The Chester Courant and Advertiser for North Wales

156 YEARS AGO. (Extracts from the "Courant" Nov. 28,1749.) Last week some worthy English nobility and gentry discharged their French valets and other servants upon a complaint that they were assisting in attempting to over-awe the audience a few nights ago at a certain theatre in the Haymarket. A laudable example and which it is to be hoped will be followed bv others. So many of our disbanded soldiers and others are in want of bread and would be glad of such employ. 4. On Sunday m'ght last a man being in liquor at a public-house in Putney and very abusive was sent to the Watch House; and a woman of ill-repute that had been with him carried him some hot-pot and a candle: upon receipt of which he swore he would burn his way out. and accordingly set fire to the Watch House, which burnt him in such a manner that he expired on Monday about noon in great agonies. The constable who had the key 01 the"Watch House was gone to bed.

LOCAL GOVERNMENT JOTTINGS. -+- The suggestion has been made at the East Pro--ton (Sussex) Board of Guardians that they eh all revert to corn-grinding as a task for tramps. Some veare since the Guardians used to grind corn for farmers and others in the vicinity of the workhouse, at a charge of a shilling a bushel, and the labour proved more remunerative than stone- breaking. In fact the tramps protested against it because they earned the Guardians more than it to keep them. The suggestion stands over for consideration for the present. At a special meeting of the Colwyn Bay Urban Council the seal of the Council was ordered to bo attached to a mortgage bond in favour of the Public Works Loan Board, under which the sum of £4.377 was borrowed for purposes of water supply for Upper Colwyn Bay. Tho principal is repay- able in twenty-eight years at the interest of 3J per oent. The Clerk to the Carnarvonshire Joint Sanitary Committee wrote informing the Council of the abandonment, "owing to insuperable diffi- culties," of the scheme for the formation of a now joint- sanitary authority to include Colwyn Bav and four other councils outside the combina- tion. The Joint Committee regretted the non- IIUOOetiEo of their efforts, and were sorry that the Colwyn Bay Council must be under the necessity of making fresh arrangements. A case that savours of hardship was before the Wrexham Board of Guardians at their late meet- ing. in the. matter of an applicant for relief named Pugh. a .half-blind man, who was accused of re- fusing certain work which was offered him outside tho workhouse. In reply to queries from Guardians, Pugh said he had worked for a firm of leather manufacturers for thirty-two years, and had lost hie sight through falling into a soaking pit two years ago. His wife was a drunkard, and ivw home had been broken up. The work he had had offered him was only for two or three days, *nd consisted of chopping a fallen tree for fire- wood. Being closely questioned, Pugh said he had nowhere to sleep when outside the "house." He pawned hie watch to get his wife out of prison. The Rev. E. K. Jones questioned the ma.n concerning his sobriety, finally asking, "Don't you think you ought to be a better man than you have been?" which was indignantly Hoouted by another guardian, and finally a sug- gestion that Pugh be discharged from the house wan not entertained. The case was also men- tioned of another pauper who had refused an offer of work at 18s. a week At the recent monthly meeting of the Wrox-ham Town Council Mr. W. H. Parry mwod-" That this Council views with the utmost satisfaction the proposals of the War Office to carry out a scheme for forming large infantry depots at the head- quarters of the several groups of regimental districts, and is specially gratified to find that Wrexham has been selected as the headquartcns of one of these groups," He explained that he obtained his knowledge of the War Office pro- posals from a statement in the "Broad Arrow." The regiments which he understood were to be quartered at Wrexham were the 22nd Cheshire, the Royal Welsh the South Wales Borderers, tho Welsh Regiment, and the Shropshire Light Infantry. The total number of men to be stationed in the town would be between 1,500 and 2.000. The resolution having been seconded, tho Town Clerk, in reply to a query, said ho had re- oeived no communication from the War Office on the (subject.—Alderman T. Jones objected to thanking the War Office before they had actually given the town something. The motion was, ne vert he.ess, agreed to.

SUFFERINGS OF RAILWAY MEN. -+ Out-door workers of all kinds, but perhaps more especially railway men, suffer great hard- ships in winter from inclement weather. The constant exposure to cold and damp will in time affect the most robust constitutions, getting into the joints and bones, giving to untold agony from rheumatism, back pains, and joint disease of every description. A caw in point i.s the in- teresting one of Mr. J. B. Thompson, of 19, Mill- street. Hartlepool, who is a goods guard all the North-Eastern Railway. He writes the storv of his cure from rheumatism and haemorrhoids, by Zam-buk as follows :— "Several months ago," he said, "after a long stretch of work in cold and wet weather, I suffered from rheumatism, general coldnetw and depression. I was altogether very much out of sorts, could scarcely sleep or cat, and had almost unbearable pains in the back. I also suffered severely from haemorrhoids, and was obliged to leave off work. I sought the aid of one medical man, and as I got no better for his treatment, I went to another. Still there was no improvement. Eventually I heard from a friend of the great value of Zam-buk and I was persuaded to send for a box. The balm gave me the first relief I had found during a long period of suffering. The aching pains gradually disappeared and my ill-health went with thcrri. By the time I had used a second box I found myself restored to my former state of health, aJJd was. able to resume my employment. I gladly seize the opportunity of adding my testi- mony to those of many others which have been published, as to the great healing qualities of Zam-buk." Zam-buk is unequalled for soreness in joints or muscles, sprains, back pains, rheumatism, chil- blains. chapped hands, cold-sores, haemorrhoids, cuts, burns, scalds, poisoned or festering sores, eczema, psoriasis, ulcers, bad legs, sore backs. itch. scurf, scalp sores, erysipelas, rashes, abscesses, boils, pimples, ringworm, etc. Of all chemists, or the Zam-buk Co., 4, Red-cross-street, London, E.C., for one shilling and three-halfpence per box. or two shillings and ninopenco for large family yize (containing nearly four times the one shilling and three-halfpence).

A FLOURISHING SOCIETY.—The annual meeting of the Chester and North Wales Permanent Investment Building Society was held on Thursday evening at the offices .of the '.ecrotary (Mr. J. Dodd). Mr. G. R. Griffith (president) occupied the chair, and among those present were Messrs. J. T. Partington, J. Bairstow, A. Baker, W. Griffiths, J. Sheriff Roberts and E. H. Thomas (directors), Measrs. Beresford Adams and J. Clarke (stewards), Messrs. W* II. Barnes and V. H. Dickson (solicitors), and Mr. John Dodd (secretary). The annual report shewed that the business of the society had con- siderably increased during the past year, the amount advanced on mortgage bong very satis- factory. The profit had been £93 more than in the previous year, and the directors hoped that this progress would be maintained. Tho follow- ing statement shewed the available balance on hand. and the directors suggested that it should be (lea.lt with as follows:—Amount brought for- ward from 1894 accounts, £8. lls. 3d. profit for 1904-5. £549. 9. id. the income from funds invested, £24. 6s. 4d. total, JB582. 6s. 8d. the amount payable to the reserve fund for the year, JB17. 17s. 3d.; interest on investing shareholders' subscriptions (includinŒ. £24. 19s. 8d. paid during the year), JE370. 16s. 8d. the directors propose to pay ;i bonus of 5s. por cent., amounting to £ 38 13s. reserve fund suspense account to meet antic:nated losses on realisation of amount in- vesi'-d in the funds, £30: reserve fund. £50: total. JE507. 6. lid. leaving £74. 19s. 9d. to be carried forv¡p "d. less amount voted to the directors 118 romum-* ration. The directors again appeal to the to bring the advantages of tho socio r-y before their friends, and so contribute to further its prosperity.On the motion of the President, seconded by Mr. Partington, tho -eport was rdopted. The financial statement was re- garded a* unusually satisfactory, the feature bring the myrr.ent of £50 to the reserve fund. Tho retiring directors. Messrs. J. Jones, W. Griffiths. Jarres Pye and A. Baker VJer. re-elected. Tho audirors (Messrs. F. J. Warmsloy and W. F. Small) and the stewards (Messrs. Beresford Adams and J. Carkd were re-appointed. The sum of £ 40 was voted to the directors as remuneration for their «ervicrs, and votes of thanks wero parsed to the solicitors and the secretary. SULPHOLINE SKIN LOTION. TOP only effecti ve remedy for SKIN TROUBLES Sulpholine quicklv drives away Eruptions. Pimple". Eczema, Acne, Blackheads, and all Disfigure ments, developing a fair, spotless skin and beautiful complexion. Try Sulpholine Lotion Shilling Bottles.

