Cheshire Observer

OVERTON. THREATENING A POLICE INSPECTOR.— At Uverio.) Yetty Sessions on Saturday. John Martin, ot Overton, was charged with being drunk -and disorderly and with threatening to snoot Inspector Pearson. The defendant was in the neighl|ouihoon of the police-station in a drunken condition, armed with a double-barrelled gun. The gun was not loaded, but defendant had a cartridge In his pocket He rhreatened to kill the Inspector, The Bench decided to send prisoner to a month's imprisonment for disorderly behaviour, and at the end of his term to proceed against him for threatening the Inspector.

-> UPTON. NEW YEAR'S TREAT.-On Friday afternoon a tea was given to the children of Upton Sunday School. The tables were tastefully decorated with flowers, crackers. &c by the teachers and friends of the school After tea Mrs Helenus Robertson kindly presented the prizes. Mrs. Everett George. conjurer and ventriloquist, gave an entertainment. Each child before leaving recei ed an orange, some cake. and a bag of sweets, the latter being provided by Mrs. Robert.-on Many thanks are -due to Mrs. Parling, the Vicar, and all the willing workers I who helped to make the afternoon and evening such a success

WREXHAM. DEATH OF A LADY GUARDIAN.—Miss Jones, of ,20, King-street, Wrexham, the only lady member of the Wrexham Board of Guardians, died at her tesidence on Saturday. Miss Jones was a member of the isiting Committee, and did much useful work. DEATH OF MR. W. J. SISSON.-The death took place on Saturday evening, at his residence, rias Lrvvyiym Grove-road, Wrexham, of Mr. W. .J. Sis-on, the proprietor of the Cambrian iirewery Mr. Sisson was 74 years of age, and had only been ill a few days He was the chairman of the Wrexham and East Denbighshire Water Company. and was well known and highly re- spected over a wide district. His eldest daughter is the wife of Mr. Ll. Hugh Jones. official re- ceiver in bankruptcy for Chester and North Wales.

LITTLE STANNEY. RUMMAGE SALE.—A sale was held in the schoolroom last week for the purpose of raising funds for a school piano. The tables were covered with a variety of second-hand clothing and mis- cellaneous articles, the following ladies acting as saleswomen :—Mrs. Alletson, Mrs. Prichard, Miss Grace, the Misses Alletson, Miss Prichard Miss Bradshaw, the Misses Bunnell, and Miss Percival. Miss Crawford presided over the refreshment-room, which was well supplied with a variety of eatable, mainly through the kind contributions of friends. and did a good business. In the course of the evening Miss J. Crawford gave a selection of vocal and instrumental music, which was supplemented by the performances of Miss E Crawford, Miss R. Bunnell and others, while Edison's phonograph, kindly exhibited by the Messrs. Lindsay, con- tributed to the general entertainment. )J

tT () C, 11. WH1TCHUKCB. i THEFT OF WOOL-On Saturday, before Mr. R. P. Eihelston (chairman) and Mr. C. T. Dugdale, two general dealers living at Whitchurch, named Joseph Edward Marsh and Jacob Beifield, were brought up in custody charged with stealing four bags of wool from stables in the occupation of Mr. Geo. G. Morgan, potato merchant, Whitchurch, on December 30th. The two prisoners had found a means of unlocking the buildings, and had stolen 1181b. of sheep's w ool, some of which was in bags and some in fleeces. They had endeavoured to sell It to a man named Blood a skin dealer from Nant- wicb, and being unsuccessful Marsh had hooked it to Nantwich on Thursday morning in his own name. They weiit away by train, and were arrested on the Whitchurch Railway Station just before ten o'clock on New Year's Eve by Sergts. Taylor and Lealand, who proved the case.—Defendants pleaded guilty. ihere were previous convictions proved.—Marsh Was sentenced to four months, and Beifield to three Months, each with hard labour. -*• I

FMNT. r.. SAL) BURNING FATALITY.-On Saturday lr. F. LI. Jones, county coroner, held an inquest at Flint on the body of Elizabeth Jones, agodd 5G, the wife of Robert Jones, carter, Salisbury-street, Flint. The widower of the deceased said that on the 1 19th of December last lie left the deceased in the house while he went to attend to his horses, a few yards away, at about nine p.m. Shortly after- Wards lie heard screams and on going into the house he found his wife in flames on the floor, with a candle underneath her which had been extin- guished. She was under the influence of drink at the time. He managed with assistance to put out the fire, and immediately sent for a doctor.—Dr. W illiams, in his evidence, stated that he considered death was due to burns accelerated by alcoholism. Had it not been for her condition through being addicted to drink she would no doubt have recovered from the effects of the burns, as they were not so serious.—The jury returned a verdict to that effect. -The Coroner remarked that from his experience in the county he found that drunkenness an.ong women was on the increase, and that it was surpris- ing the number of deaths that occurred through an over-indulgence in drink. I

HOLT. I RIGHT OF WAY QUESTION.-On Monday 1 evening a sepcial meeting of the Pai-ish Council! was held for the purpose of considering the ques- tion of the road leading from Hugmore-Iane through Bostock farmyard to Common Wood, a fresh development of this long-standing matter having taken place owing to the decision of the Wrexham District Council to take counsel's opinion with a view to the commencement of pro- ceedings to test the validity of the public's alleged right of user over the road. The members present were Mr. Win. Lea (chairman), Messrs. Thomas Capper (vice-chairman), Frank Parrv. Har-y Padding, John Phillips, Charles Bellis and Edwin Bctlis.—Mr. Edwin Bellis. in the course of his opening remarks, after paying a warm tribute to the services rendered to the borough by Mr. Thomas Lea in the capacity of district councillor, expressed his deep regret that this question had reached so unfortunate a stage. He felt con- vinced that every member of that Council was at times fully prepared to defend and uphold the rights of the public at all costs when their interests were prejudicially affected. In this ease how- ever, he was strongly of opinion that the public had no rights over the road in question, and as a large ratepayer he protested most warmly against any litigation being entered upon by the Wrex- hum District Council with a view to testing the matter, as he felt that such a course wouid be a tasteful and useless expenditure of public money. Othcr members of the Council, including the chairman expressed similar views, and after a short discussion the following resolution, proposed by Mr. Frank Parry and seconded by Mr. j Matthew Route, was carried That the clerk bp requested to write to the clerk of the District Council to point out that, in view of the large number of old inhabitants who are ready to testify that the roadway to Red Hall and from it to Com- n:on Wood is a private road and has never been a public road, bridle way or footpath, this COuncil is of opinion that it is a great waste of th0 ratepayers' money to take legal proceedings, jMld hereby protest strongly against being involved 11 any litigation and expense in respect of it."

HELSBY. I WINTER TREAT.—The annual winter treat given to the scholars attending the Wesleyan Sunday School was held in that place on Satur- day. In addition to about 100 children, there was a good number of parents and friends present. After tea the prizes for the best attendance were presented to the successful scholars by Mr. E. Wright. who presided. About seventy scholars received prizes. Miss Nellie Roberts and Master Edward Jackson being the only two to make the whole of the attendances, thrc) other scholars missing on one occasion only. A short address was then given by Mr. R. A. Lee, an enjoyable evening concluding with games, etc. FIRE BRIGADE DINNER.—The annual dinner given by the directors of the British Insulated and Helsbv Cables, Ltd., to the mem- bers of the fire brigade connected with the ITelsby works took place at the Robin Ilood Hotel on S:t.lHd"y, and again proved a most successful affair. In addition to the fire brigade members, including Captain W. B. Barlow. there were present Messrs. James Taylor and G. C. Taylor (directors), J. Brotherton (manager Helsby works), and Dr. A. J. Briant. A smoking concert was afterwards held. Solos were rendered bv Messrs. W. B. Barlow. W. Hoose and 0. H. White,, and selections on the phonograph were given by Mr. W. Hoose. During the evening the usifgl toasts 1"C're drun k. An enjoyable evening concluded with the singing- of the National Anthem. READING ROOM.—The annual general meet- ing of the members of the Reading Room was held on Monday evening, the Rev. E. W. Evans presiding over a good attendance. The balance- sheet for the preceding year, which wa pa..s('Cl subject to being audited, shewed that the total receipts amounted to JB36 Is. 7d., and expenditure E27 7s. 3d. It was explained, however, that vhero were several accounts to be met, which would involve about L7, and the balance on the year's working would therefore be about £ 2. The election of officers for the ensuing twelve months resulted as follows:—President, the Rev. E. W. Evans; vice-president, the Rev. d. h..11. L^froy; lion, treasurer, Mr. E. Griffiths; hon. secretary, Mr. Joseph Davies; steward, Mr. J. Worrall; committee, Messrs. W. Stanwav, H. Knight, A. E. Smith, T. Wilcox, W. Jones, T. Lloyd, H. Hiade, G. Fowles and R. W. Hill. A hearty vote, of thanks was accorded to Mr. and Mrs. Worrall, and to the secretary and treasurer, for their services during the past year. It was re- solved to admit free friends of members living outside the three-mile radius from the room. A vote of thanks to the Rev. E. W. Evans for pre- siding concluded the meeting. CHURCH TEA PARTY.—The annual congre- gational tea party In connection with the parish church took place in the National Schoolroom on New Year's Day, and, as usual, was most suc- cessful. The room was profusely decorated with festoons, Chinese lanterns, bunting, etc., kindly lent by the Athletic Club for the occasion. About 350 sat down to an excellent tea, the following ladies presiding at the tables :-Ie:;damcf. G. C. Taylor, J. Taylor, Briant, Griffiths. H. Davies, Dixon, Whalley, Dutton. Hinde, Nield, Ball, Thornely. Pye, James White, and the Misses Grime, Davies and M. Davies. After tea the Vicar, who presided, welcomed the parishioners and thanked all those who had assisted to make the gathering so successful, and wished all a happy new year. An enjoyable programme of vocal and instrumental music followed, and was contributed to by Mrs. WhaIIcv, the Misses Tomlinson, Miss M. Thornely, Messrs. R. G. Barlow, W. H. Barlow, T. Gleaves, D. Lees, J. Pyo and the Vicar, Mrs. Stancliff presiding at the piano. Dancing was afterwards indulged in and heartily enjoyed. The whole of the arrangements were ably carried out by the members of the Church Council, assisted by their wives and other ladies, to whom great credit is due. At the close of the entertainment the Vicar thanked all the I artists for their services.

