Cheshire Observer

SO INEXPENSIVE, AND YET SO GOOD! "MAYPOLE" BUTTER IS STILL BEING SOLD AT ONLY 1/1 A LB. Notwithstanding the scarcity of supply of choicest quality Butter, you can always depend on the quality of "MAYPOLE" BUTTER. MAYPOLE DAIRY Co., LIMITED. 8, WATERGATE STREET, CHESTER 368 BRANCHES THROUGHOUT THE KINGDOM. ? ?RE  ffli SUN SUN =!é0' .1_ ..¡:" p j ? ? 0 me ? < Funds in Hand— £ 2,386,639. For all particulars apply to the following Ageuts:- CHESTER MESSRS. CHEERS & HOPLEY, 6, Northgate-street. MESSRS. W DENSON & SON Northgate. MALPAS MR. THOMAS MULLOCK Onddington Heath.

TO ADVERTISER* Adwrtigamsnts intended to appear in the CHKSHIK OBSERVER must reach the OBSERVKH TH» later than 12 o'clock (noon) each Friilau Under no circumstances whatever can we inner- in the First Ed it-ton "fJ"oI<i.¡ that hour.

RETROSPECT. The old year, whose death-knell has just been tolled, will go down to posterity U unwept, unhonoured and unsung." Never, perhaps, within living memory has there been such a general unanimity of desire to see the last of the passing year, seldom such 11 flagrant breach of good manners by speaking nothing but ill of the dead. Popular anxiety has been far more concerned to welcome the coming than to speed the parting guest. Whatever the future may betide, everybody is satisfied that the new year at all events cannot be any worse than its immediate pre- decessor. The twelvemonths just dosed marks a period and weather unspeakably ungenial and unexampled in these latitudes. It has been the wettest, stormiest, coldest year on record, and the tiller of the soil, whether that soil be farm or garden, will Lave bitter reason to remember 1903 to his dying day. On February 27th a terrific gale swept over these islands, causing widespread damage, a cruel frost in April robbed the orchards of all the bright promise of fruit, and on July 6th a furious, wintry north-west gale again visited our shores, wrecking numerous vessels and devastating growing crops of all descriptions. The continuously dripping skies and the sunless monotony of the alleged summer months completed a picture from the contemplation of which it is a pleasure to turn away. One of the brightest features of the year's work has been the gratifying interchange of international courtesies, in which our august Sovereign has played a leading part. New Year's Day -N ew Year's Day witnessed the great Coronation Durbar at Delhi, where King Edward was proclaimed, amid a scene of Oriental splendour, the first King Emperor of India. On the 31st of March, his Majesty sailed from Portsmouth on a Continental tour, which embraced Portugal, Italy and France. On May 5th, the King returned home, and six days later he proceeded on a visit to Edinburgh, where he had a hearty welcome from his Scottish suojects. The King and Queen went to Ireland on July 21st, and won all hearts by their kindly interest in Ireland and the Irish. The good feeling that had been created by King Edward's Continental tour was increased by the visit, on July 6th oi President Loubet to England, followed by gratifying demonstrations of a strong rapproachment between France and England. It is, however, for its exciting political record that the year 1903 will be most memorable in British history. The opening of the year found Mr. Chamberlain, as Colonial Secretary, pursuing his great mission in South -rei t iiill:slori in South Africa, and the close of December still leaves that statesman the most engrossing subject of Political interest. On February 25th be sailed from Capetown arriving in England on a.rch 14tb, to receive a warm demonstration from his admiring fellow-countrymen. It Was on May 15th at Birmingham, in a speech to his own constituents, that Mr. Chamberlain created a sensation by questioning the efficacy of our system of one-sided Free Trade and by forshadowing his bold scheme ot fiscal reform that had been maturing in his mind during his South African visit. It is from this fateful day that all the agitation of the past six months in connection with tariff reform dates. Dissension within the Cabinet resulted dramatically on September 17th in the simultaneous resignations of Mr. Cham-I berlain, and of his two Free Trade colleagues, Mr. Ritchie, Chancellor of the Exchequer, and Lord George Hamilton, Secretary of State for India; while only lour days later came the news of the retirement of Lord Balfour of Burleigh, Secretary for Scotland, and of Mr. R. D. Elliot, Financial Secretary to the Treasury. October proved an exciting month. On the 1st Mr. Balfour delivered his long-anticipated speech to the annual confer- ence of the National Union of Conservati ve Associations, indicating that he was prepared to go half way with Mr. Chamberlain, and j rather leaving it to he understood that he was personally in full sympathy with the aims and objects of the ex-Colonial Secretary. Six days later, ostensibly as a consequence of the Premiers speech at Sheffield, the Duke of Devonshire's resignation became public, and on the same evening the first shot in the fiscal campaign proper was fired at Glasgow by Mr. Chamberlain. That campaign has in the meantime been prosecuted in various parts of England and Wales with all Mr. Chamberlain's characteristic fire and pertinacity, and although a comparitively small number of Unionist Free Traders have voiced their entire disagreement with Mr. Chamberlain's unofficial programme, current events, including the bye-elections, seem to indicate that he is swimming in the flowing tide" of popular approval. Among other important items of the political year must be enumerated Mr. George Wyndham's Irish Land Bill, which enjoyed a remarkably cordial reception and which has passed into law, adding fresh lustre to the already brilliant reputation of that now eminent statesman. The Motor-car Act which came into force yesterday, is another piece of useful domestic legislation that was obviously needed by the development ot that popular mode of locomotion. The Chancellor of the Exchequer's Budget, which was unfolded on April 23rd, gave a welcome remission of fourpence on the intolerable income-tax, but, strange to say, weakly surrendered the shilling duty on foreign corn, ] which had really paved the way for fiscal reform. Among other domestic concerns the question of education has loomed large in the public eye, the absurd action of Passive- resisters" being responsible for much melo-dramatic agitation the consequences of which are not yet fully foreseen. It is always difficult to classify the out- standing features of a year within the narrow compass of a short article, but some of the incidents that deserve to be chronicled include the trial and death-sentence on January 23rd of "Colonel" Lynch for high treason in South Africa, the penalty being eventually reduced to penal servitude for life; the fire at Colney Hatch Lunatic Asylum, on January 27th, when over fifty persons perished the Chicago theatre hre on December 30th, when nearly 600 people were burned to death the disaster to a British force in Somaliland (April 24th), when nearly 200 of our men were killed, a catas- trophe which, however, was avenged on the following day the close of the notorious Moat Farm tragedy, in the execution of the murderer and forger, Dougal, on July 14th the election of Pope Pius X. on August 4th the failure of Sir Thomas Lipton to capture the America Cup with Shamrock III. on September 3rd and the win of the first Test Cricket Match in Australia by the English team on December 17th. The year's obituary is always melancholy reading, and iin the present occasion we have to deplore the 10: of many men and women who had contributed generously to the advancement of various great causes. Senor Sagasta, the most prominent and experienced statesman of his time in Spain, breathed his last on January 5th Dean Farrar, a grand old figure in the religious world, expired on March 21st General Hector MacDonald, an ideal British soldier, feU tragically by his own hand, in Paris, on March 25th the Rt. Hon. R. W. Hanbury, an eminently practical I Minister of Agriculture, died suddenly on April 28th Cardinal Vaughan's death on June 19th created a sad void in religious, educational and social life. The King and Queen of Servia were foully assassinated on June 11th, the tragedy being followed by a revolution. The world of letters lost brilliant ornaments by the death of W. E. Henley, July 11th, and Herbert Spencer, December 8th. Art is poorer by the demise of Mr. Whistler, July 17th the Roman Catholic body throughout the world was bereaved by the death of the Pope, July 20th the peerage lost one of its oldest representatives in the Duke of Richmond and Gordon, deceased September 27th while the greatest blow that has fallen upon this country during the twelve- months came on August 22nd, with the death of Lord Salisbury, the aged statesman who during the preceding century had contributed so much to the solidification and progress of the British Empire by his masterly manage- ment of home and foreign policy during the long period of his polititical activity.