I LITERARY NOTICES. NEW BOOKS. •MORE NATURAL HISTORY ESSAYS. Dr. Renshaw, the well-known lecturer and writer; has supplemented his "Natural History Essays" of last year by a companion volume of equal worth and interest. The first book treated of mammalian types found in Africa, but the present. work re present si selections made from the fauna of the world, ranging fiom the tropics to arctic regions. While the book no doubt is a valuable contribution to zoological science, it is constructed on so eminently popular lines as to be welcomed by the goneial reader who boasts no rX'X'ntiiic knowledge. The a.uthor has tho happy knack of handling his subject- so that the man-in- tho-st-ieet can follow him in his beautifully lucid descriptions of tho habits of the various strange cieaturos brought, forward for exhibition and ex- amination. Moreover, with the skill of the naturalist, Dr. Renshaw combines, in a remark- able degiee, the faculty of the artist. in presenting a word picture of the wild beast in his natural habitat, a description, in fact, from which a clever artist might paint a. lifelike picture. Science, in its forward march, having shattered so many idols, it is but natural that the process should continue, as is shewn in the present work. The supposed lethal characteristics of the Upas tree, "tho hydra tree of death," for examp.e, are shewn to be purely apocryphal, tho fatal in- fluence in the deadly valley of J ava being attribu- table, not to the Upas tree emanations, but to tho exhalations of carbonic gas that escape from tho soil. In the same way our naturalist explodes the popular fallacy that the jackal is the lion's provider. Instead of the jackal's acting as pilot to tho lion. and choetah in thoir brutal banquets, the smaller prowler merely follows in the wake, along with hyaenas end vultures, in the hope of picking up the unconsidered trifles left by the nobler animal. The chapter on the wild hyama- dog of South Afiica is full of interesting facts. Tho idea has occurred to some that the crossing of this ferocious beast with the domestic dog might produce a useful hound, but the results were unsatisfactory. Dr. Renshaw adds: Sonio have thought that the wild hunting-dog itself might be useful as a kind of rough-and- ready foxhound. It would need a. brave pioneer to first take the fieldi with such dubious assist- ance, for, Actfeon-like, he might be torn to pieces by own The training- of a hunting leopard or one of the caracal lynxes used in Persia. would be child's play in com- parison with the governing of an unruly, blood- thirsty crew of hunting-dogs. The book is crunched with photographs of many of tho subjects under consideration, a feature of the work that might be extended, if possible, in (J, second edition, in which case also the famliar quotation "facilis descensus Averno" (page 82) might bo rendered accurately. The erroneous version presented- is, of course, an obvious over- sight.

"More Natural History Essays" (by Graham Renshaw, M.B., F.Z.S., illustrated. London: Sherratt and Hughes, 65, Long Acre, W. Man- chester: 27, St. Ann-street; 6s.). THE FLAMING SWORD," by Silas K. Hock- ing (F. Warne and Co., Chandos House, Bedford- wtreet, Strand, 3s. 6d.).—The bare announcement of another Cornish talc by this well-known author is sufficient to set a considerable section of the British public besieging the bookshops and clamouring for it at the libraries. The raison d'etre ie Mr. Silas Hocking's undoubted ability to weave into a thrilling story ordinary events of life, and always with much force of purpo.c. Of this type is "The Flaming Sword." The hero is discovered in the homely figure of a farm labourer, struggling after higher education amid all the disadvantages of rural isolation. Into his lonely life comes the kindly interest and practical aid of a young lady belonging to the best society of the district. The intimacy between the two rouses the jealousy of the local squire's heir, who has designs of his own on the affections of the winsome girl so good-naturedly directing the studies of tho poor son of the soil. This jealousy is the souroe of infamous plots, which compel the hero to forsake his native heath and go forth into the world handicapped by a soiled oharacter. But The boot laid schemes o' mice an' men Gang aft a-gloy. And the unscrupulous rival of the poor country- man is robbed of his prize by the mysterious dis- appearance of tho young lady herself. There follow unexpected developments, which lead to gratifying results. Mr. Hocking introduces some dramatic soenes. His characters are moulded with praotised skill, and the whole story goes vigorously.

