Cheshire Observer

I A SOLDIERS FIGHT. Solders have to zght w.tli wor- troubles i ,an human enemies. The greatest io33 in the last war w?s rhrough dise.^se. Only the stronge,t ren came through alive, and ouly strong men were sent out. Sergt. F. Yelly. -If the .4th Battalion Cheshire Regiment, suf?»re«i for a long time with backache, which was so ba-n e could Hot stoop to ^ace his boots. He wH3 re.ected from active service, but afterwards his trob4e was completely curod by Dodd's Kidney Pills. n went again for examination his -ervie^ • ua: accepted, and he put in nearly three years with the forces ir. South Africa, and came b.u k as weL as ever he was in his life. There is no doubt about Dodd Kidney Pills; they make the ill well, the weak strong; they fit men and wo:ci for every kind of human service, in war or peace. They have fitted many soldiers for war; t.;ey hive sent LLou:ar:1s back with strength for the feevare battle of nte- Price tWO and nine, from Chemists, or the II Dcdd-. \I~-f'Kitn' Co., 23, Farnngdon Avenue, ) Lonaon, L.C.

Alien's and PoGE-Law Rei,:ei'.—The Peddent of I the Local Government Board has furnished Sir Howard Vincent, M.P., with the result of inquiri-.s he has made co'?ermn? the de?ti?ute tiliens re!ienxl j from the Bril?l,?h poor rate in Eng:hnd and -%ValF j during the yea. 1902. It appeam th:t ,fn8 rlestitnte aliens were grunted poor-law relief iast year. Of these 1.929 were admitted as indoor cases, while 237 were sent to lunati or imbecile asylums. London accounts in the total for 3,234 destitute aliens, of whom 1.210 were indoor cases and 1G8 lunatics or idiots. Outside London relief was afforded to 1,384 destitute aliens and 120 alien vagrants, and 6H were sent tc kmatv- asylums. The greatest charge fell upon Liverpool wiih 43;-). Leedg cam.. second. JJii'ii inghd-m third with 121, and Cardiff was only QZke point "oehind with 120. West Derby, N'taii- e^estei1, B*lford, and Prestv/ich Unions came next in orut(. T f in ord,i-. uisKS —Mrs. Winalow's Soethiag i has been used ovsr fifty years by millions of i mothers f3r their chdoren while teethiue- witb nerfeet. srccees. It will relieve the poor sufferer Immediate^. It ia pleasant to taate it prodnces natural qtiiet sleep, by relieving the child from pain, and the little cherub wakes up as bright ae a button." Of SU Chemists, lii. lid. per bottle.

THE LATE DUKE. I ANOTHER CHESTER MEMORIAL. 1 On Sunday morning the Bishop of Chester per- formed the oereny of unveiling the memorial tablet to the late Duke of Westminster, which has been erected by voluntary subscription in St. Mary's parish church, Chester. A crowded con- gregation included Katharine Duohess of West- minster, the Duchess of Teck, Lady Mary Gros- veuor, Lord Hugh Grosvenor, Colonel and Mrs. 'I Wifford LLoyd, and Sir Horatio Lloya. as is well known, the people of Handbridge and the citizens of Chester owe that beautiful church to the munificence of the late Duke, and soon after his Grace's demise the idea of some permanent memorial within the edifice was suggested. It was not until later, however, that the movement assumed practical shape, and it had the cordial support of the Reotor (the Rev. H. Grantham), the church- wardens (Messrs. H. JoLltffe and W. E. Lindop), Mr. George Parker, and of the Church Council. Mr. J. T. Golder (the secretary to the Church Council) was the hon. treasurer of the fund. A. the last Easter vestry it was unanimously decided 1 that a tablet should be erected in the church as a memorial to the late Duke both as patron of the living and as donor of the church. The memorial takes the form of a white marble medallion profile of the late Duke surrounded by the nbbon of the Garter, on a handsome alabaster tablet. The, design has been prepared by Messrs- Lockwcod and Sons, of this city. They in their turn engaged Mr. Edward O. Griffith, sculptor, formerly of this city, who has produced a wonderfully faithful likeness of the late Duke. The position selected is the North Wall of the Baptistry (facing the main entrance of the church), and the space it occupies is about 5 feet by 4 feet. We believe that in no case of a memorial to the late Duke, whether at Eccleston. in Chester, or in London, has so faithful a likeness been achieved as that which occupies the central position in this memorial tablet. The whole tablet is of beautiful and effective design, and a suitable inscription recording the gift of the church is contained in an oblong panel at the I toot. The inscription is as follows:—"To the ) glory of God, in memory of Hugh Lupus, first Duke of Westminster, K.G., who built this church. This memorial is erected by a grateful congregation. 1902." Preaching from the text" To the glory of God the Father" (Phillipians ii., part of 11th verse), ■ the Bishop paid a tribute to the memory of the parish's nohie benefactor. His lordship reminded the congregation that not only the church, but the schools, the rectory and the parochial insti- tute, all belonged to the same gracious and liberal donor. The inscription on the memorial tablet would be found to be very simple, and surely it was in keeping with all that they remembered of the character and taste of the late Duke of Wczt- j J minster. The days had gone past when it was thought riuht upon tombstones and tablets to indulge in fiiisome eulogy: a just satire had been poured upon such an unworthy custom. It would be sad, indeed, however, while abstaining from exaggerating- language which in the long run recoiled upon those who used it, if they did not in more fitting terms cherish the memory of those gone before, bo whom they owed much. The famous epitaph upon Sir Christopher Wren had an appropriate reference to that church and its founder-" If you ask for his monument, look around you." So that church, and tho schools. rectory, and parochial insti- tute were a monument to the late Duko of Westminster. They had only to look around them anywhere and everywhere in that neighbourhood to see the monument of his public spirit and his large-minded and ubiquitous beneficence. He (the Bishop) was reminded of an occasion just fourteen years ago when it was his privilege to unveil the reredos in that church in the late Duke's presence. He might quote an incident from recollection which he thought illustrated the man as far as he was competent to judge. Many years ago, at a Church of England iemperance meeting at Chester, the late Duke spoke some words to the effect that God had given him almost every good thing, every advantage, that could be given to man to enjoy; therefore ho was very loth indeed to take away from those who were less favoured any of their enjoymonts and pleasures. He had therefore been very slow to throw himself into many temperance move- ments, but he was very ready to support all tem- perance movements whioh would not take away anything of value to the labouring cla-ses He. would give his support in a safer and better shape, and promote temperance without depriv-in-, those otMsea of what they oonsidered a good thing. That was only the substance of the Duke's re- marks, but he (the Bishop) was sure they would see in them the temper which they all so much valued and admired-that temper of consideration for others which w^s the very root and essence of it-hhi e character of the true gentleman, the true tady and the true Christian. The Rector and the Rev. J. T. Davies officiated at the service, and after the sermon the Bishop with the. clergy, preceded by the churchwardens bearing theIr staffs of office, proceeded to the west end of the church, where the Bishop unveiled the memorial, l with prayer.

