The Chester Courant and Advertiser for North Wales

156 YEARS AGO. (Extracts from the "Courant" of Nov. 14, 1749.) STOCKPORT RECTORY. The Grea.t Rectory of Stockport, in Cheshire, becoming vacant by the death of the late incumbent, the Right Honourable the Lady Betty Warren has been pleased to present it to the Rev. Legh Rich- mond, Vicar of Garstang in Lancashire. A HAWAUDEN ESTATE. To be sold upon reasonable terms to the best bidder, on Monday, the 4th day of December next, at the house of Thomas Gilico, being the 8ign of the Crown in Ilawardm, the Capita and other messuages, tenements and lands of Mr. John Whit- ley ol Shotton, being an estate of inheritance lying in the Pariah of H award en, in the county of Flint, of the yearly value of seventy pounds and upwards, besides a good colliery on part of the said estate, the farm of coal reserved on a leaie granted off the same, amounting to fifty pounds a year and up- wards, with an unlimited right of common on Saltney Marsh. Enquire of George Hope of Broughton, Esq. ai d Thomas Hughes of Halkin, Esq., in the said county. _n_

LOCAL GOVERNMENT JOTTINGS. ♦ At a meeting of the Holyhead Urban Counci!, the Chairman (Mr. J. T. Griffith) reported that a deputation had waited on Admiral Leslie Burr to place before him the advantages of Holyhead as a. naval base, when they were sympathetically received, and the Council might expect to hear further about the matter shortly. A eoheme is on hand for widening and extend- ing the pier at Rhyl, and for erecting a theatre and pavilion thereon. The necessary capital, ap- proximating to £ 60,000, has been arranged for, half the money being already guaranteed. A commencement ie to be made early in December and the work completed in April next. In consequoenoe of the large number of un- employed in the town, the Llangollen Urban Council have decided to proceed at onoe with all publio work mapped out for construction in the immediate future in preference to opening a relief fund; also to approach landlords in the district and ask them if they are contemplating improve- ments on their estates to take them in hand at onoe, and thus provide employment at a time when it is most needed. An minate of the Holbeach Workhouse was recently brought before the Guardians, of whom it was stated that he had never done any work, neither had his father, wife, brothers, nor his sisters. This incident its described as one of "con- genital laziness," but ,on the Scriptural axiom that "he that worketh not. neither should he eat," it would bo but justice to let such people starve. Various Boards of Guardians have already decided that the inmates of their workhouses are to do without beer for their Christmas dinners. Among othera, the old men and women in the Modway Union and the West Ham Workhouses are so doomed. In the former institution gifts of beer have for several years been made by the brewers, but the Guardians have decided that any such gifta are now to be refused. Perhaps, in the light of such incidents as that narrated above, it is. as well, as beyond doubt numbers of such lazy wretches flock into the unions about Christmas time for the sole purpose of obtaining the season- able cheer then allowed. • i .i The Burnley Board of Guardians have decided to substitute margarine for butter at the work- house, and thereby effect a saving of £ 300 a year: a similar economy is urged for adoption by the Manchester Guardians. It ia urged that while this would effect a considerable saving, no hard- ship would be inflicted on the poor, it being an established fact that good margarine is practically identical with butter both in chemical composition and food value. Moreover, it should not be over- looked that the poor people would buy it for them- selves if left to their own resources. At their monthly meeting the Colwyn and Colwyn Bay Urban District Council refused to accede to a request from the Colwyn Bay poet- master to change the name of Llandrillo-yn- Rhos to Rhos-on-Sea, in view of the large amount of correspondence received addressed to the latter place. At a meeting of the Lighting Committee, the manager of the electricity works produced a statement of proposed capital expenditure, and it was resolved to apply to the Local Government Board for sanction to borrow 210,100 for the ex- tension of the worke. The General Purposes Committee of the Rhyl Urban Council having recommended that Mr. Williams, of the well-known minstrels, be granted permission for his troupe to perform on the shore during the next season. Mr. J. Asher, a member of the Council, protested against, the recommenda- tion being confirmed. There was, he said, too much of this low-down, .sloppy, penny-gaff sort of entertainment." They had erected on the Parade a fine monument to the men who went out to fight for their country, while these minstrels stayed at home, and within eight of the monument burlesqued the roldieT8 who were willing to lay down their lives for their country. He com- plained, too, of these minstrel shows taking place in the evening, to the detriment of inside enter- tainments provided by people who invested their capital in the place, by permitting competition of an objectionable type. After some discussion the minuto of the committee was approved, sub- ject to certain modifications as to time, etc. A rather sharp discussion took place at a late meeting of the W rexham Sanitary Committee on the subject of overcrowding, initiated by Mr. Hugh Evans, labour representative. The Mayor (Mr. E. Birkett Evans) pointed out that no doubt overcrowding did exist, as was proved in a recent police court case, in which it appeared that ten persons had been occupying three bedrooms for a considerable time. Mr. Hugh Evans said he knew of worse cases, and it was a scandal which it was the duty of the authority to rectify by erecting suitable dwellings. Mr. W. H. Parry said there were plenty of unoccupied houses in the town, and he objected to the authority competing with private individuals in house property. It was the poverty of the people that led two or more families to occupy one house. The Town Clerk said overcrowding existed in all large towns, but they could not take action for simple overcrowd- ing; it must be proved that such overcrowding was injur-ous to the health of the persons concerned. The inspector said he took action in all cases that came under hi.s observation, and if the ca'cs men- tioned had been reported to him the overcrowding would have been stopped at once.

CAPE PARLIAMENTARIAN AT CHESTER —Th< re was a crowded gathering at the Grosvenor Museum on Friday evening, when Mr. J. D. Cart- wright, M.L.A., a member of the Cape Parlia- ment, delivered, under the auspices of the Chester Natural Science Society, an interesting and in- struct ve lecture upon "A Trip to the Victoria Falls in Central Africa." Mr. J. D. Siddall pre- sided. The lecturer, who told his story in a de- lightfully iacy and entertaining manner, con- M'derably enhanced, t-he interest of (his subject by tfh-o exhibition of a larg-e number of beautiful original lantern .-I ides. Having meutionel that he left the neighbourhood of Chester for South Africa at the early agei of ten, Mir". Cartwright gave a charming account of a journey made in June of last year from Capetown by the first through train to the Victoria Falls. By a com- parison with the American continent he shewed that Africa was comparatively unopened' to com- merce, the reason being that in the absence of sea inlets and navigable rivers, reliance had to be placed upon railway extensions. These already permeated the greater portion of British- Africa. During his f r'p to the Victoria Falls he secured a. large number of excellent photographs of the falls, and the wonderful scenery of the surround- ing district. On" of the most interesting features portrayed WPS Livingstone Island, abutting on the falls, and the Livingstone tree upon which the great. explorer carved h's nai-re, 6alf a cen- I tury 8«v>. Natives were depicted engaged' in then- different avocations, and very interesting were a number of slides illustrating- the flora and fauna of the country, including snapshots of h;ppcs. ei-o(.odilr bird, of prey, and alligators. The railway bridge wb eh crosses the fail's (a triumph of engendering flail) was shewn in iis various stages of construction. At the conclu- sion of a. highly enjoyable even:ncr the lecturer promised that should li- visit England agiin after the railway extension t;> Lake Tanganyika, he would give another le-ture upon what he hopped' tc). "e on an intended visr't. to that Ter^ote region.-—On the proposition of Dr. !3toJL0l:'kth. a hearty vote of thanks was passed to Mr. Cart- wright,

