Cheshire Observer

LOCAL & GENERAL NOTES. -1 -— The Earl of Chester's Imperial Yeomanry Point-to-Point Races brought together a large number of county families, and the gathering was a huge success. The Duke of Westminster repeated his performance of last year by winning two races. His Grace rode with great judgment, and there could be no doubt as to the popularity of his victories. A remarkable record was achieved by Mr. C. B. Ismay at the Wirral Hunt Point-to-Point Races on Saturday. Mr. Ismay himself won two races, one of his horses, ridden by Captain Hobson, came in first in another race, and a horse belonging to Mrs. C. B. Ismay ran a dead heat for first place in the last race. It was quite an Ismay day. The death of Mr. J. P. Cartwright removes from our midst what was a few years ago one of the most strenuous figures in Chester. Mr. Cart- wright was always a strong fighter, and when he and Mr. Ohurton were on opposite sides in the police or county court the public were generally sure of a lively skirmish. Had he continued in the Town Council deceased would have been one- of the oldest members of that body. He first entered the Council Chamber in 1869, and had occupied a seat there almost continuously until 1898. It was an open secret that the Radical members of the Council had never forgiven Mr. Cartwrlght's con- version to Unionism, and when the opportunity came they daprived him of his Aldermanio robes. A man of his high-spirited t-empcrament oould not fail to feel this acutely, and another heavy blow -was his defeat in a recent law action, concerning which general sympathy was felt for him. It would be no exaggeration to say that this unfortu- nate affair killed Mr. Cartwright. Our tramway critic, Ratepayer," is badly off the rails again, and it would require considerable space in our columns to set him right on all the points raised in his last latter. His inference, however, that the Tramways are obtaining electricity at less than cost price must not pass unchallenged. If Ratepayer" will install an electric motor and take his current from the Corporation in large quantities, he will get it even more cheaply than the Tramways Committee, probably for lid. per unit, If these terms can be given to a private consumer of energy, there must be a considerable- margin of profit when the trams are charged lid. per unit. We really cannoc understand what our correspondent is driving at in his argument about bank interest; there is no bank interest in connection with this matter, beyond the ordinary current account. It is early yet to speculate as to the revenue of the, trams, but in a few weeks we hope to be able to prove from actual receipts that our correspondent's calculations are absurdly under the mark. The Hoole District Council elections have ended pr etty muc h according to anticipations, in wie discomfiture of the Ratepayers' Association. The "wise men of the East" Ward returned Messrs. Dobson and Woollam with a combined vote of 322, as against 2G3 cast for the two Ratepayers' Association nominees, Messrs. Crowder and Ellis. In the West Ward Mr. William Williams was placed at the top of the poll with the handsome total of 263 votes, Mr. Pinnington gaining the second place and seat with 189 votes, while Mr. Walton followed with 166. Mr. Pinnington was here the nominal Ratepayers' Association candidate, but it is scarcely fair to acclaim his success as an Associa- tion victory. Matters were somewhat mixed in the West Ward, and it is an open secret that a considerable number of the opponents of the Association's policy split their votes between Messrs. Williams and Pinnington. Mr. Walton seemed to stand rather as an independent candi- date, and there is good reason for the belief that, had the opponents of amalgamation chosen to run a candidate along with Mr. Williams, they could have carried him. It was, as we remarked on a former occasion, strange that the Ratepayers' Association wobbled over the burning subject of amalgamation with the city. The Association was launched to fight the battle for amalgamation, indeed, with the exception of minute trivialities and person- alities, it seemed to have no other object in existence. Yet last week the spokesmen of that body deliberately endeavoured to burke the subject, by asserting that it was not at present the issue before the electors. They doubtless had the beat possible reason for this shuffling, for they must have perceived, as others engaged in the contest perceived, that the feeling of the district was strongly opposed to such a policy. The ratepayers have once more returned their verdict emphatically against the policy of going over to the city, and the Katep.yers' Association has sustained another reverse. In the lively proceedings that followed the declaration of the poll, Mr. Woollam entered a protest against what he described as the screw" of the Rate- payers' Association, and although Mr. Humphreys mada a eble attempt to deny the existence of this species of coercion, Mr. Crowder rather lent colour to the assertion by his declaration that the t,. ople of Hoole would have to become ainalgamitors whether they liked it or not. The sooner the better they went into Chester. He did not care whether they liked it." The avowed aim of the Ratepayers' Association is to convert the people of Hoole to the doctrine of amalgamation, but this is surely not the wisest way to secure converts. We understand that the London and North- Western Railway Company have arranged to deliver the London newspapers at Chester on Good Friday about 10.30 on that morning. In the ordinary course, as the Euston News- paper Express does not connect from Crewe to Holyhead, nor the day Irish Mails run on that day, the service of trains being therefore fewer than even on Sunday, these papers would not, except for this arrangement, reach Chester till 3.40 p. LU. The travelling public will be well advised to study the time-tables and notices specially issued (if any can be found conspicuously and properly posted 1), of the train services in and around Chester, during the Easter holiday period. Some of the main line trains and dining cars are dis- continued, and there are other minor alterations. The advent of Easter and the near approach I of the tourist season prompt the speculation whether the admirable suggestion recently made in the Town Council by Mr. D. L. Hewitt, regarding tourist tickets issued to Chester, is likely to bear fruit this summer. To the non- railway man it seems inexplicable that a city of the size and attractions of Chester, served by three important railway companies, should be studiously left out in the cold, so far as the issue of tourist tickets is concerned. The mystery deepens, when it is considered that the shoals of excursionists and tourists from Man- chester, Liverpool, Birmingham and other populous places have actually to pass through Chester Station on their way to North Wales, while many of them have actually to change carriag at this point. With regard to cheap bookings, a flagrant injustice is done to Chester by the system that obtains at Rhyl. From that resort during the season excursions are run to Liverpool on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, and people desiring to visit Chester on these days have to take a Liverpool ticket, costing 3s. 9d. The only day on which an excursion is run from Rhyl to Chester is Thursday, whereas all the excursionists to Liver- pool have to pass through Chester on their way. Why should not the railway company include Chester in their frequent cheap bookings from Rhyl Lo Liverpool ? The people of Llandulas and Old Colwyn are even worse off, for the single excursion run during the week to Chester from these places is on Wednesday afternojn, starting at 3.30, and Wednesday afternoon is a half-holiday in Chester, 1010 that the shopkeepers miss the custom of these visitors. From the same places excursions run to Liverpool on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and there seems no reason why Chester should not have its excursion on one of these days. That 8ur city does not got quite fair play at the hands of the railway companies is apparent from a statement made by a Cestrian, who, travelling to Rhyl first-class, on a half-sovereign ticket, found in the same compartment a gentleman who was travelling from Birmingham to the same spot f jr seven shillings and sixpence. With respect to tourist tickets, the people of Chester have a genuine grievance. The Cor- poration has been endeavouring to make the city more attractive for visitors, a beginning has just been made in advertising its advantages, but all these efforts must prove unavailing, if the rail- way companies stubbornly refuse to issue tourist tickets and cheap bookings at week-ends and other times. Even a place of the size and "attractions" of Mold is placed on the tourist tst, and Chester ignored. It is true that many tourist tickets to North Wales permit the holder to break the journey at Chester, but this arrangement socures only a fleeting visit. What is required is an induce- ment to people to spend their holidays here, and the citizens, like the baby in it-he saponaceous advertisement, won't be happy till they get it. The only stipulation to be made is that the tourist tickets, when they are issued, shall be of some real advantage, not like those from Chester to Prestatyn, costing five shillings, whereas, if single fares were used, the cost of the double journey would be only 4s. 5d. One remarkable feature in this connection is that, while the English railway companies boycott Chester, some of the Scotch companies include this city in their tourist list, notably the Caledonian and North British. What can be the reason for the boycott ? The diminution of crime in Cheshire as shewn by the light calendar at the Quarter Sessions is a matter for much satisfaction. At the Adjourned Quarter Sessions at the Castle there were only three prisoners for trial, and Sir Horatio Lloyd said this was almost unique so far as his experience went. It is difficult, as Sir Horatio Lloyd has frequently pointed out, to account for the lfuctuations of crime, but when the alteration is on the right side we need not be too particular as to the cause.