I A LOCAL REVIEW. The year whose obituary is chronicled to-day will leave a lasting impress upon the history of this city and surrounding neighbourhood. It has witnessed, among other important items, the opening of the electric trams in Chester, on April (5th the Local Government Board Inquiry into the housing question, on March 4th, and be subsequent consent of that body to the Cor- poration's scheme, on April 1st. Lord Roberts, as Commander-in-Chief, visited our Wrexham neighbours on April 6th. Exactly one month later the Prince and Princess of Wales visited Eaton and the Prince graced Chester Races withhis presence, while a flying visit was paid to Wrex- ham, in connection with the memorial to the Royal Welch Fusiliers. On the 1st of July a disastrous fire destroyed Messrs. Lawton's works at Chester. The Mersey Railway was electrified on May 3rd, it being the first steam railway in the country to be thus converted to the newer motive power. The statue of the late Queen Victoria was unveiled on Chester Castle Square on October 17th by Earl Egerton. The deplor. able Penrhyn Quarry strike concluded on November 14th, in the surrender of the men after holding out for three years. In municipal affairs considerable changes have taken place. On July 21st Mr. B. C. Roberts, who has acted as chairman of the Unionist Party locally for a series of years, announced his resignation, and &t the succeeding November elections retired from civic work, where he had laboured long with signal success, notably as Chairman of the Lighting Committee and of the Tramways Com- mittee, both of which enterprises he piloted in their infancy. Another loss which the Corpora- tion sustained, independently of the too long death-roll for the year, came in the form of the resignation of the respected Town Clerk, Mr. Sam. Smith, on October 13th, this event being followed eight days later by the appointment of Mr. Jas. Dickson as his successor while the Town Council sustained a blow in the resignation of one of its oldest members, Sir Thomas Frost, on October 27th. The obituary list is deplorably heavy locally. No fewer than three aldermen died during the year, namely, Alderman George Dutton, July 8th Alderman William Williams, August 27th, and Alderman Isaac Jones, October 29th. Education suffered by the decease of Mrs. Sandford, of the Queen's School, January 9th the Church was the poorer by the death of Dean Howell, a, distinguished Welshman, Oil January 15th, and of the Rev. R. J. Fairclough, of Back- ford, on December 8th Flintshire lost its oldest magistrate in Mr. Edmund Peel, of Bryn-y-pys, on March 17th, and another large land-owner and worker in social and political life, in Mr. p. B. Davies-Cooke, of Gwysaney, on September 29th, while Cheshire was bereaved, on June 21st, of one of her most familiar figures among the landed proprietors, magistrates and pillars of Conservatism, in Mr. John Hurleston Leche of Cardcn. Other losses in chronological order that ought not to pass unnoticed are those of Mr. J. P. Cartwright, April 7th Mr. Thomas Helsby, the Cheshire historian, April 29th Mrs. Towns- end Ince, of Christleton, May 2nd; Judge W ynnc-Ffoulkes, June 27th Mr. Samuel Spencer, September 2;)rd. -u-

NATIONAL POTATO SOCIETY.—The ques- t.on whether a National Pota.to Society should be established or not came under the consideration of a leprosc-ntati vo gathering of potato-growers at the Hotel Windsor, Victoria-strcet, on Wednes- day afternoon. Piofessor A. D. Hall, of Rotham- fited, who was voted to the chair, said the need for r,uch a. societv was vc:y ev i dent. He knew of no such a society was very evident. H knew of no body of men more likely to be concerned in the question of foreign competition than potato- growers, who ought. to be ab.e to make their views known when thi question of tariffs came up for settlement.—Mr. Walter P. Wright, horticultural superintoncknt to the Kent County Council, lead a number of letters from traders and cultivators approving of the movement, and proposed a reso- lution dociaring that in the opinion of the me. tin,; a National Pota.to Society should be formed, with the object of spreading knowledge with reference to the growth of the potato and of promoting the interests of the industry in every possible way. The importance of the question was proved by the fact that the importation of potatoes into this country during the last nine months had amounted in value to nearly £ 2,000,000.—Mr. Alexander Dean seconded the resolution, which was ca.rrie,d.- A committee was then appointed to carry it into effect., and Mr. Walter P. Wright was elected secretary. BOOTS TO ORDER-not "halid-sewn prin- ciple," but real Hand-sewn, made on the premises by expert workmen in the old-fashioned way with oak bark tanned Leather these are a comfort, walking becomes a pleasure, and the price is reason- able. HEWITT'S, ABBEY GATEWAY, the Old established Hand-sewn Bootmakers.

