The Chester Courant and Advertiser for North Wales

The Cadbury way makes the purest and strongest essence. ;s ocoa is very economical in use, and makes the lightest and most -digestible beverage.

GAS AND ITS RIVALS. + On Thursday evening, at a sectional meeting of the Chester Natural Soience Society, at the Museum, Mr. J. C. Belton, engineer to the Chester Gas Company, gave an interesting lecture on The History, Manufacture and Usee of Coal Gas." Mr. G. Watmough Webster presided over a large audience. Mr. Belton, whose paper was profusely illustrated by lantern slides, briefly touched on the means of artificial lighting ante- cedent to gas. He mentioned that in Cromwell's time candles cost about 36s. a dozen, and even a century ago they cost sixpence each. There were three claimants for the honour of first discovering that the distillation of coal yielded a luminous gas, but to Murdoch, a Scotsman, was due the credit of having put the invention to prac- tical and corrimeroial use. At Redruth, in Cornwall, in the year 1792, he lighted his house and office with coal gas. Having related the rapid developments of the invention of gas, Mr. Belton passed on to describe the numerous processes involved in its manufacture. Explana- tions were also given regarding numerous residual products which were derived in the manufacture of gas. He said many gasworks were able to almost pay for their coals out of what they got from the by-products, and tho proceeds from that source helped to keep down the price of gas. Many illustrations were thrown on the screen of the beautiful fittings now available for use with the incandescent gas burner and particularly with the inverted burner (or "upside-down" burner, as it is sometimes called), which closely resembled the electric glow lamp in appearance. Mr. Belton also mentioned that appliances were now in use by which gas could be switohed on as easily as electricity, and that in a number of towns appli- ances were in use by which all the street lamps can be lighted simultaneously. Blow-pipes, furnaoes, gas-heated boilers, etc., were exhibited on the screen with the view to shewing the mani- fold uses of gas for trade purposes. As to the hygienic value of gas, the lecturer claimed that with adequate ventilation gas was quite as satis- factory as the electric light. Mr. Belton pointed out that in London, Paris, Vienna and Liverpool gas was displacing electricity as the street illuminant, and he suggested that if Chester fol- lowed the example of those cities the cost of light- ing might be reduced from £ 5,000 to £ 2,500.

SPENDING STOLEN MONEY. 0 THEFT FROM SAUGHALL. A COMPANION CENSURED. On Saturday, at the Chester Castle Petty Sessions, before Mr. R. T. Riohardson and Mr. J. W. Macfie, Wm. Henry Bramley, a youth residing at Newtown, was charged on remand with steal- ing E2. 10s. in money, a gold watch, and a silver medal, the property of Henry Hodkinson, groom, at Great SaughaH, between the 1st and 8th November.—Henry Hodkinson. groom, employed by Mr. Rigby, The Beeches, Great Saughall, said the prisoner came to work at The Beeches in October, and he Shared the same bedroom as witness. On. the 2nd November witness missed 21. Os. 6d. from his drawer in the bedroom. Later he missed a sovereign, half-a-sovereign. the rolled-gold watch (value L3), and a silver medal (value 10s.). He identified the watch and medal produced as his property —Alex. Benson, labourer, Great Saughall, said that on the 6th November, at Great Saughall Station, be saw prisoner tender half-a sovereign to the booking olerk, who could not oilange it. Witness lent prisoner thTc-eponco. which prisoner paid back on thai following night. —Arthur Kelly, a youth of George-street, Chester, said that on Tuesday or Wednesday he went- with prisoner to the London Bridge public-house. Prisoner said he had been out hunting, and some gentleman had given him a sovereign. Prisoner paid for drinks. He spent more money with prisoner on Saturday night. On Monday nfght they went to the theatre, and they hired a tuip, in which witness drove prisoner to Saughall. The. latter paid for the trap. and gave witness also 10s to deposit in advance for a trap on the following Sunday night. Prisoner shewed him the watch. and said a gentleman gave it to hv'm. Superintendent Sutherland: Did you not think it rather strange he had so much money?—Wit- ness He told me he had made it while he was out hunting, and I thought it was right. What did he do with the watch?—He gave me the watch to take to be mended for him. He gave me the medal. Superintendent Sutherland said the Chief Con- stable desired it to be known that he was not at all satisfied with the witness Kelly, and he asked the Bench to censure him and disallow hi.s expenses. The Magistrates' Clerk (to Kelly): You &eem to have been drinking and fuddling in his company. What about the half-sovereign?—He asked me to "mind" it. Could not he have taken care of the half- sovereign as well as you?—I don't know. The Magistrates' Clerk: You know perfectly well. Inspector Hoole gave the result of his inquiries into the case Ten shillings had been paid in advance to Mr. Barnes for a pony and trap on Sunday. Afterwards Kelly handed him the half sovereign, and he told him he had not been straightforward in the matter. Detective Crewe (of the city police) produced some bicycle lamps which had been recovered from Saughall, and which prisoner admitted having taken from the Pied Bull, Chester, where he was once employed. The Chairman said it was a sad thing to see a young lad like prisoner in the dock for committing a series of thefts. They had no option but to send him to prison, and they also thought he deserved it. They were deliberate acts of stealing and be would go to gaol for two months with hard labour. With regard to the witness Arthur Kelly the police were not satisfied with his conduct and the Bench were not satisfied with his conduct, They thought he ought to .have a serious warn- ing. He had run a considerable risk of being treated as an acoessory in the matter. It was im- possible from what he had heard for him to believe prisoner came by the money (which he had helped to spend) honestly. They disallowed his expenses as a mark of that. and they thought he was rather fortunate not to be charged with some- thing.

The Archdruid of Wales, the Rev. Rowland Williams, died somewhat suddenly on Friday morn- ing, aged 82. Deceased had been laid up for nearly two months suffering from congestion of the lungs and complications, but at one time it was thought he would recover, NORTH WALES RAILWAY SCHEME.— A North Wales correspondent states that a de- putation is now in London, for the purpose of furthering the scheme which the Fhntshire County Council has been discussing of the making of a new line of railway through Mid-Flintshire. It has been suggested that the Great Central Railway Company should carry a branch of their line from Birkenhead to Wrexham, via Buckley, to Rhyl.