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CHESTER v. HOOLE. --+-- MORE ABOUT AMALGAMATION. [BY A CORRESPONDENT.J The preliminary investigation by the Chester Debating Society of the question of amalgamation concluded on Tuesday evening, under the prcsi- dency of Mr. Charles Hibbert. Tho.se who have not availed themselves of the opportunity of hcar- ing the uiiscu -oion have much to regret for their absence, and thoio who did find time to hear it will no doubt pride themselves on a fuller know- ledge of the subject. Of course, it would not have done for the who;e of the city to have been there. As it was, the sittings have been quite enough packed to be comfortable. Hoole, however, was more than fairly represented. In fact I under- stand there was hardly a family circle in that suburb which was not one or two short on Tuesday evening, and Newton, which, by the way, was not directly affected by the investigation, was specially represented. I mentioned in my last week's article that at the previous sitting it was arranged that Mr. Crowder should, if possible, finish his introductory speech on Tuesday. It will be remembered that- he had been cut off by the "gag" at an interesting point. How much of his speech remained was unknown, but fears were engendered that it might occupy a long time. So the first question to be settled on Tuesday last was whether Mr. Crowder should be allowed to proceed "ad libitum" or bo again limited. Mr. Preston, who has always acted as "time censor," had ap- parently realised the justice of the Press com- ments in reference to his action on the previous evening, and resigned the offioe, and Mr. Tasker thereupon undertook the task of drawing the line somewhere about the region of human endurance, alike in the interest of Mr. Crowder as well as those present. Mr. Tasker fixed the time limit for Mr. Crowder on this occasion at 15 minutes. Mr. Crowder's facial expression towards the censor evinced his entire satisfaction, and, rising amid the plaudits of his audience, proceeded with his speech, and on its conclusion was followed by Messrs. Yates, Morris, R. R. Roberts, Oliver, Grant-Bailey, Sidwell, and the Secretary, after which Mr. Preston replied on behalf of the "Noes," and then Mr. Crowder, in a final "word or two," and feeling no doubt for the first time free and unfettered, went for his opponents for all he was worth. It was a great effort and worthy of the occasion, and the thanks of the society are due to him for the trouble he has taken in collecting the statistics and data upon this great local subject. Altogether there were 16 speeches made during the two sittings. Dissecting them into "Ayes" and "Noes," so far as the compulsory aspect of the question is concerned (although there were many ot the "Noes" who favoured a jointure bv common agreement), there were seven "Ayes" ami nine "Noes"; the seven were composed of two Hoolites and five Cestrians," the nine of one "Hoolite," one "Newtonian," and seven ) "Cestrians," so it will be seen that the Ceetrian i opponents were. in a majority of two. It is commonly supposed that Cestrians are of one opinion in the matter, namely, that they favour amalgamation whether Hoole likes it or not, but it is evident from the views (strong views in some instances) expressed by the city opponents that whatever Hoole itself may be prepared to do, Chester Is not unanimously inclined to spend more money in compelling submission. Now let mo deal, as shortly as the subject warrants it, with some of the statements made during the debate. I apprehend, from what I understand was the position assumed by Hoole at the last enquiry, that all she desires is to be assured, at all events, of as good government under Chester as she is getting under her semi-separate administration. If she can bo assured of this, I think a great deal of difficulty will cease. Of course, to any patriotic Cestrian it would seem impertinent to draw a "'0 comparison between the two bodies, but Mr. Grant Bailey did in the few pertinent remarks that he added to tne debate, and went so far as to say that the administration of Hoole under the super- visory control of the County Council was, and ever would be, infinitely better than anything Chester could do. I should say Mr. Grant Bailey is very difficult to please, but he nevertheless resides within the city fold, and, if the proof of the pudding is in the eating," he in fact must be satisfied. I gather, however, that what was Hoole's attitude on the last occasion she is urged again to adopt on the present, and it was well, therefore, that Mr. Crowder should attempt to shatter this citadel of opposition. Her objections on that occasion were primarily four in number, I understand—(1) That Chester's funded debt was in comparison, so much greater than that of Hoole, and an additional burden would therefore be cast upon the latter; (2) that. Hoole could spend her own money more advantageously than Chester and maintain her streets more efficiently under her own dominion; (3) that Hoole's rates would be lower under separate administration; and (4) that the property assessment in Hoole would be in- creased. These were the four objections which, according to Mr. Crowder, were, if not in identical terms, in effect, embodied in the Hoole petition against amalgamation presented to the Local Government Board. To these objections Mr. Crowder replied as follows:-(l) The city's assets (excluding the Value of the Town Hall and Public Parks) over liabilities are no less than £ 40,000 in round figures. On the other hand, Hoole is bur- dened with a big debt of several thousands, with practically no assets (if its Council Chamber and Park are excluded), and therefore the whole of her funded debt must be borne by the. rates. If, however, Hoole comes in with Chester, the city could well afford to take over Hoole's liabilities without, in any way affecting the ratable burden of either Chester or Hoole, and still have a large surplus of assets over liab litics remaining. Now it strikes me that this is a very important fact for Hcote's favourable consideration—she need not fear hav- ing to take over Chester's liabilities. Further, as a matter of ratable value, Chester sihews up much superior to Hoole, Chester's figures being— population 38,300, ratable value £ 217,296. 2s., or per head £ 5. 13s. 6d. while Hoole's figures are —population 5,450, ratable value £ 18,155. lis., or per head E3. 9s. 3id Again, Mr Grant Bailey was not satisfied. He challenged! Mr. Crowder's figures, although he didn't attempt to' refute thlin by any counter statistics. However, he •can verify them, as, I believe, Mr. Crowder has done at the c ty and county offices. (2) In answer to this objection Mr. Crowder contended that so far as too streets of Hoole were conaerned, they wore in no way efficiently maintained, netwl thstandiii- that it costs 3id. in the £ as against 2d. in the city. It was obvious, 00 said, to any practical mind, that Hoole oould not properly maintain its streets in good order on tho niggardly estimate of £ 100, the amount in- cluded' in this year's estimates, and submitted! that their condition had to be sacrificed in order to keep down the rates, which, even then, were higher than Chester's. He further stated, by way of shewing the superiority of the city system of scavenging and watering the streets, that Hoole's expenditure in this work was only 8d. per head of the population, or 2 £ d. in the £ as against Is. 4fd. in the city, or 3d. in the JE. Th:s is a. patent fact when one compares the staff attached to the sanitary and public health depart- ment of Hoole with the city's excellent system for the protection of public health, and so far as watering streets goes, our good friends of Hoolo must not lose sIght of the fact that the water used for this purpose in Chester is free, while Hoole has to pay foe every gallon. The ambition to save as much water as possible lis only natural eHm with public bodies, but :t is not prudent to do so at the risk of the public health. (3) To this objection Mr. Crowder said that in 1899, when the enquiry took place, Hoole's rates were only 3s. 10d. They were never so low. and smce the enquiry had steadily increased, until they were now higher than the city rates. So that the bait held out on the last occasion has not been verified by time or fact. And why for that particular year were the rates so low ? Is not it obvious? Further, he pointed out that Hcole's financial balance had on the other hand decreased. In 1906 it stood at J6661. as against JS272 this year, and whib the ratable value of Hcole had. since 1899, increased by 16 per cent., the expenditure had increased 34 per cent., or more than double. And they were, he sa d, no better off in local con- veniences or advantages. (4) A simple answer, Mr Crowder said, would suffice to dispose of this, as he termed it, absurd objection, namely, that the Assessment Committee would of course make the same. allowances off the gross rental values in Hoole as they did for the city. Then Mr. Crowder turned to the position with the County Council and matters generally. As to the pofit-on between the County Council and Hoole, Hoole's payment- to the county fl'nd on account of matters over which the County Council had entire control, such as education, t pkeep of maiii loads, etc, was £ 1,258, out of which the County Council paid to the city on Hoole's behalf for eduction and isolation hospital fees, etc., £ 880. leaving only B378 to the -Tounty for cost of polic.ng Hoole and maintaining the main roads. These duties could not, said Mr. Crowder, be per- formed for the money. The County Council weie not however, making a loss, but the road had to suffer in oonsequonco. He warned the County Council that under the circumstances they were not entitled to compensation in the event of amalgamation, and I have no doubt such an ad- mom t on will have its effect on the county atithoi ities. In reference to this matter Mr. Hugh T. Dutton pointed out in his speech that Hcole. under amalgamation, would nave more control of its education and maintenance of roads than she had now under the County Conn- ed. where she had only a single representat ve. but her representation on the City Council would probably be. co-extensive with her repre- sentation on her own District Council. Two more important features v/ere next, dealt with by Mr. Crowder, viz., the Hoole railway bridgo and the canal bridge in Hoole-lane. Both wnro arteries to and from Hoole. Hoole people and its property-owners wero now suffering consider- able disadvantage by reason of the present inade- quate condition of the bridges. But Ch""j,cr could not be enected to do anything towards a rebuild ng until both sides of the bridges wero und 'r one control end authority. In reference to the canal bridge, Mr. Yates threw out a procd suggestion. The trams will shortly be taken through Boughton, and his idea, was that via would make an ideal route- for the trams to tap Hoole. Of course this is always pro- viding the br.dge and road are first put- right. Ou a point o. doitfci-blic. happiness liho hawko:.s que. ion cioppiu up Huvvkuii; apparently thrive in Hoodie. Tiicy can p,y their c-all-ng there without ict or hindrance. In. the city they have. to be, licensed, and on this .point, at all events, the people, of Hoole agree tha.t the. city is better governed. Gas was the next of Mr. Crow- der's speech-—tho lighting of Hoojc-road in par- ticulai—and on this subject ho was particularly complimentary to Mr. Tasker. Anything in the nature of gas, said Mr. Crowder, always appealed to Mr. Tasker's. affections. "He revelled in it," and fairly lived "oa it." Mr. Crowder reminded h;9 audience that, Mr. Tasker lived on the Newton side of the road, and that th,3 resid-onits on that side paid nothing towards its tenting, although both benefited to tho same degree, and the cost to Hoole was £ 60 a year. Mr. Crowder's idea was t-o light this beautiful road with the fine arc iamps we see in the city, and I agree with him, and I think tho people of both Hoole and Newton 71 will agree too. In reference, to Mr. Osborne's appeal for knowledge of Chester institutions, Mr. Crowder said he should be prepared to support the conversion of the present Council Chamber and offices in Hamilton-street into a branch library and cottage baths—another good idea. Then the peroration was reached. Hoole was the natural outgrowth of the city, and the inter- ests of each, both in prosperity and adversity, were identical. Hoole could- only maintain her posi- tion by the prosperity of the city, and must fall if Chester fell. Chester was a progressing and prosperous town, and he was prepared to join in her progress. Chester, he said, could compel submissiol1 if she liked, as Hoole was dependent on the city for her sewage disposal, higher edu- cation, infectious hospital accommodation, and the burial of her dead. But he hoped compuilsion would not be necessary. He desired Hoole to join Chester, so that both could be great. Chester was, however, not large enough numerically, and was not piaced in equal importance with other county boioughs to become an important borough in the eyes of the Local Government Board; you must have a population of 50,000 at least, and so Mr. Crowder concluded by urging both to puil together to this end. So Mr. Crow- der's appeal to his fellows to join tho old city ended. Much, of course, was said by the other speakers, both for and against, but it would take too long to summarise irt. One or two points, however, are worth noting Mr. Morr's, speaking in favour, said Hoole was a part of the city for Parliamen- tary purposes, and it was an anomaly to separate her for municipal purposes. Mr. Hugh T. Dut- ton, in his sppech also in favour, referred to the fact that the boundaries of Chester as they wero to-day were fixed by the Black Prince, and he thought it was time to alter them. Another point of his (Mr. Grant Bailey called -it a sophistry) was that "there was nothing between a county borough and the Crown." To my mind that should be sufficient, unless the people of Hoole are republicans, to settle the question of amalga- mation. CONSCRIPT.

