The Chester Courant and Advertiser for North Wales

DIARY OF COMING ENGAGEMENTS. Nov. 22, <$fc.—" Held in Bondage at Royalty Theatre. „ 23-Chester Cattle Fair. „ 2H-Nantwich Cheese Fair. 23-Brabazon Society's Sale of Work. 23-AU Saints' Sale of Work. 24—Havjarden Board of Guardians. „ 25-Tarvin Board of Guardians. 27-Eltesmere, Port District Council. 27-Chester Education Committee. T, 27-Eddisbllry Division. Conservative Associa- tion-lifeeting at Norley. 27—Eddisbury Petty Sessions. 28-Chster Board of Guardians. 28-Eddisburu Division Conservative Associa- tion-Meeting at Kingsley. 28-Chester Bankruptcy Court.

PRACTICAL CHURCHMEN. The Chester Diocesan Conference once more has vindicated its existence as a practical, businesslike assembly. The Bishop delivered one of his characteristic addresses, passing in brief review all the leading topics of the day so far as the Church is affected, and giving clergy and laity alike some sound counsel upon difficult problems. The evils of intemperance and juvenile smoking were dis- cussed without intemperance, which is more than can be said for many Temperance debates. The juvenile smoking difficulty is of modern growth, contemporaneous practically with the popularity ot the cigarette, within the present generation. It cannot be denied, of course, that boys smoked in the days of our grandfathers, but they could not smoke then with the same impunity as they puff the mild cigarette of to-day, and the vengeance which outraged Nature exacted often served as a sufficient deterrent for the future. The cigarette habit, as it exists among the youth of to-day, is a serious evil and danger to the health of the community. The consumption of tobacco in moderation by adults is a matter of taste, and need cause no alarm, but for smoking by mere boys there can be no justification, and any repressive legislation on the lines indicated at the Conference doubtless would meet with general approval and practically, no opposition in Parliament. The only con- ceivable objection to the prohibition of the sale of tobacco to children is the child-messenger grievance, which obtruded itself in the case of the liquor trade. Here, however, the objection would be less real, because tobacco is a luxury, not an article of diet like the workingman's dinner or supper ale. The subjects opened up by Colonel Cotton- Jodrell'a resolution upon the rural labour problem would have sufficed for a conference of themselves. It will be remembered that at I last year's Conference at Birkenbead, the wholesale migration of the rustic youth to the I towns was under consideration in its bearing upon agriculture and the national physique and character. A committee representative of county landowners and parochial clergy) appointed then, now reported in favour of exempting country boys from school attendance over the age of twelve years, conditional to their attendance at a continua- tion school three nights a week during the winter, until sixteen years of age. It was further recc amended that the syllabus in country schoo should have special reference to country life and work, and should be made to include gardening, nature study, &e. With regard to the housing question, the committee urged the necessity for more labourers' cottages in many parts of the county and the provision of gardens and small holdings attached, where possible Village clubs were also recommended, the members being encouraged to take an active part in their management. Upon these recommendations Colonel Cotton-Jodrell delivered a highly sensible speech, shewing his long experience and intimate knowledge of the subject in all its branches. The Colonel undoubtedly indicated a very crucial point, when he laid stress on the week-end holiday granted to urban workers as a strong, determining factor in the drifting of our rural population citywards. The knowledge that practically all town operatives cease work at noon on Saturday and have not to resume until Monday morning presents an irresistible attraction to the young man in the choice of his life's calling, when he reflects that, should he elect to remain on the land, he will be obliged, whether master or servant, to toil more or less seven days a week all his life. Such are the incessant demands of farm life that it is an impossibility to give all the hands a free Sunday even, and as Colonel Cotton-Jodrell jocularly put it, "animals must still be fed and cared for, and we had not yet, with all our science and civilisation, arrived at that point when we could induce the dairy cow to with-hold her milk for thirty-six hours." It is true that the open-air life of the country is more healthful, and, thanks to the infinite variety of Nature, is more attractive than a town existence for all who have eyes to see and intelligence to appreciate. At the same time, the glamour of town gaieties nearly always prevails in enticing the youth of the nation, who are overcome by the shallow and tawdry allurements, and vote for a short life and a merry one, although it is not always merry by any means. On this question of shorter hours and greater oppor- tunities for recreation in the town it is impossible to make any feasible suggestion. Something, of course, has been done and can be done in greater measure by village institutes and clubs, but they touch only the fringe of the matter. Better cottages tor the rustic labourer,and the provision of convenient gardens and allotments have been advocated from time immemorial, but still the obstacle of making these things pay their -\ay obtrudes itself. The fabulously cheap cottages, reckoned at £150 each, at the Garden City exhibition, have proved a delusion and a snare, as we suspected trom the outset. The deputations of practical men who have inspected the erections are not enamoured of them, while the boasted cheapness is some- what illusory, seeing that it does not represent by any means the entire cost. Of the Garden City movement itself we entertain better hopes, so far as the extension of gardening is affected. Still Garden Cities will not entirely solve the agricultural problem. The crux of the matter, most farmers will say, is money. When farmers can make their business lucra- tive, and can afford to pay good wages, there will be no dearth of labourers on the land.