THE NEW SHERIFF. With the full ceremonial due to the occasion and with the unanimous good wishes of his fellow- citizens Alderman Robert Lamb was on Thursday elected for the third year in succession Mayor of Chester. Since the Municipal Act came into force in 1836 some thirteen gentlemen before him filled the office for a double period, but oniy once previously has the same Mayor been elec ted three consecutive years, the distinction being that of the late Mr. Charles Brown (1891-2-3). While fully appreciating the ra.re oompkment Mr. Lamb was desirous of retiring from the mani- fold duties which are synonymous with the office, and it is a testimony to his public spirit and generosity that he again consented when others were not forthcoming to occupy the civic chair, the best traditions of which tie has so worthily upheld dur-ng the last two years. A large gathering of citizens, though not quite so large as usual, was present in too Council Chamber to witness Thursday's interesting function, wn-ch was graced by the presence ot many ladies, while the scene gained richness from the bright-coloured robes worn by the Mayor, Sheriff, and Aldarmen. A touch of sadness was imparted to the proceed- ings by the reference to the death of Mr. A. W. Butt, a young and esteemed councillor, with whose widow and family a vote of condolence was passed in silent sympathy. This melancholy duty discharged, the election of Mayor was pro- ceeded with, and Alderman John Jones (St. Oswald's) and Alderman H. T. Brown had the unique satisfaction of moving and seconding re- spectively the election of the same gentleman for the third year. In cordial words they performed the duty, very reasonably appealing to the citi- zens to make the ensuing year as light as possible for the Mayor and Mayoress. These and other speakers bore eloquent testimony to the gracious way in which Mrs. Lamb had supported her hus- band in the important role of Mayoress. In electing Mr. Ferguson as Sheriff the Council made a popular choice. He was installed in the office with words of hearty commendation. Dr. Mann, the retiring Sheriff, was thanked with great cordiality for his services. Alderman Churton, in moving this vote of thanks, took the oppor- tunity of deploring the lack of candidates for munioipal service. A particularly interesting feature of the proceedings was t-he presentation to his Worship of the restored Mayor's Porter's staff, a part of the civic regalia which has been kindly rennovated at the expense of Mr. R. T. Richardson, of Capenhurst. The members of the Council present were Alderman R. Lamb (retiring Mayor), Dr. Mann (retiring Sheriff), Alderman Dr. Roberts (ex- Mayor), Aldermen H. T. Brown, W. H. Churton, T .Smith, John Jones (St. Oswald's), Dr. Stolter- foth, and Dr. Hamilton; Messrs. Gooddie Holmes, D. L. Hewitt, R. Cecil Daoies, W. Fer- guson, Edgar Dutton, H. Dodd, J. M. Frost, W. Vernon, Egerton Gilbert, J. Williamson, W. Carr, R. T. Wickham, J. D. Siddall, R. Lanceley, H. B. Dutton, Martip Gibbons, G. H. Reynolds, Dr. Griffith, John Griffiths, Dr. King, and W. H Denson; Messrs. J. Percival Gamon, E. Owen Roberts, and T. M-lls (new councillors), who took their seats for the first time in the Council, with the officials, including Mr. J. R. Thomson (city treasurer). The attendance also included the Mayoress (Mrs Lamb), Mr. and Mrs. R Lamb, junr., Mrs. Holmes, Mrs. Stolterfoth, Mr- S. Moss, M.P., Mr. H. D. Jolliffe, Mr, E. Brassey, the Rev. H. H. Wright and Mrs. Wright, Mrs. D. L. Hewitt, Mrs. Mann, Mr. S. J. R, Dickson, Mr. J. Sheriff Roberts, Mr. and Mrs. C. Cooper, Mr. W. T. Marshall, Mr. R. J. Williams, the Rev. J. Cairns Mitchell, Mrs. J. H. Dickson, Mr. A. Armstrong, Mr. F. Coveney, Mr. A. Rowson, Mr. J. M. Graham, Mr. W. A. V. Churton, Mr. J. E. Haswell, Mr. W. Lamb, Mr. John Griffiths (Upton Park), Mr. J. S, Latham, Mr. A. Storrar, Mr. F. Turner, Mr. R. St. C. Nicholson, Mr. H. G. Hope, Mr, Hart Davies. Mr. T. B. Meacock, Mr. H. Crowder, Mr. H. Preston, Mr. C. MoGill, Mr. Beresford Adams, Mr. G. F. Adams. Mr. Atex Hornby, Mr. Walter Ferguson, Mr. R. Davies, Mr. R. Wallace, Mr. H. Gleadowe, Mr. W. H. Hallmark, Mr. E. T, Hallmark, Mr. W. W. Tasker, Mr. W. N. Bates, Mr. T. Hulme (Middlewioh), Mr. W. Shone, Mr. George Griffiths, Mr. James King, Mr. R. Lloyd, Mr. J. W. Richmond, Mr. Brunton, Captain and Quartermaster Cooper, Mr. James Prince, Mr. George Baker, etc. The roll of the Council having been called by the Town Clerk (Mr. J. H. Dickson), who wore 'his official wig and gown, Alderman Churton moved that Alderman H. T. Brown, senior alderman, take the chair. Alderman Dr. Stolterfoth seconded, and it being unanimously carried, Alderman Brown took the chair, announced that the first business was the election of Mayor, and asked if any gentleman had any name to propose. THRICE CHOSEN MAYOR. Alderman John Jones (St. Oswald's) imme- diately rose and saidMr. Alderman Brown, members of the Council, and fellow citizens,—We gather here to-day as we have often done on this historic 9th of November to elect a chief magis- trate tor the city for the year next ensuing. It is my privilege for the third time in succession to submit a name for your acceptance which I think, and I venture to believe you think, is that of a gentleman well qualified to discharge the duties and perform the functions attaching to the office I have just named. I had thought to have con- tented myself to-day with simply moving the reso- lution that has been entrusted to me, because I am convinced that no words of mine can add to or in any sense enhance the value of the honour you are about to confer, but the thought has occurred to me that that would be hardly respect- ful to the gentleman more immediately concerned, w and it would certainly be wanting in courtesy to the distinguished number of citizens gathered here to-day to witness the ceremony of making the Mayor. Happily for me to-day, and happily for us all, we, the members of the Council and the citizens generally, are absolutely unanimous in regard to our choice of Mayor. I must confess to a slight sense of diffidence in nominating the Mayor, and for the reason that when a gentleman has so worthily performed the duties connected with the office for a term of two years, it does seem to me to be somewhat of hardship that we should seek to impose upon him those duties for a third year in succession. I have, however, this consolation, that the gentleman concerned has been consulted, and though perhaps somewhat reluctantly, none the less graciously he has con- sented to retain the office for the third term. (Applause.) May I venture to say here that the members of the Council and the citizens generally should regard themselves as being under great obligation to the forthcoming Mayor for so un- selfishly and with such devotion and patriotism agreeing to act for the third year in the position he has so worthily filled, and to the entire satis- faction of the citizens, for the past two yearn. (Applause.) It would be a gain to the Council that in the new Mayor we are not having a new man. Experience must count for something, and it will be apparent to all that the last two years has had a wonderful effect—I mean in an educa- tional iense-upon the retiring Mayor; and to those of us who are in any sense observant it will be perfectly clear that Mr. Alderman Lamb is far- better qualified to discharge t.he duties of his high office to-day than he was two vears ago. Of