THE VESTMENTS QUESTION.—There is to be a special meeting to-morrow (Thursday) of the London Council of the United Protestant Societies, on which the Manchester Protestant Thousand, the Oldham Protestant Committee, and the Welsh National Protestant League are represented. A resolution will be proposed denouncing the Bishop of Chester's proposal that special vestments should be used for Holy Communion.—London corres- pondent of the Manchester Guardian."

THE MEDICINE OF MERIT. » HOW BILE BEANS HAVE ACHIEVED SUCCESS. If the gzeatest, of human endeavours is the alleviation of pain and the curing of sickness, then it. can be safely asserted that in Bile Beans we have to day one of the greatest benefactions yet given to the present generation. The amount of suffering alleviated by Bile Beans, and the number of persons they cure of digestive and bile trouble daily are indisputable evidence such aa to place- Bile Beans on a pedestal of merit occupied by no other household remedy. Bile Beans are just what the classes and masses need—a medicine always dependable in its action, never drastic, and never too mild, just the gentle "aperient-tonic" that a mother likes to have in the family medicine chest in order to allay the hundred and one minor ailments which, while somc-tirnee alarming, scarcely demand the skilled attention of one's regular physician. Bile Beans are ain aperient p:ilL compounded from a 6cientifio formula exclusively owned by the Bile Bean Manufacturing Company, and designed to cure disorders of the liver, stomach, and beweis, as well as to overcome the long trtiii of distress- ing oomplaints-anæmia., nervous debility, pim- ples, constipation, hemorrhoids, pains in tho back and under the left shoulder, which follow in the wake of these functional disorders. Bile Beans are a medicine- of such high curative value that they will not only end these ailments, but have frequently been found to rid the human dvstem of the evil after-effeets of doses of common pills, containing aloes, mercury and arsenic. They cure in Natune'e own way a-nd oure portrnanently. They are not sugar-coated, yet they arc pleasant and easy to take; and they strengthen as well as ctimulato the digestive and assimilative organs, enabling the latter to continue their functions without, the necessity of constant medicinal aid. Bile Beans, being of a refined and ccnccntrated character, cannot but exert, a powerful influence towards robust health; and on this score alone you shouid rely upon them rather than upon the ifteap nauseating drugs so frequently pressed upon the unwary when the genuine article is asked for. In short. Bile Beans owe their success to (1) The uniqueness and excellence of the Ulli formula from which they a,re prepared. (2) The immensp. curative power concentrated in a single Bean—(note the large dose re- quired in many old-fashioned medicines). (3) The reliance that can always be placed upon the beneficial actior. of Bile Beans. (4) Their suitability for both scxee and for all sections of the community. (6) The fad: that, no one need ever buy a Is. l £ d. or 2s 9d. box of Bile Beans without first testing the medicine at tho expense of the polo proprietors, and (6) Last but not least, to the unsolicited roo commendations received from, people of every nationality and colour. I Bile- Beans ate a permanent?cure for biliousness, indigestion, const'pation, hemorrhoids, antemia, "nerves" female ailments, weakness, dizziness, rheumatism, oairis in the ba.ck and side, insomnia, loss of appetite, congested liver, headache, flatu- lence. pimples and other eruptions and ailments* havinc a common or;g-in in impaired action of etom-aeh and liver. Bile Beans a!.oo are effeetna.l in warding off colds, chills, neurailgia, and influ- enza. Of all chemists or post, fare from the Bile HOM Manufacturing Co.. Red Oro., -fl-FtTleet. Lon- don, E.C., on receipt of prices, Is. lid. or 2s. 9d. (9c. 9d box contain? three time? the Is. lid. size). Beware of imit&tionB.