NARCISSI AT DICKSONS NURSERIES. Messrs. Dicksons, Ltd., have a splendid display of narcissi in every conceivable variety at their Opton nurseries, ready for outfcing at Eac-ter These charming spring flowers have obtained a favoured position by their intrinsic merit. Several acrosof land in these famous nurseries are devoted to the cultivation of bulbs, chiefly daffodils, of which there is an exceptionally large collection. < if all the leading varieties of narcissi there are to be seen fine, healthy, well-matured and well- ripened bulbs, which are found to succeed admir- ably on removal. No garden should be without a fair supply of daffodils, which arc unequalled for massing m woodlands, borders and lawns. They lr9 easily gro-jn in almost any sod and position, and when m lfower produce a very cnarming and when in nower produco a very ciiarm i ng etfect. Among the different yellow varieties may be mentioned Gle-ire de Leiden, with very ifne, full tiower of immense size and good foliage, somewhat similar to the. Emperor; King Alfred, a rich vei- low, one of the most refined ctaffodds in cultivation and a good grower; Hadsock Pride, a white daffo- dil of immense size vvth yellow trumpet; Manama Plemp, one of the most showy of all, with large white perianth and yellow trumpet; Sir YVatkin, one of the finest for general purposes, hokL ng its head well above the foliage, and should bo included in every collect on (Messrs. Dickson nave twenty beds of this beautiful daffodil); Hors- fieldii, which has a white perianth. large yellow trumpet and very fine cup and foliage; Emperor, a d"p primrose with trumpet of rich yellow in fine variety, with good foliage; Autocrat, a good yellow with an expanded cup; P'lgaio, a good yellow with large spreading cup stained with orange scarlet, a pronoun cd feature being the tip I of the cup; Gwytner, which has a large cup tipped witn orange an d is a. very free fiowerer; Stella oups-ioa, a very large flower, twice the size of tho I erd nary Stella, baing one of the best varieties for üutting purposes, havin a large, clear, white perianth with showy yollow cup; Flora Wilson, a white, with a oanary-coloured cup edged with very fin", deep orange, one of the most distinctive I varieties; Sensation. another canary-coloured cup edged with orange scarlet, very fine and showy; Odorus (Campernalli), a deep, rich yellow with three or four flowers on a single stem and verY j sweet scented; Superbuic ha,ng a white cup tinted with primrose, also useful for cutting; Coronatus, pale yellow with a rich yellow ex- panded trumpet, very distinct; Praecox Grandi- llorus with pure white perianth with a fine deep crimson cup (these are very useful for forcing and valuable for cut work) Tortuosis (Leda), a very fragrant flower with pura white perianth and pale sulphur trumpet; Ornatus. pure white cup mar- g,n:d with scarlet, very useful for forcing and piantng in masses; Stella, white with a yellow oup one of the best known narcissi, & free flowôrer and usduI for cutting. The double varieties in- I elude Albus Sulphureus Plenus. commonly called Codlins' and.Crea.m. a white and sulphur, very large and sweet, fine for cutting, the flowers last- ing weii and mixing well with other flowers; I py¡S } Ura.;1ti1l3 Pleiius, known a. Eggs and Saoon white and deep orange very handsome and effective, being usefu l for bedding and massing; Talamonius Plenus, the old double yellow daffodil, very bold and showy for mussing, and one of the finest for forcing, a good deep yellow.

AUCTION SALES I I,-) I-, ? 1 1?1' 1,?-, I — -+- ——  I CHESTER PROPERTIES. On Saturday ivlessrs. Cunnan and Roberts held i | an important sale of property at the Blossoms Hotel, Chester. The residence, No. 52, Liver- pool road, known as West View. was the first submitted, and wa.s sold to Mr. Wm. Vernon for £1,260. The dwelling-house, with stabling, gar- den etc., known as "Evans's Property, situate in V ctori'a-road, with right-of-way to Upper No: "hgate-street was then put up. and started at £ 700. Wi en L850 was reached the sale was de- clared open. Some very exciting competition fol- 1 lowed. and Mr. Morton Brown eventually became ;h" purchaser for £ 1,100. Mr. Ainsworth bcaght j the t"lO cottages, Nos. 64 and 66, Garden-lane, for £:40. and Mrs. Lesdbettcr bought Nos. 68 and 70, 40? tn(i Le., Oarden-lanc, for a similar sitni. The shop. No. 10, 'tnd cottage, No. 12, South-view, realised £ 500, Mr. Evans being the purchaser. Two cottages, Nos 16 and 18 South-view, were sold to Mr. No. 24 to Mr VV. Sinclair for Farmer and Co., Messrs. H. C'nurton anil Son, and Messrs. Dickson, Barnes and Dickson acted as solicitors t,) Lhe respective vendors.

To Regulate Sale OF Firearms.—A bill to rRgu'ate the sale and use of pistols or other firearms has been introduced in the House of Commons by Nlr. Helrne, supported by Mr. M. W. Ridley, Mr. Herbert Gladstone, and Mr. Stuart-Wortle}-. fi KWiiT'f; ron Boots Kkpajkixo.— No matter where your Boots were bought, We can them repair And when you think they're fit for naught We'll make them fit to wear. Fifty years' reputation for Durable Boots. j VALUABLE DISCOVERY FOR THE HAIR.-If your hair is turning grev or white or falling off use the MEXICAN HAIR Renewek, for it will positively rHSho,-w< in every case, grey or white hair to its original colour. It makes the hair charmingly beautiful, as well as promoting the growth. Price 3s. 6d. per bottle.