course we all knew that Mr. Alderman Lamb simply wanted the opportunity to convince us that he could rise-and at every turn in the highest and best senNe he has risen-to the occasion in a manner that does up credit and himself justice. (Applause.) May I venture to sav that I hope the members of the 'Council and the citizens generally will exercise a little forbearance towards the Mayor during the forthcoming year. (Hear, hear, and applause.) I have said on more than one occasion in thia room that the office of Mayor makes very con- siderable demands upon any man, and more especially in the case of a business man. It taxes his financial resources, and it makes a very large demand upon his physical energy and upon his mental capacity, and sometimes, last but not least, it tries his temper to a degree almost beyond endurance. (Laughter.) I will venture to hope that, for the reasons I have assigned, the Council and the citizens will ask for the aid and presence of the Mayor during the coming year as seldom as I possible. inow, Sir, 1 must not resume my seat without one word of reference to the estimable lady who has so worthily and admirably assisted her husband in the capacity of Mayoress for the last two years. (Applause.) Mrs. Lamb has associated herself with every movement for the welfare of the city in its highest and in its best sense. Very quietly, perhaps, but with a grace and a charm seldom equalled and never surpassed, she has been a real "better-half" to her husband; and if on any occasion there has been anything lacking in the Mayor, she has made compensation for it in her own presence. (Hear hear.) I am perfectly sure I am voicing the feelings of the members of this Council and the citizens at large when I say how pleased we are to see the Mayoress with us to-day, Jooking as well—and shall I venture to say as young, and as fit and as capable to discharge the duties of her office?-as she was two years ago. (Applause.) It is with the utmost goodwill and the greatest pleasure that I bear leave to propose that Mr. Alderman Robert Lamb be elected aA Chief Magistrate for the next municipal year, and to hope that for him and the Mayoress this third year of office will be the happiest and the best. (Loud applause.) Alderman H. T. Brown said: It devolves upon ID" for the third tl m,- to second the resolution which has been submitted to you now three years in succession—that Alderman Robt. Lamb shall be Mayor of this city for too ensuin year. It is not quite unique in the history of th's city that the same gentleman should occupy the position of Mayor three successive years; but this is only the second occasion in our municipal life since the pasa:ng of the Municipal Reform Act of 1836. when a compliment has been paid to a member of this Council by his election as Mayor for three years in succession. I should rather have hesi- tated in taking upon myself the duty of seconding thia resolution unless I had been assured through one of those mysterious channels which are called open secrcts that it would be a pleasure to the Mayor, if it were your pleasure, to accept the honour which I feel confident you are now to oonfer upon him. All that has been said of Alderman Lamb on two similar previous occa- sions, and all that Aiderman Jones has said this morning, render it quite unnecessary for me to say one word in order to enforce upon your minds the proposition that is now before you. Mayor's conduct-hls loyai suppoit of ail that 13 truest and best in the interests of the city and its institutions, his universal urbanity and courtesy, his devotion to the duties of his position both in h:s municipal and magisterial capacity, his firm- ne&is and, at the same time, his great courtesy in the important duty of presidnig over our Coun- cil meetings, his unstinted generosity, his kindly hospitality extended to every section of the com- munity are all matters which are perfectly well known to eaoh one of you. Generous minds like his do not look for any compensation for the faith- ful and honourable performance of his public duties. But I do hope that in tho forthcoming year he will be able, by the weight of his official position, coupled with his own personality, to bring to a successful issue some of those admirable schemes for the good of the city which we know he has so much at heart. Whiro we elect a Mayor we know as a natural consequence we elect a Mayoress. We do not elect- a Mayoress in the same way that we elect a Mayor. There is no formal resolution and vote; we elect her, upon this occasion at all events, by a universal suffrage of hearts. (Applause.) I should like to endorse every word that- has fallen so gracefully from Alderman Jones on the subject of the Mayoress. I hope everybody will take carefully to heart his suggestion that as the forthcoming year will be the third of Alderman Lamb s year of office, the public and the Council will have some mercy upon the Mayoress in calling upon her to fulfil the thousand duties which Mayors in these days are called upon to perform. There being no other name proposed for the Mayoralty, the Chairman then put the resolution, which was carried unanimously. The election was immediately proclaimed to the oity by the ringing of the Cathedral bells. AN ANCIENT STAFF. The Chairman, producing the Mayor's ancient porter's staff, said he had another pleasing duty to perform before he asked the Mayor to resume his seat. The Mayor's porter's staff, which they saw was a part of the regalia of the Corporation, and a very curious relio of old times. It had been in disuse for many years, and he believed it was last attempted to be used (it was not actually used) on the occasion when the Town Hall was opened by Sir Thos. Frost, the then Mayor. The stick was now the only remaining part of the old staff. He would tell them how it came to be pre- sented to the Mayor that day, and how it came to bear its present very modern appearance. In its new form it was a presentation to the city by Mr. Ridhaidson, of Oapenhurst. (Applause.) It might not be known to many that Mr. Richard- son's family were intimately connected with the commercial life of Chester in bygone generations. Proceeding, Alderman Brown read the following letter from Mr. Richardson, dated Oct. 4th:—"1 read with interest in the 'Cburant' of April 19 Mr. Stanley Ball's account of the above (the Mayors staff). He closes as. follows: 'A little attention would restore this old piece of the re- galia to the condition it deserves, and it will then be available to take its place in civic func- tions.' As this is one of the few relics of the work of my family in the regalia, I shall have great pleasure in repairing the staff of the Council if the Council will be so kind as to give me permis- sion." Alderman Brown then formally presented the staff to the Mayor. The Mayor, having made the customary declara- tions, said it was particularly gratifying to him that the ancient staff bad been restored during his year of office. He proposed that the best thanks of the Council be tendered to Mr. Richardsoil for his gift. He proposed to attend the Cathedral on Sunday, when the staff would be carried in front of the Mayor. The Sheriff seconded the resolution, which was carried. TELEGRAM TO THE KING. The Mayor then announced amid applause that a telegram had been forwarded on behalf of the Mayor, aldermen, councillors and citizens, offer- ing their loyal and hearty good wishes to his Majesty the King