LOCAL & GENERAL NOTES. I —• It is. a, matter for great thankfulness thai only one life was lost in thj* local railway collision on Thursday. For a railway centre of such great importance Chester is remarkably free from acci- dents. With one- exception, wo cannot recall any serious mishap in the last twenty years. The ex- ception was whc-n a portion of the Christletoi-i tunnel fell in, and a goods tra.in da.shed into the debris, and wa.s severely wrecked. We trust the City Licensing Magistrates will feel duly chastened when. they read the censorious and dictatorial resolution passed this week by the Chester Board of Guardians. The resolution urged upon the Licensing Magistrates "the de- sirability of carefully considering the necessities of each neighbourhood, laud of exercising to the utmost their powers ;11 the interest, not only oi the ratepayers, but of the poor children who are sent here (to the Workhouse) in consequence oi By what title-, oue the innumerable temptations.' By what title., one is prompted to ask do the Chester Guasdians con- stitute themselves a judge and a. ruler over the. Licensing Justices. What ground have they for: saying that these gentlemen Oil the bench have: HOC "carefully considered the necessities of each neighbonrhood" ? The- Chai11na.11 of the Board did endeavour to dissociate himself fio-ai censure on tho magistrates, but the ri solution, as it stands, be read as noth.ng short of a pie-^e •of gratuitous and ignorant criticism and implied censure. The speeches delivered on the broad question of the i alleged excessive number of public-houses -were entirely beside the point. Wo do not admit for a moment, that the number of licences has any relation to tho prevalence of inebriety. One public house In a town is sufficient to intoxicate and keep intoxicated all the t-qpers in the population. Tho dipsomaniac who is bent on gratifying his pas-s.on wiii walk miles for his liquor, and it dots not matter witOLher there are one or a hundred public-houses- in ,if,. street, so far as he is ooncerlled If the licensed houses were all closed he would go to tiie chemist ior mettiyHated spirit, as many labourers of Abeide-en do, with deplorable resu lts, L toe drugs,lest'ti shops were closed in turn the habituai inebnates would go ±0 the gunsmith's and eat cordite, as some of our soldiers did in Houdt Aff ca. and they would as a result get most urKOiupiomusingly drunk. Tho drink evil is not to bs Cured by p rohibitrro Jegiv kitioii or tinkering with the licences. It is to be cured by social and educational influences. One could not help feeling sorry for Mr. Jamee Tomkinson at the Rad cat meeting in the Music Hail on Monday evening- There he sat with a bundle of papers in his hands evidently prepared of papc?rs i a h? i-. for a big oratorical effort, but he did not get a chance of speaking. Air. Herbert Gladstone and 1.ir. Mond were both in a very loquac-ous mood, ,and each talked against, tune. Mr. Gladstone, who as a rule has a happy style, made a very duil speech, occupy ng 80Th hour and a half, and Mr. Mond who followed shewed no desire to cut his cackle. Considering that Mr. Ilowell Idris was e-on.o three years ago the. dar- ling of Ches:er Radicals he had a very ccoi re- ception. It would be interesting to know why Mr. Idris's love for Chesier has been so short livs-d, and why Flint 11", supplanted the old city in his affections. Surely it cannot be that our local Radicals have jilted him The monotony of a dull meeting was reiiered by a good point made by Mr. Ellis Griffith, the member for Anglesey. Rising after ten o'clock to seoond a vote of thanks to Mr. Gladstone, fr. Griffith said It is too late for me," and was in- stantly stopped by loud cr.ej, of No, no" from the audience, wLo evidently thought that ho was about to alld the word s "make a speech." In- stead of that Mr. Gr.ffith sa d It is too lato for me to wish you a happy Christmas, but is not too late to wish you a happy New Year." And the audience, tired of the oit-repeated attacks on Mr. Chamberlain, roared with laughter. The Act for the registrat.on of motor cars &nd cycles came into operation yesterday (Fr.duyJ. The Act provides t-ac every car shall bear an, in- dex mark, and a number. Letters are assigned to each county or county be rough. Thus a oar licensed- by the Cheshire County Council must bear the letter M, wnile the letters for Chester aro F.M. The ground of the plate OIl which the letters and numbers are shewn is black, and the letters and figur are white. Up to neon yosterday (Fr day) 20 licences had been taken out in Chester, and 210 for the county. As showing that even, inotvmt.s aro not proof against superstit.cn, it may bo mentioned that one gentleman wrote to the Town Clerk of Chester asking that he should not be given the. number 13. These alleged unmcky figures have not been assigned to anyone, and, we bel,eve, it is not in- tended to insist on anyone, taking The weather of toe pa.-t week has forcibly demonstrated the truth of the old adage "Ati the day lengthens the cold strengthens. Scaroely had Christmas Day passed with its unusually mild and splillgliko conditions, when a sharp frost quickly set in. hardening the roads and fieezing ponds and water pipes. Tne coid snap was first feit on Mon- day, when three degrees of frost were recorded est Chester. On Tuesday the cold was intense, 15 de- grees being recorded. On Yv ednesday there were twelve degrees, and titO hopes of skaters ran high at the prospect of a continuance of the frost, only to be dispelled the next day. when it diminished to five degrees. Skating ha& been enjoyed during the week on flooded meadows at Mickle Traffonl r and other places in the district. The Post Office officials at Chester must have heaved a sigh ot relief when they disposed of the laat basket of letters and parcels on Christmas morning. In no previous year have they dealt with so enormous a bulk of Christmas correspon- dence. Fortunately, the weather was in their favour. The mild and spring-like conditions ensured a train service of ciootiwor*; punctuality, yet it was only by dint of perfect organisation and the most arduous labour that the puotai olheials managed to cope so successfully and expeditiously with their abnormal work. By responding pretty generally to the appeal to post early the public greatly facilitated a prompt despatch. Particularly noticeable was the great popularity of the picture post card, which had evidently almost completely superseded the conventional Christmas card for the purpose of exchanging seasonable greeting. Last week we drew attention to the desire ef residents on Hough Green, and other patrons of the trams, to make the men employed on the service a little Christmas b ix. We now iearn that -lir. Hart Davies, of Eastgate Row, has kindly consented te receive contributions for this purpose. Mr. Eldcn Bankas ha.s opened his campaign in Flint Boroughs, and the Unionist* in the consti- tuency are to be congratulated on having- secured so ideal a candidate. We fell sure- the electors i.i the division will refuse to be represented in the House of Commons by a here-to-da.y-and-gonc-t.c- morrow politician of the class of Mr. Idris. Mr. Bankes's interests are ciosc-ly bound! up with Flint- shire, he is an accomplished speaker, a. man of sound principles, and in all respecti will b8' a decided, acquisition to the House of Commons. The Teetotal Conscience" of North Wales, which has been severely exercised by the political delinquencies of Mr. Samuel Moss and other Radi- cal barrister M.P.'s. in accepting brewers' briefs, ought now to turn its serious attention to Mr. How-ell Idris, the Radical candidate for the Flint. Boroughs. Cestrians who remember Mr. Idris's last contest at Chesier will recollect that he was then, prominently identified with the soda-water industry, a form of enterprise which ought to satisfy the most exacting Nonconformist or Tee- total Conscience. Alas, however, for the fraility of human nature.! Mr. Idris, too, has falien under the wicked spell of the liquor interest. There is often a close aiGcciation betwc-en whi<;ky and soda, and whether that bo the bond of sympathy be twec-li Mr. Idris and the licensed trade we leave the public to judge from the report which, we quote to-day from the St. Pa 11 eras Gazette." Mr. Idris is the Mayor of St. Paueras, aid At tended a dinner given by 120 members cf the North London L-cellscd Victuallers' Association ;n hcnodrof his partner, Mr. Adpar Jones, a director of Idris .n;}:1 1 Co.. and in l:e,og:ljti?) Í II Air. Jones's valuable services to the society. Mr. Jones is not a Parliamentary candidate, and wo have nothing to do with his action regarding the licensed trade. Our duty is to draw the at- tention of the Radical electorate in the Flint Boroughs to the action of their candidate, Mr. idris, in this matter. Mr. ldr's speaks in no un certain voloe, He does not hedge himself, like the Radical barristers, behind professional j etiquette and privilege. He openly confessed to a feeling of pride at the "grand assembly" of licensed victuallers, and he was proud to knew that Mr. Jones had been of some service to them. He hoped they would stick well together to tky fend themselves from the attacks with which they J were assailed on all hands." Excellent material, is this not, for Mr. Idris's election address, when he requires to write it for [.the Flint contest? He has plainly shown hitt strong sympathies wth the liquor tradev, and we f now lei».ve him to the tender mercies of the Free Churcii Councils and the various teetotal societies in the district, It will be not.2d that a speaker at tho L'-eensed Victuallers' dinner observed that that trade, now stood more than ever in need of assist- ance. both from members. of Parliament, and the wholesale trade, and doubtless the remark had a pointed reference to. the assistance which the trade might ultimately reoelve from Mr. Idris, if he h,,}pelled to be returned for the Flint Boroughs. The next move is obviously for tho teetotal bodies in Flintshire to interrogate Mr. Idris respecting- his extraordinary attitude as a Rad.cal candidate and to submit him. to their familiar form of catechism. They will be grieJ- f they to ously failing in their duty if they neglect to take this step. Chester, with its wealth of o-ntiquitv and picturesque charm, has figured prominently in the illustrated journals, but few wiiters have pieced together a more interesting story than that which occupies some ten pages 111 the current issue of "Tiie Musical Times." The article takes a very brief view of the city and its earliest history, but deals particularly with the Cathedral and its associations. The writer does not plaue the Cathedral in the front rank of English niodier churches in regard to external beauty, but he dwells aou.iringiy 011 the Ciioir, whicii he rightly describes as "tho glory of Chester Cathedral." We fan to notice any mention ot the wonderful Mosaics, wincb are 4»oc usually overlooked. The musical equipment ot the Cathedral is con- sidered in Wille uet.ii.ii, and a study of the distin- guished line ot org-auists supplies uot the least in- teresting pare of the sketcn. -there is an appre- ciative notice of Dr. Bridge, the present organist, who "nas done splendid work for the cause of musio in Chester." Ouce Lioo a. tribute is paid to the service. "The Musical Times" s..ys it "is reverently performed—we do not remember to have heard to tamer's Sevenfold Amen' more uevououahy reiicierecl. Suffice it is to say that the singilig of simpie strains typified the reverence and ortierJintos which so eminently oiiai aetei ise the musical services of onestei Cathedral." Tne interest of the article is enhanced by pleasing illustrations. Apropos of hi9 .mpending departure the Rector of Hawarden through the medium ot the "Parisn I JVIajfazine" thanks "A great many friends for their m-ost kmd and indulgent letters, over a hundred of which he received in t,.e. firit, week of December. His heart's desire is that ali that .s goad (and there is so much) in tha wnoie parish of Hawardea shall meet with better help than he could now give. It is for this reason that he feeis that his tiiiio to leave has arrived, not because of dis- oouragement, or fading heal.tn, or fcr the sake of any otiior plaee or work preferred. No pla-ce or people oould ever be we same to him after these long years. He earnestly hopes to be allowed to do his utmost to serve the parish till the summery and he trusts that his parishioners will do their utriiOit to persevere now, and so to ma.ke the change well when it comes." The rev. gentleman began a visitation of ail the houses of the parish 011 the 1st. December, and hopes to have called at all by tho in.ddlc of February.

LOCAL iN E VV J>. I CHESTER CATHEDRAL. I SKKVIOK LUST FOR WKHK. UOMMICNCING JAN. 2. SATCKBAY, JANUARY liND.—Morning, llaUus. 10.15: Sn iei:. xletty 111 1"; anthein, "All ¡ÜU¡;8 shall lull down" (Boyoc;. K\eniny, 4.1;<: ftcrvio. Kuay in F; carol, "On (JhriSviUiib night (J. G. hndyel SUNDAY, JASUAIIY 3FLI) (Seco.iil Sunday after Christmas). i Litany and iioiy Communion. 1 u.3 i her Yiee. HarwuQd in A tta; inuoit, hyuin :H;; Hoiy Com- munion, llarvvooii 111 A tjtlL; im-achcr, the Canon 111 Resi- dence. Evening, & Scrv ice, llai wooU ill A lial anUwui, Xiie moniiiin stars" kswiiier) nymn ol). fi. 3u Pro ctssioiiiU nymn, 1.i .via^nuicai. and .Nunc Dinnttis to Chums; hymns 19ti, 46-1, bid; preacher, the Hev. T. li. May, il.A.

