The Chester Courant and Advertiser for North Wales

LOCAL GOVERNMENT JOTTINGS. — ♦ The Conway Town Council having eent a press- ing invitation to tho proper quarter, that the review of Welsh Volunteers by the King should take place at Conway, have received a. reply to the effect that no definite arrangement has as yet been made that the Welsh Volunteer review will be held. The question of the withdrawal of the Royal Naval Reserves from Carnarvon was the subject of earnest discussion at. the recent meeting of the Town Council, and the appointment of a com- mittee to see if the scheme could not be modified to the extent of, at any rate, retaining the battery for recruiting purposes was adopted. It was also decided to act in conjunction with a committee appointed by the Harbour Trust with the view, if neoestsary, of forming a deputation to wait on the Admiralty. It wae stated that more than 270 men. mostly casual labourers, had been registered at the Corporation offices as being un- employed. Many local governing bodies are taking up with commendable zeal the idea. of readily pro- viding as much work as possible for the unem- ployed. Among others, the Salford Town Council have resolved to extend the filter area of their sowage works, which will probably occupy 15 weeks. They have also acceded to the request of the Tramway Committee to be allowed to do certain painting at the central car depot. The Bangor City Council have also adopted a aeries of resolutions, urging, among other things, to expedite the contract for the erection of work- men's dwellings; and that in view of the con- templated making of the railway from Llanfair to Pentraeth, in Anglesey, the authorities of the London and No r th We ste rn Railway Company be urged to put the work in hand as early as pos- aible. To the latter request the railway company -have replied that it will receive consideration. A difference having arisen between the Wrex- ham District Council and Sir Watkin Wynn respecting the closing by the latter of a footpath at Newbridge, near Ruabon, Sir Watkin, who was present at the late meeting, was invited to express his views on the subject. In response, and speaking as an entirely independent person, Sir Watkin warned the Council that they were treading on dangerous ground. It would be very unwise for anyono who was not really conversant with a matter like that to decide upon a law euit. It would be a costly matter, because they knew that if the Council were prepared to fight they had to meet one who was quite prepared to take up the cudgels against them if necessary. It was decided to adjourn the question for a month. At the same meeting it was decided to appoint a. medical officer of health for the whole district at a salary of JE200, and superintendent of .the Joint Fever Hospital at £70 a year, with B30 for drugs and assistance, the officer to devote his whole time to the duties. Inferentially from what transpired at the late meeting of the Waterioo-with-Scaforth District Council, some risk—and that not inconsiderable— is incurred in the use of water gas. From the minutes of the Health Committee it appeared that the clerk had reported in consequence of two fatalities from gas poisoning at Seaforth, the chairman had authorised a sample of gas to be taken and analysed, which was approved. The analysis indicated the presence of ten per cent. of water gas, and the Clerk was further instructed to inquire of the Liverpool United Gas Light Company whether it was possible to reduce the quantity of water gas used, and to suggest that while the company continued to supply that gas to the district they should inform their customers that water gas was mixed with the coal gas, also of the danger attending escapes of gas of this description through defective fittings and other causes. An episode at the late meeting of the Wigan Town Council may be taken as more amusing than incriminating, although it involved implications more or less serious. The question related to the removal of some concrete and sand and the cost of carting, in relation to which it was urged that all inquiry was necessary "in the interest of clean government." "It would also," it was said, prove how men got into the Council by bribery and corrùptioll. "at least, so it was urged by the seconder of the resolution.—Alderman Johnson, in rejoinder, objected to a committee of enquiry. The last one they had, he said, revealed one of the biggest cases of daylight highway robbery he had ever known. A man entrusted with the purchase of land on behalf of the Corporation jumped figures from L640 to £ 3,200. He (the speaker preferred the public tribuna!, where the accuser had to pay thepcnalty unless he supported his allegations, rather than an investigation, which, having stopped the burglary, made it possiblo for the principal criminal to go about during the week talking of clean government-, and on Sunday begging miserable sinners to repent. Mr. Fletcher knew that the statements made in that Council were privileged. He also knew that. he could call him a thief, murderer, or liar, and still not be prosecuted. If he made a statement outside tin: chamber which reflected -on his public life within the last thirty years he would prosecutc him within twenty-four hours for criminal dEnder." The motion was defeated by 39 votes to tell.

DANGEROUS PLANTS. — — ZAM-BUK ENDS A GARDENER'S RASH. It is a widely known fact among horticulturists that certain British plants have a tendency to produce, on the skin of those- handling them a kind of oczcmatour. rash. This is especially >:o m the case of the Piimula. and doctors now re- gard this eruption so caused as a distinct- cutane- ous affect.on The c.!ve of Mr. Thos. Rates, of 42, Kingswood road. Brixton HiiJ, London, S.W., is one of intense interest, as evidencing Zam-Buks great healing powers. He says — "I am a. gardener. and for some weeks this sum- mer I suffered from wet eczema brought on by handling plants, chiefly Primula Obconica. My hands and face were a mass of blotches. First the skin became red and irritable, arid, then watery blotches formed. which afterwards became "flaked" skin. The itching and pain disturbed my rest, and when at work under glass the irri- tation was intense and continuous. I was similarly affected in 1891 owing to handling the same kind of plant*, and was attended by a doctor, but OR this occasion we got some Zam- Buk, my wife having Ilea. 1 of it. I applied Zam- Buk legrularlv, and in four days all the "flaked" «kin had come off, my face and hands revealing a new, healthy skin. Garde-nets know the bad cffücts some plants have on the, skin. I have tried various remedies at different times, but Zam-Buk is the quickest and best skin-healer I know." Zam-Buk is 'iivahurblo for alt eezematous erup- tions, cuts, wounds, burns, calds. chilblains, chapped hands, oold-sores-, ulcers, abscesses, sore backs stiffness, poisoned and festering sores, haemorrhoids, sore feci, sprains, bruises, rheuma- tism. nerve p;;in^, jnd all soro conditions of elcin and tissue. Of all chemists or the Zam-Buk Co. 4, Red Cress-street, London, K.C., for is. iC) or 2s 9d. per box (2s C. cize contains nearly fonr times the is. Every home needs it.

PFATff OF MR- A. C. HUMPHREYS- OWEN. M P. The death .Kjcuvred on Saturday of Mr. A C. Humphreys-Owen. M.P. for the countv of Montgomery, a the age of i;q. Deceased WHS taken ill eai',v in the year while attending to his ParJliamwitary duties, and although he rallied souie- wlei- and was able to fulfil one or two pnhlic engagements, he had another breakdown, and passed away itt Glausevve.in, his Montgomeryshire seat. ADVICE TO MOTHERS --Arp, you broken of your rest by a, sick ehiid suffering with the .pa.ms in cutting teethGo at onee to a chemist and get n bottle of MR. WINDOW'S SOOTHING STROP, which has been used (-1- 50 years bv millions of nothers for thstr children while teething, with perfect success. It is pJe;1.aJlt to taste, produces natural, quiet sleep by relieving the elr'd from pain, and the little -ttval,-es "as bright as a button." It, soothes the child, it .softens the gvms aJJays al pain, relieves, wind, regulates the boweis, and is the best known remedy fur dysentery and diarchcea, whether arising from teething or other causets. Sold by Chfimisf-ss .everywhere at Js. i" Lottie