upon his birthday. Proceeding to return thanks for his election. the Mayor said I am exoeedingly grateful to Alderman Jones and Alderman Brown for their eulogistic remarks in reference to the Mayoress and myself. May I congratulate you two worthy aldermen on too unique position you occupy to- day? The occasion is unique, because although one gentleman filled the office of Mayor for three successive years, it did not then happen that the same gentlemen proposed and seconded his elec- tion on each occasion. It is a curious fact that of the members who either proposed or seconded Alderman Charles Brown for the Mayoralty in the years 1890, 1891 and 1892, only one is to-day a member of the Council—viz., Dr. Roberta. At a meeting of the General Purposes Committee the other day I regretted the lack of public spirit and patriotism that seemed to exist, I thought, in the selection of a Mayor. There are many gentlemen in the Council who, if they will allow me to say so without impertinence, are fitted to accept the office. There are some on my right and some on my left. I will not men- tion names—-they are well-known—but I will leave it to the citizens to judge. It is very interesting to know the excuses these gentlemen offer for not accepting the Mayoralty. Some plead that their health is not good, others that their wives' health is not good, tha.t their business is exacting, and so forth. I mention that for this reason, that I want to impress upon the Council and the citizens generally that it is absolutely impossible for the Mayoress and myself to do what we have hitherto done. It must bo distinctly understood that in the future we must limit our duties practically to those of a civic character. And I am sure you will not think it unreasonable of me to make this appeal to the Council and the citizens, having served you as Mayor for two years. (Hear, hear.) What is the reason why you cannot find Mayors? In my opinion there are two reasons. One is that enormous demands are made upon the time of your Mayor and Mayoress. As I have already ob- served, we cannot undertake to meet those do- mands. It would be unkind and cruel of me to ask the Mayoress to undertake duties which I thought might endanger her health. Then theie is a financial reason- I must now endeavour, if possible, to make the office of Mayor easier for my successors—(hear, hear)—in order that they may be able to und-ortak, the office with small means. I appeal to the public to spare me this year from making aJl those contributions that I have made to them during the last two years. I am not a millionaire—not quite—(laughter)—eo I say at once that I do not think it would Ix, a charity on my part to respond to all those appli- cations I have a wife and family, and they really want to be considered as well as the city. They are my first consideration. (Hea.r, hear) Therefore I sincerely hope that during the next year applications to me will be allowed to pass. It is usual, I suppose, on this occasion to make some little forecast of the work that will bo en- gaged in by the Council during the ensuing year. Alderman Brown has referred to some things in which I am interested. One is the establishment of a cavalry barracks in the city. (Hear, hear.) I sincerely hope that will be brought about, and I luive no doubt the scheme has the hearty sym- pathy and co-operation, not only of the Council, but cf the citizens at large. I hope that in the iicar future I shall have to appeal for practical support in the liquidation of a site to be offered to the War Office. Another important question is the extension of the borough boundary. (Hear, hear.) A resolution of tliis question has already gone from the Local Government Act Committee to too Council, and I sincerely hope- that now our sewage purification works are nearly completed we will approach the different outside authorities concerned, and endeavour to come to an amicable understanding without having to resort to an in- quiry. There are many other matters that will have to be taken into consideration by the Coun- cil. There is the unemployed question, which might become acute during the coming winter, but I sincerely hope the winter will prove a mild one. It only remains for me to thank the Sheriff, the Deputy Mayor and the ex-Mayor for their support during the past year. Particularly must I thank the Town Clerk and Mr. Peers and all the officials for their great kindness to me. I thank you sincerely, for electing mo Mayor of this city for the third year. It is a very great honour, which I highly appreciate. I propose to attend the Cathedral on Sunday, when I hope as ma.ny citizens as can attend will accompany me. (Ap- plause.) THE NEW SHERIFF. Alderman Dr. Roberts rose to propose the elec- tion of a member to the office of Sheriff. Before doinsr so he offered his hearty congratulations to tbe Mayor, and said the citizens owed Alderman. Lamb gratitude for so nobly and gallantly coming forward and acceding to the unanimous wish of the Counoil that he should for the third timo occupy the civic chair, the duties of which he had so nobly and manfully discharged during the past two years. When the Mayor mentioned the rea- sons for the difficulty of finding a Mayor for the old city, he (the speaker) looked round and caught the twinkling eyes of several members of the Council. The conclusion he came to was that the members of the Council were only suffering from what he might call temporary timidity, and that next year there would be a plethora of can- didates for the offioe, and the old city might,, as in days gone by, feel a little difficulty as to who to choose. They felt grateful to the Mayor for stepping into the breach that day; and they ap- preciated the services of tho Mayoress. He (Dr. Roberts) knew under what difficulties she had undertaken to fulfil many of the engagements; he kne.w that on many occasions she was more fit to be at home by her own hearth than discharging the duties. Having uttered a. sentence or two in his native tongue to the amusement of those who understood, the worthy doctor addressed him- self to the pleasant duty of proposing this year's Sheriff. He said they had found a worthy suc- cessor to one of the most popular Sheriffs the city had known. The name he submitted was that of Councillor Wm, Ferguson—(applause)—and he did so feeling certain that it would be received with the unanimous good wishes of the Council. (Hoar, hear.) They as councillors knew Mr. Fer- guson's excellent qualifications for tue office. He was one of those keen Scotsmen who took the pre- caution onco to cross tho Tweed never to return again. (Laughter.) Mr. Ferguson might be, like himself, an alien, but he was sure Mr. Ferguson would not bo classed among the undesirables. (Laughter.) He was an excellent councillor and a shrewd man of business. Hard work had been thrust upon him rather suddenly by the regret- table retirement of one of the most businesslike and level-headed men on that Council in the per- son of Mr. B. C. Roberts. (Hear, hear.) Mr. Ferguson was in consequence of Mr. Roberts's retirement appointed chairman of the Tramways Committee, and they were confident that under his guidance, and direction the work of that im- portant committee was going on comfortably and smoothly. He followed a goodiy numLer of his feilow-countrymen in the offioe of Sheriff of tho old city; and it was a coincidence that he should have retained the name of Sheriff Mc-Hattie in