Cheshire Observer

THORNTON HOUGJL LECTURE-—On Tuesday eveoiag an interest- ing lecture. e&J it-led A Visit to Australia," was' fiven in the ?Ongrega?n-al Chuf?ch. Thomton Hou?h, by tbe Rev. Godlet, P.teria.n n,Aini.-ter (Rock,,Ferry). Mr. C. N. Neisois pre- sided. The lecture was illustrated W.th lawtern views shewn by 'Xr. W. D. Mead, of Yew "Tree Howse.

TARVIN. DANCE —On "W^-inesday night a s^eoess £ »d danoe took place in the Publio Hall under the auspices of the Reading and RecresAim-riaom. Messrs. W. Vernon, A..Carroll and T. Ihiltaa dis- charmed tho duties of M.C 's. The musio *ra* supplied £ >v Messrs. Backer Bros. THE REVIVAL -Int-erPst continues m the J«- vival movement. Orowded congregations. are pine- sent every night in the Primitive Methodist CThapel, and fresh convey are enrolled daiij. During a meeting last week. in the raidWi of an a<Mr?sa a man stood up in the ooag??'o? and j gave testimony of his eurMcder to Chr13t The result was that seven others conje to the front to be prayed for. One man waø so wrought upon that he prayed jo a hayloft oa Friday morning-

FIXmiLINE !<OR THE TEETH AND BREATU.-ThorougLly cleanses the tetth from all parasites or impurities, hard ens the gums, prevents tartar, stops decay, and gives to the teeth a peculiar nearly whiteaaM and a aWightful fragranoe to the breath. Price is, 6d. for Ae liquid, or I& per jar for the lqoejigo "PiWdpr^of all Cfc«3WSi9 Futam j

MR. YERBURGH & TRADE UNIONS. I LETTER FROM MR. BELL. I At a recent- meeting- at Saltney. Mr. Yerburgh WM asked why he broke his promi.se to support Mr. Boll in the protection of Trade Umons, and to prow that he had never made such a pro- mise he then declared that he would write on the subject, to Mr. Bell and publish his rrply. Ap- pended is tho reply reoeiv-ed from Mr. Bell: — House of Commons. February 20th. 1905. Dear Mr. Yerbargh,—I have received your letter of the 16th inst. In reply, I desire to say that I have no recollec- tion of ever asking- you to support the Trades Dispute Bill or any conversation in reference thereo. but this it fcomo time ago now. and I may have forgotten if I did. However, if my memory serves me right. I have no recollection of asking vou.—Yours very truly, RICHARD BELL. R. Yerburgh. Esq., M.P.. 25. Kensington Gore, S.W.

CHURCHMEN AND THE BOARD OF EDUCATION. THE CHURCH POLICY. The Archbishop of Canterbury has addressed a letter to the Archbishop of York as to the result of the conference held on Wednesday at the Church House by the Committee of the National Society, which was attended by about seventy delegates from all parts of the country. After ample discussion the following resolution was carried:— That in view of the communications from the Board of Education (a) to the Ipswich local education authority of January 2, (b) to the Norfolk local education authority of January 30, managers of Church schools be advised for the present to arrange the attendance of school children at church so as (1) to satisfy the regula- tions of the Board of Education with regard to the seliool time-table, and (2) not to clash with the bye-laws adopted by the local education authorities; And that the meeting would regard as satisfactory that the National Society should obtain a further legal opinion upon the ques- tions at issue, which opinion should be made public. Before the vote was taken it was made per- fectly clear that, while the Executive was will- ing to take a further legal opinion for the ampler elucidation of the points at issue, the question whether or not litigation should follow in the event of Circular 512 being impugned by such opinion was in no way prejudged, and that the resolution must not be interpreted as carrying oven inferentially anything more than its words oontain.

I FRESH AIR AND SUNSHINE. I WELSH DOCTOR'S SANITARY GOSPEL. Dr. Hugh Jones, medical officer of health at Dolgelley. in hrs annual report says: — "During the year consumption was the cause of four deaths. It is some satisfaction to note tha.t this disease has not made quite the same havoc as in 1903, but it still claims too many victims, a.nd it ij therefore necessary that some- thing shouid be done to lessen this annual slaugh- ter. The most potent factor in maintaining our high death-rate from all diseases of a consump- tive character is the small, badly-ventilated dwel- If the inhabitants of thcao small dwcihlP would only use the limited means at their disposal of letting fresh air and sunshine into their rooms.by opening doors and windows. and the letter particularly at night, there would be less of this soourge of consumption in our midst very soon People seem to have a dread of fr-esh air, and do all thev can to keep it out of their houses, forgetting that pure air and sun- .shine aro among the best of God's free gifts to mankind. "I despair of carrying this conviction home to the minds of the older generation, and I feel that. we must look to educaton to save the children fiom these erroneous and; mischievous ideas. I welcome the movement among my own profession to make temperance and hygienei compulsory sub- jects of elementary education as about the most effective force for diminishing the phthisis death- rate. By teaching ch'ldren the value of pure air and a properly constituted diet more will be done to prevent physical degeneration than we can conceive at present, so that those damaged con- stitutions which fal euch easy P"Y to the germ? of consumption will be much reduced in number. and this dangerous seed will not so readily find a. suitable --oil upon which to grow."

LICENSED VICTUALLERS' FEDERATION. NORTH WALES AND BORDER COUNTIES. At Wrexham on Thursday Mr. B. Hutchinson, chairman of the Wreiham Licensed Victuallers' Association, presided over an adjourned conference of delegates from the Licensed Victuallers Associations of North Wales and Border Counties. There were delegates present from the following associations :—Birkenhead and Wirral, Chester and District, Maid and District, Rhos, and Wrexham. It was resolved (other associations being favourable to the proposal in addition to those represented at the meeting) to form a federation of the whole of the Licensed Victuallers' Associations of North Wales and border counties for the purpose of holding conferences in different parts of North Wales, Cheshire, &c., to discuss all matters affect- ing the trade and to take joint action in any way that might seem desirable. It wa. decided.that the conferences should be held twice a year in January and July, the first conference being fixed to be held at Chester in July. Mr. A. B. Kinnair, of Wrexham, was appointed organising secretary. Several matters affectin- the trade were afterwards discussed, and Mr. M'Levy,-of Rock Ferry, and Mr. Tushingham, of Chester, gave interesting accounts of the action which was being taken by the Birkenhead and Chester Associations.

I DISTRICT COUNCILS. I TARPORLEY I R.BAN. A meeting of the TarporLey Urban District Council was held on Thursday, when there were present Mr. T. H. Gordon (cliairnian), the Rt-N-. W. O. M. Hughes, Messrs. J. Pickering, J. H. Dods. S. Davies, R. Symms, R. Dodd, W. Broe- ter S. Barker, E. Fitton. S. Green.way (surveyor), and the clerk (Mr. T. Cawl*,v).-Tht- annual re-: port of Dr. ^Henyon, the medical ofifcer of health for the district, stated that the population was., 2,626. There had been 68 births during the year. making an average of 25.9 per thousand. Fprty- .1 three deaths had occurred. The average death-, rate was 16.4. Infectious di had not been the cause of auy death. Five cases of overcrowd- ing in dwelling-houses had been dealt with.-Mr. E. Cawlev was appointed clerk through 'the Besig- nation of Mr. '"I',I Cawley.

IST. I -0 —- HANDBRIDGE  v. SALTNEY.-Pla")'Iedon 'I' Tuesday at H&ndbr?? Score S^ALTXET. HANDBRIDC& HALT?nST. 'L Hand <1 91 H.Roberts  J.LRONSON F ? J. W.Hetts .? 4 -W W. MA J OR (U J,£?kley ")2:' W. Major 114:. A.. WILLCOCK F W. LEDSHAM .? T. ROGERS 1A RYLANDA .) ? T f- gers I,- W. Jone,% T. JBUTFELL W. Jones 4} 16 E. TAVID ) 21 T. ARMOUR ?5 W.?-onee .f 2i .D. SHAW I W.   'S- Read I 8 W. SJAKE 101 .? S. BUOIE F P FREEMAN J G. G*.?i 01 ELLIS 117 -zit t ? T .,R e & y.?? J. PRITEHARD .J. ??ea.y ¡ G. G?Bte.rd I01 C. Lovatt .?.) ^5 E. RFIG^-S ) .?.?ov&tt .? 141 97 Majority for Handfcrdge, 50. CHESTER WHiEST LEAGUE. CAMPBELL MEMORIAL HALL v. CHESHlai BEARER CO.—-PLAYED at Campbell Memorial fcTall. Smre:- CO. W. Mercer llO F. DutMa. } 21 W. F. Coopitr J H. JBENIIEFTT R. Page I H) G C. JOJ4f¿-; 121 J. RASBOTTOM F 119 W Walker f S. J. KOKALBLA* 1 « F. CFCFTSFC}*; T 21 7SR. BELLAMY J A. BODSON J R.Royte .?4 A. D?Mi .?i P. LYTHGOE J L14 F- WHITE J .P, Lyth,,oe _) 14 F. Wh -Ite I T.,Huxi?y ?- ♦ JTIINKI- ITE )1-13 )? iackson f 121 W.  J. TUSHINGHAM |21 A.CAMPBEB /J_10 G. Jt.?hns A. Campbgg ?, 10 :J7 107 Majority k-r Bearer Co.. 20.