LITERARY NOTICES. NEW BOOKS. "A LITTLE PRINCESS" (By Frances Hodg- son Burnett, London;: Fredk. Warne and Co., 6s.)—Everybody who has seen the play "A Little PriuLe-s ulld many more besides, will be charmed With tnis exquis te tale, which is really the fuli ,tory of Sara Crewe, told with all Mrs. Hodgson Bur- nett's power of thr.liing romance. No more fas- oinating narrative has been published for a long time thaiD the histury of the little glrl, the daugh- ter of a rich Anglo-Indian, sent to a boarding eohool in London, who 43 the idol of the school while prosperity abideB, but who is degraded to i\ Cinderella wiien her father dies leaving her a. beggar. Tho v.oissitudes of the little girl's for- tunes make an ideal tale for the young, while tixe sketch of the fantastic ideas that crowd1 into her wise, little head presents a picture that ap- peals irres.et-bly to every man and woman en- dowed with a spark of imaginat,on. "A Little Princess" is more than a fairy tale, invented for the nursery, and to be cast aside with dhildi-sh toys it L- a classic, and will endure as long as the Engliah language remains. '"HINTS ON STABLE MANAGEMENT" (Brig.-General M. F. Rimington, C.B. London, Gale and Polden, Ltd., Is.)—This little handbook has now readied a second edit.on. General Riming- ton's great exper.ence with horses enables hLni to write with authority, and the book may be commended to all mounted men in the service. "MODERN MILITARY ORGANISATION AND THE BRITISH ARMY," Part I. (Major- General P. J. Maitland, C.B. London, the National Servios League, 4d.)—In the form of a ser.es of letters, General Maitland makes a use- ful contribution to' the discussion on Imperial de- fenoo. He deals critically as an expert with Mr. Arnold-Forster's scheme of Army Reform, and with some of its principles he is in entire agree- ment. It is chiefly in the methods for providing a reserve that- he finds serious faults in the new proposals. Dealing with the home Army, General Maitland states that the suggested ser- vice of two years with the colours is too short, for the sufficient education in his business of the Br.tish soldier, three years being the shortest effective period possible. He does not see why a special force should be detailed as a "striking force, when under proper organisation the whole home Army could be ready for service before, the ships required for their transport by sea could be takani and fitted up. The second part of these letters wiJl be published in January, 1906. THE DECEMBER MAGAZINES. [SECOND NOTICE.] The "Sunday Strand" gives its subscribers a bn.ght and enlarged December number, which is full of matter appropriate to the festive season. The cole Dr. ty at nome for this issue is the Rev. Wilson Garble, the founder and head of the C-nui'cn Army. Miss Ackc-rmann, who has made a study of poverty in many lands and under unique conditions, gives her experiences as a coster woman in true East, End of London. Animal lov-ore will find much to their taste in the article, "Our Animal Friends and The.r Bene- factors," by Hugh B. Philpott, who tells of various agencies in operation for the benefit of dumb animals m our great cities. The pictorial features generally are good, but it is surprising to find tne ai-tist of a winter seenk) depict a skater wear,ng shoes, nstead of boots. The num- ber of artists who fall into this absurd erior ::5 legion. The contributors to the Christmas number of the "Strand" include A. Conan Doyle, H. G. Wells, F. Anstey, W. W. Jacobs, Robert Barr, Florence Warden, Morley Roberts, and a host of others. The interesting promise given out some tme ago, t'hat Sir Arthur Conan Doyle was to start a long serial in the Christmas number of the "Strand," is fulfilled with the appearance of a long and powerful first instalment of "Sir Nigel." The scene- of the story is la-d in the Middle Ages, somewhat earLer than "The White Compawy." A strik- ing story called "The Empire of the Ants," is the first of a new series of short stories, which Mr. H. G. Wells will contribute. In "The Ad- venture of the Snowing Globe" v."e find Mr. Anstey at his best. The story ie written in Ins lxicst humorous vein, and is highly fantastic and amus ng. W.W. Jacobs, that most humorous of writers, adds his contribution to the Christmas feast in the shape of a short- story entitled "Her Cnole." The article entitled "The Best Joke I Lave ever Published," is a selection of jokes by the editors of the world's comic papers. The illustrated jokes which appear in t'his article have all been selected by the respective editors of the comic pros,s of the worid. The result makes this article of unique interest. Some months ago the editor of the "Strand" offered £100 for the best photograph from life, being a faithful copy of an engraving printed in the magazine, and set as a model. The result of this artistic com- petition among photographers is given in this number. THe Christmas number of the "Grand Maga- zine" is a capital one. It opens with the tusM, instalment ot the eagerly awaited true story of the. climb to fame of that commanding figure ,n the history of tile stage—the late Sir Henry Irving, written by the great actor's friend and associate, Mr. Joseph Hatton. Equally notice- able is the first instalment of a new story by "John Oliver Robbes." Sir Freder-ck Theves presents a view of disease which must be new to most Headers; and a fashionable London, phy- sician, Dr. Ernest Kingscote, one of our leading authorities on heart and lung troubles, describes the many ey-ls that may result- from taking an undue amount of exercise. In "The Real Kaiser" Mr. Perceval G.bbon presents the personality of the man who, to so many people, is the most enigmatical figure of the day. Brain-workers will eagerly peruse an article entitled "The Best Re- medy for Weary Brains," contributed by about thirty of the leading men and women of the day. "THE ESTATE MAGAZINE" (The Country Gentleman s Association, 2, Waterloo-place, Pall Mall, London, S.W.) for December, finishes up the year with a thoroughly practical number. Its mai-n features comprjso a not.iCe of the Norfolk estates of Mr. E. H. Evans, Lombe, in. tihe Nor- folk country; a oapital article illustrative of country estate book-keeping, etc; and others on the "Gastronomic Tastes of Farm Animals" "The Truth about Poultry Farming' "The Forester," together with much useful informa- tion conneet.ed with gardening, town and country gobeip, etc. THE "LIVE STOCK JOURNAL" AL- MANAO FOR 1906 (London: Messrs. Vinton and Co., Ltd, 9, New Bridge-street., Ludgate O.r- ous, E.C., ".)-With the hood of publications at Christmas time come the almanacs for too New Year, and it is not too much to say that the pre- sent issue is in no way behind other more pre- tentious publications as regards both quality and quantity of contents. All are good Without ex- ception, and the ono named here, if not the most noticeable, is prominent among the best, not alone for its bulk so much as on account of the fulness and variety of its contents extending over nearly 340 pages. In addition to the usual oopious 1-sts' oi breeders' and other tables, fairs, calendar and diary, the volume (which is beauti- fully illustrated) contains a wide selection of ar- ticles on agricultural subjects by such a. well- known writer as Sir Walter G lbey, who takes up the subject of "Farms and Small Holdings' and "Back to the Land." The same author con- tributce a brief but important paper on the rather startling subject entitled "How betting should improve agriculture and how E300,000 could an- nually be devoted' to stock breeding and hos- pitale." The method reoommendted is the adop- t/ion of totahsers at race meetings, and it is shewn how widely this system is followed in the Colonies and in foreign countries with great bene- fit. Sir P. A. Muntz. Bart., M.P., gives excel- lent advice on "The Share Horse of To-day," and a host of other contributors expatiate on an in- fin-tude of subjects connected wdh the euit, which would almost furnish the reader with read- ing matter for the succeeding twelve months, till Christmas comes, again. THE "AGRICULTURAL ANNUAL AND M A RK LANE EXPRESS" ALMANAC FOR 1906 (3, Wellington-street, Strand, London, W.C.) during the fourteen years of its existence has been noticeable for marching in the van of this olass of literature. There is always a ten- dency for the oontents of almanacs to grow from year to year by the addition of some item which the editor may think—and rightly, too--Plcsscssv.s •pecial interest for his readers. The publishers of this almanao have not, been behind in this matter, but have kept pace wit.h t,he times, with the result that tho volume now before us is in the front rank, so much so that, as the editor tells us, it has come to be estimated' by farmers as the "Red Book" of agriculture, and this has b¡cn adopted :es a subsidiary title. Of the large and varied conWnts it would be impossible to enumerate one-half even of the. headings in the course of a short notice like the present. We can only state that its pages will be found replete with well-wr.tten articles on all manner of sub- jects of farming interest from small holdings to the potato boom of last year. One item, however, stands out too distinctly to evade notice, in the nature of an "Agricultural Programme," which in connection with the promised early general election calls upon all farmers to S'ink their poli- tical views, and to unite in pressing upon candi- dates for Parliament the necessity of passing' several measures (which are enumerated) of vital importance to agriculturists in general. Thie prloe of th almanac (which is highly illustrated) is one shilling. "FARMER AND STOCKBREEDER YEAR BOOK" FOR 1906 (Is., 6, Essex-street, Strand, London.)—This sturdy annual, which has now reached its forty-second year, looms larger than ever, extending, as it does, to close on 240 pages of matter, embracing records of every phase of live and dead farm cultivation. Starting- with a short, chatty article (and an admirable portrait frontispiece of that popular landlord and farmer, Sir Oswald Moslev, of shorthorn breeding fame, the other more notable literary contents' embrace an article on "Pony Type in the Mountain and Moorland Brwds," by Lord Arthur Cecil; while "The Improvement of Mountain Pony Breeds/' bv Mr. R. Brydon. who has so long had charge of the Marou's of Londonderry's ponv stud, ap- propriately follows, giving valuable pwctk-a! hiJih respecting broedi-ng. There are as usual a large number of showyard, auction sale and other re- cords regarding all knd-s of live stock, most use- ful for reference; and an article on "The Deca- dence of Old Cheshire Cheese," by Mr. E. Mas- sey, who ev dently has a good gr; p of his subject. will be perused with cons derable interest by Cheshire dairymen, who will be fortunate to ob- tain a copy of the volume. This by no means exhausts mention of the practical subjects dealt with in the "Year Bock," which, taken for all n all, is a splend d shillingsworth.