business. In 1883 Mr. John McHattic was a most popular Sheriff of t.he city of Chester. (Hear. hoar.) He was conscious that Mr. Ferguson had a predecessor hard to follow in the Shrievalty. Dr. Mann had been one of the most popular Sheriffs in his recollection. (Applause.) During his year of offioe the calls upon his valuable time had been very numerous, and he never heard of a single instance where Dr. Mann and Mrs. Mann had disappointed an audience; and Dr. Mann always charmed his hearers with those pretty, witty and edifying little speeches. (App auae.) Mr. R. Cecil Davies, as one of the senior coun- cillors, seconded the proposition, and incidentally offered his congratulations to the Mayor. He fully endorsed what had been said by Alderman Dr. Roberts Mr. Councillor Ferguson, ever since his election to the Council, had been a most pains- taking and energetic councillor. His nationality was a testimony to his perseverance, and his per- sonality had been the admiration of every coun- cillor who had had the pleasure of working with him. The city had benefited from the excellent manner in which he had carried out his duties as chairman of the Tramways Committee. Chester was proud of the tramway service, and Chester was proud of one who had done so much for its successful working and whom they sought to honour that day, feeling that he would discharge the duties to the satisfaction of the Council and be a credit to himself. (Applause.) The nomination was unanimously endorsed by the whole Council, and tho new Sheriff assumed his robes of offioe and made the required declara- tion, couched in language eloquent of the an- tiquity of the office. Addressing the assembly, the Sheriff returned his thanks for the honour they had conferred upon him by unanimously electing him to the ancient office of Sheriff of the city. He would endeavour to discharge the duties to the best of his ability, and hoped to be able at the end of his year to hand over to his successor the emblems of the office unsullied. A Scotsman he was, but he yielded to none in his love for and admiration of the his- toric associations, the beautiful surroundings, the .q 't I unique architecture and all those things which in- vested this old city with such a charm as a place of residence. (Applause.) Chester to-day was a healthier and more beautiful place to live in than it was forty years ago. He tendered his con- gratulations to the Mayor on being re-elected for the third year, and he thanked Alderman Roberts and Councillor Davies for the kind manner in which they had proposed his name for the office to which they had just elected him. (Applause.) ALDERMAN CHURTON'S REPROOF. Alderman Churton rose to propose a vote of thanks to the retiring Sheriff. Hfc said he was not quite sure that gratitude was a very common characteristic of the Englishman or English- woman of the present day. Wo were so much pushed in the very busy life we had to live that there were very few of us who had time to culti- vate what we all acknowledged to be rightly called the virtue of gratitude. Therefore they would agree that it was quite right and proper on public, occasions of that kind that they should return thanks to the gentlemen who so kindly filled the offices of Mayor and Sheriff in that city. He a.greed with very much that the Mayor had said with regard to the grave apprehension that existed in many minds at the increasing reluct- ance that there seemed to be on the part of many citizens, not only to occupy the Mayoral chair, but to becoming members of the Council and taking an active part in the most important duties connected with the government of the old city. When one looked over the long list of namee of those who had done civic service in years gone by, it was humiliating to think that at the present time one almost had to go out into the highways and hedges to bid people to come in and take office. (Hear, hoar.) He sincerely hoped the Council would take the matter to heart. He entirely agreed that if a man had health and the means to serve his fellow-citizens and would not do it" he was not a worthy citizen. (Hear, hear.) He, too, congratulated the Mayor on man- fully coming forward to fill the gap this year1. It involved a great amount of self-sacrifice. But was not self-sacrifice one of the most splendid dis- ciplines we had in life? He was reading the other t,c day a very interesting article in a periodical on the subject, of Buddhism as oomparod with Christianity. He knew very little about Budd- hism, but Buddhism was the religion of the Japanese, and one of the characteristics of that religion was, they contended, that it brought about in the character of the people a vast deal more sclf-saerlhoo than the Christian religion did. (Hear, hear.) He was not, of course, in a posi- tion to say whether that was true, but he would say that although lie had no desire to go round that Council trying to convert people to become Buddhists, yet he would give the warning that if they would not take office more readily it would be his bounden duty to try to do so. (Laughter.) Of the retiring Sheriff he said he had fulfilled the duties of the offioe- last year in an excellent and delightfdl way. (Hear. hear.) Dr. Mann had not given them the Sheriffs' breakfast that lie (Mr. Churton) referred to last year. (laughter.) He listened in vain on Easter Sunday for the drum that used in days gone by to be sent round the old city to acquaint the citizens that they were to bo present on Easter Monday on the Roodeo to take part in a great conteat between the two Sheriffs and their adherents, which always re- united in a most magnificent breakfast of sheep's head and bacon. (Laughter.) He fancied their worthy ex-Sheriff, with his medical knowledge, had some suspicion that the digestion of the present-day citizens was hardly equal to the task of a breakfast like that. (Laughter.) That was somewhat of a reflection on present-day citizens. (Laughter.) But Dr. Mann had given his very best in the service of the city in the way he had filled the office. (Hear, hear.) They would all agree that the retiring Sheriff had brought into the performance of his duty an amazing amount of sunshine. He had been kind and courteous to everyone, and he had had a most comfortable and delightful year. Dr. Mann had been relieved for twelve months of the political anxieties which other people had had. His pillow had not been disturbed by visions of Chinese labour—(laughter) His party would expect him during next year to come back ar- a giant refreshed, and, like Don Quixote, to burnish his armour, gird on hi" sword, and slay all those frightful Radicals they saw around them. (Loud laughter.) The now Sheriff seconded, and the vote was unanimously and cordially assented to. The retiring Sheriff, in reply, said he was pleased to know that his services had met with the ap- proval cf the Council. Certainly the year had been to him a very happy one, filled with many pleasant and interesting experiences. To begin with, he had been fortunate in being associated with a Mayor so genial, courteous and kind as Alderman Lamb, to whom ho offered his sincere congratulations on his elevation to the office for a third time. He also thanked the Town Clerk, Mr. Peers, and the other officials for many a kind!y act during the year. From his fellow- citizens he had always received the most cordial welcome. There was something about the old office of Sheriff which was extremely