BOOK FOR NORTfl w ALf^' ;ZT^ he"JU^T i just ree»ivcd an advance copy of "Tbê North Wales and Chester Official Year Book for 1005," and from a cursory glas.ee at its contents we think the work ought to prove a. mcst useful eompendiuia and an i.ndisipemable annual for at .116 are concerned in any phase of local admmi- stration, or in North Whales affairs generally. It contains a mass of useful information. Not the least important feature is the list of land- owne" of 1,000 acres and upwards in each pounty, [ and also the agricultural and other shows and societlefl in North Wales. There is also a list of fairs, of all benevolent institutions, hunting arrangements, golf, yachting, and ether clubs. the various branches of the Welsh Industrie* Aaaociation, learned and eisteddfodio societies, and all newspapers published in the district em- braced. There is also a useful summary of county- statistics. The book is published by Messrs. Charles DirvliDJJ., Limited, of kwrpook

NORTH SEA COMMISSION. I WHITEWASHING OF THE RUSSIAN I ADMIRAL. "ENTITLED TO ACT AS HE DID." 1 The North Sea Inquiry Commission met in Paris on Wednesday morning at the Foreign Office There was a second meeting in the afternoon (says Renter), and the admirals were still sitting at five o'clock to take the tinal'reading of the report setting forth the Commission's conclusions. The principal author of the report which is somewhat of a voluminous document covering ten folio pages, is Admiral von Spaun, the Austro-Hungarian Com- missioner, but all the members of the Commission have contributed in its drafting. The Commission does not discuss the question of the presence or absence of Japanese torpedo boats. Their report simply states that Admimi Rozhestvensky mi?ht legitimately hase believed that his squadron was in danger, and that he was entitled, in view of the circumstances, to act as he did. The Commission takes note of the under- taking of the Russian Government to indemnify the victims of the deplorable affair. The report will be forwarded to the British and Russian Governments to-dav bv special courier, not that it is subject, to moditications which have been pressed for by one of those Governments, as there is no appeal from the findings of the Commission, but because the Com- missioners do not wish that the interested Powers should learn the conclusion reached by the Com- mission solely through the Press or from the last public sitting The forwarding of the report is thus merely an act of courtesy. The Debats" says: We learn from a good source that in the drawing up of the tinal report Vice-Admiral Sir Lewis Beaumont, acting with the breadth of view which characterises him, made some important concessions.

LEAD MINING IN FLINTSHIRE. HALKYN MINES DRAINAGE COMPANY. A half-yearly meeting of the shareholders of the Halkyn District Mines Drainage Company was held at Chester on Wednesday, the chairman of the directors (Mr. John Thompson) presiding. The directors reported that the balance brought forward was J3475. 4s. 10d., and the profit for the six months was £ 2,577. 9s. 9d., making a total of 7d. They proposed that a dividend for the half-year at the rate of 71 per cent, per annum, free of income tax, be paid, which would absorb £ 2,728. 17s. 6d., leaving L323. 17a. Id. During the half-year 2.943 tons of ore and 735 tons of biendo had been sold, the average price of lead per ton being L8. 3s. and of bleiide ;65. 8s. 7d. There had been a small increase of 58 tons in the quantity of lead gotten and a small increa-se in the quantity of blende sold, due almost entirely to the re-opening of the South Llyn-y-Pandy Mine. The average price of both lead and blende had been siighcly higher than for the previous half- year. Negotiations had been going on between tho North Hendre Mining Company and the South Halkyn and Rhydymwyn Mining Company with a view to joint operation in dealing with the water difficulty in those mines, and the board hoped to have been able to report satisfactory progress, but they were informed that, at the 18i3t moment, the terms which appeared to have been agreed upon were not accepted. The directors regretted this result, as they had long been of opinion that the water difficulty could only be properly met by joint action of the two com- panies. The directors retiring by rotation were Messrs. C. Davison, Thomas Smith and John Thompson, who were eligible and offered them- selves for re-election. Mr. F. J. Warmsley, one of the auditors, retired, and offered himself for re- appointment --Captain Matthew Francis and Capt. Fredk. S. William* both presented reports. The I-atter stated that the sales of lead ore gotten from the mines in the company's areas for the six months ended 31st December, 1904, were. as f.oUows :-Halkyu Mine. 770 tons; East Halkyn Mine. 1.565 tons: North Hendre Mine, 84 tons; South Llyn-y-Pandy Mine. 523 tOn". The sales of blende ore were as f.oUowR :-Halkyn Aline, 643 tons; East Halkyn Mine, 92 tons. On the proposition of the Chairman, seconded by Mr. C. Davison, a dividend as recommended was declared, and, on the motion of Mr. G. R. Griffith, seconded by Mr. A. W. Butt, the retiring directors were re-elected. Mr. F. J. Warmsley was re-appointed one of the auditors, and, on the pro- positon of Mr. C. Millington, seconded by Mr. A. S Jack, 200 guineas was voted to the directors for their services during the past year.

I FLINTSHIRE EDUCATION COM- MITTEE. I The monthly MWtiDg Of the Flintshire Educa- tion Committee took place at Mold on Wednes- day Mr R. Li&welyn Joneg, of Rhyl, presiding. I SALARIES OF SCHOOL TEACHERS. The report of the sub-committee appointed tc consider the question of teachers' salaries was submitted. Dr. Williams asked what had guided the committee in fixing the salaries. There were headmasters in certain schools who would, undier the recommendation of the committee, I receive a great deal less than was recommended in the case of other schools. The Chairman said that there were some cases where the .salary was so small that the commit- tee felt bound to recommend an increase. Hav- ing regard to the policy which they, as a majority, had pledged themselves to carry out, they could net deal with all the schools alike. There were certain discrepancies, he admitted, between provided and non-provided schools, and he hoped that a settlement would! soon be ar- rived at. As regards a scale, he did not see that it was possible to frame one. They had to recognise the difference between an efficient and an inefficient workman, and to him the levelling process of trade unions with the same rate of pay for. all alike did not reoommend itself. After some discussion the report was adopted as read, with the exception of increases in salary to Mr. Pierce, of Northop Hall School, and Mr. James, of Bagillt. I CLAIMS OF UNCERTIFICATED TEACHERS Mr. T. H. Haswell proposed that the scale of salaries as suggested for uncertificated teachers be referred back for further consideration. He said that the question of salaries was the burning one, throughout the county, both in provided and non-provided schools. The schools were seething with discontent. He desired to raise his voice not on behalf of the head teachers, I who were ablo to take care of themselves, but on behalf of the junior teachers.—No one seconded the amendment. BISHOP EDWARDS AND FAIR SALARIES, The Bishop of St. Asaph, who arrived after this dliscussion, called attention to the question of the salaries, which he said he understood were being lowered instead of increased. The, result was that the standard of education was, being lowered too. The Chairman said all attempt had been made to create dissatisfaction Among the teachers, and be was glad to know that it had not succeeded. The Bishop said that he was quite sure that, taking the Principality as a whole, the salaries ,were not being increased or being paíd up to tite standard, apart from any controversy. Fair salaries were absolutely essential to the efficiency of their schools. Mr. Haswell said he was glad to h/?ar the Bis- hop's remarks, and had' he been present earlier his motioo probably would have had a seconder. NONCONFORMISTS AND ORANGES. The Rev. T. M. Rees, Congregational minister, jBuckley, said that on Thursday morning he learned that something very startling had oc- curred in, Flintshire. In a report, taken from a daily paper, it was alle.ged that there had bEen. a distribution of oranges to scholars at a Flint school. Could anyone give them a little light -on this subject. (Laughter.) The Chairman: What is the question—oranges not to be given in future, or oranges to be given all round? (Laughter.) Mr. Rees: I wish to know if this took place. The Director of Education said he did not exactly know the facts, but an investigation would! be made. Mr. Rees: I move that the Director ask for an explanation. Mr. S. Jones (Holywell) asked whether that course would be Fatisfactory., He scarcely thought it would meet tho ease. He did not see why a difference should be made between, the children of Nonconformist parents and children who were connected with the Church of England. He sadly feared that a difference bad been made, and he was sorry to say this was not the first time that matters of this kind had taken place at Flint. Thena had been a religious con- troversy in that town for some years, and he thought it was hiith time, that this vindictive spirit should be buried. They heard of refer- ences being made from the pulpit. The Chairman said he did not wish to stop the discussion—if this was a subject worth discussing —but he ti-ought that first of all they should g-M; a report from some reliable -source^ and he would suggest that the director should make inquiries and find out what was actually done. Dr. J. H. Williams (Flint) eaid things had gone far enough in th s direction. This matter must be investigated for the. satisfaction of parents -inl TTint. (Hear, hear.) If they were going to have an investigation he thought it would be advis- able to appoint three or four members to take; ev'dence and report. (Hear, hear.) Mr. Rees: I propose. that. Dr. Williams remarked' thit oranges were given to children in the day schools at Flint, but rot -to all the children. He was one cf the managers, and the teachers had admitted that crange5 were given out. Thus far the facts were clear: but tinder what circumstances they were distributed 'twere was a conflict of evidence. A supge^on by the Chairman was then adapted that the director and secretary make In- quiries. Mr. J. P. Jones (Holywell) thoug-ot that when- ever any un.pleasantne#>e occurred or an un- pleasant reoort appeared in the press, instruc- tions should be given to the director of educa- tion to make- an immediate investigation.

