 2 —2f South Halkyn Min- ing' Co., Ltd £ 1 North Hendre Min- ing Co., Ltd. R2 10s. Shares, fully paid 4 —4| Talacre Mining Co., Ltd £ 1 Ord. 11 21 Pref United Minera Co., Ltd Ll Orl Isle of Man Mining Co., Ltd. (Fox- dale) Mines 25 2,1-21 7^ Pref., £ 17 10s. paid 25—30' Llanarmon Mining Co., Ltd. 21 Ord., fullv paid 7/6—12/6 11 Pref Wirral Railway 3% Debenture Stock par 4 Preference (189G issue) 11MV-101 i, 4 Preference (1899 issue).95-97 Wirral Railways Co. Ltd £ 10 Ord. Shares, fully paid -3J—3|

MARKETS AND FAIRS. LIVERPOOL CORN, TUESDAY. —Wheat, quiet trade, d. to ld. under Friday's prices; No. 1 2 Northern Duluth, new, 6s. 3d. to 6s. 3kd. No. 1 Northern Manitoba, 6s. 2 id to 6s. 3d. Bean?, about 3d. under Friday; Saidi, 30s. 9d. to 31s. Peas, 6s. lOd. Oats firm, unchanged; white, 3s. 2d. to 3s. 4d. Maize, quiet; new and old mixed, 5s. 8d. Flour, 6d. lower. SALFORD CATTLE, TUESDAY.—At market: Cattle 1,326, prices and trade good sheep and lambs 13,564, lambs in good demand, sheep slow; calves 217, quotations unchanged. Quotations: Cattle. 6d. to 8d. sheep, (iid. to Sld. lambs, B?!d. to 10d.; calves, 5d. to 8d. per lb. WREXIIAM CATTLE, MONDAY. The market was well filled to-day with all descriptions of stock. Calves, pigs, and lambs were particularly well represented, and the clearance was a wonderfully good one at sharp rates. Lamb made from lOci. to Is. per lb., and veal fully 8d. Pigs ranged from 9s. 6d. to 10s. 6d. per score lbs. Beef fetched from 6d. to 7d., and mutton 7d. to 9d. per lb. "LIVERPOOL CATTLE, MONDAY. --The supply of cattle was rather smaller than last week. Demand fair and prices unchanged. A few good grass cattle made fully top quotations. There was a. considerably increase in the supply of sheep. Trade slow but firin at full prices for choice handy weights. Good lambs also a shade better to sell. Prices :-Beef, 73d. to 6d. mutton, 9d. to 6^d.; and lambs, 9.1d. to !)d. per lb. WHITCHURCH CATTLE. MONDAY. — There was an all-round good supply, with an especially good show of dairy cattle, which found ready purchasers at prices that must have been satisfactory to the vendors. The fat cattle were a nice lot, the choicest making nearly 8d. per lb. Stores, with a likelihood of there soon being plenty of grass, were better sold. Bulls not quite as numerous, class," however, being well represented. Whitchurch is- noted for pigs, and there was again a magnificent show, many hundreds coming under the hammer, there being- scarcely any abatement of the late high prices. Mutton scarcely of average quality. An excellent demand for calves, dealers from the localities of Liverpool, Manchester, and Birmingham purchas- ing extensively. LONDON UATTLE, MONDAY. Heast supply com- pared with Monday last shows a decrease of 70 head. Trade opened very slowly, owing to higher rates demanded and eventually obtained in fact, as day advanced so did prices, the clearance consequently being protracted. Fat butchering cows and bulls sold to better advantage. Increase of 1,120 in number penned in the sheep market. The trade for wethers ruled firm at an advance of 2d. per 81b. Steady demand for ewes at last week's quotations. More inquiry for lambs, best, being rather dearer. Calf trade nominal. Beasts, 3s. 6d. to 5s. 4d. sheep, 3s. 8d. to 6s. 2d. lambs, 5s. Sd. to 6s. lOd. per 81b. MANCHESTER HAY AND STRAW, MONDAY.— Hay, 6d. to 7d., clover, 7d. to 7-d., straw (wheat), 61-(1. straw (oat) 5d. to 5fd. per stone. BRADFORD WOOL, MONDAY.