The Chester Courant and Advertiser for North Wales

SAD CHESIIIILE CASE. [SPECIAL TELEGRAM.] To-nay, at Northwich, Mrs. Mary Griffiths, Grappeuhali, daughter of Alderman Pierpont, War- rington, applied for a separation from her husband, Frank Gnffiiho, Brokencross, on the ground of his habitual drunkenness. It transpired that defendant had gone to complainant's soli citor and suggested that he had been spirited away but subsequently under pressure withdrew the statement. The case was adjourned, defendant's mother undertaking to contribute RI weekly under a legal agreement. The Bench implore*. o**Tfcies to settle the case.

COI'ALAPSE OF A WALL. LOSS OF LIFE. A serious accident, which will probably involve loss ot several lives, occurred at 9-45 this morning at Croydun. The Palace of Varieties is being reconstructed, and a wall 140 feet long and 60 feet high collapsed without warning. Between twenty and thirty men were buried some have been taken to hospital, but several not yet accounted for. Later telegrams say :—Harry Wilson, the fore. man, was found dead under the debris. His body was teriibly bruised, tons of material having fallen on him. Another man is said to be missing. Up to the pre-ent nine men have been extricated from the debris. The following have been conveyed to the hospitalD. Hunt, W. Spicer, W. Thomas, A. Spicer, A. Brown, and W. B. Smith. It is feared several hours may elapse before the rest of the men can be reached. There are six or seven still buried.

BIRMINGHAM MEETING. TUESDAY. EDGBASTON HURDLE.—Gun Carriage. 1; Troy, 2; Broken Tackle, 3. Sixteen ran. SUTTON HANDICAP.—Glenhurst, 1; Merry Monk, 2; Filoselle, 3 Seven ran. BIRMINGHAM STEEPLECHASE.—Vagrant II., 1; 1-4,ver 11., 2; Noble Lad, 3. Five ran. COLHILL STEEPLECHASE.— Royal Bow II., 1; I)c-irsiziyer, 2; Jubilee Jack, 3. Five ran.

DUKE OF WESTMINSTER AND THE TURF.—The Duke of Westminster possesses a useful recruit to the steeplechase game in St. Benet, one of his grandfather's own breeding (by Bend Or— St. Mary), who on Friday won the Makerfleld Handicap Steeplechase at Haydock Park. The gelding is trained, along with others, by Mr. G. W. Naylor at Chester.

DROWNED IN A PIT. I On Monday, Herbert Ankers, aged four years. son of Robert Ankers of Thornton-le-Moors, met his death by drowning in a pit at Thornton-le-Moors, It seems that he was playing with other boys, and about 1-40 p.m. a little boy told a Mrs. Jones that the boy Ankers was in the pit in front of her house She rushed out and found the boy floating in the middle of the pit, face down- wards. he ran into Mr. Lee's yard and called to a man named George Fairbrothoi, who got him out. Unsuccessful attempts were made to revive the boy. An inquest will be held to-day (Wednesday).

LORD CURZON IN LONDON. « RAILWAY PLATFORM DURBAR. At noon on Monday, Lord Curzon of Kedieston and Lady Curzon a-rrived at Charing Cross on their return to England from India. The ex- Vioeroy. who was wearing a fur-trimmed fcoat, appeared to be in very good health, and was met at the station by a large and distinguished gathering, who gave him a hearty vveloome. Within a moment of alighting from tie boat train, Lord Curzo i waa surrounded by a large gathering of frieondc. One of the. first to greet him was his father, Lord Soarsdale, who flung his arms round his son and kissed him affec- tionately. Lord George Hamilton, Viscount Goechen, Sir Dighton Probyn, and Field-Marshal Earl Roberts were among those present on the platform. So gTeat was the throng of well-known people that for qw-te ten minutes Lord Carzon was holding a miniature "Durbar." Beyond the barrier of the platform a large number of the public had assembled, and as Lord and Lady Curzon drove away from the station thiey wene greeted with ohee/ i and respectfully saluted'.

WYNNSTAY HUNT BALL. For the first time for some years this time- honoured function was held in Whitchurch Town Hall Assembly Room on Friday evening. The attendance numbered some 200, and the affair was a great success. Among those present were :-Her Grace Katharine Duchess of Westminster, with Lord Hugh Grosvenor, Lady Helen Grosvenor, and Lady Mabel Crichton the Marchioness of Choi, mondeley and Lady Lettice Cholmondeley, Lord and Lady Harlech, Lord Cole, Lord Lovatt, Miss Williams Wynn (Sir Watkin being unable to be present). Major the Hon. Henry Gore, Capt. and the Hon. Mrs. Heywood-Lonsdale and party, the Rev. the Hon. A. R. Parker (of Macefen), and Mrs. Mainwaring (of Oteley). The following brought partiesCol. Rivers Bulkeiey, Mrs. C. T. Dugdale, of Terrick (who was responsible for much of the success of the function), Mrs. Ethelston, Mrs. R. W. Ethelston, Mrs. Rasbothani, Mrs. Greenshieids, Mrs. Jordison, Mrs. Sandbach, Mrs. Godsal, Mrs. Wood (Whitewell), the Rev. J. Jacob. Miss Ormerod, Mrs. Clarke (Ash Grange), Mrs. St. John Charlton, Mrs. D'Arcy Hartley, Mr.j. J. H. Warburton Lee, Mrs. Ivynaston. Mrs. Thom (Wirswall). Mrs. Vawdrey, Mrs. Lambert, Mr. Stoney. Mr. Geo. Kevill-Davies, Mr. E. P. Thompson, Miss Dickin (Loppington), Mrs J. M. Etches, Mrs. Watkin, Mrs. John Jones (Mossiields), Mrs. Stoney, Mr. W. C. Ruscoe, Mr. C. T. Duggan, Mrs. Perram, and others. Clayton's (Liverpool; band was responsible for the music.

SEA ENCROACHMENT IN WALES, -+- It is very interesting (writoa a oorrcspondcnt of the "Manchester Guardian") to those who have the leisure to gaze at the havoc played on the Welsh coast between Abergele and Rhyi-but them is a very side to it. Those who are familiar with thin etroteii of sea board have notioed within be last thirty years the shingle pitched on to high-water mark. and the mud layers shifted to a point but lifct'e below it" shew. ing a trend of currents never d--eamt of when the Chester and Holyhead line wan btúit. Now beyond the London and Isforfch-Western Railway Com- pany's seawall at. Towyn (eastward) the mud bank has beon swept away, leaving the hollow ground open to the inroad- of the oaa, the dykes are choked up, and houses ar3 flooded. The <ju-vtion immediately arising is—Who is to ropair the enormous breach in the mud fender. The chief landowners either cannot or wili not. The small owner, take up the wmo attitude. The Railway Company will only move when their line is imri.llM, and they appear to think they are safe at from being washed out. The strong argument used against reinstating the bank i.s that the 0011t would exceed the value of the land reclaimed. Let this word of warning ;.ink into the minds of He who have property hereabouts—that the devastation by floods will increase, land be driven out of cultivation, labour bt at a terrible discount, and productive land be lout to the community. Far and beyond the enorniOLin, danger threatened thetc in the dange • {o the westward portion of Rhyi.

A Pilgrim in Rome wrim" :-A young miti of means and good birth has rthofc' himself in an hotel. Ho left a written statement to say that he was sat.'ated with the world's pleasures, and 30 determined to puc a-n end to his existenos. Now comes the humour of the tragedy. He leaves various sums of money to the paettiest girls in a certain orphanage, and foe also leaves a certain number of "kieaes" iI:ó oertwi ladies, whose names tie gives. He also appoints a friend to carry out thia legacy on hi, alf. How will the tadiea like this? Qu'en dlteij-vouj, masdames?