Mr. J. H. Welsford's candidature for Crewe in the Unionist interest was considerably strengthened by Monday night's enthusiastic demonstration at the Town Hall. From tho out- sot Mr. Welsford has tackled Crewe, not as the lea.der of a forlorn hope, but as a man who meant to fight and win the seat back to its former Unionist allegiance. The more the electors of Orewe know him, the bettor they like him, partly owing to the contagion of his personal enthusiasm in the cause, and partly becauso they neeognise in him an expert business man, who is equally au fait with social questions and with the larger problems of Imperial policy. As a far-travelled man and a large ship-owner Mr. Weleford would be an ideal representative for an industrial constituency like Crewe, where busi- ness ability is of the first importance. As the Chairman of Monday night's gathering observed, "In Mr. Welsford they had a powerful and patriotic pilot who would pull them through the shoali of the coming General Election.

Mr. Stanley, the Radical candidate for Eddig- bury, is earning the reputation of a wobbler and a trimmer. He has vacillated over the Agrioul- tural Rating Act to an absurd extent, and, judging by his speech at Tattenhall, on Friday night, hie is wobbling over Home Rule and over the Temper- ance question. What would Mr. Redmond say if he knew the sort of diluted Home Rule which Mr Stanley preaches in Eddisbury? What would Mr. Tomkinson think if he knew how his protege is temporising with the demon of alcohol? Mr. Stanley admits not only that he is not a teetotaller, but that he can "enjoy an; oooasional glass of beer, which does him no harm." He will have nothing to do with Pro- hibition nor with a general Sunday Closing Bill. Judged by the standard of the strict teetotaller- and there are not a few of them in the Eddisbury Radical fold-this is rank heresy. As for the Irish question, no matter how Mr. Stanley may try to hedge, if the Radicals are in office in the next Parliament, the Nationalists will fcte in power, and they will make the Radicals dance to their own favourite tune. --+-

The Eddisbury Radioala must be in a more de- plorable muddle than we had suspected, through their precipitate "adoption" of Mr. Stanley as their Parliamentary candidate two years before any necessity had arisen. In January next it will be two years since Mr. Stanley was formally adopted by the Eddisbury Liberal Association, and a good deal of money must have been spent in the promotion of the candidature in the interim. Meetings alone have a habit of running away with a considerable sum, to say nothing of the costs of organisation, so it will be no surprise if drastic measures of economy are taken for the I protection of the candidate's interests. The Act, we know, is exceedingly stingy in the allowance of election expenses, especially for a widely- I scattered division like Eddisbury. Something obviously must be done to curtail the expense of running the candidato during this extraordinarily protracted period, and some idea of the straits in which the Liberal Executive find themselves may be gathered from the new departure, an- nounced for the approaching Frodsham meeting, of charging for admission to the reserved seats. It is only a modest impost of a shilling a head, for that favoured part of the ,hat1, we know, still every little helps, and if only ten or a dozen people could be prevailed upon to buy tickets, there would be some contribution to t-ho printing bill at all events. The institution of a charge for admission to a Radical meeting is certainly an innovation in Eddisbury, and its result will be watched with some interest. Al- though Mr. Stanley is a firm advocate of Free Trade for the country, he evidently is no be- liever in free admission to political meetings.

1 HOOLE DISTRICT RATE.—At a special meet- ing of the Hoole Council on Thursday evening the seal was affixed to the Council's rate for the next half-year. The rate will be Is. 6jd. in the J6, the same assuring- the last half-year. POPULARISING A GRAMMAR SCHOOL.- Warrington Education Committee on Monday night adopted a scheme whereby £ 400 a year is to be voted towards the upkeep of the Warrington Grammar School, on condition that there shall be at least seven representative governors out of 15; that 20 per cent. of the places in the school shall be free, and that the fees be reduced from 28 to 26 as a minimum and from B20 to M as a maximum.