F U » I 'S:H A VI CONVERSAZIONE.—In eosacction with the Fredshum Iron Church Choir, a conversazione was held in the Girls' Schoolroom, Frodsham, oiv New Year's Eve. About lil""hty invitations were ficnt out and the majority vere- accepted, the schoolroom be:ng well filled. The decorations had be u artistically carried out,, and the room had a pleasing appcarance. Mesdamos A. Jones. J. Bar- low, J. Holland, J. Garner and A. Robinson had charge of the lefreshment room. Mr. Arthur Robinson was the M 0 The Vicar and Mrs. Blogg were present- and the former congratulated the choir on getting up such an excellent entertain- ment, especially mentioning the hon. secretary (Mr. Robinson) —Mr. Robinson briefly responded. -Dancing the Old Year out and the New Year in was thoroughly enjoyed. 1r. T. Turner sup- plied the music- CHOIR SUPPER-On Monday night, in the Boys' Schoolroom. Frodsham. the Vicar and Mrs. Blogg entertained the adult members of the choirs of the Parish, lion and Bridge Mission Churches at their annual supper In a?dit'on to the mem- b<?rs of tLe choirs ihere wer? present Messrs. C. H. HiLbprtt. II Tilcy and p, Jones (organists of the respective churches). The Vicar thanked the members or their loyalty and devotion to their church, and expressed his gratification at sering such a large number present.. Ho could not help remarking how pleased he was. tOo se:> two mem- bers present (Mr. Peter Nickson and Mr. Alex. Jones) who had been in the parish church choir for upwards of a quarter of a century.—Subse- quently a dance was held in the schoolroom, which had been beautifully decorated for the occasion by Mrs. Jones, Mrs. Pierpohif Miss A Harrison, j Miss Tilcy, etc. Refreshments were provided.

ECCLESTON. HOUSEHOLD DANCE.—The Hon. Cecil T. Parker's household dance took place in the school- room last week. The room was tastefully decora- ted and when tho pioceedings were opened with the pretty, old-fashioned ribbon dance the scene was most animated. Richardson's Band supplied the music. Tho company separated amid expres- sions cf gratitude to Mr. and Mrs Parker for their kindness in piovidmg eo delightful an entertain- ment. CHRISTMAS FESTIVITIES—Although the scholars of the Eccleston School were unable to go to the Christmas tree at Eaton. they were not forgotten by the Duchess, who kindly sent down an abundance of toys, together with provisions for a tea, etc., in the sehooiioom. There was a good supply of crackers on the tables. The Christ- mas tree was loaded with good things, and the children were allowed to c-hoos? for themselves, although several of them were quite unable to make up their minds- what they would like best. Ririving cheers were given, for the Duke and Duchess. On leaving-, buns and oranges were distributed to ail. SUNDAY SCHOOL TREAT.—By the kindness of the Rector (the Rev. G. A. Robins), this event took place in the schoolroom on Tuesday. The children assembled at four o'clock for tea, after, which the Rector gave a short address, in which lie thanked the Sunday school teachers for their labours during the past year. It was veiy com- forting to him during his illness and enforced ab- sence from the Sunday school to know that every- thing was being carried on as usual. He ex- horted the children to be diligent and \ittentive, and to remember the lessons that were taught.— Mrs. Rcbim. then kindly distributed the prizes, assisted by the, Rev. J. R. Fuller (curate) The following were the prize-winners:—Ethel Sherry, Mary Davies, Jessie Wells, Benjamin Youd, Gerald Williams, Arthur Barnes, Emily Hill, Elsie Turner. Ada Tea.nby, Lizzie Williams, Wm. Teanby. Reggie Turner, Wilfred Barnes, Saml. Jones, Clifford Caswell, Constance- Teanby and Annie Gillam. Mr. Wells's prize for good con- duct was awarded to Wilfred Robinson. The prizes given by the Rector for the highest marks in the. day school Scripture classes were gained by Wilfred Robinson (a watch) in the first division, and by Lizzie Williams and William Teanby, who obtained an equal number of marks, in the second division. After the prize distribution, Mr. H. J. Holland, of Liverpool, gave a conjuring enter-I tainment, his sleight-of-hand tricks being fol- lowed by the children with tho keenest interest.. Hearty c-heors were given for the Rector and Mrs. Robins, on the proposition of Mr. F. Turner, and in passing out each child received a bun. ♦ —

PASSIVE RESISTERS' SHORT SHRIFT' The magistrates at the Garston Petty Sessional Messrs. W. Cl.arl-non and W. Hall Jowell, had before them on Tuesday two cases of passive resist- ance.—Edward Richard Jones, 27, Dundona.ld-roacl, 7 Duyi d on: I ci-rolt a k Aigburth, saui he declined to pay 5s. 8d. balance be cause he had .t conscientious obiectnon to pay for" teaching people what he did not himself believe. Mr. Jowett; Any legal ? Defendant: No. The Chaiiman The other is an objection we can- not deal with. It is the Jaw, IUl,¡ we have to administer it. E you think there i; an injustice you have the remedy of appealing to a highes tribunal Immediate order made. George Scott, 2, Garston Old-road, also said ha had a conscientious; objection. He had only refused to pay the education rate. The Cleik The law dees not. recognise a con- scientious objection. An immediate irder was made. Mr. Scott: Very well, we will have to abide by it. The Birmingham Stipendiary on Monday, In reply to a deputation from the overseers, scateij that he should continue to follow dIe course he had adopted with regard to p:t,.si n resisters. The rafo not having been paid, he shomd order a warrant for the full amount. The question of receiving part payment in money and levying for the remainder was entirely al)arl. from his jurisdiction.

WHY HAVE BILE BEANS SUa." CEEDED 1 sV- ?'.hip'y boc?. — of t?' ?' r?t.q'.?lcd (.'?"at?'a proparlies. P'-oy.'e a?wa?' p?. f. the b(.-?--yo-? dn A  For d e' s b:le b(,a.,it ycurc;cU. A few ?ra.r? age <? ?. Forde's b?c b<'a?< ?c.) stocked <,?!y by a ?-v ?f tr£ 1c.ding and nK?t iaj-s?oi:i? K.?h?h clt,)i To-day (.ved in-: dicme voiitvr of note ri tii: British Isles, an'd ji| f.iet the whole woild ov r, stov's them, g.nd thoy "¡O' tho most widdy u"HI bmily n'd(illf' nxir od¡;in &?d ttx?i- ?.cr. f? ia moi't int<'rpstf ing. Some years ago Chf«r Fordo an ('mine. Atr.h'aILn sc?tisi., di'-cov?)'? ? pure!ytvegetable substaneo which has the p -,z property of act- ing en the hur.ian system* in cxaotly the same wat as nature's animal substance, bile. After mucSl study he combined this substance witl^ •www eight other vegetable ingredients, and theif concentrated the product e-ht .hied until a, suit-c •iblo dose couid be ooinpr' '-s-.d into the- spcco,, <?'?'i by a. ?r?.} been. ?'' s ?icdicih". made q» in tho form of &. "h"'? ) n 0 bile," soon b?-. <?!i? (icly ?? :wn c; "Pt).: Brans. Their us* ;;¡\l :y,.?j ,'id 3r !:i 'mnth< 'or ?.y d' a.?d of '-tarvlit? •mffevera f:o:n cr \cubl ■ id indigestion b?f ) t (.c.i? then. ? ??:t.? d!?. B?e I>c, do ni give temporary relief only, find loave the patienfcf weal* rued, like the out-of-date,s so-;ailed fcmedic% of forty or fifty yea 1-3 ago containing probably ;le «. mercury, and oth n- Lurnifql drugs'. ) Bile beans, -vie out, the slightest chstonxforC, prompt the liver a?d digestive organs to act ? | natuio's normal way, I V;,tig ,those organ# :,uc?gthcu-3d e?d sbinmlabMl They produce a ?"n ..(ct'?n. en the bowe? ;l'Ü;; G. pr?von?ntf cori'pitjor!, rimnjMny tba? stexiuuih, ai;? rx?.?n? t.h-? system of all impurjtieai Do not bp nn?cJ by claims of half a hundred JJJh in the box, whC", P'¡OL1Hy four <0 six con- i-Utut? a dv-se. and th? d cannot, be. di&coi- tinued. One biie i, dose. They can bo c:isconii,l»>d iJter th^ oui-> is effected; they nrr. purely \ecret;.b!e; they d>> not contain a?iy h-.rmiul drugs, they -v t! safest fanulym?i- eniov Of all rnt-iiirire \ctido -s. at Is. H2. or 2s. 2d. per family box. (2s. Sd. box contains three time* ) Is 1(1. Pott fr ee on ree ;ipt of price from tha Bde Bean Co.. Red Cro*^ Stn cf, London, E.Ct

THOHNTOV-i E-M00KS. Gfi)UNDAY SCHOOL PARTY.-The scholars of the Sunday all-i day schools spent a very pleasant enirig in the Parish-room on Saturday. Mrs. p l'lchard and Miss Perryn had provided a sub- stantial tea, and over 70 boys and girls attended. ) .e following ladies presided at the tables :—Mrs. l rIchard, Mrs. R. Lloyd, Mrs. A. Dean, Miss Stafford, and Miss Parkyn Miss M. Prichard Mdlle. Blazy, Mrs. J. Wriglit, Miss E. Wickstead, and Miss 1. Landsberg assisted. Mrs. Park-Yates kindly brought a bountiful supply of sweets, crackers, and oranges, which were freely distributed to all the guests. Mrs. Prichard had arranged for a magic lantern entertainment at the close of the evening, and accordingly a number of artistic slides, mostly humorous, were displayed by an excellent limelight lantern, which was in the capable hands of Mr. Siddall. Before saying Good- nIght" the scholars gave a hearty cheer for Mrs. Park-Yates, the donor of the feast and their kind entertainers. NEW YEAR'S PARTY.—The New Year's Party this year was universally pronounced most enjoyable. Happily the threatened snow did not come (loiin, aiicl many were enabled to cone from the more distant parts cf the parish. There was a large assemblage of parishioners in church for the evening s-rvice, when Mr. Jas. Briscoe, in the absence of the organist (Mr. W. Par- tington) presided at the organ and accompanied the choir. The Rector (the Rev. C. C. Prichard) gave a short address, based on Acts x. 38. At seven o'clock the door of the Parish Room was beset by a swarm of bees, for it was well known that Mrs. Prichard, assisted by the ladies of the parish, hod arranged a substantial meal, to which all parishioners over 16 had been invited. There were over 120 people at tea, and great ingenuity was displayed in acommodating all, by relays, in the somewhat restricted space. Everyone was well attended to by Mrs. Joseph Warburton, Mrs. Johnson, Mrs. Latham, Mrs. R. Edgcrlcy and Miss Lloyd, who were ably assisted by members of the choir. In the intervals, and after tea, games were provided for the young people until the arrival of the entertainer, Mr. Robert Denson, who had kindly promised to give a selection from his repertoire to his Thornton friends. The best thanks of all are due to him and the lady who accompanied him on the piano, as well as to her companion, who manipulated a gramophone, an instrument which whistled and laughed and gave a cornet solo, as well as the well-known Dollv Gray," "Holv City." and Grenadier Guards. The coster songs were vociferously applauded, costume, dance and all. and the cheery humorous Songs were highly appreciated, so much so that 'Don't you know?" and the Soldier's Wile" will be often heard on Thornton by-roads. The entertainment was in good taste throughout, and marked by true refinement. Mr. M. Lancelcv was indefatigable in arranging the room and Promoting the comfort of the audience.