UMBRELLA-MEHNrpER'S DEATH—Mr. E Brseaey held an inquest on Tuesday on tho body of Wm Clarke, umbrella-mender. 1. Star-court. Cuppin-street. Deceased had recently! complained of dizziness in the head and Dr. Newall. on being summoned at 3 30 on Mondav afternoon, found him kneeling before a chair with his face buried in a cushion. He wa i then quite dead. The doctor told the coroner that defeated'? position was most, extraordinary. He could only sunjn'so that death was due to apoplexy. A ver-I dict to this effect was returned.

LADY HOLLAND'S JEWELS STOLEN. I ROBBERY ON THE RAILWAY. I Lady Holland, the wife of Sir William Holland, M. P., has been robbed of valuable jewellery in a very daring manner. On Tuesday night she attended the mayoral ball at Potherham, for which division Sir William Holland is the mem- ber, and was on her way heme from Rotherham when the robbery was committed. Lady Holland's maid saw a diamond tiara and other jewcis safely packed in jewel cases, which were piaced ill a box. Lakly Holland and her maid left Rotherham by tn-e 10.16 a.m. tram on Wed- nesday, and at that timo tho box containing the jeweis WM intact. Lady Holland changed at Sheffield and also at Manchester, where she caught the 12.55 train to Crewe. The maid had the box under observation during the journey, but it is believed that the thieves, watching their oppor- tunity, whether between Sheffield and Manchester or ^Manchester and Crewe, broke open the lock of the box and abstracted one of the jewel cases. The loss was net discovered until Lady Holla.nd had reached Poole Hall, Nantwich. The lock whih had been broken was covered by a leather flap, and it was owing to this circumstance that the robbery-was not discovered earlier. The jewels stolen are diamond earrings, a diamond necklace and pendant, an antique enamelled watch set with diamonds and pearls, and a diamond spray brooch. A five-pound note is also missing. The thieves overlooked a second jewel case in which was the tiara of diamonds. As it is, the value of the stolen diamonds Ït3 some hundreds of pounds.

A LIFE-LIKE CORPSE. I EXTRAORDINARY CASE AT CREWE. At an inquest at Crewe, on Tuesday, Dr. Wilson tendered some remarkable evidence as the result of his examination of the dead body of Annie Jinks, aged twenty-one, a married 'I -woman. According to the account ot tne de- ceased's mother, someone knocked at the door of their house ini Flag-lane after they had re- tired to rest on Saturday nignt. The deceased looked through the bedroom window apparently to ascertain who had called, and almost im- mediately afterward s she tell in a faint and died in a few seconds. The doctor now stated that there was no ex- ternal appearance of death on the deceased's body. The Coroner: Are you sure she is dead now? We have heard so many extraordinary cases lately about people being pronounced' dead and who have not been dead. The doctor said she was undoubtedly dead, but during the whole of his experience he had never seen a corpse 90 life-like. On looking at the body there was not a sinigle. sign of death. He had seen many living people who looked more like death than this one. It was some time before he could satisfy himself that she was really dead. He was of opinion that the sudden getting out ci bed caused a chill and produced syncope. The jury returned a verdict to that effect.

CHESHIRE AND EDUCATION. ADMISSION. I LIBERAL CANDIDATE'S ADMISSION. I Speaking at Cheadle Heath, Stockport, on Monday night Mr. W. J. Crossley, the prospective Liberal candidate for the Altrinoham division, .said he believed that one of the results of the Education Act would be that the Church of England would lose oontrol of a very large number of its schools. They wouldi ba gradually handed over to the local authorities, and per- haps in the oourse of time the religious difficulty would be got over. He was proud to think that Cheshire was one of the first counties to establish a really good religious curriculum of education. There were four olergymen on the Cheshire Education Committee—Canon Armitstead, the Rev. W. H. Binney, the Rev. T. J. Evans, arudi the Rev. J. Grant Bird, all of the Church of England—and it was delightful to see them vie- ing with each other to express aproval of the religious curriculum adopted by the Cheshire Ccunty Council. If the Act was carried out throughout the country as it had been in Cheshire there would very soon be an end to the religious difficulty, because all sections of religion would be satisfied with the scheme. His opinion of the Act was that the Government had given the Church of England one of the mcst serious blows it ever reoeived. It was bound to lessen the power of the Church in the future. The Church's oontrol of the schools would be reduced—and he was sorry as a Churchman to believe that the result would bo for the good -of the country.

ARMY AND VOLUNTEERS, I CHESHIRE REGIMENT.—Tuesday night's Gaze ct(i contained the following;—The Cheshire Regiment: Second Lieut. R. F. Loder-Symonds to be Lieutenant. vice G. A. B Hooper, seconded. REGIMENTAL DISTRICTS.-The commands of the following regimental districts, having become vacant, are considered to have been abolished, and no steps are, therefore, to be taken for providing successors to the officers by whom they were held- viz., the 2nd, at Guildford 6th, at Warwick 8th and 40th, at Warrington 10th, at Lincoln 14th, at York 17th, at Leicester 20th, at Bury 26th and 71st, at Hamilton 28th at Bristol; 30th and 47th, at Preston; 3nd, at Bodmin; 43rd, at Oxford 50th, at Maidstone; 51st and 65th, at Pontefract; and 75th, at Aberdeen. MEMORIAL TO SHROPSHIRE VOLUN- TEERS—At Oswestry, on Sunday, Brigadier- General Francis Lloyd, commanding the Guard s Brigade at Aldershot. unveiled in Oswestry Parish Churchyard a memorial Co Corporal James Kenyon and Sergt.-Instructor Lee, both of whom served as Volunteers with the King's Shropshire Light Infantry in South Africa. A short service, con- ducted by Archdeacon Wynne Jones, was at- tended by the Mayor and Corporation of O.swestry and representatives of the Montgomeiyshire and Shropshire Imperial Yoomanry, Royal Welch Fusiliers, and Ivirur's Shropshire Light Infantry. 1ST CHESHIRE R.G.A. (VOLS.).—Regimental orders by Lieutenant-Colonel and Hon Colonel Wilford N. LLoyd, commanding the 1st Cheshire R.G.A. (Vols.)., for the week ending Satur- day, March 4th, 1905. Chester, Wednesday, February 22nd, 1905. 1. Drills and parades: Tues- day, corps annual meeting, 7 30 p.m., at Drill Hall; Wednesday, recruits drill, 7.30 p.m., Headquarters Thursday, gun layers, fuze setters and recruits drill, 7.30 p.m., at Drill Hall. 2. Detail for the ensuing week Orderly sergeant, Sergt, H. Boulton orderly trumpeter. Trumpeter W. Davies. 3. Clothing, The clothing stores at Di ill Hall will be open every Tuesday and Thursday from 6 45 to 8 p.m. Members are requested to bring their clothing as early as possible for inspection and repair.—By order (signed), E. W. FOUNTAIN, Major. Acting Adjutant, 1st Cheshire R.G.A. (V.). 2ND V.B. CHESHIRE REGIMENT—Regi- mental orders by Colonel T. J. Smith, V.D., com manding, for week ending 4th March 1905. Chester, 22nd February, 1905. 1. Drills, &c. Headquarters—Company rain ng, Wednesday, E Company, musketry, 8.30 to tf.30 p.m.; A, B, C, D Companies, 7.30 to 8.30 p.m.—Musketry Exer- cises, Provisional, 1904. Recruits' drill, Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, at 7 30 p.m. Signalling class, Monday and Friday, at 7.30 p m. Gymnastic class, Monday, at 8.30 p.m.; voluntary practice, Friday, at 8 30 p.m. Non-commissioned officers' proficiency class, Monday, at 7.30 p.m. Saltney— Company training, Tuesday and Thursday at 7.30 p.m. musketry exercises and aiming drill. Re- cruits' drill, Tuesday and Thursday, at 7.30 p.m. 2. Address Books The address books issued to colour-sergeants on the 1st instant will be returned to the sergeant-major completed c" Wednesday, 1st Ma'ch. 3. School of Musketry. The following classes will assemble at the School of Musketry, Hythe, during the year, on the dates specified 14th March to 4th April, 7th April to 28th April. 5th September to 26th September. The command- ing oflicer hopes that some officers and sergeants will ni-ake specitl efforts to attend. The names of those desirous of attending should be submitted to the adjutant, as early as possible, stating which class they will attend. Duties Orderly officer for the ensuing week, Lieutenant A. J. Musgrave; Itattalion orderly sergeant, Colour-Sergeant E. Frost; orderly sergeants: A Company, Lance- Sergeant Hughes; B Company. Lanee-Sergeant Sergeant Hughes; B Co?npan ? orgeE ant Company, Williamsr, C Company, Lance-Sergeant Gibson; D Company, Sergeant Urmston E Company, Lance-Sergeant Mansley K Company, Sergeant Price. The orderly bugler will be detailed by the sergeant Imgler.—By order (signed), W. MARTIS-LKAKB, Captain, Adjutant 2nd V.B. Cheshire Regiment. CHESHIRE HEARER COMPANY. R.A.M.C. t V s: Chester. Orders by Brigade- Surgeon Lietit.-Colonel H. W. King, M.D., com- manding, for the week ending March 4tli, 1905. 1. Parade on Monday at St. Michael's Hall at 7.30 p m., for practical instruction at 8 P-Hi. the first of No course of four lectures, by Dr. S. Stolterforth, The treatment of wounds." 2. Parade on Wednesday ut 7 30 p. m. for practical instruction at 8 p.m. a lecture on ward duties by the officer commanding. 3. Parade on Friday at 7.30 p.m. for practical instruction; at 8 p.m., first-aid methods; restoration of the apparently drowned. A large attendance is requested, uniform optional. 4. Orderly IVC. officer for the week, Sergt T. Wightnian. -(Signed), H. W. KING, Brigade Surgeon, Lieiit. -Colonel, officer commanding C.B.C., R.A.M.C.

