The Chester Courant and Advertiser for North Wales

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CHESTER MYSTERY PLAYS. t A REVIVAL. Six hundred years ago is a long way back in the dim and distant past, and any survival of the period, whether dramatic or otherwise, will be regarded as interesting, especially from an archaeological and antiquarian point of view. We are carried back by these plays to a time in the nation's history when few could read, and when Biblea were not only few but were closed books. The Mystery Plays, or impersonations of land- marks in our faith which must,- humanly speak- ing, always remain as mysteries, were doubtless useful in making the populace acquainted with the plan of salvation, when properly conducted. It would appear that these Plays were first per- formed in the churches under the tutelage of the monks, then in the churchyards, and finally in the streets. If this be correct, this shifting of the scene points distinctly to decadence. At any rate, it has been stated that the decadence of the Plays became so positive that, about the close of the 16th century, the representations came to an end through the enforced opposition of the Church. Many towns other than Chester had what us termed a cycle of such Plays, representing the chief events in the Christian year. They were performed by the different craftsmen of the towns. Chester had a cycle of some twenty-five, all of which, as a matter of rarity, have been handed down to the present day. History has a knack of repeating itself, and so, after six hundred years or thereabouts, it is proposed to restore the whole of the twenty-five, slightly modernised, to the ancient city under the auspices of the English Drama Society. Three of the Plays were actually presented by the Society on Thursday last in the Music Hall in both afternoon and evening performances—"The Salutation and Nativity," "The Play of the Shepherds," and "The Adoration of the Magi." In these days of universal education—open Biblcs and plenty of them-it may not be taken seriously that what is intended by these Plays is religious instruction. Rather may it be in- ferred that, even when modernised, they arc intended to appear as relics of the past, and as peculiarly interesting to the antiquary and archaeologist. Whether the large audiences crowded in the Music Hall on Thursday were the outcome or not of curiosity time will show. At any rate it is certain that there were large audiences. A short resume of each play may be of interest. I "The Salutation and Nativity" (The Wryghte, and Sklaters' Play).—The story is founded on St. Luke's narrative. There is the visit of the angel Gabriel to the Blessed Virgin, with the annunciation that she should be the mother of the Saviour of the world. Mary then visits Elizabeth, who fully and sympathetically acknow- ledges her as God's own mother." Addition- ally, we are informed, Elizabeth takes her to her husband, with the following salutation— Joseph! God thee save and &ee Thy wife here I have brought to thee. The scene now changes, and we are introduced to the Roman Emperor, who, in his own words, declares himself sovereign of all, and accordingly commands a page to give warning to "all the World" that they pay tribute. The page assures him by Mahoun (Mahomet) that all is ready First into Judah I will gone And summon the people every one. Both in Shire and City. Enter two Senators who, representing "all Rome," offer the Emperor honour as god. There is something almost Gilbertian in— And to that point be we sent Poor and rich in Parliament. The Emperor, however, declines the honour, for be is warned by Sybil that a Prince is born who passes him in power. The Emperor then com- mands all honour, incense, reverence and worship to the infant Jesus, whom he hails as God and King of Mercy. A touch of comedy is imparted by the expositor to the play in his history of a rich, Roman pagan temple. The Devil, on being asked how long it should stand, answered subtly- And said it should last sickerly (surely) Until a maiden womanly Had conceived a child. They heard and believed, therefore It would endure for evermore But that time Christ was bore It fell down soon on high. The Play of the Shepherds (The Paynters' and Glaisors' Playe).