EARL ROBERTS AT WREXHAM OPENING OF A DRILL HALL. I I TRIBUTES TO FUSILIERS. t On Monday, Earl Roberts, Commander-in-Chief, visited Wrexham for thejpurpose of opening a new Volunteer Drill Hall, for the use of the 1st Volunteer Battalion Royal Welch Fusiliers. He arrived at Wrexham by special train just before one o'clock, and was met by Colonel Cornwallis-West. Lord Lieutenant of Denbighshire; Colonel Main- waring, commanding the 23rd Regimental District; and Colonel Wynne Edwards, commanding the 1st V.B.R.W.F. The Mayor of Wrexham, Mr. F. W. S)arnes, and members of the Town Council were' also present, and presented Lord Roberts with an address of welcome. The address, after stating that they were justly proud of their local associa- tion with the brave and gallant regiment of which the Volunteer battalion formed a part, went on to refer to the brilliant record of Lord Roberts's services to the Empire, and concluded by saying that, in common with all subjects of his Majesty, they regarded his lordship as exemplifying the highest type of soldier—at once brave, skilful and humane; and it was their earnest hope that be might be blessed with health and strength for many years to come. Lord Roberts graciously received the address, and in reply said :—X beg you will accept my best thanks for your kind remarks and for the hearty welcome you have given me. It is a great pleasure to me to come to Wrexham and take part in the ceremony of opening a new drill hall for the 1st Volunteer Battalion Royal Welch Fusiliers. There is no regiment in his Majesty's service that has a finer record than the Royal Welch Fusiliers. The emblems on the colours of that regiment testify that from the days of the great Duk of Marlborough down to the present time the Royal Welch Fusiliers have taken part, and a very conspicuous part, in every great war in which England has been engaged, and I am glad to know that the spirit and the traditions of that famous regiment are reflected in and carefully guarded by the volunteer battalion I have come here to-day to inspect (Cheers ) Immediately at the close of this ceremony Lord Roberts proceeded to his carriage outside the station. He was accompanied by Major-General Sir A. Turner, Major-General Hallam Parr, com- manding the North-Western District; Lieutenant- Colonel Phipps Hornby, Major Oxley, JJ.A.A.IT., North-Western District, and other members of his staff. Drawn up to receive him was a guard of 50 non-commissioned officers and men of the 1st Battalion, under Captain W. R. Wilson and Lieu- tenant Rouw. Lining the route from the station to the Imperial Hotel-the first stopping place-were other members of the 1st Battalion, while outside the hotel was a second guard composed entirely of South African men under Captain H. Meredith Jones and Lieutenant A. N. Bury. The streets were crowded with thousands of sightseers, and his Loadship met with a most hearty reception. The town was gaily decorated, and the bells of the parish church rang out merry peals. On arrival at the Imperial Hotel luncheon Was provided by the past and present officers of the battalion. A distinguished party sat down. Lord Robert. accompanied by his staff, Colonel Main- waring, and the Ma-yor of Wrexham, then drove to the Hightown Barracks, the headquarters of the Royal Welch Fusiliers, and inspected the same. Before leaving he stated that it was the prettiest barracks he had ever seen. The event of the day came next. Driving by way of Salisbury Park, Lord Roberts alighted at the main entrance to the Drill Hall, and with a gold key opened the door. Upon entering he was loudly cheered by the large and fashionable gathering which had assembled inside the hall to await his arrival. The hall has been erected on land at Cae Shack, and presents a handsome appearance, its projecting embattled doorways giving it quite a military aspect. The hall has a floor space of 7,300 square feet, and has seating acoommodation for nearly 2,000 people. There are also a recreation room, officers' rooms, sergeant-major's quarters, armoury, recess for Maxim gun, stores, kitchen, ec. Tho cost V i ax m gtin, store,3, I totalled about E4,000, and the work was carried out by Messrs. Davies Brothers, Wrexham, from plans supplied by Mr. M. J. Gumm-cw. The proceedings inside the hall were presided over by Colonel Wynne Edwards. On his taking the chair, Lord Roberts stepped forward and said he had much pleasure in pre- senting the commanding officer of the 1st Bat- talion with the Volunteer decoration. This he did amid loud cheers. Continuing, the Com- mander-in-Chief said it was a great pleasure to him to visit Wrexham and to open that new Drill Hall. He hoped it would be useful and add to the efficiency of that very fine battalion. (Ap- plause.) He trusted they would recognise that his coming there that day was a proof of the high feeling he had for the Volunteer force—(applause) --and how thoroughly he appreciated the spirit, which induced men who had l their living to earn as civilians to devote the spare time they had to drill and training, in order to make themselves efficient as soldiers. (Applause.) No one knew better than he did the source of strength the Volunteer force was to the Army. (Applause.) Lately, regulations had been issued for the greater efficiency of the Volunteer force, and to enable their members to take their place with the rest of the Army in any national emergency which might arise. (Applause.) It was urged that the military authorities issued too severe orders, and that more was expected from Volunteers than was compatable with their calling as civilians. In Wrexham, at any rate, he did not think this was borne out by the facts of the case. The returns and figures he had received from their commanding officer proved that that battalion had not suffered detrimentally from the recent orders. He found that in 1900 they had 900 men enrolled, in 1901 they had 1,169, and in 1902 they had 1,196. (Applause.) That was a very con- siderable increase, notwithstanding those per- nicious orders. (Hear, hear, and laughter.) Those figures spoke well for the battalion, and were highly creditable to all concerned. Ho congratulated them upon those most satisfactory results, and he must not forget to say how greatly they were ind&bted for those results to the em- ployers of labour. (Applause.) A great deal depended upon them. They might heartily sup- f port the Volunteer cause—as they evidently did in Wrexham-or they might put difficulties in tho way, and .so prevent them from becoming efficient. He wished to put on record his high appreciation of the patriotism so freely displayed i by a great many large employers of la.bour. (Ap- plause.) The efficient condition of that battalion was mainly due to the fact that volunteering was taken seriously not only by all ranks of thy bat- talion, but by all the people of Denbighshire. For he found—and this was most satisfactory—that before the recent orders were issued camp life was practically insisted upon by that battalion. That, to his mind, was the main reason why that battalion was so efficient. (Applause.) This was exemplified by the admirable manner in which five officers and 165 men had conducted themselves after joining the regular battalion in South Africa. (Applause.) In conclusion, he said how i gratified he was at the practical and workmanlike manner in which the work &f that battalion wa s Pei-formed. It was evident that tho watchword ot the battalion was efficiency and economy It < was really quite remarkable how well everything was managed, and it proved the great Derzorial  [axen in the work by tb" colonel and those serving under him. (Loud a.pp:?se.) On t'?e motion of Colonel Wynne Edwards, seconded by the Mayor of Wrexham, a hearty vote of thanks was accorded to Earl Roberts. After the officers of the battalion had been pre- sented the proceedings terminated. Lord Robert. left Wrexham for Chester at 4.5 p.m. by a snecial train, and had a most enthusiastic send-off VISIT TO CHESTER. INSPECTION OF THE MILITARY DEPOT IPCTI9 QF THE MILITARY DEPOT. fa satisfaction was felt by the citizens of Uhes?r when it became known that on the con- clusion of the day s ceremonies at Wrex ham, on Monday, Lord Roberts would pay a visit to Chester, spend tho night at the Grosvenor Hotel, and inspect the depot at Chester Castle next morn- ing before leaving for Liverpool. The inhabi- tants of the city were delighted to have an oppor- tunity to welcome the distinguished soldier, and notwithstanding the somewhat informal nature of tils visit and the short, notice which the public received of the arrangements, thev gave him a cordial and enthusiastic welcome. Lord Roberts and his staff travelled in a special saloon carriage from Euston by the Irish ma i, leaving at 8 >50 a.m., fin route to Wrexham, and arrived at Chester at 12.15, where they alighted and proceeded to the special train which was in readiness in the Birkenhead bay to convey them to their destina- tion. Lord Roberts was met at the General otax on by General Hallam Parr (commanding the Nortn-Wcstern District) and Major Oxley, in. ad- dition to Mr. G. Grant (superintendent of the G.W R.) and Mr. A. Entwistle (superintendent of the L. and N.-W.R.), who accompanied him to >V rexham. The stationmaster AI r. W. G. Marrs) wa3 also in attendance. The distinguished travel- ler spent about a quarter of an hour in the station, the special train leaving at half-past twelve, but as few persons were present at the t me, there was no demonstration. His return to Chester in the afternoon, however, was eagerly awaited by the- citizens, and, the wea,ther being beautifully 1 [ fine, they assembled outside the General Station 1] in large numbers long before the time appointed for the; arrival of the train (4.30). A guard of honour, formed by a detachment of soldiers from the regimente.1 depot under the command of Capt. 1 Hay tor and Lieut. Bousfielrl, was drawn up in two i lines on the Wr-xham platform, at which the train arrived. The depot band was also in. attendance. A few minutes before the arrival of the trahl the Mayor (Dr. J. Roberts), wearing his chain of ofifce, appeared on tho platform in company, with the Mayoress (Miss Roberts), to give an official wel- come to Lord Roberts The Mayor and Mayoress were accompanied by the Deputv Mayor and Mayoress (Mr. and Mrs. James G. Frost), the Sheriff (Mr. Henry Doddh the Deputy Town Clerk (Mr. J. H. Dickson), the Chief Constable (Mr J. H. Laybourne), Colonel T. J. Smith (commanding tho 2nd V.B. Chesh're Regiment), and Colonel Evans-Lloyd. The military officers who were aLo present, wearing full-dress uniforms were Colonel Courtenay, C.S.O., Colonel Ommanney, Colonel Duke, Colonel Compigne (Chief Paymaster), Colonel Lake, Colonel Stafford, Major Cooke, Major Ward and Capt. Evans Lombe (musketry in- spector). Tho guard of honour, witk the flashing- steel of their fixed bayonets, their scarbt tunics and gilt-crrsted helmets, together with the hand- some uniforms of the officers, all contributed to tho production of 1. wcdth of colour, and made a picturesque and impos:ng scene, in spite of the sombre interior of the station. Several hundreds of people who were among the earliest arrivals at the station lost no time in crowding the platform to witness the arrival of the train, but after patiently enduring a. tedious wait they were even- tually removed from the station, and had to be content with a passing glimpse of the distinguished soldier in the street. Almost punctually at the specified time the special steamed into the station, being distinguished by a Union Jaok which em-, be-llished the front of its locomotive. As the train stopped, the depot band played a few lively bars in token of a salute. On alighting from his saloon Lord Roberts was met by the Mayor and Mayor-; ess, to whom lie was introduced by General Hallam Barr. After; a brief conversation with them, he made an inspection of-the guard, and subsequently shook hands and chatted for a few moments with the Deputy Mayor and Mayoress. the Sheriff, and the Deputy Town Clerk. Tho exchange of greetings over, Lord Roberts im. mediately left the station amid hearty cheera, and drove in an open carriage to tho Grosvenor Hotel. An enthusiastic scene was witnessed outside tha station, the Field Marshal's appearanc at the en- trance being signalised by round after round of vociferous cheering ,and waving of hats and hand- kerchiefs. I INSPECTION AT THE CASTLE. I,- The Uommander-m-uniei, accoinpaniou U] Major-General Hallam Parr, and his staff, on Tuesday drove from the Grosvenor Hotel to the Castle to inspect the Depot Regiment. The oiffcers and men were drawn up on the Castle Sauare. and presented a smart appearance. Colonel Ommanney was in command, and tnere were also present Colonel Courtenay, chief staff officer, Major Oxley, D.A.A.G., and the r other officers of the- headquarter staff, North-Western District. There was a large attendance of the o-eneral Dublic. Earl Roberts performed the in- trestini ceremony of pinning to the tunio of Private Davies, Army Service Corps, the late Queen's medal for the Soudan and South African wars, and the long service and good conduct, medal. After a careful inspection of all ranks, the Commander-in-Chief made a tour of the barrack rooms, canteens, regimental institutes and hospital. On leaving the latter place. Lord Roberts's quick eye noticed the South African medal on the chest of P.O. Sandland. of the County Constabulary, who was on duty there. He at once stopped and engaged the constable in conversation, asking if he was with him on the march to Johannesburg, and to what regiment he belonged. The constable informed him that he went through the whole of the war and partici- pated in the famous march, and that he was. a sergeant in the Cheshire Regiment. The spectators were highly pleased with the Commander-in-Chief's thoughtful act. When Lord Roberts entered the carriage that was in waiting to take him to the station several women crowded round, and his lordship cordiallv shook hands with them. As the carriage drove off hearty cheers were raised for "Lord Bobs." The Commander-in-Chief left for Liverpool bv the 10.15 train, accompanied by his staff and Major- General Hallam Parr.