THE DECEMBER MAGAZINES. [FIRST NOTICE.] Blackwood's" for December closes another volume of that historic magazine in brilliant stylo. The political side, aö befit6 the pr<,scnt tltirring times, is strongly in evidence in t.he piquant "Musings Without Method," in "William Pitt," by Charles Whibley, and in "The Second Earl Granville." The place of honour in the number is deservedly given to an illumining and argumentative article on The Naval Officer -Pa6t and Future," by that well-known writer who distinguished himself as the author of A Retrograde Admiralty." Colonel C. E. de la Poor Beresford, late Military Attache at St. Peters- burg, writes a powerful essay on "The Frosty Caucasus." In lighter vein Andrew Lang bends to the task of reviewing Sir Herbert Maxwell's "The Story of the Tweed" as no other reviewer could aspire to do. Jack London's short story, "Love of Life," is full of grim realism and fascina- tion which are associated with that author's pro- ducts. In and ABout a German Town" is a pleasing sketch of the everyday life of our German friends. The position of ecclesiastical Scotland in the immediate past. and the future is treated in masterly stylo by the Very Rev. Dr. William Mair, ex-Moderator of the Church of Scotland, and will be highly appreciated on both sides of the Tweed. As a sample of the Earl Granville biographical sketch, the following anecdote of the Earl's maiden speech is worth quoting.— There is a curious anecdote of his maiden speech in 1837, the same session in which Disraeli made his historic failure. He sat in a little group behind the Ministerial bonch, next to Henry Bulwer, who muttered to his neigh- bouns his replies to orators on the other side and then mso to reply to Sir Stratford Canning. Lord Loveson, as he then was, claimed his prece- dence as new member, and Bulwer heard to his dismay all his points unfolded to the House and rewarded by its cheors. It is said that he enjoyed the joke as much as anybody, but the nonchalance and ready wit which could practice II. joke on the House in his maiden effort pre- saged tho future leader and ambassador extra- ordinarv. "The Connoisseur" is rich in illustrations this month, some of the coloured plates and repro- ductions of rare engravings being real works of art. The articles on Eighteenth Century miniaturists, on "French Furniture," Dolft Snuff Ja," and on "The Art of Decoration as applied to Architecture and Furniture" shew the I varied interest of the number. Among the repre- sentations of ancient 6ilver plate thcre is a photo- graph of a covered chalice of silver-gilt, nowin use in the Parish Church of Llanbadrig, Anglesey, who,e history is worth recapitulation. It was discovered some twenty years ago in the old church in a very battered and flattened condition, and was restored to its present state, and has since been u6ed as a communion cup. It bears the London pallmark8 of the year 1564-5. and the maker's mark, L.H., linked. Locally it was looked upon as a pro-Reformation chalice, and venerated as such, but- all doubt of its age is clearly dispelled by the hallmarks, which are unusually legible in a cup of this age. Probably its great interest lies in its peculiar and probably unique shape, apart from its unusual height as a sacramental vessel, its style not belonging to any particular cla<-s of the period of manufacture. There would, how- ever, seem to be no doubt that its original UN was as a domestic vessel, and not ecclesiastic. Its extreme height is 12in. t A portrait of Mr. Robert Fellowes. of Shotesham, forms the frontispiece of Magazine of Sports and Pastimes." This fine old sportsjnan. now in his 89th year, has "played the game all round and knew many of the most prominent men in the world of sport during the Victorian era. Among other contents of the magazine are Mr. Lowe's excellent article on Foxhounds; Mr. Lowe's ideal hound, he tells us. was George Carter's Solim. Mr. Hugh Hcrvey discusses the influence of sport on character. Then comes an entertaining and well illustrated article on Hunt Runners." a race of humble sportsmen fart- di"app0aril\ Borderer con- tributes an interesting and suggestive review of vol. xx. of the General Stud Book: it seems that seven sires foaled between 1850 and 1860 have produce still living: a noteworthy feature of the new Stud Book is the record of blood stock ex- ported to Japan. Exports to the Continent are decreasing, but those to America show a gr2:tt increase. Mr. Coates, writing n winning nire" of the season, urges inclusion in the returns of the value of Irish races, showing that this would materially affect the position of some stallions, no+ably Wildfowler. A writer on fox-hunting makee; the suggestion that a list should be kept of tho number of times particular coverts are drawn, and how often unsuccessfully: he thinks that this measure might induce covert owners or tenants to pay mare attention to fox-pre serving. Capta.in King-King continues his readable Half Century of Hunting Recollections": and Mr. Soarth Dixon reviews the Gimcrack Stakes front the inception of the race. In the December number of the Badminton Magazine," Mr. George Thursby, who rides on equal terms with jockeys, is the subject of the second of tho series of articles 011 Sportsmen of Mark." A valuable article on "The Importance of Leaving a Good Brooding Stock will specially oonsmend itself to all owners of shooting estates. Miss Lilian E. Bland contributes A School Across Country," illustrated by some of her re- markable photographs. In Some Ladies who Ride to Hounds" there are many portraits of the meet notable horsewomen in the country, in- cluding Lady Greenall, wife of Sir Gilbert Groenall. Bart, (the master of the Belvoir). The series of "Royal Homes of Sport in Germany" is concluded by a description of "Rominton." This series has boon written specially for the "Badminton Magazine" by the gracious per- mission of h's Imperial Majesty the German Emperor. "Some Motor Problems" are discussed by Major C. G. Matson, and an amusing story, "The Racknoy Hunt Poultry Fund," is the ninth "Strange Story of Sport." The "World's Work and Play" now enters upon its fourth year, and in the current number there is an illustrated "Birthday Article About Our- eelvee," shewing how this much appreciated magazine is produced. The number contains no fewer than 110 illustrations, and every one is ex- cellent. The editor, discussing current topics, sketches Count Witte with a graphic pen- Hore is a man who, whatever else according to his enemies he may be or not be, has at least this on his record: he placed Russian finance and commerce in a better position than it over occupied before; he opposed the war to the utmost of his power, and sacrificed his great office and all his prospects rather than be a party to it; he succeeded in making peace, after the disasters he had dreaded, on terms so favourable to Russia that. the whole world was startled by them; he accepted responsibility for order when every other Russian statesman ran to cover; he convinced the Czar that constitu- tional freedom was the only salvation for Russia; now against terrible odds, in weak health and virtually alone, he is trying to bring about domestic peace and national liberty. Surely, he deserves the sympathy and goodwill of all reasonable people in Russia and else- where. Tho "Cornhill" is an excellent number. A capital article by Mr. Joseph Shaylor on the history of The Christmas Book will be read with interest at this season. Mention should here be made of the Christ- mas issues by Charles Dickens, and of the great interest created by their publication. Lord Jeffrey thus wrote of thoir wonderful influence: "They fostered more kindly feelings and prompted more acts of bonoficonoe than can be traced to all the pulpits and confessionals in Christendom." The first of these was "The Christmas Carol," issued a few days before Christmas, 1843, at the price of 5s.. The book met with an immediate and prodigious success, u the edition of 6,000 copies being sold on the day of publication, though, to the disappointment of Dickens, it yielded only a profit of JB250. The general interest evoked was, however, so great that the work continued to sell during the fol- lowing year, and by the end of 1844, 15,000 copies had been sold, yielding a profit to Dickens of JE726. On November 3, 1844, Dickens wrote in his diary: "Half-past two, afternoon; thank God I have finished 'The Chimes.' This was his second Christmas book, and was more warmly received than "The Carol." A sale twioo as large as that of the previous issues fell to the lot of The Cricket on the Hearth," which was the third in the series. The Battle of Life" was the last Christmas volume published by Dickens, as it was found impossible to maintain the high standard that the first volumes had reached, and as the books were rather expensive the issue in the particular style was discontinued. Some years afterwards, in connection with All the Year Round," Dickens started a series of Christ- mas numbxjfs. The first, was "Dr. Marigold's Prescriptions," and within a week 250,000 