-It is difficult to reconcile the shepherds pictured here with the peaceful flock-watchers in the gospel narrative. There are three: and the text would appear to locate them anywhere "from comely Conway unto Clyde," or Blacon, to Bethlehem: They are introduced eating and drinking, leaving the care of the flocks to the "lad" Trowle, who, by and bye, is called up for a share of the "leeks"— Here is bread—this day was baken Onions, gar lick and leeks, Butter that bought was at Blacon And green cheese that will grease your cheeks. Trowle is dissatisfied, and demands his wage, whereupon the Second Shepherd exclaims- Boy, lest I break thee thy bones Kneel down and ask me a boon, Lest I destroy thee here on the stones." (Laughs.) Cease! Lest I should shend thee too soon. Trowle retorts in language which is now am- biguous and then "they attack him." Luckily the Angel (with a star) appears, and there is a general reformation- Second Shepherd: Fellows will we Kneel down on our knee After comfort, To the true Trinity For to lead us to see Our elders lord. After further argument, in which the Third Shepherd suspects the Angel is "some spy, our sheep for to steal," the Angel himself reassure6 them and bids them- To Bethlehem go now right There shall you see in sight That Christ is born to-night To kever (recover) all mankind. They go, and tender their offerings—a bell from the First Shepherd, a flagon from the Second Shepherd, a cap from the Third, while Trowle offers his pipe. Trowle refers no more to his wage, and announces that lie forsakes his shep- herd's craft and will retire "to an anchorites here by." The First Shepherd prays to the Blessed Virgin, the Second Shepherd vow&- Unkind will I in no case bo But preach ever that I can. and the Third Shepherd takes a general fare- well. The Adoration of the Magi" (The Vintners' Playe).-The Magi or Three Kings arc repre- sented praying on a mountain in their own land for the appearance of the star spoken of by Balaam, which should be the sign of God's mercy to mankind. The petition of the First King to the Deity is one of the few poetical examples found in the three plays- Mighty God in majesty That ruletlfthe people of Judye When thou on man wilt have mercy And his sins for-bye, Send some tokening, Lord, to me, That same star that we may see That Balaam said should rise and be In his prophecy. Allowing for pardonable departures there is tnore adherence to the gospel narrative in this

STOP PRESS. I £ 70.000 DAMAGE i A fire at the wholesale warehouse of Messrs. Smith, Sons- and Lev]and. Glas- ) gow, to-day. caused 910,000 damage. SUFFOCATED AT LIVERPOOL. Andrew Nelson and his wife, elderly people, were suffocated this morning in a small fire at Devon-street. Liverpool. ALLEGED UNFIT FOOD. At the Gyildhall Police Court, London, to-day, application was made for an order of condemnation of 11,000 tins of mixed foods packed in cases bearing the stamp of a well-know American Canning Co, and which had been seired on the premises of a firm of auctioneers in Barbican, where the majority of the tins were catalogued for sale. It was stated the articles were totally unfit for. food, and that the whole consignment had been purchased from a dealer who said he bought the tins from the military authones at Pretoria and Johannesburg. One of the sanitary in- spectors stated that more than 100 tins were opened. The case was eventually ad- journed pending further instructions. AMERICAN PRESIDENT. MESSAGE TO CONGRESS. An Exchange Washington telegram statesPresident Roosevelt, in hie mes- sage to Congress, will indicate he is pre- pared to go to any length to prevent inter- national complications in connection with the Japanese incident, and will state the affair is discreditable to Americans as a nation and might be fraught with the gravest consequences. BIRMINGHAM MEETING. HANDICAP STEEPLECHASE.— Cinders, 1; David Grieve, 2; Laughing Water, 3. Ten ran. TAMWORTH SELLING STEEPLE- CHASE.—Funny Wag, 1; St. Jacut, 2; Kentshole, 3. Four Tan. i MAIDEN HURDLE.—Rift, 1; Fanny Fitz, 2; Kilgobbin, 3. Nine ran. I: I f!I

A choice of Cocoa to suit your taste. Either the most nutritious Or, a lighter and thinner and strength-giving drink, refreshing and stimulating. E S AEWA Ainh Grateful—Comforting, ? saaa BsSJSBS BB B BB A delicious drink and Welcome at any boar a sustaining food. of the day.

PROFITABLE PIG KEEPING.-The farm committee of the South Stoneham Union Work- house have submitted their annual balance-sheet for the year ended Michaelmas last of their pig- keeping account, and which shews a profit of £ 201. 5s. 6d. The balance-sheet is as follows:— Pigs in stock at Michaelmas, 1905, £ 55. lcs. pigs purchased during the year (ninety-seven) and pigs bred (thirty-throe), ESS. Is.; straw purchased, £15. 18s. 9d. n.eal, £1. lOa. 6d.; miscellaneous expenses, 9s. 6d.; profi t for the year, 201. 5s. 6d. total, £ 356. 0s. 3d. Pigs sold during the year (104), £ 282. 12s.; pigs killed and consumed in the house (seven), £19. 10s. 3d.; pig died (one) and pigs in stock at Michaelmas, 1906 (fifty-one), valued by the committee at 953. 18s. total, £356. Os. 3d. So jublilant are the guardians over the pig keeping account that they have resolved to erect five new pigsties at an estimated cost of P,50, the work to be done by the workhouse labour.

