The Chester Courant and Advertiser for North Wales

The New Zealanders on Saturday defeated the Cheshire Rugby fifteen at Birkenhead by two goals and eight tries to nothing. THE IMPENDING DISSOLUTION.—At this season of the year a general dissolution of the contents of our purses takes place, and we are anxious to get tne most attractive and suitable presents for our families and friends, and a very important question arises as to wheie to secure the best possible value for our out lay. Visitors to Liverpool can have all doubts removed by making their selection from the splendid stock on view at that popular furnishing establishment, The Pioneer, Bold-street, where the special Xmas windows are more attractive than ever. All who cannot pay a visit should send for the Pioneer illustrated Xmas catalogue crowded with good things at tempting prices. Notwithstanding the low prices, all pur- chases over forty shillings are delivered free to any railway station in Great Britain.

-7 CRAWFORD'S "MAYFAIR" BISCUITS. I A NEW BISCUIT FOR AFTERNOON TEA.

I CHESTER VOLUNTEERS' PRIZES. ♦ OFFICERS AND NATIONAL DEFENCE. MR. YERBURGH AND THE RANGE DIFFI- CULTY. Some interesting contributions to the, discussion of the important question of national defence were rnado at tho annual distribution of prizes in con- nection with the local corps of Volunteers at the Chester Town Hall on Saturday evening. The coicmoiiy was kindly performed by the Mayoress, with whom came the Mayor. There were, also on the platform Mr. Robert YerburgTi, M.P., the Sheriff and Mis. Ferguson, Brigadier- General Trotter, the Archdeacon of Chester. Mrs. Hamilton, Lieut.-Col. and Hon. Col. Wilford N. LLoyd. commanding the 1st Cheshire Royal Garrison Artillery (Vols.), Lieut.-Col. A. H. Tal- bot, commanding the 2nd Vol. Bat. Cheshire Regiment, Mr. Alfred Mond, Hon. Col. and Mrs. H. T. Brown, Hon. Col. E. Evans-Llovd, Hon. Col. T. 'J. Smith, V.D., Hon. Major Mason; the following officers of the 1st C.R.G.A.: Major F. J. Boiinalie. Major Hall, Capt. and Adjutant. F. F. Lambarde. Quartermaster-Major Fountain. Capt. Y- H. Dickson. etc. the following officers ,P,' the 2nd V.B.C.R.: Major F. O. Evans, Capt. and Adjutant Maitin-Leake, Copts. Bromley, W. A. V. Chmton, A. G. Hamilton and W. E. Lma- kc'r, Lieut-s. Musgrave and J. Day, Capt. and Quartermaster Williamson, effic. Lteut-Co). Wilford LLoyd, reviewing the posi- tion and work of the local corps of Artillery, said that in 1904 the strength of the. corps was 556; this year it was 530, a diminution of 26. Out of the 530 men 526 had made themselves efficient by gaining the capitation giant. (Applause.) Out of 15 officers 14 weie proficient, and all the sergeants were proficient. (Applause.) Those figures were extremely satisfactory. Two camps were held thi:" year, one at Wallasey for the garrison com- panies, and the other at Fleetwood for the three heavy batteries. He thought the camp at Fleet- wood was ideal. 'line executive arrangements and commissariat arrangements were most ad- mirably carried out by Capt. Lambarde and Quartermaster-Major Fountain, to whom thev owed thanks. (Hear, hear.) The competitions were carried out as usual. The prncipal, namely, competitive piaetice and fire discipline, were won by the 1st Heavy Batteiy under the command of Major Bonnalie. (Applause.) He happened to know that this battery attended most assiduously to their duties during the summer months; they turned up regularly at drill in good numbers, and the result was that when they went to camp thev swept the- prize beard. He was only too anxious that, the same battery should not always rpniiiii at the head of affairs; and he was look in" for- ward to seeing the 2nd and 3rd Batteries putting then* shoulders to the wheel and ousting tho l«t oattcry from its position. A little friendly emula- tion and rivalry was a. good thing Attendance at camp was most essential; it just gave that nnisinng- touch which was so, necessary to the dnlis and exercises which had been learned durin"- »r.o summer months in the Drill Hall. He didl not t emit ho should come within the range of politics it hp made a few remarks about. Mr. Amold-For- stcrs last, speech refe: ring to the Volunteers. (Applause.) Mr. Amold-Forster laid great stress- upon attendance at camp. The pith of his rc- marks was that if a coipe wished to earn a sub- stantial capitation grant, then a. very large per- centage of their numbers must at te nd camp either for a, week or a fortnight, preferably the. latter. But. if members abstained from attending camp then Hie. capitat.on. grant would be less tKm. it wis at present. Therefore it behoved all ranks to make great efforts; to attend C1.mp, and he hoped employers of Volunteers would be kind enough and generous enough not to put any ob the way of the men attending camp (Hear, hear.) Mr. Amold-Fonster also made auofe.er pronouncement which was of vital im- portant- to the Vo'unteers, and would be w- cencd by them with great rejoicing. It was that the numbers of the Volunteers should net he reduced. (Applause-.) Why the Gowmmwil.ever thought of reduci ng them he was unable to say. He should have thought that the great object would have been to have. put. as many men through the ranks of the Volunteer corps as pos- sible, in order that we nvght have had it,, hand a. good reserve, of men enpab'e of tusing a rifle and knowing what discipline- meant. (Applatise ) The finances of their co lps wert, in a satisfactory state. They weio ouce more reconstructing tho band. and he trusted that, before long the band would hi ah!(> to make a respectable show. They had also placed a Morris tube rifle range in the Drill Hall, and therefore had done in a small way what they could to support, Lord Roberts's admirable scheme. (Applause.) Sarno of them would re- member that three or four years ago there. was a meeting in connection with the. National Service Lea.guo in Chester. He (the Colonel) had tire honour of ^presiding, and their friend and Mem- ber, Mr. Yerburgh, was present and spoke on the ocoaj on. (Applause.) Tho object of the League was to press upon, the Government not, that we wanted conscription, which was absolutely un- suitable. to the country, but that we wanted every rl:fi,ll in this eOWl11 y to hvp a certain amount of mihtaiy training, so tliat4 in case of emergency we should have a large body of men who knew what, discipline was, and how to handle a rifle Lord Roberts's scheme was identical. What Lord Roberts did noti want to see was, in case of national emergency or invasion of this country, a large body of men sent, to the front who had no knowledge whatever of discipline, and whose rifles; were really far more, dangerous to them- selves -t!lian thcrr enemies. (Hear, hear, and laughter.) What he would I'ke would bo to have not a few thousand men but. two or three million men ready to support the Volunteers and Regu- lars, men who could place blillets-well, some- where adjacent to the object, they at. (Laughter ) He trusted that- Loid Roberts's scheme would become law; and if it did. it would certainly be very beneficial to the Volun- teer force, and he had not the slightest doubt, that the ranks of the Volunteers would be filled to overflowing. (Applause ) He thanked the kind friends and neighbours for having so gener- ously subscribed to their prize fund. Their kind- ness was appreciated; and the money was not thrown away, but. was a great, incentive to extra work and consequently extra efficiency. (Ap- plause.) Lieut.-Colonel A. H. Talbot, speaking with reference to the 2nd V.B.C.R., first of ail re- marked upon the great loss which the Volunteer movement had sustained by the death of Colonel Edwards. He had also to express regret, at the absence, through illness, of Lieut.-Coloniel-Sur- geon King, commanding the Crieshire Bearer Co. They all wished him a. speedy recovery. (Hear, hear.) He was that might to have received his long service medal from the Mayoress. (Ap- plause.) Another loss which the 2nd V.B.C.R. would feel, and would continue to feel, was the retirement of Colonel Smith, who was with them for, he believed, thirty years. Colonel Smith was not only very popular but was full of tact, and he also wa.s a very good soldier. (Applause.) He was thoroughly up in his work, and he kept then) I up to theirs, and taught them how to do it. He (Colonel Talbot) felt he had a hard position to fill in following Colonel Smith. (Applause.) The strength of the corps had been well main- tained during the past year. They had on the strength 1,037, as compared with 1,033 last year, 163 men having joined during the year. (Ap- plause.) With regard to musketry they laboured under difficulties in having the range so. far from them. The only available day for most. of them was Saturday, and the range at Altcar when they got there was very crowded, and hardly in a condition to produce effective shooting. They had all been trying to get a range nearer Chester, and until they did so he could not see that they tculd produce any great improvement in their shooting. He was afraid it was only w';th the help of the Government that they could do it. Thev had an excellent SITE AT BURTON POINT, but he was afraid the securing cf a range so near was in the dim distance. Shooting, of course, was the main feature of the Volunteer's training. (Applause.) If he could shoot he could take h'is I pa.rt in the defence of his country, which, he took it, was what the Volunteer force was for-a de- fensive force. They all agreed that a few men who could shoot could keep at bay a great. number who could not. (Applause.) The Volunteer stood between this country and conscription. Not many years ago if conscription was' men- tioned it was greeted with a laugh; to-day if oonscription was mentioned it was not greeted with a laugh, it was seriously discussed. (Hear, hear.) The only insurance against conscription was the Volunteers. ( Applause.) It wa. gener- ally allowed that the youth of England must to a certain extent be taught the trade of the soldier. He must be taught the discipline of a soldier; and then he must be taught to handle a rifle and to be able to use it. As he had said, to join the Volunteers was to insure against conscription, and he would point that out not only to the rank and file, but also to employers of labour who, if they granted time to men to attend camp, insured against the loss of labour which conscription would entail. (Applause.) He