HUNTING I NORTH CHESHIRE. I Tins pack met at the Cat and Lion,, Strei-ton, on I Saturday, Although there were plenty of foxes spoit was. not veiy brilliant. At Appieton they found a fox which took hounds slowiy up to Grap- penhail and was lost. From Rose \\ood a fox took them a nice ring and back to Daresbuiy. the fox aga.n having the best of it. Newton Gorso | was next called upon, and from here they ran up to Dutton HaiJ, hounds soon afterwaids having to bo stopped owing to darkness. SOUTH CHESHIRE. Mr. Corbet had a nice gathering on Saturday, the fixture being Buikeley, just under the hills at Bickeitori. Hounds were taken back to Brett's i Mass, Cnolmondelcy, but did not find till they drew the laurels behind the Castle. Here they disturbed two brace, oacli going in different direc- tions. Hounds went away with one past Air. Brassey s house, pointing for R,dley, but turning sharp to the lett ran hounds out of seeiit, on top of Bickertoa H lis. Mi. Corbet then took the. field to Ridley Moss. Here again they soon had at least a brace m front of them. One took hounds tne usual point up to Nevill's Wood, Cholmon- deley, and then turned to toe right back to the hills. Hounds lost him on the road between Cholmondelcy and Bickerton. This was a real nice, fast hunt over as fine a bit of country as anyone could wish for, and was much enjoyea by those who got. well away with hounds, as they rail with a fine f-ct-nt Among those who took part, in it were the Duchess of Westminster, Lord Arthur Grosvenor, Loid Gerald Grosvinor, Lo:d Hugh Grosvenor, Mr. St. John Charlton, Captain and Mrs. Higson, Major and the Misses Kearney, Colonel Rivers Botkeley. Mr. Hygh .FitzPatrick; and your torresnondentj ( BLUECAP. 1 THE CHESHIRE BEAGLES. On Thursday last, these hounds met at Uelarnere House, the residence of Mr. H..E. Wilbraham. A hare was soon found below Ruloe, but scent was very poor, and after running a number of rings sue was eventually lost near to the Park. Another hare was found near to Oneeston which afforded no better sport, being- lost .upon the road almost immediately. After draw.ng- for some time, we found again, and hounds went away at a ratting pace. Passing to the left of Onceston Hall, the hare crossed tho brook, oiid turning left-handed close to Weaverham, described a. wide circle. Ke crossing the brook below Crowton, hQULds raced back again. Eventually they threw up their heads beside some cottage gardiens and oould make nothing further of it. Tnis last run was a. Lid one of thirty minutes without a check. On Saturdav the usual Box.njr-day meet took place at Broxton, where a large muster of about one hundred and twemy ladies and gentlemen were present, a few of whom1 wera Mr. Percy Roberts (master), Mr. Eric J. Dickson (whip), Mr. and Mrs. Harold Joynson, Mr. G. Barker, the Misses Barker, Mr. B. W. S. and Miss BcJand, Miss Maclaren. Miss Morris, Messrs. C. and N. Morris, Mr. W. Welsby, Mr. T. Johnson, Mr. J. Harrison, Mr. and Miss Moss, Mr. R. Barbour, Mr. Kershaw, Mr. M. Steele, the Misses Brassey. Mr. James Turbett, Mr. Davis, Mr. and Mrs. B.rd, Mr. and Mrs. Rimmer, Mr. and Mrs. John Thompson, Messrs. Frost, Douglas, Wood, Greenhouse, Kellock, etc. A hare was found immediatoly near to the Royal Oak, and went away over the hill in the direction, of the Old' Hall, but scent was only conspicuous by its absence, and altiiough hound's continued to hunt her for over a.n hour, they never could push her in the least. Finally scent gave out al. together not far from where she was first found. After a fruitless search for another in the same neighbourhood, we descended the hill and soon found again upon Mr. Hop.ey's farm. Crossing the Chester and' Whitchurch-road hounds jurt skirtoo Holywell, and re-crossed the road again near to the Court House. Hereabouts scent wa.s very poor, but near to the Cho-wley Ledge it im- proved somewhat, and turning right-handed hounds went up the hill at a good paoo and ran merr ly down to the Coombes. They then raced away io the road leading from Harthill to Tatte-a- h-.Il, where a check took place. Hitting off the line on the left-hand side of the road, they ran into Bo If-worth Park. whore hares, being too numerous we whipped off. This was after a very nice run of one hour and thirty minutes' dura- tion. Unfortunately, we have lately had a severe, outbreak of d;stemper among the hounds which has reduced the pack considerably, but I am glad to say that they appear to be getting over it agpin now. On Tuesday, the 29th ult., iA-o met at Upton Lawn, the residence of Mr. John Frost. There was a very largo muster, some of whom were Mr. Percy Roberts, Mr. Eric Dick-on, Mr. and Mrs. Frost, Messrs. M. and H. Frost, Mr. B. Glegg, Mr. T. 11. Wood. Mr. Maclaren, Miss Maclaren. Miss Morris, Mrs. E. C. Kendal, tho Mis es Dickson, Mr. Harold Broadbent, Mrs. Edward Powell, Mr. W. Powell, Mr. Robertson, junr.. Miss Robertson, M ss U. Corbctt, Mr. U. Corbett. junr., Mr. A. Campbell. Mr. P. H. Hc-lt, Mr. P. Douglas, Air. H. Smith. Mr. Trevor Dick- on. Mr. LJoyd, etc. It froze keenly all day, and although we had several hares on foot hounds could make very little of them. We, however, had' some pretty bunting in Messrs. Dicksons' nursery gardens wit,1-¡ a hare which tock us almost into Chester. Afterwards Air. and Frost most hospitably entevta-.ned everyone to luncheon and afternoon tea at Upton Lawn. LEVERET. SIR WYNDIIAM HANMER'S BEAGLES. The foilower3 of Sir Wryr.dham I larmier's Beagles had two capital hunts 011 Monday, meef- .ng a.t the Brunette, Tybroughton. A hare was coon put up on a plough ne:ir the houss, and ran well over the Sirift, Drury-lsne, Tybroughton Hall, and other holdings, ar.d at1 the end of an hour and fifteen minutes' hunt she was killeq: in the field, where she was found. A second hare came to hand on the Drury-lane Farm, and it was late in the afternoon when hounds were stepped near the Strift-lane. A good pace was maintained throughout.

lIR. IDITIS AND THE TRADE. STROKJI CHAMPIONSHIP. of tho North London Lie ;»-d \ictuallers' Society-at at Stanley Hall atdinner given to Air. Adpsr Jones, a director of Idris and Co., Ltd., and presented hun with a framed .address in festamony of his valuable ser- vices to the society. The Mayor ot St. Ptiiicras, Alderman T. ii. W. Idris, J.P., the candidate ior Flint, Boroughs, was present. The Chairman, Mr. Carviiigton, spoke higniy of Mr. Acipar jouc-?. and said t!*oy felt mere indebted to him than it he ha J been the head of a great brewery or til.:3t11!c y firm.—Air. Adpar Jones, in his repiy, said tuat the 1ic('d victuallers' trade now stood luore than ever in need cf assistance both from xoeiubers oi Parliament and the v.-iicuesaie trade. The ques-. tion of compensation would no doubt be iougiit during- the next seessiou, and it benoved every licenced victualler to light for his just right oy attad1ÏJJg himseif to a society like that.—The a.tta'?hing himseif to a. Mayor of St. Panci-as was among those toasted, in responding, Alderman idris thanked the com- pa.ny very warnny, and was sure that grand 1 ;j.r;EØ!1b!y would make his friend Air. Adpar oouts leel prouder than ever ot himseii, as he ttti(-. Alayor) did of them, ,he was proud to know Air. Adpar Jones had been of some service to theuij and he hoped tney would, as Air. oones had .said, suck wed together to deiend themselves from tne att.acks witn which tney were assaned 0.1 ah hands.—" St. Pancras Gazette."

THE PILLAR-BOXES. 1 TO THE iCDliOK. I E;Can you help tne puonc tu discover why the pillar-boxes are so placed as scare* Jly to be fouud ? it is one ul the moot klilll,LI,U things 111 Chester to tind a pinar-oox. iueso are placed in the most out-ol-the-way 6puts, and, una almost supposes, were not uiieiiaeu iur u>e. A. nttie paint, and all occasional warning wouiu in au.) <è:I,t:: make the boxes, when luuua, wore aiscermoie.—I ua, your obedient servant, ONE uF THE PUBLIC. December, 1 IKlo.

HIGHER GKAIJE I Xt» IHiS .E.lJJ¿lJu. I Sir,—The lotty tone 01 your correspondent et ialt weett wouict iitive been iiiucu mure CJICLUVO Had jie, instead oi lecturing us ulioil our ao-styled igiurauce 01 laminar tum&s, tokened upou mo real question at issue. 1 grieve fur my ignorance, but 1 aiii comiorbed in nnunig aldermen, coun- Cl'1: III lact, ail disscntioms oomlcrtab.y dis- posed ot by teat same iHihaacmig but compre- hensive term. iNor aoos his ciosmg paragraph as to tne cmidrcn 01 town councillors aucnding private genook, aitiiougn it introduces quite Ul- necessarily a personal element lillO tHe 3.¡:glllIJeUi., 11 tiiese gentlemen pay uieir scnool rates and then educate tneir children 111 tneir evvn way, and at tneir own cost, luose wiiu WISH for exclusive teaching had helter ionow so excellent, ¿¡,H example. j t may be that tliey are not 111 a posi- tion co do so, ana tIllS is tHe o.-nect or tne question your correspondent ignored. then, h::e tnousauas of utIler woruiy ioiit, tney ri-Li-t ava.ii themselves oi tecate education, int :.é. c knOvVs 110 degrees cf ClhlJlllUJl m those v So ',¡"e its macmuery, and educational admim- ..t.on is ■ suihcieauy thorny wiuiout tne auaic. i-. e .-laving to decide wheiner Late rveiiwig, ta„hcr is a collector, shouiu sit vitn i>aura CLopkms. riazircing a guess, winch may be very wide, but we have htue data belore us, the cost 01 Cdel- cation in our midst may run in all to X,Ú,uW a year. lihe fees it is proposed to abolish come to uii,-er in tne schools where it is desired to retain fees out of consideration for Airs. Rcnwig, the amount is comparatively rruiiny in cous- panson. Yet iur till:; trivial Consideration iz is suggested we suouiu set aJde t ;l best schools, Dest in structure, 111 equipment and in curriculum, ior tne use 01 ciiiiuren whose parents will pay sixpence or to a week, and deny those advan- tages to children wnose parents have alreaoy too much to do with tneir sixpences. One would sup- pose that the schoois rcierred to were receIVillg state aid lor tne hrst time. As a matter 01 fact, cney have been bolstered up for yecrs, 'and even now, like otner senoois, they are consent to receive democratic monies, without observing de necravic | conditions. What possih.e harm tan -c elmoi- ru ot tncso £ chc-ol receive from r??.<? vr.tn of a poorer order: The scno:! manuge- "ACIIC, 11 JI; is worttl its name, wild see thai.elcan'i- ness, order and efficiency arc observed. What ■ eartlny motive can poor people hare i"> sending their children to a superior school v.r.le- it be a1 laudable ambition, born of an equally laudable parental prideV Where these are tho mcuvc lorces we may be sure that they iviH stamp tho manners and habits, yes. and tho progress, too, of tiie little invaders. We may be quite •rue that tne children of degraded parents will vti l tioek to thcw schoois where they wiil ar^rilato If, like your correspondent, 1 may Irie' .lgo in retrospect, let me remind him that :n i. this same battle has been fought out hdor". intellect must have iair play, it ba« thrust open the doors cf colleges and universities, and the nation's roll of honour is thick with ¡:amf!;3 whicn, but for the breaking down of clasfi distinction, would have been lost in oblivion. The gemus cl. intellectual Wales and Scotland is peasant-bem. Education to them was not without i! -) poverty and hunger and its stern endurance of cl;i,g humiliation Now that the doors arc open, let them be "fen widciy, and 1 venture to predict that the laurels will fall to the £ .trcnuous, even ll.eagh they may not ecme from the suburb. or < a bicycles, or even by train from long aer. Yours faithfuiiv, D.. ) )•' l Hoole, 29th December. 1903. i?,