HAWARDEN. BUCKLEY PROPERTY TRANSACTION. REMARKABLE SITUATION. MR. WYNNE ON HIS DEFENCE. On Friday the Hawarden Board of Guardians again discussed the situation arising out of the sale of a house at Buckley belonging to a woman o. whose estate the guardians had a claim. It will be remembered that, according to the details which transpired at the last meeting of the Board, a woman named Mrs. Sarah Williams owned a cottage in Buckley-square. It became necessary that she should be removed to Denbigh Asylum, and in respect of her maintenance there the guardians were liable for the- payment of L42. The guardians appointed Mr. R. Wynne (a mem- ber of the Board) to let the house and collect the rents. When the woman died the guardians decided to continue letting the house. It ap- peared there was a mortgage on the house lor £ 80, and last March the mortgagee (Mr. Edwa.d Jones] gave six months' notice tnat he expected h-s money by the 30th September. The notice was given to Mr. Wynne, who was in receipt ot the rent, and he submitted to the guardians at a later date. The matter was lett in the hands of the Clerk and the Relieving Offictj-r. At the last meet.ng the Clerk (Mr. H. Goodman Roberts) produced a statement of the result of the sale of the property to Mr. P. Wynne (father of Mr. R.Wynne) for £ lc0, which, a-ddjd to tr.e £ 10 which the furniture real sed and a sum for rcnt, left the guardians with about J310 short of their account for maintenance, after the mortgagee's claim had been satisfied. Several guardians at the last meeting said there was a feel-ng that the house had not realised its full value. Mr. Hughes now re-opened the question, sug- gesting the appointment of a committee to in- vestigate tho whole matter. The Chairman said a letter had been received by the Clerk from Mr. Wynne, senr., the pur- chaser of the house, stating that he considered he had paid full value, and he should not return or pay anything more. Mr. R. Williams asked if anybody had a right to sell the house'. The Clerk said they had power to sell the house, and repeated his explanation of the cir- cumstances prior to the sale. He heard nothing more until the house had been sold to Mr. Wynne and that the money would be paid by the 30th September. Mr. R. Williams suggested that the mortgagee never sold the house at all. Mr. Hughes: We never knew about it until the whole thing was sold. Mr. Wynne, junr., said he was very glad the Press were present. He was very glad also to be able to speak for himself. He wanted to say a word or two plainly, straightly, and truth- fully about that matter. He was glad to tell them there that day, and he would like every ratepayer to know, that he neither sold the house nor bought it. He had told the Clerk that his father was going to buy it; at least, that he offered to buy it. He did not then know that his father would buy it, but he offered £100, and he (the speaker) brought it to the Board in the way in which everything should be brought before the Board, which was through the Clerk. He had not acted in any corner, and he asked the members to judge for themselves who was the right person to bring it before the Board—he or the Clerk He wanted them to "judge righte- ously, to judge fairly, and to judge like men, not tor his sake but 'FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS' SAKE. The Clerk was the right man to bring it. under the notice of the guardians. The thing was not done in any oorner. If the house was worth more, he had nothing to do with it; he was clear of the sale of it, and he was clear of the purchase of it. What he wanted was fair play. Mr. Roberts, of Well House, had suggested a fortnight ago that he (Mr. Wynne) ougiit to have used his in- fluence as a guardian for the place. He thought ho did when he brought it to the front and brought it to the Clerk. He did not w.sh any- thing to be done on the quiet. The offer was brought to the Clerk at the Workhouse and why should he (Mr. Wynne) be blamed for it? If he made an offer to the Duke of Westminster it would be through the agent; and in that case he had gone through the Clerk. The thing was done fair and square and brought to the front. Mr. R. Williams: No; it is not done "fair and square." Mr. Wynne: As regards my position in the matter; you understand what I mean. Mr. Dunn rose to his feet and made some re- mark. Mr. Wynne Mr. Dunn, chair, please Mr. Wynne: Who received the; :B20, Mr. Chair- man? The mortgagee received £ 80; who re- ceived tho £ 20? The Chairman I did not receive it. Mr. Wynne: I believe the clerk has aheady stated that he- received £ 20, and that he was trustee for it. What light. has he to receive the E20? Who gave the clerk tho right, to pay Edw. Jones, the mortgagee. his expenses, 5s., if lie had nothing to do with it? Now, friends, look at the thing fairly and judge righteously. I only want what i, rIght, but don't blame me when I am innocent. Mr. T. E. Williams: From what I gather here to-day notice of tho mortgagee was given on the 28th March, whereas the, clerk received that notice some day in June. Why should Mr. Wynne- have kept it tor three months without giving it to the clerk? Mr Wynne: I camwb tell you whether it was four weeks; it might have been three weeks or five weeks. But 1 forgot it. It was in my pocket all the tune. Mr. R Williams: You had the notice? Mr. Wynne: Yes; the mortgagee asked me if I would hand that over to the clerk. Mr. T. E. Williams: Was it not quite three monih.s ? Mr. R. G. Rob c-rts said that so far as they un- I derstood each other there was one remedy. The I house was not, perishable goods- It was theie- now, and it had been bought too cheaply. Mr. Wynne's father had the option of selling it rather than any reflection should be cast upon him. Flo colud claim for any expense he1 had been put to. The guardians had lost- money on the house, and he did not know whether it. was; owing to piessui's of business on the part of the clerk that they did not- know aU about it. It, was evident the gllal- dians did not, know as much as they might have known with refoience to thei matter. It was very unfortunate' that it was Mr. Wynne's fatlier. (Hear, hear.) Perhaps it would have b,n be-Her if the purchaser had been an outeidcr. There was one question with regard to tho col- lecting of the rent. He should like to ask whether Mr. Wynne would be entitled to charge any commission, as he understood it had been charged, for collecting the rents. lie should be oniy too happy if it could be cleared up to the satisfaction of all. RENT COLLECTING1 COMMISSION. Mr. Wynne: You know very well, Mr. Chair- man, that it was placed in my hands to collect the leuts. It is part of my duty to collect rents; I do it for othor people. You could not expect- mo to go to that house three- years for nothing. Would vou like to do it yourself? The Chairman: What commission did you charge? Mr. R. Williams: The law is against him. Mr. Five; just the shi!l:ng. -Mr. Robert: Was it legal for him to charge commission ? The Clerk: if believe Mr. Wynne is entitled to make that charge, but if he does it and receives money it disqualifies him from acting- as guardian. Proceeding, the Clerk admitted that it was an omission on his part not to have told the guar- dians immediately of the negotiations for tho house. He, however, had thought everything was fair and square, and that the- home had sold at its ordinary value. It never oecuriod to him t'hat there would be any question. He was quite prepaied to accept Mr. R. Wynne's statement that lie neither bought nor sold the house, and j tha.t he told him (the clûrk) that his father was going to buy it. message was a verbal one, and he (the clerk) had no communication from Mr. Peter Wynne, who ultimately bought the house. The negot ations must have taken place outside, cf him (tho clerk). He had asked Mr. I Jones ,ilic moitgagcc) to let him have r'no deeds, and he never brought tliem. Mr. P. Wynne brought, them to his (the clerk's) office. As to who received the £20, lie (tho clerk) did, because the money wa« paid at his office. He deducted the ordinary charges whioh would be made in any solicitors office, and he paid the balance to Mr. G. Alfred Jones, the collector for the, guaidians. Mr. G. Alfred Jones (relieving officer and col- lector) signified that it was correct. The Clerk added that ho did allow the mortga- gee 5, for expenses, and' he had a leeoipt for it. If Mr. Wynne was candid h.? would admit that Air. Jones asked for 5s for each of three days, that ho (the clerk) to'.d him he could not charge fOol' loss of time, and that afterwards he proposed to allow the fivo shillings to ttlo the whole thing, and Mr. Wynne nodded assent. He fthe dcrk) fully admitted not telling the guardians immediately; he had no suspicion. On the 21st November he wrote to Mr. R. Wynne: "I notice in your account re Sarah Williams you deduct I £ 1. 2s. Sd. for commission. 1 think if you charge commission it disqualifies yoursicJf as gnardtatt uOiler the Lo-al Government Act. If you agroe, would it not be better to pay Mr. G. Alfred Jones £ 1. 2s. Sd., and let me know by return of post., so that the account may be coirectly pre- sented?" Mr Wynne's reply on the' 22nd Nov. lead: "I collected the rent of the above three years or thereabouts. Do you think it fa;r for me as miit collector to go to that house all that time for nothing? I sh-51.il it as it stands." Mr. J. Hampson said there were one or two points very vague. He should' like to know how Air. Wynne's father, who resided at Ruabon, got his information that the house was on offer months before the guardi-al19 and others living around the neighbourhood. Mr. R. Wynne: I have ahieady stated that the thing was brought to the clerk. Mr. Hampson: But how did your father ob- tain his information? It is not your bringing it before the Clerk. Mr. Wynne: I told him. I am not ashamed of it. A SCENE. Air. Dunn You did not tell anyone else in the jneighbourhood. Ir. Wynne: That is my business and not yours, Air. Dunn. You don't know whether I did or did not. I brought the thing here before the Clerk. Air." Dunn You are our collector. Mr. Wynne: Chair, please! I was on my feet first. Sit down. Mr. Dunn Well, stick on your feet a bit. Air. Wynne reiterated that he brought the matter before the Clerk. Mr. R. Williams: A brother member from the same parish and I knew nothing at ail aboux it until I was tackled about it in Alold. I should Lke it to be cleared up, and the proper parties got at. (Hear, hear.) Mr. Wynne: I am very sorry this thing has happened. Mr. R. G. Roberts: Sell the house again, Air. Wynne. Mr. Wynne: It is not mine to sell. Mr. Roberts Use your own influence. Mr. Wynne: You judge wrongly. I might suggest this, although I have no authority to say it, that I might help you in this way: If father would sell the house to anyone who would offer E130 and turn the balanoe over to the guardians, I might suggest that to father if you will deal fairly with me. I have 110 guarantee that he will do it. Mr. R. Williams: He distinctly refuses to do it. The Chairman said he had hoped that before that day there would have been a satisfactory reply from Mr. P. Wynne with reference to the property, and to the effect that he would either pay the difference or allow the property to be resold. It was with that feeling that he had refrained from giving notice to move at that meeting that the Clerk take steps to cancel the agreement. He felt very strongly that Air. R. Wynne, brother member that he was, had not been quite "honour bright." It was quite right that, all information should go through the Clerk. Air. Wynne: Hear, hear. The Chairman added that he did not blame the Clerk now as badly as he did at the previous meeting in his own mind. After the finish of the laet meeting he felt that it was merely an error of judgment on the Clerk's part in not thinking there was anything behind it. The notice was not delivered to the Clerk for three months and it was not sufficient notice to sell the house. Mr. Wynne: That is not correct, sir. Continuing, the Chairman said if Air. Wynne and his father, instead of standing as it. were on their dignity, had allowed the property to be re- sold it would have cleared the matter up and shewn there was nothing behind the scenes. Un- less that was done, before the next meeting he should give notice to move that the Clerk take such steps to resell the property or cancel the agreement as were necessary. (Hear, hear.) If their Clerk did not like to act in the matter, he would suggest that the guardians should put the matter into other hands. If he d:d not receive within four days a note to the effect that Mr. Wynne was willing to so clear the matter up, he should send his notice of motion to the Clerk. Mr. Roberts took it that after the opinion of the clerk, Mr. R. Wynne was either bound to refund his commission or resign. Air. Alillington said that. after the explanation of the clerk, he felt more like acquitting him than he did a fort-night asro. The keynote to the whole thing was how Mr. Wynne, sen., got to know that t.he house was to be sold. Guardians and people anxious to purchase knew nothing about it. He a.greed that tho contract should be broken and the house re-sold. The Chairman said he thought, the matter not only reflected on the guardians individually at the Buckley end, but on the whole Board. (Hear, hear.) Mr. R. Williams: In any case, have it re-sold. Several members rose to their feet to speak, but t.he Chairman t-uggested that the discussion should go no further at that stage. Mr. Manley: I think the chairman's intentions should satisfy us. With this the discussion ceased. CHRISTMAS FARE. Air. Afanley moved and Mr. Alillington seconded that the usual Christmas dinner to the inmates be allowed. Aliss Thorn moved and Air. T. G. Lewis seconded an amendment that the words with a s pint of beer" be added. Six voted for tho amendment and nine against. Tho original motion was therefore carried. On the motion of Air. Alillington seconded by 1 ati Mr. Manley. it was decided that during Christmas week the out relief be increased as usual by Is. for each adult and 6d. for each ohild. HAWARDEN PARISH NURSE. Aliss Thorn moved that application be made to the Local Government Board to sanction an annual payment to the Hawarden village nurse fund. She suggested a sum of B5. Mr. Dunn seconded. Mr. Hampson asked why they should pay money out of the common fund in support of a nurse for Hawarden alone. Miss Thorn mentioned that the nurse's services were available for Shotton, Queen's Ferry, Broughton, St. John's, Ewloe, Pentre and Alancott. Mr. S. Vickers mentioned that there was a movement to provide a nurse fund for Shotton and Queen's Ferry district, and if the Board paid to the Hawarden nurse there would probably be an application for support of the. Shotton nurse. Air. Alillington considered that it would be very unfair for the rest of the union to contribute without sharing the benefit of the nurse's services. Aliss Thorn and Mr. Dunn alone voted for the motion, which was lost.