appealed also to tho class who supplied them with officen Officers for the Volunteers was a burning question of day; they could probably get men it they could get officers. This year they went to Salisbury Plain for camp, taking 730 men. Much instruc- tive work wa.s done, and they were inspected a good many times in their work. H.R.H. the Duke of Connaught came down and expressed himself very pleased with what he saw. Sir Ian Hamilton also inspected them. The Briga- dier commanding the 30th Field Army Corps had expressed a wish that the whole of his brigade should be in khaki next year. (Applause.) He had to congratulate Private Evans (K Company) on winning' the gold medal. (Applause.) The best shooting companies were G and F, and they tied at 73. C D and' E came second with 72. The physical drill competition was won by E Company. I Company was second and B Com- pany next, and then K Company. (Applause.) The Mayoress, after distributing the awards, invested Corporal G. Outram with a long ecrvico taedal, and the recipient wa: cheered. Hon. Colonel T. J. ^mdth, who was received very cordially, proposed a vote of tha.nk, to the givers of the prizes, who did all they could to aid the Volunteer movement. (Applause.) Mr. Chamberlain a few weeks ago said it was the duty of every Englishman and Englishwoman to do all he or she could to a.d the Volunteer move- ment. (Applause.) It was impossible for every- one to join the ranks, and every member of tiie community in civil life could do something to help the movement forward; ladies -specially could persuade their friends and sweethearts to join. (Laughter and applause.) As an old Volun- teer he oould speak from experience as to how much they valued the handsome gdts that the pr.ze-givers had provided. He thought with Col. Willord LLoyd and Colonel Talbot that the time would soon oome when every young man would practically join the ranks of the Volunteers. (Applause.) It. would hurt no one to put in the I training that the Volunteers did at present. (Hear, hear.) He thanked Colonel Talbot for his k.nd remarks about himself, and he congratu-. lated him on the splendid regiment he had taken over. They all knew that lately there had been a. medicajl examination to know whether the Volunteers were fit for active service. The 2nd V.B.C.R. went through that examination in camp, and it spoke well for the discipline of the corps that. there was not a single man made a murmer. (Applause.) Out of 1,030 men examined 171 or about that number were pronounced unfit through being too young, and only about 90 were mect.oally unlit for service. That spoke volume.. for the physique of the regiment. (Applause.) The vote having been accorded with acclama- tion, Mr. Yerburgh rose to respond, and was re- ceived with cheers. He said he could assure them, speaking as he was privileged to do on behalf of the donors of the prizes, that they required no thanks, because they were only doing what little they could to further what they con- oorusidered to be a most. admirable cause—the cause of the Volunteers of this country. It gave him the greatest possible pleasure, as he knew it did tho other prize-givers, to hear such a favour- able report from Colonel LLoyd, and of his old oorpe from Colonel Ta.lbot. (Applause.) Every- one who had studied the question knew perfectly well that what Colonel Talbot had said was- quite true, that it was the Volunteers who stood between us and oonscription. They might put it very shortly that it really was in this country a ca oR between CONSCRIPTION AND SUBSCRIPTION. (Laughter and hear, hear.) If we did not sub- scribe we should all be conscribed. (Laughter.) He quite agreed with what was said by Coionet LLoyd and Colonel Smith with regard to the necessity of every boy in the country and every young man learning how to take his place in the ranks on behalf of his country in case of a national emergency, not as a conscribed man, but as a volunteer, ablo to shoot and with enough military training to enable him to play a. part in a cam- paign. (Applause.) That was the cau to which Lord Roberts was devoting the declining year of a very distinguished life. His lordship had become President of the National Service League, of which league ho (Mr. Yerburgh) had the honour of being a member of the executive committee. (Applause.) Ho hoped it would be clearly understood by those who were rightly, quite rightly, averse" to conscription that "what Lords Roberts proposed, and thOt;.e who agreed with him, was that we should so prepare the young men of this country that in time of national danger they would come forward, as they would do from reelings ot patriotism and love for their country, and be able to play their part- like young men of other countries would do. (Hear, hear.) We all knew that for foreign service we must always rely largely upon a volunteer army. We were all certain that if emergency aro'e our people would be prepared to volunteer; but we did not wicii them to volunteer if they were unable to shoot and were absolutely ignorant of military discipline and drill. Referring to the value of shooting, he mentioned the book just published by Sir Ian Hamilton, who represented our country with the Japanese Army during the early part of the campaign, and he quoted from the book two instances of valuable work accomplished by the superiority of rifle fire against superiority of numbers. They ought not to part that night without making up their minds with regard to the quec,t;l c)rt of ranges. (Hear. hear.) As far as he understood the question at the present time, it wao that while the Government would make a email grant towards a range, the Government- was not prepared to give them the whole cost of a range. He could not understand, considering the enormous value the Volunteers were to the country, why the Government was not prepared to pay tho whole of the cost of ranges to the Volunteers. (Applause.) He would give those pre/sent a little hint. They would shortly have an election upon them in that constituency—(loud laughter)-and he should advise the Volunteers through their proper representatives to put the que^ftion to their candidates as to whether or not they would press upon the Government the necessity of providing ranges for the Volunteers. (AppJause and laughter.) They would both say "Yes. lie waa sure. (Laughter.) There was one other point. He understood that the grant of 7. per man that was given to field army battalion* for the fortnight in camp was to be taken away altogether. He was told on high authority that this worked out in case of regiments at something like £ 250 or £ 300 a year. He did not know the number of army volunteer battalions, but he understood it was something like thirty. It might bo more. Taking it at thirty, the sum the country had been spending on army battalions was then £ 9,000, which was not a very large sum of money. He thought they might again ask their candidates k'5 for Parliament to say whether they could not use their influenoe to get this grant renewed to the Volunteers. (Applause.) He had one more point, and to this he attached great importance. "e had been giving the- franchise to various classes of the community. The police now had the franchise, and we might say the franchisee was generally accorded to those who were serving the ooutitrv. He could never understand why a man who gave his playtime to the service of the country as a Volunteer, if he had no vote for other reasons, should not have a vote. (Applause.) He himself, and he was sure the other candidate for Chester would be, was prepared to press upon the Government to give the Volunteer a vote in return for services rendered to the country. I (Loud applause.) I Hon. Colonel Brown proposed a vote of thanks to the Mayoress for the honour she had done the Volunteers by presenting the prizes. He said he was satisfied in his own mind that it would not be long before by some means every boy and every young man in the country would be in some shape a Volunteer. (Applause.) He was somewhat closely connected with education in the city, and he sincerely trusted that some steps would be taken by which every boy able to bear arms at alt, would be trained in military methods and also taught to shoot, because that would bo the commencement of what he trusted in time would be a complete military system whereby all young men in the country would be in the honour- able position of being able to do something at all events for their country in time of need. (Ap- plause.) The Mayor, In responding, joined in the regret, which had been expressed at the loss the 2nd V.B.C.R. had sustained by Colonel Smith's re- tirement. He had had the opportunity of being associated with Colonel Smith for very many years, and he was sure the whole of the 2nd Battalion would be very sorry to lose his services. (Hear, .hear.) After referring to the death of Lieut.-Colonel Edwards and the illness of Lieut.- Colonel King. his Worship, alluding to the range question, said he had always held that the Gov- ernment had no business at all-it was an indis- cretion on their part. to have iwsued to the Volunteers the Lee-Metford rifle before they had provided range-- for the Volunteers. (Applause.) What was the effect of these rifles,being issued? Two-thirds of the ranges of the country were con- demned. The 2nd Cheshire had to go to Altcar if they wanted practice at all. and that meant a loss of time and expense. He realty could not see how this thing could go very much longer without the provision of ranges by the Govern- ment. He was very much struck bv what Lord Roberts had recontlv «aid. His lordship, who had visited the battlefields of South Africa, had said that. if the men could have shot better the battles would have been won earlier, and many battles would not have been lost. That was a very serious and important statement, and, coming from such high authority, could not be doubted. He sincerely hoped the Government would pro- vide the Volunteers with ranges. Alluding to Colonel Brown's reference to his (the Mayor'-) connection with the Volunteers, his Worship said he had completed his thirty-three years of service in the auxiliary forces, and he hoped the fact might be an inducement to some young men to join the Volunteers. It would do them good, and they would be serving their King and country. (Applause.) With the playing of the National Anthem by the band an interesting meeting concluded.