copies were sold. "Mrs. Lirriper's Lodgings" and No Thoroughfare were others. They all found a welcome among Dickens's many admirers, and at Christmastido they carried a brightness and joy into thousands of homes, which it is to be feared the present generation, with its many advantages, scarcely understands. Probably the most popular feature of the Christmas (enlarged) number of "The Captain" will be found in Mr. P. F. Warner's article on "Our Team for South Africa." The portraits of the South African crack players are given in favourite attitudes, and Mr. Warner sums up the prospects of the tour thus:— It must be remembered that the South Africans have made great strides in recent years. Their visits to England in 1901 and 1904, and the short tour of the Australians in South Africa in 1902, did them a tremendous amount of good, and there can be no doubt that they are a difficult side to beat in their own country, as the Australians themselves discovered. Still, touring teams, from constantly playing to- gether, have a way of welding themselves into a stronger and more harmonious whole than one expects to find them--the M.C.C. team in Australia affords a good example--and we ought to make our opponents go the whole way. though, in my opinion, it is just. a shade of odds on the South Africans winning two out of the three test matches. CHRISTMAS NUMBERS. An excellent collection of stories of the hunting field appears in the Christmas number of "Pearson's." We quote a story which will be new to many hunting men; it telle how a hunt was made to order one day, when scent was bad and chances of sport seemed nil:— In the days when Sir Richard Glyn was master of the Blackmore Vale, the famous huntsman, Press, did many prodigious things with his hounds—but nothing greater than his artificial hunt. Scent one day was very bad—it seemed there could be no chance of hunting at all. But Press was determined to shew sport. It happened that in the very first covert that was drawn, hounds chopped a fox with such suddenness that no one, save Press and one other member of the hunt, knew anything about it. Here Press saw his chance. "Don't brathe a word, sir," said he, as he sprang among the hounds, and took away the carcase of the fox. He stood upon his saddle, and deposited the fox High up on the branch of a tree. Then he sounded his horn, gathered hounds together, and rode away. Exerting all his great influence over the hounds, he cheered them on, as though they were running a screaming scent. For half an hour the pack led the field on a grand gallop, ran a wide circle, and returned to the starting covert, Press far ahead of the rest. Arrived at the tree where the fox was perched, Press threw him down before anyone could suspect a trick, and his "who-whoop" as t.he hounds took their reward deceived everyone into think- ing it sounded the fox's death knell. When tho field came up, Press modestly received the heartiest congratulations on the good sport he had shewn, in spite of the bad scent. Only one member of the field knew the trick that the huntsman had played; and he kept the secret. "'Twas our only chance of sport to-day," said Press in a whispered explanation, and I took it!" Tho Christmas double number of the "Windsor" has a strong list. of contributors, among them being Rudyard Kipling, Ellen Terry, Agnos and Egorton Castle, S. R. Ciockctt and Anthony Hope, the lafiter of whom commences a new serial, in which he makes a brilliant re- appearance in his own field of "Zenda" romance This array of talent, is in itself a guarantee of the, excellence of the publication. Miss Ellon Terry, writing of "Tho Green Room," says: — I may be prejudiced, but I find charm- and fascination in the very sound of its name! The theatre the stage, the- drama, the art of acting, the actor—all have their serious side and thoir serious history, but no one can tell you much of serious importance about tho green-room. Its history would be- better told than written, for it is above everything, intimate, familiar- perhaps I should add. scandalous! What is the green-room? To the outsider a kind of half- way house between illusion and reality. To the actor—alas! one can only speak of what it used to be to the actor, for his green-room, is rapidly disappearing as a fact, and as an idea. has long ceased to be an important part of theatrical life. But to the actor in my young days the green-room meant as much as tho stage itself. When new theatres are. built. the green- room is left out of the reckoning. In America only one green-room exists, at. Pittsburg. Hero and there in the provinces the older theatres notably Bath and Bristol) still have their green- rooms. but in many cases they are not. used, or used for other purposes, and in London it. is tho same, only more, so. Only the other da.y the green-room at. Druiy Lane was abolished or demohshed, and! it docs not srem that players wore either indignant or tearful at this wiping out of an old1 tradition. It is quite likely, as tome people think. that the institution has out- grown its uses, and that only the sentimentalist need mourn over it. Only the sentimentalist? It. is a good thing that we should be re- minded occasionally of somo losses and gains wh'ch have nothing to do with accounts or algebra or logic. The sentimentalist has his value. I admit that it is not so much the use- fulness of the green-room that I remember, as its charm. Among the pioneer Christmas numbers. "Amateur Gardening," 6d. (Messrs. W. H. and L. Collingridge, 148 and 149, A1 derogate-street. London) is one of the brightest, as it is one of the earliest. Independently of its literary merit, it in a work of art from beginning to end, as within its covers are contained a. profusion of exquisite pictures of horticultural and country- Bide scenes, viewed under different aspects, lid ftuch as cannot fail to find acceptance with all real lovers of our -homely English life. With the number is presented a double-page, highly- coloured plate of a vase of roses of great beauty. Che.rrbe-s"^ Journal" is a -,pecial Christmas n-i!) Among t-hpse who furnich complete vie are M y Stuart Boyd, Katha, lie Tynan, f .'dries Edwarue.-j and R. E. Francillon. In an ai-oiole entitled "Wanted: A Christmas Grocer," Kii.harine Bun-ill expresses the fear that the genuine old-fashioned Christmas grocer has ceased to exist. Stores, bo they ever so marble and gorgeous, can never be a Christmas grocer. To begin with, the popular prices are cut far too fine to allow of any conspicuous generosity at Christ- mas-time or any other time; also, the assictant46 and shop-walkers are merely owned by the management—they do not own the store. Now, the real old-fashionod grocer owned everything: his shop. his tea-chests (so fascinatingly Chinese), his biscuit-tins, his wife (who kept the books), and his sons who assisted him in the business. Did he choose to present you with a crimson-plush castle filled with French plums, who dared say him nay? Did he give the 6inall person a heaped-up packet of acid drops, and royally return the proffered penny, whose loss was it but his own ? When he pressed a box of gaily-coloured Christmas candles into the expectant hand of the customer's offspring, were they not his own candles to sell or burn or give away as he felt disposed? Generous all the year round with biscuits, with sweets, with crystallised ginger, at Christmas the old- fashioned grocer became positively prodigal, me showering his gift." upon his customers with a lavish hand. Looking back, we wonder how ho ever made a living at all! The Royal" is a double Christmas issue, Under the title of "An Army's Bloodless Victories," Mr. John Glenfield gives an interest- ing description of How the Church Army Helps the Outcast and Destitute." We extract the following:— It is part of our modern convict system to teach the prisoner a trade by which he may earn an honest living on his return to the outer world, but it is not in the pcaver of the authori- ties to insure that he will obtain a situation, for most employers of labour strongly object to en- gaging an ex-convict, and many men would refuse to work by his side. To meet this diffi- culty the Church Army takes him in hand for thrc-e months, at the end of which time he will have recovered his moral tone and be able to look his fellow-men in the face. Even when ho ha-s completed his stay in the Labour Home, there is still the danger that he may return to his old haunts. To prevent this lodging homes have been established, where a man may have a comfortable room and good food for a weekly payment of ten or twelve shillings, and be under the watchful eye of an agent of the society, who will assist him in any way possible. It has been found by experience that ex-prisoners well re- pay the trouble and expense lavished upon them, and in the majority of cases they resume their position as respectable members of the com- munity. The importance of this work will be better understood when it is stated that last year the society dealt with almost twothousaii(I ex-prisoners, and made the majority of them honest men.