PREMIER RESIGNS. KING'S ACCEPTANCE. Buckingham Palace, December 4. The Right Hon. A. J. Balfour, M.P., had an audience of the King this afternoon, and tendered his resignation as Prime Minister and First Lord of the Treasury, which His Majesty was graciously pleased to accept. Lord Kenyon and Sir A. Condie Stephen, Lord and Groom in Waiting, were in attend- ance.—" Court Circular." CHIEF ELECTION ISSUE. HON. ALAN EGERTON AT PRESTON BROOK. The Hon. Alan de Tatton Egerton, M.P., for the Knutsford Division, on Monday night addressed a meeting of his constituents at Preston Brook, W ar- rington. Referring to Sir Henry Campbell- Bannerman's recent utterance on the Home Rule question, Mr. Egerton pointed out that they had only to look at the speeches during the last twelve months of the leaders of the Irish Party, and especially the speech so lately made by Mr. Redmond himself at Waterford, to emphasise what that policy would be. It would be neither more nor less than the breaking away of the Sister Island from the United Kingdom. (Cheers ) If an Irish Parliament were established in Dublin, how long would it be before the repudiation of the Sovereignty became effective ? Happily it was in the hands of the electorate, as it was when Mr. Gladstone's Home Rule policy was brought forward, to endorse the action of the House of Lords in rejecting such a measure. His personal hope was therefore that the general election would be fought on the Home Rule question, and not on any side issue, because however much Tariff Reform might have come before the electors, he considered the dismemberment of the Empire constituted the greater issue. (Cheers). HONOURS AND OFFICES. NEW LORD OF APPEAL APPOINTED. The following announcements were issued from win the Prime Minister's residence in Downing-street on Monday night:— The King has conferred a peerage of the United Kingdom upon Sir Thomas H. Sanderson, G.C.B., who will shortly retire from the office of Permanent Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs. The King has been pleased to approve the appointment of Mr. John Atkinson, Attorney- General for Ireland, to be a Lord of Appeal in Ordinary, in succession to Lord Lindley, who has resigned. The King has approved the appointment of Mr. J. H. Campbell, Solicitor General for Ireland, to be Attorney General for Ireland, in succession to Mr. John Atkinson. The King has directed that Mr. Justice Wills be sworn of the Privy Council on the occasion of his retirement from the judicial bench. The King has approved the following promotion in the Order of St. Michael and St. George:-To be G.C.M.G.: Sir George Sydenham Clarke, K.C.M.G. RADICAL SPLIT. HOME RULE THE DIFFICULTY. In a published letter the Earl of Durham says hD has been twitted with a. diesire to ignore the situation with regard to Heme Rule. He con- siders Mr. Arthur Elliot at Durham will not only uphold Free Trade but oppose sepa-ration between Great Britain and Ireland. If these views render Mr. Elliot unworthy of the respect of the Liberal party, thousands of other Liberals would also have to bo ostracised. They were not going to bo dic- tated to by Mr. Redmond. "Will any Liberal statesman," adds his lordship, "dare to say that only sueh Englishmen as favour Home Rule aie Liberals? Separation will be overwhelmingly opposed by Englishmen of all parties. England has twice decided against Home Rule). If anyone ia foolish enough to propose it a third time the, answer will be moro decisive and more uncom- promising than it was in the lifetime of Mr. Glad- stone. Free Trade and Proteation will be the issues in the next Parliament." On the other hand it is reported that. Mr. J. Lawson Walton, K.C., member for the South Division of that city, ha/5 resigned his member- ship of the Liberal League, of which the Earl of Roaebery ia president, owing to his lordship's opinions on the Irish question. Mr. Walton dealt generally with the subject at a meeting at Acton en Monday night. The Liberal Government will take charge of the affairs of the nation as soon as practicable. The date of the dissolution will be in their hands, and it is understood irt. is likely to take place during the first week of January, so as to enable the election? to be completed during that month. Parliament will be convened early in February, and Mr. Balfour is not expected to make an im- mediate explanation of the reasons which led to his resignation, but he will doubtless do so at an early date, possibly to his own constituents in Manohaste: Pryparations are already afoot for ex-Cabinet Ministers to wage an active campaign for the intention of their majorities, and to pay to their constituents that larger degree of attention which is practically prohibited by the duties of offioe. Several members of the late Ministry on Monday expressed unfeigned joy at their release from the long-continued strain of Government. There was also noticeable a marked degree of confidence that the country would not commit itself to the policy of Home Rule as outlined by Sir Henry Campbell-Bannerman. An important factor making for that. confidence and for a belief in the unification of the Unionist party M the present attitude of the Central Con- servative Office, under the direction of Colonel Ha.ig Hitlietto some friction has been caused by lack of support from the central office to those Unionist candidates who a.re known more as Tariff Reformers than as Retaliationists. This difficulty now appears to be banished. "C.-B.'S" TASK. NEW MINISTRY TO BE FORMED. The Press Association telegraphs that Sir Henry Campbell-Bannerman drove to Buckingham Palace this morning, arriving at 18 minutos to 11. The right lion, gcntleham drove in a hansom, unattended. Sir Henry wa-s almost immediately conducted to the presence of the King, and he definitely accepted from his Majesty the task of forming a ministry.

WREXHAM. SCHOLASTIC.—At a special meeting of the governors of the County School for Girls, Grove Park, Wrexham, on Saturday, Miss Sutton, B.A. Lond., first-class honours in classics, was elected to fill a vacancy created by the appointment of Miss Martindell, B.A., to the senior mistress-ship of the Wellington P.T. Centre. Miss Martindell had been on the staff of this school for seven years and two terms.

ELLESMERE PORT. MISHAP ON SHIP CANAL-On Friday morning a serious accident occurred on the Man- chester Ship Canal. The steamer Pellworm inward bound for Manchester was proceeding up the Ship Canal, and when opposite the Shropshire Union Co's lay bye she took a sudden sheer to the west- i J .L.1_ cj "T ra i. T :1h ward. and ran straight at the 6. U. Uo.\s ilafc Lily, which was lying outside the flat Eva. The Lily was struck a severe blow on the starboard side and sank in three and a half minutes, having on board a full cargo, about 130 tons of nitrate soda. The crew of two men, who were in the cabin at the time, just managed to escape on to the Eva, which flat also received damage owing to the severe impact. The steamer did not sustain any damage and proceeded to Manchester. Divers were at once obtained from Liverpool, and an attempt was made to lift the Lily on Friday but it was unsuccessful, and arrangements were then made for discharging the cargo before attempting to lift again.