LOCAL NEWS. I CHESTER CATHEDRAL. I SKRVICE LIST FOR WREK COMMENCING APKILIO. I GOOD FRIDAY, AIT.SL. IUTII. Afoining, 8.0 Idtany and Huly Communion. tGollucUon tor the Diocesan House of Mercy.) lo. 15 Service in Monotone hymn O1. (Collection for Llle Diocesan House of Mercy.) ix-3 Service of Three Hours; preacher the Itcv. F. C. N. Hicks, M.A. Eve-iintf, 4.15 Service, Karrant in U minor cnoraie, "O Thou whose head" (Bach). T.oO Special Service Willi Sermon preacher, the Kev. J. M. New, M.A. hymns 184, x6i. SATURDAY, AFRIX, 11TH (Easter liven). Morning, 8.0 Hoiy Communion. 10. [5: Service hymn 1^4. Evening, 4.16: Processional hymn, liiij; Service, Bridge in O anthem, On the Cross" (J. F. Bridge)L SUNDAY AI-RIL 12TH (faster Day). Morning, 7.45: Litany and Holy Communion. 10.3u PrOcebôlùIHU hymn, 131 Service, Smart in F intioit hymn 819 choral cele- bration (Harwood in A flat) preacher, the Dean. Evening, J. JIJ: Processional hymn ms; Service. Smart in > anthems Behold 1 shew" and "Worthy is the Lamb" (Handel); hymn 5u4. 6.z;u Processional hymn, 137 ber- vice, Hopkins in F hymns lo4, 141, 5oil; preacher, the Lord Bishop. Hallelujah Chorus.