STREET CLEANLINESS. TO THE EDITOB. Sir,—Js it not time for the ratepayers ef Chester to insist that the streets and pathways, as well a-j the Rows, Walls, and public con-venieme", be much moiC eihciently cleaned" The Corporal on appear to tal;, cf tramways and working men's cottages atl nauseam, but the elementary duties oi cleaning the streets, etc., are apparently aln.oi.t overlooked. A city such as Chester needs ccm-loisi; scavenging. It is idle merely sweeping here and there These duties choaM be properly supervised by competent foremen, an f periodically by the ead corporate official: carts and the system of collecting the duet an I shop sweepings are absolutely a d';>gi a«.-e, Properly constructed covered dust-cart 1 should be used, not ordinary open carts. The dirty con dition cf many of the footpaths and of Iho Ho, must militate against the simp trade of ino city. Indeed, this is a common source cf o'v; nvav-on. Surely the .Corporation could place some recep- tacles in various parts of the city to receive Vm loose paper and other debris, then the amount • seen in the streets might be reduced. The duty habi of sprinkling sawdust outside shops, and net [Uweepiiig it when the shop closrs, ::h"ou{d tie stopped. If tiie Corporation would act ddcr. minedly 111 those matters of cleanliness, i-.■ at).! f t) the smoke nuisance, a. decided, step towards le- viving the trade of the city and giving it a bettor name would at once be secured and rate.! of tr;. reduced- Your obedient servant, I I I 'T ?, ?: 1 1, 1 I 29th Dccernbei. 1903.

I THE EDUCATION DIFFICULTY IN I THE EDUCATIO DIFFICUI/i"l IN WALES.—The Churchmen of Montgomery.sliue at an influentially attended meeting at Barmouth, have passed the following resolutions .—" That this meeting respectfully appeals to the Merionethshire County Council to reconsider its policy, and to grant rate aid to non-provided sefoooK in accordance with the plain intention of the Education Act, 11.}i)2." Th::1.t this meeting begs to su tJilll t J the County Council that the past history cf Wales shews that resistance to law his not only brought no benefit, but inflicted injury upon the permanent interests of the Principality" "That in the opinion of this meeting one of the solutions: of the present education difficulty would lie to allow by statute the ratepayers to allocate their lates. NEW MOTOR LAWS.—The sappie r: Ury regulations for th? control of motor ■ vi now been issued, ancl i ilv olvc-, sc;i changes. The maximum width of moivir ea~ ei increased from 6ft. 6in. to 7ft. 2;n., an a.H«"vn ■-on which may affec-.i- certain motor omnib- sos \1, oh were said to he refused the licence to ply exceeded the. legal width. The- excessive brilliancy cf motor lanrms has been the causa for com pi.v. lit. -ir.d tho now regulations demand that if t is of s?ch a. dsxs!n.? ciTett as to render it diagonals ;;t' 0, y)t{; ;t¡{'if:1: means for ,<:Py> of vnch ckmeo'- This?i'?m?i??.Tiica??'?  or a shutter, which can be pnlled over thejamp 01 occa«on. The new regularoirs mase it Ciear the* motor-bicycles with trailers are not limited ;■> r;» milfs an hour, as was thought- by some to bo the interpretation of the former law. as tne- ¡ 1i; so is dropped ?tog?t!x'r. Motor wa.so??, wluen v/ov only aHowed to travel at ?ipM. mi!c9 an ?cur. t'an now t -av 1 at the same speed a!? other V(.:d(.i .f they arc, under two tons in weight when unladen. Other thuses piovide that a driver must <d-ip his car at tho signal of a constable in uniform cr of any person in charge of a horse or other ocosipant of a vehicle (the horse need not be restive), that- e->-ery motor-car shall lie so c01lStract°r} thai, the driver when stopping, save for a general halt in traffic, may stop the machinery so far as to pro- vent noioc", and the driver must. make use of tiiin .meaji3 and. although the meaning of the cfa t-;<- not c?&r; anti-sideslip devicw are Ic?ar-r.?. not, cl?c?ar, amt.1?-s." Jc-? ip dev i cc-,?, axe

MALPAS FARM FIRE. FARMHOUSE GUTTED. N A R R O V/ K-S C A PES. A disastrous flro the Manor .Fa-rm, Edge, occupied by Mr. T VV. Picker.ng, wko is also ihe owner, pis-i aft' midnight. an Monday. It -appears that Mr. Pickering- re-tired to re't soon after ten o'clock on Monday night, .leaving a log fire in or-oof his lrviiig- rooms. The •servant g.ri, with of the Oil, ea, had gonek *0 be<l together scar e time prcvit tu;y. Just* after -cne. o'oiodk a crash in tho-lower Mr- Pickering, who at cnoo r?t?ced a t?Ic?a.tJn? N?eHL of smoke. Upos opening ?ig Le,loom door, h? wa?? nearly '-uE'ocato? with smorre. His 6rst thoughts wera for rb< fety of his; wo children and be servant girl, and he had cay 1 rue to rush to their bedroom and cany down the children, wrappng them in blankets. Tlio servant girf, who w.-i-s partially dressed, folk wed behind ana took charge of the oh.ldr^n, whuo their father endeavoured to obtain ni{r0 of ti eir belongings. It was, however, a. IruitWs offer:, for the how was an old one. and burlt in t. e half-timbered- sbtylo, and -li- fire had obtained firm hold from end to end. Owing to Xrna9 h< days tiie. farm employes wore away. Taking the children, Mr. Pickering and the girl Imriei to ,r neighbour1* (Mr. Matthews, s), '1:{) to^b in t <- two children and tho servant. Mr. R. Mat-th.-ws \'olmIt.ct'ed to fetch sho Malpas ftie. engine, end arrived in Maipas just before two o e'< ck. I- rras some timø before he found liij way to the tep-iin's house. Upon being roused, tho oap-nm. with Mr. Matthews gave the general alai. It was not long afterwards before the fuii complement of the brigade were a" tho.r ix sis. the dlcrin" hivno* horsed by Mr. Heskctli. On arriving at tho flr-o the brigade found the position a -ei\ous one. for th,,? mof had fallen a-r. i the roof had fallen in, ar.d- there unly remained1 standing a back kitchen and a. le end. Upon- this part their efforts were directed, bun although the roof of this section did not a dually fall in, the contents were all more cr lee- burned. Mr. Pickering lost all his paper? w: t', h s desk, in- cluding two £ 5 bank notes a' d one £10. Neither was any c.othmg cf the eh ldvan's aved. and tfeei servant on opening hc-r sceiclied ,:da1 box next morning found the contents d* rtroyed. Mr. Pickering had left the house wl iiout roo jacket and was wearing only ri ppers, wh oh he hadhttr- ricù:y put on. Ho was not afch ;,Q recover h5, other e-lothing, and a eoat and sho were, lent by a kind.'y neighbour. Tho damage estimated aft £ 1.000 and is ecvere<t by in Lrpnc-e in the. Alliance Fire Office, through t-fceir local agent, Mr. Wyoherley, Malpas.