HOOTOX PARK RACES. ~— -+ A GROSVENOR COLOURS VICTORY. Pa,tron: His Grace the Duke of Westminister. Stewards: The Marquis of Cholmondeiev, the Earl of Enniskillen. the Earl of Sefton, Mr. J. Reid Walker. Mr. W. Hall Walker, and Capt. L. H. Jones. Starter: Mr. E. F. Skyrme. Judge. Mr. W. H. Nightingale. Stakeholder: Mr. T. D. Carruthers. Handicapper: Mr. Frank Ward. Clerk of the Scales: Mr. W. E. Bushby. Clerk of the Course: Mr. W. R. Gladstone. On Friday the Autumn meeting at Hooton Park provided excellent sport for a very satisfactory attendance, though in the members' enclosure there was not so large a company as was antici- pated. The going was perfect, and the fields ruled of excellent strength. A sharp frost overnight was succeeded by bright sunshine. Six exonts comprised the oard, and the best was last. Oon- tessa was looked upon ae morally certain to win the Rosemore Three Year Old Hurdle Race of 70 OOVB, and made the runing throughout only to be caught on the post by the Duke of Westminster's Ruysdale, who was quietly tipped as the one likely to beat the favourite, Mr. Hall Walker's Contessa. Proceedings opened by Magenta Boy winning the Sutton Selling, which he did easily. Chit Chat had the reputation of being a very game one, and was known as a winner over this oourse. Appollino was the only one to stand the test of the Neston Handicap Steeplechase of 200 serve. Carrying top weight, Mr. Barclay Walker's horse, handled with skill by Frank Mason, improved on the Aintree show, and romped home alone, although after falling at the last. fence the Irish-trained Darine was remounted and gained the 10 sove. offered for second place. Kolian refused, and Nereus caught the infection. Watcher fell at the open ditch and Dandy Boy at the water. J, Archer, who rode Watcher, had another fall on Marsaba, and was attended at the Hall for bruises. Fortunately no bones were broken. In this race, a Selling Steeplechase of 106 sovs., Simonhatch waa served up hot, and looked all over a winner till the amateur rider on Parsival crossed him at the last fenoe. Mr. Ivor Anthony rode the favourite, and promptly lodged an objection, which was over- ruled, and the JB5 deposit forfeited. In the Autumn Hurdle Race, Salute, who was indeed a dark horse, from being tailed off, beat fanoied candidates in His Lordship, Black Mingo, and Mareden (who fell). Moonstruck made the run- ning, and Royal Winkfield was in attendance with Booty and His Lordship, and the last-named was acclaimed winner at the distance, but did not once again do his best. Mr. C. Bower Ismay's Handley waa tailed off in the oontest for the Eaton Handi- cap Hurdle Race, in which James 1st was home first. Mr. W. E. Bushby, who has acted as clerk 14 tho course at the end of the year. AIE. Bushby is the course at the end of the year. Mr. Busby is also in charge of the Chester and Newbury Meet- ings. Details:— I SUTTON SELLING HURDLE RACE of 70 sovs. winner to be sold for 50 sovs. Two miles. 12 3 Mr. Waudby's MAGENTA BOY, 5yrs Mr. Barton 1 10 7 Mr, Parker s Wild Scent, 3yrs Rowson 2 12 3 Mr. G. H. Jones's Aid bro, 5yrs Goswell 3 11 12 Mr. Steel's Chit-Chat, aged, Mr. Fergusson 0 10 7 Mr. Lutwyche's Horatius, 3yrs .Mason 0 (Winner trained by R. I. Robson.) Betting: 2 to 1 each agst Aldbro and Horatius, 4 to 1 each Chit-Chat and Magenta Boy, and 6 to 1 Wild Scent.—Won by three lengths; a length between the second and third. The winner wis bought in for 120 guineas. NESTON HANDICAP STEEPLECHASE of 200 sovs.; second to receive 10 sovs. Three miles. 10 7 Mr. B. Walker's APOLLINO, 6y., Mason 1 12 3 Mr. T. Clyde's Darine, 6yrs Walsh 2 11 12 Mr. C. B. Ismay's Nereus, aged TTT Mr. Fergusson 0 i ?7r' ^V 801}'8 Dandy Boy, a., Taylor 0 H »« Vt' Soger's Kolian, 5y., Faulkner 0 11 i Mr. Henderson's Watcher, a, J. Archer 0 (Winner trained by Thomas.) Betting: Evens Kolian, 5 to 1 agst Apollino, 6 to 1 each Nereus and Darine, 8 to 1 Dandy Boy, and 10 to 1 Watcher. -Nereus, Watcher, and Kolian refused, and Dandy Boy fell. Darine also fell, but was remounted and placed second. AUTUMN HURDLE RACE of 400 sovs.; second to receive oO sovs., and third 20 sovs. out of the plate. Two miles and a quarter. 10 8 Lord Cholmondeley's SALUTE, 5yra. „ n G. Williamson 1 0 Mr. Deer's Booty, 6yrs Mr. Anthony 2 11 0 Mr. J. B. Joel's His Lordship, 6yrs.Payne 3 11 6 Mr. R. B. Henry's Moonstruck, 5yr. Tierney 0 11 0 Mr. H. Bottomley's Pollion, 6yrs J. Hare 0 10 13 Mr. A. M. Singer's Caper, 5yrs..Faulkner 0 10 13 Lord R. Crichton-Stuart's Royal Winkfield Conway 0 10 8 Mr. R. C. M'Kerrow's St. Emilion, 5yrs. m o .r T -n. Hampton 0 10 3 Mr. E.J. Percy's Black Mingo, 4yrs.. Mason 0 10 3 Mr. A. Siedall's Marsden, 4yrs. -r-. J. Nightingall 0 10 3 Mr. R. Walker's Kilburnie, 4yrs.Pearce 0 (Winner rained by J. Cannon). Betting3 to 1 agst Black Mingo, 9 to 2 each Marsden and Caper, 5 to 1 His Lordship, 7 to 1 each Pollion and Booty, and 10 to 1 Salute and others.—Won by four lengths, three lengths between the second and third. HOOTON PARK SELLING STEEPLECHASJE- PLATE of lOfoovs. winner to besold for 50sovs. Two miles. 10 13 Mr. Reynolds's PARSIVAL, aged, Mr. Fergusson J 11 1 Mr. Gilbert's Simonhatch, 5y..Mr. Anthony 2 11 4 Mr. R. J. liannain's Ravenseliffe, &Morgan 3 11 4 Mr. G. Menzie's Baton Rouge. 6yrs. S. Menziea 0 11 4 Mr. Sanday's Tortion, aged Metcalf 0 11 4 Mr. Buckley, iun.'s Odran, a .J.Walsh, jun. 0 11 4 Mr. Leslie's Lady Cashel, 6yrs.,Mr. Payne 0 10 13 Mr. Henderson's Marsaba, aged. J. Archer 0 10 13 Mr. Walley's Nether Wallop, aged.. Walley 0 (Winner trained privately). Betting :—2 to 1 agst Simonhatch, 4 to 1 Baton Rouge, 9 to 2 Parsival, 6 to 1 Odran, and 10 to 1 others.—Won by four lengths, six lengths between the second and third. The winner was objected to for crossing, but the protest was subsequently over- ruled and the P,5 deposit forfeited. The winner was sold to Mr. C. R. Hodgson for 230 guineas. EATON HANDICAP HURDLE RACE of 100 sovs. second to receive 10 sovs. Two miles. 12 0 Col. R. L. Birkin's JAMES 1ST, 4yrs. Mr. Payne 1 12 3 Mr. G. Menzies's Donatello. 5yr,S. Menzies 2 12 5 Sir P. Wakler'a Aultbea, oyrs. Sullivan 3 11 7 Mr. Johu Scott's Donative, tiyrs Chadwick 0 11 7 Mr. C. B. Ismay's Handley. 4yrs Mr. Fergusson 0 11 o Mr. M'Kinlay's Atrocious, 6yrs .F. Mason 0 11 4 Mr. G. 11. Jones's King Pluto, 5yrs Goswell 0 11 4 Mr Williamson's Madron. 