WHITCHURCH. A meeting of the Whitebitre-li Board of Guar- dians was held 011 Fridays Air. W. H. Smith, vic-c- ehiii imaii, presiding.—A letter was read from Air. Langley expressing his thanks to the guardians for their kind message; ho had hoped to have been able to attend the. Board meeting on Fri- day, but his doctor prohibited his goiug from homo for the present.—The Chairman said they would of course continue to hope that Mr. Lang- ley would soon. be completely reeoveied. (Hear, hear.) The Relieving Officer's report, shewed that the out-relief during the fortnight was as follows: — 8th week. 141 out-pa.upers relieved at a cost of E13. 8s. 9th week, 131, at JE12. 18s. The corre- sponding period for last vear was: oth week. 135, at £13. 10s. 9th week", 134, at J612. 12s.—The Relieving Officcr asked whether the guardians wished to give the additional out-ielief to re- cipients for the Christm,as- week as usuaL-Hi was pointed out that the usual allowance was Is. each for adults avid 6d. each for children; and the relieving officer said this would cost about £ 6 10s. -On the motion of Air. Wool!am, seconded1 by Air. pçnk. it was dee ded to giant this as usual The Relieving Officer said he had considerable difficulty in getting the instalments of mainten- ance contributions fioni many of the people who were. under obligations of this kind, and he wished to know the guardians' view of the matter. --In leply to questions, the officer said trade was certainly very bad; he had never seen so many men walking; about the town out of work.—It was decided that the matter should be considered by the guardians at their next meeting, when full particulais would belaid before, them. Tho Master's books shewed that during the last fortnight there had been 86 inmates in the house against 96 for the corresponding period of last year; and that 141 vagrants had boen relieved during the same period against 120 last year.— The Chairman said the saddest feature of the statement in respect t-o vagrants was that there were so many children being taken about the country. (Hear, hcai".)—The Master made the usual application for the Christmas dinner on be- half of the inmates, and it was decided, on the motion of Air. Pearson. seconded by Air. Vc 1110:1. that- this should be- granted on the same linos as usual.