AGRICULTURE. I — ♦ A "CATCHY" SEEDTIME. I It is rather hazardous to remark on the weather, I except it be that which has passed. There has been tto want of variety of late, but the principal feature to I record has been the superabundance of rain up to the beginning of April. The recent spell of drying winds, however, has been most helpful to agricul- turists, who have not failed to take advantage of j the occasion; drilling has proceeded rapidly, and with patience the end of barley and oat sowing may yet be accomplished satis- factorily. On light land the rain up till now has not been altogether unwelcome, and though the "seeding" month of March left much to be desired for working surface soils, rrnny arable farmer? who are in no hurry will be satisfied if the weather is suitable for them to be able to complete their sowingi within the present month. In the south spring sowing has been completed, oats are well above the surface in many instances, and reports to hand of these and the clovers, as well as both antumn and spring sown wheat are satisfactory. Thi- applies to most parts of the kingdom, and it goes without saying that the growth of grass at present is a thing to be grateful for, especially if it is followed up by a genial, dropping season such as promises to be the case. Notwithstanding the somewhat adverse and trying weather, reports from the lambing flocks continue to be fairly satisfactory, though owing to considerable mortality in some instances, and the prevalence of so many single births, it is anticipated that the aggregate crop will be scarcely more than an average one. Meanwhile the face of the country has assumed a delightful aspect of green, varied by the white bloom of early fruit trees which have been seasonably kept in check by the cold winds, and on the whole the outlook at present for both farms and gardens promises wtll for a kindly springtime. FRANCO-RUSSIAN MEAT SCHEME. It is stated upon what appears to b2 pretty good authority that France and Russia have entered into an agreement to capture a share of the British market ior the foreign meat trade. Bv this new and interesting scheme it appears that the French I Govemm'cmt. having satisfied itself of the efficiency of Russian inspection, is to allow of the landing of Russian cattle at Frenc h ports, where they are to be slaughtered and exported to the London markets as dead meat. In further cor- roboration it is asserted that a special slaughter- house is to be established at Calais, where wharfage accommodation will be provided for un- shipping the Russian cattle. The advantage of this system, it will be seen, consists in the fact that it entirely dispenses with the introduction of an expensive system of refrigerators in the con- templated meat trade between Russia and the United Kingdom. DESTRUCTION OF SPARROWS. As it is desirable that this necessary part, of farming operations should be taken in hand as early as possible, it may not be out of place to direct the attention of farmers and gardeners to the importance of at once setting about some scheme or schemes for keeping down these pests that are suoh an intolerable nuisance later on. The institution of "sparrow clubs," so called, should receive attention, indeed they should be insisted on, in every village of any dimensions, as the expense of a few shillings now, like the "stitch in time, may save pounds in the coming harvest. It ;s all very well for susceptible people- to point to the utiaty of sparrows in keeping down insect life, but when the utilitarians themselves become a plague the remedy is obvious. As well might a plea b2 put in for the rats and mioe which mfest some pi aces; and which it may be argued have their distinct offices in the economy of nature t6 perform, but we may have too much of a good thing. The example of a sparrow club which was formed at Canipsea Ash. in Suffolk, last year, is well worth following. This club has recently re- ported that during the twelve months 5,000 spar- rows were accounted for. Four prizes were awarded, the first being obtained for a "bag" of 1,403 birds. If such clubs were to become more general the "parasites of man" might be materi- ally lessoned in numbers, to the distinct advantage of everyone concerned and the communi ty at large. MAGGOTS IN SHEEP. The time is fast approaching when sheep owners will require to keep a sharp look-out with respect1 to their flocks, in order to keep them from being, attacked by flies and the detestable pests of ma, gots they bring in their train, and which maddn and almost worry the poor animals out of their j existence, to the no small detriment of the farmer, in this connection it is worthy of mention that the Royal Agricultural Society has caused to be printed and gratuitously circulated a leaflet on the subject, being an article recently published in the "Journal" of the society on "Maggots in Sheep," by Sir George Brown and Mr. Cecil Warburton. Experienced shepherds and stock-owners scarcely require any prompting in such a matter, but as Mr. Warburton puts it. "it is not the sheep as a sheep which the flesh fly seeks, but it is attracted by the dirty and offensive state in which the fleece happens to be, or by the neglected sores on the back of the animal at the time when the eggs are deposited." It is obvious, therefore, that the first duty is to insist. on cleanliness as far as possible, to early dress the fleece, and particularly wounds or sores, with some offensive material or fluid to ward off the flies. As Sir George Brown points out, there is less difficulty in getting rid of the maggots than in finding thorn. The maggots can bo scraped out and destroyed, and a dressing of tar oil diluted with olive oil, or a weak solution of cLIoride zinc-most readily made by adding on, part of Sir W. Burnett's disinfecting fluid to fifty parts of water-will clean the wound and facilitate the healing process, besides protecting the injured part from another attack of the fly for some time. MOTOR WAGONS AND QUICK GOODS TRANSIT. We have alluded ir-cm time to time in this column to the coming of the motor car, and from the first inception of these machines have ven- tured to augur well for their capability not only for general traffic, but for farm and many other kinds of work. As time passes the development widens and their adaptability as a carrying power becomes more and more conspicuous. it is therefore with no surprise we learn that a scheme is being completed for a quick service of motor vans and wagons to assist in competing with the northern railway companies in the quick transit, at cheap rates, of freight between London and several important ports on the norfch-east coast. On the arrival of the goods in port by vessels of the fast service they wiil immediately be delivered in the surrounding districts by motor wagons. There can be no doubt that the large inland manufacturing towns will soon follow suit and inaugurate a comprehensive system for similar traffic facilities. The railway companies have too long stood in their own light in their refusal to grant- cheap freight, and will have presently to "ciimb down," or they will regret it. The probability of motor traffic becoming a strong competit-or with tho tramways on which such enormous sums have been spent, is, too, looming in the not very distant future. Already wo hear of the London General Omnibus Company import- ing a number of motor omnibuses from America. These ornnibu es are equipped with both gasolene and electric motors, the former for operating the vehicle simultaneously with the charging of the electric storage battery, while both can be used together if necessary. But why the company- should require to go to America for these omnibuses does not appear. Anyhow, there can be no doubt that a new era is dawning, not only in th" country but the world over, in regard to motive power and traffic facilities. THE WEIGHING MACHINE. The new number of the Journal of the Beard of Agriculture" contains an article on this sub- ject, shewing the progress in the system of weigh- ing live cattle in Britain since the Weighing of Cattle Act came into operation ten years go. As we all know, the new enactment did not "catch on" in very many markets, and, not being compulsory, it has been treated very much as a dead letter. The article in question, however, sctr; forth that though there has been a continuous increase, it has been very slow, and there is sufficient justification for hope for its future de- velopment. It seems that. taking the twenty-one markets in England and Sootland collectively, the proportion of the animals entering the markets that were weighed was 14.16 per cent. in 1902, compared with 7.5 per cent. in 1893, the rise having been attained by gradual yearly advances. A notable feature of the figures is that the rate of increase has ben relatively higher in England than in Scotland, although the merits of the syitem appear to be much more adequately appro- ciited north of the Tweed. In the ten years the English record has advanced from 2.25 per cent. to 8.69 per cent., while the Scottish returns shew an advance in the same period from about 27 per cent. to 33.8 per cent. TIMELY PURCHASE OF STOCK FOODS. "Merlin," in the "Field," writes:—We should like to oall the attention of the dairy farmer to the present price of stock foods. Tho bumper crop of last vear was followed-and this is almost invariably the result of a favourable harvest— by a tremendous fall in the value of hay. The result has been that many who otherwise market ha.y have kept it at home, used it more freely with their stook, and have refrained from pur- chasing so much cake and meal as usual. The corn- harvest, too, was followed by a similar result. The low prices of wheat and barley have induced feeders to employ a great deal of their second and third grades in the feeding of their stock; and again, the purchase of cake has been small. In tho ordinary way a fall in the price of grain is followed by a fall in the price of other foods, although maize, owing to its scarcity, has maintained it3 position, but for some time cakes and meals were kept at high prices which were out of all reason when compared with the value of home-grown grain. No one knows what the result of the coming harvest will be: but it is always well to be prepared for eventuahties. We have remarked in these columns on many occa- sions that when stock foods fall to a really low figure they are worth securing for future use. It may be too early to buy for next autumn and winter, but. whether this is the case or net, an eve should be kept upon the markets, and in the absence of purchase for immediate delivery, pur- chase for future delivery at given prices may be made.