CHESTER RURAL EDUCATION COMMITTEE. « INCE SCHOOL DIFFICULTY. MRS. PARK-YATES'S DECISION. A meeting of the Administrative Sub-com- mittee for the Chester Union Area was held at the Education Offices, City-road, on Wednesday, Mr. R. T. Richardson presiding over a large attendance. The sub-committee considered the following resolution which had been passed by tho county authority:—"That with respect to the new Council school for the pari&hea of Inoo and Elton the statutory notice to be given, specify that provision be made in such school for the accommodation of 150 children, and further that the situation of the school be such as the Administrative Sub-committee for the district may determine." The Rev. C. C. Prichard said the matter con- cerned those people who knew the district best. It seemed foolish to have two bites at a cherry. When building a school for the Ince and Elton district it was obvious that they should include the townships of Thornton and Trafford in the districts to be served, and that a good, substantial school, if it was not an aggressive burden on the parishes should be built. The people in the four townships mentioned were intimately con- nected with each other, and if they built a school in a central position, say Elton Green, the district would be well served. If the school was built to serve only Ince and Elton, they would in a abort time require another school for Thornton and Trafford. It was a useless expenditure to build two schools when one would serve the purpose. The Chairman agreed, but added that the sub-committee had no power in the matter. He hoped they would be able to include Thornton in the school area before the Council school was built. Mr. Howitt, the acting director of education, said he took it that the sub-committee intended to provide a temporary school at present. If the school of Mrs. Park-Yates's was going to be closed immediately they must provide some- thing, if it was only a tin building. Mr. E. Dean did not think Mrs. Park-Yates would ever have interfered with the school if it had not been for their officials being so abrupt to her. The Rev. C. C. Prichard concurred. MRS. PARK-YATES INSULTED. The Chairman was afraid they had not arrived at the end of the Ince school question. He had received a letter from Mrs. Park-Yates stating that she had seen the report of the proceedings of the County Edu- cation Committee, and he (Mr. Richardson) would understand that there was only one thing left for her to do, and that was to close the school. It seemed to her to be unnecessary to spend a large sum of money for the school to be maintained if she was to be subjected to insults. The question demanded stronger measures in answering Dr. Hodgson, even if only as a matter of courtesy to her. Mr. Richardson explained that he meant his reso- lution, which was passed at the last meeting of the sub-committee, thanking Mrs. Park-Yates for her services in the cause of local education, was intended to include all similar donors, especially the Duke of Westminster. They owed a great debt of gratitude to all such landowners, who for a long time had built and maintained schools to the great advantage of the rate- payers. (Hear, hear.) Mrs. Park-Yates had acted throughout with great consideration for all concerned, so that no one should suffer by her action but herself. It was hard that people should make unjustifiable statements in regard to the case, and that Mrs. Park Yates should be even insulted by a member of the Education Committee who had not mastered the facts. The Chairman of the County Education Committee protested against the offensive remarks, and no sympathy was felt for any of those statements. He was not surprised that Mrs. Park-Yates had since decided to close the school. He thought the un- justifiable remarks were made under a misappre- hension. He very much regretted what had happened. The question now was what were they to do? It had been suggested that the children would not be any the worse for extra holidays. That committee had done their best for the teachers. Mr. Howitt said no official communication had been received stating that the school was being closed. They had to decide whether they would have to have a temporary iron building after three months had expired. He thought they would have to do this. The Rev. C. C. Prichard differed entirely from Mr. Howitt. He did not know whether they were in the hands of the officials of that com- mittee altogether, but they knew something about the district and the wishes of the in- habitants, who did not see the obvious necessity for building a temporary school. That might be the easiest way out of the difficulty, but it was the most expensive. The townships were very poor and felt the burden of the rates enormously. Since he came to Thornton twelve years ago the poor rates had doubled. It was quite possible if the officials would not shirk difficulties to find suitable buildings in the locality which could be used as a temporary school. Mr. Howitt explained that he meant they should erect a temporary building and ask the County Education Oommitte to pay for it out of the county fund. He thought this would be agreed to, as the temporary building could be removed to another district if required. The Hon. Cecil T. Parker: It will go on the rates all the same. The Chairman: On tho general rates, though. The Rev. C. C. Prichard, in answer to Mr. J. Minsholl, said he had informed the Director of Education of buildings where the school could be carried on temporarily. He believed the Primitivo