A SUBSTANTIAL MAJORITY. Air Harwood Banner, Conservative candidate, was returned cn Wednesday at the bve-^kctioi, m the Everton Divbi^, of Liverpool with a majority of 1,311. CflESTiiK PUBLIU LIBRAB^Th6 foliow- ing is the return of the issue of books for the week ending 18th February, lOOå:- Lending depart- ment Religion and philosophy, 1; sociology, 2; arts, scieneas, and natural higtory. 25; history, biography, geography, and travels, 25; poetry and the drama, 2; prose 60tion 916: uiscellaneou'- literature, 27; juvenile literature, 1B3 total, 1,181. Reference department: Religion and philosophy, 12; sociology. « arts, sciences, and natural history, 4; history, biography, geography, and travels, 77; poetry and the drama, 4; encyclopaedias. iietionaries, &c„ 214; miscellaneous literature, 22; total, 333 combined total, 1,514; daily average (lending department), 236; dnilv average (refer ence department), 67 oonjbiucd daily average. 303. JAMAICA COFlfER Delioious blenda of Blue Mountain Jamaica Coffee may be obtained from William Jones, coffee specialist, Chester.

OLD KING'S SCHOLARS. I PRESENTATION TO MR. HENRY G. HOPE. I On Tuesday the annual meeting of the Chester Old King's Scholars' Association was held in the library at the King's School, Chester. The attendance included the president (Mr. G. E. Oldmeadow), the hon. secretary (Mr. H. G. Hope). and Messrs. H. Beswick, W. E. Lindop, W. H. Brown, J. J. Roberts, G. B. Lowe, F. B. Mason, H. Maclean, C. Dodd, W. V. J. Wralley, J., W. Henderson, W. F. J. Shepheard, L. Hales, F. Brown, A. E. Day, E. Dicken, C. Lowe, G. Williams, G. J. Roberts, and others. The meet- ing made a happy selection in choosing as presi- dent for the coming year Mr. C. H. Minshull, architect, and as vice-presidents Messrs. F. J. Beckett (city accountant), J. A. Dodd (Molling- ton), and S. G. Johnson (Chester). Mr. L. Booth (Parr's Bank) and Mr. H. G. Hope were again elected as hon. treasurer and hon. secretary respectively. Mr. C. Lowe proposed and Mr. L. Hales seconded that the Old Boys should send a chal- lenge to the school to play them two games of football, under Association rules, each winter, and this was agreed upon unanimously. The Rev. R. A. Thomas suggested that the: association should present the school with a chal- lenge shield in silver and oak, to be competed for, by the school divisions, and that oommemorative. plates should be put around the shield with the winning teams' names engraved thereon. The President (Mr. Oldmeadow), in responding' to a vote of thanks, thanked the members of the committee for their hearty support, and said he; was highly gratified to know that in relinquishing office he was in tho proud position of leaving the association with a larger membership and greatly improved prospects. (Hear, hear.) Proceeding, he said he had one of the pleasantcst duties to perform that he had ever had in his life. For some time past it had been felt that the associa- tion owed a deep debt of gratitude to the hon. secretary, Mr. H. G. Hope. (Applause.) Mr. Hope had taken over the duties and the work of reorganising the association at the time when. owing to the deaths of the late Mr. Tom Powell and the founder of the association, Mr. Tom Hughes, it had fallen to a very low ebb. Thanks to his indefatigable energy, conduct, work. every- day accessibility, and perfect bonhomie, the society had advanced year by year, until now they were in the proud position of being a great help to their old school and a real kinship to all the boys there. Mr. Hope in his work had endeared himself to the hearts of all old boys. The himself to the hearts of all old boys. A circular was sent around, and responses had been received from all parts of the kingdom, and it had been the most intense pleasure to all the subscribers to give an earnest display of their confidence and affection for Mr. Hope's work, and to shew their esteem, regard and respect for him, and they hoped for many years to have him with them. (Applause.) The president then made the presentation, which consisted of a massive silver tea tray, in the old Georgian st»y!e, a solid silver tea service, a reproduction of an old Sheffield design, and a pair of handsome fluted candlesticks. Mr. Hope expressed his deep gratitude for the kindly and spontaneous appreciation of his work, and said he took up the work entirely for his love of the old school, the Old King's Scholars' Asso- ciation, and his dear old schoolfellows. He had formed friendships which he hoped would last his life. (Applause.) He thanked the past presi- dents and all those who had helped to bring the association to its present splendid position. It had been a great help to the school, and in its flourishing condition would bo a greater help. He hoped to see the association increase year by year, and would feel honoured to continue to act M hon. secretary. (Applause.)