4yrs.. E. Ward 0 11 0 Mr. Jacob's Sterling Christmas, 4yrs Heaney 0 10 7 Mr. Parker's Kava, 4yrs .Knight 0 (Winner trained by E. Martin.) Betting—Evens Kava, 5 to 1 Atrocious, C to 1 James 1st, 7 to 1 Donatello, and 10 to 1 others — Won by six lengths; three lengths between the second and third. ROSSMORE THREE-YEAR-OLD HURDLE RACE of 70 sovs. second to receive 10 sovs. One mile and a half. 10 2 Duke of Westminster's RUYSDALE Sullivan 1 11 0 Mr. W. H. Walker's Contessa. Chad wick 2 10 9 Mr. W. Westgate's Prejudice.Mr. Payne 3 10 9 (car. 11 0) Mr. J. J. Cowap's Lady Sarah III Mr. Morrison 0 10 7 Mr. W. S. Brechin's Annabel .F. Mason 0 10 7 Mr. A. E. M'Kinlay's Ladle Tierney 0 10 2 Sir R. Filmer's Tats Lawler 0 10 2 Mr. H. Peel's Housekeeper Goswell 0 (Winner trained privately.) Betting: Evens Contessa, 4 to 1 agst Annabel, 6 to 1 Ladle, 7 to 1 Ruysdale, and 10 to 1 others.—Won by a length four lengths between the second and third. SATURDAY. The concluding day's racing was witnessed by an augmented oompany. During the early hours of the morning a keen frost set in, accompanied by some, fog. Owing to there being an excellent covering of herbage on the course, the froet did not affect the going, but in the first part of the, afternoon it was a difficult matter to distinguish the colours of the riders on the far side of the oourse. Matters improved in this respect, how- ever, as the afternoon wore on. The fields ex- ceeded overnight anticipations, many horSC6 ar- riving on Saturday morning, and the racing was of a most interesting nature. The supporters. of favourites had a better time than was the case on Friday, though odds had to be laid on in a couple of instances. The most spirited wagering occurred over the Thornton Handicap Steeplechase, for which seven of the eleven that ran were supported. Consequent upon his performance in the Boecher Steeplechase at Liverpool, where, after winning, he suffered disqualification, Onward was well sup- ported, and he finished up joint favourite with Judas. Onward won readily, Judas being in third place, so the picking was good. For the Cheshire Autumn Steeplechase nine were saddled, and Woodedown, the Irish representative-, dominated the market throughout. His nearest opponent in the betting was Wild Boer, the mount of F. Mason, and the race .tai; confined to the pair a long way from home, but Wild Boer got the better of the struggle, and won by a length. It did not require any special knowledge to know that Rununculue could win the Westminster Hurdle Raoo if ho were in racing condition. He drifted out in the betting in an alarming manner on it being stated lie was only half fit, and justified that statement by finisliing last, Jollybird winning for Mr. Washington Singer in very easy fashion. Details:— I CHESTALL SELLING HANDICAP HURDLE race of 70 ,jon, winner to be sold for 50 sovs. Two miie.->. 11 11 Mr. Barling's MARCOVA, 4yrs.—Lyall I 12 5 Mr. G. Menzies's Viokers. 6yrs.Menzics 2 11 9 Mr. G. H. Jones's Mafra. 5yre.Goswell 3 12 7 Mr. Scott's Donative, 6yrs Sullivan 0 12 5 Mr. G. Howard's Hard Luck, aged Chadwick 0 12 0 Mr. T. Mason's Menelik, aged. Mr. Piggott 0 11 12 Mr. Allison's St. Colon, aged Mr. S. J. Wil 0 10 7 Mr. W. A. Wallis's Carona, 3yrs.Casey 0 (Winner trained by owner.) Betting: 2 to 1 agst Donative, 4 to 1 St. Colon, 5 to 1 Mafra. 6 to 1 each Marcova a.nd Vickers, and 100 to 8 others. Won by three lengths; two lengths between the second and third. The winner was sold to Mr. Heilbron for 105 guineas. THORNTON HANDICAP STEEPLECHASE of 200 aovr, second to receive 10 sovs out of the plate. Two miles. 10 12 Mr. T. Clyde's ONWARD, 5yrs Walsh, jun. 1 10 3 Mr. Henderaon'e Ash ton, 6yre Seymour 2 11 2 Mr. B. W. Parr's Judas, 4vrs Lynn 3 12 3 Sir P. Walker's Flutterer, aged.Sullivan 0 11 13 Mr. Brechin's Lady Malta, 6yrs.Tierney 0 11 12 Mr. A. Buckley, jun's Doctor Charlie, a M. Waleh 0 11 6 Duke of Westminster's St. Benet, 6yrs. Faulkner 0 10 13 Mr. Aflhton's Cold Arbour, 5yre Lawn 0 10 12 Lord G. Grosvenor's Noble Lad, 6yrs. Conway 0 10 9 Mr. F. Bibby'e Shoot, 5yrs. F. Mason 0 10 3 Col. J. C. Cotes's Casse Tete, 5yre Goswell 0 (Winner trained by M'Naughton.) Betting: 7 to 2 each agst Judas and Onward, 4 to 1 Casse Tete, 5 to 1 St. Benet, 7 to 1 each Noble Lad, Shoot, and Flutterer, and 100 to 8 others. Won by a length; two lengths between the second &nd third. CHESHIRE AUTUMN STEEPLECHASE of 400 sovs.; the second to receive 50 sovs. and third 20 sovs. out of the plate. Two miles and a half. 10 11 Mr. F. Bibby's WILD BOER, 5yrs. Mason 1 10 11 Mr. Purcell's Woodsdown, 5yrs Mr. Manley 2 10 10 Mr. J. Edwards's Mintstalk, aged Taylor 3 11 9 Mr. Menzies's Fairy Soene, 4yiw S. Menzies 0 11 4 Mr. H. T. Moore's Wild Fox, 5yrs. Walsh, jun. 0 10 10 Mr. H. Bottomley's Adansi, aged.Jones 0 10 10 Mr. J. Edwards's Yenikale, aged M. Walsh 0 10 9 Prince Hatzfeldt'e Rathvale, 4yrs.Evans 0 (Winner trained by Thomas.) Betting: 7 to 4 agst Woodsdown, 4 to 1 Wild Boer, 5 to 1 each Adansi and Fairy Scene, 6 to 1 Wild Fox, and 10 to 1 others. Won by a length; eight lengths between the second and third. LARK HILL SELLING HANDICAP STEEPLECHASE of 106 sove.; winner to be sold for 50 sovs.—Three miles'. 11 5 Mr. W. Paul's PIERRE, aged Ownier 1 12 2 Mr. A. Buckley, junr's, Odran, aged Walsh 2 11 13 Mrs. Brown's SheernesB, aged Lyall 3 12 6 Mr. Miller's Trefoil II., aged Mr. Miller 0 12 3 Mr. G. Clayton's Brantingham, aged Mr. Bissell 0 12 3 Mr. G. P. Sanday's Tortion, aged Owner 0 11 12 Mr. A. Scott's Rathoannon, a. Owner 0 11 12 Mr. G. Steel's Chit Chat, aged Mr. Fergusson 0 11 12 Mr. D. A. Leslie's Lady Cashel, 6yrs Mr. 1. Anthony 0 11 11 Mr. Walley's Nether Wallop, aged Walley 0 11 1 Mr. D. J. Cogan's High Wind, 4yrs Mr. MUTphy 0 (Winner trained by Biokley.) Betting: 7 to 4 agst Chit Chat, 6 to 1 Odran, 8 to 1 eadh Pierre, Sheerness, Rathcannon, and Bratingham, and 10 to 1 others.—Won by four lengths; six lengths between the second and third. The winner was bought in for 55 guineas. WESTMINSTER HURDLE RACE PLATE of 100 sovs.; second to receive 10 sovs.—Two miles. 12 6 Mr. W. M. G. Singer's JOLLYBIRD, 5yre Faulkner 1 11 3 Mr. C. B. Ismay's Farndon, 4yre Sewell 2 11 3 Lord Fitzwilliam's Brineoge, 6yre Capt. Rasbotham 3 11 3 Mr. Nolan's Ranunculus, aged F. Mason 0 (Winner trained by Davies.) Betting: 7 to 4 on Jollybird, 5 to 1 agst Brine- oge, and 6 to 1 each Ranunculus and Fairndon.— Won by three lengths; one and a half lengths between the second and third. MERSEY MAIDEN HURDLE RACE of 70 sove.; second to receive 5 rovs.-Two miles. 11 10 Mrs. B. C. Russell's FLYING STAR, 4y Mr. Murphy 1 11 10 Mr. T. Coulthwaite's Bedlingtoin-, 4yrs. Tierney 2 10 5 Mr. G. Cooper'* Tal y Bont, 3yrs F. Mason 3 (Winner trained by Russell.) Betting: 6 to 4 on Flying Star, 2 to 1 agst Tal y Bont, and 5 to 1 Bedling-ton.-Won, in a oanter by thirty lengths; twelve lengths separ- ated second and third.