Methodist Chapel at Elton was avail- able. Mr. Redman, the county inspector, said he had recently visited that building, and it was only 25ft. by 15ft., and was filled with furniture and fixtures, which could not be removed except by dismantling the building. There was no playground at hand. He could not hear privately of other suitable buildings at Ince or Elton. Mr. G-eo. Oooke said he had objected to the vote of thanks to .Mrs Park-Yates, but at the time ho did not think it included tihimln. to other donors in the oounty. Mrs. Park-Yates had behaved in a most autocratic way. The Chairman said the Education Committee had really token the matter out of their hands, and he was inclined to wash his hands of the responsibility after what they had done. The Hon, Cecil T. Parker: What will be the result if we defer the matter for a month? Mr, Howitt: The Education Committee will deal with it. Mr. Dobson agreed that if Mrs. Park-Yates had been approached in a proper way they would not have had any tioubLe. She had been asked to carry out most outrageous improvements. Mr. Dean said if Mrs. Park-Yates run the school on her own responsibility, after they had built a Council school, all the scholars would return to Mis. Park-Yates's school. Mr. Minshull moved, and Mr. Cooke seconded, that a sub-committee be appointed to provide temporary accommodation. The Hon. Cecil T. Parker moved an amend- ment that the matter be deferred for a month. lIe saw no reason for making temporary pro- 4 vision. The matter had been rushed in an al- most indecent way. Mr. Dobson seconded. On a vote being taken the amendment was carried by five votes to two. MICKLE TRAFFORD'S NEW SCHOOL. Tho Chairman explained that a sub-committee had examined the plans of seven architects for the new schools at Mickle Trafford, and they recommended that those of Mr. Arthur E. Jones, of too Spinney, Hunter-street, Chester, be accepted. On the motion of the Hon. Cecil T. Parker, seconded by Mr. Minshull, the sub-committee's recommendation was adopted. The Chairman added that the plans provided for the accommodation of 120 scholars, and it wa.s open to the committee to decide whether they should provide for 120 or 150 children. Their architect (Mr. Beswick) advised that they wouJd save 30 per oent. by providing now for 150 children instead of building a school to seat 120 children, and then extending it after- wards. After discussion, it was agreed that provision be made for 120 children. MIGRATORY CHILDREN. It was resolved to issue printed transfer forms to be filled up in connection with children mov- ing from one local school to the other. OVERCROWDING AT HOOLE. Mr. Howitt read the following letter from the alert to the County Council (Mr. Reginald Potte), with reference to the school accommoda- tion at Hoole: —In accordance with the request I have received from Mr. Redman, I have in- spected the trust deeds relating to an old school at Hootle, which is now used as a Mission-room, and I find that the premises are held upon trust that they shall be for ever appropriated and used as and for a school for the education of children and adults, or children only of the labouring, manufacturing and other poorer classes, and as a residence for the teacher or teachers of such schools, and for other pur- poses, the trust deed, however, providing that the school shall always be in union with and educated upon the principles and in furtherance of the needs and desires of the National Society for Promoting the Education of the Poor in the principles of the Established Church. I might add that Mr. Anderson, the vicar of Hoole, in forwarding nie the deeds, stated that in the year 1888, owing to the necessity of spending money in enlarging the school premises, which had become totally insufficient for the accommo- dation needed, the present boys' school was erected, and that as the playground attached thereto was very extensive, the school has re- cently been enlarged at very considerable ex- pense, and that the old school premises, in the year 1888, were utilised for the purposes of a Mission-room. He further stated that it was always considered that the managers of the school had provided for more than an equiva- lent for the present Mission-room. The Acting Director of Education (Mr. Howitt) wrote in reply, stating that he gathered that the trust deeds still held good, and that the old school, now used as a Mission-room, could be utilised for the purpose of meeting the in- sufficient accommodation at the present schools, if the committee felt disposed to adopt that course. Mr. Potts answered suggesting that his letter should be brought before the Administrative Sub- committee. Having regard to the fact that there appeared to be an educational trust still attached to the old school, now used as a Mission- house, Mr. Howitt should obtain the sub-com- mittee's instructions as to whether or not it should be suggested to the managers that the jrlission-room should be utilised for the purpose of providing additional accommodation, which, he understood, was required. Mr. Redman, in reply to the Chairman, said the Mission-room was at present used two or three days a week for mothers' meetings, etc. Mr. Minshull said be took it from the tone of Mr. Anderson's letter that when they built the Boys' School they were entitled to claim the old building for a Mission-room. The trust deeds, however, had to be got over. After further comment, it was resolved that the managers bo asked to take steps to utilise the Mission-room for educational purposes.