NORTH CHESHIRE. I 1 he largest 11. Id seen this season in the Chester vale met the Ma-ter at Willington Hall on Saturday. The Squire of Wnlington gave a ball over night. which helped to swell the field, many of the leading county families being present. A brace of foxes were found in the big wood, one of which took a good line towards the vale but after going a few fields turned towards Kelsall where owing to wretched scent he was soon lost. Several small covers were afterwards drawn without any result. Stapleford, however, came to the rescue with a twisting fox which never could make any point. After running a few fields close to Hargrave he came round to the left for Hoofield, but hr, of the cover he turned again for Duddon Heath over the Tarporley road to Oseroft. Here again he turned back for Duddon. Leaving Tarvin on the right hounds eventually killed their fox on Mrs. Lea's farm, Duddon Hall. This might have been a good hunt, but there never was scent enough for hounds to push their fox at any pace. Handley has been one of the best covers in the Vale this season, and it again gave us a fox which took the usual line over the brook, but a heavy storm of wind and ram quite spoiled whatever scent there was. After hunting our fox slowly past Tattenhall-road Station in the direction of the hills hounds were beaten between the Canal and Tatten- hall lanes. Among those hunting were the Duke and Duchess of Westminster, Lord and Lady Arthur Grosvenor, Lord Gerald Grosvenor, Lord Hugh Grosvenor, the Etrl of Sefton, the Duke of Leeds, the Earl of Shrewsbury, the Earl of Ennis. killen, Lord Cunningham, Capt. and Mrs. Higson, Mr. and Miss Tomkinson, Mr. and Mrs. Little- dale, Mr. W. R. Court, Capt. L. Jones, Mr. Walter Jones, Mr. B. Jones, Mr. Arthur Brocklehurst, Lady Lettice Cholmendeley, Mr. R. jb. Cholmondeley, Messrs. Dew hurst (2), Capt Featherstonhaugb, Col. Hall-Walker, Mr. Ferguson, Mr. J. do Knoop, Mr. Arthur Kuowles, &c. BLIJECAP. THE CHESHIRE BEAGLES. I un iiiuisday week tnese hounds met at Bun- bury Looks. A small field included Mr. Percv Roberts (master), Mr. G. W. Morrison (acting whipper-in). Lord and Lady Arthur Grosvenor, Mrs. Blain (driving), Mr. N. Cainel Mix. Hornby, Miss Royds, Mrs. Fred Blain, the Misses Samuel, Capt. Upporton, Lieut. Jackson, Mr. P. Casweil, Mr. G. Mi lagan, etc. On Saturday we met at Newbold, the residence c.f Mr. Davies-Colloy. Those present included the Master, Messis. D:ckson, Parry and Dennis (whips), Mr. George Stuart, Mr. A. Dod, Mr. Davies-Coiley, Mr. Tullock, Mr. and Mrs. Wyatt, Mr. and Mrs. Smytill. Mr. Young, Mr. P. H. Ashworth. Miss M. Diekwn. Mr. J. C Maclaien, Miss Birch. Mr. and Miss Temple, Mr. G. W. Mor- rison, Mr. Frank BeazJey, Mr. Alfred Smith. Mr. John Rimmer, Mr. S. Rimmer, Mr. J. W. Mac- fie and Miss Macfie. Messrs. A and P. Caswell, etc. We threw off no-or Handley Church, and soon bad a hare on foot. Hounds ran hard in the teeth of the wind close to Aldford. Then turning right-handed, they ran back to Newbold, where seve'-al other hares were afoot; so they were stopped and taken over the road at Milton Green. As soon as we -eiitc.rt,,(f th,- fields they touched upon a stale line. Close to Gatesheath a hare jumped up before them which had evidently been hfiuted. After a little while they were pressing her hard, then unfortunately a fox was disturbed from a hedgerow, and! hounds changed Oil to his line and van as far as the road by Mr. Prince's farm at Ha tton. where he. turned short back for Handley. Hero I believe the foxhound s found him latør in the dav. Another hare was found- close to Brook Hall, but after hunting her for a.bout 15 minutes thL, nac-k divided. Six and a half couples got away with a fresh hare, and having an en- tirely grass country before them ran to just below Burwardsley village before they oould be stopped. This completely spoiled the run. Afterwards, tlioso of the field who remained wended their way back to Newbold. where Mr. Davies-Colley hos- pitably entertainoo them at luncheon. j LEVERET. I

SIR WATKIN WYNN'S I MEBT Oy Saturday. Feb. 25, Broughall Toll Bar at 10.30 Monday, Feb. 27, Brynypys at 11.30 Tuesday, Feb 2S, WestFelton at 11.0 Friday, Mar. 3, Shelbrook .at 12.0 Saturday, Mar. f; Fenn's Bank. "a.t 11.30

T- MR. YERBUR&H'S CHALLENGE LETTER FROM MR. YERBUIIGH. I RADICAL CHANGE OF FRONT. I Mr. Yerburgh replied to Mr. Griffiths as follows on Friday 25, Kensington Gore, S. W., February 17th, 1905. Dear Sir,—In reply to your letter of the 16th inst., there are only two points in it which require notice:— 1. Time limit. I 2. The conditions under which the work in tho I mines was to be undertaken. 1. Whether the words I used at the Temperance Hall on January 2bth with regard to the length of time for which the offer was to remain open wore understood by your guarantors or not, the fact remains that on Thursday, the 9th February, I wrote to you in reply to a letter received from you on the 8th February, to say that I would kwp the offer open till mid-dav Monday, February 13th. Therefore on Friday, the 10th February, you were aware that a time limit had been fixed. You had then Friday evening, Saturday, Sunday, and up to mid-day on Monday to deal with the matter. You had concluded your letter of the 8th by saying that the men were naturally anxious to know their future," and yot. in faCA3 of this anxiety of the men. and of the fact that this time limit was fixed for Monday at mid-day, and that time was therefore of the utmost value, what is the action you take? In place of com- municating with me the fiiwt thing on Saturday morning, your letter of that day does not reach mo before 5 o'clock, when I see it at the "Observer"' Office. To this letter, having "tnyed in Chester on purpose to receive your answer, I sent a reply which you received that. night. Although your guarantors had wasted the whole of Saturday, they had still up to mid-day Mon- day. But you say that a reply was not possible within the time, the Radical candidate had returned to London, and another of the guarantors was out of town. My answer to this statement is that the guarantors were aware that. the offer expired at mid-day Monday, and that if they meant business they would have taken the matter in hand the first thing on Saturday, and not left Chester until it had been definitely settled one way or the other. 2. As regards the conditions of labour, you now say that the guarantors were determined to ensure such conditions of employment a-s would keep white unskilled labour separate from the coloured labour. This is a complete change of front on their part, and goes to prove the sound- ness of my contention that white men cannot undertake unskilled labour with Kaffirs and Chinese without peroollal degradation and loss of caste. The charge of slavery has gone, now another fiction is exposed. Magna est verita-s et praevalebit "-th truth in great and will prevail, even in regard to Chinese labour.—Faithfully your ROBERT YERBURGH. John Griffiths, Esq.. Old Bank Buildings, Chester.

AN ABSURD CHALLENGE On Thursday Mr. John Griffiths sent the fol- lowing letter to Mr. Yerburgh:— Old Bank Buildings The Eastgate, Chester, February 16th. 1905. Dear Sir,—At a meeting in the Westminster Schools, Hoole, last night. Mr. Alfred Mond made the undermentioned challenge, a copy of which he desires may be tseilt to you. Mr. Mond said" I will challenge Mr. Yerburgh, and I am ready to submit the matter to arbitration in the usua! manner, each of us; appointing an arbitrator, and in case of non- agreement they to appoint- an umpire, that neither in his speech at Saltney, or the Temper- once Hall, as reported in the 'Observer' of the 28th January, did Mr. Yerburgh stipulate that there was any time limit' whatsoever affixed to his offer, and I will deposit £100 if Mr. Yerburgh will do the same, the loser of the arbitration to pay his £ 100 to the Chester Infirmary and the costs of the arbitration. The only evidence to be submitted to the arbitrators being the 'Observer' report of his speech. "—I remain, vours faithfujlv, (Signed) JOHN GRIFFITHS. R. A. Yerburgh, Esq., M.P., 25, Kensington Gore, S. W. To this Mr. Yerburgh replied on Friday in the following terms:- 25, Kensington Gore. S. W.. February 17th 1905. Dear Sir.-I am much obliged by your letter enclosing a copy of the challenge Mr. Alfred Mond issued to me at Hoole. In reply. I beg to say that the challenge is too absurd to receive ijiv, attention.— Y ours faithfully, ROBERT YERBURGH. John Griffiths, Esq., Old Bank Buildings, Eastgate, Chester.

MORE RADICAL QUIBBLING In continuation of the correspondence (jll this subject, Mr. John Griffiths on Monday addressed the following letter to Mr. Yerburgh Old Bank Buddings. The Eastgate, Chester, February 20th, 1905. Dear Sir,—I am in receipt of your letter of the 17th inst. You complain that you did not see my letter of the 11th inst. until 5 p.m., and then "at the 'Observer' office, although you had stayed in town, purposely to receive my reply." I am hardly to blame for this, seeing that Mr. Mason wrote me on the morning of the lltii that "any communication upon the matter may be left with me as Mr. Yerburgh has now left Chester for the present." In oonsequ of this intimation, I concluded that a reply in or- dinary oouroei was sufficient, and as socn as the1 guarantors, who are all busy men, could be con- sulted, the reply was drafted and when completed was sent to Mr. Mason. In leaving town, two of the guarantors were only doing what Mr. Mason said you had already done. Are they to adepf your interpretation of absence from town and oonclude that you did not "mean business"? The "Observer" of Saturday night last ex- pre-sses surprise that the guarantors should ex- pect Mr. Mason to be at his office at 4.15 (actually 4 p.m.) on Saturday afternoon. You apparently do not think it unreasonable that I should attend to tho matter at my private residence at a late hour on Saturday night, and also devote "the whole of Sunday" to the matter. The last, sug- gestion I respectfully decline. Your refusal to accept Mr. Mond's challenge to submit your speeoh containing the so-cailed time limit to independent arbitrators, can only be interpreted as a fear on your part that the contention of the guarantors would be upheld. You charge the guarantors With "a complete change of front, as regards the conditions of labour." They would be obliged if you would substantiate this statement by giving the refer- ences in my previous letters which you consider warrant this charge. You seem to have com- pletely forgotten that what you were attempting to justify when the "offer" was made, was the introduction into Sou-th Africa of Chinese labour. The guarantors agree most heartily with the dosing statement of your letter, that'"the truth is great and; will prevail even in regard to Ch-iiiese labour," and they are oonvinced that the work- ingmen of Chester- will provide a striking, and for you a somewhat discomfiting procf of the proverb as you have applied it.—I remain, yours taichfuHy, taithfitity, JOHN GRIFFITHS. R. A. Yerburgh, Esq.. M.P.