I "CA,n't you guess?" A handsome Htho?r?phrc reproduction of this oil painting- sent post free to buttermakers sen(jin us the addresses of at ?esst three other buttermaken not using a cream separator. Thousands of buttermakers stin continue to employ ? olAfasbioed methods, and thereby lose at IcMt Hb. of butter in every 6. The Melotte ttiri-* one-third easier than other separators, has the largest sale in the United Kingdom, has beaten all others in com- petition, and is sent on free trial for 14 days by the Melotte Separator Sales Co., Ltd.. Bristol. It pays to sell a cow and bnv a Melotte the same quantity of butter will be made, and the cow's feed and the necessity of milking and attending to it will he saved. CONVEYANCn OF Agricultural PRODCCF.The Board of Directors of the Great Western Railway Company have recently issued to the public, in a concise and handy form. a revised pamphlet embodying particulars of scales of hw rate., adopted by the Company for agricultural, farm, and dairy produce carried by passenger and goods trains respectively, from which it is evident that the Company are making efforts of a practical character to meet the needs of the agriculturist. The rates applicable by passenger trains have been specially designed to meet small consignments of farm and dairy produce, such as eggs. butter, cream, poultry, game, fruit and vegetables, with the view of enabling the farmer to supply his products direct to the consumer. The facilities thus afforded will no doubt be much appreciated, and be made use of to much larger extent than at present, whgn they Vjcoroe more widely known, it ts noticed, for example, that a consignment of the articles named. weighing 241bs (which would suffice to proyide for a fair supply of the different kinds of produce), is conveyed a distance of 50 miles for the small sum of 6d., which includes delivery to the residence of the consumer while for the same amount a consign- ment weighing 481bs is conveyed 30 miles by rail and also delivered. A uniform scale of rates is also provided for the conveyance of milk and it will he recognised that the arrangements in this direction are of a literal character when it is pointed out that a can of milk containing, say, 16 gallons is conveyed for a distance of 100 miles for the sum of Is. 4d,, or at the rate of ld. per gallon, the carriage of the returned empty can being included in this figure. Having regard therefore to tho f,tet that the average retail price of milk is Is. 4d. per gallon, it will be apparent that the farmers ought to be in a position to obtain a profitable payment for the milk they supply and if combination existed among them this should he easily accomplished. There are also scales of reduced rates for fruit, vegetables, potatoes, &c., or mixed consignments by goods traffic. Agriculturists can by a system of combina- tion arrange for the various descriptions of produce to be lumped together or aggregated, and sent away as one lot, thereby obtaining the full benefit of the low rates in operation for large quantities. Moro- over the Great Western Company have announced that they will gladly send a representative to any district served by their railway to confer with the farmers with the object of facilitating a combination of the character indicated and it is to be hoped that there will be no hesitation in accepting this offer of co-operation on the part of the Company. 11

THE KING AT LISBON. SPLENDID RECEPTION. At noon on Saturday King Ed ward, accom- panied by Dom Carlos, visited the museum of the Geographical Society, the large hall of which was filled with a distinguished gathering. The dais was embowered with flowers, and the carpet- was strewn with roses. The band played "God Save the King," and their Majesties on entering were cheered again and again. The ladies in the gal- leries showered down rose leaves, and King Edward's ooat was completely covered, at which his Majesty laughed hoartily. Admiral Forreiro, the President, read an address of welcome, which stated that the society received with gratitude and respect the visit from the Sovereign of the first colonial nation of the world to a temple oonsecrated to the results of Portu- guese civilisation in those continents whioh Portugal opened to European explorers, and ex- pressed a fervent hope that the continuation of the ancient alliance between Great Britain and Portugal, which during his Majesty's reign had so strongly asserted itself, might imply for tho oolonial dominions of both countries an era of prosperity and of mutual efforts destined to draw closer, it it be possible to do so, the bond of leciprocal esteem hallowed by an existence of centuries of which the elevated qualities of his Majesty's heart and intellect were the unfailing -at fr i end. guarantee to Portugal's great friend. King Edward, speaking in French, said "I thank your society very cordially for the warm reception which it has given me to-day. England and Portu- gal are two countries which by their discoveries have made colonies, have founded them through- cut the world, and have greatly contributed to the promotion of civilisation. We are both proud of that alliance between our two countries which has existed for centuries, and the relations of the two peoples were never closer or more i rordial than they are to-day. I can assure you that the manner in which my dear cousin, your King, and your people have received me on this occasion will never fade from my memory. I shall always retain a most agreeable souvenir of your beautiful country." The King, on passing through the hall, was again covered with showers of rose leaves. He made a tour of the museum, examining with special interest the African relics. Large crowds outside the building enthusiastically greeted the arrival and departure of their Majesties. On Saturday afternoon the King and the Queen- Dowager Maria Pia attended a pigeon shooting competition, and watched the shooting for King Edward's Cup, for which Dom Carlos unsuccess- fully competed. Then he proceeded to the Ajuda Palace, where he took tea with the Queen- Dowager. The State performance of The Barber of Seville at the opera in the evening was a brilliant function. The beautiful theatre, with its five tiers of boxes, was filled with a fashionable audience. King Edward entered the spacious Royal box forming the centre of the first tier at twenty minutes to ten, leading on his arm the Queen-Dowager, who sat on his right. King Carlos was seated on his Majesty's left, with the Duke of Oporto r.ext to him. King Edward wore the uniform of the 3rd Cavalry Regiment, of which he is honorary colonel, and his Portuguese Orders, while King Carlos was in the uniform of the Oxfordshire Light Infantry, his Majesty's British Regiment, with numerous British and other Orders. Their Majesties' entrance was the signal for a great demonstration, the audience standing up and cheering both loud and long. The orchestra played God Save the King," and King Edward bowed repeatedly, and smilingly acknowledged the oration. The demonstration was renewed on the Royal party's taking their departure. On Sunday King Edward attended morning service in the English Church. The sermon was preached by the Rev. Hawksley Westali. The National Anthem was sung by the congregation. His Majesty lunched at the British Legation with Sir Martin and Lady Gcsselin, and 111 tho afternoon received deputations of the British residents in Lisbon and Oporto, who presented addresses. That from tho British colony in Lisbon was signed by no fewer than 500 British residents, and the deputation presenting it in- eluded Mr. James fawcs, the only surviving member of the deputation which presented a similar address to the King as Prince of Wales on his return from India. The addre was enclosed in an extremely handsome oxidised silver caskct of cylindrical form, beautifully engraved and bearing the Royal a:-m3. The appropriateness of the cylindrical design lies in the fact that frcm time immemorial it has been the custom of the Portuguese peasantry and soldiery to preserve their most precious documents in tin or other rnetal vesels of this shape, and the practice has been extended throughout the Portuguese Colonies to many other lands. The festivities were continued on Monday, the most brilliant of the functions being a parade and inspection of the cavalry regiment of which King Edward is honorary colonel, and the Tourada," or "bull-play," a spectacular tournament in which the participants l ve striking exhibitions of gymnastic ability in a sport in which neither bulls nor horses are killed or even hurt. King Edward, with his Royal host, Dom Carlos, received an enthusiastic welcome from a large crowd.

Boys' Suits in all the latest styles. Juvenile I Clothing a speciality. See Bradley's windows, *t Foregate-street, corner of Seller-street.