The Duke of Teck and his brothers are to spend Easter at Saighton Grange. As Mrs. Garnett Botfield was driving from Bishop's Castle to Shrewsbury a few days ago, the carriage pole became detached and the horses bolted. Mrs. Garnett-Botheld alighted in safety, but the coachman was thrown to the ground, and the carriage wheels passed over his legs, liappily without injuring him severely. The horses ran into a wall at Hope, five miles away, and here they were brought to a standstill. The carriage was wrecked and the horses were much injured. The Rev. William Bishton Garnett-Botfield, J.P., of Decker Hill, Shifnal, Salop, and the Union Club, Lord of the Manor of Houghton, who died on January 11, leaving an estate of the value íof 941,239 Os. 5d., of which £ 39,143 4s. 4d. is nett personalty, bequeathed X50, the family portraits, and certain presentation plate to his son William Egerton Garnett-Botlield, of The Hut, Bishop's Castle other plate and furniture to his son Walter Dutton and his daughter Grace Catherine E200 each to the children of his brother Alfred, 950 for distribution among his servants, and B20 each to his sisters-in-law AliceGilmour and Elizabeth Campbell. Having in his lifetime appointed one-sixth of the funds of his marriage settlement each to his children Lucy Sophia Bard well, Annie Augusta Aldersey, and Charles Ramsey, he further appointed one- ) six ch thereof to his children Walter Dutton and j Gmce Catherine an d the remaining one-sixth to his children, except his son William. The residue of his property is to he divided among his children, except his son William, who is amply provided for. Lord and Lady Trevor have given up 4, Audley- square, and returned to Brynkinalt, Chirk. The Earl and Countess of Shaftesbury were among the guests accompanying the Marquis and Marchioness of Londonderry, who have arrived at Mount Stewart. Lady Kathleen Cole also arrived in Ireland on Saturday. We are glad to learn that the Duchess of Westminster continues to make satisfactory progress towards convalescence. Mrs. Cornwallis-West is still staying with her Grace at Monte Carlo. The Duke came home on Sunday in order to attend the Yeomanry Point-to-Point Races on the following day. Mrs. James Tomkinson's dance at 45, Lennox- gardens will be on Tuesday, the 28th inst., instead of on the 4th of May, as previously announced. The late Mr. Thomas Ward, of Wadebrook House, Northwich, managing director of the Salt Union, chairman of the British &Jt Association, and a member of the Weaver Trust, who died on the 18th February last, aged 67 years, has left estate of the grosslvalue of EG,877, with net personalty £ 2,975. A marriage has been arranged between Major James Aspinall Turner, J.P., Lancashire Fusiliers, only son of William Turner, Over H.?i, Cheshire, and Tros-yr-A von, Beaumaris, grandson of the late Tames Aspinall Turner, M P. for Manchester, and Dorothy Vernon, third daughter of Harry Clegg, J.P., D.L.. Plas Llanfair, Anglesey. Lord Roberts on Wednesday made his official inspection of the troops stationed at Whittington Barracks, Lichfield. He was accompanied by Lieut. General Sir T. Kelly-Kenny, Major General Hallam Parr, Commanding, Colonel Courtenay, Assistant Adjutant General, and Major Oxley, Deputy Assist- ant Adjutant General of the North- Western District, and was received by Colonel Kentish and Staff. Lieutenant-Colonel H Bowles, C.B., who is connected with a well-known Cheshire family, was placed on half pay on Saturday after twenty-six years' service. He is decorated for the Nile expedition. 1884-5 the Tirah campaign, 1897-8, and the Boer War, 1899, 1900-01-02. He was mentioned in dispatches for each c3.IlIP,âgn and has twice received brevet promotion. He was wounded near Paardeberg. DEATH FROM APOPLI.).Y.Nir. T. C. Bate held an inquest at the Workhouse on Monday, on the body of an inmate named James Thompson, aged 66 years, who died suddenly on Sunday.—Dr Archer said death was probably due to apoplexy, and a verdict to this effect was returned. ORDER FOR A LOCAL TRADESMAN.—The handsome gold key which was presented to Earl Roberts on his opening of the new Drill Hall at Wrexham, was manufactured and designed by Mr.. W. Butt, goldsmith, of this city, through his Wrexham branch. The key bore the arms of the borough in enamel on shield and also the inscription. The design was most handsome and effecti ve. COMMERCIAL TRAVELLERS' ASSOCIATION. — The first ballot for life governors under the new scheme of the Chester and North Wales Commercial Travellers' Association took place at Chester on Saturday, and resulted in the election of the following :-M:essrs J. Howell Jones, Chester E. F. Greaves, Birmingham Thomas Owen, Chester; and J. P. M'CulIag-h, Belfast. SPRING FLOWEltS.-The members of the Chester Paxton Society and others have arranged to hold an exhibition of spring lfowers in the Grosvenor Museum on Wednesday and Thursday, 15th and 16th inst.. when a fine display of daffodils and other hardy flowers, its well as indoor flowers, is anticipated. The exhibition will be formally opened on the first day by Captain MacGillycuddy, Bache Hall, who is the president of the Paxton Society for the year. FIRST DUE SALMON. In accordance with an interest- ing custom, the Rector of St. Mary's, Chester, (the Rev. H. Grantham), hasawarded as a prize, half-a-ton of coal to John and Joseph Bellis, two Haudbridge fishermen, residing at River View, Greenway- street, for capturing the first salmon iii the Dee this season. The fish, which was caught on Monday, | weighed It)ilb., and is one of the most perfect salmon caught in the Dee for many years. A Connah's Quay fisherman captured one which turned the scales at 251b., while Mr. J. C. Edwards, fishing in the Llangollen Preserve, landed with rod and line a fish which weighed 151b. FIRE AT PICTO-N.-About four o'clock on Monday afternoon the Chester Fire Brigade was called out to a fire at Lower Farm, Picton. in the occupation of Mr. Thomas Owens. The brigade, who were under Capt. Williamson, Supt. Shone and Sergt Roberts, found the building well alight, both the structure and the contents burning furiously. The manual engine was put into operation, and with the aid of a good supply of water from a brook, the brigade prevented the flames from spreading on either side. The damage was between £ 300 and £ 400, and is supposed to have been caused by children playing with matches. It is covered by insurance. ROYALTY THEATRE.—This week the boards have been occupied by Wilson Barrett's powerful play, The Manxman, founded on Hall Caine's famous novel, which has been presented by Mr. Alfred B. Cross and company. The play has been witnessed by appreciative audiences, who followed the thrilling situations with the keenest attention. Mr. Cross gave a masterly interpretation of the part of the humble peasant hero, Pete, and was ably supported by the Misses Annie Stalman, Mary Stafford Smith. Leslie Adair, Florence Lindley and Kitty Lindley Messrs. W. L. Waide, R. A. Hunt. C. H. Ogden, W. Wallace, C P. Carlton, W. Sefton, F. H. Morton, and W. Fielding. Next week there will be a special Easter attraction in the engagement of Mr. Arthur Roberts and his company. CHESTER PUBLIC LIBRARY.—The following is tile return of the issue of books for the week ending Saturday, 4th April, 1903:-Lending department: Religion and philosophy, 3; sociology. 3; arts, sciences, and natural history, 37; history, biography, geography, and travels, 48; poetry and the drama, 8; prose fiction, 918; miscellaneous literature, 2LJ juvenile literature, 149 total, 1,195. Reference department: Religion and philosophy. 20; sociology, 0; arts, sciences, and natural history, 57; history, biography, geography, and travels, 25; poetry and the drama, 5; encyclo- paedias, dictionaries. &c., 196 miscellaneous litera- ture, 23; total, 32G; combined total, 1,521; daily average (lending department), 239 daily average (reference department), 65; combined daily average, 304. CITY-ROAD WESLEYAN P.S.A.-Sunday being .the eleventh anniversary special attractions were provided for the occasion. The Mayor of Chester .(Dr. Roberts) occupied the chair. The society were extremely fortunate in securing the services of the Rev. James Travis (President of the National Free Church Council) as speaker. He delivered a stirring address on the subject of Brotherhood." The special soloist for the day was Miss Violet Monk, who charmed her hearers by her faultless rendering of "The Promise of Life "and "Abide with me." Prayer was offered by the Rev. Thomas Hollis, and the lesson was read by a student from Didsbury College. Mr. R Butterworth presided at the organ with his usual ability. There was a crowded congregation and the anniversary proved a great success. P.S.E. TEMPERANCE HALL.—On Saturday Mr. J. T. Partington occupied the chair, and in the course of a brief address, gave some interesting particulars as to the results of the new Licensing Act. The programme had, been provided by Miss Annie Ellis. Several instrumental selections were given by the orchestral party, Misses W. Hughes, Cook, K. and J. Rowley and Mr. Taylor. Solos were ably sung by Miss Lena Adams and Mr. J. W. Hughes. Twickenham Ferry" and In Old Madrid were effectively given by Miss G. Coventry and Mr. Miller respectively. An amusing duett, The Naggletons was contributed by Miss Lena Adams and Mr. Walmsley, and heartily encored. Another duett, Excelsior" was pleasingly rendered by Messrs. Miller and Walmsley. Humorous readings were given by Mr. Armstrong, and -Air. Miller also contributed a humorous song, March of the Men of Garlic," and a special feature of the programme was a trio in character, "Three Maids of Lee." Much amusement was created by the able way in which Misses E. Hughes, L. Adams, and N. Laing personated the maids. MISFORTUNES NEVER COME SINGLY."—Tho truth of this proverb was emphasised at the Infirmary this week, when, after being free from a case of accident for some time, they had four within two days. The first case came on Sunday morning, when a man named James Woods, belonging to Sanger's Circus, was admitted with a severe cut in ??i. leg, which he had sustained by falling into the spokes of a moving wheel on a wagon. The same day a cyclist, named Alfred Donne, entered the hospital with a fractured skull and broken collar bone. He had been enjoying a spin on his wheel, and had been run into from behind by a fellow cyclist. The next unfortunate person was fitting in a telephone in a house on Wrexliam-road. A flasn of electricity severely burnt his face, and he had to be taken to the Infirmary. His name was McGumness. The same day, a boy named Alfred Weaver, about 15 years of age, was working on Mr. Samuel Lightfoot's farm, Claughton, with some horses. One ran away. and it is supposed kicked the lad and fractured the base of the skull. This boy made the fourth case. All the victims of the accidents are doing well. MB. YERBUK<;H AND STFEPLKCHASING. — Mr. Robert Yerburgh, M.P., was present and had the pleasure of winning one of the events at the Bar Point-to-Point Steeplechases on Saturday in the beautiful park of Slyfield, which Mr. M. D. Rucker had put at the disposal of the Pegasus Club. The Bar Heavy Weight Race for Mr. YnrlJUrgh':} Challenge Cup was won by Mr. W. F. P. Phillpott's Cromaboo. and in the Bar Light-Weight Race for Mr. Yerburgh's Challenge Cup Mr. H. G. Farrant landed his six-year-old chestnut, Red Hall, a meritorious winner. The great race of the meeting was the Inns of Court Open Plate, for the Lockwood Challenge Cup. This produced a very pretty struggle, and charming was the view from near the finish as the eight com- petitors streamed across country along the circular course that had been so deftly flagged out by the stewards. Two horses refused the third hedge, though all got safely over the perils of the second. and Mr. Yerburgh's Briar, well-ridden by Mr R. R. Reeve, soon began to shew in front. Mr. Wylde, however, riding his chestnut, Rushmoor II., refused to be shaken off and the finish resolved itself into a splendid tussle between these two, in which Briar, always keeping a bit in hand, proved successful by three-quarters of a length. CHESTER GLEE Cum. The closing smoking concert of the season took place on Tuesday evening. It was in every way most successful, and formed an appropriate wind-up to a long chain of first-class concerts. During a short interval the president, Mr. J. H Jones, congratulated the conductor, pianist and performing members on the successful season, and especia.lly for the very great treat they had provided in their special performance of "The Martyrs." He was supported by the vice-president, Mr. G. F. Wynne, and the remarks were received with acclamation by the audience. The conductor, Mr. Butterworth, who was received with "For lie's a jolly good fellow," replied reified to th0, ow'iY'y of the performing members. The following \¡: the piogrumme Songs, by Mr. H. C. Houghton, The last mile- stone"; Mr. W. A. Hopton, "The wreck of the Hesperus" and "Tho diver"; Mr. H. M. Stone, "If all the young maiden-,4 Mr. J. H. Ditchburn, "The sweetest flower" and "Mynheer Van Dnnck"; Mr. Sydney Brown, "The carrier dove" and "My Pretty Jane"; Mr. W. Davies, "Mid the hush of the corn"; Mr. J. Thompson, "Down in the deep"; Mr. Loui Parry, "It's a marvel how he does it" and I Von ca,n't hit him" Mr. W. H. Hallmark gave a couple of recitations. Mr. Hilton provided grama- phone selections. The choir performed the follow- ing glees, &c. How sweet, how fresh, Song of the Pedlar," Crowned with clusters," two choruses from the Martyrs," Mr. W. E. Snelson giving a solo from the same work. Mr. R. Butterworth was conductor, and Mr. R. Thomas pianist. The concert closed with "Auld Lang Syne" and the national anthem. CHESTER AND DISTRICT SKIN DISPENSARY.—The Treasurer of the Chesttr Skin Dispensary desires to acknowledge £15, the proceeds of a concert given by the Brython Male Voice Choir, per Mr D. Hughes, Lord-street, Boughton. NATIONAL UNION OF TEACHKRS. The local delegates to the Easter conference at Buxton are: Mr. Barker, Saighton Miss Hartley, Miss Croft, and Mr. Connell, Connah's Quay; -Nlcssrs. Bebbing- ton, Pulford; Davies, Waverton; Lloyd and Lockett, Chester; Sumner, Norley; and Turner, Eccleston. QUEEN-STREET P.S.A.—The chair was occupied by Mr. Alarnot. The Rev. D. W. Evans, intro- duced Kev Dr. Pierson of America. Dr. Pierson referred to tile initials P. S.A., and recommended the brotherhood to adopt them individually into their lives as Christians, as representing piety, sympathy and activty. Mrs. Hayea and I)oci(i sang two due)M, "Sowing to the Spirit" and Saved by Grace." Messrs. L- den and Pullen also assisted, and Mr. Skeldon officiated at the organ "CLARION" GUILD OF liANDICRIFT. -Under the auspices of this Guild, an interesting exhibition will be opened at the Assembly Rooms, Aewgate-sti-eet, Cnester, on Good Friday, and will be continued on Saturday and Easter Monday. The opening fuuctiou will be performed by Mr. Walter Crane, and the exhibition will be re-opened on Saturday by Mr. Robert Biatchford tN unquam), and on Monday by the cJouutess of WarwieK. In order to support the event the National Clarion" Cvcling Club, it is stated, will meet at Chester. w. THE LATE MR. L"DMLJNJ) L. -Before proceeding with the ordinary business of the Overton (Flint; Petty Sessional Court, on Saturday, Air. Howard, the chairman, referred to the death of Mr. dlllUlld Peel, m whom they had lost a kind friend, a generous benefactor, an impartial magistrate, and a popular and liberal landiutd. Tire magistrates deeply lamented Mr. Peel's death, and desired to express their sympathy with his family in their sad bereave- ment. Mr. Warburton Lee, Mr. T. P. Jones-Parry, and Major Godsal, magistrates; Mr. Win. Jones, magistrates' clerk; and inspector Pearson also spoke, and Mr. Hugh Peel acknowledged the references made to ms father, whose good example ke hoped to follow. HORSE SALES AT CaFwE. -Messrs. Henry Manley and Sons cond ucted the first of their series of great Spring sales in the Crewe Horse Repository on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday last week, the catalogue comprising an entry of no fewer than 850 horses. Splendid prices were realized. Aiauy of the leading breeders in Scotland, Ireland, JNorth and South Nyaies, Cheshire, Yorkshire, Lancashire, .Derbyshire,* Leicestershire, Staffordshire. Norfolk, Hereiord, Hertford, Westmorland, Warwickshire, and Worcestershire, supported the sales, while there was a record attendance oi buyers from all part of Great Britain, in addition to others from Cape Colony, Brussels, Paris, &e. 'lra.de throughout was excellent, the clearance ranking as the best effected lor several years. The respective railway cutripaiiie8 were called upon to run nearly 30 special trains. i BUTTER-MAKING COMPETITION. The .annual butter-making couipetition held under the nuspiees I of the Cheshire County Council, took place at Macclesfield on Tuesdav. There were 17 com- petitors. The first prize was awarded to Miss iS. Gravies, Uver Peover, who gained 95 per cent. of- the marks possible the second to Miss A. Longden, iiurcistield, who obtained 91 per cent, of the nmrks; and the third to Mrs. Jansen, Prestbury, with bV per cenc. of the marKS. The lirst-ciass certificates were awarded to iniiss L. M. Batley, Bartliomley Mrs. Cotterill, Rainow; Miss Morris, VVhelioct; Mrs. Bullock, Macclesfield Forest; Miss H. Wa)u- wright, Macclesfield Forest; Miss Cocker, lianiow and second-class certificates to Miss Abel, Bradwali; Alias 11. Hudson, Rainow LNiiss E. Hudson, Rainow; ,1.1" VVngiit, Jtiasiingdou; Miss J. Harding, i Bechton Miss Alice Gibson, G-oostrey Miss Jones, Kettleshume and Miss Gregory, Kernunchain. UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF NURTH W ALES.-The authorities of the University College ot North Wales, Bangor, have decided to erect new buildings to meet the rapidly-growing demands of the insti- tution. it is estimated that aoout £ 175,000 will be j required to put up the new buildings. Operations were commenced with the present year to organise North Wales, and to canvass the English towns for j the purpose of raising the necessary amount. Mr } L. i). Joiies (Llew Tegid) has oeen appointed organising secretary for the movement, and tno pro- cess of appointing local committees and lioiaing public meetings is proceeding throughout Norui Wales. The sympathy and support which the movement has met with hitnerto is most encouraging, and during the last three months the sum of 1:13,000 has been raLsed. A public meeting will be held in Chester on Wednesday, April 15th; full particulars will be found in our advertisement columns. rheMayoroi Chester, u. true-born Welshman, and a staunch tnend of ed ucation, has issued all invitation to the friends of Wales and those who sympathise with its aspira- tions to attend the meeting, and it is to be hoped the response will be worthy of the ancient city tnat bus played such all important part in the past history of Wales. DEATH OF MR. C. H. Tr,INIERS.-We regret to record the death, which took place on Friday, of Mr. C. rl. Tenniers, of Howard Lodge, Hoole. Deceased, who had resided in Chester for many years, had been closely connected with bt. Barnabas's Church in Si bell-street, having attended the services there from the time it was opened in 1»77 to the present, and having at different times been a teacher in the Sunday school, a member of the choir and a sidesman. In business deceased was well known as a traveller, having acted in that capacity for Messrs. Kininond and Co., j mineral water manulacturors of ijeaniington, for the past 15 years. The funeral took place on Monday morning at St. John's Church and was lully cnoral, the choir and organist from St. Barnabas s being present. The officiating clergy were the Ruv. Canon Cooper Scott (viuar of St. John s), who read the lesson, and the Rev. u. U: Briggs, curate-m-charge of St. Barnabas s, who also officiated at the graveside in the cemetery. Among the mournsrs were Mr. C. H. Tenniers and idi-. -b'. W. Tenniers (sons), Miss Tenniers and Miss Ida j Tenniers (daughters), Mr. Robert Tenniers (brother), Mr. Astley Smart (brother-in-law), Mr. and Mm Chamberlain {HolyweU), Mr. Aonuan Francis, Mr. J. Richardson, Miss Davies, Mr. John Mayers, Mr. C. Millington, Mr. G. J. Wilson, Mr. R. ileyes, Dr. Butt and many others. Wreaths < were sent by the family, In loving memory of a fond father," Mrs. J. Francis and family, Mrs. and Miss Davies, Mr. and Mrs. C. tl. Bartou, Mr. and Mrs. John Mayers and family, the Curate-in- Charge and Sidesmen of St. Barnabas's, &c. DEATH OF A LATE CHESTER RESIDENT. Many of his old Chester friends will learn with regret ot the death of Mr. Ed ward hore, who died at Sutton Coldheld on the 2nd inst., at the age of 69. Until the last year or two, Mr. Shore was works manager of the chain and anchor works of Messrs. Henry Wood & Co., Ltd., of Saltney, a post which he had occupied for 18 years. When compelled by lll-health to relinquish this position, he went to reside at Sutton Coldheld, where he died. At the funeral, which took place on Monday at the Sutton Coldtield cemetery, the firm of Messrs. Henry Wood & Co., were represented by Mr. J. M. Hawkins, the secretary ot the company, and the workmen by Mr. H. Tromans. who brought down a beautiful wreath in the form of an anchor, which had been subscribed for by Mr. Shore's old workmen. Many other wreaths and flowers were sent by relatives and friends, and six workmen from the works of Messrs. Joseph Bullews, Ltd., volunteered to act as bearers in token ot respect to Mr. Shore, who had a lamiiy connection with thesu works. Other friends of the ¡. late Air. Shore, were present at the service in the cemetery, where the oificiatmg clergymen were the Rev. A. Morley (of the parish church at Sutton Coldheld), and the Rev. P. H. Shore, Vicar of Caimenellis, Cornwall, the eldest son of the deceased. The late Mr. Shore was of an exceedingly genial and sympathetic temperament, and will be greatly missed by a large circle of friends, not only in Chester, but in the black country," where he was a recognised expert in his particular branch of business. THE LATE MR. J. MINSHCLL.—A service in memory of the late Mr. J. Minshull, of Saighton Hall, was held in Pepper-street Chapel, Chester, on Sunday evening. Tuere was a large congregation and an eloquent sermon was preached by the ltev. W. D. Guustone, who took for his text—"Thou shalt come to thy grave in a full age, like as a shoek of corn cometh in in his season "—Job v., 26. The preacher, in the course of his sermon, referred to the deceased's loyalty and devotion to the church in which he was such a constant worshipper, and paid a warm tribute to his uprightness of cuaracter, stating that he was a man wno would never barter truth for courtesy. lie (the preacher) could give them many instances of Mr. Minshull's generosity, not only to that place of worship, but to others in the circuit. The famine in India had also strongly appealed to hl,.ii he had been a generous sub- tenber to the fund for the relief of the sufferers. His life bore the stamp of a true Cnrisrian, as evidenced by his deep knowledge of the Bible and his dislike of all that was false and superficial.—At the conclusion of the service the Hev. J. Benson read a letter he had received from the Rev. W. H. Bainbridge eulogising Mr. Minshull's work among them, and stating that no appeal was ever made to him in vain. The Rev. J. Benson also referred to the deceased gentleman in feeling terms, and an impressiveservice was brought to a close.-At a meet- ing of the Tarvin Board of Guardians, on Saturday morning, at Chester, a vote of condolence with the relati ves of the late Mr. John Minshull, an old member of the Board, Nvas pissed. The chairman (Mr. R. O. Orton) referred to deceased's long service on the Guardians, and how sorry they all were to lose him. ALLEGED STOLEN PONY AT ROWTON.— At the Discard Police Court on Saturday, before Dr. Napier and Mr. W. A. Williams, Chas. Tushing- ham, 21, formerly a greengrocer at West Kirby, was charged on remand with stealing a pony, value £15, belonging to James Williams, of Newton-cum- Larton, between the 21st and 22nd ult. He was further charged with stealing a wheelbarrow. viliie £1, the property of Peter Gleve Lloyd, of West Kirby, and a set of harness value k3, belonging to William Cowin, from a stable at Hoylake. Mr. E. B. Cotton of Birkenhead, appeared for the defence. With regard to the first charge, evidence was given to the effect that the pony was stolen from a lock-iii) stable at n i I it, lock-up stable at night, and was subsequently found on the farm of William Williams, Rowton, near Cheater, v. »iere io had been put out to grass by isoiier. The animal had been partially clipped, and the tail, mane, and forelock cut oS'. Prisoner gave himself up to the Chester police, and when charged by 8ergeant Piercey, of West Kirby, he replied, "lam guiity." The prisoner said he bad up till recently been a greengrocer at West Kirby, but the business proved a failure, and he got into arrears with his landlady. He had a trap and harness of his own and he pleaded that he merely took the loan of the pony to enable him to go to Chester to obtain some money from his parents. When returning he noticed that the pony was exhausted, and he put it in a stable, subsequently taking t to the farm where it was found. Mr. Cotton contended that there was no felonious intent on the part ot the prisoner, and on his behalf pleaded not guily to the other charges. Prisoner was committed on each charge to the Chester Quarter Sessions, bail being accepted in two sureties of C10 each.