ARMY AND VOLUNTEERS. VOLUNTEER CYCLISTS:) uherto a- sp^jial capitation grant of £ 2 per a.nnum ha, been paid for each efficient cyclist of a cyclist company of a Volunteer corps; but fcr the oi.umg ye-kr this allowance is to be reduced by one la.if. If the War Office were dealing with the cycli,, -)n)p,,tny of a Milit"a regimtnt such a. proceeding, mId be more or less intelligible, as the bicycles would only be used in the service of the Goverc.tit for a very limited period in eac h -year; but the Volun- teers the matter is quite a different one, as the bicycles are in use fcr nearly tie whole year- ccrtainly for more than eight mon-hs ef it. This does not mean every day of the ci.ht months or more referred to, but in many eav; it means for once or twice a week during the whole of that penod. and to sup?t tht £ 1 ? year is sufficient to keep d. b .yele that, is in (;ont;mt u??, ),I good ''?p?.ir is too &bsu)d to need demonstration There have always been, and in spite of all we have been taught, and in spite of all special cooimissioi: > that have gat or ever will sir, there always will r. two opposing forces, ViI. the Treasury shrieking for economy and the War Office crying weakly for efficiency Whea we are face to face with an actual emergency the Treasury gives way all along the line, and spends wasteiuily far m-.e-e than it has saved by its petty economies f r a decade past; but as soon as the crisis s over it begins to shriek "economy" again, and the Secretary of State for Wai of the day, gives way, and the Army and all its parts relapse into the previous state of unpieparedness and inefficiency. In spite of all the recent outcry against such a 4titte of things we are at the present moment entering on one of those periods when the Tieasury I", shrieking for economy and the Secietary of State is giving way. If it jc- net so, let the next Army Estimates prove it.—" Meaning Po-t. 2nd (EARL OF CHESTER'S) V B. CHESHIRE REGIMENT.—Headquarters, Chester, December 3h,t, ltK'3. Regimental orders by Colonel T. J. Smith, V D., commanding, for week ending 9th January, 1:10.1. 1. Recruits drill: Headquarters, Monday, Wednesday and Friday in the Drill Hall at 7 30 p.m. Saltney, Tuesday and Thursday in the Institute at 7 30. 2 Recruits are now being enrolled. Members having a friend to bring for- ward shoeld do so at onee, 3. T, ine iiiarel., There will be a time march on Wednesday, the tJtb January next The Headquarters and K Company will parade in the Drill Hall at 7 30 p.m. Dress, drill order, with leggings. Cyclists with cycles anA riiie jlip attachment. Band to attend. LigbtJ refreshments will be provided. 4. church parade: The Keado'earters and K Company will pade in the io' Hall at 10.15 A.m., on Sunday, lOtlfc Jamia-y "a-rxt, icr div.v.e service at bt. Mary's- witho-sj the Walls. Band to attend. Dress, church parade Older. Duties: Orddrly officer fcr the week, Lieut. A. J. Aliisgi-av-b; battaliok orderly sergeant, Colom -Sergt. W. Carr.— By order (signed) C. E. Pno.'iuiry, Captain, Acting Adjutant 21iJ V. B CHIT .4 IRE VOLUNTEER INFANTRY BRIGADE EEARER COMPANY. — Head- quarters, Chester. Orders by Brigade-Surgeon Lieut.-Colonel II. W. King, M.D commanding, for week ending J.inuary !)th, 1904. 1. Parade on M-ondry at St. Michael's Hall at 7.30 p.m. The Instruiter will give a course of instructions in fearer Company woik. An advanced class for N.C. orders only on Tuesday a.t 7.30 2. Parada on Wednesday for drill in drill hall. Dress drill order. S. Orderly N.C. -officer for the week, Sergeant Whi'.eman.—(Signed) H. W. K;>G, Brigade-Surgeon, Lieut.-Colonel, officer command- ing C.V.I.B.B.C.

LlGtHThN tr- U P TABLE. All cycles and other vehicles in the Chestt* district must be lighted upas stated in the following table P.M. Saturday, J:1uary 4 5.2 Sunday, January 3 5.3 Monday, January -1 o.4 Tuesday, 5 3.5 Wednesday, January ti .6 I Thursday, January J J.& 1 Friday, January 3 0.'9

ME .1 o R I A L ] AV ALL PRICED. iN MARBLE, o NTITE. STOAK k A LA 2 ASTER. Oli. to W. HAS WELL fc SON; MASONS, K A LEY A Elii? Eitv?.c.tes and Designs Fret r.» .n-t.iMt-o-t. Telephone No. ltilA.