SALTNEY PARISH ELECTORS. I MEETING AT SANDYCROFT. I On Friday evening a meeting of the parochial electors of the Sandyorofb and Queen's Ferry Wards of the Saltney parish was held at Sandycroft. Mr. J. Jones, chairman of the Parish Council, presided over a small attendance. First of all, the clerk to the Council (Mr. R. W. Carter) read correspondence from Mr. T. H. Haswell, clerk to the Hawardon Parish Council, asking whether the SaJtney Council were taking any steps to oppose the absorption of Shotton by the Connah's Quay Council. The case called for joint action. Mr. Haswell suggested that a public meeting should bo called to get an expression of feeling from the electors concerned. In a later letter Mr. Haswell forwarded a copy of a resolu- tion passed by the Hawarden Parish Council to the effect that the clerk arrange for joint opposition. I THE LIGHTING PROBLEM. IThe first question discussed was the lighting problem. The Chairman said the lighting ques- tion had been before the Council for a long time. It was over tw* years since the matter was first brought before the parish meeting at Queen's Ferry. The population was increasing, and the property and ratable values were also increasing. The Council's preference would have been to have had tiie place lit by electricity, but when the cost was considered they found they oculd not manage it. The ratable value had increased enormously since the Council made those inquiries two years ago. At that time it could not be done without a very large outlay, whioh no one would have been very pleased to bear. In the meantime a new light, the Kitson light, was brought before the Council, and from the acoount they had, and what some of them had seen, they were struck with it and had decided to give it a trial. Two lamps were purchased, and one was placed at Queen's Ferry and the other at Sandycroft. The lamps wore placed near the itations, and so benefited to a certain .extent all the inhabitants, as tliev all used the stations. The Council's in- tention was to purchase ton lamps and place them in various parts of the wards. It was for the meeting to say if the Council should proceed with the undertaking. As regarded the cost, he had asked tho clerk to prepare an account of what the expense had been up to March 12th from October 21st-almost five months. The total sum ex- pended was E86 18s. 2d., including £ 69 12s. 8d. for the erection and fitting of the two lamps, and £ 7 155. 6d. for maintenance. Ho believed that in the future that amount could be considerably re- duced, particularly as regarded the oil, which had been expensive. They had previously got the oil from where they bought the lamps, but now they found they could get oil in the district quite as good. Did the electors consider the Council ought to purohase more lamps? They had now mastered the difficulty of attendance so far as the two lamps were concerned. They had had persons educated to look after the lamps in all their details. The Council considered it was de- sirable to have the neighbourhood lighted, but they did not want to launch the parish into an expenditure out of proportion to the benefit derived. Mr. J. Cooper asked what wa,3 the cost of gas lamps for the same period. Mr. T. Guest said a Kitson lamp was equal to four gas lamps. Mr. T. H. Haswell informed Mr. Cooper that twelve lamps in Connah's Quay cost E25 for the six months during the year in which they were lighted. Mr. Guest said the Kitson lamps had cost for matntenarce, £ 8 12s. 9d. each. If they had the ten lamps they could maintain them at two-thirds additional cost. A great reduction might be made in tho lighting if the Council could get a suitable person to look after the lamps. As it was not all urgent matter now the winter was over, he moved that the question be adjourned. No seconder was found for the proposition. Mr. Cohen, Connah's Quay, agent for the Kitson Company, handed in a small bill, shewing that 4s. worth of oil had been consumed in the Queen's Ferry lamp since February 21st. The present charge was 8d. per gallon, but the same oil could be purchased for 53d. a gallon. He said officially that the Kitson Company would instruct a man to look after the lamps free of charge. The Council wore paying 10s. for men to look after two lamps. That was oertainly too much, as fivo minutes was sufficient for the purpose. » Mr. James Jones thought the charges were enormous. The Clerk said the cost of lighting 22 gas lamps in the Stone Bridge Ward of Saltney was equal to a 3d. rate. The consumption for six months cost C48. The Chairman said a great deal of oil was wasted. He was not satisfied with Mr. Guest's proposition. A 3d. rate would enable them to purohase two lamps each year. He would like a clear expression of -opinion from those present on what had been done. If the meeting condemned the lamps they could be taken down; or those two lamps could be continued and the lighting of the other parts of the distriot deferred; or arrangements could be made with the Connah's Quay Gas Company. Whatever was decided the Parish Council would have to carry out. Mr. Messham: Would it be wise to make our own gas? The Chairman said a very large undertaking would probably come into the neighbourhood. A oompany was seeking powers to bring power gas and electricity into the district, and it they ob- tained those powers the Couucd oould use the gas at a very arnaU oost. Mr. Cooper said the lamps would go well if they had a practical man to light them. Mr. Cohen I will undertake to light ton lamps for JB1 a week. Mr. Guest said that in five years the ten lamps would become the property of the Council, and a reduction of £ 60 a^year wouid be effected. The Clerk said the ten lamps would cost more than a 3d. rate. There was tho maintenance to consider. Mr. Manley was afraid the Council could not see their way to purohase any more lamps. To get eight more would lead them into great diffi- culties. He proposed that the two present lamps bo removed and that some other system of light- ing be adopted. Mr. John Jones seconded. The Chairman suggested that the meeting should authorise the Parish Council to take advan- tage of any opportunity they might find of light- ing the wards. He would like the meeting to strengthen the hands of the Council. So far as Mr. Maniey's proposition was concerned, he had felt that way himself. Mr. Wright moved an amendment that tho lamps be retained, and Mr. Cooper seconded. The Chairman said the Council felt that the lamps had not come up to their expectations. Tho question was a very complicated one. The Council oould carry on the lights at a very re- duced rate, and the cost would be stopped entirely during the summer months. Did they not con- sider it would be worth whilo to give the two lamps a fair trial. Mr. Haswell drew attention to that part of the parish which was close to the Hawarden parish, namely, Shotton. Tne Hawardon Parish Council had lighted as far as they could. He had reason to believe that the Connah's Quay Gas Company were not going to bo quite so conservative as they had been in the past. They had been boiiind the times, but he thought that with a little pressure they would carry their mains further along the road. He thought the united action of ¡#It!l Councils would get the Gas Company to lay tneir mains as far as Shotton Lane End. If the parish Council got authority to move in tho matter in that direction it would wIve the difficulty for that part of the parish. Ic was a place that, in the interests of the population, ought to be lighted, and he hoped the two Councils would stand shoulder to shoulder in the matter, so that they could go to the Connah's Quay Council and say that they had made their own arrangements, and that there was nothing they could givo them. They would not have to pay a penny for the ma.ins, as the Gas Company were bound to do that it the Council guaranteed a fair percentage on thoir outlay. The Chairman did not like the idea of stepping back into darkness after they had had the light. He suggested that the two lamps be left alone: that tiie Council make the best terms they could for economical working; that the Gas Company be asked to extend their mains as far as Queen's rerry or Pentre, and, if they refused, that the Council bring pressure to bear upon them to do so. Mr. Guest said the ten lamps would be as noth- ing in the lighting of the whole area. They would be either a great expense or a great failure. He supported Mr. Mauley's proposition. The proposition that the lamps be removed was carried by eight votes to three. Mr. Cooper was not satisfied with the meeting. He moved that another meeting of the electors be held at Queen's Ferry. Mr. Manley The electors of both wards were invited here. My resolution covers both lamps. The Chairman The people of Queen's Ferry are perfectly at liberty to undo what we have done to-night. Mr. Manley: That objection ought to have beon made before the proposition was voted on. Tho Chairman said the time had come when the Connah's Quay Gas Company should fulfil its obligations. lie proposed that pressure be put upon the company to extend their mams to the limit of their boundary. Mr. Guest seconded, and the resolution was carried. I WANTED—A CEMETERY. The Chairman said that whenever a burial ground was full it devolved upon the Parish Council to provide a now place. It was the unanimous desire that the present churchyard should be extended. There seemed to be a. strong objection to that by the church authorities. They preferred that the Council should took elsewhere. Mr. Haswell, clerk to the Burial Board, said the rector of Hawarden absolutely refused to enlarge the present churchyard or provide a new burial ground. It seemed that the people in the east end of Saltney had been in the habit of taking their dead to Chester, so that the Secretary of State had been asked whether that part of the parish could be cut out. He had replied in the afifrmative. Land had been offered close to Deiniol's Ash, at JB175 per acre. Land at Broughton could only be obtained at nearly twice that amount. Mr. Cooper said half the field referred to was bog. The Chairman said the rector had stated that when he came to the parish 25 years ago the number of deaths was 64, and now the number was 84. A large piece of ground was unnecessary. Mr. Manley proposed that a joint burial board be formed. This was agreed to.

PROPOSED EXTENSION OF CONNAH'S j QUAY. OPPOSITlO THREATENED. I The Chairman proposed that the Hawarden j District Council be requested to oppose the appli- 1, cation by the Connah's Quay Council that Shotton be included in their area. Mr. Guest seconded, and it was oarried. It was decided, on the motion of Mr. Guest, that a public meeting be summoned for the pur- pose of hearing the v i ews of the people in the locality affected. THE SCHOOLS DIFFICULTY. Witli reference to the Rector of Hawarden's announcement re the closing of the schools, the Chairman proposed that a copy of the statement be sent by the dcrk to tho Board of Education, the clerk of the County Council and Mr. Herbert Lewis; that he ask whether the managers could legally close the schools, and if so, could they see their way to give some financial assistance until the County Council take them over. Mr. Manley seconded. In reply to Mr. Guest, the Chairman said it had been very much against the Council's wish that the children had been educated in the way they had. Tho Council had been agitating to try and get proper schools built in the parish. The managers | of the Hawardon schools had the district in their1 area, and consequently no one could interfere. The' management had been directed by the rector of Hawarden, and therefore he had arranged that the bulk of the schools should bo in Hawardon parish, although the children came from other parishes. He added to his proposition tho wordli; that the clerk send a copy of the resolution to; the Hawarden Parish Council, and ask for their; co-operation." I Mr. Guest said the present schools in Hawarden parish had been starved. At Shotton school the teaching staff was not nearly sufficient, and the children were neglected. The Chairman You will find all that will be put right in September. The difficulty is to that time. Continuing, he said tho managers had been going on year after year getting into debt for the privi- lege of teaching their own doctrine. They had quietly paid off their debts, but now they saw they were going to lose a lot of that sectarian teaching, they were not going to do it any longer. The meeting agreed to the motion.