CHESHIRE QUARTER SESSIONS I The Cheshire Quarter Sessions were opened at Knutsford on Monday, Sir Horatio Lloyd pre- siding in the first court and Mt. H. C. Yates in tho second court—Mr. H. Bratt, of Northwich, was appointed a representative of the Court on the Knutsford District Licensing Committee and the Knutsford Prison Committee of Visitors, in place of the late Mr. Thomas Ward. LICENSING APPEALS. I Mr. Ralph Bankes appeared on behalf of the respondent justices of tho Altrincham Division against an appeal by John Robert Thomas with regard to a refusal of the. justices to grant a re- newal of the. licence of the Stamford Bar, Altnncnam. Mr. Trevor Lloyd was for the ap- pellant.—ihe Court ruled that the decision of the magistrates should be, upheld, but refused to make an order as to costs. The Court decided to renew the licence of the Duke of Connaught beerhouse at Knutsford. wh.ch had been refused by the magistrates of the iiucklow Division on the ground that it was a dis- orderly house, on the condition that a suitable tonant was found to renlace the nrespnt onA n. SENTENCES. J WUham Murphy, 40, of the Royal Garrison Kogimcnt, Gibmltar, who appeared in the dock I in kha?i. was indicted for wholes&le burglaries at I tne jewellers shops of WilLam Crogan, Humphrey Davies and George James Piimmer, Altrincham, and stealing a considerable quantity of jewellery. watches, etc. He was sentenced to five years' penal servitude.—Samuel Fildes, 19, labourer, false pretences at Stockport., nine months; Joseph Glenn, 25. baker, for warehouse breaking at Stock- port, six months; Charles Hamilton, 59, ageut, for faha pretences at Hydo. 18 months; Joseph Wake- field, 61, labourer, for theft at Winehani. one montll; James Walter Knight, for theft at Staly- bridgo, six months; Jesse Marriott, 26, carter, for burglary at Disley, six months; Joseph Spencer. ob, boatman, who had been convicted in almost every county in England, nine months for stealing a watch and chain and false pretences; and Jos. Sands, 20, labourer, 12 months for stealing a watch, etc.. at Sutton. BOUND OVER. I rxeine JJone, óo). was indicted for attempted I suicide at Runcorn. Prisoner, a married-woman, jumped into the Bridgwater Canal on New Year's I Day, but was rescued. She was bound over; a.8 was also Wm. Livingstone, a Manchester up- I holsterer, who attempted to commit suicide at i Ashton-on-Mersey. I ADJOURNED QUARTER SESSIONS. A LIGHT CALENDAR. The adjourned quarter sessions for the county were hela at Chester Castle on Wednesday. Sir Horatio Lloyd presided, and was accompanied by a full bench of magistrates, including e>ir Walter Shaker!ey, Colonel Evans-Lloyd, Messrs. John 'Thompson, T. H.. Royds, H. D. Trelawny, H. Barnston, E. R. Bellyse, John Ockleston, C. Threlfail, R. T. R-kli-Ardson, Evaii Langley, '1'. Davies, T. B. Richardson, etc. I The Chairman, in. his cha-rge to the grand jury, oongratulated them and the county generally on the satisfactory condition of tue calendar. So far as ins experience went, it was almo,t unique. I Ho haidly ever remembered this division of the oounty producing in the quarter so small a. num- ber of prisoners as three, wnich was tiie number in the calendar on the present occasion. This was just one-third of the number at this time last year. Tiie improvement was mainta.ned throughout the oounty. Last year there wero 31 or 32 prisoners in the whole county, and on tho present occasion the number was only lb. The case3 were of an ordinary description, and he chd not intend to det&ln them by any oomments. FIRST CO CRT. Mr. E. Honorat-us Lloyd, oiL behalf of Harry i Wm. Smetiiurst, and Messrs. Peter vValker and Sons, brewers, appealed against the refusal of the Crowe magistrates to renew the licence of the Island Green Inn, Crewe, wh-ch is an lS69 beer- house. Air. R. M. Montgomery and Air. Wilkin represented the respondent justices. It appeared tha.t during the teriaiicy of the previous licensee, a man named Wileock, tile police made a raid on the premises, with the result that Wilcock was II J fined £ 20 and costs, amounting to betweeti t31 and JE52, for an offence against, the betting Act. The owners of the house got nd of him, and when bmdJlllrst applied for a renewal of the licence the Crowe justices rduscd to grant it, on the grounds that Smetiiurst had iailed to produce satisfactory evidence of good character and that the house was a disorderly nouse. It was suggested at the Crewe oourt that Smethurst had on some occasions luade bets.—Air. Montgomery, for the respondent jus- j tices, said during Wilcock's tenancy the house was carric,(l on as a place where gaming was en- oouraged for the purpose of iiicieasing the sale of liquors, and it would be impossible for any fresh Lcensee to get rid of the betting element. there. The Chairman said the Bench had come to the conclusion that the house, had acquired a reputa- tion as one in which betting could be made. They thought the magistrates in the court below were justihed in refusing the licence on that ground. They did not think, however, that there was sufficient evidence to ccnie to the conclusion tnat Smetiiurst was not a fit and proper person to con- duct the house. They d.snnssed the appeal with costs. A BIRKENHEAD APPEAL. Messrs. Yates, Castle. Biewery Co., Ltd., appealed against the refusal of the Birkenhead licensing justices to renew the licence of the Forester's Arms beer-house, Birkenhead..Mr. Pickford, K.O., appeared for the appellants, and Mr. San- derson and Mr. W. B. Yates for the respondents. The question in dispute wad whether the pre- mises had been so altered that their identity liad been destroyed. It was contended that a portion of an adjoining house had been merged into the licensed premises many years ago. and the Bir- kenhead justices refused the licence on the ground that the premises were not the same as originally I licensed prior to 1869.-The Chairman said tho Court were of opinion that as a matter of Jaw they could not go behind the last renewal of the licence. They decided that there had been no sub- etantial aJteration of the premises since the licence I was last renewed. Th?v allowed the appeal. SECOND COURT. I I Before Mr. H. C. Yates. CHESTER MAN'S ESCAPADE. Charles Pushingham, 21, baker, West Kirby, and formerly of Chester, pleaded guilty to stealing j one sot of harness, the property of Wm. Cavin, at Hoylako-cum-West Kirby, between the 11th and 14th March; a mare, the property of James Wil- liams, at N eA-toii-euiii- Lai ton, between the 20th and 23rd March; and one wheelbarrow, the pro- perty of Peter Gleve Lloyd, at Hoylake-cum-West Kirby, between the 24th and 31st March.—Mr. E. Owen Roberts prosecuted, and described how tho mare, harness and wheelbarrow had been missed and subsequently traced, while the prisoner had given himself into custody at Chester. Up to the time of the commission of the offences prisoner had borne an excellent character, but in connec- tion with the thefts he had shewn himself to be extremely cunning.-From a written statement whioh prisoner had made in his defence, it transpired that he had been in business,as a green- I grocer and fruiterer in West Kirby for some time, and having got into arrears with the money due to his landlady he had taken the pony (ho nad a cart of his own) and driven to Chester, where he I obtained the money he required from his parents, and, returning to West Kirby, paid his landlady. He intended to return the mare, but as it was un- well he took it to a farm on Wednesday evening, March 25th. The next day he went to a. police station, as he knew the police were looking for him, and gave himself up. It. was further men- tioned that he had dipped the pony, his explana. tion of this being that lie had done so in order to avoid suspicion and to reach Chester safely. He had also cut the initials off the wheelbarrow.— Mr. C. Wright, police court missionary, said prisoner came of a most respectable Chester family, and intended as soon as possible to emi- grate to Canada., where he had relations engaged in farming.—Air. C. Hibbrrt (Chester) and Sergt. Pierey, of West Kirby, gave the prisoner a pre- vious good character. The Chairman, upon the prisoner promising to go abroad and Air. Wright's undertaking to look after him until he does. said they would give him one more chance, and bind him over in his own recognisances to come up for judgment when called upon. Ho only hoped that prisoner would not mistak e the leniency s hewn to him. I NANTWICH TRADESMAN VICTIMISED. L William Dodd, 33. butcher, pleaded guilty ro obtaining by false pretences one pair of plough reins one mane comb, one dandruff brush, one shovel aud one potato fork, on the 22nd January, and three brooms, one brushing hook, one curry muK. one hair hroom. one pair of gardsn sheais. one whitewash brush, and two clothes lines on the 23rd January, the property of James Cawley Davenport, ironmonger, Nantwich. Mr. Lance Bentley appeared for th? prosecution. Prisoner obtained the articles enumerated from prosecutor on replcsenting that they were. for a Air. James Davies, a farmer in the neighbourhood, who was known to Mr. Davenport. Ho efterwards sold severa l of them to two persons.—Prisoner, who bore a serious record of crime dating from the year 1888, was sentenced to six months' imprison- ment. CREWE LICENSING APPEAL. William Hanson. licensee of the Robin Hood Inn. Crpwe, appealed against the refusal of the Crewe licensing justices to renew his licence at the recent brewster sessions. Air. E. Honorattii Lloyd, representing th2 owners (the Manchester Brewery Company), and Mr. W. B. Yates, repre-1 6cnting the licensee, appeared in support of the aDpcal. and Mr. Montgomery and Mr. Wilkin for the respondent justices. Mr. Alontgomery said tho grounds of the objec- tion were that the character of the house was a bad one, and that it was what was termed dis- orderly. There had been &ix convictions sinco 1881. and two charges which had been dismissed on payment. of costs. This was a state of affairs; which, as the chairman of the justices described, it j at the court below, was unione in the history of public-houses in Crcve. Trie chu.rmaii t.ere weio no other houses in Crewe, against which there were more than thr e convictions. Tho ob- jection to the character of the lieenseo was based on the fact that he was convicted on January 2Tl.i of three different offences upon three different dates for permitting gaming on his premises. The house was frequented by a, very low class of cus- tomers, dominoes had been played there, and on occasions the licensee had be-cn seen to play him- self. Since 1881 there had been very frequent changes of tenants, and the present tenant was under notice to quit. Air. Montgomery submitted with confidence that this was as clear a case for a refusal as could be made out. Mr. Geo. Eaton Shore, borough surveyor, gave evidence as to the number of public houses in the neighbourhood. Thomas Henry Middleton, Deputy Clerk to the Crewe justices, gave evidence as to the change of teiiuats and the convictions gainst the differ- ent ]:,ceiisees. rO-s-e"a""ined: He admitted that the recent changes at the houso compared very favourably with most, houses. Evidence of the disorderly character of the house was given by Supt. David Pearson and Inspector Christian. Mr. Yates, on behalf of tho tenant, said the case was extremely hard for him, who came to the house with a first-class character from his em- ployers, and was married on the strength of taking over the hoiisp. He had done h.s best to keep the house in order, though the customers were neces- sarily of a rough class. Tho convictions were the sole reason for the refusal of the licence. Even if the Bench did not consider the licensee a fit and proper person, they ought not to visit the punish- ment upon the owners of the house. Mr. E. H. Lloyd submitted there was no evi- dence other than that of the pohc-o thn.t the house was not required, and that it was unfair to rake up old convictions against the house. The appeal was dismissed with costs. u SENTENCE. I Yredk. Cresswell, 27, telegraph clerk. was sen- tenced to six months' imprisonment for stealing I a bottle of whiskey, the property of Walter Han- son, licensee of the Robin Hood Inn, Crewe. Mr. I D. A. V. Colt Williams piosecuted.