The competing architects have sent in their plans for the new buildings of the University College of North Wales, and Sir Aston Webb will visit Bangor this week to inspect the site and examine the plans. SULPHOLINE SKIN LOTION. The only effective remedy for SKIN TROUBLES Sulpholine quickly drives away Eruptions, Pimples, Eczema, Acne, Blackheads, and all Disfigurements, developing a fair, spot- less skin and beautiful complexion. Try Sulpho- line Lotion Shilling Bottle*.

GIMCRACK CLUB. The annual dinner of the Gimcrack Club was held in York on Friday, Colonel Hall Walker, M.P., who won the Gimcrack Stakes, being the chief guests Responding to his health, Colonel Hall Walker remarked that if any good reforms in the racing world were to be effected they could only be brought about by the Jockey Club, and that by their having additional sources of income. They might include in their duties the preservation of the horse breeding industry, acting in conjunction with the Royal Commission appointed on this subject. We did little for horse breeding compared- with what was done by other European countries. The one thing lacking before progress could be made was money. In this country of so-called free- dom, we could not adopt that simple French remedy, the pari mutuel. Our protective laws were all for our morals, and not for our pockets. (Hear, hear, and laughter.) By the time that State-aid was forthcoming, it would be another case of locking the stable door when the steed had gone, but a time would come when horses were urgently required for the necessities of war, and then the State would search for them in vain. (Hear, hear.) Viscount Downe, responding to the toast of the Jockey Club, expressed the pleasure that the Betting Bill had not passed. We should never stop betting; it had been going on from the beginning of the world. Men would be fools, and the best thing was to prevent them suffering too much from their folly. He gave jockeys fair warning, that if they continued to crowd each other on the rails some distinguished riderl would be suspended

The Rev. Frances Hayward Joyce, M.A. of 9, Abbey-sqnare, Chester, who died on the 25th September, left estate valued at £ 8,682 gross. Probate of his will has been granted to his widow, Mrs. Emily Joyce, of Abbey-square, Chester, probate having been renounced by his son. the Rev. Gilbert Cunningham Joyce, M.A., warden of St. Deiniol Hostel, Hawarden. of St. Deiniol Hostel, Hawarden.

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BIRKENHEAD'S WATER SCHEME. HOLYWELL WISHES TO PARTICIPATE. At Friday's meeting of the Holywell Rural Council a letter was read from the Urban Council with regard to the Birkenhead Cor- poration's scheme to obtain water from the river Alwen. The letter stated tha.t the Urban Council had had under consideration the do- sirability of asking the Corporation if they would be prepared to entertain an application to supply water to the town of Holywell in bulk. The Corporation main would pass Northop, in the Rural Council's area, and it might be to the mutual advantage of the two Council if an ar- rangement could be made to extend the mains in tbear direction. It was suggested a joint committee of the two Councils should meet to discuss the subject.—It was decided the clerk should obtain a copy of the Birkenhead Cor- poration's Bill, and that the matter should be further discussed.