FOOTON PARK SPRING MEETING.- Ties nopular fixture, which takes place on Friday and Saturday, March 17 and 18. has secured a cvioital lot of entries for the i-aoes which closed on Tues- dav. some of the best hurdlers and chasers beimr engaged. The Enniskillen Steeplechase of 500sov., to be run at the Wirral Hunt Meeting on the Fridav before Chester Races, has secured an entrv of 35. among which is the Duke of West- minster's celebrated chaser, Drumree. The clerk of the course, Mr. W. n. Gladstone, is to be congratulated. ¡

GRAND DUKE BLOWN TO PIECES. CARRIAGE WRECKED BY A BOMB. I NIHILISTS AVENGE RED SUNDAY. The Grand Duke Sergius, uncle of the Czar, was blown to pieces by a bomb on Friday afternoon as he was driving through a public square in Moscow. Two men passed the Royal vehicle in a sledge, and deliberately waited for their victim's approach. In an instant there was an explosion, which shook the town. Their missile had done its deadly work. The carriage was shivered into iragments, and its Royal occupant instantaneously killed, Hoth men were immediately seized, but the stoical confession made by one of them indicates that the tragic deed was deliberately planned by men who had prepared themselves for the con- sequences, and who are proud of their achievement. J In St. Petersburg and throughout Russia the deed has created little surprise. The Grand Duke Sergius has been a marked man, and-callous as it seems—speculation is rife as to the next victim of revolutionary hatred. The murdered Grand Duke was a ringleader in Russia's despotic band of oppressors, and was the chief enemy of Prince Musky's reform programme. EYE-WITNESS' STORY. I HOW THE CZAR RECEIVED THE NEWS. Jtf urther particulars received 111 St. Petersburg from eye-witnesses of Friday's tragedy confirm tho oariier reports of the tern bio nature of the injuries inflioted on the Grand Duke Sergius by the fatal bomb. The whole affair was carried out with a deadly precision and coolness that demon- strate clearly the complete useicssness of aJI the police precautions known to have been taken to protect the Grand Duke. The effect of the murder upon tho Czar and his family is stated to have been crushing. In Russia generally the intelligence has been received with indifference or expressions of sympathy with tho revolutionists. Many rumours are current with regard to the probability of further out- rages, and it ia practically certain that the in- tentions of the Extremist party in Russia were well known weeks, if not months, ago. The identity of the assassin has not been estab- lished, and he still refuses to give any account I of himself. Indeed, it is not yet proved that the arrested man was the actual bomb-thrower. It will bo recollected that a doubt always prevailed as to whether Sozonoff, who was convicted of the murder of M. do Plehvc. really flung the pro- jectile that killed the Minister of the Interior. Nothing definite is yet known as to the influence of the Moscow tragedy on the prospects of some change of Government. Various rumours about the calling of the Zemsky Sobor are in circula- tion, but the whole scheme of so-called reform* is Looked ujx>n by Russian Liberal circles a" a mockery. Beyond various detail of the funeral arrange- ment*. requiem services and municipal votes of condolence, there is still no direct news from Moscow respecting the murder. All the informa- tion hitherto available seems to have reached St. Petersbuig from Moscow by telephone, which it is obviously impossible for the censor to control unless he shuts it down altogether. But the veto on telegrams is rigorous. NO CHANGE OF POLICY. CZAR'S PORTRAIT DESTROYED. So far as can be judge] there is 110 probability of any immediate change of policy on the part of the Russian Government as a result of the murder of the Grand Duke Sergius. Reports are current aga' ii that the Zemsky SobOl" will bo oonvened for Maroh 4, but this is more than doubtful. The consternation aroused among the Czar's entourage by the Moscow tragedy may be gauged from the fact that martial law has been pro- claimed at Tsarskoyo Selo, and special precautions are being taken to guard the Imperial family, as an outrage is feared." At a large meeting of students held in the great hall of St. Peteburg Univfritv, it was resolved to prolong the academical strike until ;:(?.?)l ved to p r?"-it of the Emperor, which hung S(?1)1. 1. A P. on the wall, was torn from the frame and reduced to shreds, and speeches of the most- violent and revolutionary chavacte.- were delivered. According to a Paris telegram, the man arrested at the time of the murder of the Grand Duke is not the culprit at all. The actual perpetrators of the deed are said to have escaped. Great unrest prevails in Finland, where a rebellion is regarded as by no means unlikely. The situation in Poland is far from reassuring, and around Moscow the railway service is utterly disorganised by the strikes.

HELSBY WATERWORKS QUESTION. PAROCHIAL COMMITTEE STAGNANT. At the fortnightly meeting of the Runcorn Rural District Council, held at Duttoni Work- house on Tuesday, it was reported that at a meeting of the Helsby Parochial Committee tho elerk read the following' resolution of the Coun- cil: "That it be an instruction to the Helsby Parochial Committee that the resolution of'the Council passed on December 27th with respect to the Helsby Waterworks No. 1 contract be adopted." It was unanimously resolved that tho committee having heard from two of Mr. Thos. Guest's principal supporters at the -iit District Council elections that the election was not fought on, the mound set out in the newspaper rejjorts of the meeting of the Of jiaft. 24th, and being of opinion that the Council's resolution' with regard to the contract was passed under a misapprehension, they (the committee; would take no further action in the matter. Mr. Thomas Guest moved the confirmation of the minutes with the exception of the last para- graph. which said the resolution had been passed under a misapprehension. He moved that that be deleted from the minutes. Mr. A. T. Guest seconded the proposition. The Chairman (Mr. S. Woodward) said if the proposition was adopted it practically meant re- ferring the' minutes back. He didn't think that was a very dignified attitude for the Council to take up. The best way would be to accept the- minutes in toto, and then deal with the mat- ter themselves. Mr. J. H. Davies enquired as to whether there was an agreement with the Parochial Committee, with regard to their water supply. The Clerk (Mr. W. E. Hough) said there was an agreement in existence. Mr. Davies: That being so, the longer the question remains unsettled, and the longer the Helsby people are the losers. The Chairman replied in tho affirmative, and said it was necessary that the Coancil should take some action. Several suggestions were thrown out as to what steps the Council should take. Mr. Hallows pro- posed the appointment of a deputation, while Mr. Mounfteld thought it would be better to appoint, a small sub-oommittee. to go through the esti- mates and specifications with the Parochial Com- mittee. The Chairman: It is a most interesting situa- tion. (Laughter.) Mr. J. H. Davies: Let them have the full length of the lash at Helsby; we have already had it at Frodsham. (Laughter.) Mr. Mounfield' enquired whether there was a.ny hope of the Parochial Committee working amicably with a sub-committee. Mr. J. H. Davies thoug-ht they had evidence of that in the voting. 0 The Chairman: We might possibly with grace and in the interests of good working appoint a few members to go down to Helsby and consider the estimates with the committee. Mr. Davies said Mr. A. G. Guest had taken a very prominent part in the matter. .Mr. A. G. Guest said his sole reason hadl been one of honour and sound principle. He had no personal feeling against any single member of the Helsby Committee. Mr. C. E. Linaker, senr., thought it would be I better if a deputation could be appointixl tp in- terview the committee to try and remove the fix-ling which at present existed. Mr. Roylance seconded Mr. L'naker's pro- position. Subsequently a deputation consisting of the Chairman*, and Messrs. Pilling and Linaker were appointed to interview the Helsby Parochial Committee, to try and remove the present feel- ?n? and see if they could not agree to carry out the work.