Heard at York Polie-e Court:—The Lord Alayor: Is there any reason why the young man in the dock should be wearing a cap?—Police Officer: Ifs a woman, my lord. (Laughter.) After two recent, nights of fog, nearly 6 000 birds were found dead under the lantern of Capo Grisnez Lighthouse. They were attracted by tho brilliant light, and killed by flying against the lamps. Mrs. Phy'hs Ilarmer, who died on Tuesday at Po'.egate, Sussex, was believed to be- the oldest activo woman farmer ill the country. She was ninety-eight years old, and for fifty years hae superintended the work of her farrii at Hailsham.

When Baby had rash. we rubbed in VINOLIA When she was a child, she cried for VINOLIA When she became Miss, she clung to VINOLIA When she had children, she gave them VINOLIA Vinolla CrenJn i 'l\, 19; Vinolia Powder, lj-, lj9; VrnmUr Vinolia Soap, 4d. 0,

NESTON. RECITAL.—On Wednesday evening Mr. Wm. Bennett gavo one of his popular recitals in tho Presbyterian Schoolroom, before a large audi-

SAUGHALL. ENTERTAINMENT.—An entertainment was given on Wednesday in the Town Hail by the "Eastham White Ctoon, Team, in a-id of All Saints' Church organ fund. The ohair was occu- pied by Mr. R. Kellock, and he thanked Miss Babington for the troublo which she had taken with the troupe, and he also thanked the troupe for their services. The Rev. F. R. Wansborough proposed a vote of thanks to Mr. J. Harris for acting as lion, sr-cietary to the entertainment, and also to Mr. Keylock for taking the chair. -+-

HOLT. CONSERVATIVE ASSOCIATION.—On Wed- nesday evening, U1 Kenyon Hall, a public meet- ing wac; held in support of the Hon. G. T. Ken- yon, AI P. Mr. John Farnsworth (Leicester) de- livered a stirring speech om tho Fiscal question. The Rey. A. G. Al. Jennings, vicar of Isycoed, presided over a large and enthusiastic audience, and was supported OIl the platform by Mr. Parry and Mr. John Price, chairman of the Wrexham Workingnien's Association. During tho interval of speeches Mr. Wa2ter Roberts (of Wrexham) sang in character, and his songs were much ap- preciated.

HAWARDEN. SPECIAL ADVENT SERVICE.-A series of tpocral services during advent began at the pa-rish church on Wednesday evening. The preacher was the Rev. J. Bell Cox, vicar of St. Margaret's, Princes-road, Liverpool. VISIT OF MR. HAROLD EDWARDS.-The Unionist candidate for Flintshire (Mr. Harold Edwards) paid a visit to Hawarden on Wednes- day, and in the Coffee House a meeting of his support-OPS was held. Air. Edwards was accom- panied by his agent, Mr. H. A. Tilby (Rhyl). The candidate made an excellent, impression. PARISH COUNCIL.—A meeting of the Hawarden Parish Council was held at the Court Room on Wednesday evening. Air. T. Wright presided. The question of the readjustment of parish boundaries of Hawarden and Saltney was discussed. Air. IT. Goodman Roberts (clerk to the Rurai District Council) explained the mat- ter.