NORTHOP. INTERESTING MARRIAGE.—On Tuesday the marriage took place at Northop Parish Church of Hugo, fourth son of the late Rev. Frederick FitzPatrick and Lady Olivia FitzPatrick, of Bryn Edwyn, Flint, to Gertrude, only daughter of Colonel and Mrs. Yates, of the Wern Hall, Northop. The ceremony was performed by the Rev. Ciement Daviee, rector of the parish, and was of a very quiet character. There were no bridesmaids, and only a few near relations were present. The bridegroom was ably assisted by Mr. Fred. Bushell, who acted as best man. After the ceremony Mrs. Yates held an informal re- oeption at the Wern, after which the newly- wedded pair left for London, en route for the South of France. The presents were handsome, and numbered over 200. CONCERT.—A successful concert, in aid of the Ladies' Working Party, was held at the National School on Friday evening, Mr. H. Watkinson presiding. The programme was as follows:—Cornet duet, Messrs. Pierce pianoforte duet. Misses Astbury; glee, "Dame Durden," Glee Party; musical drill. Infants; pianoforte solo, Miss Royston; song, "Teasing," Miss M. Williams (encored); recitation, The Dead Dolly." Infants song, Mary of Argyle," Mr R. Edwards (encored); song, "Mid the hush of the corn," Miss Rudd; song, "Grandma," Audrey Oldcorn (encored); duet, Misses Astbury; scn- "Angus Maedonald," Miss Taylor song, Rock-a-bye Baby." Infants glee, "Oh! who will o'er the downs," Glee Party recita- tion, What the little mouse said," Infants comic duet, "Piece of Orange Peel," Mr. and Mrs. I Richardson (encored); duet. Misses Astbury violin solo, Mr. C. Lewis Jones, Mus. Bac. (encored); ''BallSong," Infants 'cello solo, Mr. W. Astbury song, "Eileen Alannah," Miss Taylor song, "On the banks of Allan Water," Mr. Ellis (encored); song, "The Old Lock," Miss Rudd song, "The Careful Man," Mr. R. Edwards (encored); song, Miss M. Williams; pianoforte duet. Mrs. Aeron Davies and Miss Rudd; finale, "God Save the King." Votes of thanks, on the motion of Mr. Edw. Webster, seconded by Mr. J. W. Gittins, were accorded to the chairman and all who took part in the concert.

DROWNED AT ELLESMERE PORT. + FRENCH BOATSWAIN'S FATE. Yesterday (Tuesday) Mr. J. C. Bate, tne v\ est Cheshire coroner, held an inquest at the Institute, Ellesmere Port, touching the death by drowning of Emile Villalon, aged 30 years, boatswain of the sailing ship Andre Theodore, -at present lying in dock at Ellesmere Port. The captain of the vessel and two of the sailors gave evidence in Frenoh, and the services of an interpreter were necessary, rendering the inquiry somewhat pro- tracted. Mr. Wiiitridge, manager for the Shropshire Union Canal Company at Ellesmere Port, was present. Mr. Joseph William was fore- man of the jury. Eugene Robert, captain of the three-masted Andre Theodore, registered at Nantes, said the ship came to Ellesmere Port on the 29th October, but witness was not in charge at the time. He had been there since the 17th November. The deceased man, accompanied by Moeillic, Beurte, Adem and Fournier, came on about seven o'olock on Saturday night. They were sober. Witness came ashore about eight o'clock and re- turned about half-past eight. The men returned on board about eleven o'clock. Deceased was a sober man and wars boatswain of the ship, holding first-class certificates. Ho was born on the 5th January, 1875, and was a native of Pleurtuit, lie et Vilaine. Deceased joined the ship when it was at Ellesmere Port. Pierre Adem, sailor on board the Andre Theo- dore, said he joined on the ship on the 24th November. He had known deceased about fifteen years. Deceased, himself, and three others came on shore between seven and half-past seven o'clock. They went to the Post Office, then to shops to buy clothes and tobacoo, and after- wards to the Bull Inn. They readied the latter pla.oo about half-past eight o'clock and stayed there about half an hour. They had two glasses of beer each. Then they went to the "public- house opposite the butcher's," and stayed there three or four minutes. They had nothing to drink there, aa they were refused. The Coroner: Why were you refused? Witness said he did not. know. They gave no explanation, but he thought it was because the house was too full. Villalon asked for five glasses of beer. They next went to the Grosvenor, and 'had two glasses of beer each, staying from ten to fifteen minutes. They left about half-past nine o'clock to go on board. Villalon went on first, and was a few yards ahead of them. He could not see Villalon; witness was last, with Fournier. He was half-way along the railings (about opposite the Mill), and he heard a man yelling and the noise of the body in the water. Witness went to the bridge to see what was the matter, and jumped on to the wall. He took off his coat, but could not see anything in the water. Deceased must have sunk. Deceased made an attempt to jump into the water, but somebody said that was no good. He could not say if Villalon could swim. The Coroner: And yet you have known him fifteen years. How many glares each had you had? Witness: Four. The Coroner: Did you not tell the office you had had five or six? Witness now said they had had five glasses of drink each. You say you were not the worse for drink?— Yes. Witness further stated that it was about ten minutes from the timo they left the Inn to the time the body was pulled out. They put the body on the stones near the quay and tried artificial respiration. The doctor was in attendance almost as soon as the body was recovered. Deceased had been in the water five or six minutes; No one jumped into the water. Witness and the three others who were following deceased ar- rived at the bridge about the same time. He (witness) had no difficulty in finding his way over the bridge. The Coroner: Is there a light near the bridge? Witness: There was no light; it was very dark. A Juror: Was not deceased wearing a mask on Saturday night? Witness: No The Juror: Which of the crew was wearing a mask?—Moeillic. The Sergeant of Police Was Moeillic wearing a. mask in the Bull?—No. The Coroner: Where did he wear it?—He put it on when he went out of the shop where ho bought it. Witness added that ho had no difficulty in find- ing his way over the bridge, because ha did the marketing and came ashore daily. Jules Beurte, sailor, also gave evidence. He came ashore with ithe four others on Saturday evening. After they had been in the Bull Inn they went to buy the. mask. Afterwards they went into the Hoise a.nd Jockey Inn, and next to the Grosvenor. They had no drink at the Horse and Jockey. At tne Grosvenor they had two glasse,a of beer. Villalon left first, and was walk- ing rather fast in front of them. They did not iiear V lIlalon get on to the bridge, nor did they hear him fall. They heard a disturbance in the water when they were ten yards off the bridge. Moeillic shouted that there was a man in the water, and they rushed up. They jumped over the wooden hairier. Witness oouid not see any- body, but he saw the water moving at a, spot in the middle of the cutting. They wore all sober. He did not know if deoeased could swim. James Edward McOulloch, carpenter's appren- tice, living at Ellesmere Port, said that about ten o'clock on Saturday night lie was in company with a man named Roberts, of Lower Mersey- street. They were going towaids the canal and saw three or four men in front of them. They were the French sailors. The sailors were not noisy and were not the worse for drink. When wibness reached the bridge he saw a man's head in the water in the middie of the putting and near to th £ iron. bridge. The man in the water was calling out, and swam a little towards the bridge. Vvhen they got the other aide of the bridge the man in too water itad gone under. Two of the French sailors jumped over the wooden barriers and tried to reach him. Witness went for the grappling irons, and when he got back they had got the body out with a boathook. The Foreman: Did the four sailors try to get him cut?—Witness: Yes; one man got his coat off and was going to jump in. They seemed de- sirous of getting him out J A SAILOR AND A PARCEL. I George Richmond, labourer, Eilcsmere Port, said lx) was in the Grosvenor Hotel when the five Fitench sailors came in. Tn;-y seemed perfectly sober. One of the men took a parcel irom the Inn, and a man named Thornton, the owner of the parcel, ran after them and got the parcel. He believed Thornton took it from them, but he had no tiouble in recovering it. Witness heard a noise, and thought there was a struggle over the parcel. He went after them and found there was a man in the water. One of the sailors had been tiying to recover the body with the boathook. He gave the boathook to witness, who recovered the body. There was no light They had to use matches and a candle. Ha did not know how de- ceased got into the water. The inteipretcr asked through the. Coroner who took the parcel, and received the answer that it was one of the French sailors. Dr. Henry Leslie Finney said he lived quite close to the scene of the drowning. He was ca led to the deceased just alter lie wa-H got out of the water. They were trying artificial respiration. Under his supervision they continued to do so I for ten minutus or a quarter of an hour. He had s:noe examined the body, and found no marks of any description. There was a. temporary wooden fence between the mill and the bridge. Anyone could fall over the fence, but the distance be- tween the fence and the edge of the stone next to the water was twelve feet, and deceased could not have tripped over the fence and fallen into the water without first striking the ground. He found no trace of such a fall when lie examined the body. There was nothing to show that he had struck any tiling. The Coroner: The place is very dark?—Yes; and it was a, very dark night. Charles Whitridge, manager of the Shropshire Union Canal at Ellesmere Port, said there had been great alterations at the place by the cutting of a now arm of the cana!. The work wa.o:; still in the .hands of the contractors, Messrs. Holme and King, and had not yet been taken over by the oompany. He did not know whether the con- tractors under the terms of their contract were required to protect the public. Witness said there wero two lamps, the one on the mill side of the bridge being about twenty yards away. Both lamps were lighted on Saturday. There was another lamp in course of erection close to the bridge. It would be utterly impossible for any man to fall over the fence straight- into the canal without first striking the ground. A man would have to be a very good runner and athlete to jump it. In summing up. the Coroner said it was a some- what difficult question for the jury to say how the deoeased got -into the water. The fence against the mill possibly wae, qujte sufficient pro- tection before the footpath was elfevated, but when the footpath was elevated they did not appear to have raised the fence, and the fence against the mill side did seem to be in a dangerous con- dition. He thought- they would agree with him that any person walking along that footpath oould not fall into the water. The distance was too great. If he fell at all ho would fall head first on the stone coping of the wharf, and there would be bruises somewhere. But the body of the deceased shewed no appearance of such injury. It was possible deceased was not quite as sober HR had been repretsented, and that after what. they might call the lark of taking the parcel out of the Grosvenor Arms, deceased might have got over the wooden barrier, not qui0 knowing where he was. That was the most probable thing. It seemed to him (the coroner) that the road was badly lighted, and the fence was certainly not what it ought to be. There would no doubt be an improvement when the other lamp was fixed and lighted. The jury returned a verdict of accidentally drowned. JURYMAN'S ILLNESS. Soon after the first witness had given his evi- dence one of the jury was suddenly seized with illness and had to retire. The sergeant of police. ag the only other person present who had viewed the body and heard the evidence so far ao it had I gone, was sworn as a juryman in hia stead.