nu_ CYCLE DINNER.—The Cycle Company of the 2nd V.B. Cheshire Regiment held their sixth annual dinner on Wednesday evening at the Brook- street Dining Rooms. There was a good muster. Among those present were Capt. Burton (in the chair), Capt. Williamson, Lieuts. Musgrave and Dickson, Q.M.-S. F. Holland, and Sergt. W. Bennett. Lieut. Bell was unable to attend owing to illness. After dinner the usual "smoker" was held, a capital programme having been provided by the secretaries. The following were the artists:- Messrs. Snelson. Bunce, N. Coppack. F. Sullivan, ,T. Edwards, T. Charmley, and T. Bradburn. Capt. Burton, in responding to the toast "The Cycle Company," referred to the shortage of officers and said they were short of four. He trusted before the end of next season to fill these vacancies. Surely there were some young gentlemen who took an interest in cycling, Lieut. Dickson in a happy speech thanked the company for their loyal support in camp, their cheerfulness in adverse circum- stances, and hoped they would push on and try this recruiting Season to double their numbers. At pre sent they were not very strong in numbers, but he trusted they would all try to remedy this by each bringing a friend up to join. An enjoyable evening ended with," GOd Save the King."

DUKE OF SUTHERLAND'S GIFT. -♦ TRENTHAM HALL AS A SCHOOL. A letter was read at Saturday's meeting of the Staffordshire County Council from the Duke of Sutherland stating that his Grace and the Duchess would like to give Trentham Hall to the County Council for the purposes of higher education in Staffordshire. Lord Hatherton, the chairman of the Council, said the munificence of the gift exceeded anything recorded in the annals of the Staffordshire or any other County Council. He invited a cordial vote of thanks to the Duke and Duchess for such splendid proof of the interest they took in the cause of higher education in Staffordshire. Mr. Kitchener said difficulties, not anticipated, had arisen in connection with the North Stafford- shire College scheme, and this offer would give the Council an opportunity of considering their whole bearings. The announcement of the gift was received by the Council with prolonged applause.