ALDFORD. BILLIARDS.—A match between teams repre- senting Aldford Institute, and Eeclcston Institute was played on. Wednesday evening in the Read- ing-room The scores were:—Aldfoid: C. Wat- mough 100. C. Callow 100. G. Taylor 100. W. Durt- nmg 70, W. Clarke 70, W. Price. 100, total 540. Eccleston: F. Chapman, 71, G. Howard 39, G. Davies 60. C. Chapman 100. F. Newbiook 100, D. Ben yon 51, total 421. Majority for Aldfcrd 119. On Saturday evening- the return match between teams representing Aldford Insti- tute and Pulford Institute was played at Aldford. The scores were :-Aldford: C. Worthington 90, W. Dangar 38, G. Taylor 83, J. Thomas 08, S. Alanning 101, H. Taylor 100, S. Thomas 101, C. Callow 101. total G72. Pulford W. Taylor 100, T. Watkin 101. E Davies 101, G. Alullock 100, J. Dyke 85, S. Sweeney 72, D. Davies 71, L. Beb- bington 71, total 701. Majority tor Pulford 29.

HESWALL. FOR WAIFS AND STRA YS.-A lantern lecv turo was given on Thuisday night at the Presby- terian Church by Mr. W. R. Yardley, the prin- cp&l of the Collegiate School, Oiaughton. The lubjeet was "Nelson and his Daring Deeds." The proooeds were in aid of the local fund! of the National Incorporated \Vaif' Association. popu- larly known as Dr. Bamardo's Homos. CELEBRITIES AT HoAM.-nis was the subject of an interesting lecture which was given om Tuesday night at the schools by A'lr. Raymond Blathwayt, the renowned journalist and metro- politan lecturer. Mr. Thos BrockLebank pre- sided. Among the notables of whom the lecturer epoke were Lord Charles Beresford, Marquis Ito, the Lord Bishop of London, Sir Walter Besant, Dr. Parker. Genera! Booth. Mr. Boorbohm Tree, the Rev. R. J. Campbell, Mr. J. A. Froude, Mr Andrew Carnegie, Mr. Lionel Brough, Dr. Ba.r- nardo, Sir Arnold White. Mr. Henry de Wit-te, etc. A hearty vote of thanks to Mr. Blathwayt was enthusiastically given, on the proposition of the Rector. The proceeds were in aid of the fund for providing the members of the C.L.B. with a clubroom.

BUNBURY. PAROCHIAL GATHERING—A united parochial gathering for the parishioners of Bunbury and Tilstone Fearnall took place at the Public Hall, Bunbury, on Wednesday. A repre- sentative company assembled in the afternoon for tea, tho provisionis for which were generously given by Mrs. Naylor, Airs. Briggs, Mrs. Aspinall. Mrs. Byrd, Mrs. Miller, Mrs. Townend, Mrs. Threlfall, Aire. Gordon Houghton, Mrs. Blain, Mrs. Cawlev, Airs. Robinson, and Airs. Seaville, and the following ladies assisted at the tea:—Airs. Townend, Airs. Cawley, Airs. Tomlin- son, Airs. Baker, Airs. G. Cowap, Airs. Aloore, Airs. Aliller, Airs. Byrd. Airs. Dent, Misis Stock- dale, Mies E. Nay lor, Aliss A. Gibb, Miss J. Gib; Miss Allen, and Aliss J. Clut-ton. In the even- ing a missionary meeting was held, Mr. Brockle- bank presiding. Dr. Cogswell, vicar of Wallasey, was the first speaker, and was followed by the Rev. F. Jones, a missionary recently returned from Shantung, China, who gave a most earnest and interesting address, which was listened to with marked attention. Incidents, pathetic and humorous, connected with his work as a missionary in China were vividly described, among the former the massacre of his two fellow-workers during the Boxer rising of 1900, and his own miraculous escape from the same fate. On the platform were also the Rev. S. P. Townend, vicar of Bunbury, the Rev. P. A. Miller, vicar of Tilstone Fearnall, and lr. C. Threlfall. The combined choirs of Bunbury and Tilstone Fearnall led the singing. The proceeds of the day amounted to about £ 10. which will lv, divided between the dioceses of Bunburv, Western Australia, and Shantung, China.

WREXHAM GIRLS' COUNTY SCHOOL.-Tho annual prize distribution took place at the Wrexham County School for Girls on Tuesday afternoon. Air. S'moti Jones presided.—The Head-mistress (Miss A. J. Jones) reported a continued increase in the number of scholars. Ever since the school was opened, in 1896, the numbers had gone up almost by leaps and bounds. This was satis- factory from one point of view, but it had made organisation extremely difficult. The numbers last year averaged 150 per term. They had now 173 on the books. The average age at ad- mission was 13.5. The Board of Education had recently suggested that children should proceed to the secondary schools before they reached the age of twelve, and that to attain this the upper age limit in the scholarship examination should be twelve. Tho length of stay in the school was decidedly good as compared with some parte of Walee. A larger number of girls than usual sat for the Central Welsh Board examination.—The Chairman alluded to the question of the training of pupil teachers, which, he said, would have to be settled in the near future. In his opinion pupil teachers must have double training. They must be trained to acquire knowledge of the many subjects which they had to teach. They must also be thoroughly trained in the art- of teaching. (Hear, hear.) The most pitiful failures that he had ever witnessed had been the failures of those with abundant knowledge in the locker but no method or skill to maintain order or communicate that knowledge to their pupils. (Applause.)—The prizes were then distributed by Mrs. Kenyon, who apologised for the absence of the Hon. G. T. Kenyon, -NI.P.-The Mayor of Wrexham's gold medal was won by Roberta Evans. A special history prize given by Airs. G. T. Kenyon was won by Alary Jones. An address was afterwal.is delivered by Ir. Bury, Town Clerk.

FRODSHAM. MICE AT SCHOOL.-One of the lady teachers at the Frodsham Endowed BOYW School was last wock honoured by some visitants to her class whoso names were unrecorded on the school registers. Sotiio mice had taken up thair abode on the premises. Headed by two old and evi- dently experienced members of the mouse family, no fewer than seventeen juvenile mice trooped through an aperture in the door leading to one of the classrooms, and. in regular order, one behind the other. impudently made their way in front of the astonished teacher towards the fire- place, where they disappeared in a hole in the wall. Needlrss to say, the alarmed teacher found the floor too insecure for her -footing. SALE OF WORK.—A successful sale of work was held on Wednesday after-ioon in the Trinity Church Lecture Room. Airs F. Boston opened the proceedings. Dining the day concerts and en- tertainments were given by a staff of willing helpers. Miss Lo-ngdin contributed several solos, while songs, illustrated by limelight views by Aliss Selby, were given. The stallholders were: Refreshment stall, Mesdaxr-cs Moseley, Isaac. Alastsie, Alisses Andrews, Rimmer, Edmunds; work tan, Me«daines Nicholas. R-ingrose. Lazenby. Misses Shariock and Lay cock; Men's Bible Class stall. Messi*. Ringrosc, John Jones. G. Chat wood, S. Clarke, and A. Bratt; Christmas tree. Alisses Sharrock. Nicholas, Thornton and D. Alassie; flower and fruit stall. Al►sses A. Ring- rose, E. Saxon, Hessenheigh, N. Connolly and F Connolly. A hat-trimming competition proved 1 very amusing, the following being successful in gaining prizes: Misses Isaac-, the Alisses Carter, Miss Selbv. Miss Longdin, the Rev. A. I Waterhouse, and Mr A. E. Kennerley, Nearly L50 was realised, whch is to be devoted towards liquidating the balance due to the treasurer of the church and for the trust and Sunday school funds. ft