(J HI c DE • THORNTON READING-ROOM.—New Year's Eve was cele- brated by the members of this room by a capital knife-and-fork lea, followed by a smoking concert, which was thoroughly enjoyed by the large company. Since the new room has been completed the membership has increased considerably, and the committee, in order to meet the increasing demand for a billiard-table, have purchased a tine table for the use of members, which is greatly appreciated by all who have played upon it.

BUHTON (VVIRRAL) THE NEW SyUlKKo RENT AUDIT—The first rent dinner at Burton in connection y"iÜI the new owner of tiie estates (Mr. Henry Neville Gladstone) was held in the Village Reacting-room oil Saturday evening., the squire himself pre- siding'. The room was decorated for the occasion with flowers and evergreens by Mr. W. Sharp, the head gardener at t-ns Hall, and the proceedings were of an enjoyable description.—The toasts of "The King and Queen," "The Royal Family' and "His Majesty's toreos were received with much enthusiasm, and Major Grundy, in responding for tho latter, referred to the gallant manner in which the once malign d Volunteers sprang to arms when their services were required during the late war. The Vicar (the Rrv. Patrick F. A. Morrell). in responding for "Tuc Bishop and Clergy and Non- conformist ministers," expressed his gratification that the latter were included in the toast.—Mr. T. Tickle (Dunstan), in a neat. -speech, proposed "Mr. Gladstone's Agent Mr. Swetenham," and the toast, which was loudiy applauded. was suitably responded to by Mr. Swetenham.—In the course of some further icmarks, the Chairman, referring to the chief political topic of the day. said that he himself was a firm believer in Free Trade, his conviction being drawn from his own experience in mercantile matters, but he did not wish to in- terfere with the opinion of those present. He would much rather that they went thoroughly into the matter and drew their own conclusions.—Songs were rendered .during the evening by Mr. Sweten- i ham and Messrs John Johnson, Cross (Dcnhall). W. Sharp. Bartley. Jno. Suckley. T. Lane, junr., J. Tickle (Bam Farm), and T. Taylor, senr.

BLICKLEY. j AN IRONFOUNDER FINED.—At the Mold Police Court on Monday, John Rowlands, iron- founder,, of Bu kley was fined 5s. and 8s. costs for having at his foundry a gas engine, the fly- wheel and crank of which were unfenced. The proceedings were taken by Mr. John Hilditch, H.M. Inspector of Factories. THE DISAGREEMENTS IN THE "SEAR AND YELLOW LEAF."—At the Mold Police Court, on Monday. Eleanor Goff, of Nant Mawr. Buckley applied for a separation order against; her husband Peter Goff, on the ground of per- sistent cruelty which culminated on the 19th ult., when ho put her out of the house. The defendant said the case arose from the fact that now she had her grown-up children to depend upon his wife wished to get rid of him.—The Chairman said the evidence WllS insufficient to justify the granting of an order. He advised them to return home to- gether and start the New Year well. SAVAGE ASSAULT.—On Monday, at the j Mold Petty Sessions. Joseph Davidson, junr., of Nant Mawr Buckiey. was summoned „ror assault- ing John Roberts a Leeswood collier. It was shewn that on the eve of Boxing Day the parties were in the Druid Inn, Pontblyddyn, defendant being drunk and quarrelsome. David- son was about- to attack the landlady and her daughter when the complainant interfered Defendant left the house, and upon the exit of the complainant he felled him with a blow with the bottio and rendered him un- conscious.—Defendant denied the offence, but ad- mitted previous convictions for night poaching, assaults on police and drunkenness, an.d in dc- fault of paying a fine ,:nd costs, amounting to L2 &so. he was sent to gaol for a week.

CONNAH'S QUAY & SHOTTON. THE NEW YEAR.—The new year was wel- j corned in in old-time custom. Midnight services I were held in the various churches and chapels. A merry peal was rung on the bells of St. Mark 's Church, and the streets wero crowded with carol singers. The Christmastide has passed off very quietly, t.he police hav-ng no cause of complaint. RIVER-TOWN P.S.A.—There was a large audience at the. P.S.A meeting on Sunday after- noon, when the chair was occupied by Mr. Bell. The speaker for the afternoon was the Rev. J. Davies Jones (pastor and president), who gave a capital New Year's address. Mr. H. H. Millar gave a touching soio, entitled "Tell mother I will be with her in Heaven," for which ho was heartily applauded, and Mr. W. Green, was equally successful in one of his clever recitations, Miss M. Manifold presided at the organ. MUSICAL EVENING.—On Saturday evening! a large audience assembled at the Drill Hall to hear Mr. Vincent Hayes' Musical and Scenio Company. The programme teemed with genuine humour, which kept the audience in high glee, for nearly three hours. The contralto singing of Miss Jeannie Blain was of a high order; so, also. were the singing and acting of Miss Daisy James, Miss E. Young, and Messrs. Hayes, Webb, and Young. A pleasing performance was the medley chorus from "The Belie of New York," taken part in by a chorus of about fifteen voices. The ar- rangements were in the hand's of Mr. J. Spinks. IH1 £ ROADS.—A correspondent writes com- plaining about the wretched state of the roads, and asks if something cannot be done to remedy this intolerable evil, which exists every winter. He maintains that it is detrimental to the interests of the large body of shopkeepers, who have to pay the piper to a high tune. The people living at the Shotton end will not go to the Quay to shop,, but prefer going to Chester or Liverpool, on account of the mud which they have to wade through. The question is often asked what lie- comes of all the money collected in rates bv th- Highway Board, when nothing is done to makj a decc it footpath. There is only about one mile to flag, which could be done by three or four men in a week

MALPAS. I CHRISTMAS DANCK-This highly popular dance, held under the auspices of the Institute, terminated the week s socials on Saturday night. During the week the attendance numbered 549 the gross takings being L10 12s. lid. The state- ment shews an expense of £4 lis. 6d.„ thus leaving a balance of £ 6 Is. 5d., which will be devoted to some useful object in connection with the lnsti- tute. The management has been under the con- trol of Miss L. Fletcher and Messrs. W. White and Jas. Baker, and their efforts have met with approbation. There has been no rowdyism, but the best of good behaviour throughout the under- taking. DEATH OF MRS. BEVIN.—We are sorry to record the demise of Mrs. W. S. Bevin, relict of the. late Mr. William Strettel Bevin. of Mount View Farm, Malpas. The deceased lady passed peacefully away at 10.30 p.m. on Saturday night, and had she lived but another 1 £ hours the ripe age of 84 years would have been actually reached, ine deceased lady had been an invalid for many years, being the victim some 17 years ago of a severe stroke. Notwithstanding the number of such afflictions occurring from time to time since, her wonderiui constitution enabled her to tem- porarily revive, but leaving her each time more feeble, and for the past two years she had been confined to her bed. It is five years since Mrs. Bevin left Malpas to reside with her daughter and son-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. W. Andrews, of Chorl- ton, where the decease took place. The late Mr. W. S. Bevin died on July 26th, 1860. nearly 44 years ago, and was buried in Malpas Churchyard. The churchyard has been closed now some 37 years, and there only remained up to last week three who had still claim to burial within it. Singularly enough, one of the three (Mrs. Corson, formerly of Chorlton Lodge), was buried on Fri- day, and to-da.y (Wednesday) the funeral of Mrs. Bevin takes place, so that there is now but one more who is entitled to be buried there. These reservations, however, do not apply to the vaults in the church and churchyard. PARISH COUNCIL.—A meeting of the Parish Council was held on Tuesd ay. There were present I Mr. J. TombuwII. vice-chairman (presiding; Messrs. F. Batiarlxv, G. S. Morgan, J. W. Wycher- ley, R. Reeves, J. Eaton, J. Huxley and W. Bentley (clerk). Two vaCaDeies had occurred by the non-attendance for six months of Mr. G. T. Huxley and Mr. T. Parsonage.—Th- Clerk stated I that they did not wish to be. reappointed, and it was resolved that as the triennial election of the councillors took place in Match the vacancies should be filled then.—Mr. Morgan moved a reso- lution to the effect :hat the motion adopted on November 3rd. prohibiting any councillor from trading for profit with the Council, should not apply to any members of the Fire Brigade or any one connected with the Fire Brigade.—The pro- posal was carried.—Mr. J. Eaton desired to state T.hat he was eligible to do any work connected with the water pipes or sanitary system, because the same was under the District Council authority, ai!°S^d such work connected therewith to the Pt I Cou!.cit —Mr. A. Eaton, captain of the Fire Bngade, reported, in reply to a letter I from the chairman of the Council, that the drills would be fi periodically, but they were short. of a ncJd for the purpose. They had previously had them in Mr. Danily s and Mr. ?\ 'Foi-aii's fields, but I they could omy have dry drills in these,—Messrs. Dandy anù :Io:gan. who were present, intimated that. they would he pleased to allow the drills to ccntinue, ?nd that wet drills might with advantage take place in the street, where water could be obtained easily.—The nre carriage of the engine was reported to b? out of repair, and was ordered to be attended to at once. A trough, the repoit stated, was necessary to wash the hose in, as wel! as a heatr-d room to keep the hose from freezing in frosty weather.—The clerk was instructed to I obtain the price for a trough as suggested, and it was thought extra heating appliances should be I obtained.—Mr. J. Huxley, brigade lieutenant, had resigned. He. 'said that he did not wish to re- enter the brigade, and the Council were. sorry that he had finally decided to resign, and thanked him for the assiduous attention he had at.all times given to the duties connected with the office of lieutenant.—Sergt. L. Fletcher was subse- quently elected to the lieutenancy, and Private Jas. Bnker was appointed sergeant of the brigade. —Mr. Battarbee reported that the committee ap- pointed to deal with the Old Hall-street water supply had made an exhaustive inspection, and found that the discolouration of the water pre- j viously complained of was due to insufficient, fiush- ing. Since this had been increased there had been no complaints from the lower parts of Hall-street. i —The Clerk reported a/decrease in the consump- tion of t.he town's water by 14.000 gallons weekly since the water had been turned off at night.—Mr. (' H. McCaffrey applied to have the town's water carried to his house—The matter was relegated to a sub-committee to ascertain the cost of piping I and the probable source of revenue from other householders if the supply was extended. Messrs. i J. Tomlinson, F. Battarbee. and J. W. Wycherley I were appointed the sub-committee.