PRETTY WIRRAL WEDDING. -+- Much interest was taken at Burton (Wirral) last week in the wedding of Miss Lilian Tickle, eldest, daughter of Mr. TlioimaS Tickle, of Dun- stan Farm, with Mr. Henry Corner, second son of the late Mr. John Henry.Comer, of Clapliam. The bride's family are well known in the district, and the church was filled with well-wishers. The vicar of Burton (the Rev. P. F. A. Morrell) officiated. The serviice was choral, and opened with, the hymn "The Voice 'hat breathed o'er Eden." Mr. T. Bostoek presided at the organ, and played appropriate selections of wedding music. The bride, who was given away by her father, wore a becoming travelling costume. of pastel shade of grey tweed, trimmed with white silk, silver braid and velvet buttons, while, her hat was of white beaver cloth, trimmed with satin and ostrich plume. The bridesmaids were her sisters, the Misses. Florence and Minnie Tickle, who wore dresses- of pale green trimmed with white aHk and velvet buttons, their hats being of white felt trimmed! with chiffon and roses. They also wore gold brooches, the gifts of the bride- groom, and carried bouquets of pink chrysanthe- mums. likewise the gifts of the bridegroom. The best man was Mr. Ernest J. Corner, brother of tiie bridegroom. A largely-attended reception was afterwards held at Dunstan Farm. The honeymoon -is being spent in London. The wed- ding presents were as fol low: -B,id-ogrc>oni to bride, gold curb muff chain; mother of bride, household linen; father of bride, cheque; bride to bridegroom, travelling bag and gold Masonic pendant; mother of bridegroom, coal cabinet; Mr. F. A. Glaeser, Stratford, cheque; Mr. L. Cooper. West Kirby, cheque; Mr. E. J. Corner, oak hall stand; Mr. and' Mrs. G. F. Adams, Chester, silver coffee pot; Mr. and Mis, Merritt, Birkenhead, silver teapot; Mrs. and Mrs. J. Charmley. silver cake knife; Mrs. and Mrs. C. Wright, set of carvers; Mrs. Tickle and family. Neston, case of silver spoons; Mrs. Tickle and family, Bani Farm, silver salts and spoons; Mr. J. Corner, Jardiniere and oak stand; Mrs. Bates and family, s'IN-er jam. dishes and spoons; Mr. and Mrs. Robinson, hand-painted and brass fire screen; Misses Harrison, pair of pictures; Major Grundy, pair of silver photo frames; Mr. and Mrs. J. Pineombe and family, silver preserve dish Mr. and Mrs. Marsh and family, silver cake stand; Mr, J. Fiaser. Wrexham, fancy tablecloth and serviettes; Mrs. C E. Hope, of Bank House, embroidered silk table cover; the Rev. and Mrs. Morrell. Bible, and from their pet dog, drinking fountain-; Mr. and Mrs. J. H. Pugh, silver cruet; Mr. and Mrs. S. Johnson. Willaston, table cover; Mr. John Tickle, travelling trunk; Mr. and Mrs. H. Marsh, brass and copper salver; Mr. E. Hoyle, pair of Crown Derby vases; Mr. and Mrs. Pil- beant, Westfield, dinner service,; Mr. Sully and Miss. Mabel' Salter, silver dessert cruet; Misses Cooper, West Kirby, silver sugar basin Mr. E. Fan- court, silver, jam dish; Mr. and Mrs. Howe, fancy candle shades; Mr. and Mrs. James, jard'niere; Miss Ches-worth, tea set; Mr. and Mrs. T. Eraser, b'scuit- barrel; Miss Fraser, silver jam spool); Mr. and Mrs. T. Tickle, Neston, silver servietto rings; Mr. and Mrs E. L Jones, silver cruet; Mr. H. Johnson, Ness, silver sugar basin: Miss F. Tickle, damask tablecloth; Miss M. Tickle., damask tablecloth Mr. and Mrs. Edwards, Strand. London, W.C., handsome pair flower vases; Miss E. Tickle, table centre; Miss G. Tickle, brush and comb tray; Miss L. Tickle, cushion, and tray cloths; Miss Hale, timepiece and vases; Miss L. Adams, set of toitet mats; Mr. J. Pollard, silver butter dish: Miss E- A. Tickle, tray cloth and d'oyley•?; Mr. Cosgrove, embroidered cushion cover; Mr. and Mrs. T. Swift, set of jugs; Misses Sherlock, silver butter dish; Mr. and Mre. Henshaw, carriage clock; Miss Henshaw, fancy cup and saucer; Miss E. Bowcock. photo frames; Miss1 S. Hughes., tray cloth Misses Alcock, table centre and serviette rings; Mre. G. Postcn and family, silver marma- la-de jar; Mr. and Mrs. J. Hulse, silver biscuit barrel; Mr. and Mrs. J. Wilde and- family, tea service: Miss J. Capper, silver jam dish; Masses Marlev, tea cosy; Mr. and Mrs. Farquhar, d'oyleys; Mr. and Mrs. Joinson and family, damask tableclothi; Mr. and Mrs. T. Bostoek. photo album; Mrs. J. Pugh, d'oyleys; Mr. and Mm S. Davies, cushion cover and mats; Mr. and Mrs J. Lewis. Rock Ferry, box of scents; Mr and Mrs. J. Mealor, Birkenhead, travelling rug; Mr. Mersey Jones, silver-mounted purse; Miss Cooper, Saughall, crumb tray and brush; em- ployes* at Dunstan Farm, silver preserve dish; employes of the firm of Mr. Conrad Wm. Schmrdt (P. A. Glaeser), varnisih manufacturers, Stratford, cheque; members and friends of the Primitive Methodist Church, Willaston, dining-room clock.

CORRESPONDENCE. All letters must be authenticated by the sender's name and address, not necessarily tor publication. The Euitor is not ie tor the opinions of his correspond suts. Correspondents are j. aruouiarly requested to write only on one side of the jiaper.

BUCKLEY FREE LIBRARY. TO THE EDITOR. Sir,—At a. recent meeting of the Library Com- mittee four members of the- Cosmopolitan Society waited upon the committee, suggesting the pur- chase of 100 ohaJrs for their use. The motion of Cotmcillor Ja.me<9 Lamb to spend 4-15 for that purpose was carried by the usuai Council clique. Are the ratepayers to aliow their money to be frittered away in this manner, by holding musical enteitainments in the. Library room to the dis- comfort and annoyance of tiie general body of daily readers?—Yours, etc HENRY HUGHES. L veipool House, Buckley, Dec. 11th, 1905.

INCE SCHOOL. TO THE EDITOR Sir,—My attention has to-day been called to a report in the "Observer" of the meeting on November 29th of the Administrative Sub- committee for the Chester Area. I am reported to have -said that certain repairs at Inoe School have not been carried out by the managers or owner of the school. The word "repairs" should have been "requirements" (i.e., alterations and improvements) of the Board of Education. The mistake may have been mine, and not your reporter s, and I hasten to correct it. This ex- planation is duo to tho managers who are re- sponsible for the repairs. The school ie in a good state, of repair. I shall therefore be obliged if you will be so good as to insert these few lines in your next issue.—I remain, yours very faithfully, T. J. EVANS" County Council Manager of Ince School. Rock Ferry, Dec. 7, 1905.

APPEAL TO CHILDREN. IO THE EDITOR. Sir,I should be grateful to you if you would allow me once againto appeal through your paper to the children of Chester who are more fortunate than their poorer brothers and sisters. There are many sick and ill, attached to no hospital or infirmary, visited by Mrs. Bateson and her staff of nurees, who would have had no toys these ladt years at Christmas time had it not been for the kindly help the children have given, and I venture to hope will give again thia happv Christmas time. All I ask i" for the discarded broken doll., and toys and torn books which will be turned out of many toy cupboards to make. way for the new presents so eagerly looked for- ward to, and if they are sent to me. will be mended, dolls ro-dressod, etc., before they-are- sent on to the Nurses' Home for distribution. I take this opportunity of thanking you for your past kindness n printing my appeal and to all those kind friends who have sent me such generous contributions in the past yea.rs.-Yours, truly. JULIA M. GRIER. Poole Houre. Chester.