THORNTON-! E-MOORS. A DANGEROUS PIT.—On Wednesday the West Cheshire coroner (Air. J. C. Bate) held an inquest touching the dea.th of Herbert Ankers, aged four, who was drowned in a pond on Thornton Hall Farm on Monday. Deceased, who was the son of Robert Ankers, a farm labourer, was seen playing with other children by the side of the pond, which borders on the highroad, about 1.40 p.m. on Monday. Soon afterwards screams were heard, and a woman named Alary Louisa Jones, saw the boy lying face downwards in the water. She ran for assistance, and a man named George Fair- brother came and recovered the body. Restorative measures were applied, but without avail. The jury returned a verdict of Accidental death," and added a rider that the owner of the pond should be requested to fence it off from the highroad.

MOLD. SUMMARY REMEDY FOR AN EN- CROACH.MET.-At a meeting of the Parish Council on Wednesday, a letter was read from the clerk to tho Holywell Rural District Council with reference to an alleged encroachment near the Owain Glyndwr Hotel. The letter stated that the owner having taken no notice of the District Cbimcil's request to remove the alleged obstruc- tion, the writer had advised that the obstruction should be removed by any person aggrieved, so as to put the owner in a position as plaintiff to prove Ins title.—The Parish Council considered that the responsibility of protecting public rights ehouid not be laid on private individuals, and the matter was referred back to the District Council, urging them to take action. LECTURES ON AGRICULTURE AND COMING EVENTS.—At a meeting of the Parih Council, held on Wednesday, the C-erk reminded the Council that application for a course of exten- sion lectures on agriculture had been applied for as far btlek as August last, No reply had been received from the University authorities, and as lectures were being given rn the surrounding parishes he wrote to Professor Winter, who !'E' plied that owing to the number of applications received, rhe Flintshiro Committee were only able to grant two lectures to Mold, and he would offer dates before long.—The Chairman said it woidd be wise not to hold the. lectures in the busy month of December—Air. Thomas Jones, of Lees- wood: Iio^d them further on after the general election. You will get no one to attend the lec- tures in January. (Latigliter.)--A,Ir. P. Tatton Davics-Cboke: When will yon be ready?—Mr. Jones: At the latter end of January or beginning of February.—Mr. Davies-Cooke: You may have another election'. (Renewed laughter.)—Ulti- mately it was decided to apply to have the lec- tures during the month of Alareh.

FLINT. RAILWAY^ PROSECUTION—At the Petty Sessions on Wednesday, Ernest Joyce, of Oaken- holt, was summoned at the instance of the London and North-Western Railway Company for travelling between Connah's Quay and Flint on Saturday, the 21st inst. without a ticket. Mr. Fenna prosecuted on behalf of the railway com- pany.—Robert Ellis, porter at Flint, deposed to taking the tickets at Flint on the date in ques- tion, when defendant produced a defaced ticket from Chester to Connah's Quay.—Robt. Pritchard, booking clerk, Connah's Quay, deposed to issuing the ticket on the date named and identified the ticket.—Defendant pleaded guilty and a fine of 5s. and 9s. 6d. cost., was imposed. WINDOWS OR A MOUS^?—Three well- dressed boys named Joseph Adams (14), David Edwards (15), and Walter Alassey (10 years oi age), were summoned at the Petty Sessions on Wednesday by Air. John Wdliams, agent for Mr. Wm. Henry Hall, for doing wilful damage to windows on the Chester-road known as Fur- long-terrace.-P.C. David Hughes said the boy Adams told him they were throwing stones at a mouse which was playing in a shoe in one of the houses.—Robert Matthews, who was close by at the time, said he saw the boys throwing stones at the particular windows.—Each boy was ordered to pay the costs.—The Chairman strongly com- mented on the wilful destruction to property, remarking that future cases would be severely dealt with.—Air. lflw Taylor supported1 the Chairman's remarks, as did Mr. Joseph Hall. DRUNK OR FATIGUED?—At the Petty Sessions on Wednesday, Arthur Bradley was sum- moned at the instance of the police for being drunk. Mr. J. R. L. Muspratt defended.—P.C. Hassall stated that he saw defendant at 12.20 on November 12 drunk in Sidney-street.—Mr. Mus- pratt, for the defence, stated that defendant worked at Messrs. Summers's works, and had taken some rum during the course of his work, he having been working through the previous night. Defendant had had nothing to eat having been working hard and having to run for the train. He was staggering not from the effect* of drink but from want of food. He was 6imply done up.—Defendant gave evidence which bora out Mr. Muspratt's statement.—Air. S. K. Ius- pratt said the bench thought it was a strained point on the part of P.C. Hassall, and the bench blamed Hassall to a certain extent, and the c-ase would be met by defendant paying the costs.— Superintendent Ivor Davies informed the bench that Hassall was only acting on in- structions from the Chief Constable re- oeived through the z, 'Iperil] tendeiit.Xlr. Jos Hall: I don't think there is anything meant about the procedure of the police cffic.-er.- Mr. S. K. Aluspratt: We do not accuse Hassall generally, but we think some persuasion origin to be used by the police.—Superintendent. Ivor Davies: I mention the matter dee-ause I am bound to report the remarks from the bench to the Standing Joint Committee. TOWN COUNCILLOR FINED—At the Petty .Sessions on Wednesday. Air. R. Harrison, licensee of the Swan, Chester-street, was summoned for serving Robert Kerfcot, aged nine, with a quantity of beer value one penny.—P.C. Hassall said in consequence of what had come to his knowledge he called at defendant's house en the 30th November and asked whether a boy named Kerfoot had been supplied with beer, to which defendant's wife answered, "There has been no boy here. We don't sell such a thing as a penny- worth of beer in this house."—Air. T. WT. Hughes, for the defendant, pleaded guilty to a technical offence. Mr. Harrison was away on the date of the offence. He was one of the leading n.en in town, and he (Mr. Hughes) could assure the bench that defendant would be the last person in the world to do anything of the sort.—The pro- ceedings were taken under the Act of 1S01, and it was not only the first offence of its kind in the borough, but the first offence in the county.— Superintendent Ivor Davies said the po-Hee did not wish to press the case against. Air. Hurr son, but he hoped whatever decision was come to would have a good effect upon others. H'? blamed the mother of the ohild Kerfoot more than the licensee himself. Thi-re was a lot cf drunkenness and poverty in Kerfoot's hotis^.— A fine of 5s. and costs was imposed.—For sending the boy Kerfoot to the Swan Hotel Elizabeth Kerfoot was fined Is. and' 8s. 6d. costs.