COUNTY POLICE COURT. ♦ s SATURDAY.—Before Mr. H. D. Trelawny, Col. Evans-Lloyd, Messrs. B. C. Roberts J. Pover, and T. B. Richardson. PAINTING PULFORD RED.-CharlesMayne, painter, living at Chester, who has recently been working in the neighbourhood of Pulford, was sum- moned for being drunk and disorderly at Pulford on Sunday, March 22nd. P.C. Bracegirdle said defen- dant was. drunk and disorderly when the people were coming out of Pulford church on the same evening. He was under the impression that the people were following him from Church Defendant had procured a bottle of whisky in Wrexham on the previous evening, and had been drinking it all day. Superintendent Hicks said defendant had got a publican in trouble at Rossett.—Defendant, who did not appear, was fined 10s. and costs.

MR. WYNDHAM ON IRELAND. I A BRIDGE, NOT A CHASM. Mr. George Wyndnam, at Manchester, on Friday, 1 said ho was not going to take a gloomy view of the situation. The Unionists were spoiling for a fight, but tho party to which they were opposed j had no loaders, On the subject of the recent action of the licensing justices ho said it was ab- surd to suggest that men who held licences were beyond the pale of justice. As to the Irish Land Bill, ho said Ireland did not enjoy opportunities which wore at the disposal of other parts of the Empire, partly because in 1881. when we said wo would give her justice, we gave her litigation, which was a very different thing. Apart from the justice of the case, it was of material interest to England that Ireland should have opportunities of developing her agriculture. Every true Im- perialist wished Ireland to b3 a bridge, and not a chasm, between ourselves and Canada. For an outsido chance of attaining that object it was worth while to make an effort. It was no good peddling with the land question. The solution by litigation had been tried for 22 years, and was less hopeful now than at tho beginning. To tho solu- tion he suggested he would set only two limit-s; ,\nJ must not weaken our Imperial credit, and we must not place on the taxpayers a burden which would sap their elasticity. Assent having been given to a policy of agrarian peace, he was hopeful that the result-s of the Land Bill would bo satis-j factory.

DEE FISHERY BOARD, —— .0 A quarterly meeting of the conservators of the River Dee Fishery District was held on Saturday at Chester Town Hall, Mr. John Thompson pre-! siding over a good attendance.—Tho Chairman re- ported that there had been six draft licences issued against eight last year, two trammel nets against one, and threa coracle nets, the same number as last year.-The only other business before the Board was a motion for the adoption of the fol- lowing bye-law, of which notice had been given by Mr. J. E. Green: -"No person shall fish for mus- sels except (a) by hand; (b) with a rake not ex- ceeding three feet in width, and used only from a boat, and when the mussel bed is covered with at least four feet of water; (c) with a hand-rake, used when the beds are dry. No person shall re- move from a fishery any mussels during such period in any year as is comprised between the 1st April and the 1st September following, both in- clusive. Any person acting in contravention of these bye-laws shall ba liable for each offence to a penalty not exceeding £ 20, and to forfeiture of. any instrument used and fish taken or found in the possession of such person. The. bye-laws Nos. 14 and 15, of the bye-laws confirmed by a certificate of the Board of Trade, dated the 2nd day of July, 1895, are hereby revoked." Mr. Green said lie had been asked by a number of fishermen to propose the bye-law with the object of bringing the month of AprJ into the close season, but after consultation he was afraid he would have to withdraw part of his motion. Since he had sent in his notioi of motion he had received counter-representations from other fishermen, who wished the bye-laws to stand as they were. III other words, there were some fishcrmeu who wanted to have the Lancashire bye-laws as they stood to bo applied to tho Dee estuary, because they had to compete with the men in the Lan- cashire district, and had to sell their mussels in the same market. They therefore wished to be under the same system of lawiO, and have the same privileges and facilities as the nwn in the Lan- cashire district. That was the argument on the one side-- The Chairman: Are you going to move your motion, or are you not? Mr. Green replied that ho did not think the motion as drawn up could stand, and with the consent of tho board he would withdraw it. This course was adopted. The Clia-irman remarked that the board would not have disapproved of April being a close month, because they were advised that it was already a close month in the Lancashire district. Mr. Green said the point he wished to emphasise was whether there was any likelihood of their having in this district tho same bye-laws in all respects as those in the Lancashire district.

I CHESTER DISTRICT COUNCIL, j ICHESTEP?, DISTRICT COU-N,'CIL. 1, I DECREASED BIRTH RATE. i INCREASED DEATH RATE. A meeting of the Chester Rural District Council was held on Saturday, at the offices of the Council at Forest House. Mr. It. T. Richardson presided. The medical officer (Dr. G. A. Kenyon) presented his annual report. He stated that the population was f), 500. The births during the year numbered l!.YJ", being at the rate of 21'8 per !,(400. In 1901 the birth-rate was 2,1-05, so that there was a serious falling off. The number of deaths totalled 128, giving a rate of 14 15 par thousand persons, against 12'1 in 1901. The increa-se was attributable to unavoidable causes, being partly due to the pre- valence of measles in young children, but mostly owing to more deaths of persons over (!5 years of asre. Above that age there were 53 in 1902, against 40 in UlOl. The infant mortality was 12'7. In the previous year it was exceptionally low, namely, 8*4, and the increase was duo to measles and whooping cough. There had been no death from scarlet fever, diphtheria, or typhoid fever. The number of eases of notifiable diseases was small compared with previous years, numbering 34. The report was adopted. Mr. C. K. Linaker said as that was the last meeting of the Council's year, it was their duty to pass a vote of thanks to the chairman (Mr. R. T. Richardson) for presiding. A chairman to conduct business properly required great qualifications, among others, capacity, knowledge of the business, tact and firmness. He also required time at his disposal, and a disposition to serve the Council well. He was sure the chairman embodied all these qualities. It had been his very great pleasure to sit under the chairman. Mr. J. Pover seconded and the motion was heartily agreed to The Chairman responded. Mr. B. C. Roljerts thought a, vote of thanks was also due to the deputy chairman (Mr. E. Dean). He was a constant attendant at the meetings and he always noticed that when he (Mr. Roberts) forgot to turn up at the Sanitary Committee he took the chair, Mr. Dean was a man they could always depend upon to do his duty m an exemplary maimer. He moved a vote of thanks Mr. Pickering seconded and the Chairman sup- ported. The vote was unanimously accorded and Mr. Dean replied. The Wirral Rural District Council wrote with reference to the alleged hardness of the water sup- plied by the West Cheshire Water Company. They asked if the Chester Council would join them in referring the question to arbitration, with a view to breaking down the company's monopoly. The Clerk (Mr. W. Turnock) said it wae always a serious matter to go to arbitration. One never knew where it was going to stop. Very few town- ships in the Chester Council's area were affected. He suggested that the Council should reply that y to join in t b way sug- they did not see their way to join in the way sug- gested. It was decided, after some discussion, to ask Dr. Kenyon to obtain analyse. of the water.

Major Druitt on Friday made a Board of Trade inspection of the electrified Mersey Railway system, y found everything in a satisfactory condition. (The above articles appearpd in our last Saturday Evening Edition.)