I SHOOKLACH. I SERVANTS BALL.-In the schoolroom last I week a bail was given for the servants before they go back to their situations. It is the first of tb I kind that lias ever taken place, and proved suc- cessful. The servants' thinks are due to Mrs. who specially interested herself on their lelialf, and who at all times gives them great encouragement in the hope that it may improve them, socially and morally. There wats a muster of upwards of 70. Mr. Harry Haines and Mr. ThouiJis More performed the ta.sk of very creditably

NOG LEY. I SLEIGHT OF HAD,-Ju the Temporanee Ha.U on Monday evci?ng Mr. R. Lascclles gave a conjuring entertainmem. The first part c?oii?i??tt?d 0f many ckver tricks of legerdemain, thought- r0,diug, at.d the mechanical hand, whic?: roused much curiosity among LlCSC present. Ll *he in- terval, Co.onel Lascelies gave some new wrkctxms on a large concert gramophone, which were much apprec atod by the large audience with which ti-e hall was crowded. The interval over, tlw "Great Handcuff Mvsiery" was proceeded with.. Mr.. Mitchell, a friend of Air. Lascelies, was securely' handcuffed with several pairs of handcuffs, in- eluding some brought by the police-sergeant-, who; assisted in fastening. In a few seconds Mr. Mit- i ehed treed himself from the whole without the | aid of any key. Mr. R. Lascelies was then se- ■ cured, both hands and legs, with the irons, but to no purpose, for he soon appeared before the people free. The next item was that of Mr. Mit- chell being closed up in & box and in a few: seconds .appear.ng before the audience, and Mr. R. Laelles was found in the locked box shortly7 before -occupied by Mr. Mitchell. Mr. Mitchell was encased in a sack and got into a. box, which was then covered and corded. In alxnit three minuses the covering was uncorded, the box; opened, and the sack empty, at the :<<lITh2 t.me the late occupant walked into the hail from the op- posite end. Those present were quite, of the cpinkm that it would be difficult for a better demonstration of the kind to be given. Colonel Lascoiles (chairman of the Parish Council) pre- sided. At the close the Rev. A. P. Reynolds (vicar of Xingsley) proposed a vote of thanks to Mr. Lascelies. which was heartily accorded. Mr. Las-eel.es responded, saying his friend ought to share in the glory. TLÐ- proceeds will b., .given to aid the ambulance class funds.

NESTOR. I CRICKET CLc..B BALL.-Tlic,. annual ball in connection witii tile Nekton and District- Cricket Club took place at the Town Hall on Wednesday evening, and proved a successful gathering. The ballroom and the ante-rooms were draped by a oommitteee of ladies-with a var.ety of rich coliours artist.cady blended, in addition to quantities of bunong, and a profusion of Japanese. lanterns, etc. Ti e stage partook of the character of a boudoir and rustic bower comb.ned, from which those who were not engaged in treading the giddy mazes of the dance had an agreeable outlook upon the brilliant and ever-changing scene below. The captain of the club (Mr. Andrew Barrett) acted as M.C., and was assisted by an efficient staff of stewards. The guests numbered over 100, and dancing to the strains of Webster's string band was kept up w th much spirit. Among tie guests were Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Barrett, Mr. H. F. Russeil and party, Mr. and Mrs. A. A. Miller, Mr. and Mrs. W. A. Thomas and party, Mr. A. H. Read (Weiitherstones) a.nd party, Dr. Carlisle and Miss Carlisle, Mr. and Mrs. W. E. Whineray and party, Mr. W. Maddoeks, Mr. H. Johnson, Mr. and Mrs. Rees, Mr. A. Clover, Mr. N. Clover, Mr. J. G. I Lee, the Misses Jones (Broadlake), Mr. and Mrs. W. Ariel Gray, Mr. and Mrs. Lionel Barber, Mr. and Mrs. S. H. Brethertcn, Mr. and Mrs. F. Cramer- Roberts, Air. J. Fleming and the Misses Fleming, Mr. and Mrs. J. Pemberton and nartv. Miss Comber, Mrs. Herman and party, Miss Parsons, the Misses Richardson, Miss Mealor, Mrs. Lewis Grant, Misses Hancock, the Misses Samuels, Mr. Bilhngt-on (Tarporley), Major Grundy (Iladdon Hail), Mr. Parker (Tarporley), Mr. and Mrs. Reginald Tnornely, etc. SEASONABLE GATHERING.The annual New Year's gathering in connection with the Neston Guild took place in the Presbyterian Schoolroom on Friday evening. Thanks largely to the hearty co-operation of the members and the courteous spirit of equality that I pervades all its undertakings, the Guild invariably j scores a success, but special arrangements are always made in connection with the New Year's social, and that of Friday left nothing to be desired. A capital tea was daintily served by the ladies of the committee. The entertainment which followed drew a crowded house, and was hugely enjoyed. Dr. Lewis Grant presided, and expressed the pleasure it gave him to occupy the chair for the third year in succession at such a happy new year's gathering. Miss Patten afterwards opened the entertainment with a capital song, and was followed by Mr. Tickle (Dunstan) with a flute solo, to which Miss Tickle played a sympathetic piano- forte accompaniment. In the subsequent items songs were given by Miss Hale (Willaston), Miss Ellis (Hcswail), Mr. Francis (Willaston), and Mr. George Hughes (Bridge-street). Miss Frost (Highfield House) contributed a violin solo. The musical Jackson family (Heswall) gave an instru- mental overture, and recitations were given by Miss C. Smith and Mr. Ashley. Miss Ellis (Heswall) shewed herself an accomplished accom- panist. The latter part of the programme was taken up by a charming little sketch entitled The Wishing Gate," which, as the pretty title mcncates, contains rather more of the marvellous than usually falls to tho lot of ordinary work-a-day mortals. Miss Connie Gill, who. • first as the old crone that makes an ineffectual attempt to induce the soldier's sweetheart to part with the lucky sixpence left her by her absent swain. and later as a radiant fairy who congratulates her on her unshaken constancy, had two widely different parts to play, came triumphantly out of the ordeal, how- ever. and was just as forbidding as the elderly female in the one as she was irresistibly winning in the other. Mr. Bert Edmunds gave a natural presentment of the soldier, and conducted himself just as a lovelorn Atkins might be expected to do under such trying circumstances, while Miss Beaty Jellicoe, as the girl he left behind him, made a fascinating little sweetheart. Miss Janev Niven and Miss Wharam, as juvenile fairies, dis- ported themselves in a manner which could only be possible to real juvenile fairies, and Mr. Walter Maddock was a Fairy Prince whose blandishments few maidens would have had the heart to resist as did the heroine of this little romance. The per- formance as a whole was received with well- deserved applause. Miss Jellicoe and Mr. Edmunds both rendered their songs artistically, and Mrs. Packenham Walsh, who presided at the pianoforte, added very considerably to the general effect by her clever manipulation of tho instru- ment. All the performers appeared in character. Durinc tho interval a cordial vote of thanks was accorded to the chairman, who. in the course of his reply, referred in complimentary terms to the evening's proceedings and wished the gathering a Happy New Year."

I WiLLASTO n (WIRRAL). I J PRIMITIVE METHODIST P.S.A.The P.S.A. at the Primitive Methodist chapel on Sun- day was of a specially enjoyable character. The Rev. H- J. Pineombe presided, and the proceed- ings opened with a hymn, which was heartily rendered. Miss Tickle, of Dunstan, read the lesson, and the address was by JIr. Edwin Wood- fie.d (Litle Neston). What lent special eclat to tho proceedings, however, was the singing" of M.ss Green (Birkenhead) and Mr. N'V. Parry (Trfciimere). The former in her solos, "Star of Betbelehem" and "Ora Pro Nobis," gare thc-o assembled a deckle musical treat, aad Mr. Parrv was no less successtal with his w-aderintr of "Calvary."

LITTLE NEKTON. I THE ACCIDENT TO MFL D. SCOTT.—Mr. I D '.1 (' t the young man w h o was ser iously  wa&?'.criousiv re- from a, fall from a ?".d of h.?y at New Brighton, as leported !,i-? week, is nislu.y ,pid strides- toward s recovery. He s -t;ll. 'tic!-i itli inmate <,f *,he Cottage HcsnHal.' PLAY AFTER WORE.—On New Iwri Eve PLAY Al?'TER, V, 0 -N v,7 Eve a wc,al gathering for the workcts i:\ connection with the recent successful sale of work iii connec- tion with the Ziou (Primitive Methodise Chapsl, Little Neston took place in the schoolroom. Mr. Joseph Mealor, junr., the hon. secretary of ths sale of work. made the arrangements, aad an en- joyable evening was spe*t. In the concert which followed Mr. Mercer -as the chief --7-umorist, crcatod roars of laughter.

IjITTL SUTTON. I SUNDAY SCHOOL TREAT.—On N»,\v Year's Day the scholars of St Jh&ul's Sunday School were gi ven their annual tea. This was followed by all entertainment by Mr. M&rsden, and the distribution ■of prizes by the vicar. Unfortunately the usual Christmas tree had been forgotten, but a good sub- stitute made of liths, .&< was bountifully decked with gifts, every scholar of the school receiving a present. At the conclusion a hearty vote of thanks was given to all who had assisted to make the treat OLD PEOPLE'S DINNER.—On Tuesday* after- noon, through the kindness of Mrs SmitSon, of Brighton, thf old folk Gver1iO years of age, resident in the villages of Little and Great Suttem and Chiider Thornton, were entertained at dinner-in the Presbyterian Hall Seveast-y-three invitations had I been issued, and of these "2 were present. The invalids and those who were too infirm to attend were not forgotten, for their dinners were se^t to them. After the dinner the company enjoyed an entertainment given by Mr W. J. WTillianii, of Liverpool. On leaving foi home the usual glf4,3 of t ea, tobacco, and oranges were presented to the .:i.>ld folk.