BUCKLEY SUGGESTED EXTENSION OF WATER MAINS.—At a meeting of the Mold Parish Council, on Wednesday, it was reported that wnen the Holywell Rurai District Council ap- preached the Hawarden Waterworks Company to continue their mains to Brynybaai tiie company consented to do so if the District Council coa- i.r.buted £ 1,000. It was also stated liiat the Buckley Urban District- Council wouid have noth- ing to do with the matter. The ParLh Council decided to ask the Holywell Rural District if they were prepaied to oontr-buU- anything towards the cost, and if so. to whai vxte.it. +

GREfeEOiiD. DEFRAUDING THE RAILWAY—On Tues- day, at Wrexham, Sydney H. Dackett, cyeie dealer, Chester-street, Wrexham, wao>um:noiH\i" tur having travelled on the Great Western Railway, between Chester and Gresford, witiiout havmg previously paid his fare, and with intent to avo-d payment. Mr. Hull, of Liverpool, prosecuted, and' said on November 1 the defendant took a return ticket from Wrexham to GresfoTd. He did not a light at Gresford, however, and was in the trci in on its arrival at Rossett. Here he was c. ail-iiged by the stat.enmaster, and after soiue conversation the defendant paid exccss faro from Gr -siord to Chester. Information was forwarded of thia transaction to Wrexham, and the same evening defendant was watched. Ho bearded the train at Chester, and on arriving at Wrexham only tendered his return half from Gresford to Wrex- ham. Mr. J. Hopley Pierce defended. and said that the defendant had no *n tent ion of defrauding the company. He only left tho station to loot for an out-porter for his luggage, which he had left on the platform. The magistrates inflicted a fine erf 10s. and costs. -+--

WHITCHURCH. ASSAULT ON A WOMAN.—At the Police Court on Fridiv. Nathaniel Brj an. a pedlar, was charged on remand with committing an assault on Rose Hannah Butler, a hawk r, at Steele Heath, on December 1.—Mrs Butler gave evidence to the effect that she lived with prisoner for about 18 years, and he deserted her, and since then (some years ago) she bad had nothing to do with him. He met her on Wednesday, 30th ult., and had some unpleasantness, and Oil Friday he cursed her and said if she did not live with him again she had better get on her knees or death would be her doom. He knocked her down and kicked her, and also kicked her little boy and she threw a lump of coal at him. She applied to the police after- wards. and took out a warrant for his arrest. She was afraid he would do her some bodily harm.- Fredk. Vaughan, labourer, Lighteach, said he saw prisoner knock the woman down, and ho and another man went and stopped him -Bryan said he never strck the wouian. nor did he kick her.—It appeared that prisoner had four months' imprison- ment for assaulting the same woma.n about a year ago —Superintendent Edg-o said that Sergeant Lane cautioned prisoner the very day the offence was committed —Prisoner was stnt to Shrewsbury for one month, and cautioned not to touch the woman again.

INCE. THE SCHOOL.—The Diocesan Inspector (tha Rev. J. M. New) reports as follows on his recent) examination of this school in religious knowledge :— The infant group had been conscientiously-taught, but were rather shy before a stranger. I was much pleased in every way with the results in the upper classes. The written abstracts were extremelY careful and accurate Seventy-eight present out of 86." The staff of the school is aa follows :—Head- master, Air. A. W Polliti assistants, Aliss Williams and Miss Hughes pupil teacher, Miss Ho Houghton. THE LATE AIR. F. HOUGHTON.—Tha flt- mains of tie lato Mr. F. Hougintoiv were laid to rof"t. in Irco Churchyard on Thtii^day afternoon, in tihe pmseneo- of a large gatheriiy of sorrowing m-latlvtv and friends. IX ccawovr who was only 45 years old, was studt groom, ai.,c.4 had Iwu « faith- ful nxitt trusted eervaait of tho latp Captain and Mre. Paifc-Yatee for somelhirig like 25 years. PraatioaUy the whole of the malo employes of tha Jnoo estate followed him to hi» grave. rhe Rev. F. Clifton-Smith officiated, und the choir (sang "On the Resurrection morning" and "Now the labourer* task is o'er, aleo the "rlunc Dimittia," Mr. A. W. Pollilt presiding at jJ,ü organ. Floral tributes were tent by "Widow and children," Mrs. Park Yate*, "Tom and NelUo" (brother-in-law and ester, SouthporO, J Houghton and Wm. Houghton (brothers), "Relatives* from Whit- churoh," tiie Rev. F. Clifton-Smith, outdoor and indoor servants, Ince Hall, Mr. a.nd Mr". Joee-ph Darlington, Mr. amd Mre. A W. Pollitt, Mr. Tboe. KllianiB and family. Among those who gathered at the graveside WCJO JVlry Park-Yates, Mr. f. E. Linaker (Frodflham\ Mr. E Littler, Mir. J. Darlington, Mr. Alee Bate (Fmdthaan), Mr. W. G, Ricketts, Mr. Br(-m t., eta

^HAWARDEN. MR. LYON'S CONCERT-The annual con- cert givan by Mr. Lyon ih<«:dmaster of the Ha warden County School) place at the Gymnasisim on Thursday, before a large and ap- piedative audience. The ohcri-.M consisted of the County School Choir and the M&ncott Alale Voice C'hoiv. as on former occasion* The orchestra, which coinprised strings, wood wind, brass and tympaii, was ably led by AL-. TI. Uascldcii. and Airs. Lyon gave valuable as-sintanoo at. the piano forte. The solo wis were Miaft Lilian Ciirzor* (sop'sre). Air. Ttioma-s Morsr&n (tenor), and Mr. A. Al. Proctor, of Chester Choir (bari- tone), dl of whom gave great satisfaction. Air. Pixxtor was in splendid {■r-r: and undoubtedly onhnneed his reputation. Tr.( principal item on the programme consisted of "The Swan" and Skylark" (Goring Tlx m an), a. work of an exa>.ii::c; character, equally as leg.rc's the chorus, s»oiei<« ar.d orchestra. Alr.ny .-onductors would fore srhrunk from nttempi^r.p -ch a work, but Air. Lyon courtsgeousiy essayed a difficult task with brilliant results, the whole jx vFormancc being n murkably successful. Tie SECCTIU part of tho piogranime was in commemoration of the Nelson Cei ten-.rr. Sir C. V. Stanford's "Songs of the Sea" fe-r Bsritooe solo and mnJc- -voice crio i-iie and o:chc*tna, proved undoubtedly tiie best item of the evening, and Air. Pioctor t.1: them in splen- did etyie and received quite iii) e-vcvl.ion, and ia toO an undeir'able e i<e-xi repeated tho third "The Old Superi- Mr. T. Morgan gave a rendering of the "Death of Neison," and -raw-heBTt'i-v recalled* Miss Lilian Curzon sang A Sea Lut'aby" wr.i much, s-v-ceturss, and vrs- a recalled. The- other cb-r.rJ items con- 1i;-t,"d "The Hymn before Aon 11" lW. DayiesJ, for male voice choir, "The SOBJ- cf the Vikings" (Farutrrh and the march^arid chcrn"; from Wag- lirr "Tamihaufcer/' the hiM-r-niied item being s-nTg by reouest. All these vsr'veral items were wcil rendered and cnthu^a?.4.! ahy applnuded' by the iarpe audience present J, Lyon is to bo warmlv congratulated on niieo*}.

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