THE TRA-AIS.-Tile, manager of the trams (A-fr. John Gardner) has piesented the following re- port te his committee:—"My report for the month of January shows a reduction in receipts of B5 4s. lOad., as compa.red with the corresponding month last year, but when it. is taken into con- sider at on that through interiupt-ion of name- in consequence of the snowstorm of 16th Januarv, them was a loss in takings of B17. 3, Od.. the decreavei is a matter of little moment. It may interest you to know that since March 26th last, the commencement of the financial ycr. to Jan. 31st. 1905.' the total receipts were 98.085. 5s bd.. gives an average of £25. 18s. 3d. oer day. This is qii-te up to the average of the c-o respond- ing period in the preceding year. The work- men's cars a-e not. patronised quite so well as they shou d bp, and this might be rmed;d bv posting "otices in the cars shewing the advantages 11(i facilities offered to workmen nsincr the i>rs." cifTEEP-WOIIRYING, IN JANCARHIRK- Several serious cases of glieel). worry iiix. ¡,¡"ys a correspondent, have, occurred in the Ormskirk dis- trict. Mr. William Taylor, of New Wav FArm, Bickerstaffe. found that, two of a flock of 20 s heep had been worried to death during the night; others were severely bitten, and a number of them were found in ditchcR and other places a considerable distance from the pasturage. Mr. Thomas Monks, of Ormskirk, had over a hundred lambing- ewes at pasture on the Ormskirk golf links, in T.athom New Park, and during the night dreadful havoc was wrought among them. Eleven were found either dead or dying, the wool 1)4,inv torn from their bodies and the flesh bearing the marks of whnt appeared to he dog bites. Seven or eight more had been badly bitten, while the fright brought on pre- mature lambing in a considerable num ber of cases, and the bodies of the young were picked up in various parts of the field. Several more sheep were fonnd drowned in a large pond on the links. Last day of THORP'S Genuine Sale. Come early and secure the remaining bargains. Further Reductions at Thorp's, The Eastgate (opposite Grosvenor Hotel). Last Day's Sale. ¡

BACKPORD. ENTERTAINMENT.-—On Wednesday evening" a, successful enetrtainment, organised by Mr. and Mrs. Tearø. was held in the schooirooni in con- nection with the Backford Evening- School. At soven 0oek over t-hnty guests, tho pupils, those assistng ai, tho entertainment, a.nd other friends sat down to tea. Shortly after eight a concert began, t,ho numbers present being considerably augmented by ¡,hø holders of a limited number of tickets, which had been issued in response to Kpocial nxri-Mst. An of vocal and instrumental music, etc., was rendered by the following ladies and gentlemen :—Misses Brown, Francis, James and Venables, Messrs. W. and R. ( Ilowick. James, Francis, Duttoai and Jones. Aliss Elsie Cockram. Knutsford, con- tributed two of the popular costume dances which are one of tho marked feattiic-s of the famous May-day Fete in that pleasant Mid-Cheshire town. The Chairman the Rev. J. M. New, moved a vore of thanks to Mr. and Mrs. Teare for having proruotüd the entertainment, and to the various la(hó and gentlemen who had carried out the programme.

SHOTWICK. FUNERAL OF MRS. DAVIES, NEW FARM. 1 ue tuneral took place at Shotwick Parish Church on Friday of Mn-. Harriet Davies. widow of the late Mr. Edward Davies, of the New Farm, Pud dington. Deceased .who was 76 years of age, had resided at the farm over 30 years, and was widely known and respected. There was a large attend- ance at the funeral, the chief mourners being the children of the deceased. ENTERTAINMENT.—A successful entertain- ment was given at. Woodbank School for the church on Wednesday, the room being filled with an appreciative audience. The pieces given by tho school children reflected much credit on the mistress. Mis* Lythgoe. They consisted of amusing dialogues, choruses, duets, etc. The Misses Hewitt and Wilkinson charmingly gave a song and dance in character, (,iititied "Three. Quakeresses." Miss M. Griffith sang "Tatters," and a little girl and boy. Olive Hewitt and Jirn Lockott. sang a duet very prettily. Miss Gwen Samuel delighted the audience with "Auld Lang Syne." Men of Harlcch" (with variations). and other items, played 011 her harp. Miss Mannock gave Love the pedlar." "Violets," and an encore in a fashion seldom reached by amateur vocalists, while Mr. John Samuel brought the house down with tho comic efforts. "Surely not." "Maud," and Tinder the bamboo tree." The accom- panists wen* Miss Gwen Sai/iueJ and Miss Williams (Seu.iancl). who had succ-e>fully trained some of the younger performers in their pieces. At tho e.loso th.) Vicar of Shotwick heartily thanked the performer* for their services.

MANLRY. PARK-YATES ANTI-SMOKING LEAGUE. On Monday 25 boys, between the ages of 9 and 16, pledged themselves in the presence of Mrs. Park- Yates and the Rev. E W. Evans to abstain from using tobacco in any shape or form until the age of Ifi. Each received a pretty badge at the hands of Mrs. Park-Yates, which must be worn on all occasion s. PRIZE DISTRIBUTION.—The children attend- ing the Church Sunday school assembled at the school for tea on Monday afternoon, when the following assisted at the tables, viz. :— Miss Horton, Mrs. Hermon, the Misses Griffiths, the Rev. E. W Evans (vicar), the Rev. T. E. W. Sharpley (curate), Messrs. Hermon, Nickson, Keeling and J. Edwards. At 6.30 p.m. the children reassembled and recitations and songs were given by the following Alice and Ethel Dugdale, Hubert, Maggie and Frank Nickson, Lizzie and Alexander Grice, Fred Derry, William and Arthur Edwards, Florence and Edward Blythe, Ellen Norcross, Betsy Ellams, Samuel Royle, Lilian Done, and Marv Ellen Parker. Owing to indisposition. Mrs. Colt Williams was unable to distribute the prizes. In her absence the function was performed by the Vicar. Mr. Colt Williams, Wa,s correspondent of the Day School, read the Scripture Report, which was in his estima- tion the best ever received. The awards consisted of hymn books, prayer books, bibles and story books.

LITTLE SUTTON. THE LIGHTING QUESTION.—A public meeting of the ratepayers of Little Sutton wa held in tho National Schoolroom on Thursday evening for the purpose of taking into consider- ation the. advisability of adopting the Lighting and W atchill Act. Mr. R. R. Douglas (chair- maii of the Parish Council) presided, and stated that the Parish (Jouncil had received an offer from the Gas Company for the partial lighting of the village. The cost would be about £ 3 per lamp per annum. Some ypars ago the Gas Com- pany approached the Parish Council, but their terms at that time were between £ 300 and £ 400, which would have increased the rates consider- ¡J.bly. CIltI. the present scheme the suggested number of lamps was ten. This would mean an annual expenditure of £ 30. which would be met by a rate of lid. in the £ on hou-cs. etc., and id. on land. —Mr. H. Nicho'sou failed to see where the necessity for lamps came in. As to the cost. ho asked them to look at the sUte of their rates. Thirteen years ago they were 2s. 3d. in the L. ton yean* ago they were 2s. 5d., mid this last year they were no less than 4s. lOd. If t,he village 'had increased, the rates had increased also. The prod ten lamp' would onlv bcnt'?t the viHa?. L<?t. them light up the more thickly populated 1,?t. t i l?-irl light ut-) tll<? moi- tl ckl popula l ?d parts. Ho wa strongly opposed to T, CNidet, and should certainly vote against it.—Mr. Madden tuify agreed with Mr. Nicholson.—The Vicar re- marked that the increased rates would fall on the small cottagers-, whose rents now were very high. —Mr. Nicholson proposed that t h. offer of the "TfWS villa not accepted. Tiiis was seconded bv Mr. McDonald aJill carried bv 15 votes to 6. several ot those present remaining neutral.

FLINT. CHORAL SOCIETY.-Tho tenth annual con- cert of the Flint Choral Society took place at the Town Hall on. Tuesday evening, when "Marltwi&" was rendered before a crowded audience. The principal vocalists and choir alike acquitted them- selves admirably. At tho last moment it was found that Mr. Greenwood, Chester. who was an- nounced to appear in the role of Don Cs'sar tie Hazan, was unable to fill his engagement, but a most worthy substitute was forthcoming in Mr. Lawley. of Manchester, whose rioh tenor voice w::s greatly admired, especially in "Yes, let me like a Soldier fall" and "There is a lfower that bloonieth." The conductor (Mr. E. Robinson) 1.4 to bo congratulated upon the success of the con- cert and upon the able manner in which the choruses were- rendered by the choir. The fol- lowing programme was gone through:—Overture, Miss Owen and Mr. Stott. Bradford Permanent Orchestra; chorus. "Sing, Pretty Maiden. the society; romance. "It was a Knight," Miss Nellie Judson. Bradford; aria, "'Tis the b-al-p in the air." Miss Judson; chorus. "Angelus." the socieiy; duet. "Of Fairy Wand," Miss Judsson and Mr. Proctor; song, "All the world over," Mr. Lawley; quartette and'chorus. the Cul- prit." principals and chorus; chorus, "Pretty G if ana." the society; finale. Act 1, "Farewell my Gallant Caotaiu" song, "Alas! those chimes." Miss Lloyd, Chester; romance, "Hither as I c*irru?." Mr. Lawley; trio, "Turn on old time, Miss Lloyd, Mr. Lawley and Mr. Proctor; scaijr- "Y. let me like a soldier fall," Mr. Lawley; ballad. "In happy moments." Mr. Proctor- quar- tcttH and chorus. "Health, to the Lady the the ti?ttt, all(i cliottie. 'Healtil,to th.? Lady," the society; elionis, Oli, what ple&-Lire.tbe, welcty; wn?. "The Mariner in his B?-quc." Mr. Proctor; song, "Thpre is a flower that b:com€th." \I. awIey; trio and chorus, "What mystery. prtnupais and cho'us; aria. "Seen? that are brightest. Miss Judson aria, "This heart by woe oertaken." Mr. Proctor; duet. "I am the KinCf of Spain." Messrs Lawley and Proctor; dnet. "Oh. Maritana." Miss Judson and Mr. Lawley: finale. "With rapture glowing." Miss Judson and chorus. During an interval the Mayor (Major Dyson) paid a very high tribute to Mr. E. RobiJJ- son for the interest he took in the soeietv's wel- faie. and referred to the excellent accompanist- Miss Lilly Owen. The Mayor also announced that the Society intended giving a free perform- ance of tho "Crncifixion" in the Town Hall o<n' Good Friday evening.