NEW LORD LIEUTENANT OF CHESHIRE. — « — DUKE OF WESTMINSTER APPOINTED. We arc officially informed that the King has been pleased to approve of the appointment of the Duke of Westminster to -be his Majesty's Lieutenant for Cheshire, in place of Earl Egerton of Tatton, who has resigned. The news has occasioned some surprise, as it was not known in the county that Earl Egerton was contemplating resignation. His lordship was appointed to the important post of Lord Lieutenant of Cheshire in the Spring of 1900, in the place of the late Duke of Westminster, and has fully maintained the dignity of the office by his tact and readiness to further the interests of every portion of the county. This was, of course, only to be expected from the skill with which he has discharged the duties of chairman of many important public bodies in the country, and from his experience as a member of Parliament for nearly a quarter of a century, as Chairman of the Cheshire Quarter Sessions, 1883-89, and in many other directions. Earl Egerton was born on January 17th, 1832, and throughout his career he has put valuable efforts forth in the causes of education, agriculture, the Manchester Ship Canal, and numerous other public enterprises. Few landlords have done more than Earl Egerton for the communities in the neighbourhood of their estates, and fewer still have been as generous in their support of the Church of England and her schools. He was raised from the rank of Baron to that of Earl in the Diamond Jubliee year. Only recently, at Cheshire Quarter Sessions, his lordship brought forward a useful resolution with reference to National Defence. The regret that will be felt throughout the county at Earl Egerton's resignation will be tempered by the appointment in his place of the Duke of Westminster. It is eminently fitting that his Grace should occupy the position filled by his revered grandfather with such marked ability for some sixteen years. The Duke's ap- pointment is cordially welcomed on all sides.

THE CHESTER UNEMPLOYED. 170 NAMES REGISTERED. COMMITTEE'S RECOMMENDATION. Since the unemployed register was opened at Chester Town Hall on Monday week upwards of 170 men have given their names and filled up the prescribed record forms. These forms, which are of exactly the same character as those authorised by the Local Government Board for issue by d:s- tress committees, contain over twenty queries, in which particular reference ia made to the ap- plicant's character, his means of livelihood, and fitness for certain work. In the absence of de- tailed official information we are unable to enter into particulars concerning the unemployed whose names have been registered. The seekers for work include men of varying ages and occupa- tions. The majority bear the description of general labourers, and there is a small proportion of skilled workmen, clerks, etc. It. appears, how- ever, that careful discrimination will require to be exercised by the committee. A number of the applicants hail from without the city boundary, though the efforts which have been initiated Ly the Corporation are confined to the assistance of the unemployed residing only within the city. Another difficulty is, we understand, presented by the fact that others are in receipt of poor-law relief. From the information so far obtained it appears to be generally concluded that although there are a number of deserving case3 of unem- ployment at the present time, that number is not abnormal at thi.s period of the year. The special committee appointed by the Town Council under the Unemployed Workmens Act, 1905, held a meeting on Monday, under the presi- dency of Alderman John Jones (St. Oswald's). A report having been laid before them. it was re- solved to recommend the Improvement Commit- tee and the other labour-employing departments of the Corporation to put into operation as early as possible all works in the city which will afford employment. A sub-committee was also ap- pointed to investigate the particulars sent in by applicants for relief.

11 DISTRICT COUNCILS. -+.- HOOLE URBAN. A meeting of this Council was .held on Monday evening, Mr. W. Williams presiding. MR. CROWDER OPPOSES. The Clerk (Mr, A. E. Caldeoutt) having sub- mitted his bill in connection with the allotments inquiry, now asked the Council to pass a resolu- tion, sending it to the clerk of the peace for taxa- tion in the usual way. Mr. Crowder opposed this course, advising that the bill should go before the Local Government Board to see if the Council were within their right in paying the bill. An animated discussion followed, and eventually an amendment to defer the matter for a month was defeated by five votes to four, and the bill was sent to the taxing master. It will, however, again be brought before the Finance Committee. THE ALLOTMENTS SCHEME- REJECTED BY THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT BOARD The Clerk read the following letter, dated 8t,h November, from the Local Government Board, with reference to the recent allotments inquiry:- "I am directed by the Local Government Board to inform you that they have had under considera- tion the report made by their inspector after an inquiry held1 by him with regard to the applica- tion of the Urban Council to sanction the borrow- ing of £ 60 in connection with the provision of allotments in Hoole-lane. I am to state that as tho District Council cannot maintain uninter- rupted possession of the land for a long period, the Board are unable to accede to the application. Copies of the plans forwarded in connection with the application are returned herewith." The Clerk said he thought the capital money the Council had expended could be found in another way. If the matter was deferred until the next meeting he might be in a position to ad- vi- the Council as to the best course to take. i 5 raan sa'd they all regretted that tho Local Government Board had refused the appli- cation. He thought the matter should be left over til! the next meeting, when they might find some wajv of mest'ng the difficulty. Mr. a It on moved a resolution to th:e effect. The Clerk pointed out that whether they went on with the scheme, or not the Council were bound to go on with the agreement with the owner of the land. This was a lease for twenty- one years, with power for the owner to determine it. by making compensation to anybody who sus- tained loss. Tho resolution was carried. HOOLE BRIDGE IMPROVEMENT. COUNTY COUNCIL'S OFFER. The County Council forwarded the following resolution, which had been passed by the Main Roads and Bridges Committee, on the report of I tho joint conference regarding the Flookersbrook Railway Bridge:—"That in the event of the Hoole Urban ^District Council, in combination with tho other Councils, entering into an agree- ment with the Railway Companies to construct a public footbridge on the east side of the rail- I way bridge, the County Council be recommended to agree to contribute to the Hoole Urban Dis- trict Council one-half the amount to bo paid hv them annually in respect of principal and interest to liquidate any loan the Urban District Council may raise for the purpose of their contribution to the scheme, provided, among other things, that the total contribution of the Hoole Council does not £ 5,000; that tho County Council be not responsible for the maintenance of such foot- bridge; that in the event of the Hoole urban dis- trict, or any part of it, being incorporated in the city of Chester, the County Council shall not be liable or be called upon to make any further pay- ments in respect of the said contribution, and the Hoole Urban District Council will forthwith roo fund to the County Council the amount of all payments made by them in rc-spect of the said contribution." The Chairman: They are not _go;ng to lose much, are they? (Laughter.) Mr. H. Crowder said the only way to get over the difficulty regarding the bridge was by the incorporation of Hoole with the city of Chester. The Chairman thought that the extraordinary condirions imposed by the County Council almost, put an end to the matter so far as Hoole was con- cerned. Whatever help Hoole was disposed to give, it seemed to him they were bound by the County Council. In common fairness he thought the County Council ought to have offered a more generous contribution than that. They simply offered money and said to Hoole, "If you should be 'incorporated all the money we have paid on your behalf we shall want back." Mr. H. Crowder They know the position, and you cannot expect them to get thcmsolves into-- The Clerk: You a.re quite right. The principle in which they have passed this resolution, having regard to what may happen in the future, is a proper precaution for the county ratepayers to take. If Hoole gets absorbed into the city the county will IOile a very considerable ratable area. The Chairman thought a meeting of the joint conference should be called to report the County Council's conditions. Mr. Orowder: Considering the County Coun- cil's terms and the position which the Chester Rural Council has taken up, do you think it is advisable to go any further with the matter? I think it is only wasting time. It wag decided to communicate the County Council's decision to the joint conference. On the proposition of Mr. R. Pinnington, the clerk was also instructed to again approach the authorities concerned, with a view of improving the lighting and cleansing of the thoroughfare over Hoole Bridget.