FLINTSHIRE QUARTER SESSIONS. I These sessions were held at Moid on Tuesday, before Mr. P. P. Pennant and other magistrates. Mr. T. Lewis, of Mold, was foreman of the grand jury. Everard H. Murray Morgan, an engineer, had been committed trom the Rnyl Police Court on a charge of mllicting grievous bodiiy harm upon David Thomas jumes, a commission agent, on the 14th February.—Air. T. A. JOlle appeajeo for the prosecution, and explained tnat the parties re- sided at Prestatyn. Early in February Mr. dames was at Prestatyn Railway Station, when the de- fendant came up and accused Mr. James of "shadowing" him. Mr. James replied it was non- sense, and said, "NN iiy on earth should I shadow you?" A week later the defendant again saw Mr. James at the r&ilway station. He had previously told a Air. Thompson that he intended to give Air. James a good thrashing. When the defend- ant saw Air. James, without a word of warning and without any provocation, he struck him a blow across the head with a walking-st.ek, causing the blood to flow profusely. Mr. James was struck a number of times by tho defendant, and had to be attended by Dr. Wimberley. He sustained a number of injuries, and was yet in a weak state. —Several witnesses were ca.Hcd for the prosecution, after which the defendant pJeadcd that he believed Mr. James was going to foHow him and his wife to Rhyl. He bore no malice against the com- plainant, and the thing was done on the spur of the moment. He also pleaded that the assault was not so serious as the prosecution alleged. He threjv himself on the mercy of the Court, and asked that the case be dismissed.—The jury found the defendant guilty of common assault. The magistrates retired to consider their de- cision, and on returning to court the Uhairmau informed the defendant that the jury had taken a very lenient view of the case by xeducing tHe charge to one of common assault. There was nothing against the defendant in the past, and the sentence of the Court was that he be imprisoned for three calendar months in the second division. On the proposition of Mr. Muspratt, the magis- trates' representatives on the Standing Joint Com- mittee were all re-elected. Robert Carter, of no scttled abocle. was sentenced to ono month's imprisonment with hard labour for throwing a stone through a plate-glass window at Holywell, and doing damage to the extent of L7. The prisoner had been in prison awaiting his trial for six weeks.