AUCTION SALES. +- HOOTON SMITHFIELD. On Wednesday Messrs. Can nan and Roberts held their annual Christmas snow and sale of oattle, sneep, pigs, and calves at Hoovon. As far as quantity and quality of stock were con- cerned tne sale w-as by far the best at Hooton tor many years. The cattle numbered 152, and were all good butchers' meat, and not the great heavy fat beasts that won the prizes in former years. The sheep were a capital show and met with & quick sale. The calves and pigs were up to the usuai Christmas standard. Tne prize winners, buyers, and prices were as follows: —1, for the best fat bullock, lVJr. Peter Owen s, The Manor, B25. 5s., bougnt by Mr. A. E. Roberts, Birken- head; 2, the exors. of the late Mr. C. Bushell, Hinderton, £ 23. 5s., M1". T. Swift, Neston h.c., Mr. P. Owen, £ 22. 7s. 6d., Mr. C. Matthews, Rock Ferry; c, Mr. Raynor, Barnston, £ 20. 10- Mr. Cannon, B.rkenhead. 1, for the be6t fat heifer, Mr. Peter Owen, JB22, Mr. T. Swift, Neston; 2, Mr. S. Jones, Poole Hall, £ 18. 10s., Mr. E. IV lfianis, Ellesmere Port; h.c., Mr. S. Jones, J617. 5s., Mr. E. Williams, Ellesmero Port; c, exors. of the late Mr. C. Bushell, jei7. 7s. 6d., Mr. C. Matthews, Rook Ferry. Prze for the best fat cow, the Misses Russell, Brim- stage. E19. 12s. 6d., Mr. Stockton, Ellesmere Port; 2, Mr. H. S. Bamford, Thornton, £ 19. 15e.; h.o., Mr. H. J. Stretch, Sutton, JB17 12s. 6d., Mr. Wbioldon, Tranmere. Prize for the best fat bull, Mr. H. J. Stretch, Sutton, £ 22. 15s., Mr. Brad- bury, Tunsfall; h.c., Mr. Jones, Thornton, J618. 1178. bd., Mr. Bradbury, Tunstall. The prize for the ohamp.on beast was awarded to Mr. Peter Owen's, The Manor, Great Sutton, for a oapital, well-finished Galloway bullock, which reaiislxl £ 25. 5s., Mr. A. E. Roberts, Birkenhead, being the purchaser. The prize for the best pen of five hog^s or gimmers was won by Mr. S. Jones, Poole Hali, and sold to Mr. P. Swift, Littlo Sutton, for j613. 10s.; h.c., Mr. Jarvis, Hooton, 210. 7s. 6d., Mr. Roberts, Birkenhead; c. the Misses Russell, 212. 5s., Mr. Matthews, Rock Ferry. The first prize for the beet pen of five fat sheep went to Mr. H. M. Davies, Frodsham, and lot were sold to Mr. Farquhar, Birken- head, for £ 15. 17s. 6d. Mr. Roberts was h.c., the lot being sold for £ 4 each, and Mr. S. Jones was c, his exhibits going to Mr. A. E. Roberts for Bil. 15s. The prize for the two best bacon pigs was won by Mr. J. Jarvis, Hooton, and the pigs were sold for E12. 17s. 6d. Mr. Jarvis also won the prize for the best fat calf, which made B4. 8s., Mr John Wright being the purchaser. Mr. Pearson, Easthani, was h.c., Mr. Richardson, Chester being the purchaser at £ 4. 4«.; while Mr. Piatt, Whitby, was c., Mr. Richardson again being the purchaser at JE3. 16s. Mr. Tlws. Clarke, Brook-street, Chester; Mr. E. Williams, Ellesmere Port; and Mr. C. Matthews, Rock Ferry; officiated as judges and gave the utmost satisfaction.

LIGHTING-UP TABLE. All cycles and other vehicle in the Cheetor district must be lighted up as stated in the follow- ing table:— Wednesday, December 13. 4.51 Thursday. December 14. 4.51 Friday, December 15 4.51 Saturday. December 16 4.52 Sunday, December 17 4.52 Monday, December IS 4.52 Tuesday, December ID 4.53

CHESTER INFIRMARY. :—+ WEEKLY STATE, ENDED SATURDAY LAST. In-Patients are admitted on Tuesday Morning all Eleven o'clock. In-patients Discharged In-patients. Cured 7 Admitted 26 Relieved 4 Remain in the House 89 Made Out-patients 0 Unrelieved 2 Irregularity 0 Dead 2 OUT-PATIENTS. Medical Cases are seen on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday mornings at Eleven o'clock. Surgical Cases are seen on Thursday mornings at Eleven o'clock. Ophthalmic Cases are seen on Friday mornings at Eleven o'clock. Dental Cases are seen on Tuesday and Saturday mornings at Ten o'clock Out-patients admitted since Saturday last. 82

BIRTHS, MAITRI-AGES &DEATH, « BIRTHS, MARRIAGES, AND DEATHS are oharged at the rate of 20 words for Is. (prepaid). If not prepaid, the charge will be 2a. 6d. Th* announcement must be authenticated by the Rignaturo- and Address of the Sender. MARRIAGES. SALT-GREGSON-GRIFFITHS-On the 6th December, by licence, at Christ Church, Higher Bebinjrton. by the Rev. Leslie W. Trough ton, M.A., vicar. Arthur Herbert, eldest son of Herbert. Salt-Gregson. Birkenbead, to Jane (Cissie), daughter of Edward Griffiths, YVoodhev, Rock Ferry, and yrand-daughter of the late John Griffiths, of Higher Bebington. FITZPATRICK—YATES—On the nth December, at Northop Parish Church, by the Rev. Clement Davies. vicar. 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, Wern Hall, Northop. DEATHS. BRISCOE—On the 9th December, suddenly, at West Kirby, Eliza Georgina Pinder Briscoe, of Upper Parliament- street, Liverpool, and daughter of the late Edward Perry M'Knight, of Liverpool, and Glyn Ceiriog, Denbighshire, aged tI years. MIDGLEY—On the 9th December, at Castle View, Holywell, Thomas Midgley, late Tithebarn-street, Liverpool, aged 76 years. WALL—On the 5th December, at Redcliffe, Decanwv. Arthur Wall, of Coed Mawr Hall, Talyoafn, Captain and Honorary Major 3rd V.B. Lancashire Fusiliers, in his 50th year.

jv/temorials, AT ALL PRICES, IN MARBLE, GRANITE, STONE & ALABASTER, On View, and to order. W. HASWELL & SON, MASONS, KALEYARDS, CHESTER. Bstimates and Designa tru on application. Telephone No. 161A.