LOCAL NEWS. CHESTER CATHEDRAL. SERVICE LIST FOR WEEK COMMENCING Nov. 22. WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBHR 22ND.—Morning, 7.45: Matins and Holy Communion. 10. i5: The Litany; hymn 7. Evening, 4.1ft Service, Colborne in A; anthem, "The radiant morn (Woodward). TllURSDAX, NOVEMBBR 23RD.-Morning, 8.0: Holy Com- munion. 10.16: Service, Chipp in D; anthem, "Rejoice ye with Jerusalem" (Stainer). Evening, 4.15: Service, Kent in 0 anthem, The heavens declare" (Boyee). FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 21TH.-Morning. 7.45: Matins and Holy Communion. 1 .1.5 The Litany; hymn 1(3. Even- ing, 4 15 Service, Farrant in G minor; anthem, "The light of the evening" (Hauptman). SATURDAY, NOVEMBER ZOTII (Chapter Day).—Morning, 7.45: Holy Communion. 9.4j: Service, Garrett in D; introit, hymn 8 S; choral celebration (Garrett in D). Evening, 4.15 Service Garrett in D anthem, Turn Thee unto me" (Boyce). SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 26TII (23rd Sunday after Trinity).— Morning, 3.1): Holy Communion. 1 '.3U: Service, Stanford in B flat; anthem, 'Give ear to my prayer" (Arcadelt); introit, hymn ^02; Kyrie and Credo (Stanford in B flat); preacher, the Canon in Residence. Eveniug, 3.30: Service, Stanford in B flat; anthem, "Plead Thou my cause" (Mozart); hymn í9. 6 3;: Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis to Chants; Processional hymn, 2ti8; hymns l 585, a63 preacher, the Ven. the Archdeacon of Osaka. (Collection for the C. M S.) MONDAY, NOVKMBZB 27TH.—Morning, 8.0: Holy Commu- nion. 10.15 Service in Monotone. Evening, 4.15 Service, Goss in E anthem, 0 for a closer walk (Foster). TUESDAY, NovzmBER 28TIl.-Morijing, 8.0: Holy Commu- nion. 10.15 Service, Kempton in B flat an i heni, "Call to remembrance" (Karrant). Evening, 4.15: Service, Kempton in B flat; anthem, I have surely built" (Boyce).

Lady Barrymore has returned to town from Fota, co. Cork. Congratulations to the Very Rev. the Dean of Chester, who on Monday last celebrated his 74th birthday. The Marchioness of Anglesey has returned to London, from Paris, and is settled in her new residence, 7, Ovington Gardens. The Right Hon. George Wyndham, M.P., and Countess Grosvenor left town on Friday night for Saighton Grange, Chester. Mr. Harmood Banner, M.P., was on Friday unanimously re-elected chairman of the Finance Committee of the Liverpool Corporation. We are glad to state that Dr. King, who has been seriously ill, is now making satisfactory pro gress. The Countess Grosvenor left Saighton on Monday for Lumley Castle, Chester-Ie-street. Her ladyship will be away about a week. The Earl of Crowe, chairman of the political committee, will preside at the complimentary dinner to Sir Edwin A. Cornwall at the National Liberal Club next Monday. The Earl of Shrewsbury and Talbot entertained a shooting party at Ingestre last week, among the guests being the Earl and Countess of Lonsdale. the Earl of Enniskillen, Lord Falconer, Viscount and Viscountess Ingestre, Viscount Castlereagh, and the Marquess of Anglesey. A record bag of pheasants was obtained. Mr. Yerburgh, M.P., to his great regret, was prevented from attending the Chester Diocesan Conference by a long-standing engagement to speak at an important meeting at Tewkes- bury, on Wednesday. On Monday the member for Chester addressed a meeting on Agri- cultural Co-operation at Clophill, Bedfordshire, and yesterday (Tuesday) he had undertaken to open a debate on "National Service" at the Y.M.C.A. Literary and Debating Society, London. Viscount Southwell was thirty-three last week. He is an Irish peer who has no seat in Ireland, for though he owns property in several Irish counties, his residence, purchased since his marriage, is near Overton-on-Dee, on the borders of Cheshire and Flintshire. Lord Southwell has been a baronet of the United Kingdom and a Viscount in the Green Isle since he was six years of age. He is a nephew of Sir Evelyn Wood, and married Sir John Walrond'^ youngest daughter. A CHESHIRE OFFICER'S PROMOTION.