—Market quieter but firm. Colonial wools have for the present reached a standstill here at rates distinctly below those ruling at Coleman-street. Top makers, however,, are indifferent sellers, and with producing brandies busy, there is no sensation or weakness except in English wools, which are only nominally steady* and, indeed, even lustres can be bought for less. Mohair is quiet. Alpaca very dear. CHESTER CHEESE, WEDNESDAY. There was an average attendance of buyers and a pitch of about 35 tons. The market opened with a fairly good inquiry for the best lots, which sold at from 5õs.. to 60s. and the medium at from 48s. to 54s. A good clearance was effected. CHESTER CATTLE, THURSDAY.—At this fair there were large supplies of store and dairy cattle and sheep and a fair attendance of buyers The scarcity of grass and other keep seriously affected the demand, but did not tend to reduce prices, especially for choice lots which sold at high figures. Although much stock remained unsold at the close of the market sellers continued firm, and quotations were well maintained. Prices Milch cows, C14 to B22 calvers, 913 to C20 barrens. £10 to £14; bullocks, E10 to 913;, heifers. 28 to -214 stirks, £ (i to B10 horned wethers, 22s. to 29s. white-faced wethers, 24s. to 30s. couples. 24s. to 28s. CHESTER HORSE, THURSDAY.— At this fair the show of horses was about the same as usual, and there was a good enquiry. In the better classes, both for heavy and light horses, satisfactory prices were realised, sellers having no difficulty in finding purchasers for anything good. There was the usual supply of inferior animals, ranging from a low figure up to more respectable prices Quotations may be stated as unchanged from last fair. CHESHIRE BUTTER AND EGO.—iUl centres have been liberty stocked with home produce, but inquiry hasffeen less active than usual. Quotations shew little change. Stockport (Friday) Butter, Is. 2d. per lb. eggs, 13 and 14 for Is. Altrineham (Tuesday) Butter, 2d. and Is. 3d. per lb. eggs, 13 for Is. Macclesfield (Tuesdav): Butter- Is. ld. and Is. 2d. per lb. eggs, 14 and 15 for Is. Crewe (Friday): Butter, Is. 2d. and Is. 3d. per lb. eggs, 15 for Is. Sandbaeh (Thursday): Butter, Is. 3d. per lb. eggs, 15 for Is. Congleton Butter, Is. 3d. per lb. eggs, 14 and 15 for Is. Northwich: Butter, Is. 2(1. and Is. 3d. per lb. eggs, 14 and 15 for Is. Nantwich: Butter, Is. 3d. per lb. eggs, 15 and 16 for Is. Knutsford: Butter, Is. 3d. per lb. eggs, 15 for Is. Runcorn: Butter, Is. 3d. per lb. eggs. 12 and 13 for Is. Chester Butter, Is. 2d. per lb. eggs, 14 and 15 for Is. CHESTER CORN. SATURDAY. Deliveries of home-grown wheat have been practically nil this week, and in the absence of supplies any quotations are nominal. Oats also are in small supply at firm values. Little doing in all other grain. American maize unchanged. Foreign wheat favors buyers on the week's prices. NEW ( OLD s. D. B. D. S. D. 8. IV. Wheat, white per Tjlb. 0 0 to 4 81 0 0 to 0 3. Wheat, red 751b. 4 6 4700 — 0 0 bialting Barley „ 601b. 4 0 0 0 0 0 0, f) Grinding do 641b. 3 3 3 40 0 — 0 Oats „ 461b. 3 3 3 C) 0 0 3,0 Beans. 801b. 5 6 0 0 6 0 0,0 Beans, Egyptian. 2401b. 0 0 -18 0i 0 0 0 0 Indian Corn 2401b. 14 9 —15 0, 0 0 -15 0 Printed and published for and on behalf of She Cheshire and North Wales Newspaper Company, limited, by JAMES ALBERT BIRCHALL, at the Chester Courani Office, 8, Bridge-street, in the City et Chester. WBDNKSDAT, May 28,1902.