WIRRAL GUARDIANS. The Wirral Board of Guardians met at Clatter- bridge on Wednesday under the presidency of Mr. H. A. Latham. Applications were con- sidered for the appointment of a clerk of works for the erection of extensive new buildings at the Workhouse. Six of the applicants appeared before the Board. Voting was taken on all -six by ballot, and Mr. G. W. Ridley, of West Kirbv, re- ceived a majority of votes. On the motion of Mr. C. J. Townsend. seconded by Colonel Lloyd, he was elected to the position, the salary being JB2. 10s. per week. The appointment of a female caretaker was also considered. Two out of ten candidates were interviewed, and afterwards the matter was adjourned.

RABY. AN OLD PUBLIC SERV ANT.-Having faith- fully served the publio for many generations, the Raby parish pump is about to retire, and the duty of supplying the local public will in future de- volve entirely upon the West Cheshire Water Company. The pump has stood in the centre of the village from time immemorial, and is a well- known old land mark.

HAWARDEN. THE CASTLE E-STATE.-It is announced that the trustees of the Hawarden estate are offering prizes on behalf of Mr. W. G. C. Glad- stone (heir to the estate) for the managed farms on the estate during the forthcoming year. Four prizes, consisting of silver cups or pieces of plate, are offered as follows:—Class I., £ 10 10s. Class 2, L7. 7s. Class 3, );;5s. 5s. Class 4, £ 3. 3s. The judging- will tali place in Septem- ber next, and the prizes will 2>e presented at the following annual rent audit dinner.

-+- SAUGHALL. JUMBLE SALE.—On Wednesday afternoon a jumble sale was held in the Town Hall, the pro- ceeds being in aid of the organ fund of All Saints' Church. A brisk sale was carried on, and a very handsome amount, was realised. TEMPERANCE MEETING. Last week, in spite of the bad weather, a large audience assembled in the Town Hall, Mr. C. Vickers occupying the chair. An address was given by Mr. Davidson, and the fact of his having at one time kept one of the village inns lent additional interest to his remarks. Mr. Davidson laid great stress on the immense amount of money spent annually in intoxicating drinks and the effect of alcohol in causing poverty, crime, and insanity. A miscellaneous programme of songs, recitations, and gramaphone selections was then gone through, and a hearty vote of thanks to the chairman, speaker and artists concluded a very interesting meeting.

BARROW. OPENING OF THE RIFLE CLUB.- Last week the range of the Rifle Club was formally opened. A fairly good number of people assembled, including Mr. and Mrs. H. Lyle Smyth, Capt. Smyth, the Rev. H. A. and Mre Arnold, Dr. Foster, Mrs. Dennis, Mr. G. and Miss Maud Okell, Mr. and Mrs. C. New- port, Mr S. Cheers, Mr. W. Swindley. etc. The proceedings we-ie opened* by the Rector, who after a short speech asked Mrs. Lyle Smyth to open the range. This Mrs. Smyth did in a few appro- priate remarks, afterwards proceeding to fire the first shot, and, as a happy augury, hit the bull's eye. A vote of thanks to Mrs. Lyle Smyth was proposed by Dr. Foster, and was aocorded with lioarty cheers.—Mr. H. Lyle Smyth proposed a vote of thanks to the doctor, who has done the lion's share of the work in connection with the starting of the club —Mr. G. Okell seconded, and included the name of Mr. S. Cheers.—Shots wore afterwards fired by most of the ladies present, and they, under the direction of Sergt. Hobbins, shewed such skill as to cause the gentlemen to pause before exhibiting theirs; albeit these latter received a little encouragement in the shape of a bull's eye by the Rector. The club may now be said to be fairly on it,s way. The range has been passed by Capt. Leake, ana the club can now be affiliated to the N.R.A. A very encouraging fit-art- was made on Monday night, when, although ,it was raining in torrents, 21 members presented themselves for enrolment. Tho committee have been fortunate in securing tho services of Sorgt. Hobbiiio, of Hartfotrd, under whose energetic fmperintondcnco the shooting ought to reach a high standard. The rifle used is of the latest ser- vioa type, the B.S.A. It has been tested by tho sergeant, and found to answer perfectly. Some very fair practice was made by the members on Monday night, several bulls being recorded.

MOLD JUNCTION. THE RAILWAY ACCIDENT. The City Coroner (Mr. E. Brassey) held the inquest at the Chester Infirmary, on Tuesday afternoon, on the body of the girl, Sarah Jane Dix, who was killed on* the railway, as reported in our last issue. The mystery of the poor girl's death was not cleared up, no evidence additional to what is stated above being obtainable. Mr. J. Feiina appeared for the L. and N.-W. Railway Com- pany.—William He ad ley, platcilayer. Mold Junc- tion, deposed to finding the body between the up and down lines, ibout nine yards from the plat- form on the Mold side.—Tho Coroner: Whore you found her, oould she have jumped out of the train going to Mold?—Yes, she could have done. Witness added that the gill was apparently dead. but the body was warm. The express had passed only two or three minutes before.—Thomas Dix identified the body a.s that of his daughter. She was a dressmaker's assistant, and had been travelling backwards and forwards between Mold Junction and Chester for about a year. Sh9 went to Chester that morning by the 3.6 train, and was to have returned by the 9.15 a.m. -Charles Brown, 63, Ewart-street. Mold Junc- tion, said he conveyed the body to the Infir- mary. When he first moved her he, noticed the gird breathe once. She did not move again.— John Huglies, Denbigh, giiard of the express train, said he did not see deceased on the train. The train was stopped by signa.! at Hope, on ao- count of a telegraph mossa-jye from Kinnertom that a carriage door was open. He and the stationmaster examined the door and carriage, whioh was a third-class one. and found no traooe of any passenger. The handle of the door had been examined by an expert at Rhyl, and had been found in perfect working order. At Alold Junction the train slackeried down to 15 or 20 miles an hour.—Dr. Spcncer, house surgeon at the Infirmary, said the girl was dead when she arrived at the Infirmary at 9.30 a.m. The. cause of death was injuries to her head.—A verdict that deceased died from injuries to her head, but that there was no evidence to shew how she received the injuries, was returned.

HOLT. JURY AND DIPHTHERIA. — During an inquest held on Thursday at Holt un a person who had died from diphtheria, the jury unanimously refused to view the body when told to do so by the coroner. The village school- master was among thoir number, and the danger of his spreading the germs among the scholars was pointed out. Ultimately the difficulty was evaded by the jury standing in the garde,n and viewing the body through a window.

WREXHAM. J "SANITARY ADMINISTRATION. As a result of the consideration of the report of Dr. D. Mair, medical inspector to the Local Government Board, upon san Itary administration in the Wrexham district, the Wrexham Rural District Council are to be asked at their next meeting to agree to the appointment of one medical officer of health for the whole district at a salary of JE300 per annum, who shall act as medical superintendent of the Joint Fever Hospital at a salary of S70 per annum, the person appointed to devote the whole of his time to the duties of the office. At present the work is performed by two medical practitioners, who devote a portion of their time to the duties.

—— HELSBY. MINSTREL ENTERTAINMENT—On Wed nesday evening a capital entoi-tainment was given in tho Recreation Hall by Mr. Will Thomas's Merry Minstrels. Unfortunately there was only a poor attendance. CHURCH OF ENGLAND MEN'S SOCIETY. The monthly meeting of this society was held in the National Schoolroom on Tuesday evening, the Rev. E. W. Evans presiding. Mr. Wright (polioe court missionary), of Chester, g-ave an ex- cellent address on "Gambling" and its effects on oharacter, which was followed by a discussion, in which Messrs. J. T. Collier, F. C. Bindley, R. W. Hill, and the Rev. T W. Sharploy took part. A vote of thanks was accorded to Mr. Wright.