GOLF. PRESTATYN CLUB. For some months past a town's committee has been busily engaged in going into the necessary details for the formation of a golf club. The idea was tirst brought about by Lady M'Laren offering the town free use for twelve months of a piece of ground, parily laid out as a golf course, but the committee did not feel justified in going to any expense unless they could have a lease on the ground. After considerable negotiations the com- mittee have decided to accept the terms offered by Lady M'Laren, thus securing 65 acres of land on moat advantageous terms. The work of laying out a nine hole course is to be proceeded with at once, and a considerable number of members has been already enrolled.

HUNTINGS NORTH CHESHIRE. This pack met at Stamfoid Bridge on Thurs- day. Lord Cholmondclcy was in command in the absence of Mr, Wilson. Mr. Giles, the shooting tenant of the Gowey Cover, provided our tiint fox, which ian a ring okwe to Vioar's Cross, and then back by Guiiden Sutton over the river to Bsrinwmorc. Here no further trace of him was found. Our next find wag at Waverton, and a good hunt it turned out, The fox ran down to Cotton, going through one end of the cover and crossing the Roman Bridges on to Hookenhuli Farm in the direction of Barrow. Here lie mada a shatip turn to the left, crossing the river Gowey by Rowe's Mill. At this point the field had to divide; some few forded, the brook, and others went round by Stamford Bridge. The conse- quence was bounds got a good way III front of the field. A check near Chrrstleton, however, let a good many of the hard riders get to hounds again. The fox kept on over the Wititel-iuich-road, past Mr. Macfie's house at Rowton. and then an to Huntington. He was eventually lost just under Saigihton Towers. The time was about an hour from when they found at Waverton. Saightoa Goise held two braoo. Champion, by a piece of good luck, got hounds settled on to one which took U8 past Saighton, crossing the Chester and Whitchuroh-road by the Lodge. Here he ran aorose to Mr. Buokley's farm, Habton, and thence over the railway to Gateaheath. Still in pursuit, lxnmda ran past) Tattenhail village and befhind Mill House to within half-a-mile of Burwardsley. After turning to tho left, the fox was killed close to Mr Hadfield's farm at Newton, after a good fifty-six ni-i nutec' hunt. This was one of the beet days up to the present had with the North paok. A bye day on Friday brought the North Pack to Crowton to draw the Woods. No foxes were found here. Mr. Speakman came to the rescue, however, by finding us plenty of foxes at Mickledale. A Eortion of the pack ran towards Kingsley, then ack by the Golf Links, Frodsham, again to where we found. Six couple of hounds having slipped away with another fox, the remainder of the pack were taken home it beint after four o'clock, the six couple, were found quite safe the second whip coming up with them and taking them home. Delamere House was the fixture for Saturday, with Mr. Hugh Wilbraham m command. Only one of the home covers responded with a fox, which wai soon chopped without any sport, being mobbed with foot people, who spoil their own sport and that of others, who come to enjoy a day with. hounds. Several unsuccessful draws took place before we found a fox, or, I should say, foxes in the"Forest. It was then nearly 4 o'clock, however, and hounds for the next 20 minutes pushed a fox over the Norley road to Hatchmere and back past Eddisbury Lodge. Hounds had to be stopped in the Longley Wood, Ashton Hayes, on account of the shooting, fixed for the following Monday. SOUTH CHESHIRE. A good day's sport was had with the South Cheshire on Friday from the fixture Hankelow. We found in the gorse close to the meet. Hounds ran a ring before making a point into the North Staffordshire country, and getting on good terms with their fox they ran down to Audlem, going thence to Bellaport. Soon after they came round to the left and past the three brooks to ground in Williams' Gorse, which is close to where we found. We next drew in Acton Gorse, and our fox ran merrily through Doddington, which is in the North Stafford country, close up to Woore, and on to Candridlems. Soon after, hounds had to be stopped on account of failing light. The hunt lasted about an hour and titeen minutes, over some of the best of the North Stafford country. BLUECAP. SIR WATKIN WYNN'S. Following upon the hunt ball held at Whit- church on the previous night a large field turned up at Iscoyd Park, Major Godsai's home, on Saturday. Sir Watkin was unable to be present, and honours were in charge of Marden, the huntsman. The field included the Marquis of Cholmondeley and Lady Lettioe Cholmondeley, Lord Kenyon, Lord and Lady Harlech, Mr. Geo. Wyndham, M.P., General Mostyn Owen, Sir Walter Corbett, Sir Keith Fraser, Col. River* Bulkeley, the Rev. the Hon. A. Parker, of Mace- fen Major and the Misses Godsal, Mr. C. T. Dugdale, of Terriok; Mr. W. Thom, Mr. John Jones, of Mossfields Captain and Mrs. Ethelston, Mr. Frank Colton, Mrs. Ramscten, Mr. Kevill Davies, Miss Moss, and practically all the regular followers. Hounds found at once in the little oover near the gamekeeper's cottage, and ran a ring round to the big Wood, where the quarry got to ground. Finding again without much delay near Onsioa, hounds ran on to Bubney and right-handed to the neighbourhood of Clover- telda, where thev cheokod. They scon hit off the line again, however, and wont away past Hinton Hall and Mr. Thompson's new farm on to Thew Mere at Marbury, the fox being broken up at the mere side after a first-rate hunt of three-quarters of an hour. Stockton Dingle was drawn blank, after which hounds found near Taylor's Rough, and ran out nearly to the rail- way bridge on the Macefen-road and left-handed to Goodnoon Rough, where some other foxes were on foot. Hounds, however, ran in the direction of Malpas and in a ring towairde Goodnoon Rough again, when, as the light was failing, they had to be whipped off after a capital run of an hour a duration. THE CHESHIRE BEAGLES. Throughout the past month these hounds ha-ve, experienced some of the worst soenting days that I ever remember at this time of year, but on Tuesday, when we met at Dumharn-on-tho- Hill. hounds for once were able to lun well. The morning was wet, and a rather si.;all field included three visitors from the Darlington Foot Harriers. Some of those present were Mr. Percy Roberts (Master), Mr. Robert Parry and Mr. George Morrison (whips), Mr. T. Broadbent, the Misses Sylvia and Margaret Broadbent, Mr. Alfred Smyth, Mr. P. H. Holt, Mr. George Okell, Miss Maud Okell, Lieutenant Jackson, Mr. A. Campbell, the Misses Samuel, Mr. N. Caine, Mr. H. Smith, and Mr. Cowie. Soon after crossing the brook a hare was found in one of Mr. Dilworth's fields, and hounds ran at a good pace up the hill towards Alvanley, where, turning left-handed, they ran for some distance and than descended into the vale again and crossed the road near to the Helsby Wire- works. They soon afterwar,3 put their hare out of an osier bed beside Homes Mill, and ran her in view for nearly half a mile. Then a con- siderable check took place, and we had just re- covered the line when they dhanged on to a fox and ran very fast towards Lower Manley Hall. But swinging round again near to the railway they crossed the Helsby Golf Links and ran to- wards Dunham and over the railway, his point evidently being Dunham Gorse. Somewhere hereabouts hounds got on to the line of a hare again, and eventually were stopped between Dun- ham Station and Trafford Hall, after a run of one hour and forty minutes. We then returned to the neighbourhood where we left our first hare, and after some time sucoeeded in finding her again. She was nearly done up, and for the next fifteen minutes was never more than a couple of hundred yards ahead of the pack. Then we must have changed hares again, as hounds went straight away to Alvanley Cliff and ovor it in the direction of Norley, where they were run out of scent upon the road when it was nearly dark, after the hardest day we have had so far this season. LEVERET. MR. WILSON'S MASTERSHIP. The Hunting Correspondent of the "Globe" says:—There is no truth in the r*mour that the Master of the North Cheshire is going to resign. Everything is going well in that pleasant country, and no one wishes for a change.