THE CHESTER CUP. "Augur" writes in the "Sporting Life It. With the present amount of liberality bestowed on the Chester Cup it. should rank as the most popular race of the season. In old days it was looked upon as such, to be shewn by the enormous fields, that year after year came together for it, in 1852 there being no fewer than forty-three starters, and, oddly enough, the winner, Joe Miller, was ridden by a featherweight (Jem Goater), 4st. 101b., with the second 5st. 81b. (Aldcroft), the third 5st. 31b. (T. Sherrard), and the fourth 4st. (Fordham). Three of these stood quite at the top of the tree as subsequent famous jockeys, and how was it that trainers could bring out really efficient light-weights in those days that were a stone lighter than the so-called light-weights of to-day, a.nd they lasted into man- hood, which nine-tenth a of the modern jockeys do not. Oh, that the members of the Jookey Club had thought of this when they put another stumbling block in the way of jookey efficiency when they allowed the innovation of the trting gate, and gave patronage to the American style of riding. I doubt whether there will be anv great jockeys in the future, and most certainly there will be no old ones. However, to the coming Chester Cup of this year. there are thirty- four left in, so without a sufficient number to repeat the records of ancient history, there is ample material for a good race. If St. Maclou runs I should not despise him, even under 9st 5Ib.. but he may be kept for an event in which he can meet opponents on more even terms. The same remark, I should say, will apply to Sceptre, with only a pound less, and so the road may be cleared for TempIemore, who has a decided chance at o." aiu Carabine cannot be out of it with 8st. 41b. and John Porter holds a very strong hand with Friar Tuck, Ice Maiden. Cupbearer and Throwaway. It may depend on how the four have wintered, but from what I have seen of them I should fancy Throwaway at 7st. 51b. His dead-heat and subsequent victory in the Liverpool "I Autumn Cup stamps him as a game one, and the Rightaways seem to stay, as yesterday I was glad to take another of the sort in Rightful among- a iot tor the Great Metropolitan. Neither Syneros, Pistol, nor Cupbearer are to be de- ponded upon, and I should say Prince Florizel will be seen in the Metropolitan before the Chester Cup is decided. St. Unoomber may well have grown into a very useful mare this season, and Amoret II. may represent Captain Beatty's stable in preference to St. Maclou. Preen may not have been done any harm by a turn over hurdles, and he ran like a stayer last- year; and Mardonius and Short Circuit have both shewn good form, particularly the latter, who as a three- year-old won three rases over a mile and a half, and, by Sheen out of llluminata, he is bred in the most perfect manner to stay. Short Circuit is very well in the Great Metropolitan, also, at 7st. 31b., and he may be worth much consideration for the long distance races of the year. St. Levan I have no fancy for, and Emily Melton has run badly this week. There is much to be seen before the Chester Cup day, but at present the half-dozen I should take to include the winner would be Templemore, Throwaway, Carabine, St. Uncomber, Preen, and Short Circuit. (The above appeared in our last Saturday Evening ) Edition).

THE APRIL MAGAZINES. The Windsor" contains a finely-illustrated article on the great work of the British and Foreign Bible Society, and among the other features is Mr. Ernest Williams's latest "Waste of Public Money article. Writing on "Royal Commissions and Pensions," he says :— A system of old-age pensions for the population at large or for the working-class majority of it, has been a good deal debated in recent years, and we are likely to hear more about it. Royal Com- missions have sit upon the question and have attempted to discover f1, feasible scheme. Hitherto, most of these schemes have broken down upon the '? rol-en down upon the question of cost. Such of the taxpayers' money as can be swept into the public revenue is, accord- ing to the general view, needed for other purposes -defence, education, &c-. and when the citizen, as ratepayer, has provided for the needy accord- ing to the existing system of poor relief, it is at present thought that he has done as much as can be reasonably asked of him. In adopting this line it is assumed that old-age pensions would be good if sufficient money could be found, but the denial of old-age pensions is often fortified with the further argument that such a system would encourage thriitlessness. Both these points are worth bearing in mind in connection with the fact that we have at present for certain privileged classes in the country systems of old-ave pensions involving enormous depredations upon the public revenue. I am not urging this as an argument why we should give old-age pensions generally, but rather as a reason why we should examine with particular care the systems of pensions which exist. The "Cornhill" is a good number. The series "Prospects in the Professions" deals this month with "The Schoolmaster." An instructive article on "The Cuckoo is contributed by Mr. Oswald H. Latter. it is highly probable that there are certain races of cuckoos whose members being closely related lay eggs of somewhat similar dimensions, and in the main contine their attentions each to its own particular variety of foster-parent. Individual birds, recognisable perhaps by some peculiarity of voice or plumage, are known to return with unerring accuracy to the same spot year after year, nor is it improbable that such of the young as survive the perils of migration will resort to the place where they were reared, and inherit their mother's partiality for the nests of some one species of fosterer, and also more or less of her type and colouration of egg the males too, young and old, would probably return to their old haunts, and thus family groups of cuckoos, would tend to segregate themselves. But an ounce of fact is better than pounds of theory. In the neighbourhood of Leipzig no less than 70 nests containing cuckoo's eggs were found in one season, and 58 of these were red-backed shrikes'. In any given locality, then, the majority of cuckoos may prefer some one particular species for foster-parent, and so the odds be in favour of male and female individuals of like rearing and pedigree mating together. The isolation of race from race is not perfect, as is evident from the faulty matching of many egg's. This may perhaps be accounted for by occasional matings between birds of unlike foster-parentage, and the inherit- ance by their offspring of a mixture of preferences which cancel one another, and result in impar- tiality or at tunes by stress of circumstances if the cuckoo have difficulty in finding the nest of the species she prefers. "Cassell's Magazine" for April includes an article by Mr. John Bell entitled From Our Paris Correspondent," full of personal sketches of the representatives in Paris of the great London news- papers. Of the Times "correspondent he says :— The successor of M. de Blowitz in Pans is a journalist who has also had his triumphs on the Times." Mr. William Lavino can look back on a journalistic experience of thirty years. He is a Manchester man, and was born in 184G. His education was of a character to tit him for his ultimate destiny. After recei ving his early education in England, he studied German in Hanover, then joined his parents, who had taken up their residence in Paris. He made his dfebut in journalism on the New York Herald." and subsequently joined the "Daily Telegraph," assisting the late Sir Campbell Clarke in Paris, The" Telegraph" sent Mr Lavino to Vienna. just before the outbreak of the last Russo- l Turkish War. For fifteen years he acted as that journal's representative in Vienna, and his correspondence attracted the attention of political circles, both at home and abroad. A great "scoop" of his was his news of the last Russian advance in Central Asia, which nearly led to a rupture between England and Russia. Some twelve years ago the "Times" invited him to succeed the late Mr. Brinsley Richards, who was transferred to Berlin. Mr. Lavino more than upheld the prestige of his post at Vienna. His activity brought him many successes, and one of the most noteworthy incidents of his career was his idea of securing Dr. Rusclis famous book on Bismarck for the "Times." It was thus to Mr. Lavino that the English-speaking public owed the first appearance in their own language of that remarkable work, with its startling dis- closures concerning the character and methods of Bismarck. Some exciting chapters of adventure are con- tained in "The Wide World :\1ag'ltzilJe." Among them is the story of "A Desert Tragedy" by Capt. A. Hilliard Atteridge. This i an authoritative account of a. little-known episode—the murder of the Marquis de Mores in the "forbidden hinter- land" of Tripoli. Tlw Marquis had an ambitious project for a great Franco-Islamic Alliance," by means of which the KhaliÎa-then fighting Lord Kitchener—should be able to hurl back once for all the encroaching British. Unfortunately for him- self, however, the gallant'nut unpractical visionary "fell among thieves." and the desert tribes whom he had hoped to lead to victory against the British turned upon bur, and killed him. In "The Captain" Harold Macfarlane writes a chatty article on Oars of Fame. recounting many historic aquatic struggles. "The Cub-hunter," "Lower School Yarns," "A Hunting Breakfast," and "The Isle of Fortune," are excellent stoiies. "The Sunday Straud" is full of seasonable Sunday reading, among the special features being "Easter bunchy in London," Easter messages from great preachers, For valour," In the Grip of the the Law," and "Pictures from Life in the Holy Land."

Pakkuh PEN Company Case. — At Bow- street, on Friday. Thomas Dixon (34), advertis- ing agent; John Wilmoro Dixon (24), clerk and James Black, advertisement writer, were charged on remand with carrying on an alleged extensive home employment swindle in connection with the Parker Pen Co. Detective-Sergeant M'Phorson said that about 8,500 persons had taken part in this scheme. John Dixon was discharged, and the other prisoners were com- mitted for trial, the same bail being, allowed. NEW Station",iasikr. Owing to the retire- ment of Mr. J. T. Reddish, who has been stationmaster at the Chester General Rail- wny Station for some time. Mr. V\, G. Marrs has been officially appointed his successor. Mr. Marrs, who has been assistant stationmaster for many years, entered the company's service as a porter, and has worked his way up. His appoint- ment is sure to he a popular one. as he is very well known, and as well liked. Mr. Marrs is a native of Dalston, near Carlisle, and came to Chester Station in 1870. He is well known and highly esteemed by the travelling public in this part of the country, on account of his obliging disposition, and the invariable courtesy and tact he has t hewn in his relation with them.