BUNBlJRY. PARISH COUNCIL.—A meeting of the Parish Council was held at the Public Hall on Thursday evening, Mr. John Dobie in the chair. The report of the deputation comprised of members of the a 1 Nantwich Rural District Council and the Bunbury Parish Council, who had been appointed to visit Queen-street, Bunbury, and advise as to the width of the road, was considered. It was unanimously resolved that the District Council be asked to en- force the regulation to make the street 36 feet wide, excepting a small portion where cottages have already been erected, this portion to be 32 feet wide, and that the owner be given twelve months to complete the work. PROVIDENT CLUB.-The annual distribution to the members was made yesterday (Tuesday) at the Public Hall by the Rev. S. P. Townend, the Rev. J. J. James, and Mr. G. F. Dutton. The accounts shew satisfactory progress. During the year just completed £ 233. 7s. 6d. has been received in deposits, and a sufficient sum collected by way of subscriptions to enable the committee to add 5 per cent. of this amount for distribution. The club is open to all in the townships of Bunbury, Beeston, Haughton, Ridley, and Spurstow, and for the further convenience of subscribers a branch of the club will be opened in the new year at Spurstow, and deposits will be received at the school. Miss Beckett has resigned the treasurer- ship of the club, and this office will be filled by the Rev. S. P. Townend.

-+-- ELLESMERTI PORT. CONCERT.—A concert was given on Wednes- day in the Wesieyon Mission Hall in aid of the new chapel fund. The programme* had been a arranged by Mr. Harry Phipps (Chester), and the following artists took part: --Soprano, Mrs. Saneom; contralto, Miss Butterworth; tenor. Mr. Phipps; baritone. Mr. Walter Davies; elocutionist, Mr. T. E. Harrison; instrumental party, the Misses Rowley and Hughes, Messrs. Rowley, Worrall and Taylor; while Miss Lena Adams, A.L.C.M., accompanied the various items with her usual ability. The songs, "Dearie" and "This and That," were finely rendered by Mrg. Sansom. Miss Butterworth sang "The City of Rest" in good style, but was most successful with "Another Day." Mr. Walter Davies's fine Toice was heard to advantage in the old favourite "The Skipper." His duet "Ecolsior," with Mr. Harry Phipps, was also finely sung. The last- named was most successful in his song, "By the Waters." The selections of the instrumental party were a, popular feature of the programme, and Mr. Worrall's violin solo, "The Broken Melody," received hearty applause. Mr. Har- rison created much laughter with hig recital of "Mr. Barker's Picture, while his "Birds of Orrenoester" was given with good effect. The glees, "Sweet and Low" and "Good-night, Be- loved." were rendered with taste and expression by the soloists.

NESTON. VOLUNTEER TONTINE.—The annual divide of the Tontine formed in connection with the Neston Company 1st V.B.C.R. was made last week, when each member received £2. 8s. 4t,-d. of the amount paid in (viz., k2. 12s.). The sum of £ 4. 16s. was paid out for sickness, and there were no deaths, so that the return is one of the most successful the society has had. The officers were unanimously re-elected as follows :-Treasurer, John Johnson (Liverpool-road) secretary, C. Coventry auditors, C. Anyon and R. Kameen trustees, E. Molyneux, W. Gray, and W. Prince. LADY REVIVALIST'S VISIT.—A very suc- cessful series of special gospel services conducted by Madame Kate Morgan Llewellyn, "the Sing- ing Evangelist of Dowlais," in connection with the Neston Presbyterian Church, was brought to a cioee on Tuesday evening. The services com- menced on Sunday week, and have been attended nightly by large congregations, who joined heartily in the popular hymns. Special addresses, were delivered by Mr. H. L. Bower, the Rev. J. W. Walker, Dr. J. Bond, the Rev. P. M. Kirk- land, Mr. J. L. Fenn and the Rev. J. Towert, the minister of the church. A considerable amount of interest centred in the lady evangelist, her fine, cultured voice and brief but always im- pressive addresses making a decided impression. She also sang and addressed meetings at the Neston and Parkgate Laundry, and in connection with the Colliery Mission, and a keen interest was maintained up to the final meeting. The Rev. J. Towert, at the close, expressed much satis- faction at tho result of the meetings. Mrs. Macdonald and the Misses Norman and Frost acted as accompanists.

TILSTONE FEARN ALL. CONCERT AT TILSTONE LODGE.—Last week a delightful concert, very kindly ar- ranged by Mrs. Charles Threlfall, was held at Til- etono Lodge, before a large and appreciative audi- ence, The following programme was most skil- fully rondered: -Organ solo, "A Dream of Spring" (Kendall), C. Threlfall; violoncello solo, "Chanson de Nuit" (Elgar), Colonel Savage; eong, "Comnais tu Ie Pays" (Thomas), the How. Mrs. Brocklebank; piadIO solo, Ballade in A flat (Chop'n), Mrs. Miller; song, "Love's Coronation" (Aylward). with violoncello obligate, Miss Charl- ton and CbI. Savage; trio, D minor, Allegro Ap- passionato, Andante (Mendolssohn), Col.' Savage; Mile. Jenkins die Benery, and Mm. Miller; ro- oitation. Miss Thorneyeroft; organ and violin Adagio (Merkel), Mile. J enkiru, do 13.nm-y and C Threlfall; song, Mon cceur souvre a ta va:x," from "Samson cl. Dalila" (Saint Saens). Miss Charlton; recitation, "My Father-in-Law," Miss Thorncyoroft; violin solo, Romance from 2nd Concerto (Wieniawski), "Hungarian Dance" i,Brahiiis), Mlle. Jenkins de Benery; song, "If I only knew" (Lehmann), the Hon. Mils. Brockle- bank; violoncello solo, "Exstase" (Thome), Col. Savage; organ wlo, "Nachspiel" (Muller), C. Threlfall. Mendelssohn's beautiful and difficult trio in D minor was performed in a manner worthy of professional talent. In fact, the standard of excellence attained by the performers, one and all, was so complete that it would be itTh- possiblo in so short a notice to describe their individual efforts in anything like an adequate ec'c manner. The proceeds of the oonc-ert are to be devoted to the Tilstone Church repair fund.

-+- CONNAH'S QUAY. NURSING ASSOCIATION FORMED.-On Tuesday evening a public meeting was held in St. Ethelwold's School to consider the advisability of forming a nursing association for Shotton and Queen's Ferry. Mr. E. Sydney Taylor presided, and there were also present Messrs. R. Davies (managing director of Hawarden Bridge Works), J. V. Harris, J. Garratt, E. Taylor, H H. Millar, Rooney, R. J. Williams, T. H. Haswell and the Rev. J. Davies Jones.—Mr. Taylor said this I movement had the support of Messrs. Summers, and he was also glad to bear testimony to the fact that the firm always lent its support to any movement for the benefit of their employes. There was in his mind no doubt that such an associaticm would be of great benefit, to Shotton, and there were two points ho would like to emphasise; the first was that the association should be quite dis- tinct from party politics or religious creeds; and the second was as to whether it would not be wise for the people engaging the services of the enurso to pay some little for that service. In these days there was too great a tendency to throw chairity, as it were. at people's heads. He pro*- po that a nursing association bo formed-Mr. J. V. Harris seconded, and it was carried unani- ryi-ousiv.-Ile Rev. J. Davies Jones said it would bo desirable to elect a president. and as Mr. Jas. Summers had moved in the matter and shewed his sympathy with the movement, he proposed that Mr. Summers bo the first president. (Applause.) —This was carried.—Messrs. E. Sydney Taylor and R. Davies were elected vice-presidents. The following committee were then appointed:—Mrs. Harris. Mrs, Davies Jones, Mrs. Hughes. Mrs. Barratt. Miss Rowley. Miss Hurlbutt. and Messrs. J. V. Harris, S. Vickers, W. Fitzpatrick, Rooney, F. Christian, the Revs. J. Davies Jones and W. II. Parkes, Capt. Garratt, Capt. Hurlbutt, J. Green, T. Guest. E. Taylor, R. J. Williams, and E. I-liscock.-It was stated by Mr. Davies that Messrs. Summers and Sons would give a donation of £ 25. and that. there should bo no difficulty, in a prosperous locality like Shotton, in raising the necessary funds to support the association.