WIRRAL GUARDIANS. I The fortnightly meeting of the Wirral Board I of Guardians was held at Clatterbridge Work- house on Wednesday morning, Mr. W. Knowles presiding. THE QUESTION OF REPRESENTATION. With reierence to the representation ot tile various townships in the Board's area, a report was read by the Clerk (Mr. J. E. S. Ollive). He stated that he found that the figures given in the. Hoylake petition for more representation were practically correct, but with regard to area and pauperism, the rural parishes had /8.12 per cent. of the area against 21.88 in the urban districts, and the rurai parishes produced 27.14 of the pauperism against 72.86 m the urban districts. That shewed that the rural parishes were sup- porting more than their fair share cf the poor, three-tourths of which belonged to the urban districts. Equality of representation could be secured without depriving any of the rural town- ships of their representatives, by increasing the members of the Board by seven. The present representation was adjusted so recently as 1899. He thought it would be advisable to allow the representation to remain as it was for a few years longer. Mr. C. J. Townsend said he could congratulate the clerk on making the best of a bad job. (Laughter.) If anything had been done to prove their case up to the hilt it was the clerk's re- marks. He maintained that the question was one of population, assessable value, and contribution to rates. Their ratable value had increased from L72,000, as read by,; the clerk, to £ 80,000, and from 10,911 in population to 12,000. The repre- sentation was totally inadequate to the popula- tion and value. He maintained that the area had nothing to do with the matter. He moved that the Guardians support the petition of the Urban District Council of Hoylake and West Kirby and ask the County Council to take the question into consideration. Mr. Sutton vended, and said the figures spoke for themselves. Mr. Latham asked what was Air. Townsend's object in bringing his motion forward. Had Hoylake or West Kirby suffered in any way in consequence of their representation? iAIr. Townsend replied that the matter was one of principle. They believed it was their right to present the petition. They had no particular grievance. There were only two ways, he thought, of meeting the difficulty, either of in- creasing the number on the Board from 46 to 50, or if they left the Board as it was disfranchise- ment would oome. Mr. Ledsom thought it was somewhat inoppor- tune to bring the matter forward, seeing that the redistribution of representation had been made so recently. He moved that, in view of the fact that it was only four years since the redis- tribution as to representation on the Board had taken place, and that. Hoylake and West Kirby had largely increased their representation, the Board could not support the petition, as it con- sidered it premature. Colonel Lloyd and Mr. Morris supported. The amendment was lost. The Rev. S. Gamble Walker moved another amendment that the petition of the urban district of Hoylake and W est Kirby for increased representation be not entertained, but that the attention of the County Council be called to the I lIladoquate representation of urban districts generally t within the Wirral Union, and that they be asked to take steps in the matter. -1 Mr. Morris seconded, and the amendment was carried by 13 votes to 7. m, THE NURSING STAFF. I ? ine report ot !Vir. JJansey, Local Government Board Inspector, stated that the house was full in every department. The men's hospital had no spare bed, and he hoped tho G-aardians would soon arrange to have regular night nursing. It wa.s certainly required, and the present staff could not manage it. CHAIRMEN THANKED. I Accounts were passed amounting to JB957 16s. 9d. A cab fare for Mr. Capener which had been objected to was now returned. That being the last meeting of the Finance- Committee, Mr. J. Delainore moved and Mr. Christian seoonded a vote of thanks to Mr. C. J. Townsend for the courteous and able manner in which he had filled the position of chairman.—This was carried. Colonel Lloyd moved a cordial vote of thanks tc the chairman, and Mr. H. A. Latham second- ing, it was heartily carried.—Air. W. Knowles said he had been chairman of the Board for eight and a half years and a member for 26 years. He intimated his intention of resigning at the next meeting.

HANDSOME DONATION "FOR THE INFIRMARY.—The  Secretary of the Chester General In6rm:u-y begs to ?'knowledge with thanks the receipt of a donation of £ 100 from Mrs. Foulkes, L?thom House, Chester, I 11 -? -0 and 1:15 from the trustees of St. Bridget and St. Martin's Parochial Charities, per Mr. H. T. Brown, clerk. THE BEOOING NUISANCE.—At the County Police Occasional Court, on Thursday, before Afr. J. Pover, John Marsden, alias Davies, of no fixed abode, wus charged with obtaining one shilling bv false pre- tences from Elizabeth Eggington, Heathfield House, Upton, on Tuesday. It was alleged that prisoner had made a practice of begging for money in the neighbourhood, and representing himself to be a married man with four children in a destitute ttale. He was remanded until to-day (Saturday). CONFIRMATION.—A confirmation service was held by the Bishop on Tuesday evening, at St. Mary's Parish Church. The clergv present were the rector (the Rev. H. Grantham) and the Revs. T. P. Dimond Hogg, J. F. Howson, F. Willoughbv Jones J. T. Davies, A. H. Fish, and E. St. C. Weeden. Tiie last-named carried the pastoral staffs. The licensed lay reader (Mr. J. T. Golder) assisted the Hector and the Kev. J. T Davies in arranging- the candidates. The following were the numbers present from each parish St. Mary's, 15 males, 33 females; Saltney, 15 males, 17 females; Waverton, 5 males, 3 females; Christ Church, 15 males, 22 females King's School, 6 males Arnold llouse, 7 males. WINDSOR CASTLE MYSTERY.—The mutilation of the I»utur'j" at Windsor Castle .vn tins a mystrTY. It h&s Tr?nspirod that the \dn:c}n "il miming gashed ^jn Saturday w?s not ? portrait of ins Majesty's predecessors on the throne, but it was a very beautiful representation of Windsor Castle. This hung in ? m?sivo gilt frame between the library and the State apartments. A few days prevIously other pictures were damaged in a totally different part of the ca.stle—Edward III.'s Tower. Mr. G. Aliles, head of the Lord Chamberlain s department, was in London all day on Monday in regard to the matter, whilst Lord Knollys arrived at the castle in the evening and made a searching inquiry. "Iam informed," says a correspondent, that, although numerous employes ivere questioned, the act could not be brought home to anyone. No doubt can exist as to the perpetrator being employed in the castle because all the damaged pictures were in parts of the palace to which the public are not allowed admittance." The servants generally are highly incensed at the act, and describe it a.s sense- leas ana likely to make things unpiutoont for them.