attractive. One found one's self in a kind of old world atmo- sphere which was difficult to define, but which was pleasing and soothing to one's feelings. To his successor he offered his hearty congratulations. and the best wiah he could offer to him was that his year of office would prove as agreeable as his own. (Applause.) DEPUTY MAYOR. Tho Mayor informed the Council that he had appointed Alderman Dr. Robert to be Deputy Mayor for the ensuing year, and Dr. Roberts had acoepted. OFFICE ACCOMMODATION. NEW COUNCILLOR'S MAIDEN SPEECH. The remaining business for the most part par- took of formal character. The General Purposes Committee recom- mended — (1) That the Public Health Committee be authorised to enter into an arrangement for the occupation of the two rooms in Forest House now leased to Alderman John Roberts, M.D., for the residuie of his term of five years, which expires, on the 24th June, 1908, for the purpose of providing offioe and laboratory accommodation for the medical officer of health and the health department, at the rent of JMO per annum. (2) That the Public Health Committee be authorised to fit up the two rooms for the purposes of offices and laboratory, at an estimated cost of J620, and to provide the necessary furniture. (3) That the Public Health Committee be authorised to pro- vide laboratory appliances for the bacteriological analyses of water at an estimated cost of L30. Mr. T. Mills contended that the proposal had not been adequately considered by the general body of the Council. He proposed that the deter- mination of the question be deferred until the next meeting of the Council. It. was very undesir- able that the Chester Town Council should be establishing- municipal offices at various parts of the city, and he was convinced there was no necessity for hurrying the matter. There was a laboratory at the Sewage Works and another at the schools in Grosvenor-road, which might be available. ("No, no.") If there was not suffi- cient accommodation- for offices at the Town Hall the sooner the Council confronted the question in it entirety the better. There was no seconder and the recommendation was carried, Mr. Mills alone voting against. STATUS OF COMMITTEES. MR. GOODDIE HOLMES'S PROTEST. The Minutes of the General Purposes Com- mittee contained a suggestion by the Town Clerk, approved by the Committee, that, in order to facilitate the work in his department, the order in which the recommendations and the minutes of the proceedings of the various committees should appear on the summons for the meetings of the Council, should, so far as possible, be the order in which the committees had met during the preceding month. Mr. J. Gooddie Holmes, chairman of the Watch Committee, thought it was rather objectionable having so many changes in the various commit- tees. The suggested change was a rovolutionary one, and ought not to be- carried out without con- suiting the various committees. He proposed an amendment that the matter be referred. to the Finance Committee to consider it. Mr. R. Cecil Davies seconded. Mr. Carr suggested that it was a matter of cour- tesy that the minutes of the Watch Committee were submitted to the Council. The Town Clerk said there were certain matters in which the Watch Committee- had paramount powers, but there were many other matter. as to which it was within the province of the Council to say "Yea." or "Nay" to. He had failed to hear any rea.son urged against the change. No one committee had any right to represent to the Coun- cil that they were more important than another. (Hear, hoar.) Alderman John Jones (St. Oswald's) said he could quite understand that there was sentiment in the matter. The change was to facilitate the work of the Town Clerk's department, and with a oogent reason like that they ought to rest con- tent. Alderman Churton said be could not understand the discussion. There should bo no aecendancv of one committee over another. The Council ought to do what they could to promote the Town Clerk's convenience. It could not make an atom of difference whether the Watch Committee's minutes were first or last on the list. Mr. Gooddie Holmes was not the man to wish the minutes of his committee to come on early so that he could leave the Council early. (Laughter.) Three voted for the amendment, whioh was lost. The minutes of the Genial Purposes Committee were confirmed. CHESHIRE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. A letter was read from Mr. Beckett, aoaretary of the Clieshire Agricultural Society. 3tating that the annual meeting of the society would be held on the 28th November, when the counoil would be elected. The Town Council's representatives were Messrs. J. Egerton Gilbert, J. Gooddie Holmes, John Jones and Thos. Smith,—Mr. Carr moved the re-election of these gentlemen.—Mr. Gilbert said he could not aooept offioe aga.iu.- On the motion of Mr. J. M. Frost, seconded by Mr. J. Percival Gamon, the members wore re- elected, with Mr. R. T. Wiokham in the place of Mr. Gilbert. This concluded the business.

FLINT. At the meeting of the Flint Town Council on Thursday, the Deputy Mayor. Mr. A. B. Lloyd, in formally proposing Alderman J. L. Muspratt. as Mayor for the enauing year, said not only in the borough was Mr. Muspratt highly appreciated, but throughout the whole county of I -Alr. E. A. Hughes seconded. He remarked that Mr. Muspratt had represented the Council on many authorities, had been chairman of the I Flintshire County Council, and was now chairman of the Education Committee and had previously been Mayor of the Borough.—Alderman T. W. Hughes supported, saying he did not think a better man than Alderman J. L. Muspratt oould havo been elected as Mayor n the whole of the borough. They all knew the interest he had taken in Flint from childhood, and the Council ought to congratulate themselves upon having Mr. J. L. Muspratt as their ohief magistrate. 'He was thoroughly acquainted with the whole of the affairs of the borough, and there was no doubt he would give that attention to the affairs of the Council whioh he had given on previous oooasions. —Mr. Powell and Mr. M. S. Rogers also sup- ported.—The new Mayor, on assuming the robes and chain of office, said it gave him great gratifi- cation to have the honour again conferred upon him.—A vote of thanks to the retiring Mayor was proposed by Mr. T. W. Hughes, seconded by Mr. H. Powell, and carried unanimously, the re- tiring Mayor responding.—Mr. A. B. Lloyd was appointed Deputy Mayor and Mayor's auditor.

WREXHAM. At Wrexham Mr. Alderman Thomas Jones pro- posed the election as Mayor, for the third time in succession, of Mr. E. Birkett Evans. In doing so, he referred to the fact that the Mayor during the past twelve months had only been absent ten times out of a possible 164—a record attendance, he thought, in the annals of the borough. Mr. Evans would be the first Mayor to hold the office three times in succession. He discharged his duties so faithfully and well that he (Alderman Jones) would have pleasure in making him "perpetual Mayor" of the borough. (Hear. hear.) Durmg the coming year the new Free Library would probably be opened, and the building of a large new elementary school would be commenced. The Miners' Federa- tion of Great Britain, too, would hold their annual conference at Wrexham. Mr. Councillor Edward Hughes seconded. The election was unanimously agreed to. and the newly elected Mayor appointed Mr. T. Sauvage Deputy Mayor.