CHESTER ED (JCATION COMMITTEE — + —. A meetlng of the Chester Education Committee was 'held on Monday, the Chairman (Alderman H. T. Brown) presiding. THE DIRECTOR'S STAFF. Mr. James G. Frost moved tho following reso- lution "That a junior clerk be appointed at a salary of £ 45, rising by L5 per annum to £ 65; and that. after public advertisement, the Director of oducatitoi make the appointment." He- ex- plained that the clerk was required to take stock in the various schools, and to assist the other clerks in the office, who at the present time were very much over-worked. It would really mean an addition of only £5 a year in expense to the rate- payers, as they had previously had to obtain ex tra help. Mr. W. Vernon seconded. Mr. R. H. Lanoeloy asked why it was said the oost would be only JB5 a year more that at present. The Director (Mr. A. E. Loveli) :-aid the extra annual cost of temporary assistance was JE24 a year; but the annual stocktaking in April would be muoh heavier. For the piepai-ai on of inven- tories and checking sioA on the appointed day Messrs. Cnurton, Elpiiick and Co. charged fifteen guineas, and that was representative of every an- nual cheque, the total cost therefore being about £ 40 a year. The ultimate additional cost would be £ 25 a year. Mr. Lanoeley said he happened to know a little b.t about stocktaking, and he failed to see how the April stocktaking was going to ^o so much heavier. He certainly faded to jee how the em- ployment of a, clerk at j345 would cost only an additional JE5. It was out of the- question to reckon the fifteen guineas in making the com- parison. If the employment of the extra clerk was going to increase the efficiency cf the staff he was prepared to vote for it, but. he should like to be satisfied that it was within the compass of the amount. voted in the estimates to the Elementary Sub-committee, and tiiat the addi- tional clerk was going to provide greater time for the Director himself to practically supervise the work in elementary schools. Complaints had already oome to his ears that the Director was not sufficiently in ov denoo at elementary chools. The Director said the cost was with:n the com- p3SS. of the estimates. As to the second point, he was loath to answer the question off-hand. He would take note of anything required as ail ex- tension of hi* dut.es, and do his best. Mr. T. Mills moved an amendment that the appointment be made by the Elementary Sub- committee and not by the Director. He had no idea of reflecting upon the Director, but he w.slied to protect him. It was highly undesirable to throw the responsibility on a who had an official oecupaton. Mr. Frost accepted the amendment after the Higher Education Sub-committee had been sub- stituted for the Elementary Sub-committee. The motion in its altered form was then agreed to. SCHOLARS' BAD ARITHMETIC. GRAVE INDICTMENT. Mr. J. D. Siddall called att-ent-cn with regret to the recent examination for labour certificates. Surely the time had arrived when some real steady attempt at modifying or changing the most unfortunate result- that had again been at- tained of the fa.Iurc on the part of the pupilsi to pass in elementary arithmetic. He had enquired a carefully as. he could what was. the stare cf things regarding the teaching of elementary arithmetic in Chester and throughout the country generally. He was quite, justified in saying most openly that due to the modification I of the curr-culum the most important subject of arithmetic was not receiving the attention it de- manded. He appealed to everyone to consider seriously the work done in elementary schools in Chester in return for the enormous expense of conducting those schools since the passing of the Act. There was a small add.tional pe rent ago of attendance, which meant an addition to the in- ocmc of the city from the Government; but UB- der the old regime the percentage of passes in elementary arithmetic var-erl from 80 to 99 per cent. in city schools, and if they were to take the labour examinations for labour certificates as a c fair subject for oomp-arison, the schools did not now attain to fifty per cent. of passes. The chil- dren learnt- to read well and to wrte fairly well, but they did not now learn to do elementary arithmetic. He did not in the slighteet degree- intend to convey any slur upon the teachers. Teachers, who were friends of his, were perfectly in agreement with him that. the standard of ele- mentary arithmet-c was seriously below what it used to be. The matter should be taken into most careful consideration by the Elementary Sub-com- mittee. It was a comparative replacement of arithmetic to give the children a wider know- ledge of subjects in general, and to awaken more widely their general intelligence. There was no school in the city, and perhaps in the county at present, which if examined in arithmetic could pass anywhere near 85 to 90 per cent. of their scholars in elementary arithmetic, as they formerly could do. The Chairman asked if Mr. Siddall could tell them the expiee.ence. of other places. Mr. Siddall: Generally the standard is lower than it .used to be.. The Chairman: It is not a difficulty peculiar to Chester. Mr. Siddall: But Chester has alwavs been a difficult place in which to work up arithmetic. It ha-s been notorious. In Chester there teems to be an atmosphere of want of power to take in elementary arithmetic. (Laughter.) The Chairman said something depended on the papers set. Mr. Siddall sa.id they were not more difficult than they were. Arithmetic was rc-pla-ced by others, and the attention was not given to it in schools that used- to be given. Mr. Mills thought Mr. Siddall was to be thanked for having called attention 10 the serious dofioency in educational results. He moved that the attention of the Elementary Education Sub-committee be oalled to it. Mr. J. W. Connell seconded. He said he was sorry to hear any school passed ninety per cent. in arithmetic. He did not know whether the com- mittee knew how it was done. Children were kept in late at night, and they were thrashed if they did not do the sums. Parents used to come at 5.30 to look for their children, and rescue them from their tortures, for they were treated in a more barbarous way than now. The arithmetic was not elementary. Supposing cards and papers were giv-en out that afternoon to all members of the committee, and there were several examples given in stocks and recturring decimals and men- suration involving cube and square root, he was afraid they would not get more than fifty pier cent passes. Mr. W. Vernon stated that the worst scholars sat for the labour examinations. They very often attended worse than the other scholars, and they dCd not afford a fair comparison of tho children in general. Mr. S'iddall said he would give £10 to the In- firmary if a school could be found in the oity of Chester to pass more than eighty per cent. of its scholars in arithmetic under the present condi- t