LADY MARY GROSVENOR'S WEDDING. I CHESTER LADIES' PRESENT. I TO THE EDITOR. I Sir-At a representative meeting of ladies, in response to my invitation, held at the Town Hall on the 2nd instant, it was unanimously decided to Uiiite in offering some token ae expressing our interest in the approaching marriage of Lady Mary Grosvenor to Visoount Crichton. A committee was formed to make the necessary arrangements, and I shall be very pleased to re- ceive subscriptions until the 25th instant from all who are in sympathy with the movement. It is necessary to fix an early date for the list to be closed, so that tho committee may know the amount of money at their disposal.—Believe roe, yours sincerely, 9th Api 11, 1903. MARGARET G. ROBERTS. I 9th April, 1903.

THE YEOMANRY COUNTY FUND. I TO THE EDITOR. Sir,—In your last issue a very well-drawn balance-sheet appears. Can anyone kindly say why -o high a figure was paid as JE250 each for ten officers' outfits, horses, etc., tolalllng C2,50C-, aiid what became of the horses? What did the, horse buying price averuge?-Your obod,p- servant, April, 1903. OE OF THE PUBLIC. I 7?h April, 15C5. —

THE AlOTOR-CAR TERROR. I .1 TO THE EDITOR. I bir,—Can nothing be done to stop the reckless driving which, in manycases, is making these useful vehicles become a serious and increasing danger? Some of these selfish people, regardless of any- thing but their own idle enjoyment, seem to think that the roads and streets belong to them alone. The poiioe appear to be helpless, and the autho- rities, whoever they are, wink at it. Not only in I tho neighbourhood, but oven in the streets of I Clit?,te,rj, ? these terrors come flying along with [ hideous din, causing people to stacd and wonder ?,A,hy sucii nuisances are tolerated. As the writer lias frequently hoard remarked, "five pounds and costs is nothing to &uch people." Let them be caught and sent to prison as criminals and dangers to the community.— Yours truly, to the community.—Yours truly, A.G. I Chester, 7th April, 1903.

THE TRAMWAYS AND THE RATES. TO THE EDITOK. Sir,—I fear that, like Oliver Twist, I must ask for mere, notwithstanding the half column, or thereabouts, of comments you have favoured me with. By the way, is not your excellent !.?ad:ng article rather a.n instructive comment on the comments? Ycu justly condemn the capabilities of business men who invest the ratepayers' millions to obtain .3 per cent. profit. What can we say, then, of business men who have invented our soores of thousands to lose, en their own shewing, about 6 per cent? Your comments say we cannot lose more than a penny rate "upon the..safest calculations. It is the safety of tho calculations that is at issue. Let us look at the comments. The writer says I Management is included in wages." Good, so I far. But why adopt 00 unusual a course ulJd thereby give rise to questions? Interes: on capital and expenditure "of oourso," the critic says, includes repayment of principal. Why of course"? When a firm, or Corporation, harrow- j money, does payment of interest "of course" include repayment of principal? I Lcy most people wicv,.d say of course not. \Vhy :wt give the figures separately—interest so much, repay- ment of principal so much? Where is the proportion of repairs and renewals, call it depreciation if you like, of ,iatioii if yo,,i ]]tie, of engine-, boilers and electrical generatidr, plant duo to tramways, charged in the cost of electrical energy? There is no such charge in the state -nent given in your columns, nor will the price, ld. per unit, cover it. The gross cost of pro- duction of electricity per unit sold is just under twopence. Street lamps are charged 2-jd. and private consumers 4id. (less a discount) per unit. Why is the tramway to be specially favoured? It may be argued some deductions should be made which will reduce the cost of production to the private consumer and to the tramway and enhancc that of public lighting; but, then, why put the burden on the private consumer, who is also probably the larger ratepayer? On what principle is he to pay a large addition to his ratèo, in the shape of the payment for light which his own money produces, in order that 'street lighting and tramways may benefit or a profit be shewn a: Clio particular venture? For the repair and renewals of rails, cables, etc., I repeat no provision is made in the estimate published in your valuable journal, save the utterly inadequate problematical balance remain- ing out of £ 1,000 and the L100 a year. If an annual average sum is not allowed for in respect of taking up and relaying streets, etc., how is it proposed that such charges should be met That the work will have to be done as occasion arises is certain, and if no average sum is allo wed for, the v,hole wili have to be met in one lump. Alas! for the penny rate then. Yes, but, says the critic, the estimate is only for one year, the first year, when there will be little or no repairs, the contractors having to do it nearly all. And—after that the deluge. Quite so, and I think we have got to the bottom of the estimate, and the critic has given away his whole case. I repeat my questions about repairs and maintenance of buildings and bank interest Until paid off, the latter will amount to a round sum annually, plus arrears, i.e., interest paid between the time the loan was obtained and the opening of the line. May I suggest that the tramway already owes a large sum as interest, and that, unless the Joan has been paid of;, interest to the tune of about L900 Per annum i accruirig. IA',liere is the money to come from' Obviously the rate<. As to receipts, my figures were obtained from a httle book published by the Corporation of Chester, which givos the traffic receipts for the three months ending March 25, 1902, viz., £ 923 4s. 9d If this be multiplied by 4, tho result is in round figures £ 3,700 a year, or with the. addition of two or three small items, say £ 3,900. The critic h:l' apparently ac-cess to other figures, and gives the earnings for nine months—of which be it noted six appear to be summer months—at in round figures £ 4,113. Very well, but why estimate the receipts for 11 months at £ 6,875? The actual gross receipts according to the new figures were £ 457 per month, or £ 5,027 for 11 months, or £5,484 per annum. On what principle has £ 2,000 a year been added to the receipts I quite agree that credit should be given to the tramway for saJe of old scrap when the road, etc., has to be renewed, but why does the critic refu.-e to admit the propriety of an annual esti- r mated charge for renewal? Wo know the worth of old scraps. We gave some £ 20,000 for the old tramway and got in exchange a few old cars and horses, some buildings, and a. few tons of scrap iron, less the cost of gathering the scraps A profitable barga:n certainly.-Your obedient servant, Che,ter 8th April, 1903. RATEPAYER. I Chester, 8th pn, 1903. t

el-JESTER S FIRST GOALS. I TO THE EDITOR. I ft.r,—Would you kindly answer th0 following to II settle a dispute :— (1) Who oored tln' first goal on tlio Chester il- oot ball Ground? Did not Griffiths in the open- ing match last season, against Everton? (2) Who scored the first two goals for dipste- this season? Did not Griffiths against the White Stars fit Liverpool, and against Chirk at Chirk when Chester won their fir t match? SCHOOLBOY. [With regard to the first question, our enthusi- ast'e correspondent is right in thinking that Griffiths scored against Everton. With reference to the second. Griffiths scored the first eroal ap-air^f. White Star. but a week latc-r Delaney scored from* I a penalty against Witton Albion.—Football Ed.] I

THE AMERICA Cup.-The Morecambe fishermen have written to Sir Thomas Lipton offering to furnish from amongst their number a crew for the trial racl:s of Shamrock III. These fishermen hold a .splendid record as yachtsmen on Lake Windermere, where they have sailed races against vacht?men ofalmost .-v?-yr.?'tof Great Britain .-?.<i Ire!tu.< ?dh?vn '1' ,t, been beaten. Sir Thonir.s ha, replied r?cttin? th-?tbis arrangements regarding thecre? of Shamrock HI. have been made for some consider- able time, but he greatly appreciates the offer cf the Murecamhe fishermen. THE MAYOR OF TAMWORTH.—Air. Fred Alldritt. the Mayor of lam worth, has been served with a requisition signed by five town councillors calling on him to convene a special meeting of the council for the ti'ansactiun of the following business:— on YOII tohew cause why you should not be moved from your offices of Mayor and councillor (2) to enable you to shew cane; (3) to move you from the said offires; and (4) to t'uspeno Standing Order No. 19." This order relates to the signing and sealing of documents by the Mavor an'' Town Clerk. Mr. Alldritt rp,centiy brought an action for slano. aT ti,e Birmingham Assizes, where the evidence given led to a verdict for the defendant being returned.