"DELICIOUS." Perfect Beverage, combining Purity and Solubility. Medical Annual. II' flavour, soft and fully developed, is delicious." Court journal. -=- -=.=== 95 AMOLUMW HIS

MALPAS. ENTERTAINMENT.—A successful entertain- ment was given in the Jubilee Hall on Tuesday night by the ^Eolian Pierrots. The proceeds were to be devoted to the Widows' and Orphans' Fund of the Independent Order of Oddfellows, 8Wd consequently there was a good attendance.

-+- CONNAH'S QUAY & SH(WTON. UNIONISM.-On Wednesday iiight the mem- bers of the Connah's Quay Conservative Club met at their rooms to meet Mr. Harold Edwards, who has been nominated by the Finance Commit- tee of the Conservative Association for selection as the candidate for Flintshire in opposition to Mr. Herbert Lewis. Mr. T. Bate presided, and among those present wero Capt. Hurlbutt (Queon's Ferry), Mr. H. A. Tilby (the county agent), etc. Mr. Edwards stated tliat until the association had made its final decision on Satur- day next he must remain silent as to general politics, but lie thanked them all for meeting him. If the final selection was in his favour he would meet the elector's of Connah's Quay at an early date to express his views.

o CHILDER THORNTON. QUOITERS' SUPPER.—This social event took plaoe on Wednesday evening at the Rifleman's Anns. The president of the club (Mr. H. A. Latham) presided. He congratulated the club on the skill the members had shewn in their various games throughout the past season. Quoiting was a very manly game; it developed both muscle and mind, and in the summer time was a grand thing for keeping the men of the village together. He had pleasure in giving the toast of the Childer Thornton Quoit Club." coupling with it the name of their captain (Mr. W. Parker).—Mr. Parker, in responding, confidently anticipated an even more successful season next summer. He asked Mr. Latham to present the silver medals which the team had won in the English Amateur Quoiting League. The president then formally presented the medals to the following:—Messrs. W. Parker, D. Lawley, W. Taylor, W. Taylor, jun., S. Tayleuro. Edwin Dodd, Ernest Dodd, B. Francis, E. Miller, F. Cooper, E. Wilkinson, S. Preston, J. Duckers and J. Hill. Mr. J. Hill stated that the only matches lost were to Great Sutton (twice) and Heswall (once), and a"s the secretary he was very proud of the team. Songs were then given by Messrs. G. Osborne. E. Dodd, Bishop, T. Evans, W. Parker, T. Parry, J. Hewson, Sempeon, etc., after which a vote of thanks was accorded to the chair- man, to whom it was intimated that the club intended to present him, as president, with a gold medal similar to those just presented.

FRODSHAM. THE ALLEGED ROBBERY WITH VIO- LENCE.—At Frodsham Petty Sessions, on Wed- nesday, before MCSSTS. A. Thomas and H. N. Hutohings, Charles Arthur Boughey was charged on remand with robbery with Violence, and steal- ing a leather puree and 2s. 7d. from Margaret Trick, a married woman, on Frodsham Marsh, at 3.30 p.m. on November 20th, and also assaulting h«r on the same date. Margaret Trick, in giving evidence, stated as before that prisoner overtook her on the Frodsham Marsh while on her home- ward journey. He threw her down violently to the ground, dropped on her with both knees, caught hold of her poc-ket Baying, "Have you got anything in here?" She replied, "I have a little, and will give you what I have if you will let me go." Prisoner subsequently drew out a knife, and s/he felt him cutting her pocket away from the skirt. She begged him to let her go, and to frighten him said that someone would be coming any minute to look to the sheep. She was afraid as prisoner had the knife in his hand. She subsequently identified her assailant. Prisoner was eventually committed to the assizes. P.C. Rowlands, in his evidence, said prisoner stated I was driven to it by starvation and desperation. I have been out of work four months. I caught hold of her by the shoulders and brought her down to her knees. I then cut her pocket open with my knife and took out her purse She offered no resistance, but told me if I would leave her alone and not hurt her I could come with her to her house and carry a parcel and I could have plenty of food and drink. I did not go, but turned back to this plaoe. I may as well be in gaol as out, as I am tired of walking about.

RUABON. MINISTER'S SON'S DOWNFALL. — At Caerws, on Tuesday, Thomas Jackson, of Gran- ville-terraoe. Ruabon, and a trustee of the Ruabon Wesleyan Church, was charged on remand with obtaining B50 by false pretences from Mr. David Davies, Plas Dinam. Mr. J. Gittins, Newtown, prosecuted; Mr. Ll. Kendrick, Ruabon, de- fended. The case for the prosecution was that prisoner said he was authorised to collect sub- scriptions on behalf of the Ruabon Wesleyan Church, and obtained a cheque for JE50 from Mr Davies, by representing that he had promr.ses of subscriptions amounting to a similar sum from other people. Prisoner failed to hand over the money to the fund. Later on an appeal was made to Mr. Davies for a subscription to the church funds, and prisoner's offence was then discovered.—Mr. Peters, treasurer and secretary of the churoh, said prisoner had no authority to oollect funds. Prisoner had oollected several sums and had handed them over. He had also subscribed JB12. 10s. of his own cash.—For the defence, Mr. Kendrick made an appeal on behalf of the prisoner, who, he said, had done every- thing possible for the ohuroh, subscribing liber- ally 'himself and collecting subscriptions from others, which he handled over. At one time he held an important position as manager of a large brickworks. His father was a Wesleyan minister. He had been chairman of the Lighting Board of the Ruabon district, was a member of the Burial Board, and vice-chairman of the Ruabon School Boo.rd. He was afraid his downfall must be attributed to indulgence in drink.— in answer to the charge prisoner said —"Guilty! The sin is committed. I have had a good bringing up by pious parents, and I have betrayed their truet.He was sen- tenced to one month in the second division.

MOLD. Mr. H. Lloyd Parry „M.A., who was last week appointed Town Clerk of Exeter, is a native of Mold and a brother of Mr. W Lloyd Parry, B.A., headmaster of the Alun County School, Moid.

-n_- FLINT. Alderman J. L. Muspratt, Mayor of Flint and chairman of the Flintshire Education Commit- tee, is suffering from an affection of the throat, and has gono to stay at Bournemouth. Crewe House, too town residence of the Earl of Crewe, who gave nearly £ 100,000 for it in; 1902, has been Jet to Mr. Henry Phipps, a wealthy American.