SIR WATKIN WYNN'S MKKT ON Friday, Dec. 8, Bangor at 10.45 Saturday, Dec. I), Shavington at 11.0 I

POOLE'S MYRIORAMA.—That the long- established myriorama still holds a high place among public entertainments was demonstrated on Monday evening, when the first performance in the week's programme was given at the Music Hall by Mr. Charles W. Poole's No. 1 "Hyper- myriorama." There was a large audience, there being little spare room in any part. The per- formance fully maintained the reputation for baing up-to-date, which is always associated with the name of Poole, and the audience were delighted with the elaborate pictures. The recent war in the Far East claimed a considerable share of attention, and vivid colours and lights were re- quisitioned to give a touch of realism to the scenes. Battles, both on sea and land, were shewn, the views comprising a pictorial history of the chief events of the war. Sensational in- cidents, such as the blowing up by mines of war- ships, were among the most important pictures. Even recent inoidents in the present disturbances in Russia found a place in the moving panorama. Its comparatively young rival, the kinemato- graph, was used to help it, and the remarkably steady pictures were a feature of the evening. The series of animated photos were cleverly com- posed and caused much amusement. At frequent intervals several talented artists appeared, and rounds of applause greeted each item, whether dancing, juggling, acrobatic- performance, or singing. It was announced that the visit can- not be prolonged more than a week. In addition to the usual nightly performances matinees will be given to-day (Wednesday) and on Saturday.

ST. JOHN'S WARD ELECTION. i .—.—« While on the surface comparatively little in- terest is being shewn in the election to fill the vaoancy in St. John's Ward, much quiet work is being put in on behalf of the candidates. Mr. Thornhill, the Unionist representative, has had an excellent canvass, and lys chances of success are good. Mr. Frank Brown, the Radical nominee, is well off in the matter of workers, an attempt is being made to detach Unionist voters from Mr. Thornhill's side. The polling will tako place to-morrow (Thursday), and the polling station will be the Soup Kitchen, Pepper- street, and not the Volunteer Drill Hall as was at first thought. We would again emphasise that the fight is a political one, and that being so the duty of Unionists should be clear. The nominations closed on Wednesday, when Mr. Brown was proposed by Mr. J. D. Siddall and seconded by Mr. John Griffiths. Mr. Wm. C. Thornhill was proposed by Alderman Thomas Smith and seconded by Mr. R. Clowes Edwards. The Ratepayers' Association has addressed the following Questions to the candidates: — 1.—Will you, if returned, vote in favour of an enquiry by the Council as to "the desira- bility of re-arranging and increasing the number of wards so that each ward should return three members instead of six, one member to retire each year in each ward. 2.-Under the new Standing Order, No. 36, the names and votes of the councillors will be recorded whenever and prior to a vote being taken, five members demand a poll. Will you, if returned, so demand a poll in order that the ratepayers may in every case, when an important decision is taken, know how their representatives vote? 3.-Will you, if returned, vote for the adver- tising of all public appointments by the Council except in the case of the promotion of existing officials? Mr. W. C. Thornhill replies as follows:- 1.—This is under my serious consideration. 2.-Yes. 3.-Ye,s. Mr. F. F. Brown replies as follows:- I.-This is a subject which I have not considered and on which I am not prepared to give an opinion at present. 2.—I fully agree with the principle that the ratepayers should know the particulars of the votes of the councillors on matters of importance. 3.—I also agree that in most cases it is desir- able that public appointmenta should be advertised. But I am not prepared to make a promise as to what course I shall take under circumstances that have not yet arisen.

DEATH OF MRS. TURNER, NESTON. — ♦- —— We regret to announoe the death of Mrs. Harriette Turner, wife of the Rev. Canon Turner, vicar of Neston. Deceased, who was 64 years of age, died about eight o'clock on Monday evening at the Vicarage. She had been suffering from heart disease for some time, and had been attended by Mr. John B. Yeoman, M.D. During the last few weeks she had grown much weaker, and on Sunday the prayers of the congregation were requisitioned on her berialfboth at the Neston Parish Church and the Neston Presby- terian Church. An intimation of the sad event reached the Neston and Parkgato District Council at their meeting, and the Chairman (Mr. J. Pemberton) very feelingly moved a vote of condolence with Canon Turner. Colonel Lloycl, n seconding, also spoke of the deep sympathy which the members of the Council felt with the vicar in his sad bereavement. Mrs. Turner will be much missed in Neston and District, where she took an active part i nthe various parochial institutions. The annual sale of work, which was fixed for Thursday and Friday, is postponed until further notice. The funeral will take place on Friday at Neston Parish Church, at 3 p.m. Canon and Mrs. Turner have lived in Neston for over twelve years, and were formerly residents of Macolesfield, where Canon Turner previously held a living.

ECCLESTON. DANCE.—A "Cinderella." in aid of the Read- ing Room, was held on Wednesday in the school- room. There were about 60 present, and a most enjoyable evening was spent. Mr. F. Turner and Mr. W. Powell acted as M.C.'s, and Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Jones supplied the music.

SHOCKLACH. GOOD SCHOOL ATTENDANCE. During the past fortnight the attendance at the National School has been exceedingly good, the percentage being 98 5, and this, too, in the midst of inclement weather. Moreover, many of the children live a considerable distance from the village, some of them nearly two miles away.