ST. DEINIOL'S LIBRARY. » The Hawarden Parish Magazine" for December contains the following:—Though most of Ui) have heard of "the Fathers" as authorities on the interpretation of scripture and on the doctrine of the Church, probably few know more of them than that. It may be of interest, then, to say something about a complete set (Migne) of this literature, which has reoently been pur- chased for the library at the cost of JB505. It consists of the works of practically all the ex- tant Church write re throughout the world from the death of St. John to the century (13th) in which our parish church was built, collected into two seriee-Greek and Latin. It includes such great names as Origen, Ghrysostuin, Jerome, Augustine, Bede; but very many more besides, of whom most of us would be obliged to confess that we had never heard before. The depth and breadth of this storehouse of Christian thought are not to be gauged by any material measure; but an estimate may be formed of its length when we say that its 380 volumes placed side by aide will fill 57 feet of shelving. Another recent acquisition should be noted. Over the main entrance is to be seen the second of the four stone statues which are to adorn the build- ing. These are, it will be remembered, the great masters of thought and literature to whom Mr. Gladstone owed much—Aristotle, St. Augustine, Dante, and Bishop Butler. The Danto has been in its place for some time; it is the figure of St. Augustine that has just now arrived. It is tho gift of the Hon. Mrs. Henry Gladstone, and the work of Mr. A. G. Walker, the same artist who executed the Dante, and the statue of the Virgin and Child over the north door of the church. The great African faint and thinker is represented vested in alb. stole, and chasuble—his head bowed in earnest thought over the sacred cup which he holds in his hands and which symbolizes the mystery of divine, self-sacrificing love. Augustine was the theologian of salvation, devoting his great in- tellect to the interpretation of the redemptive power which so wonderfully changed, his own life from cultivated self-indulgence to no less cultivated salntllness. A fitting emblem this to place in the forefront of an institution, the purpose of which is the study of divine redemption.

HAVE YOU GOT YOURS? It is interesting to read, in so authoritative a periodical as the "Produce Markets' Review" that the great wave of enthusiasm respecting the food-value of Currants has not only spread with notable rapidity over Germany, but is making itself felt in Holland, America and Aus- tralia. It should be & matter for national con- gratulation that our British merchants, fore- seeing the inevitable consequences of a rather short currant-crop, and an enormously increased demand for this most wholesome fruit-food, bought in our homo stocks at tho earliest possible moment; thus averting the high prices that would otherwise have obtained. Currant cookery continues to be as popular as ever, and the demand for Currant Recipes has boon great almost beyond belief. Your grocer has a delightful little book to give you—"Currants: A Few Tasty Recipes." It will prove a real help in your home. Get it to-day,

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MUSICAL SOCIETY'S CONCERT. On Tuesday evening the second subscription oonoert of the Chester Musical Society was held in the Music Hall, and music-loving Cestri ans attanded in good numbers to enjoy the excellent programme which Dr. J. 0. Bridge had ar- ranged. It opened with the overture "Don Giovanni" (Mozart) by the orchestra, under the direction of Dr. Bridge, and the performance was much admired. Then came the principal event of the performance appertaining to the Musical Society—"Hiawatha's Wedding Feast," a musical setting to Longfellow's poem by S. Coleridge-Taylor. The chorus throughout was excellent, and admirably balanced, and a notable feature was that every word was sung distinctly—a most essential fea- ture in chorus work, but one, it must be ad- mitted, that is too often neglected; necessita- ting as it does careful attention to the phrasing of words in order that each syllable shall be sung simultaneously by every voice. Mr. Louis Godfrey, who is a member of the Folk-Song Quartette, sang the tenor solo admirably, though we think his work in the quartette suited his voice better. Dr. Bridge had under his baton an excellent orchestra, and when the accom- paniment, rising from pianissimo to crescendo, brought the cantata to a close, the loud and enthusiastic applause shewed how much the whole had been appreciated and enjoyed. The chorus also gave a spirited sea song entitled "A Rover Shanty," one of those traditional