ions. Mr. Mills's motion was carried. SCHOOL PIANOS NOT NECESSARY. Mr. Lanceley called attention to a resolution of the Elementary Sub-committee that they were not prepared to regard pianos as necessary school equipment, and did not recommend that they should be supplied by the education authority. He asked if the pianos in the schools on the appointed day did, not belong to the local authority, and that therefore they were bound to recognise them. The Town Clerk (Mr. J. H. Dickson) said the education authority had the use of furniture in non-provided schools, but if a school ceased to be a public elementary school, the. furniture re- verted to the managers and was no longer the property of the education authority. Mr. Lanceley moved that the motion in ques- tion be referred back. Mr. Mills seconded in order that. the committee might not make themselves look ridiculous. The part of the. resolution referred to by Mr. Lance- ley refused' to recognise pianos, and the next clause of the motion arranged for tbe payment by the local authority of the cost. of tuning and small repairs to school pianos and harmoniums. It was not consistent. Mr. Vernon said that so long as t-he pianos k wore in use the committee were bound to keep them in repair, but that did not mean that the -ciornm.;ttc,e were to supply a piano to every school that asked for one. Mr. J. Egerton Gilbert: And if a school pro- vides its own piano you will tune it. Mr. Vernon: Certainly. Mi'. La.nceley's motion was lost. Mr. Mills then moved that the clause that tun- ing and repairs be paid for be deleted. Mr. Frost: The Town Clerk tells me we are bound to keep them, in order. Mr. Mills: The Town Clerk has laid it down that we have no power to buy pianos for schools. I want his answer, is not that so? Mr. W. H. Churton: No, it is not so. Mr. Mills: I want my answer from the Town Clerk, and not from members of the Education Committee. Mr. Churton I have a right to say what I heard the Town Clerk say. Mr. Mills: I want my reply from the Town Clerk. Mr. Churton: It is waste of time. The Town Clerk It is quite in the power of the education authority to buy piano.- and har- moniums for any school in the district. The amendment, was lost. MANAGERS' RIGHTS. At a meeting of the Elementary Sub-committee rho Director reported that, the managers of Christ Church school desired to modify a clause, stat- ing that the engagement of the pupil teacher "shall be terminable by the managers (with the consent or under the direction of the committee)" by the addition thereto of the following "Provided, always that nothing herein contained shall negative the right- of the managers to dis- \1 miss the pupil teacher oil grounds connected with the giving of religious instruction in the school- house." The sub-committee notified the man- agers that they would accept the following clause "Provided always that nothing herein contained shall negative any right of the inauarre Jo the dismissal of the pup-1 t,cacher under the Educa- tion Act of 1902. Mr. Lanojley moved that the matter be re- ferred back. He contended that the managers could not dism. ss a pupil teacher. Mr. Mills seconded. Mr. Lanceley asked for the Town Clerk's rul- ing on his argument, which he ba&ed on the present code. The Town Clerk could not see that tho code could overrule the pro vis .ons of section 7 of the Education Act, under wnich power rested with the managers to dismiss pup/I teachers in certain respects. He had drafted tne clause himself, and it perfectly saie-guardod the education authority, and only gave managers the powers the law gave, them. Mr. Lanceley sad the position of the pupil teachers had been altered to such an extent under the code, that the sub-committee would do well to consider the matter again. The Town Clerk sald if the matter was refer-red back, he would have an opportunity of looking up the provisions of the oodi. The Direct-or. who knew the oode better than he, said the clauses rc- ferred to wore merely suggestions and were not binding. The matter was accord ngly referred ba-ctk. COUNTY BCHOOL FOR GIRLS. A recommendation by the Higher Kduoat ion Committee, that, in v.ew of the terms of the letter of the Board of Education, in reference to staff at the City and. County School for girls, and having regard to the numbers now m attend- ance, a further additional assistant-mistress be appointed, at a salary of jB90, r.sing by 1;5 per annum to £ 120; and that tne cha.rman, head- mistress and director make the appointment., was moved by the Chairman and seconded by Dr. Stoiterfoth. Mr. Lanceley moved an amendment that the appointment be made by the Higher Education Committee. Mr. Mills, who seconded, said the appointment of an assistant-mistress was not so urgent as the Board of Educat on led them to believe.. Having regard to the fact that a number of pupil teachers would be leaving scon, it was quite problematical whether their places would be filkd. If repre- sentation was made to the Board of Education, the committee might be excused making the ap- pointment for some little Lme. He did not re- cognise any urgency, and when they remembered g'L that we had now got at the head of the Board of Education a. mall of some intelligence, it was only reasonable to suppose that things which ap- peared difficult in the past would be made easy in the future. Mr. Churton: He is not appointed yet. The Director .said li, I opinion was that pupil teachers who were leav.ng would be amply re- placed. If they were not, the average attend- ance would be reduced by eight cniy. There would be more than' eight admissions' in the ■secondary side of the school. Tho amendment was lost. UNNECESSARY EXPENSE. Mr. Mills called attention to the following, which appeared -n the minutes of the Higher Education Committee, regarding the Oity and County School for girls—Gravel: The Director presented a further requisition for two tons of gravel; and reported that five tons had aJready been laid down. It was resolved that the requisi- tion be pas-ed, subject to the Town Clerk's advice as to whether t.he Local Education Authority are liable, and if so. to the city surveyor being satis- fied that a further supply is necessary." The Town Clerk, in reply to Mr. Mills, said the education authority were not liable to lay down. any gravel at the school, and the resolu- tion had not been carried out. Mr. Mills said he would move a resolution about refunding the ccst of the five tons already laid down. The Ch-tit-man (to the Town Clerk): You do not mean to say that the expenditure is an illegal expenditure on t.he part of the committee? The Town Clerk: I should not like to gay it is illegal, but I am quite certain the order ought never to have been given, and if gravel was wanted the proper people to bear the expense were the Chester Race Company. The five tons had been laid down under a mistake. The Higher Education Sub-oommittee would, no doubt give some instructions at their next meeting.