THORNTON HOUGH. DEATH OF MRS. JOSIAH SCARRATT.- The funeral took place at All Saints' Church, | Thornton Hough, on Tuesday afternoon of Mrs. Alice Scarratt, wife of Mr. Josiah Scarratt, of Rock Ferry. The family formerly resided in; Thornton liough for many years, and were highly respected in the district. Deceased, who was c.2 years of age, died on Saturday. The Vicar (the Rev. H. A. Bull) read tho service, and the chief mourners were Mr. Josiah Scarratt (widower), Mr. Josiah Scarratt, jun. (son), Messrs. S. Scarratt and G. Henshaw (brothers-in-law), Mr. J. De Gruyter (son-in-law), Mr. W. Scarratt, Brimstage (cousin), Mr. J. Scarratt, Mr. S. Scarratt, jun., and Misses Lily Scarratt and Amy Scarratt (nephews and nieces). Wreaths were sent by A. B. and D. Man (Singapore), Lassie and Dave .Lvl an (S' ii?, Man (Singapore), Bess," Mrs. J. D. Waring (Rock Ferry). Mr. and Mrs. George Jellicoe (Bebington), M. H. Harries, Carrie and Hettie. Cecil and Eddie, May," Winifred Paul and Willens De Gruyter (West Kirby), Mr. and Mrs. J. Do Gruyter (Borneo), Cncle John and family, Mrs. Davis and family (Wavertree), Elsie, Kathic and Boy (Tuebvcok). ENTERTAINMENTS AT THE MANOR.— Mrs. W. H. Lever has held an "At Home" at the Manor for the inhabitants of Thornton Hough and the mC:1bcr'" of the Thornton Hough Concord Society. A considerablie party were present. A reception wa" first hold, and this was followed by dancing in the ballroom to the strains of Messrs. Rowlands' band. The guests afterwards assem- bled in the music room, where Mr. W. H. Level- welcomed them. In the absence of the vicar (the Rev. H. A. Bull), he asked for a few words from the Rev. Langford Burrows, the newly-appointed Congregational minister at Thornton Hough, the latter thanked Mr. Lever on behalf of the Concord Society for giving them the opportunity of using the largo ballroom for the meetings and for practices.—Mr. Lever afterwards proposed a vote of thanks to the house ,taff.Alr. Fcrgiysoii seconded, and the motion was carried with ap- plause, Miss Green responding on behalf of the staff.—At 8.45 and again at 10.15 a musical p"o- gramme was rendered in the music room by Mr. Soddon's friends arid pupils. The programme was as follows:—Song, "Freedom." Mr. Arnold Senior; mandoline solo, Faust, Miss Burton- song, "A lover and his lass," Miss Spencer; humorous song. "The woman who shops," --Nle; Derbyshire; recital, "My Lady's Leap," Miss Griffith; song. "Behold I stand," Mr. Seddon; mandoline solo, Trovatcre. "li.,s Burton- recital. Our Folks," Miss Griffith; song, "When the heart is yo mg," Miss Spencer; humorous song, The Bishop's Banjo," Mr. Derbyshire. Misses Burton and Wright and Mr. Williamson acted as accompanists. Mr. Lever has promised to make the gatliering an annual event, and the intimation has delighted the good folk of Thorn- ton Hough. The general arrangements were most attentively carried out by the following S,te,vards :-Ballroom, Messrs. Faulkner, Ellison, Jackson and Ellis; music room, Messrs. Seddon alld Willi am sen; conservatories, Messrs. Mealor, Pugh. Senior and Parry; refreshments, Messrs. Davies. Venables, Davidson, Fellows and Leonard: carriages, Mr. Noah Davies; director of ceremonies. Mr. John S. Ferguson.

FLINTSHIRE FARMER FINED.-At the Holywell monthly sessions, on Tuesday, Mrs. Elizabeth Morris. Tynewydd Farm, Whitford, was summone d by summoneù by Superintendent Jones, inspector under the Animals Diseases Act. for neglecting to report sheep-scab on her farm. The officer visited the defendant's farm on November 28 and found there a flock of 140 sheep, of which nine were affected with scab. The defendant, who was fined at St. Asaph Police Court the day previously for exposing the same sheep in St. Asaph market, was now fined 20s. and costs.

I THE FISCAL PROBLEM. I MR. YERBURGH AND PROTECTION. ADVOCACY OF A ROYAL COMMISSION. Mr. Robt. Yerburgh, M.P., has sent the. fol- lowing letter in response to a. request that, lie would attend Sir John Gorst's meeting at Pres- ton — Woodfold Park, Blackburn, 2nd Jan., 1904. Dear Mr. Bell,—To my very great regret, I find it impossible on account of long-standing engage- ments to accept the itivitation to Mondays meet- ing with whiCll your .committee has honoured me. Having regard to the fact that the Tariff Com- mission includes one. or more, representatives of the eetion trade, and that the belief,, in consequence, laigely prevails that Lancashire favours Mr. Chamberlain's policy, it jr" I venture to think, of the first. inliportance, that. active steps should be foithwith taken w pla-ce before the courtry the views of those, engaged in sibis vast industry, who are convinced thd. Protection must increase the price of production and so expose it to the gravest -danger. The fact that some cotton, manufacturers are found among the, advocates of Protectic-i-, while others are among its strongest opponents, affords j to my miJldcouvillcing .proof tnat t118 proper method of 'dealing with a question ot such tiaiisccadcnt importance to the future of .the Em- pire, aad of such intricate complications in, its de- tails,, aS the fiscal policy of the United Kingdom, is to appoint a. Royal Commission to consider it in ail its bea, mg-s upon our trade, both with the Colonics and with foreign uountiies. To the service of such a. Commission lhe best men of the Empire would be glad to devote them- selves. Upon -it, all parties would be represented. Before it all interests would be heard. II: place, too. of ibe oowrHtry having to pronounce its ver- dict upon unsubstantiated ex parte statements, it would have before it evidence which had been tested and repeated, examined, cross-examined, and re-examined; 4Atd in the report of such a Com- liiissiou. presided .over by some eminent judicial authorstv whose impartiality was above suspicion., it would have a trustworthy guide to the load it should travel For such .a Commission, the Chambers of fommc-rce of the Empire have de- clared. To such a. lancashire might safely trust heispJf, and its appointment. should be welcomed by all Protectionists and all Free Traders who have a sincere belief in the policy thfev rcspsciively ssapport.—Yours very truly. • (Sigraod) ROBERT YERBURGH. Henry Bell. Esq. MR. CHAMBERLAIN ON AGRICULTURE. General Sir Richard Harrrsoa, the Unionist candidate for on Monday received messages from both Mr. Balfour and Mr. Cham- bcrhan. The Prime Minister telegraphed: Warm wishes for your success in the caufo of Unionism and fiscal reform. I trust yew I 1 1 1 will be zealously supported uy vvs-ty swwu w the party. ARTHUR BALFOUR. The following letter was received from Mr. i Chamberlain: 1 Dear Sir Richard Ha.;rrison,-I heartily wish j you success in the very uphill iig-hfc you are making in Mid-Devon, No industry has suffered so much from unrestricted five imports as agriculture, and none is more entitled to consideration. All classes—landlords, farmers, and labourers—have alike been injured.. and all ought- to unite to secure attention to their con- dition. The adoption of my proposals w 'll not add a penny to the cost of living, while it wiil ensure a moderate preference on corn, and es- pecially on, meat and dairy produce, which will help the farmers and the holders of allotments. If nothing is done-and I see that your oppo- nent ha nothing to propose^—-the greatest in- dustry of the country will continue to decline, and when the farmers have been ruined there will be no employment for the ia-bourers. I ask the latter to remember that their best friends, including Mr. Jesse Codings, w ho we-.e chiefly instrumental in compelling cons deration for their claims in Parliament and in securing the Allotments Act and the Compensation Act for small holders and tenants, have advised them to take this opportunity of obtaining a reform which w.ll make their allotments more valuable to them and be beneficial to their (lass, as well as to the population of the towns. Believe me, yours truly, I J. CHAMBERLAIN. Highbury, Moor Green, Birmingham, Jan. 2. AUSTRALIA'S INVITATION. MR. CHAMBERLAIN'S REPLY. "A GREAT ENCOURAGEMENT." The Tariff Reform League has issued' for publi- cation, the messages which have passed between the Premier of the Australian Commonwealth Ir. ea l c i ii, in hi-S rneg- and Mr. Chamberlain. Mr. Deakin, in his mes- sage, which was dated Melbourne, December 30.. telegraphed as follows: — "To Chamberlain, B-rmingham. "The Prime Minister of the Commonwealth and his colleagues, on behalf of the people of Aus- tralia, invite you to visit us at the earliest con- venient opportun.ty. "We do not overlook the incessant demands made upon your time and strength by public duties in Great Britain, but conceive that this dis- tant continent possesses a title to considerat.on as one of the intending partners in your proposed agreements for preferential trade. The issue is imperial in every sense. You have powerfully advocated the special advan- tages of this policy in the chief centres of the mother country. The same convincing exposi- tion. is desired here. No one could so effectively impress upon our citizens broad viows of the bene- ficial influence of those closer commercial rela- ti-ens which it is your aim to establish between the several parts of the Empire, making for the development and the stability of the whole. You would also acquire personal knowledge of our re- sources and circumstances that must materially re.nforce your policy and promote its practical ap- plication in our case. "The Preferential Trade Leagues in cctirse of formation in Sydney and elsewhere would receive an immense impetus from your coming. We therefore earnestly urge upon you, as the har- binger of commercial reciprco.ty between the mother country and her colonies, the acceptance of this invitation, confidently assuring you of a unanimous and enthusiastic welcome in all the States of Australia. "DEAKIN." Mr. Chamberlain's reply was in the following terms: "To Prime Minister. Commonwealth, Australia." "Am deeply grateful to you and your Ministers for your flattering invitation and for the assur- ance you give of a cordial welcome from the people of Australia. "I recognise the advantages and pleasure to my- self of such a visit as you suggest, but in this stage of the great campaign for the unity of the Empire, in which I rejoice to have your sym- pathy and support, I think I can best serve our common cause by devoting myself to its promo- tion here, where the motherland is called upon. to say what answer she will make to the advances of her children aoross the seas. I do not doubt she will be ready to meet in no grudging spirit all proposals for strengthening the bonds between us, but until her mandate has been given I cannot leave for lengthened absence. "At. a future time--I hope not far distant—I may be able to avail myself of the invitation so generously given, and meanwhile I accept it as a great encouragement and as evidence that the Commonwealth of Australia is not indifferent to the duty cast on all of us in the present condition of the world to weld together the Empire which is our common heritage, won for us by the sacri- nces of our forefathers, and only to lie maintained by the devotion of their descendants to the same ideals. "CHAMBERLAIN." MR. WINSTON CHURCHILL: CONSERVATIVES LOSE THEIR CONFI- DENCE IN HIM. On Monday evening circulars were posted calling a meeting of the executive of the Oldham Conservative Registration Association on Thursday, to consider a. resolution of their general purposes committee, intimating to Mr. Winston Churchill that he had forfeited their confidence in him as Unionist member for Oldham, and that in the event of an election taking place, he must no longer rely upon the Conservative organisation being used on his behalf. The only other item on the agenda. is the resigna- tion of the honorary secretary. who, in hisjcommuni- cation, states that for some time past hip position has been a most uncomfortable one. So long as Protectionists confined themselves to; personal attacks upon him, however, he thought ,ie his duty to remain on the committee in the interests of Free Trade but now that the general purposes committee had definitely committed itself to a Protectionist programme, it was quite evident that there was no room for a Conservative Free Trader. He felt it necessary, therefore, to regain full liberty of action, so that he might do what he could to resist the reactionary policy into which the Conservative Association has been inveigled. I THE COMPACT OF 1886. I Mr. R. St. J. Corbet writes to the Times" :— I was through the historic by-election of '95 in the boroughs of Warwick and Leamington when the severest 'test match of the day was fought and the soundness of the Unionist compact proved up to the I bulkhead. That Warwickshire experience had a most wholesome political effect throughout the con- stituencies of this country and the success of the enterprise and experiment was due to able leaders on the spot, to bigger folk with wise heads in London, and to the very excellent judgment dis- played and circulated by the Press. Mr. Alfred Eytteiton's election not only proved the goodness of the choice made, but most convincingly demon- strated the soundness and wisdom of the compact. Numerical insignificance is outside the question a loyal observance of what was settled in '86 is very much inside it. The compact made the Unionist party, and one trembles at the idea of re-opening the agreement or of inviting pontifical blasts about it or of issuing a revised version. Each case as it arises can be, and ought to he, judiciously handled on the spot, differences adjusted, the right of the thing made plain. The rank and file always did, and, perhaps, always will, have something to say when a minority claims what a majority expects to determine; but it is for niom liers, for candidates, for friends, for agents to shew a. more excellent way. Under this more excellent Shewing the great Unionist party has thri ven, and any weakening of the bond by tinkering or by the holding of an inquest upon its living body will be the running of a very great risk. Let pontifical blasts deafen the multitude on the gentle fiction of free food and give a shrieking brotherhood the chips and fragments of a great fad, but let Unionists pause ere they lay hands on an invaluable compact.