songs sung by sailors while engaged in hauling up the sails, written by A Con-n Doyle and composed by Sir C. V. Stanford. Mr. Walter Hatton's violoncello solo in the Concerto by Saint-Saens (Op. 33), which opened the second part of the programme, met with a most cordial reception. The first movement opened vigorously, and it was soon evident that Mr. Hatton was a master of the instrument. The theme then changed to a delightful pianissimo introduced by the orchestra, afterwards taken up by the 'cello, and this movement was the prettiest feature of the Concerto. Next followed quite a little tremolo study, gradually rising up into the Meno Mosso ed Allegro Molto, and at the finish the soloist received quite an ova- tion from his delighted audience. Mr. A. Fos- ton Ferguson, the baritone member of the Folk- Song Quartette, contributed five sea songs com- posed by Sir C. V. Stanford. Mr. Ferguson's voice was certainly not so suited to ballad sing- ing as to glees, lacking that resonance which is especially acceptable in a sea song. We must, however, make an exception of his rendition of the last of the five songs, "The Old Superb," which was by far his greatest suocoss, the quick time and short notes proving more accommoda- ting to his register than the long-drawn notes of his other songs. The capital swing with which this went, and the effect of the members of the Musical Society joining in the chorus, took the house by storm, and he was enthusiastically en- cored. A pleasant variety was imparted to the programme by the orchestra playing a Suite of five movements (by Bizet), opening with the marah "Trampette et Tambour," and conclud- ing with the pretty galop "La BaL" These first and last movements were perhaps the most enjoyed. The introduction of the Folk-Song Quartette was a slight departure from custom at these concerts, and their performance relieved the chorus of a great part of the evening's enter- tainment, the work of the latter upon this occa- eion being decidedly short compared with the elaborate chorus work entailed by the produc- tion of such oratoria as the "Messiah" and "Elijah." The innovation must be voted an unqualified success, for the charming maimer and ease with which the quartette went through their selection of Folk-Songs, and the excellent balance of the parts, were highly pleasing and a welcome change from ballad-singing. The quartette was composed of Miss Beatrioe Spen- cer (soprano), Miss Florenoo Christie (contralto), Mr Louis Godfrey (tenor), and Mr. A. Foxton Ferguson (baritone). Their first- performance comprised five songs. The two first were "Vergebens" (arranged by Max Reger) and "Wiegenlied" (arranged by B. A. Lidgey), both German. Although the singing of these in a foreign tongue lessened to some extent their appreciation, they were most tuneful, the second being a delightful soprano air to an accompaniment formed by the contralto, tenor and bass, somewhat resembling the sound of moaning wind. "Wiegenlied" was so much ap- preciated that at the conclusion of the five songs its repetition was selected for the encore, which was loudly demanded by the audience. The third, a Russian song. "Do, my Love" (ar- ranged by Percy Godfrey), was a very pleasing little piece, written in quick time, and was followed by "The Meeting of the Waters," a characteristic Irish song arranged by W. H. Harris, the opening bar of which reminded one of the familiar "On the Banks of Allan Water." It is a delightful composition, full of that sweetness which characterises most Irish songs, and was sung with an effectiveness which can only be acquired by careful study of vocal combination. In the last item, a Scotch song. "There's nae Luck," the contralto was given a prominent part, and the setting for the four voices was much more intricate, as was also the time; but their complete mastery of the art of part-singing enabled them to perform it with perfect ease. Their second seleotion of songs was of a much lighter vein, being "Eight Nursery Rhymes" by H. Walford Davios, accompanied upon the pianoforte by Dr. Bridge. The two most favourably received were, perhaps, "Thomas and Annis," being a playful narration of the wooing of the latter by the former, and "If all the Seas were one Sea." effect of such beautiful music being set a nursery rhyme being so enjoyable that almost deafening applause greeted its completion, the Quartette having to respond with a repetition. Two other of their songs, 'The Bailiff's Daughter of Islington" and "Come. Lasses and Lads," were also very pleasing, and these brought to a close one of the most popular and successful concerts ever given under the auspices of the Chester Musical Society.