J OUR BISHOP. When politicians vex the Church, And enemies molest her, Our Bishop makes a calm defence, Brave Francis John, of Chester. When foes shout Disestablishment." Endowments to sequester, A staunch defender will be f,JL..a In Francis John, of Chester. Fair temperance he will proraoto Though drunkards may detest her. The public-house he will reform, Bold Francis John, of Chester. When parishes uneasy are, And tiresome clergy pester. He sta.tes the truth, and acts alone. Stern Francis John, of Chester. A hardy Bishop, dreading not, The prevalent north-wester, He brightens up his diocese, Strong Francis John, of Chester.

CONFIRMATION OF CHESHIRE LICENCES. Tho Cheshire Licensing Confirmation Commit- tee met on Wednesday at Chester Castle, under the presidency of Mr. R. Howard. P^BLJO,Hc>USE TRUSTS. Mr. Leslie S;att, LJ"licrpooJ, appeared in support of an application for the continuation of å. six days licence at Port Sunlight, bcionguig to til Liverpool Public-house Trust Company. The J'asti", he said, would be acquainted more or ks with tho outoome of the pub.'ic-house trusfc movement, which m-gnt. bo said to nave developed cu„ of the movement initiated by the Bishop at Curler, having tor it« titlo "The People s R*. fretnment Houso Company." That company was very successful, hav,J,t: acquired a eousiderabta number of houses, and tho leading principle. of, that oompany and of the trust company for which | he appeared was that while, the organisation was sucn as to give a reasonable raU* of interest fa those who capitalised tne movement, all tiie profits i over and abovto that v.<?c demoted to purposes dt public utthty. The licence was confirmed. A HESWALL LICENCE. The committee confirmed a new licence in respect to the Dee "View Inn, Heswall, leased by the f.oensoo, John Fisher. It WRS explained tlitti a. licence had been held by this houM for over forty years. An application which was made in February last year for sanction to certain struc- tural alterations was granted, on condition that the 1869 licence held by the house should be sur- rendered. A new licence was therefore applied for and granted without eppo ition. The committee confirm* d a new licence at West* R:rby which had been granted to Alessrs. Queilyn Roberts and Co., wine and spirit merchants, Chester. It was explained that the company had since 1896 held licences lor the sa le of beer, wines and spirits off the pronu^s at 17, The Crescent, West Kirby. The lo.se of the premises expired next year, and in consequence of the development! of their busiiwMis, they did not propose to relcWI the 13.sl>, but had bought new promises almost next door. _zf:t ]low almosb

I SUNDAY ANNOYANCES. I YOUNG CESTRIANS' MISCONDUCT. Having received •uiiercus ccmp'.aints of annoyance in various krms in th? s?'-?ts cf Chester on Sunday r?h< the Ch:? C,? nable (Mr. Layboume) is cktcrmined to end the mis- oorwJucfc and preserve a deoorous behaviour becoming the day. Bomo of the results of tha crusade were forthcoming- at the City Polico Court on Wednesday, when the magistrates then sitting—the Mayor, Iu>. H. T. Brc-.vn and Air. J. R. Thomson- dealt, v sih a. batch of young cfff-ndcrs. Frederick Buter, Tomldnson-street, Hoo.e, James Griffiths, Bisiiop-street, Hoole, Bertie Meredith, Pyecreft-strect, and John Eccles- ton, Browns-lase, zill youths, were charged with behaving in an insisting manner in .t.a.stgate-- street on Sunday night. Griffiths and Meredith appeared, the others being absent. Meredith pleaded guilty and Griffith* not guilty.—P.O. riewivt said that about 8.30 p.m. the four de- fendants were pushing each other in Eastgate- street and trying to trip eacn other.—The Chief Constable remarked tnat the street was very crowded at the time.The Mayor said the publio must be protected. Defendants had no right to behave in that way. Huch conduct was becoming n nuisance in the city Sunday after Sunday. TLey were fined 2s. 6d. and 2;1. 6d. costs each, cr seven days.—Kate Connor, aged 16, Commercial-row. John Worral!, aged 16, Wellington-street, and George Reid, aged 15, ef Wellington-street, were summoned for behaving in an insulting maimer on the Eaetgatc.—The Chief Constable explained that the three defendants were- tho eldest of a gang of young persons who fo" a long time bad been skylarking on the Eastg.ite, and spitting upon persons who happened to be passing. Ho had received a number of complaints. Some gave wIcng names and addresses.—P .C. Shone said | defendants were shouting, screaming, throwing j paper and spitting down into the street.—P.C. Dowson said a gentleman called his attention to the misconduct.—The- Bench imposed fines cf 2s. 6d. including costs each. The Mayor said the Chief Constable had taken & very wise course in making an example of the defendants. The conduct complained cf was a nuisance, and he hoped the proceedings would be a lesson to them. A cas of a different nature., but ono which i.evertheless illustrates the regrettable way in which some Chester youths spend Sunday, was that in which William Parry (19) and Edward Howell Parry (18), ol Lovo- street. Evan Jones (18), of Tower-street, ■nd Joseph C rimes (18), of JT ones j s-court, were s,i:r.moned for gaming under cne of the railway archf<» alongside the Rcodee on Sunday afternoon. Only the latter two ap- pealed. Constable Hewitt said that at 4.10 p.m. on Sunday he caught tho four defendants playing piich and toss.—Fined bs. ind rdhig costs each.

LIGHTING-UP TABLE. All cycles and other vehicles in the Chester district must be lighted up as stated in the following table Jr. Saturday, April 11 s.2 Sunday, April 12 8.3 Alonday, April 13 8.5 Tuesday, April 14 S.7 Wednesday, 8.9 Thursday, April 16 8.11 Friday, April 17 8.12

CHESTER INFIRMARY. WEEKLY STATE. ENDED SATURDAY LAST. In-patients are admitted on Tuesday mornings at 11 o'clock. In-patients Discharged In-patients. Cured 15 Admitted 11) Believed 1 Kemain in the House 80 Made Out-Patients 0 } Unrelieved. 0 1 Irregularity 0 Dead l | 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 olll"riday morning-s at Eleven o'clock. Dental cases are seen on Tuesday and Saturday mornings ..t Ten o'clock. Out-patients admitted since Saturday last. S2

BIRTIIS, MAUIUAGE.S & DEATHS BIRTHS, MARRIAGKS, and DKATUS are charged at the rate of 20 words for Is. (prepaid). If not prepaid, we charge will be 2s. 6d. The announcement, must he authenticated by the Signature and Address 01 the Sender. BIRTH. JBROME-April 4, at 6, Grestoixl avenue, Newton, Chester, tiie wile of Robert Jerome, of u. son. I DEATHS. CARTWRIGHT—April 7, at Pool House, Fiookersbrock, John PosUethwait.c Cartwright, in hia Suth year FLETfUKH--April 2, ??, Mount, PieMMt ??tnpy. Charles Fletcher, a^ed 4. years. TESNIKRS—April 3, 1303, at Howard T.od,-e, Iloole, Charles Henry Tenniers, a;t-ci 60 years. [Thy will be done]. IX M E M O R I A M EDCE-In loving- memory of my .ear husband, John Hilton Edge, who died April l-,th, IJl. [Thy wiil be done.) (Sadiy missed by his wife and children. ) JO.NKS—in loving memory of my dear husband, Robert Jones, late ot Chester, who was laid to reel St. Asaph, ou Easter Saturday, 1900. (His end was perfect peace.) PLAISTOW— In loving memory of Arthur, dearly-beloved husband of Katie Haistow, who passed awav Easter Monday, April Sth, lOul.

 E M O R I A L S ,V-L R.1 A LS. ATALL PRICES, IN MAHBLE, GRANITE, STONE & AT ABA«IEB, On View, and to ureter w. HASWKL;. & tSON, MASONS, K ALEYA.L,.ij.-j, (, Ii r T' R Estimates and Designs, Free 0;1 application Telephone N ibl*

MoTOU CAR REGULATION —Replying to a question by General Laurie, on Tuesday, the President of the Iiocal Government Board said*the v.-idthof the lighto locomotive measured between its extreme projection point must not exceed fijft. That was the only limit as to size, but a Jight locomotive must not exceed three tons in weight unlnden. or, if used to draw a vehicle, the wcmht "v .'r.c Iao should not I exceed four tons General Laurie sujjcjested tha.t afc. any rate there ought to by some restriction as to length, because it was not infrequently the case that furniture vans with motor ctr attachments occupied practically the who.e of the roadway.— Mr. Long said he did not think that any such limitation would be practicable, hut he was hoping to make regulations for the general control of loco- motive traffic Legislation, however, would be necessary to enable him to deal with such questions as the furious driving and identification of motor cars, and therefore-aiid th; he had to state in answer to the questions of Mi t.'nthc-trt Wason—he could not at present give stny I.-IcIOT. as to intro- ducing a bill for that purpose during the present sesjiou.