FRODSHAM. WEDDING.—The wedding took place on Mon- day afternoon at the Parish Church, Frodsham, of Mr. James H. Andrews, son of the late Mr. Saml Andrews, of Frodsham, and Miss Edith Edge, eldest daughter of the late Mr. George Edge, of Frod- sham Bridge. The Rev. H. B. Blogg( Vicar)officiated. Both parties are well-known in the neighbourhood, the bridegroom being a tradesmen in the town. Mr. George Rodgers acted as best man. The bride, who was attended by her two sisters (Misses Emmie and Alice Edge), was given away by her brother, Mr..lohn Edge. The honeymoon is to be spent at Blackpool.

FATALITY AT THE COLONIAL OFFICE. —Mr. Harry Withers Chubb, brother of Sir Havter s- ^"UDD, died in the Westminster Hospital on Satur- day morning, from injuries he sustained on Friday night at the Colonial Offioe. Deceased, in leav- ing the Colonial Offioe, fell down a short flight of stairs, fracturing the base of his skull. He was aged 54. JUSTICE WILLS RESIGNS.—It is officially announced that the King has approved of the appointment of Mr. Henry Sutton, Junior Counsel to the Treasury, as a Judge of the High* Court, in place of Mr. Justice Wills, who has resigned. The new Judge has been Junior Counsel to the Treasury, in the King's Bench Division, s;nce 1890. TESTING OF CHESHIRE MILK.-At a meeting of the Nantwioh Farmers' Club on Saturday Mr. James Sadler, secretary of the Cheshire Milk Producers' Association, criticised I a report recently presented to the Cheshire County Council in which Mr. Carter Bell, public analyst for the county, expressed the opinion that if farmers fed their cattle well and kept them in good condition the result would be first-class milk. It was, he said, a fact that could not b3 controverted that no matter how some oows were fed they could not be made to yield milk with three per cent, of butter fat in it. Like other speakers at the meeting Mr. Sadler urged that the Corporations of Manchester and Liverpool ought to obtain milk samples intended for analysis at the farms, and not at the receiving cot-+; sia/uoris. ROYAL ALBERT ASYLUM.—The general annual meeting of the Royal Albert Asylum, Lancaster, was held at the Town Hall, Leeds, on Tuesday afternoon, the Lord Mayor (Mr. Edwin Woodhouse) presiding.—Sir John Hibbert moved the adoption of the report, a summary of which has already appeared in these columns. The resolution further, "recognising the. steady development and the beneficent work of the Royal Albert Asylum, as well as its sound financial progress and successful administration," heartily commended the institution to the support of York- shire and the other northern counties. Sir John faia :at the present moment there, were 636 patients in the asylum, which had accommodation for 650. The buildings had cost £ 165.000, but tho financial prosperity had been great, and thiis year £ 23,658 had been received for maintenance. It was worthy of mention that 22 co-operative societies in the northern counties subscribed nearly £ 100 annually. Since the opening of the asylum 2,558 patients had been admitted. Of this number 1.437 had been discharged, after an improvement had been effected in 86 per cent. of the cases, and 494 had died in the institution. In conclusion, Sir John emphasised the appeal of the Central Committee for contributions to the fund for the ejection of a reception-house.-—Alder- man Tetley seconded the resolution and ex- plained that Leeds had built three day schools for mentally defective children.—The resolution was adopted.—Colonel W. H. Foster moved the ap- pointment of the Central Committee ps follows: —Sir John Hibhert, and Messrs. H. Davids, F,. B. Danson. T. Gibson. R J. Harris. J. Heald, '\J, W. Helme, M.P., R. Mansergh. J. Platt, W. 0. Roper, S. Satterthwaite, F. Storey. H. L. Storey, J. W. Wearinsr. and W. G. Welch.—The Vicar of Leeds seconded the resolution, which was carried.—Tt. ww decirted t-hat the next annual meetin? should be held at Manchester in Septem- ber. 1906. The Indian way of boiling- rice is famed for its excellonce, but the English cook knows little about it and fails lamentably, as a rule, in her method of rice-boiling. When sent to table each grain of rice should be separate and flaky-looking, but the usual dish of rice sent to the dining-room somewhat resembles a thick paste. Here is the recipe for the Indian way of boiling rice, given to me by an officer's wife lately returned from l'ndia,. Have ready a sauoepanful of boiling water; then, when the water really bubbles and boils hard, take theriec, required and soak it for two or three minutes in a dish of cold water, immediately afterwards plunging it into the boiling water. Let it remain for exactly twelve minutes; then, just before removing it, throw into the boiling water a cupful of quite cold water, which will separate the rice. Turn the latter on to a colander to drain, and stand it before the fire, separating the rico lightly with a fork.

T CHESTER STOCK & SHARE LIST Reported by Messrs. WARMSLEY, JONES & Co., 29, Eastgate Row (North), Chester. CONSOLS 89k. BASK lATE 4% Present price ChesterCorporation 3i Irredeemable Stock 116—117 OhesterCorporation 3 Redeemable Stock 90-ico Chester Gas Co 5% Ordinary Stock 110—113 4 Preference Stock 10J—lu5 „ •' 3i Debenture Stock 90—95 Chester Waterworks Co 7t Consolidated Stock 180-18, » 7 New Ordinary Stock, 1st and 2nd moieties 170—175 > » 6 410 Perpetual Preference Shares, fully paid 16s— Wrexham and East Denbighshire Water Co Consolidated Stock 180-185 4 Cons. Pref. Stock ir»—lie .» Ordinarv Stock 125—130 Hawarde & District Water Co. Llo Shares, fully paid 7-10 Nat. Prov. Bank of England, Ltd. £ 75 Shares, P,10 10s. paid 42 -43 .• .i £ 60 Shares, £ 12 paid 49 —50 North and South Wales Bank, Ltd. P,40 Shares, £10 paid 35|—S5| Parr's Bank, Ltd. £ 100 Shares, £ 20 paid 864—fe6f vjivyua uitijn, iMi.. fcju nares, 4,1 paict 33 -at Bank of Liverpool, Ltd £ 100 Shares, L12 10s. paid 371—374 British Law, Life, Fire Insur., Ltd. Lio Shares, Zl paid 34—34 Chester Boat Co., Ltd 210 Shares, fully paid 9 ] 1 Chester Cocoa House Co.,Ltd. £ 5 24 „ 4 5 £ 5 f t3 3 -4 Chester General Cemeter Co £ 5 „ iully paid 3|—4$ Ohester New Music Hall Co. Ltd. ,£25. IS Chester North^ate Brewery Co., Ltd. Ord. ClO Shares, fully paid.10 —l<>i 11 ii 6110 Pref. Shares, fully pd,.12J—12J ,1 4% £ 100 Debentures 92$—35 Bent's Brewery, Ld. £ 10 Ordinary Shares 7§—7s 11 6 £ 10 Pref. Shares at—9j Birkenhead Brewery Co., 910 Shares, L5 paid 14,1-lbi ■ > 1, £ 10 Shares, fully paid 19f—20J Chester Grosvenor Hotel Co., Ltd. 220 Pref. Shares.21-22 Chester Queen Rail- way Hotel Co., Ld. E20 Shares, fully paid .2)1-24t £ 20 £ 10 Hi—124 Chester Blossoms Hotel, Ltd tio fully paid 9 -10 Chester Steam Laundry Co., Ltd. R,5 „ „ 9—10 Chester Race Co., Ltd icloo £ 75 „ ISO—190 Dee Oil Co., Ltd. iCl Ord. Shares Walkers, Parkers & Co., Ltd. £10 Shares, fully paid, 6 Cum. Pref 4J—4} M It 41 Debentures S4-7 J. H. Billington, Ltd., Chester 4i First Mort. Deben. Stock II 6 Cum. Pret. £ 10 Shares victoria Pier and Pavilion Co., Colwyn Bay, Ltd. 21 Ordinary Shares 15/—20/- HalkynDr'inageCo. 210 Shares, fully paid L0 —!• i Halkyn Mining Co., Ltd 21 Shares, fully paid 5-6 Holywell ■ Halkvn Mining and Tun- nel Co., Ltd. 21 Shares fully paid .15'-20;- East Halkyn Mining Co., Lt(L igl fully paid 51-51 South Halkyn Min- ing Co., Ltd £ 1 .t{}f-15- New North Halkyn Mines, Ltd. iCi Shares, fully paid 22/6-25/- XT .• <• £ 1 7/6 11/—12,0 North Hendre Min- ing Co., Ltd £ 210s. Shares, fully paid 2|—3J Pantymwyn Mining Co., Ltd. £1 Shares, fully paid .1 -Ii Talacre Mining Co., Ltd £ 1 Ord It f;l Pref United Minera Co. Ltd 21 Ord Isle of Man Mining Co., Ltd. (Fox- dale) Mines £ 5 a—li- ii 11 74 Pref., £ 17 10s. paid 2o—3j Llanarmon Mining Co., Ltd. £1 Ord., fully paid £ 1 Pref. „ .V" Wirrftl Railway 3 Debenture Stock 754 7(ji 11 ii 4% £ 10Pref. Shares(1896issue). 7J—Sk .,1 „ i% £ 10 Pref. (1899 issue) 8—9 Wirral Railways Co. Ltd 910 Ord. Shares, fully paid 2 —2J *Ex dividend.