SUNDAY CLOSING MOVEMENT. ——»• MEETING AT CHESTER. On Friday afternoon the annual meet- ing of the Chester Branch of the Central Associa- tion for Stopping the Sale of Intoxicating Liquors on Sunday was held at the Town Hall. In the absence of the Mayor, through the funeral of the late Mr. A. W. Butt, the Archdeacon of Chester presided. Among those present were Captain Richard Rigg, M.A., an ex-M.P. for London; the Rev. C. P. Wilson, M.A., vicar of Weaste, and member of the Central Committee; Mr. Ernest Ashton (district secretary, Manchester), who formed the deputation; the Rev. D. Wynne Evans, the Rev. A. H. Waller, the. Rev. W. Jones, the Rev. J. Ll. Jones, the Rev. Alban Thomas, Messrs. J. Minshull, Beresford Adanio (local secretary), C. C. Bowles, R. Pinnington, C. Bailey, C. Wright (police court missionary), etc. The Archdeacon said a canvass in some 250 of our large centres of population shewed that 123,COO people were for Sunday closing: 12.600 against, and a little over 7,000 were neutral. That meant that ten times as many voted for Sunday closing as those who voted against it. The Rev. W. Jones moved That this meeting deplores tho delay of a reform eo necessary, so urgent, and so loudly demanded as the suppression of the sale of intoxicating liquors on the Lord's Day, and hereby pledges itc-elf to renewed, energetic efforts to secure its adoption by the Legislature." Mr. John Minshull seconded. The Rev. C. P. Wilson, in supporting, said Sunday closing ought to come first in temperance legislation. The working-man did not regard such a measure as one which deprived him of any right or necessity. It was required on behalf of publicans only. Every decent licence holder that he knew was in favour of Sunday closing. They knew perfectly well that they had a right to rest on Sunday as much as himself. They were against the brewers, but he asked what right the brewer had as an individual or merely as an aggre- gate of individuals to oppose his own selfish will upon the good of the community. If Sunday closing was a blessing in Scotland, i: must be so to this country. (Applause.) Captain Rigg also supported the resolution. In Sunday closing they had an issue on which there could not possibly be raised any question of com- pensation. It had been conceded in Ireland, Scotland and Wales without the compensation question arising. The working classes of the country were in favour of Sunday closing. It had been a benefit to those countries which had it, and even in those towns near tho English border it had proved a success. it had proved a success. Messrs. C. Wright and Beresford Adams having supported the motion was carried. Mr. Ashton said the Chester branch should see at the next election that the political candidates were sound on the question. On the last occa- sion the Bill was before Parliament it was thrown out on the second reading by six votes. The member for Chester did not vote for or against it. The Archdeacon mentioned the loss the associa- tion had sustained through the death of Canon Lewis the High Sheriff's chaplain.—The Arch- deacon was re-elected president of the Chester Association, Mr. Beresford Adams was re- appointed secretary, and the committee were aL-o re-elected.

The Rev. A. Lloyd, of St. Ambrose's, Birming- ham, believes that singing in church is left too much to the ohoir, the members of which he now proposes to distribute among the congregation, where their example will enthuse those* sitting ikear. POOR RELIEF PROBLEMS.—At the Fes- tiniog Guardians' meeting on Tuesday the Chair- man (Mr. Owen Jones) and Mrs. C as son offered strong opposition to out-relief being granted able- bodied young married men, who came on the parish almost the first day work failed them. The Chairman said it was a shame to find young men entering the marriage state without any thouglht of its responsibility. Were their re- I ligious leaders alive to this question? A recipi- 1 ent of 14s. 3d. weekly compensation applied for boots.—Mrs. Casson: I object to this. Quarry proprietors, handicapped appallingly by the Com- pensation Act, need not be handicapped more than neoossary by poor rates.-Th-e Chairman said the guardians would have to be very careful in granting out-relief just now, for the state of trade shewed further signs of depression.—Mr. R. Williams How would any of you like to bep a family of seven on 14s. a week? I propose that the application be granted. The poor are always with us.—The Chairman: I hope Mr. Williams will make more use of the New Testament in future. I think I feel as much for the workmen an Mr. Williams, and do more for them.—Mr. R. Williams: Your power is greater. But I object to you talking to me personally.—The application was refused.

I GLOBE I FURNISHING! COMPANY, | PEMBROKE PLACE,! LIVERPOOL. I Our Easy Payment 1 System of Furnishing | 33 better than all others, embracing m as it does Reasonable Prices, Reliable | Goods, and no objectional documents 1 to sign. H Satisfaction No extra chargtt B Guaranteed or of any kind B return in full of beyond markad all monies paid. Catalogue prices. IM Satisfaction No extra chargtt I B Guaranteed or of any kind B return in full of beyond marked all monies paid. Catalogue prices. I IM ■ All Goods Delivered Fr&e to | any part of United Kingdom. I I Lower Prises Easier terms of H than charged by payment than B any other Firm any other firm. bW for the same No Deposit K Class of goods. Required. jg If a Customer desires to pay Cash B we allow a discount of 2/- in the & £ off Marked Catalogue Prices. ? TERMS i Worth. Monthly. aL £ 10 7/e Terms can be 5S £ 20 15/- aHe™d to | £ 30 20/- sa f con- K" £ 50 27/6 venienceof | £ 100 55/- Customers. |j £ 500 £ 12 I We do not Charge Interest jl neither are there any charges whatever beyond marked prices, jra I ALL GOODS DELIVERED in PRIVATE VANS I CSrC Our Large Illustrated Cata- §| "EE fogue and Price List by Post S3 ■■ or on application. It costs you j £ —nothing, and will save you E pounds in furnishing. k GLOBE FURNISHING C0.Y 1 (J. R. GRANT, Proprietor), Bj PEMBROKE PLACE, I LITEBPOOL. I National Telephone: Telegram#: I 1760 Central. "Wardrobe," Liverpool. S Business Hours: 9 to 8; Saturdays, 9 to 6. B pounds in furnishing. k GLOBE FURNISHING CO., 1 (J. R. GRANT, Proprietor), Bj PEMBROKE PLACE, I LITEBPOOL. I National Telephone: Telegram#: I 1760 Central. "Wardrobe," Liverpool. S Business Hours: 9 to 8; Saturdays, 9 to 6. B