TRAM RETURNS.—The trams carried 37.121) passengers last week, the receipts amounting to £ 150. Is. 2d. in the corresponding week of last year, 5,28y fewer passengers were carried, and the receipts were £14 4s. lOd. le8. AN OLD MASONIC LODGE.—At the monthly meeting of the Coritbermere Lodge of t'nion. -No. J, aiacolesiieid, JUht held, brother oepb Whitlaker, [Senior Wiideii, was unani- mously elected Worshipful Master for the ensuing year. Brother Thomas Lockitt, P.f.b.li.W., was elected Treasurer of the .Lodge for the thirty-sixth onsecutive year. The Oouiberuiere Ludge of Union has had an uninterrupted existence since 1' PAINFUL CHESTER CASE.—At. Chester ''jUce- Couit. ou Monday, on the- application, of Air. Nlorgiii. Guorgk, Eauclough, wardiobo dealer, Watergate Row, was granted a separation order against ins w.io, the sum that he should pay to- wards her maintenance being fixed at 7s. 6d. a vv-ok. The ground of the application was that defendant was an habitual diunka. (1. AN ABSCONDING PAUPEII,On Monday, th,! County Police Occasional Court, bo-fore Mr. W. Williams, Joseph Blake, an inmate of Chester Workhouse, was charged with running away from tlvt, institution witii the suit of clothes he re- teivrd from the guardians. Prisoner disappeared i:ti tli3 16th of fckpt., and presented himself at lhl' Workhouse on Saturday. Ho was sent, to gaol for seven davs. THE CHESTER UNEMPLOYED—As a result of the Special Committees recommenda- tions the City Surveyor (Mr. 1. Matthews Jones) has received instructions from that body, in conjunction with the Improvement Committee and the Sewering Committee, to press forward all works now in hand and to employ as many men as possible. The ^committee have gone carefully through the applications received, and decided to give preference in their selection for municipal employment to married men with families or dependents. CHESTER WELSH SOCIETY.-At a meeting of this society on Friday, held in the Free Library, Mr. John Anwyl presiding, a pleasant evening was spent with the works of Ceiriog. The lecturer, Dr. A. Emrys-J ones, of Manchester, claimed it as appropriate that he should expound Ceiriog, owing; to the f;wt that the poet spent many years of his life in Manchester, and did his best work in that "dismal, dirty city." Dr. Emrys-Jones, wbe is an enthusiastic admirer of Ceiriog, contended that his lyrics compare favourably with those of any poet, in any laiiguage; and dwelt at length upon his exquisite love songs, giving copious quotations to illustrate their beauty. NORTHWIUH INFIRMARY EXTENSION. Her Urace Katharine Duchess of Westminster on Saturday opened the now wing of the Victoria Infirmary at Northwich. This new wing will provide accommodation for additional beds, and is equipped with a magnificent opeiating theatre and bitrgical wards The Duchess opened the wing with a gold key bearing an inscription and the arms of Northwieh, Her Grace said it was a. great pleasure for her to come once again to Northwieh to assist even in a suiali way in helping an institution which had done such good work for eighteen years past. She had been through the wards and bad seen how perfect all the arrangements were. Mrs. Kay, of Davenhani Hall, lady president of the Northwieh Division of the Soldiers' and Sailors' families Association, unveiled within the corridor of the new wing a biats tablet to the memory of the ten men from Northwieh and district who sacrificed their lives in their country's cause during the South African War, atici as a memorial to whom the War Committee gave the Infirmary the £ 50U which was jpft (WAr as fhA balance of their funds. I ARY BALL.-Tlic- Right Worshipful tIlL, Mayor of Chester begs to acknowledge with ihanks the receipt of the following donations to llio Infirmary Ball Fund:—Mrs. R A. Yerbiirxh, £ 10; the Hon. Mrs. H. D Trolawny, £1; An A. Hamilton, JB1. Is.; Mrs. H. A. Latham, £1. Is. },¡rs. Gooddie Holmes. JS1. h; MIK. J. R Thorn- -bull. El. Is.; Mis Tyrcr, £ 1. Is.; Mrs. Caista is *iones, £ 1. Is.; Mrs. S. H £ 1. Is.; Mrs ^Barker, £ 1. Is.; Mis. Sanders, £ 1; Mm Gibbons Treat, £1; Mrs. Barnston, J31; Mrs. A. S. Boz- ;Cl.. Is.; Mrs. Aldersev, LI. Is. Mrs. Gco Dicksca, £1. IF. Mis. Hrnry Gladstone, £ 2. 2s.; Mrs. P. Campbcil, Cl; Mis. Hope. £ 1. Is.; Mrs. •Robert-son, £1. Is Mis. Douglas Dobie, £1. Is. Miss Richardson. £ 1- Is. Mrs, Barnston, £1. I,. Mr.. E. Powell, JE1. Is.; Mrs. R. ;Ul Is. Mrs. Dixon, £ 1. Is Mis. Mordeu liigg, £ 1; Mrs. Ix C. Robcits, £ 1. Is.; Mrs, Darby, £1. Is.; Miss J E. Blackburne, £ 1; M5 J. H. Davidson. £ 2. 2s. Mis. Honoratus Lloyd, JE1 Is. Mrs. C. P D-)iigias. ;Cl. Is. Mrs. W. Rogers, £ 1. Is.; Miss Ganion. £ 1. 1,. Mrs. W. A. Fitz- gerald, £ 1 Is.; Mrs. Lylo Smyth, El., Is. Mrs. W II. Lowe. £ 1. Is.; Mrs. Park-Yates, £ 2; Mrs. Adair, £1. 1.5.; Mrs. Ciiuiton. JE1. Is.; Mrs. R. W. Ethelston, £ 1; Mrs. N. Johnson, £ 1. Is. Mm. Okell, £1. Is. Mrs. E B. Swc.tfiilttyii, ;El Is Mrs. J. S. Latham. £1. ls.; Mis. Stoiterfoth, £1. Is. NEW HALKYN MINES, LIMITED.—The second ordinary gfneml meeting of the .shareholdeis "f the New Halkpl Mines, Limited, was held at the tun Hotel, Chester, on Monday. Mr. Thos. P:ury (Mold) presided, and there was a good attendance. The directors in their lirst report aid the mining areas and mines, together with the shafts, plant and machinery taken over from the vendors were found m good order and equal in all respects to what they had been represented. The mam expenditure of the company had been upon the branch drainage tunnel, being driven under «-outract by the Halkyn Mining Co., Ltd. It would be seen from the reports of the managing directors, (J.'ipt. Powell, Capt. J. L. Francis and Capt. Harper, that this tunnel (though still some distance from where the catch lode might be expected) had intersected several small joints in ground of a tncMt promising character. The Board considered this an encouraging confirmation of the policy of the company. They were advised that they were fully justiritd iu expecting some good result from the proposed exploration of the best joint referred to in the report. The directors were phased to be able tllu." to meet the shareholders at the end of the tirst year's working with such hopeful indications in the company's chief enterprise, In accordance with the Hrtides of association, the whole of the directors (Messrs. Thos Parry, Thos. Owen, Henry Blower, "rho". Dilworth, Thos. Glover, John Hammond, John Lloyd, W. M. Roberts and E. Noel Humphreys) retired, and were eligibleior re-election. Me.rs. Waktfieid, Dodd and Thornely, the auditors, also retired, and offered themselves for re-appointment. The report wa.s adopted, and the diret;tors and auditors re-appointed. SMOKING CONCERT.—The annual supper .and smoking oonoert of the employes of Messrs. Bollands was held at the Bull and Stirrup on Wednesday night. There was a large gathering of employes and friends, and an enjoyable evening was spent. The loyal toast was honoured on the proposition of Mr. 0. Stitz. Mr. R. Powell gave the toast of the firm of Messrs. R. Bollaiid and Sons, and it was enthusiastically received. Colonel J. Sheriff Roberts, in responding, touched upon the par^t history of the firm and gave a graphic de- scription of the wide field over which the busi- rness had extended. He spoke of the good feeling existing between employers and employed.—Mr. G. H. Brunton (manager) followed with a few wellchosen and much-appreciated remarks. The following interesting musical programme was car- ried out:—"Here's Life and Health," the. Glee ."Party; "The Mighty Deep," Mr. J. Thompson; "Flow, Gently Deva," Messrs. Leo and Powell; sweetheart when a boy," Mr. H. C. Hough- tort; "Mynheer Van Dunck," Trio Party; banjo t'olo. Mr. A. Enticott; "He was a sailor," Mr. J. Phillips; "It's the poor that help the poor," Mr. J. B. Jones; piano and violin, Messrs. Armstrong and Williams; "Take it, Bob," Mr. Rmbrey; "As the moments roll," the Glee Party; "Bonnie Mary of Argyle," Mr. H. C. Houghton "Eileen Allanah," Mr. J. B. Jones; "Big Ben," Mr. J. Thompson; humorous sketch, Mil. J. Phillips; piano and violin duet, Messrs. Arm- strong and Williams; Mr. James Rogers gave, a selection of comic and coon songs. WESLEYAN SALE OF WORK.-A sale of work was held on Wednesday in the schoolroom beneath the City-road Wesleyan Church in aid qf tho renovation fund. A number of stalls were pivttily arranged in the room and a brisk trade was done. The opening ceremony was performed by the Mayoress of Chester (Mrs. R. Lamb). Mr. E. Owen Roberts presided, and among those on the platform were the Rev. R. Wormwell, the Rev. T. Wheatley, the Rev. W. A. Prunell, Messrs. J. Griffiths, R. Challinor, Dickenson, etc. The proceed nge opened with a hymn, Mr. R. Butterworth presiding at the piano. Mr. Dickenson explained that the object of the sale was to remove a debt of £100, which still remained on the fund raised for the cleaning and repair of the church and the installation of the electric light. He stated it had been decided to make that saln an annual event. The Rev. R. Woj-m- well introduced the chairman, who made a long speech in which he lauded everything- Wesleyan, especially the City-read Church. He idealised the denomination so far as to state that he was looking forward to the time when the Govern- ment, cf the country would be formi2d by a maiority of Wesleyans. Referring to the Mayor end Mayoress, he declared that three years ser- vice in office deserved t-he recognition of the State, and he suggested that a knighthood would be a fitting reward to the Mayor. The Mayoress, Slaving declared the bazaar open, a. cordial vote of thanks was accorded her on the motion of Mr. John Griffiths, seconded by Mr. R. Ohallinor. Mr. Griffiths apologised for the absence of the Mayor (Alderman R Lamb). The following were the stallholdersCongregational stall: Mrs. W 'ormwell. Mrs. Dickenson, Mrs. J. Mefdows, Mrs. R. W. Killon, Miss Bennett, Miss Cooke, otti(i Miss Griffiths; cake stall the Misses Mcdern and Miss Dickenson. Miss Raby, Miss Ablev and Miss Burton; Sunday school stall: Mrs. Whit- won h, assisted by all the teachers; refreshment stall Mrs. Griffiths, Mrs. Ohallinor, Mrs. Grea-t- ba-nics. Mrs. Marshall, Mrs. Clayton, Mrs. R:<rby, Mrs. Juler, Miss Banks, Miss Rosterne and Miss Henri; flower stall (to which Mr. Robt. Yer- burgh. M.P.. sent a handsome contribution of flowers): Mies Cooke; Christmas tree: Miss Lillie Wormwell. Miss L. Abloy, etc.; produce stall: Mr. R- Ohallinor. Conjuring entertain- ments were given by Professor Gilbert and Mrs. Catley ^ave gramaphone selections. The secre- Catley 14Lave gramaphone selections. The secre- tarial duties were performed by MT. J. Meadows uud Mr. J. Benyon.