TRUMAN S LONDON STOUT, in screw stop- pered bottles, price 2/6 per dozen pints, can be obtained from H. MARTIN & Co., Foregate-street. BOOTS TO ORDER-not hand-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 ABBEY GATEWAY, the Old- established Hand-sewn Bootmakers.

FISCAL DEBATE. MR. LEVEK33 CHALLENGE. SPLENDID BATTLE AT NESTON. CELLING SPEECH BY ME. F. E. SMITH. On Monday night Neston was once mri-rc the arena of a Fiscal battle, the combatants on this occasion .being Mr. W. H. Lever (the chahonger) t and Mr. F. E. Smith, the Unionist c&ndki&fcc icr the Scotland Division of Liverpool. Tiie meeting under such circumstance of two such doughty champions of Free Trade and Protection respec-. lively was invested with all the eiemenis oi a i really enjoyable .argumentative contest, and the 1 pending tourney aroused considerable interest 1D political circles on both sides of the .1er(:y. i Indeed, so intense was the interest evinced in the event ill Liverpool and district that the Great Central Railway Company were induced to issue tieketsat reduced rates and to arrange for the 1 return traiii to leave when -Mie debate was over. Tnat this was a wise step was evident from the large number who availed tnemseives oi tne privilege. The Liberal Club at Neston waj surely | never so full..It certainly was not large enougn to comfortably seat the very .large assembly, iiov- witiistandiiig; its capacity to accommodate iiULl. The debate was timed for 7.6u, but before the hour of seven it was not easy to sgy out an empty sear, and there was still a steady stream c! people' coming through the doors. The platform seats; were reserved at five shillings each, all the re- maining seats heing free and unreserved. As might be imagined, the time .cf waiting was not spent in demure silence by these active spiriis. Thn was cheering and there was singing. Tiie: latter may not have been first-J-ate concert style, but was entertaining Fir«t of all there were several choruses, and somebody boldly essayed a solo, the refrain of which was lustily taken up with mixed effect. At the end he was accorded a great round of applause. Thus was ..the time whiicd away by tlii., ,,oo,(I-hunioui-cd gathering. Even- tually Mr. Smith and Mr. Lewr were noticed making their way .to the platform, and there W,¡lS j quite a volley of cheers. Mr. E. G. Hemerde, the Libeic.il candidate for Shrewsbury, presided, and a genial, happy chair- j man lic- proved. He allotted to each speaker | forty-five minutes for his speech, and without; i wasting time called upon Mr. Smith .to open. Then [ followed two excellent fighting speeches. Mr. Smith had a great reception, the auciience singing For he's a jolly good fellow." When silence was obtained, and this was not immediately, he lost little time in preliminaries, and eet to work to advocate Mr. Chamberlain's proposals witil an eloquence worthy of his great reputation at ] the Bar. His speech was indeed a rich oratorical treat, full of convincing argument aud telling points. It was evident from the outset that here was someone as ardent a Protectionist. as Air. Chamberlain himself, someone familiar with the question in all its bearings, and sorneeuc who had brought to bear upon his invcstigaticiis the tr,&: uc(i min i of a successful legal practitioner. Witeii ho had finished, when he had driven home his last argument and issued his last challenge, j one somehow felt sorry for Mr. Lever, and won- dered more than ever at his temerity in dial- lenging Mr. Smith to fight him. Equipped with the inferior weapon of Free Trade, lr. Lever did better than was expected, especially as he was under the further disadvantage of lacking the easy flow of language which his opponent com- mands. Mr. Smith asked him one or two plai-ri questions icgarding the establishment of Lever Brothers' branch works in other countries, and the answers were not as satisfactory as could be wi -he d. Mr. Lever's vast business knowledge served him in good stead when discussing certain aspects of the question, and his plucky defence of the fetish Free Trade was most impartially ap- plauded. Altogether the debate was most in- structive. and, with such a purpose served, we bow to the chairman's ruling that it was a. drawn battle, thougn we were certainly under the im- pression that ProtectiUJl" had the victory. Coming to a plain record of the meeting, we may mention that among those present were Sir Edward and Lady Russeil, Mr. A. Bigland, Mr. Fred Barry, Colonel Lloyd, Mr. J. Fergus Smith, Mr. R. H. Aldred, Mr. H. E. Smith, Major Nesbitt, etc. The Chairman, in opening the meeting, said he stood there as an impartial chairman, a friend of Mr. F. E. Smith, and a supporter of Mr. Lever's policy. It was a good thing when friends and neighbours came down together to fight out these great national questions, and the more of it the better. Mr. Smith said he had the pleasure of being entertained at dinner that night by Mr. Lever, and he had given him as a toast "Whichever cause is best for the country, may that cause succeed." (Cheers.) That was the spirit in which both Mr. Lever and himself were present that night. It was eloquent of the interest that all Englishmen took in this great question that they should meet together in that way to discuss it. He came there at a convenient time to advocate a change in our fiscal system. Those responsible for the intro- duction of Free Trade were exceedingly fruitful in prophecy. The system of free imports, not Free Trade, had been tried for sixty years, and, although Cobden himself had prophesied that in five years every country in Europe and the whole civilised world would follow Free Trade, we were now excluded from every foreign niarket by a wall of tariffs which it was absolutely impossible for us to scale Both foreign end home trade had suffered under this one-sided system, and capital- ists who had money to invest found th,y could do equally well with it by building in France Of Germany. They got the market in that country and also the English market. As an illustration of how this affected the English working-man, he would take the case of Lea and Perrin, the makers of sauce. They did a great trade in America, j but there came a time when the Congress of the United States said "No; American sauce for; American chops —(laughter)—and put on a whacking tariff. The consequence was this firm established works in America, and thus wages which were being paid to English workmen when it was possible to export the sauce were trans- ferred to America. After quoting similarly i affected firms in the Potteries, he instanced, with the greatest respect and civility. the case of j MR. LEVER'S FACTORIES ABROAD. Mr. Lever was so admirable an employer that we grudged a single advantage of his employment on the Continent. (Hear, hear.) Mr. Lever doubt- less knew his own business better than he (Mr. Smith) did, and if he would say to him that sup- posing there had been no duties on his soap in either the Colonies or the other countries they would still have built their factories abroad, he (the speaker) would accept that statement and withdraw his argument. But nothing short of that would suffice. He put the issue to Mr. Lever fairly and squarely. If a patriotic man, if a man who as an employer of labour was an example to England, if a man like Mr. Lever was induced to manufacture abroad, then there must be something wrong, and he contended that our present fiscal system was bad. (Cheers.) If foreigners would give us unrestricted access to their markets, he absolutely agreed that Free Trad e was the best system, because, give the Englishman fair play, and he would hold his own in any market in the world. (Cheers.) It was against the inequality of the present system that he was there to protest that night. He under- stood Mr. Lever was in favour of the practice of dumping. Foreign manufacturers could indulge in dumping because they restricted their own markets and were sure of those in the first place. Steel and iron were being dumped in England at prices the manufacturer in Free Trade England could not possibly compete with. We might be sure that if we found a German or American selling something at lower prices, they were doing it for something. Their motive was to I COLLAR THE ENGLISH MARKET. in such an event we should find that prices would go up, and that for a fictitious and deceitful ad- vantage we had struck at the very heart of a British industry. He gave an example of German dumping of wire and nails, and said it was reckoned that the total number of men employed in works which had been closed ÏI) some seven places in consequence of dumping was some thousands. Were we to'stand by and see British workmen losing their livelihood and British in- dustries receiving their deathblow? We should see what the prices were when our foreign rivals were in undisputed possession of the fields of industry which we formerly occupied. (Hear, hear.) Another point was the great improvement that had been secured in the dignity and position of labour during the last twenty or thirty years. Trade unions, by protecting women and children, had ennobled the position of labour, but we had had to pay for it, and the result had been that our output was le, than that of cur rivals, and that we could not make so much money as manufac- turers in foreign countries which had not reached the same level. Was it fair that the foreigner should be allowed to invade our markets with sweated labour? Was it fair? (" No, no.") He instanced the injustice of letting a London County Council contract for tram rails to Belgium with- out inquiry as to the conditions under which the workmen would be employed. If we had a County Council doing this, an authority responsible to the ratepayers, many of whom were artizaiis, what could a private employer do? Nothing could alter this but a reform in our fiscal system which would impose a duty on foreign manufacturers equal to the burden that the Legislature had placed upon the British manufacturer. Did Mr. Lever approve of a contract being thrown open to the fori igncr without an inquiry as to the conditions under which he worked? As to the question of retalia- tion, we were told that the economists were against a return to Protection. He quoted John Stuart Mill, Adam Smith and TJioroId Rogers, the fathers of economics, in favour of his conten- tions. We were told by our opponents that the Colonies did not want the preference that Mr. h,,i(i (,,Tei-(,d them. F(,, -.? wa.tc his tune with that assertion, furiLcj u. state that on every single occasion when tne Premiers of the self-governing Colonies had met in this country they had asked for it. That fact was sufficient. If it were possible to keen the Empire together by a proposal of the nature of Mr. Chamberlain's, which could be" reconciled with the interests of the working-men of the country, then that proposal held the field. He quoted Lord Rosebery in favour of a commercial bond for the Empire, also Sir Henry CampLcll- Bannerman's statement that 12,000.000 of the people of this country were on the verge of starva- tion—a splendid tribute, said the speaker, to the virtues of Free Trade. He further quoted from the historian Allison, in support of the contention that the country was neve)- so prosperous as it was before Free Trade was introduced without the consent of tho working classes, because the working classes were not then franchised. Mr. Smith now asked their attention to figures, which, he said, satisfied him that we were 1_. NOT A PROSPEROUS COCNTRY. 1 he Jooard ol -trade r?tu?is ?neweu i?m m .t i., the exports o! ms.n?ac?ured gct?s .ro .MCfUjUu.?uU., And iu 11 )iLo la.Uen to j..??..CC!<'L?, ? decrease ? .?j per cem., Lall ot which, accord- ing to tHe J??oa.rd oi Trade e&nmates, re.prt soiitcd  of wage& At img.bt be said that ?b?2 wf:s a ) u?-'tipcr year, buc so was ibUi. Taking the qum- qdemiiai period ot icwi-itWo, the average export') aiiiounted to compared witn an aveii-age of ±libo,U.j.UJ(J in tHe iluriug the past trurty years tne population hrd ,uierea.,ei ?,U per ccwit., and the exports 01 mail' .c¡;ul'ed goods Jtmd decreased by ?o p'T eem,. ,L.LeLareci goods tia-ii ciecrea:?e(? L-,v ??a .position, but uii.il not improved it. Jt W'j +i" ,4 IILLL Wai IIOL prosli?2rity. c iiat?? but ii4d IIUL 111-?I)fUVeki it. -I, WU,3 ;u tne lorcign market. In our li.U'uU.rtD c^omst brethren LooK ifcctj.OOO.l'uU wortJi ci our aianutactured goods, or neuriy x,0 & nead, while i0,UUV,.uvU Americans toon worth, or vb. a mead, aureiy that wouid sugjre-'t some e- necuaiis as to wno were our best customers. Ho dt;h.cd tnem to .consider the experience ct foreign countries, anu uifc development of Jf rauoe, kiz. iii^ny. and ine united Maxes under Protection, now was It t"-L tne exports 01 these countries had grjv.'H Illa grcuiil.:r ratio tiiait those 01 Is roe 11 D.Jte ijugland; ijiu we monopolise the (cmmerciai intelligence ot a.he world rie pointed to develop- ments ill ilrillic,, Germany and the L nited States, and said tiiat j. man was uarrow and provincial, aud a ijttle .Lugiander in the whole sense cl the word, who saiu uiat we monopolised the economic intelligence ol .1, worid. Taking the Limed Mates, Mr. M'rviiiiev, when he introduced the lariti, said the ueopic of no nation in history nad ever permanently prospered under a policy which sacriiiced home industries to give employment to the labour of ioreign States. 1 n before the tariff, the exports of manufactured goods was ±iol,W0,0C0, and after ten years of the tariff it was ±!9fl,!Xl0,0C0— increase, half of which was estimated to be wages, and at the same time they kept their own markets by building up an Ullaleab¡e wan of tariffs. The Mosely Ccm- un  aleabie \\a,n of tat-it ls. The Alosely tj c.n?.