_Un -+- TARVIN. SOCIETY FOR THE PROPAGATION OF THE GOSPEL.—In connection with the S.P.G. (Tarvin Branch) a meeting- was held in the Manor House Room on Wednesday night. There was a fair attendance, including the Vicar (the Rev. J. H. Wiloodkson), who pres ded; the Rev. H. Greenham, missionary from Newfoundland; Mr. Colt Williams, treasurer for the Diocese of Chester; the Rev. J. S. Luxmore, Mrs. Wilcock- son, Dr. and Mrs. Moreton, etc. The Vicar, in his opening remarks, spoke of the great work that the society is doing in all lands, and said that the criterion of the spiritual condition of a parish was gauged by the amount of the contri- butions given to help forward the work. The, amount contributed from a long list of box- holders amounted to C10. 8s. 2d., and there were others to come in. Mr. Colt-Williams spoke of the deep interest he took in the society. Tho Rev. H. Greenham (deputation) gave a descrip- tive aoooiurt of the work in Newfoundland. The usual votes, of thanks concluded the meeting. e met THE LATE MISS ELIZABETH LEA.—The funeral of the late Miss Elizabeth Lea, of Stapleford Hall, took place on Wednes- day afternoon, and was conducted by the vicar (the Rev. J. H. Wilcockson) and the Rev. T. J. Evans, of St. Peter's, Rock Ferry. The choir was in attendance and the service was choral. The 39th Psalm was sung to a ohant, and the hymn "Peace, perfect peace" wa« sung during tho service. Mrs. Wilkes (organist) played funeral marches as the cortege entered and left the church. The chief mourners were Mr. J. Lea. (father), Mrs. Willie, Mrs. Bowers, Mrs. Roberts, Mrs. Sacre, Miss Lea, Miss Marian and Miss Lilian Lea. (sisters), Mr. William Lea, Mr. T. W. Lea, Mr. A. J. Lea, Mr. A. Lea (brothers), Mrs, W. Lea. Mrs. T. Lea, Mrs. A. J. Lea (sisters-in- law), Mr. W. W. Bowers, Mr. Roberts and Mr. H. M. Sacre (brothere-in-law), Mr. J. Sherwin (Bostock Grange), Mr. A. Sherwin, Miss Gladys Sacre, Mr. Lionel and Miss Mary Lea. Mr. Lea, Roberts, Miss Roberts. Mr. and Mrs. T. M. Dutton, Mr. and Mrs. Willis. the Rev. J. and lUrs. Walker (Silloth Rectory), and NureQ Faulkner. Among others present in the church" and at the graveside were Dr. T. W. E. Moreton, the Rev. D. Manuel (Waverton), Mrs. Wilcock- son, Mrs. T. J. Evans, Miss Kingston, Miss A. Loach, Mr. J. Leach, Miss E. Faulkner, Miss Dutton, Mrs. P. Darhngton, Mrs. Hall, Messrs. G. Gunnery, W. Wilkes. R. H. Willis, G. H. Ikin, P. Darlington. T. H. Lang-ford, etc. Four workmen (Messrs. J. Vernon. H. Woodcock. R. Nield and W. Meakin) acted as bearers. The coffin bore the following inscription:—"Elizabeth Lea. Born November 24th. 1873. Died November 25th, 19C5. "The grave had been beautifully lined with evergreens and flowers by the sexton, Mr. E. Johnson. Among a large number of wreaths. sent were the foli'oNvi-ig: From the sorrowing- parents," "Brothers and Sisters," "Will and Sallie," "Rachel and Will," "Pattie and Lillie," George and Mary Roberts." John and Annio and the children (The Gorstella)," "Lucy ancf" Harry," Mr. and Mrs. Sherwin (Bostock Grange), Mrs. Lea and family (Duddon Hall)., Mr. and Mre. Hammond (Malpas). Mrs. Robert Walker, Mr. and Mrs. Brassey, Mrs. T. H. Willis, Mr. Sherwin and family (The Moss and Iddonshall), the Rev. T. J. and Mns. Evans, the Rev. J. H. and Mrs. Wilcockson. "Gladys," Miss Veysey, Mr. and M. Harold Hilton, servants and work- men at Stapleford Hall. etc. The funeral arrange- ments were carried out by Messrs. J. Smith and Son. Chester. CHURCH FESTIVAL.—On Thursday in com- memoration of St. Andrew's Day there were special festival services at St. Andrew's Church. At 8 a.m. there was a celebration of the Holy Communion, with special intercession for mis- eions, and a short address by the Rev. E. Green- ham (of Newfoundland). At 3.30 p.m. a short thanksgiving service was held. Unfortunately the weather was most unpropitious, and this no doubt hindered many from a distance being pre- sent. Nevertheless there was a large oongtrega- tion. The service was fully choral and opened with the hymn "Ye holy angels bright" as a professional. The prayers were intoned by too Vicar (the Rev. J. H. Wilcockson). The choir gave an excellent rendering of the anthem "The King shall rejoice" (Sir John Goss). The tenor solo was taken by Mr. A. Langford, who was 'heard to advantage. The chorus was g-iven witiv precision and taste. Mr. J. T. Hughes, assist.ant; organist, of Chester Cathedral, presided at the organ, and at the conclusion gave a recital, which was a rare treat for a Tarvin congregation. The following programme wa", rendered:—Con- oerto, allegro, modorato, andante, allegro (Han- del); vooal solo, "He was despised" "(Messiah), Mrs. Hammajid; (a) Watchmani's Song (Grieg), (b) Romance (Elgar), Andante, symphony in D i (Hadyn); vooal solo, "Hark! my soul" (Parry), Mrs. Hammand; pastorale, "Bethlehem" (Sulli- ivan); andante. 5th quintet (Mozart) march, (Meyerbeer). Mrs. Hammand, always a favourite with her Tarvin friends, has never been more enjoyed, her fine voice being clear and distinct. At 7 p.m. there was a very large congregation: for the festal evensong, but a keen disaopoint- ment was in store. The Lord Bishop of Chester was announced to preach the eermon, but owing to sudden illness was unable to be present. The service was therefore gone through miinus the sorm-emi "Lord, her watch Thy Church is keep- ing" was sung as a processional. The prayers were intoned by the Vicar, the other clergy tak- ing part being the Rev. F. H. La,hrobe and the Rev. J. S Luxmore, who read the first and second lessons. The Psalms were sung to chants, and the Magnrificat and. Nunc Dimitttls were sung to a setting by Ed. Bunnett. The choir again a.c- quitted themselves admirably in the anthem "These are they that came out of great tribula- tion" (Dr. Stainer). At the conclusion Mr. Hughes played the following pieces: Offertoire on Two Christmas Carols (Guilma.nt; allegretto (Wider); vocal solo, "0 rest in the Lord" (Elijah), Mrs. Hammard; bridal music (Lohen- grin) air with variations and fanfare (Lem- mans); march, "Ruins of Athens" (Beethoven). Between the services a. tea was provided in the Manor House Room. The following ladies as- sisted at the tables: Mrs. Wilcockson, Miss Wil- cockson. Mrs. Atkinson, Mm Moreton. Mrs. Piatt, Mrs. &hurrock. Mrs. Bull Mrs. W. Wright, Mrs. Linnell and Miss Burgess.

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