Karl Kgertou and the Duchess of Buckingham arrived in London on Tuesday from Taiton Park, Knutsford. Sir Humphrey and Lady de Trafford (says the Onlooker") were 111 town fur Cnristmas, and on Ch istnias night entertained a large number of friends at dinner. Owing to a bad cold Sir John Brunner wits unable to attend the Liberal meeting at Chester Music Hail on Monday. The name of Miss Helen Glad- stone is accidentally omitted from our list of those present 011 the platform. The Stockton-on-Tees Junior Liberal Association on Tuesday night celebrated the -lth anniversary of the late Mr. Gladstone's birthday. Lord Tweed- mouth, the president of the Association, was pre- vented from being present. A marriage has been arranged between Edward Alexander, only son of Mr. and Mrs. Johnson- Ferguson, of Springkell, Dumfriesshire, and 55, Cadoeran-sqnare, and Elsie Dorothea, eider daughter 01 Sir Charles B. McLaren, Bart., K.C., M.P., and Lady McLaren, of Bodnant, Denbighshire, and 4o, Beigrave-squnre. ùir. A. Grifiith-Boscawen, M.P., has been chosen chairman of the Departmental Committee appointed by the Board of Agriculture to inquire into and report upon the present position of fruit culture in Great Britain, and to consider whether any further measures might with advantage be taken for its promotion and encouragement. At Northwicli on Wednesday night, Mr. C. J. Hughes intimated that on the following day his otiicial connection with the N orthwicll Divison Conservative Association would come to an end. Air. Hughes has been the secretary since the association's formation in 1885, while in all for thirty years he has been officially engaged at every Mid-Cheshire election. Katharine Duchess of Westminster entertained the school children of Burleydarn to tea on Wednes- day evening. Among the ladies who assisted the Duchess in attending to the young guests were Lady Crichton and Lady Helen Grosvener. After- wards presents 011 a Chustmas tree were distributed to the young folk by her Grace. Before the merry party broke up, the Duchess was accorded a hearty ote cf thanks for her kindness on the proposition of the Vicar, the Rev. J. H Adamson. Mr. C. W. Liurd, son of the late Mr. John Laird, the well-known shipbuilder of Birkenhead, has been adopted as the Unionist candidate for Nottingham. The Duke and Duchess of Teck und their children attended the carol service held on Sunday aftern. ion 111 5St. George's Chapel, Windsor Castle. The Dean of Windsor gave an interesting address. Lord and Lady Beauchamp will, it is stated, entertain number of friends at Madresfield Court for tho Worcestershire Hunt Ball, which takes place on January 12 at the Worcester Shire Hall. The marriage arranged lietween Mr. E. W. Hermon, 7th (Queen's Own) Hussars, and Ethel eldest daughter of the late Mr. S. O. Hermon and Mrs. Hermon, of Catsclough, Wmsford, will take plaee at Whitegate Onurch, on the 14th of January. We regret to state that the'Rev. Archdeacon Goldwyer Lewis, rector of Davenham, is reported to be ill at Oswestry. At Aldford and Davenham particularly, and in many parts of the diocese, syrrpathy h expressed for the Archdeacon. Prayers for his recovery have been offered at Aldford Church. Mr. Geore-e, Wvndbam. the Chief Secretary for Ireland, will be the principal speaker at the annual dinner of the Dover Chamber of Commerce, on January 27, when the President, Mr. W. O. Ken- nett, will occupy the chair It is to be made an International event by the attendance of the Municipalities of Calais and Ostend and the Calais Chamber of Commerce. The Secretary of the Chester General Infirmary begs to acknowledge with thanks the receipt of the following church collections :—Ewloe Primitive i Methodist Chapel, £ L Is. Tarvin, Kelsall and Duddon Churches, £10 lis. (id. Hoole Gospel Rooms, /Barrow Parish Church, kll 4s. tict. (Infirmary £1008. üd., Convalescent Home £ 1 Is.) Plemstall Church, £1; Grosvenor-park Baptist Church. Llanasa Parish Church, £ 1 Is. and a donation ot b. from Alfred S. Dutton, Esq. CHESTER POST OFFICE. —Messrs. Thomas Johnson, Backford Harold Jackson, Tarvin-road .Joliiison, Liverpool-road, having s?tistied the of the Civil Service Commissioners are entering upon their duties as telegraph learners. LOCAL ARTISTS AT NEW BRIGHTON.— At the last cake walk competition at New Brighton Tower, the prixe-winners mdurled the following :— Original costume (ladv), 3rd, Miss Dodd, Pepper- street, Chester: original or fancy costume (gentle- man), 2nd, E Price. William-street, Chester fancy costume (lady), 1st, Mrs. Price, William-street. CHESTER VOLUNTEER BALL—The com- mittee of the Chester Annual Volunteer Ball beg to acknowledge with thanks the receipt of the following donations in aid of the ball fund Miss Humberston 4,1 Is., Mrs. S. Saiith £1 Is., Mrs. Warren Trevor Sl Is., Mrs. Grier LI Is., John Rogers tl Is., Mrs. W. H. Churton £1 Is., Mrs. J. G. Frost £ 1 Is., Mrs. Kogerson £ 1 Js. NEW MAGISTRATES.—The following gen- tlemen have been placed on the commission of the peace for the county of Chester, on the recom- mendation of the Lord-Lieutenant (Earl Egerton of Tatton) .-Cliarles James Hughes, auctioneer, valuer and estate agent, Riversdale, Northwich Alex. Emil Jacques Reiss, merchant, Whatcroft Hall, Northwich John Vawdrey Braddon, gentle- man, Leftwieh House. Northwich William Brad- hury, grocer and draper, Stockport-road, Marple; William Waiter Kellock, broker ior the sale of ships, Highfield. Audlem; Percy Henry G uy Feilden, ilmdowncr, lollington Hall, Chester John Arthur Ri.-kards Kay, gentleman, Davenham Hall, North- wich. ML SIC SL'CCESSES.—Miss Lizzie Caruth entered three pupils, namely, Nellie Goodwin, Cissie Heath and Harry Jacksop, tor the pre- paratory exaDJination ot the incorporated .Society of Musicians. They were all successful, passing with" honours." NORTH WALES CLERICAL CIIANGES.- Archdeacon W ynne Jones, vicar of Liangojien, is to be inducted to the living of Oswestry by Arch- deacon Thomas at the parish church of 81. Oswald on Tuesday evening. On Tuesday night Arch- deacon Thomas inducted the Rev. J. George, for- rneriv vicar of Bistre, to the living of Aberhafesp, Montgomery shire. CHESTER GENERAL INFIRMARY .-The Secretary of the Chester General Infirmary begs to acknowledge with thanks the receipt of the following additional donations to the fund being -rai.^ed towards the debt due to the Treasurer :—N. A. E. Way, Esq., £ i! 2s. Mr. and Mrs. Rogers:wi, £ 5 Jas. M. 15 Muwle, Esq., i;l Messrs. Eaf-tnians, Ltd., £ i Is.; Messrs. W. aud R. Fletcher, Ltd., £lls. WINTER ASSIZES.—The following days have been fixed by the judges for the Winter Assizes :— North Wales (Mr. Justice-Phillimore) Weishpool, Monday, Jauuary 11 Doigelly, Wednesday, January 1?; Carmuvon, Friday, January 15; Beaumaris, Wednesday. January 1?; Ruthin, 13e?ullikLli, Wticiiiesday. Wednesday, January .11?iiday. Jttllulll'Y :-2 ?-Iloid, Wetine?,(lay, January March ltL  GIK? S MYSTERIOUS DEATH. The adjourned .inquest touching the dea?h ut a ?ni named Annie Jdaddocks, aged U, who ,sided at Railway Arches, Crane-street, was held on Wednes- day. Dr. Sutton reported chat the post-mortem examination had failed to show the cause ol death, and it W¡¡.Slle-e:,¡"u.¡y to analyse the contents of the stomach belore he couid certify what the chil-i had died of. ihe inquest was again adjourned until to-day (Saturday). CHLLD'A JB ATAL FALL.—The City Coroner held an inquest on Alonday upon the bouy of Win. Edwards, nve years oid, wno resided with his parents at 4, ttidney-place, off biooii-titxeet. It appeared that on the e, caiiig of Christmas Day de- ceased wa" blalicillig 011 a hei.vy armchair 111 wnieh his father was sitting. NViien the father rose to light his pipe the child fell anu struck the chair with ilib head :w:,t.UI11U¡; a iracture of tile skud. He wua removed .to the infirmary, where death supervened. _? Vtir?ct of "Accidental death" was t'e??tne? CiiL?jiiRE LA?-L'Ki\ER CEI\SLRED.— The inquest touchu;? the ,death of an old man. wno wa? run over and lastly injured at NorÓ- wicn 011 December 12 by a cab driven by oosepn li,ag,ilev 01 lnutsford, ended on Tuesday 111 tHe jury midiiig that liaguiey, although negligent, was not criminally negligent, isaguiey did noL ►:top when the accident occurred, and it was some ci^-iit days before the police could satisfy them- selves as to tiie identity of the driver. The jury considered that Baguley's conduct after the accident doservei severe censure. MR. MUSS AND TRADE BRIEFS-At Thursday's meeting of the Executive of the East Denbighshire Temperance Association the report came lor ward of a deputation which had waited upon Mr. Samuel Moss, Al.P for East Denbighshire, in lespect to his attItude in accepting trade briefs. The deliberations ot the association were closed to the press, but it was officially .stated atterwarus that the subject had been freely discussed with Mr. Moss by the duiegates, but it was now recognised that the subject was an extremely deiicate one, and the association, wishing to mature their viewe, had aujourued further conaideratioii oi the matte*' for three weeks. crvij Ai-, r A IR, NEAR WREXHAM.—011 Wednesday evening Mr. Wynn Evans, the East Dcnbighsrnre coroner, held an inquest at W rex- ham on the body of Elizabeth Davies, 29, wife of John Davies, gardener at Brynniaiiy Hall, near Wrexham, the residence of Mr. L1. H. Jones, Official Receiver in Bankruptcy for Chester and North Waies. The evidence shewed that early on Tuesday screams were heard coming from the h)_ise, and on neighbours rushing in they found the deceased enveloped in flames and a bedroom, ill which three children wore sleeping, on fire. it was with dilhculty that ib-e children were rescuel, and when they were got out they were nearly suffocated. The deceased sustained terrible bur-is a 11.1 succumbed at the Infirmary. She told her husband that the lamp flared up. The jury re- turned <1, v-rdict of "Death from burns." ANTHRAX IN CHESHIRE.- A case of anthrax was reported 011 Monday on Fountain Farm, Davenham, occupied by Mr. Thomas Coodier. A cow belonging to a herd of 28 was found dead on Sunday, and a post-mortem held by Mr. Ralph, assistant to Mr. Darwell, veterinary surgeon, revealed the fact that death was due to anthrax. The carcase was cremated on Monday evening, and all precautions taken tn prevent the disease spreading. Great concern is felt by the farmers in the district. Outbreaks of anthrax among cattle aie again reported from Shropshire, this time in the Hodnet neighbourhood, a district hitherto unaffected. The carcases of two of the affected animals were quickly cremated. On Tuesday morning it was ascertained that a flock of sheep all the farm of Mr. Gough, Aston-by- Budworth. near Warrington. had provided victims. Two ewes in a flock of 20 were found dead, and after examination Mr. T. Eastwood, veterinary surgeon, Northwich, certified the out- break to be anthrax. Every precaution is being takcn taHANDBRIDGE CONGREGATIONAL SUN- DAY SCHOOL. -The superintendent (Mr. T. A. Rigby) and teachers invited the fathers and mothers of the scholars to tea on Wednesday. About 140 accepted invitations and sat down to a substantial tea, and thoroughly enjoyed it. The following ladies presided at the tables-Mrs. William Jones, Mrs. Dutton, Mrs. Pierce, Mrs. Edwards, Miss Foulkes, Miss 'Jones, Miss Orme, Miss Jeffs, Miss Speed and Miss Bufton. Mr. Rigby presided over the meeting after tea, and gave an able and appropriate address. The pro- gramme consisted of a so,zs given by a party of girls, which were highly appre- c;ated, viz., "We are daughters of the King," There is a shadow on the home," and We ere coming to the rescue"; solo by Mr. Alexander Bee: recitation. "The road to Heaven," Mr. T. A. Chambers; The song of the winds," rendered by four girls. Mrs. William Jones accompanied, and the Rev. William Jones, Mr. Atherton and Mr. Speed took part. It was felt that the meeting Was most helpful. DEATH OF MR. HENRY CLEGG.—We regret to announce the death of Mr. Henry A. Ciegg, master stonemason of this city, which took place at his residence. Coniston," Newton, on Wednesday morning. The deceased was a native of Chester, and a pathetic feature of his death is that he not only leaves a wife and family to mourn his loss, but an aged mother, who now survives all the members of her family. Mr. Clegg commenced business in the city many years ago, and there are a number of fine buildings both in the city and district which bear silent witness to his ability and skill. In pri vate life he WM of a retiring dis- position. but to all with whom he came in contact he ever evinced the highest qualities of character, and had always a heart to feel and a hand to help in case of need. He was much beloved by a wide circle of friends, and will be greatly missed. Mr. Clegg was also well-known in Freemasonry circles, having been for many years a member of the Independence Lodge The funeral will take place to-day (Saturday) at the Cemetery at three o'clock. A memorial service will be held in the George- street Chapel at two o'clock. Mr. Clegg had been a member of the Primitive Methodist Church since his early days, and was highly respected for his work and worth as a Sunday school teacher. CESTRIAN TONTINE SOCIETY. The annual meeting was held on December 14. when, m addition to the ordinary financial business, election of officers and the presentation of his portrait to the retiring president, opportunity was taken to present to the society the portrait of the secretary (Mr. W. n. Conyeis). the gift of Mr. W. Atkinson, to be hung in the club-room.—A hearty vote of thanks was accorded Mr Atkinson for his kind gift.-Tlie Secretary acknowledged the compliment paid him, and introduced a very satisfactory balance- sheet shewing that although the society had paid during the year ,1;;137 in sick pay, nearly R70 in death claims, and carried over a reserve of over £ 300, they were able to declare a dividend at the rate of £2 3s. per full member, amounting in all to £ 050 which was accordingly paid out on the Satur- day following. Attention was also drawn to the fact that since 1875 the society had paid out £ 2,728 in sick pay. £:')V7 15s. in death claims, and £ M,.i>a7 18s. 5d. in dividends also since 18D5 £ 145 in wives' funeral claims, a goodly record. The members present aho accordtd by resolution their apprecia- tion ot the "Defence of Tontines," in the late correspondence in the columns of the "Cheshire Observer," and ordered this expression of opinion to be incorporated in the annual report sent to the Press. CHESTER GLEE CLUB.—On Tuesday even- ing the annual Good-bye" was given to the (Id year by the usual "smoker" concert. The society has been in existence a long time, but never was there a more enthusiastic gathering than on that occasion. The genial president. Mr. G. F. Wynne, occupied the chair, and was supported by the vice-presidcnt, Mr. H. R. Thomas. The per- forma-nees were excellent. The conductor (Mr. Butterworth) and the piarmo (Mr. R. Thomas) also discharged their duties admira.bly. As on ai, k former similar occasions, the various items of the programme was not pre-arranged, but given as requested or on the spur of the moment. The Whfii evening spreads," Comrades in Arms," and Thor's War Song" (three eld favourites), were quite a treat. The concert in- cluded the following: Glee, "Come. genrJc Zephyr," ihe Choir; song "The Friar of Orders Gray," Mr. J. Williams; song, "Four Jolly Smiths," Mr. T. Fenea song. "English as she is spoke," Mr. J. Kent Smith glees. "When tvenn: spreads" and "The Image of the Rose" (solo. Mr. W. E. SncLon); soii, Tile Jovial Peasant," Mr. A. E. Myatt; songs, The Soldier tired of War's Alarm" and The Pilgrim of Love." Mr. \\T. Huxley: glees, Comrades in Arms" end Thor's War Song," the Choir; songs, "Chorus. Gentlemen and" Old Jolly Jenkin," Mr. J. H. iDnchburn; recitations (two), Mr. G. H. Moore; song. "I seek for thee in every flower." Mr. W. R Snplson; glee, All Hail to the Ruddy Wine." the Choir: song. "Drinking," Mr. J. Thompson: .o".>° °*s, "The Good Old Aii-,itl.,il and Another." Mr J. Phillips: nong. "Under tho shfide of the palms." Mr- Percy Norman; (iud, Love and Messrs. W. E. Snelson and C. E. Rowley: song "The Pirate Bold." Mr. E. Robinson: <riee, To Our Xcxt": Auld Lang Syne," God Save the King."