- mission shewed tHem also tbat the wages of th. working classes out there wee higher. In Ger- many, under Protection, the exports had gone up from £ 86r-000,00U in 1830 to in 1900, and, although wages were lower there than here, they had increased during that period to a greater extent than in England. What liad Free Trade done for a.griculture? First of all what did Mr. Cobden, the great arch- prIest. of Free Tra-de, whose disciple, Alr. Lever w af" He said. "If Freo Trade is adopted it will oonfer great and lasting benefit on agricul- ) ture, and more corn will be produced in. England cHry day." What were the facts? For tho < years 1870-1875 the average of acres under wheat t cultivation was 3,700,000. For 1901 the figuies ) were 1.580,000 acres. That meant the- sending cf the good stock of the country, the source of the real vtrjH-y and manoood ot the nation, to swell the army of unemployed and physically degencr- ate surplus population of the towns. Were \Q going to aeept the proiihecies of Cobden's disclp- | ks after that ? Referring to the Free Food League, he said it was wrong to say there would j be. free fOCR. He conie< red the contention thrt the repeal of the Corn Laws made food, cheaper. It was an historical fact that- for 15 years after the corn laws the price of bread was not cheapen- ed, and 20 years after the repeal Mr. Gladstone himseif admitted that br(,a.d was only a trifle cheaper than before. We were told by a. com- petent person that the taking off of the shilling registration duty made no difference, except tha.6 the money insiead of going into the Exchequer went into the pockets of the American shipp-EN. In conclusion, Mr. Smith adv.sed consideration of the view expressed by Mr. Charles Booth, that Mr. Chamberlain's proposals in operation would not add a single farthing to 1.1 e cost of living among the working classes, while it would im mea-sureably ncrease their prospect of employ- ment. (Applause.) I MR. LEVER'S ARGUMENTS. ■ Mr. Lever, wno was also enthusiastically re- ceived, prefaced his speech with a reference Jo the lamentable deaths of the young men, Grundy and Pritchard, and complimented Mr. Roper; secretary of the club, on his conduct throughc X Taking up the debate, he dealt first- with the question Mr. Smith had propounded as to how Lever Bros.' foreign branches would be affected if the whole worid were placed under Free Trade cond'tions. said there were two answers to the query. The immed ate answer was that the place in which Lever Bros. had established1 a, br-inch was New South Wales, a colony which r. a,; then the only other Free Trade country i", tho w-crld. But, if Free Trade was universal, it would be doubtful whether it would bo possible to conduct any export trade in soap, and thercv fore they would be compelled to establish wort9 in foreign countries Mr. Smith's picture of Engl ish manufacturer? rushing off to France, Germany, and elsewhere was a pure, fiction, of the imagination. There was nor a single English manufacturer who would think of placing work;; j in either France, Germany, or the United States for the supply of England in addition to thee <-ountrie??, for the reason that working a.s manu- facturers under Free Trade conditions was so much more economical with regard to the supp'y of raw material and the freedom from the mono- polisation of trusts and combines. There was no country in the world which offered attractions like England. (Cheers.) But, on the other hejid, they had seen great firms like the V'estin(;h0 "c Company and Singers' come to England in order to do English trade. Mr. Smith had talked about English manufacturers having to compete with the sweated labour of underpa d foreigners. But the fa,?t WM that the English manufacturer, with proper conditions cf living, good' hour?, and good wagB, could meet and beat the world. If ?h;,t were not a fact the giving of fair wage? and ecu j ditions would be a system of phiIanThropy. Jt was not ph lantiiropy but gocd hard builics; VlJd'I pa'd well. (Applause.) Refernng to th? &t<:t<. ment that the repeal of the Corn Laws was not.j followed by a reduction in the price of bread, Mr. Lever said' that Protectionists who employed this- argument omitted to add that the period which immediately succeeded the repeal wa.s the period of dIe Russian War, when the prices of corn, ?fn abnormally high, and that immediately preceding" the repeal there was the Irish famine. Tol. Chamberlain, in his gloomy predictions cf the future, and the probable effect of foreign ccm- petit on under present conditions, was ONjy re- peating what Lord Randolph Churchill had s?d 20 years ago, when, he put forward the views that free imports were murdering our industries. But we were still alive. (A Voice "We are half dead now.' ) Protection was to accomplish much, but we heard nothing about profit to the capitalists, and bigger rents to the land.ords, although theso were the only things it would really achieve. (Hear, hear.) The fear of the excess of imports ever exports was an utterly foolish one; an excees of that kind was the invariable index cf the national wealth and prosperity. All the wealthy countries had a similar excess to face in their ac. ) counts, and among the countries whose exports 'overtopped their imports were Roumania, Mexico, Chili, and Austria. (Laughter.) Sup- [ posing we were to set about reducing the amount j of our imports, whereabouts would we begin? We could not commence with raw materials, became more cotton was required for our Lancashire, mills and more wool for our Yorkshire factories. Nor could we afford to cut down our food supplies— and food and raw materials together composed oJ per ocnt. of our total imports. The only depart- ment in which the Protectionists could suge» -t any cutting down was in that of manufactured goods, and in that a reduction was unnecessary as we were exporting £ 220,000,000 of manuhuv tured goods to the E113,000,000 we imported. It was therefore we who were deluging the foreigner, and so far from his hitting us in every part • f our body, it was we who were hitting him. (-Cheers.) The foreigner was taking frcrii. us B2 worth of manufactured goods for every £ 1 worth we took froiti him. The exports of the United Kingdom had in- creased since 1855 by 64 per cent., those of Or many by 54 per cent, and those of the vnitd States 55 per cent. But let them look at. it on tiro proper basis, that of population. The. increase- on that basis had beon 30&. per head in England, 20s. per head' in Germany, and 14s. 3d. per head in tho United States—{cheers)—while in the gross our exports per head were double those of Ger- many and six times those of the United States. (Loud applause.) Tiie fall of prices since 1873 had been such that whereas the total of exp" orts and imports in that year were ;6626.0;)0,000, ill 1S02, ct, .1873 prices., the imports and exports com- J bined would have been £ 1 215,000. Exception wai ) I taken to coal being included as partly rnanufac- I turcd gootb, but the cost of labour represe" nted nearly 50 per cent, of the price at which it was sold. It was said that we were exhausting our cellars, but we had enough coal for cenkuirs yet, and before they were over we might not. want coal at all. A hundred years ago it was thou"ght that it was bad policy to export oak timber, because it was wanted for battleships. He did la-o-.v of anything that wou id CRIPPLE THE HOME TRADE '11 1 more cruelly than a system of Protection wmch would raise the price of commodities aJ round and r?duc? the purchasing power of the people, sn affecung the homo trade most dja!¡{)¡¡dy. The income tax returns shewed that we "ieo more than we did twenty years ago. and getting nearly twice as much as wo did from foreign investments. Cobden's picphecy as to the bonents that would acciue to tlc:s cC1:1-1' try though Free Trade had been more than amply fiilfillod. As to retaliation, trade- was net v«"i'fare, and mo language of warfare applied to peaceful trade was out. of place. We could not re- taliate effectively, for our imports were mainly food and raw materials. Dealing with the ques- tion of Colonial preference, Mr. Lever said the proposal was to tax 42.030.000 of people here, in an island which couid on'v support, them under Free Tiade conditions, for the benefit of ff.000,000 spread over an enormous territory with ample j powers of supporting many hundreds of times that number of people. it was impossible to ooi-struct a tariff that would please all parties. If wc did not put a duty on wool we should quarrel with A and if we did put a, duty on wool we should ruin our YoiKshire wool Tnro- -,J- If we • f • on iy cotton, and the imposition of that duty would offend Lancashire and ruin Liverpool. We she ult! tie our own hands once we granted preference-, and there, would be wrangling, bitternei«, and perhaps disruption. The best finks between our- selves and our Colonies were those of common kindred and blood. The growth cf our trade with the Colonies was far more rapid after the abolition of preference, than was before. One serious ob- jection to taking ail our food supplies from the Colonies was the danger that would arise in. car e we were involved in a great European war. As to agriculture, the two shillings tax on wheat end 5 per cent, on dairy pioduce would benefit the farmer to the extent of eight and a half millions. one-half the amount, by which his rent had been reduced since 1882, but. this wculd be more than lost, by the immediate increase which would take place in his rent.. In conclusion, Mr. Le ver re- viewed the present condition of labour. Tho British worliirgaiaa,- he said, worked the thcric-.i hours of ,-iny ji-crkingei.in in tho woncr. With on j U;j{!'} exofjvion— ti? of Ancnca--h: wns r)<??.??.t??Lr!<)t??itJ.T.)yciR!lQ?f'd..r".fI t!¡ most iighly paid. IT<> rajoyed these bencSts. be- cause of the prin '"ii of tore. Tra.d?, which ai- !OWt1 h:m ? :n labour in the dearest ma>-fcc4 and buy his food in the el<e'p< st. (^Cheers.) Ou* Jflmpuo was built up l; ? Trs.? con('-¡Lon and "¡'(I¡do pnuv, a-id t h 111.- Ix. we r.isht? niccic t;,«> cii&ug*i t' 'L'.? Cu r ')?I..ad\G?a.t,€a L ( C ?'?. 'S.) THREE. CHALLENGE.  Smith, in ?eptyn?. ]c?o:eu figures i"ont t?.. 'i?i?<?t t<??t);'??'t ) ;s statem-. ut L.t tlia dccivar-j in ou- ex ?< 'P u. .:) fact vie d ?oG< ?'tct f;) '1J;);1 1; :I r;h"]lrGb;'3tti. "r.(1'd of our C<?r.?) .d\ He challenged M*. k" to ?y '1) 7>d h or di.? he not M:t?ux thttt in thy last thirty J-s our experts of manik* bct:ncd artides to other markets than c,r orur-s. lied increased in the samo ratio as the ex- ports of marnJactual a t;cl-i from Protective cot-r-ri. s? (2) Is it. or it, m t a fact that, the de- <i our •xperf-j of manufactured articles tes. those foreign market* have been couater- bahvv- .od by tbo ineree^e of our exports to tha Colon;? (3) Whether or not. the exports of Ger- many. America and France had increased :Ut «• g-cater rate in the last thirty years than th'a exports of mantifacturo<t goer's of Free Tr,-Lao Gr eat Britain. Tho. surest, e-rcl most valuable ro- inh.rcwment to the ties of r- ntiment, binding ul to {'.? Coon;t-: wou'd bo <?-ong and constantly gj?-?;.)g tiM ? mut..)? ?c.H'-i-?M(?t. ?r. Dover had dc?'t ?';<? h)3 arguments as ? r('IT" p?c??'-ity. (Chefr? ) P! 'e+;.> .?y. <' ? ¡Rrd t:'> '> to Odiutda the pi*«,:ivici'd largy- quant it .s of goods which we could not produce, and which Ctanada most tafcfr in of any preference, bc-eause s-he could no* possibly do without thorn- -incize, cotton, and sai on. As to whether Ir.xrv Brothers would hlvo done certain t. ng*' if :-If the world were Froa Tiacl<v. was > po,<-ih?o !o- say more than ho h said Their experience was tha.t iu no country did they enjoy advantages as in Free Trade liz-,IN c r- a I Fiee Trade hjw did net, th.nk -hey would do much better thai* th; y v ere doing-. He did not. think we would get any iyt-ter terms, frGJ:1 a. country—certainly ndfr one our own sizr- hy nsuij menaces and tliits advantages of retaliatory cli-tes were altogether delusory. As to Mr. Smith's, remarks on prosperity, he (Mr. Levei) gav:> them figures whidSl were both -c and absolute. Let them reo- member the trusts run! combines of Protectionist .Amei ioa.. one which they had introduced be-re-y, tli i uoiicco Trust. arcl let them re member ÙJa." L. ;z7 I- I every rimo they end a smoke, that three farthings an every ounce, of tobacco they bought went to tha trust. If Mr. Chamberlain' was right now he must have. been wrong all his and he was sura they would syrm>atbi-;e with him in the memory 01 i wasted life. ;Laughter atiil loud aprilause.) ine Chaimavir called for a, sl ow of lioiids., I anif, *voto, svrl lie should declare .i4 a dra v in defanlt- of a mco accurate modo of COŠh'wa.rd R.?'?t brcny pm?osf?? a vote of t???th?-?.?o?.cb?-?thR'u?hadt stiruaJated ?!< i??io! f<]. co )s dor&bio Ü;td tual effoit, and had afforded all a deii-jhtfnl and instructivo evening. (Applaud.) h was th* glory of Enghss politics that, they could be dis- cussed in a. fr.es-,dly spirit, end without imerfar- with pmiu- te friendships, lApolause j—Tke vote was carried. l -'I ?N O T I .•* JSiOTIJER iV)TABI.E CONVERT. E. J. Reed, R, d eal M.P. for Cardiff Dej- tnev, ei a IILif.to to h < ."•-i--t;fuents, intimate# that, age and iierx-if, ct t,r.ilth afford him suffi- ieri* justification for coming- to the decision net again to seek re-cJeceion after Si-rving £ ve years. After who personal jxtssage-*$jr F-dv.e rd saysThere j, hut one unest:on. ccnc.u :u:ie- the future ivlilcii li* iKied mention, and on th question of tariff vision and £ «e>aJ rrfr rm he presumed v.-o-uid not. be a-e-o^ptabie the bulk of his forme* supporters. He had iCV; h, at, and still was at ?. io" to umkrs' -? w ty v, > $hou'd destroy o? iivest in d?<"?'n;' < .?v. ? l J -.?tr I es merel y IK :ja.?c WE o&?.t.' buy .ti; ? t'. 9 A t:'iH? c;?apot F:'f"1}, 't:¡F:ï7.¡ witn LH, and "??'t.?d ? "M n.r?s in Th?r pto?e? to close the it ^rkotn of th* world against us. U. we were, obliged to submit, to regulated tariffs^ why not oursc-i, tako ar» active and business!ik« part in its re^: ifet.ioii? JT was wei! aware thsfr we were not p.rrely a p:'odiier ig and manufajc- fining- country, and equally aware there was much to be said for ihe piesent. system. But the slrb- jeet, nevertheless, needed elo«. arid searching in- quiry..and it, t > him perilous W seek to continue the present i-y^teni wthout examination. -Jt al-o r-cemed to hint !>cth .perilous and iiii,ra -load fe> ies:st. any improvement of our trid.iig system which would -it, to our Colonic* 1-\ identify thi-rca-ehri n.cev. and more with the. Mothcr Country.