— The London Gazette" of last week contained the announcement of the promotion to captain of Mr. C. K. Napier Nunn, A S.C. We congratulate the Rev. C. R. and Mrs. Nunn, Norley Vicarage, upon their son's rapid and deserved advancement. Originally intending to enter the Navy, in which he hoped to follow in the footsteps of his godfather, and a connection by marriage on his mother's side, as also of a former commanding officer of the old 22nd Regiment, he fitly joined the 3rd Battalion of the Cheshire Regiment. He was seconded to the 2nd Battalion in South Africa, but soon after, receiving an appointment to the Army Service Corps, became officer commanding section to the mobile column, obtaining the South African medal mobile column, obtaining the South African medal and six clasps, and a commission in the Corps. On returning to England he passed his examinations at Woolwich, Hythe, Aldershot and Birkenhead with credit, securing "distinguished" in C. Having I discharged the duties of acting-adjutant at the Curragh Camp for two years, he has now been given his company. Captain Nunn is a popular officer, and clever in amateur theatricals. We wish him continued success. The Grand Duke Miohael of Russia and the Countess Torby motored from Keele Park, Staffordshire, on Thursday, and did some shop- ping in Cheater. At the annual conference of the National Union of Conservative and Constitutional Asso- ciations, at Newcastle on Tuesday, the following wore among the vice-presidents cleted:-Il;ezl Egerton of Tatton, Mr. Robert Yerburgh, M.P., and Mr. B. O. Roberto. Lajdy Mary Criahton, who ia at present staying with her motJher, Katharine Duohesa of Westimn- ster, at Oo mberme rc> Abbey, will leave England in a few days for In<ii«L to join her husband, Lord Oriohton, who, aa Equerry bo the Prince of Wales, is already in India. Lord and Lady Orichtoii will return to England about March. The Secretary of the Chester General Infirmary begs to acknowledge with thanks the receipt of a parcel of fruit and confectionery sent by Mr. R. A. Yerburgh, M.P., from the Hoole Welsh Wesleyan Mission Sale of Work (per Mr. Joseph Benn) for the use of the patients; also a postal order for 2s. 6d., issued from Stocks-lane, Chester, being an anony- mous donation. Thursday was the first birthday of Earl Gros- venor, eon of the Duke and Duahesa of West- minister. At Eaton, in oelebration of the event, the Countess Groevenor entertained a party of sixty or seventy at tea. AfberwardB there was a. display of fireworks. There was also a. service in the dhapel, oonduoted by the Rev. M. W. Kin- loch. reotor of Eooleston. ST. JOHN'S WARD VACANCY.-We learn that in response to an invitation from the Radical party, Mr. F. F. Brown has consented to stand as a candidate for the vacancy in St. John's ward, caused by the death of Mr. A. W. Butt. SCIENCE AND ART AND TECHNICAL SCHOOLS.—We are officially informed that the prizes will be presented to the students by the Countess Grosvenor, after which an address will be delivered by the Right Hon. George Wyndham, M.P., in the Assembly Room, at the Town Hall, on Friday, December 1st, at 8 p.m. CHESTER PUBLIC LIBRARY.—The follow- ing is the return of the issue of books for the week ending Nov. 18th, 1905:-Lending department: Religion and philosophy, 1; sociology, 0; arts, sciences and natural history, 19; history, biography, geography and travels, 24; poetry and the drama, G prose fiction, 721; miscellaneous literature, *9 juvenile literature, 143 total, 923. Reference department: Religion and philosophy, 0; sociology, 3; arts, sciences and natural history, 22; history, biography, geography and travels, 12 poetry and the drama, 9; encyclopaedias, dictionaries, etc., 222 miscellaneous literature, 4 total, 272 com- bined total, 1,195; daily average (lending depart- ment), 185; daily average (reference department), 45 combined daily average, 230. THE HOOLE BAZAAR.—The total receipts of the Hoole Welsh Wesleyan Mission Sale of Work are expected to reach £90. TRAM RETURNS -The trams carried 36,008 passengers, and the roooipta amounted to £150 5s. 6d. Compared with the corresponding week of last year, the figures shew an increase of 1,737 paiscngers and' of j62. 3s. lid. in tho receipts). ACCIDENT TO LORD DELAMERE'S AGENT.—Mr. J. P. Jack/son, of Whifcegate, near "insford, Lord DeAamere'a agent, was cycling along the drive to Vaio Royal, when a dog be- longing to Oapt. Harrison, who is occupying the hall. ran in front of him. Mr. Jackson was thrown violently from the machine, and sustained in- juries to his hoad and shoulders that rendered him unconscious. PRESENTATION AT CHESTER WORK- HOUSE—A very interesting ceremony took place at the Chester Workhouse on Monday evening last, when tho inmates took the opportunity of presenting a testimonial to their laie esteemed assistant porter, Mr. Arthur Richardson, on his retirement to take up a better appointment at Stockport Hospital. The presientation took the form of a handsome umbrella with a suitable ad- dress. PROPOSED FLINTSHIRE LIGHT RAIL- WAY.—At the meeting of the Holywell Rural Council on Friday, the plans of a light railway in the parish of Newmarket, in regard to which a "Bill is being promoted by the London and North- Western Railway Company, were submitted for assent. After some discussion it was decided to give the assent of the Council, subject to anything necessary to protect the roads and rights of way and drainage being provided. WOMAN S STRANGE DEATH.