MOTOR-CAR'S PLUNGE INTO THE SEVERN.—At Shrewsbury, 011 Tuesday, Mr. Tudor Owen drove a motor-car down the steep hill known as St. Mary's Water Lane to a motor agent's yard, and on reaching the yard was unable to turn the car. which dashed down the old Castle Hiil, at the foot of which stands tho Traitor's Gate. The- ear, after sweeping aside wooden posts and beams as though made of matchwood, w .? precipitated over a high river wall into the Severn Mr. Tudor Owen succee ded in jumping from the car unhurt just befoie it dashed into the I:ixer.

SIR W. W. WYNN'S HOUNDS MEET O.V Saturday, January 2. Er,)Li,-hLll at 10.30 Monday, January 4, O(;dey .tt 11.0 Tuesday, January 5, Gobowen at 11.0 Thursday, January 7, Aldersey at 11.30 Saturday, January 0, Iseoed at 11.0

FARM STOCK SALE.—Messrs. Pickering and Nightingale., on Wednesday, the 23id De. ember, conducted a. highly important agiTc-ultural solo at Mr. John Button's farm, Woodhouses, Frodsham. A grand company was in attendance, at the ap- pointed time of sale, and pric-Es ruhd high, giving the vendor every satisfaction. Horses made up to olgs while the cattle made a very good average. The small implements of husbandry met. a grand clearance, harness and heavy effects being quickly -oid. Turnips made about 15s. per ton on the spot, while a stack of clover hay, weighing app" roxi- mately 15 tons was knocked down for £ 44.The auctioneers found no difficulty-in realising at too market prices.

BIltTHS, MARRIAG E & DEA THS -t. BIRTHS, MARRIAGES, AND DEATHS &re charged at the rate of 20 words for Is. (prepaid). If not prepaid, the charge will be 2s. 6d. The announcement mus-t. be authenticated by the Big nature and Address of the Sender. MARRIAGES. 4_I]LI-Li.Î. —On the December, a*, si. James's Church, 1" -.c-iJilly, W., Herbert Culm too Enuna Tailby. EDWAROS — HADDOCKS—On the 24ih December, at St. Mary's Parish Churcii. Birkenhead by the Kev. A. U. J. l'ce. Charles eldest on of Robert Edwards, oi Birken- head, to "ranees Ivleu, youngtst daughter ot Charles Re bvr» iluddceks, of Chester. r:.TMTr.n,- Lr.w:S--Un the L't;i December, at St. Paul's Church, EirKvnhtad, by t!.c Kev. A. Jiobinson, Wiiliaofe 'icorge He rter, eldest sou d Willia.n Hunter, oi New- tOWI., to E,¡rh Al'te Lewis, eldest daughter 01 the late Jf. IlJe; Herbert and A'ice Lewis. of BirKeuhead. THOMPSON—OAiSNER—On tho 23rd December, a.t St. Paul's Chureb, by th" Rev. T. K. Evans, Frederic)* Thompsni to Lydia Oot.stance Garner, Ivy Cottage* Hoole, Chester. DEATHS. BONNALIiT—On the ifth December, 1903, Piasytillan, Llangollen, .Martha Eiiitilieth PatLy), beloved Wife 01 Hinry Edward Bonnaiie, iliaydon, Llandudno, and eldest twin daughter of Rasul. AI. R Baker, of i'i-synl'.au, Llan- gollen. Horn February :i;:>ld. ti:).9. CLEGG—Cn the SJth D^-ceirhcr, lvO", a', "Ceniston," "Newton-V-y-Cheeter Uei.ry A. Ue, atred 40 years. I" His ey-.rl was peace. '*) DltAYGOTT—On the :;r.l P i-ember, at Bournemouth, sus'.denly, ilary, the beloved daughic. 01 lwrle and Ad Mary Dray colt, oi this ciiy. JIAEGERJSOX—On the ")Ili Dect-ii i,er, at Dunve^an, Langhan-s-road, West. Given, Loiid of appendicitis, Thomas Ernest Prineipal of Toite'.iha- Pupil Teacheis' Centre. Ii.ternient at Chester C'tirtn L-.i.v -,o-d;.y (Saturday), ab 12.4:" J.'OOUE—On tho 25th Dteeiuher, at jS Eirerton-street, Cheti'er, A-m, the beloved wife ot the late Thoirras Moore, aged VI y-xra. IN MEMORIAL. CHES>VOK-XK—In ui-.nioy ot Mary Ethel Chcs. worth, died January, 1st Also of Thomas Chcsvvorth, wh.o died Dv-eembt-r 6th, 1^99. Also of Emma Chesworth, who died occoM-r 6th, HtUt. Sleep en, dear parents ar.d sister, amI rake thy rest, Jesui did for 'he best. II yo-rr ey<«? -were open what a change you would see, But t: el hath willed it not to be. MORRP.:—T11 ever loving remembrance or niv dear husband, Widiaoi Morris (late of Moi.a Hvuse, Lnienhall-strcetX who parsed ..way IVcembiir _9oh, lCJï. J.or,], all pityw;}j, Jtsu ukt, "rant him l'hi¡,c eternal rest. ROBERTS-in lcv;figo iiitriiory of our dear rrother, Mary, to tt-Jovcd wiie oi Owen Hobcfie, i'uliord, wjio dieci J.\JlU"J.) 1st, 100- You are not forgotten, molner dear. Or ever wiil ycu be, A'3 Icng as lite and lilt mor) lists We will lenumtirr thee. (Fioru her lo-.i: childreu, Ai'.h.u Ar.i.i:.) Ti'C?PSC?—?n :,fÙ;:ctiOt,t.' rtmemk'.lKe ci J?ics. the bk-h vtd h'istiiid of Ann 'Ihuuiptou. ot i.vi, Union-terrace, who (epar(j '.his life January 2, 1?'9, aged 68 years.. fRcs? in :h ?K'.tJ