CHESTER ASSIZES. — + -.— WEDNESDAY. Mr. Justice Lawrence sat at ten o'clock of Wednesday morning. A STRUGGLE WITH POACHERS. Six Northwich men were charged with nigbt poaching and with assaulting gamekeepers ab Vale Royal on land in the occupation of Captain Harrison, and owned by Lord Delamere. Tho prisoners were John Drinkwater, John Heathy Frederick Walton, Michael Mannion, Tomfeinson, and Emmanuel Hankey. Mr. ElIiø Griffith, M.P., prosecuted, and Mr. Trevor defended Heath. The other prisoners were unde- fended. Mr. Ellis Griffith said that on the night of th" 12th and the morning of the 13th October Captain Harrison's bead gamekeeper and seven others were on the watch for poachers, and about twO o'olock in too morning they came upon Drink- water, Mannion, and Tomkinson, and were ar resting them when the three other men caiB0 upon tho scene. Sticks and stones were usP"' but after a short scuffle the poaohars were gr- rested, taken to the hall, and next morning giveJl into -custody. Every one of the keepers, excep0 head keeper Goring, was struck. Bludgeon9* stones, pegs, and 129 freshly-killed rabbits werØ afterwards discovered on the spot. Head-keeper Goring in his evidence said that when they were arresting the first thrf^j poaoher9 the other three camo over the hit* wielding1 bludgeons, throwing stones, and ing "Kill them." In cross-examination he that as the result of the attack three of the rt&l* had to bo attended by a doctor, but none of tllo keepers. Other keepers gave evidence, each how he was struck. Heath gave evidence. He admitted that hj went poaching, but said he threw no stones afl** used no violence except towards Foulger, wit^ whom he closed, and then gave in. George Tomkinson said the only assault he s3; committed was when two of the keepers by D:u5 take belaboured the head keeper's son. The Judge, in summing up, said it was evide11 that the poachers received more blows than they gave. Tho jury found all the prisoners guilty on bo'"1 counts of the indictment. Mr. Ellis Griffith said there were 132 ecriv'iC" tions against the prisoners. td Mr. Trevor Lloyd said Heath had never beeI1, prison. Some years ago Heath was fined tvnco for poaching. He handed in a letter from Salt Union testifying to his otherwise character.. Mr. Ellis Griffith said there was a great of difference in the individual records of different men. They did not stand on the etl.Jnt, Ievrl; far from it. .tr The Judge remarked that Drinkwater, Tod'"51' son, and Hankey appeared to be the three W'10 had had the largest number of convictions against them. To the prisoners the .Tuclire said the crime of poaching stood on a totally different footing wlipli: thero was merely poachjng. without violent >ec-Mst- anee. But if they went out armed there wan no telling what the result would be. When a. body of men like prisoners got their blood up. and the keepers got their blood up. there were bound to be a fight and assaults of the very gravest cbaracfe1'- Thev were running the risk of events happening which would result possibly in their being tried for murder, possibly in their being tried for inHi-tfntr grievous bodily harm. and £ ret.tin<? aonbnrL ,^v.irh might run to long terms of penal servitude. Luckily for them on this occasion the result wa* not, so serious as it well might have been. did not think it was any good punishing men their sort severely. He thought possibly that treating them with a certain consideration and » certain measure of leniency for their fault. might do them more good than punishing them ^verely- Rut they must not be mistaken: if they follow?" that course and came before the Court again they might find that they would receive very different- treatment.. because they undertook that sort- of thing upon a path of gravest danger. He pr<>- pofied to distinguish between them. Heath <*eenrie« to be a man with a very fair record up To thi- time. Therefore he thought he was entitled to have some regard shewn for that. especially when he (the judge) had testimony before him of hif having worked as a hard-working man for fifteen years. The sentence upon Heath waa imprison- ment with hard labour for three calendar months. With regard to the rest, he did not see that any distinction could properly be made between them. Upon each of the five others the sentence wa-s jm- prisonment with hard labour for six ca'endai* months. Tomkinson: At the expiration of our Term can we olaim the property (the netd, etc.) back that they havo taken off us? The Judge: No, you cannot. ACQUITTED. Charles Madeley, builder, Crewe, was [,):1))1) not guilty and acquitted of offences against boys at Crewe. The business of the assizes W3.6 then concluded.

In the Divorce Court, on Fizlay, Mr. Radzwill Fredk. Fores tier Walker, of Stansbach. Hereford- shire. was granted a decree nisi against his wife, Eva Laura, on the ground of her misconduct with a Mr. Frank Miller, against whom costs were awarded:. The. part'es wore married in 1834. there being one child, and last year Miller and respondent stayed together at Rhayader. Re- spondent did not deny the misconduct, but allegedl condonation, which the petitioner denied. Tr, (- President held there was no evidence of condona- tion.

The Original Cocoa, and a Speciality. E pdps's Distinguished from all others by its invigorating nutritions qualities and delicious flavour. It contains all the substance of the choicest Ntbs, and main- tains its leading position as 'l &L' COCOA [¡¡ th best, form of Cocoa for every-day u«a. ¡.j 1j

Under these enactments Hoole has made itself what we see it to-day, with apparently all the paraphernalia of a weltordered administration. Such, then, was the position of Hoole in or about the year 1899, when Chester, perceiving its pros- perity, politely invited her within the family fold. What was more natural than that Hoole should stand on her dignity and decline the proffered overtures of her neighbour? She was happy and contented, paying her own way, and wanted no one's help, and as Chester refused her help in her hour of need, she was not now dis- posed to help Chester at the cost of her own in- dependence. Chester looked upon this attitude as impertinent, and straightway appealed to the Local Government Board to compel submission. Hence the inquiry of 1399. After a lengthy in- quiry, costing both sides no end of money, all of which went into the pockets of the lawyers, Chester came off second best. The very card that we played against, Hoole in 1888 the Local Government Board made trumpsi against Chester in 1899. "Your house isn't in a fit and proper condition to ask a respectable community like Hoole to betake of your hospitality," said the Local Government Board in effect. So it was Hoole's turn to laugh, and she did so, I believe, right down heartily, through its chairman and clerk. This was, of course, a terrible blow to the ambitions of the city, but she was not to be baffled in this way. If the house wanted tidying up she would do it; there was only one important item suggested by the Local Government Board that had to be done, viz.. sanitation improvements, and this she would put right at once by a brand new system, which had never been in use before— something that would give the old city the honour of having been the first to use and adopt it. Sanitary science is a splendid thing to experiment with. The cost was a mere matter of detail. We got the new system, quite the latest idea, and it cost £ 60.000. So it must be good. At all events it's now trying to work. In the meantime the old city has electrified its trams, provided baths, and built an isolation hospital, items of very con- siderable advantage and utility for the people. "All these things will I give unto you if you will come in with me." now says Chester to Hoole. What should Hoole's answer be? In addition to all these advantages, Mr Crowder says the people of Hoole would be better off financially. The cost of the administration of Hoole, which he said was now extravagant, would, if merged with that of Chester, be cheaper, and accordingly rates would go down all round. He cited a host of figures to prove this part of his case, and there he had to leave it for the time. the society con- senting that he shall have "another go" next week, upon which I hope to be able to make a few more comments, and also to deal with the criticism for and against passed by the other speakers. Some capital speeches have so far been made by Mr. Preston, Mr. Wright, Mr. Tasker, Mr. Sconce, Mr. Tom Mills, Mr. Osborne and Mr. Hugh T. Dutton. CONSCRIPT.