LITERARY NOTICES. NEW BOOKS. "DAN LENO" (By J. Hickory Wood. London: Methuen and Co., 6s.).—The legion admirers ajid friends of Dan Leno, the great comedian, will thank Mr. Hickory Wood for his kindly and enter- taining biography of a famous artist. That the subject was well worthy of I the labour here ex- pended no one in the present generation will dare to question. From abject, squalid poverty Dan Leno raised himself to the pinnacle of fame in his own particular calling, and while his career as a comedian was in every sense enviable, his record as a man and a friend is equally praiseworthy. The story of Dick Whittington is not a whit more sensational than the meteoric career of Dan Leno, who as a boy danced and sang for coppers in common public-houses in Lancashire and ae a man commanded the princely salary of jE200 a week as the first entertaner of his kind in the country, besides enjoying iho distinction of acting before his Sovereign at dringham. It is an error, the biographer shews, to believe that. Dan Leno in his younger days was a clog-dancer pure and simple, and only took to songs in his later years. It is true he excelled in twisting and shuffling the heavy and fantastic clog, and even became the champion clog-dancer of the world; but in his youth he cultivated his other histrionic gifts, and when he went to London he conquered it by his inimitable drollery on the stage much more than by his steps. While the story of Leno's youthful wrestles with adversity would melt a-heart of stone, his later successes on the stage have filled many a struggling artist with envy. London certainly performed an excellent service to the country by preferring Leno's witticisms to his agility, for, much as there may have been in the twinkling feet, his sparkling brain contained infinitely more. The narration of his life history here set forth is complete from the early beginning to the sadly too early end. It is treated throughout in a kindly, sympathetic, admiring spirit, and the reader, who is permitted to peep considerably behind the scenes, is left in douDt whether most to admire tho man or the actor, the inspired plodder who fought his way to the top of his pro- fession, or the generous-hearted fellow who never turned his back on the beggar, even though he more than suspected a fraud. While the biography of Dan Leno will live as a record of a notable man, it will attain much popularity from the wealth of diverting anecdote enclosed within its boards. As an example of Leno's irrepressible merriment, a characteristic anecdote of his last- sad days is recorded. It Was during the period of his necessitated retirement to a home for the restoration of his shattered brain:— On the second day after his arrival, it is said, he got up an argument- with one of the attendants about the correctness of the hall clock. "That clock's wrong," he said, re- ferring to hits own watch. "No, sir," contradicted the attendant, "the clock is quite right." "I tell you it's wrong," persisted Dan. "No, sir," repeated the other, "it's quite right." "Then," said Dan, with the old gleam of fun in his eyes, if it's quite right., what's it doing here?" "THE LADY OF LYTE" (by Graham Hope. London: Methuen and Cb.; 6?.)\—This is a his- torical novel dealing with the later portion of the reign of Charles II. and the events centreing round the Popish Plot. The frivolity and arti- ficiality of the period are depicted in, life-like terms Very good are the sketches of Halifax and Shaftesbury, the men with whom the religious strifes and rancours were merely counters in the game of politics. The strong points in the story are the tone and .spirit of the character delinea- tion. Jesuits, Puritans, Quakers and people of all shades of opinion pass across- the stage, and the author's aim is to shew that noble spirits are everywhere akin, and that, character, not opinions, is the supreme test. The heroine. Lady Kathleen Clifford, is a charming creation. Beau- tiful, impetuous, generous and lovable, she wins all hearts. Taken to the court of the "Merry Monarch," she is enraptured by the glittering and sparkling throngs of courtiers. Child-like, her eyea are blind to all beneath the surface of things, and her innocence is her own sure defence, and I protection. In the end she turns her back upon her train of galhwts., and is won by her Puritan cousin, whose strength and power appeal irre- sistibly to her imagination. Of no less absorbing interest, i." too life fitOry of her guardians, Lady Anne Nugent and Claudius Cunninghame. Parted in youth, they are- brought together by their duties to Kathleen, and! when catastrophe occurs to him. now a Jesuit priest, in their death they are not. divided. "MORE PEEPS INTO BIRD LIFE" (by Alicia Donne. Chester: PIN,Ilipson and Golder). —The aim of the writer of this volume is to in- terest the young in birds, flowers and the beauties of nature. Its pages shew much loving, patient and careful observation, and, being unpretending in its aim. no doubt it will achieve its purpose Whsn this has bfieat, said, a pernua.,d its c. '7,t:¡:

The Pure Cocoa 1 which is more digestible and possesses jfepT jl a finer flavour than any other. (I Perfect in Flavour, Pure and wen British Medical Journal. 4' ( "A PERFECT BEVERAGE."|n J|||Pf c\ -Medical Annual. Si [

ROSSETT. A SUCCESS.—Mr. J. Vaughan Jones, son of the postmaster, has gained the Board of Trade's extra captain's certificate.

CONNAH'S QUAY. COLLISION.—On Wednesday night a collision occurred in Mount's Bay, between the Padstow schooner Amaranth and the Lancaster schooner James and Agneg, with the result that the former waa sunk and the latier abandoned in a sinking condition. The crews were picked up by another schooner and landed at Penzance, no lives being- lost. The .James and Agnes was in command of Capt. Tom Peers, of Salisbury-street, Shotton. THE MAIN ROADS.—A correspondent writes: "If any further evidence were needed to t,hew tihe neoessity of putting the footwalk, apart, from the roadway, in the main street of Connah s Quay under local control, it is supplied by the disgraoe- fully dirty state in which they are at the present time. It would be safe to say that in no urban district in the country are principal streets in suoh a state as in Connah's Quay. The High- street, from the Post Office right. away to Shotton. is a. veritable slough, and the footways, unpaved in parts and uneven where paved, are regular traps for the unwary, for one is ankle deep in squelching mud or a pool of water before they know where they are, especially in the dark. Are the negotiations between the Urban District Council and the County Council as to the making and maintaining the footpaths broken off? Twelve months ago this import-ant matter was considered, and hero we are again in tho depth of winter and not a halfpenny worth of praotioal work done. One can quite see that the great pro- portion of rural members on the County Council are against spending more money in an urban district than in their own locality. They seem to forget the fact that the contribution in rates is far greater from a town tha.n from a country village. To remove that feeling the only way is to transfer the oontrol of roads, at an agreed price for main- tenance, from the county to the local Council. When this is done, we may hope for better roads, both at Conn ah s Quay and Shotton, and more men to look after them."

.+- HESWALL. SACRED OONCERT.-The fourth annual a"red oonoeirt in connection with the mission room organ fund, took place on Tuesday night, and was well attended. The programme was opetned by the singing of the hymn "Come, let us jcpn our cheerful songs," after which Master T Hall, of the Liverpool Cathedral ohoir, sweetly rendered Gounod's "There is a green hill." This talented vocalist also sang "Far from my heaven- ly home" (Tours), and "The Gift" (Behrend), in a charming manner. Miss C. Leadley Brown con- tributed a couple of violin solos, Gounod "Ave Maria" and Raff's "Cavatina," and, Missi D. Gilmour s«.ng "Croesing the bar" (Willeby) and "Abide with me" (Liddle), while Mr. Eric Oulton was greatly appreciated in his renderings of "The Ring of Love" and "Now the day is over." Miss G. E. Moore played as a pianoforte solo Chopin's "Fantaisie impromptu," and two an- thema, "What are these arrayed in white robes" ana "Arise, shine" was sung by a male cihoir, tho treble solo, "And God shall wipe away all tears," being sweetly sung by Master Leo Male. Mr H. Newson contributed "The Loet Chord" and "The Promise of Life," while Mr. A. V. Smith's fine voice was heard to advantage in Handel's "For behold darkness." The Rev. C. Ttnsley played "A Russian March" as an organ solo. The proceeds amounted to nearly £ 4. INTERESTING WEDDING.—A wedding of more than usual interest to Heswall was solem- more than usual interest to Heswall was solem- nised on Wednesday afternoon at the Presby- terian Church, the contracting parties being the Rev. John Mackintosh, pastor of the church, and Miss Mabelle Tapsoott, second daughter of Mr. John Tapsoott (member of the Wirral District Council for Heswall) and Mrs. Tapsoott. of The Lodge, Heswall. The weather, though sharp, was most propitious, and the church was adorned with flowers and foliage, and crowded to the doors with an interested throng. The mony was conducted by the Rev. J. Stephens Rooee, M.A., of Whalley Range. Manchester, and the bride, who was given away by her father, looked charming in a biscuit French em- broidered robe on biscuit silk, draped with an exquisite fiohu of Maltese lace, the yoke being of Maltese la-oe, with a. niching of chiffon, and the waiilt being enciroled by a pretty belt of biscuit chiffon to match the yoke. She also wore a triple-stringed necklace of pearls, which had been in the possession of the Tapsoott family for many veairs. The bridesmaids were Muss Dorothy Tapsoott, sister of the bride, and Miss Maud Lyell, and they wore wysteria silk voile gowns over cream silk, adorned with chiffon roses of the same oolour suspended by ocràs. Mrs. John Tapsoott, mother of the bride, wore a puce silk voile gown over black silk, trimmed with chiffov lace and touches of violet barmonisinp, in colotu with the gown. The best man was the Rev. J. Kichol Grieve, M.A., of Liverpool. After the, ocremony a reception was held at the assembly rooms, and the presents, of which there were close on two hundred, among them being a g:ft of otit-lery and books from the congregation, were on view at the house of the bride's parents. The bride's travelling costume was of a chocolate habit cloth in tre 'Russian bolero style, the coat opening over a handsomely embroidered vest of silver tissue studded with turquoise, the coat lY-mg- trimmed with old silver buttons, alo studded jritfe tufquoise. i 3,,7

I FRODSHAM. SCRIPTURE EXAl\nATlC:TJ. follow- ing is the report of the Frodsharn Endowed Boys' j ikiiooi (lieadmaeter, Mr. J. C. Cragvn examina- tion in religious knowledge by the lk. J. M. Now: I'lie boys were examined in three groups. The work throughout tho Fchooi, both oral and written, was exceptionally good. I waa particularly pleased by uie New Testament and abstraota in Group 1, and the illustrations of oommandnieiita in Group 2. The tone and cspliiie of the sohool was all that could bo desired. There were 271 present out of 275."

fALP A. RENT AUDIT.—The half-yearly rent audit o £ Mr. W. W. Tyrwhitt Drake was held on, Thu»- day and Frid&y at. the Wyvera Hotel. On Thurs- day the farmers dined together at tho Wyvem Holnl. under the presidency of Mr. oJ. L. Ran- dall, the agent. The vioe-cbair was occupied by Mr. T. Parsonage. On Friday the oottagere were similarly entertained. DANCE —The anniual ball in aid of the benevo- 18nt fund of the Malpas Postal Federation took plaoe in the Jubilee Hail on Wednesday night, when there was an attendance of upwarde of 150. The muaio was supplied by Mr. J. R. New brook, Whitchurch. The M.C.'s were Messrs. T. Mer- Btr, L. Hewitt and R. Ankers.

-+ ELLESMEKE PORT. ACCIDENT.—On Friday evening a man named James Garner, employed as an engine driver at Messrs. Burnell's galvanizing works, met with rather a serious accident. He was engaged oiling the shafting, and somehow ho slipped and fell to the ground, a distance of about 20 feet, knocking himself badly as he fell. Garner was at once re- moved bome and professional aid CAIISJ in. It was foupd no bones wore broken, but he was suffering severely from bruises and shock. He is now pro- gressing favourably. HOSPITAL SUNDAY On Sunday special sermons were preached in the Parish Churoh, and collections made in aid of Chester Infirmary. At the morning service the Vicar (tho Rev. O. E. Rice) preached, while at night the preacher was the Rev. W. Bidlake, of Christ Church, Crewe, and formerly vicar of Ellesmere Port. At the evening service the church was packed to its utmost limit, and the amount realised for the Infirmary will be a very satisfactory one.