Last day of THORP'S Genuine Sale. ConiO "-ai-lv and secure the remaining bargains. Further Reductions at Thorp's. The Enstgate (opposite Grosvenor Hotel). Last Day's Sale. HOOLE SPORTS-The annual Hoole sports and fete which have been so stlecelsful since they were organised about two years ago. will be held this year on Whit-Mondav, Tiine 12th, in the g-ronnds adjoining 'The Folly." by kind permission of Miss Lucy Brown. The proceeds will gotowardf4 defraying the debt still existing on the Hoole Boys' School. n__ u- Printed and published for and on behalf of t he Cheshire and North Wales Newspaper Company, iiiniii rd, bY JAMES ALBERT BIROHALL. at the Cha,iiire Obser Office. S. Bridize-alreet, in the City of OhSlrtlJr.-S",uaDA'. February 25, 1905.

DEATH OF MR. WM. PRITCHARI). We regret to announce the death of Mr. William Pritchard, painter and paper-hanger, which occurred on Monday, in his 73rd year. Deceased had been in feeble health for several years, suffering from a weak heart. Recently he had an attack of influenza, which helped to hasten his end. Deceased was a native of Dodleston, and when quite young he lost his father. He came to Chester to live with his uncle, Mr. Edward Pritchard, painter, George- street. with whom he learnt his trade. At the age of 30 he started business for himself in Goss-street, removing afterwards to Watergate-street. A few years ago he retired and his business is now carried on by Mr. Richards, who was formerly his foreman. Deceased never took a prominent part in political or municipal life leading a quiet, unostentatious and religious life, thus earning the respect of all who knew him. He was a Churchman of strong evangelistic views, and he took a great interest in the Chester City Mission. He was one of the active committee of the mission, and was superin- tendent of the Boys' Sabbath School for a number of years. On the completion of his fiftieth year in this work, he was presented with an enlarged por- trait of himself. He regularly attended St. Peter's Church, and during the time Canon Acheson was rector he served as churchwarden for eleven years. Deceased was one of the oldest total abstainers in the city, and was for two years president of the C C,T.H He also helped tho Band of Hope in connection with the City Mission. Deceased was a man of genial habits, and his kindness and generosity made him many friends. He leaves no family, and his wife, the daughter of the late Mr. W. Higgins, chemist of this city, predeceased him about 15 months ago. The funeral took place on Thursday afternoon, and was attended by a large number of deceased's friends and workmen. The first part of the service took place in St. Peter's Church, the Revs. F. Anderson and A. H. Waller officiating. The principal mourners included Mr. and Mrs. W. Higgins, Mrs. M. Higgins. Miss Higgins, Miss F. Higgins, Messrs. James Williams, J. Lyon Den son, W. H. Jones, William Denson, Roberts, Jefferson, J. Brooker. Dean, W. Griffith. Mrs. and Miss Denson, Mr. E. C. Bowles. Miss L!oyd, Mr. Charles BaiJcy, of t.ho C. E. T.8., and Messrs. Andrew Storrar (ohairman), George F. Adams and James Jamieson (secre- tary). of the Young Men's Christian Association, of which Mr. Pritchard was the first president. There were no flowers, by request. The funeral arrangements were entrusted to Mr. W. H. Hallmark, Chester.

LATEST MARKETS & FAIRS. (See also Page 3.) LIVERPOOL CORN, FRIDAY. — Wheat market good attendance, moderate to firm business concluded id. dearer Indian, 1¥!. per cental dearer than Tuesday. Flour steady, unchanged, with moderate extent of business. Maize quiet to moderate trade mixed American, 4s. ld. to 4,; 2 d. 4s. 2jd. Turkish, none here; Plate, 4s. lid. per cental. Beans steady, unchanged. Peas and feed- ing barley nrm. CHESTER CATTLE, THGRSDA Y.-The s how was; the largest placed on offer this year- Buyers were also numerous, and an improved trade resulted. Tho large supply prevented any riso in prices, but they were firmer, and the mar- ket closed strong except for poor young stock, wh'ch met rathN a dragiag trade. Prioes:- Milch cows L16 to E22. calvers £ 15 to £19, bar- rens £10 to £ 13. heifors £ 9 to 1;14, stiiks 25 £ 8. bullocks JE;14 to £ 16. CHESTER HORSE. 'IHIURSDAY.-Tiie fa' r, altlwugh larger in numbers, with a. better de- maud. contained a very small proportion of good animals, and buyers found an unusually poor choice. Tho enquiry for inferior lots was sloV and altogether business wa.s not- f as good as an- ticipated at the opening of the fair. Quotation^ may bo stated as about the same ai last month, but the top prices which were then paid were not qirte reached. NANTWICH CHEESE, THURSDAY.—Mr- Challinor reports as follows :—Pitch, 26 tons good ;iftendance of buyers fine lots sold at prices from 68s. to 73s. medium, 60s. to 65s.; lower grades down to 50s.

MALPAS. (See also page 7.) CHORAL CONCERT.After a lapse of several years. the Clioral Society held its nineteenth concert in the Jubilee Ilall on Wednesday even- ing. Tiie attendance included the ladv pat'on (the Marchioness of Cholmondeley), the president (Mr. St. John Charlton), the vice-president (tho Rev. L. Arrnitetead), Lady Harlech, Lady Lett-ice Oho.rnondeicy, Lady Jenkinson, Lady Florentia Hughes, Mrs. Charlton, the Misses Charlton, the Rov. the Hon. A. R. Parker. Miss Parker. Miss Jessie Parker. Mr. Leonard Parker, Mrs. Assheton Rasbot-ham, Mr. D. Ra.>botham. Mrs. Saudbach, Miss Eleanor Sandbach, Captain and Mrs. R. W. Ethcktun, Miss Minshull Ford, Mrs. and Miss Greenshields, Mrs. and D'Arcy Hartlev Dr. Pau'in. Miss. Cox, Miss A. B. Cox, Mrs. Macnamara, Miss Cox, Dr. A. and Mrs. Leigh,* the Rev. C. R. McKce. etc. The chorus consisted of upwards of 40 voices,, while the band included- first violins, Messrs. F. Battams and G. Marchant: second violins, Messrs. T. Hughes and J. Huxley flute. Mr. D. A. llabotham; viola, tho Rev. C. R. Pembridge: double bass. Mr. H. Hicn-inson • piano, Dr. Leigh. The conductor was Mr. H. Edwardes. The first part of the programme con- sisted of tho cantata. "The Garden." The characters were impersonated as follows: "Vioet," Mrs. Hammond, Malpas, d'pruno; "Cyril." Mr. William George. Liverpool, tenor; "Brian," Mr. J. H. Ditchburn, Manchester. The effort.of Mrs. Hammand met with well- merited applause, white the tenor and bass. Messrs. George and Ditchburn, successfully executed their respective parts. Tin- choruses were of a bright, nature. The second portion of the programme was of a vocal and instrumental character, and commenced with an overture by the band. Le Myosotis." Mr. William Georjux; sang "Good-night, pretty stars. Miss Charlton sang with much ability When the swallows homeward flv." A Memory." and "Let us forget." Miss Charlton was loudly applauded, and gracefully gave another soncr in response. A violin solo was given by Miss Eleanor Sjmdbach with much skill Mrs. Hammand sang "Vainka's Sonc." and Mr. Ditchburn gave Three for Jack." The part otip:. "Tl,,e Chase," was sung with much effect by tlw, clioir. Miss Charlton sang "Night lfvrrii at Sea." and atrain her efforts were loudly a'vo!auded. Afterwards Messrs. W. George and J. H. Ditchburn irave the duet T{,llo"I nd R«r>ionp." Mr. St John Clufrlton prooo-sed a cordial vote of thanks to the members of the chorus for their kindness in giving their time duirng rue par-l twelve weeks 10 the preparation of the music, and reminded jI". andierice that the concert was in aid of the Nursing Fund. The resolution was seconded by Captain EtheLston End cordially carried. Praise ■s due to the energetic hon. secretary, the HI". C. R. McKee, for his efforts in reviving the society.