Without offence to the religious opinions of people?" My answer to that is that each man can only be a judge for himself. There are sure to be people who will object to them. A great many people would not feel they were at all irreverent. If there are others who feel their religious life was not helped by being present, the remedy is in their own hands." "They need not go." "No." As the interview closed, Mr. Benson said: "It reminds me of the Quaker lady who went to see a Shakespearian play. She was an old lady of sixty and lived out in the country, up in the hills, and she had never been to the theatre before in her life. When the play was over she knelt down and prayed. Well, I thought it was the greatest compliment ev--r paid to the genius of Shakespeare." What waa the play, may I ask?" ) H I forget, but I believe it was 'Macbeth. I Mr. Benson inquired with interest as to the general opinion of the citizens of Chester regard- ing the revival of the Mystery Plays, and waving away an expression of thanks for the courtesy of the interview, he wished our representative a hearty Good-morning and returned to his work. ARCHDEACON'S CRITICISM. The Archdeacon of Chester, who has taken a deep and active interest in the proposed re- vival of the Chester Mystery Plays, has given to an "Observer" representative his impressions of Thursday's representations in the Music Hall. "I wish," he remarked, "that those who have declared their opposition to the acting of these plays could have been induced to go and witness the representation yesterday. As o there are probably eome people who may imagine that I was already biassed in favour of the plays, I should 'have preferxed you to publish the frank opinions of others who are, so to speak, outsiders in this matter. Those 1 who object to stage representations of religious subjects are, of course, entitled to their views, which must be respected; and I am diffident about making publio a personal impression of the work of the English Drama Society yester- day which might be taken as intending to in- fluence others. I think, in the first place, the representation of these plays ought not to be styled a performance. I was present in the evening, when the attendance was larger than in the afternoon, and I was certainly impressed, as everyone must have been, with the devo- tional and reverent character of the acting, and the manner in which the audience seemed to bo held throughout the proceedings. The stag- ing and acting were simple, dignified and im- pressive. From the quiet and reverential de- meanour of the audience it was evident that they regarded the representation as some- thing different from a mere spectacle or theatrical performance, and the attendance had a profound resemblance to a Church congrega- tion. Not only were they perfectly quiet and attentive during the acting, but their conduct during the intervals was also very different! from that which is familiar at a concert. The text of the plays had been most carefully re- vised, and though no material alterations have been made to change the character of the plays, there was nothing at all which could offend any- body in the words used. The actors were reverent and dignified, and I saw nothing which was calculated to hurt the most sensi- tive conscience. The Archdeacon added that the Bishop of Chester had intimated his inability to be pre- sent at the plays owing to an engagement in London, but stated that he hoped to have three representatives present. SOME PRESS OPINIONS. The following are somo Press opinions on the plays: "Tho Morning Post" says "the performance revealed on the part of the actors an intelli- gent appreciation of the aim and purpose of the Mysteries." "The staging accommodation at the Music Hall is limited, but this circumstance, usually a disadvantage, helped to a truer realisa- tion of the original performances when movable wagons formed the stages." The "Daily Telegraph" says:—"The Angel Gabriel and the Virgin Mary were among the oharaoters in the first play, but acted, as the parts were, with a high tone of sustained rever- ence and dignity, there was nothing in the in- troduction of such sacred personages to outrage the feelings of the most pious spectator. The "Standard" says:—"The actors main- tained a high tone of reverence throughout, and there was nothing in the representation to do violence to the most sensitive conscience." High praise ( tho "Manchester Courier") must be given to the English Drama Society for its reverent and artistic production, at the Music Hall, yesterday, of the Mystery Plays. All who are responsible for this production must be congratulated. The archaism of the original is sufficiently kept; the staging and the acting are simple, dignified and impressive; and the sacred character of the scenes remembered and reproduced.. The "Manchester Guardian," in a lengthy and interesting critique, remarks:—"The actors had been shrewdly trained; they moved and posed with a contained simplicity, keeping gesture well down, and a serious, austere delivery of the lines was almost universal. The total effect of tho threo brief scenes, in spite of the middling quality of the verse, was surprisingly impressive and handsome, and the audience—a typical Eng- lish cathedral city audience—seemed to beheld. Probably the plays were never either acted or heard so reverently before. Chester may cer- tainly go ahead with the whole cycle without the slightest fear of hurting the tendcrest. It was not an afternoon's play going, but it was an afternoon's pleasure, and it will be the greatest pity if its success, which was distinct and genuine, does not lead its organisers to go forward with the larger enterprise." The "Daily Mail" says the dominant note was reverenoa. The "Liverpool Courier" expresses the opinion that there was nothing irreverent or jarring in the production. Tho "Liverpool Daily Post and Mercury" says the fear of too Dean and others lest the sacred themes might suffer degradation from their materialisation upon the stage happily proved groundless. The "Daily Express" speaks of the perform- ance as "an unqualified sueocss." THE BOOK OF WORDS. At the price of Is. Messrs. Phillipson and Golder have published an attractiive book con- taining the three Mystery Plays performed on Thursday. Dr. J. C. Bridge contributes an appreciative historical introduction and in- teresting notes.