-n, o circum- stances have been reported to tho city coroner ■vM.r. E. Bras&ey) of the death of Mrs. Howard, married woman, aged) 30, living by herself at 23, Dee-lane, Chester. Deceased was seen on Satur- day night, but was not seen on the following day until 12.30 p.m In response to her calls a neighbour named Mrs. Patler went in the house and found her downstairs in a fainting oondition. Mrs. Tatler sent for a doctor, and Dr. Laws, who is assisting Dr. Roberto, Boughton, arrived. He called again in the evening. Mrs- Howard col- lapsed suddenly and died at 1.30 on Monday morn- ing. An inquest will be held. POPULARITY OF CHESHIRE CHEESE.- Katharine Duchess of Westminster, accompanied by Lady Mary Crichton. distributed the pnzls at the Whitchurch Dairy Show on Wednesday when Captain Ethelston presided, supported by Sir Wyndham Hanrner. Major GodsaJl, after referring to the increased demand for Cheshire cheese in London markets, said they heard a good deal about foreign competition and about scientific methods of dealing with the products of milk abroad especially in Holland. English farmers were, however, he said. too independent to submit to similar rigorous training discipline, but in his view these dairy associations with annual shows and periodical fairs constituted a system of training and organisation. CHESTER COMPENSATION CLAIM.—At Chester County Court on Thursday, His Honour Sir Horatio Lloyd gave judgment in an action heard at the last court, in which George Evans, described as a drover, sought compensation for injuries he received while in the employment of Mr. Johnson, farmer, Wrexham-road, in August last. Evans was engaged temporarily in agricultural work tor the defendant, and while employed in rooting a stack he fell from the ladder, which was alleged to be defective, dislocating his shoulders. He was engaged by the day in defendant's service at the rate of 3s. 6d. per day, and the accident happened on the third imorning, after he had worked two whole days. The respondent admitted liability and paid into court the sum cf t3. His Honour pointed out that there were only two questions involved in the case firstly, whether the disability of the plain- tiff had ceased, and secondly, as to the principle upon which compensation should be assessed. He was of opinion, upon the evidence, that the man's disability had practically ceased that the injury to his shoulder would not interfere with his future work. Defendant had in the circumstances treated plaintiff with a reasonable liberality, and no award would be made and no costs allowed. MISS EMILY GILES'S CONCERT.—Those who attended the Newgate-street Assembly-rooms on Tuesday evening, when Miss Emily Giles gave another of her delightful pianoforte recitals, were given a rare musical treat. The audience was large but not crowded. The programme was so arranged that Miss Giles had ample opportunity of displaying her talent in its widest scope, and it goes without saying that she succeeded in immensely pleasing her audience. The recital was agreeably varied by violin solos by Miss Kitty Woolley who deepened the favourable impression she gained on her previous visit to Chester, and by songs by Captain Oakshott. Miss Giles opened with Bach's Prelude and Fugue in F minor sonata for harpsichord, Scarlatti; and Arietta, Leonardo Leo, all composers of a century and a half ago, a period when musical art was at its best. Later she gave a Beethoven Sonata, Chopin's Ballade in G minor, a set of short pieces by Cyril Scott, and also took part with Miss Woolley in a sonata for violin and pianoforte by Brahms. Miss Woolley played a Romance by Max Bruch in a manner which charmed her listeners, and also Dvorak's "Humoresque," and Lederer's Poeme Hongrois, for which the audience would not be denied an encore. Capt. Oakshott, who was accompanied on the piano by his sister, had an admirable choice of songs, the first in Italian to Handel's well-known Largo; then two of Somer- vell's songs from Tennyson's Maud and lastly, Kingsley's "Sands o' Dee," to Clay's beautiful music. The vocalist did ample justice to each, although the last was probably the most appreciated. GRAND MASTER MILLS AND uLD-AGE PENSIONS.