NESTON, A PUBLIO BOON.-The promised gift of pub- lio seats and a small manual fire engine by the oammittfio of the late Neston Creche has given much satisfaction, in the district. THE WIRRAL TRAMP BOGIE —Some silly rumours as to the danger of being molested by the wandering tramp fraternity m Wirra.1 have been set afloat by a sensational paragraph in oi>3 of the local papers. So far as is known there is practically no foundation for any alarmist re- ports of this description. There has been no authenticated cose of any person being interfered with- on the highways. LECTURE ON RUSSIA —Under the title of "A .Trip to Russia" a lecture, having a very lIpOOial interest for the public at the present- time, was given in the Presbyterian Sohoolrooru on Wednesday evening. The lecturer ttho Rev. Jaa- Burns, M.A.) had spent seme tinje in country deeanbed and while there had had very excep- tional facilities for studying too prevailing con- ditions and customs of the Russian people gener- ally.

HAWARDEN. CONFIRMATION SERVICE.—A oonfixroation Mffvioe by the Lord Bishop of St. Asaph took plaoe at wio parish ohurch on Wednesday morn- ing. The candidates were about 150 in number. The olergv present were the rector of Hawarden (the Rev. Canon Drew), the Revs. the Hon. A. V. Lyt&elton, W. H. Parkes, G. F. Hodges, A. Abel, Barlow Poole, J. F. L. Southam, C. F. Duder, G. C. Joyoe (warden of St. Deiniol'e Library), E. H. Holden (sub-warden), and the Rev. W. Cooper. THEFT FROM A FATHER.-At Mold Police Court on Wednesday, Job Harrison, junr., of Wood-lane, Hawarden, was charged with stealing a gold watch chain from the bouse of his father. Job Harrison.—Prosecutor said he kept the watch chain (produced) in a box in a chest of drawers in the kitchen. He valued the chain at £ 4. On the 26th October he missed the box and its contents, and on the following day finding defendant at Queen's Ferry he taxed him with the theft. The defendant at first denied the offence, but afterwards said ho pawned the chain in Chester and sold the ticket to a man unknown to him. Next day he took defendant to Dutton's, pawnbrokers, Chester, where he was informed that the chain had been pawned but was subsequently redeemed by Anthony Ducker, of 13. Princess-street, Chester. He then interviewed Dueker who said he had sold the chain to a man working at Ellesmore Port. He endeavoured to recover the chain, but failed, and then obtained a warrant against defendant. His son seemed unable to control himself, and it had been a habit of his since he had fever.—Sergeant Ferguson (Hawarden) said defendant was a trouble to the district. There was plenty of work to be had, but he refused to work.—Defendant, who bad been previously convicted, pleaded guilty.—The Chairman characterised the ease as a very painful one. In order to give the defendant another chance the Bench would deal leniently with him and send him to prison for a week.

WREXHAM FAIR WAGE CLAUSE —The Wrexham Trades Council have decided to lay before the Denbighshire County Council the "Fair Wage" question, with a view to a fair wage clause being inserted in all county contracts. This "clause" has !x.en adopted by the Wrexham Corporation and tho Wrexham Board of Guardians. NORTH WALES MINERS' WAGES. —The conference between representatives of the North Wales Miners' Association and the NK. h Wales Coalowners' Association to discuss the wages question took place at Wrexham on Friday. After discussing the price-list at length it Wlk agreed to adjourn the conference; RAILWAY FATALITY.—Early on Saturday morning a oollier named Charles Phillips, who lived in Bradley-road, Wrexham, and worked at Moss, was taking a short cut to his work acro-w a railway siding near the Great Western goods shed at Wrex- ham Station. The morning was foggy, and Phillips apparently did not notice a train of wagons which was being shunted into the shed. He was knocked downed and suftained terrible injuries to both legs. He was removed to tho Wrexham Infirmary, where he died about two hours after his admission. TRAINING OF PUPIL TEACHERS.—At a meeting of the Wrexham Education Committee on Friday night, Mr. R. Sauvage was re-elected chair- man, and Mr. LI. Hugh Jones vice-chairman. The return of attendances at the three e rnentary schools in Wrexham shewed a percentage of atten- dance of 87'9, practically the same as dm.jng the corresponding period of L. n-ar. Spring upon the question of the training of pupil teachers, Mr. Simon Jones pointed out that the commit tee were training exactly half the pupil teachers they bad the power to train. With the large and excellent) elementary schools in Wrexham and with the County School the town possessed, in hi., opinion, the best facilities for training teachers in North Wales. He thought thair duty was to use the facilities they had. and trust very much mere to the regulations of the Board of Education as they stood than to any nebulous ari-am? en ten to which were very much in the air all over Walern at the present time.

4- DON'T LOOK OLD. With advancing years greynesa increases. Stop this with LOCKYER'S SULIHUU IIAIK RPISTOREB, which darkens to the former colour an i preserves the appearance. Lockyera keeps off rages of time, by darkening the grey streaks, also- causing growth of Hair. Large cheap bottle:.

tents raises the old question whether didactic versa is really poetry after all. Again the answer must be negative. The truei poet- is "of imagina- tion all compact," and hero, for the most part, matters of fact are set forth ia verce. The metrical form may aid the memory, and will do no more. Some of the pieces are exempt from this criticism. "Robin Legends" and "The Birth of the Snowdrop" are instances. Wo may add that the get-up of the volume is high!y credit- able to the publisher. THE MARQUIS OF PUTNEY (By Richard Marsh. London: Methuen and Co., 6s.).—In his latest romance Mr. Marsh is treading his favourite ground of mystery, the mystery attending the kid- napping of the Marquis of Putney, a. tiny baby. during his daily airing in Hyde Park under the charge of his nurses. Envy, malice, hatred and all unoharitableness are naturally at the root of the mystery, but years pass and stilt the riddle is unsolved. The missing heir to the vast estates has dropped as completely out of sight as if the earth had opened and swallowed him up. Sus- picion lights in a certain quarter, but the story has to be followed to the end before. the true clue is found. Matters are complicated by the fact that the injured parties, the bereaved Duke and Duchess, have each a past which it behoves them to conceal, and which play no small part in the elaboration of the story. The plot, shews distinct, originality of conception, and is worked out with skill and boldness. The interest is never suffered to flag, and the reader who takes the book in hand will pursue the theme right up to the end. "THE PIE AND THE PATTY-PAN" (By Beatrix Potter. London: Fredk. and Co., Is.)-—Mies Potter's new book for children is issued in good time for a Christmas gift. The series of these comic picture-books, commencing with the famous "Peter Rabbit," is now growing into quite a little library. The tragedy attending the pie baked by the feline cook, "Ribby," and its consumption by the canine guest, "Duchess," is full of whimsical humour peculiar to the author, while the pictures teem with merriment. The facial expression in the animal portraits shews the true artist. PICTURE POST-CARDS.—The picture post- cards published by Mr. J. W. Ruddock, Lincoln, are clever reproductions of water-colours, and the series is fully representative of the Provinces of England, two oote of Chester views being included.