MARKETS AND FAIRS. ■ » LIVERPOOL CORN, TUESDAY.-Wheat market: Good attendance, only quiet trade con- cluded at Friday's prices. Flour: Slow trade, prices reduced 6d. per sack. Maize very quiet- Old mixed American, 4s. 10^d. new, 4s. 10d. • Plata, 4s. 10d. per cental. Beans firm, 3d. per quarter advance. Peas firm. Feeding barley and oats, quiet enquiry. SALFORD CATTLE. TUESDAY.—About the same number of cattle with fair demand. Large decrease in number of sheep penned with strong demand. Small show of calves with better trade. Quotations Cattle, 4d. to 6d. sheep, 51d to 9id calves, 5id. to 8d. per lb. 4 WREXHAM CATTLE, MONDAY.-Business was somewhat quiet to-day, no doubt owing to much stock being held back for the Christmas markets. borne good quality stuff was, however, on offer. and prices were steady. Beef made from £ v j i an(! a higher, while mutton fetched from 7d. to 8^d. Pigs were fairly well represented, and realised from 7s. 9d. to 9s. 6d. per score lb. LIVERPOOL CATTLE. MONDAY —The supply of cattle was smaller than last week. Good qualities in demand at fully late rates. Middling and inferior classes difficult to sell. There was again a smaller supply of sheep. Notwithstanding this trade was very slow, and there was no appreci- able alteration in prices. Quotations :-Beef, 53d. to 4Jd. mutton, 9d. to 6d. per lb. 4 LONDON CATTLE, MONDAY.-Supply of beasts compared with Monday last, shewed a decrease of 190 Trade slow for fat beasts, chiefly due to retail butchers buying short to enable them to have their shops for big market day. No quotable decline in value, however, can be noted for choice fat shed cows. Trade slightly firmer for middling quality cows and bulls met a very limited demand even at a decline of ld. to 2d. per 81b Top prices per 81b -80st. to 90st. Devons, 4s 6d 90st to 95st. Herefords and 90at. polled Norfolks, 4s 4d. to 4s. 6d.; 95st. runts, 4s. to 4s. 4d. lOOst. short- horns, jte. lOd. to 4s. 90st. fat cows, 3s. 6d. fat bulls, -s. lOd. to 3s. ld. Trade extremely slow for both wethers and ewes, rates favouring buyers. though barely sufficient to qnote. Irish sheep 2d. per 81b. lower. Scotch sold fairly well at late rates. Calf trade nominal. Quotations per 81b. Beasts, 2s. 10d. to 4s. 6d. sheep, 3s. 10d. to 5s. 10d. BRADFORD WOOL, MONDAY.—The market is firm but without much activity. There is a good inquiry for merinoes, which tend rather to harden. Fine crossbreds are exceedingly strong, and for the time being are more in demand than any other sorts forties 16d.. super sixties 26d. Mohair and Alpaca are quiet. There is little doing in the export yarn trade. Mohair spinners are well employed. Botany trade rather better. CHESTER HORSE, THURSDAY.-At this fair there was only a poor show of horses with the exception of a few good cari horses, which found ready purchasers. Others were difficult to sell and prices were irregular. CHESTER CATTLE. THURSDAY.-Supplies were well up to the average, and there was a fairly good demand for the best dairy stock. In other classes trade was quiet and the market proved very disappointing to sellers. Prices were about the same as last week. Prices:-Milch cows, jEI5 to £ 22: calvers. jEI4 to £ 18: barrens i-M n pi • heifers, £ 8 to j314 stirks,-k5 to £ 9 _v" CHESTER CHEESE, WEDNESDAY.—Mr Challinor reports upon the above fair as follows:- Pitch about 45 tons. The attendance of buyers was fairly good, but the absence of several well-known dealers from the Northern district tended to keep back the demand or to buy at an easement in prices. A good portion of the pitch consisted of lots generally known as late makes. Factors are always ready to pass these over unless the price is tpmpting. Good fine cheese of the September make were quicklv picked up at top prices, viz., 68s. to 74s. medium, 63s. to 67s.; lower grades down to 60s. Although the pitch was large the lots were all cleared CHESHIRE BUTTER AND EGG.-Markets moderately well supplied. Prices about as last Friday. Trade less animated than usual. Quota- tions Stockport (Friday): Butter, Is. 3d. per lb. • eggs, 5 and 6 for Is. Crewe (Friday): Butter- Is. 3d. per lb. eggs. 6 for Is. Northwich (Friday), Butter, Is. 2d. and Is. 3d. per lb.; eggs. 6 and 7 for Is. Sandbaoh (Thursday): Butter. Is. 3d. per lb. eggs, 6 for Is. Mrcclesfield Butter, Is. 2d and Is. 3d. per lb.; eggs, 5 and 6 for is. Con- gleton: Butter, Is. 3d. per lb. eggs. 6 for Is Altrincham Butter, Is. 3d. and Is. 4d. per lb. eggs. 4 and 5 for Is. Nantwit-b Butter, Is 2d' and Is. 3d. per lb. eggs, 6 and 7 for is. Knuts- ford: Butter, Is. 3d. per lb.; eggs, 6 and 7 for la. Runcorn Butter, Is. 3d. per lb. eggs, 6 and 7 for Is. Chester: Butter. Is. 2d. and Is. 3d. per lb.; eggs. 6 for It. CHESTER CORN, SATURDAY. Market quiet. Wheat in small supply, with prices against holders. Oats also favour buyers, and are in fair supply. Beans and barley quiet. Feeding stuffs firmer for most descriptions. Foreign wheat quiet and unchanged. Quotations .— KWW 1 OLD M S. D. S. D. ;FL» N. T. D. Wheat, white— per 761b. 0 0 to 0 0> 0 0 to 0 0 Wheat, red. II 75lb. 00 — 4 500 — 00 Malting Barley. II 601b.! 0 0 0 0: I) 0 0 0 Grinding do II 641b. i 0 0 0 oi 0 0 0 0 Oats 461b. 2 2 2 6 0 0 0 0 Beans 801b. 00 — 0000—00 Egyptian Beans „ 2401b. 00 — 0000 — 0 o Indian Corn. II 9Afilh. 0 0 0 013 0—13 6

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