—Oddfellows from all parts of the country visited the Co-operative Hall, Droylsden, on Saturday evening to attend a meeting organised by the East Manchester District of the Manchester Unity of Oddfellows. The principal visitor was I Brother Thomas Mills, of Chester, the Grand Master of the Order, who said no friendly society ought to rest satisfied until it had provided old-age I pensions tor its members. He thought the time had arrived when the Manchester Unity might wisely take that step with safety to itself and with advantage to the community. It would be a grand thing for the State to provide old-age pensions for the industrial classes. The State had never recognised the great help which the friendly and co-operative societies had given in the government of the country. W^hat would have been the con- dition of the people to-day if it had not been for the self-sacrificing effort of the industrial classes themselves? Yet the savings of those classes had never been adequately protected by the Legisla- ture. (Applause.) The Government, he main- tained, had no right to register friendly societies that knew perfectly well they could never keep the Eromises they made to their members. (Applause ) !ertainly the protection of Parliament ought never to have been given to dividing societies, and he hoped that protection would be withdrawn. (Hear, hear.) It was criminal folly to compel a good citizen to herd with the drunken and the dissolute simply because in his declining years he had to seek the aid of the poor law. (Applause.) THE LATE MR. WILLIAMSON JONES.- in1uest on the remains of the late Mr. Williamson Jones, a former member of the Chester Town Council, was held at the Town Hall on Tuesday by the city coroner (Mr. E. Brassey). Mr. F. L. Hancock, Buckley, and his solicitor, Mr. N. A. E. Way, attended.-The Coroner said deceased had been a member of the Town Council for 15 years. He was a man well- known in the city, and a man of great force of mind and great independence of character, and at one time he was a prominent feature of the Council. On October 7th, deceased, who was 77 years of age and rather blind and deaf, was knocked down by a horse and trap belonging to Mr. Hancock, Buckley, and he died from the effect of the shock.—Dr. J. Roberts, Abbey-square, said he was called in on October 8th. He found deceased in a dazed con- dition, which subsequently passed away. Deceased suffered from a contusion of the right leg and the side. He died from cardiacal weakness accelerated by the shock of the accident. Deceased blamed no one and said it was a pure accident.—Arthur Clarke, 2, Tarvin-road, said he saw the accident from the shop at 63, Bridge-street. Mr. Jones was crossing the road by the fountain, when he was knocked down by a trap, the horse attached to it having been startled by a passing tram-car. No blame attached to anyone.-A man named David Evan Williams gave corroborative evidence.—One of the jurymen said he had seen the accident and he could quite bear out what the witnesses had said.—The Coroner said it reminded one of the time when only people who had some knowledge of the event were summoned on juries. A verdict of Accidental death was returned. Deceased at the time of his death was a widower, and he left a grown-up family.

It is intended to erect a church house for St. Asaph. Nearly B500 has already been promised in subscriptions, and a site has been offered by the Ecclesiastical Commissioners.

A FORGIVING WIFE. KICKED AND HIT IN THE EYE. A striking instance of the extent to which some wi\ies will forgive cruelty on their husbands' part was furnished at Chester Police Court yes- terday (Tuesday), when Henry Fryer, labourer, 2, Swan-court, pleaded guilty to assaulting his wife, a young woman. Complainant appeared in the witness-box with a badly decoloured eye. The Magistrates' Clerk (Mr. Davison): What do you complain of? Complainant: I do not wish to press the charge. What did he do to you on Sept. 23rd?—He gave mo a kick in the face and gave me a black eye. Tho Magistrates' Cieik explained that a sum- mons was issued against defendant, and as he did not appear a warrant was issued. Detective Hughes said the defendant came back on Saturday and thrashed his wife, giving her the present black eye. The Magistrates' Clerk: Is that so? Complainant: Yes. The Magistrates' Clerk said the onlv question was whether the Court would' allow the charge to be withdrawn. ° The Mayor: I do not think it ought to be withdrawn really. especially if it is true he re- peat.ed the offence last Saturday. (To the wife): You are disposed to forgive him? Complainant: He has got 14 days to do sinco then. I do not want to send him to prison. The Bench allowed the case to be w thdrawn. and the Mayor pointed out to defendant that if ho again assaulted his wife the present charge would not be forgotten If his wJe applied for a summons again it would not be withdrawn.