WREXHAM HORSE SALES.—Messrs. Frank Llo vd and Son's opening horse sales for the year in the. North Wales Repository. Wrexham, are advertised to take place on the 20di, 21st, gfnd 22nd inst, when they offer 30 guineas in prizes for ail classes. The first day is for hunters and harness horses. Thursday, the second day, is for hackneys, show* horses, cobs and penies and Friday, the last day of the sales, is for heavy horses of all classes. As will be seen from our acU-ertising columns, entries finally close by Monday's post direct to the auctioneers, Wre.-harn. STARVATION AND DROWNING.-Shortly after noon on Monday two young men presented themselves zit the office of the Argyle-. street South Baths, Birkenhead, and asked for private bath tickets.# They went into separate* baths, which were divided by a low wail Only ,'V few minutes had elapsed, when one of them called" out to his companion, Jones, are you ready?". Receivinar no reply he went to the door. and on opening it discovered Jones Jj ing face down in' about eight inches of water. The body w is taken cut, but all efforts to produce respiration were of no avail It transpires that Jones, who lived in Wilson-street, and was about 18 years of a#e. 1 work for some time, and had applied ■■as;in-,n r.o the army. He had been sent to t 't bath preparatory to being examined by the doctor, and it is supposed that he was in a weak state through insufficient food, and must have fallen in a faint with his head under water. The strange- part about the affair is that while those in the various baths can converse with ease, the unfortunate man's companion heard no sound -to cause him to suspect that anything was amiss. In conversation with a. friend 011 Monday deceased said that he had had nothing to eat for three days. The body was removed to the Price-street M< rttiary. THE GRI-ATCOrGHJCCRS'.—14 hudden's Balsam cf Horehout d and Coltsfoot." will cur* Coughs. Colds. Asthma. Hronohitis, and all rtiecti !s cf j:è Chest, anil Lungs. Don't take a, Fiti-,titi,te, ,n- having Budden's, Is. 3Jd. and 2s 9d.—MOsi, 3f.P.S., 68. Brook-srreet. THE liRK A.T SEIX CURE, BucVWs S.R. Skin Oint.ert" wiil cure 0.1 Wounds. Legs, Eczema, Ringworm. P'-vcfid.i. and ail "kin Diseases. Boxes 7.d. and Is. ljd.-J. W. NOKMA.NSKLI, (Iat-6 Knp). 58, Bridge strett.