THE LATE MR. C. EDWARDS. IMPRESSIVE MILITARY OBSEQUIES. The wonted peace and quietude of rural life was invaded under mclancholy circumstances in the little villages of Rossetto and Lavister on Saturday afternoon, the occasion being the funeral of the late Mr. Chai'les Edwards, whose death waa reported in our last week's issue. It was amid an impressive demonstration of public mourning that the remains were interred in Rossett Churchyard. A sharp contrast to the sombre attire of hundreds of mourners who. assembled from far and near was presented by the scarlet and biiie urnifonns of detachments from the different Volunteer bat- talions of the Cheshire Regiment, together with representatives of several departments of the regular military service. The funeral was thus attended with full military honours as a fitting recognition of the deceased's long and valued connection with the Volunteer service. A special train conveyed the Volunteers and many private mourners from Chester, and from the station they proceeded to the deceased's residence at Lavister to join in the cortege, which when marshalled extended to fully a quarter of a mile in length. Houses and shops on the road to the church showed many tokens of rospect. by drawn window blinds and shutters. The distance from the house to the church, about, a mile, was traversed by the slowly moving procession in the following orderFirst carno the band of the 2nd V.B. Cheshire Regiment, with drums and drum major's wtaff shrouded in black, who played the mournful •trains of the Dead March in "Saul." A gun- caiiuige fo.owcd bearing the coHru, which was covered with the national flag and surmounted by deoeascd's helmet and sword; on either side waiked the pall-bearers; then the carriages con- voying the prinoipal mourners, a long procession, of general mounicis on foot, and the military, inciud.iig detachments of t<ho 1st (Birkenhead), 2nd (the headquarters battalion), 3rd (Knutsford)[ and 5th (Nantwich) Volunteer Battalions of the OlloshirG Regiment, and the Cheshire Bearer Co. under the command of Capt. Bromley, Capt, Martin. Leake (adjutant), Lieut. Musgrave and Lieut, J. Day. Tire pail-bearers were Colonel T. J. Smith, Major R. Cecil Davies (commandng the Flintshire Engineers), Capt, Cnurton, Capt. and Quartermaster Francis, V.D., Surg.-Cape. Brewer (Royal Naval Volunteers), and Capt. arid Quartermaster J. illiamson. At the churchyard gate the co'itege was met bv iho officiating dergy—the. Rev E. Charley (vicar cf Rossett), assisted by the Rev. H Grantham (senior chaplain of the 2nd V.B. Cheshire Regi- ment) and the choir of St. John's Church, Chester, who preceded the mourners into church sin-nn^ the opening sentences o.f the burial servic.- to. Troytc's chant. While the congregation asse.mbl'sd', the organist (Mr. A. H. Robinson) gave an ex- pessive rendering of the following appropriate works: Chopin's Funeral March, "0 Rest in the L™d> 1 know that my Redeemer liveth," and °?nifoffc Tho service was fully choral, and moulded the hymns "Lead kindly Light" and 1 Gace, perfect p.e.aee. Tho lesson from Couiuhians was road by tho ttov. H. Grantham, As the mourners left tho church Beethoven'<i Funeral March was played upon the organ. At the graveside, where many who were unable to gain adm ssion to the church joined in the ser- vice, tho hymn "Now the labourer's ta-sk is o'er" was sung, end the obsequies concluded with the sounding of the Last Post by the bulers of the Cheshire Regimental Dot. The chief mourners were Mrs. Edwards (widow), Mr. John Edwards, (brother), Miss Edwards (sister), Mr. Robinson (falher-in-law), Alr-s. Robin- eon (mother-in-law), Mr. John Robinson (biother- m-la.w), Miss Robinson (sister-in-law), Mr. A. H. Robinson (brother-in-law), and Nurse Mayfcrc." The Probate Office of Onostor, where deceased was chief clerk, was represented1 by Mr. H. A. Jeinner (district registrar) and Messrs. R. W. Jones, W. ray and F. W. Wallworth. Tnero was a large and representative gath^rin"- of Freemasons. The Clarence Lodge, of which. docca.sod was a member, was repusented by Bros. H. W. Jones, W.M., Tushingham, J.AN' Past Masters F. Powell, Bithell, A. C. H. Davies, J. Potts. Johnson and G. H. Haswell (secretary)- Bros. J. Chester, T. Brad bum. Smith, Harri- son, Wilson, J. Lyon. Sergt.-Major J. Meilor, S.D., Sergt, Major Mott, Colour-Sergt. Pa mer. J. L. Jones, Cbiour-Scrgt-Instructor Newall, Colour-Serp:t. Instructor Glover, Capt. and Quar- termaster Cooper, A. Wright, F. Thomas, Lieut. and Quartermaster T. Dutton (of the De.pot CV.esh. Regt). Sergt.-Instructor Johnson. Good, etc. The Independence Lodge, No. 721, was represented by Wor. Bro Geo. Day, W.M.. Bro. A. Hornby, S.W., Bros. S. A. Haswell, Isaac Williams, Geo. Barlow. F. R. Denson, T. Richards, H. Anderson, John Gardner, J. Gill Houghton and G. Swallow. Representing the Grosvenor Chapter of Royal Arch Freemasons were Bros J. Appleton, Z, D. L. Hewitt, H., J. T. Mii-ne, P.S. l W.M. Alliance Lodge Liverpool), George Barlow secre- tary), Companions T. Cleinence, J. T. Reddish. J. R. Richards. T. Houghton, Mars- ton, and W.. Bro. John Mayers (P.M., P.Z. and P.P. Director of Works). The Mark Lodge was also represented by Bios. W. N. Bate3 and R. W. Jones, W.M the Dee Lodge by Bro. Loui Parry; the Travellers' Lodge by Bros. G. H. Davies J.W., H. G. Little, George Barnes, A. Bradley and E. Mealing; the Square and Com- pass Lodge, Wrrexham, by Bro. R. W. Glasccdinc; and the St. Tudno Lodge, LJandudno, by Colour- Sergt Roberts. Among other mourners present were 'bhe Mayor of Chester (Alderman Robt. Lamb), Messrs. J. Nelson Ballantine and Wrm. H. Ralston, of Bir- kenhead (representing Y.M.C.A. Volunteer camp work in the Cheshire Brigade), A. Grasty (repre- senting Messrs. Wa-ksr. Smith and Way. solici- tors, Chester), R. H. Davies (Waverton). John Croft. (ex-sergt.-major 1st V.B. Cliesh. Regt.), M. Harrison (chief o.erk of Intend Revenue, Office, Chester), J. F. Lowe., Jame51 Lowe, Parkin, Major Woolley, Capt. and Quar- termaster Potter (1st South Laiioasliiie), Quartermaster-Sergt. Davies, R.W.F.,Capt. and Quaitermaster Sumnal (1st V.B R.W.F.), Lieut, and Quartermaster Duggan and Capt. Davies (of the Army Service Corps, Chester), Quarterniasier- Scrgt. Mott., Quartermaster-Scrgt. Gilding, and the chief staff clerks of the Annv Pay Corps, Sergt.-Major Chase (Cheshire Bearer Co.), Cheshire Volunteer long eervice merallists in- cluding St,aff-Sergt. Middleton. Colour-Sergt. Roberts, Colour-Sergt. Rushton, Colour-Sergt. Mort and Colour-Sergt. Robei-bs; Mcssrs. E. Cook- sen (Pouiton). W m Minshull, Edwin Jones (Allington Cottage), Thomas Lewis (Rossott Mill), John H. Hutchings and Miss Hutc.hmgs, Messrs. Davies (Pulford), Samuels (the Darla.ndsh James Parker (Eccleston), Robt Parker (Pul- 11' 4/ W\. Forster (Belgrave), Wm. Moorcs (Pulford), Ellis Gillham (Pouiton), T. Mitchell (Bretton), T. Part,ington (Pulford), Rowe Morris Morgan (Belgrave), Harry Edwards, R. Randies, Joseph Davies, Ernest Davies. E. Babb, Frank Davies (Wrexham), F. T. Cheetham, Huskissom. (Lavister), Walter Thomas (Pulford), J. Prince (Gresford), T. Wynne (Cuckoo's Nest), R. J, Williams, Philip Parry, J. Speakman, Joseph -nan Musgrave. W. N. Bates, Jones (Chester Conser- vative Club), Clarke, G. Avery, G. R. BrockwelU Herbert Johnson, C P. Jones. T. Barker. J. H. Cooke, O. E. Lloyd, H. Preston, Reuben Roberts Wallworth. aenr., Bebbin, T. J. Robinson. Ltoyd (Burton Hall), Edward Williams (Almeiv), J. Phillips, J. Hastings. J. Bourne Jones, J. Wr Manley, H E. Crane, A. W. Cunnah, Sergt.- Major Lamb and Sergt -Major Dye (representing the Cheshire Imperial Yeomanry), etc. Tho coffin-bearers were Quartermaster-Sergt. J. Davies, Armoury-Sergt. F. T. Holland, Colour- Sergt. Dyke, Quartermaster-Sergt W. Lockwood, Colour-Sergt. R. Williams and Sergt,. Tilstou (representing the 2nd V.B. Cliesh. Regt.) Tho coffin bore tho inscription: "Charles Edwards, born 29th March. 1852, died 14th Nov., 1905." In accordance with the request of the family there were no flowers. The fuiicq-a.1 ar- rangements were carricd out by Messrs, J, Smith and Son, Chester.