Cheshire Observer

UrlTR U AH.DIA.NS. I The foraughdy meeting of the Ch-estar Board of uutouuuiB was Held on Tuesday, whon Mr. W. Vernon presided over a fuit attendance. Mr. R. itneH said that as that was the last nstMtiiig oef-re the re-elect ion of ahairman, he nroposed a nearly vote of tnankB to the chairman He had discharged his duties in a very impartial manner for tne year. He hoped ha would li-,o long and oocupy the ohair ia some future time. (AppÚuoo.) Mr. Al. Kennedy second? H& said Mr. Yemen had bean an ideal chairman. He had bad a great forbearance with fibem all, and him- Beli eepeo-aliy. He had occupied the chair with groat dignity and gieat credit to himself. (Ap- etauae. ) Tb? motion was suppcrted and carried with applause.) The Chairman said he bad taken offioe with ccns.deruDle trepidation. ILe had been as impartial as it was possible for him to be. He had strong feelings in certain directions, and he felt there "W3.S a fear ;a.t he might possibly exhibit those feelings &s ouairman, He cona*iferad a ohairman Should guide the deliberations impartially. There was only one thing be looked upon as & greater fceno-ur than being a member of that board; it was not the Town Council, it was being tlt¿> super n--enLie,-it of a. Sunday school. (Applause.) Mr. T. Kno-ale6 proposed a vote of thanks to the vice-chairman ( Mr. T. BatieT), Mr. Owen seconded. This was carried unanimously, and Mr. Butler tfaplied. The committee appointed to.consider the supply of out-relief in "kind, recommended that bread tea, sugar a.nd margarine, should be supplied from the workhouse stores and dative red at the relieving oiffcer's house for distribution. After discussion, it wa., decided to adhere to the pre- sent system of obtaining the goeds from tredes- nrcn. The tenders for istraw were orRiAAored, and the oontract was given to Mr. W. Carter, Saughall Mills, at 573. 6d. per ton.

CHESTER HALL-MARK. T CHARGE AGAINST A JEWELLER. I ?? josepa .da-elman. a manuiacturing jeweuer at Withy Gro\e, Manchester, was on Monday charged before Mr Brierley, the stipendiary magistrate, at the City Police Court, wrun having transposed oeriain hall-markt. from gold ruigs to otner rings, of inferior quality, with intent to deiraud; and also with having "uttered" ruigs which bore the hall-marks, eo transposed. Cobbetc, who appeared to prosecute, said the proceedings wert:'> taken at the instance of Mr. J. F. Lowe, of (Jhe,iter, tho Matter of Assays there, and the pmoipai officer of the Company of Goiasmitiis of Chester. The charge against Adenman was, m substance, that he had re- moved from a number of gold rings the mark of the company's die illdica.tin that the gold wan of the quality oi 18 oarats, and transposed the mark to other articles of gold ware. The offenoo was one created by statute, and was punishable as a felony. There was another information which charged tne prisoner with having feloniously uttered" two goid rings into wftioh the hall-mark liaa been transposed from othor rings on which they had beon originally impressed by the Assay officers This prosecution had been instituted upon information received by these officers that the accused was carrying on this kind of business extensively. On the 9th March two gold rings were purchased at his establishment—he himself being tne vendor-which on being subjected to the usual tests were found to bear hall-marks whioh had be_n traniiposed from other rings of Standard quality. Eight of these rings were asaaved. In one ring the parts to which the hall- mark had been transposed were of correct quality, the remaining seven being below the quality of the transpose, tartzi bearing the hall-marks, one ring be- ing omy 15 carats. On Friday last, on the informa- tion of the Master of Assay, a search warrant was applied for and granted, under which nineteen rings were seized on the defendant's premises. Of these eight were found to bear transposed hall- marks, and out of thofieeight seven were of 15-carat, gold only. The prisoner had only been arrested iliat morning, and a long remand would be necessary, as the case was one that would require some elaboration. Evidence with regard to the arrest and the exe- cution of the search warrant was given by In- spector Hough, and the Rccused was then remanded until Tuesday next, the magistrate expressing his willingness to accept bail iit two sureties of £ 100 each. I surct i M af JElOO e a c

FLINTSHIRE QUARTER SESSIONS. Tlso East«r General Sessions, of the Peace for Flintshire were held at Moid on Tuesday. rho chii.mii \Mr. P. P. Periuaiit) presided, and a large attend.-ui.oe of magistrates included Messrs. C.' P. Morgan, A. Phiilipa Roberts, R. H. V. Kyrke, J. atkmson, J. L. Maspratt, etc. The Chairman, iu hie chargoi, congratulated bhe grand jury on the fact that they had very little business So do Theme were only two cases with thiee prisoners for trial. Two raea were changed with shop-breaking ao Holywftil, and another man was charged with indiaoant assault 3,t Fiint. The following wMe sworn In Po magistrates for the councy:—Mr Herbert Vv'atkitison, Brook Park. Northop; 0W- J. Sheriff Roberts, Cibestet-, Mr. J. Hopo Wynne Eyton. Moki; axtd Mr. W, H. Mold. COUNTY BUSINESS. IS THE HIGH ,SHEIUr-fc ELIGIBLE,? The Chairman. proposed thy iio-otecfcion of the justices who had already acted on the -Standing I Jomt Comra ttee with the msmbets appointed by the County Council, with the exoeptton of Mr. Storey. That gentleman was Lhe High SheriS, -,e had informed him that was not eligible to sit oil the Standing Join. L Committee. He (the oiw. iitani did not agree with that. He know that a magistrate during ilit, year of office as High Sheriff oouid not deal with crirainal but he thought he could deed with civil business, as magistrates did in the old days of quarter sessions. However, it was Mr. Storey's j wish r:ot to act. and he accordingly moved that Mr. Tavenier be eJected in Mr. Storey's place. hir. Watbirwon seconded, r..nd ib VTM carried. THE LICENSING ACT. SOLICITORS v. BARRISTERS. The Chairman explained tool. cammunieacions had been received from the Incorporated Society and the Chester and North Wales laoo: porated Law Society i-egarding the Lidensing Act. The suggestion thrown out was that it waa not advisahue for the Licensing Committee to follow the proccduM which bAd htthcT? existed at quaj- ter aesaio'n..md that. aoKcitof?. a6 w?l as t??rrl? ters houid appear before the. committee. Ln that county they had adopted the same procedure as they ha.d at quarter sessions, namely, that if there were four barristers present, solicitor would not Irave the right of a hearing. It w::ml.d be impoa- isible to alter the ru k until the magistrates had liad an opportunity of considering tho matter. In case magistrate. notice of reopening tho question, th-,) omiiitutl:o-ytions ought ¡ to be sent round to all. th2> magufcra-es. TLie pit- j of he communicatiotiiii wa that iiaci I'l^nsing Oom- mittoe would be more nearly ia iiie position of brewster saasions thar. of he oourfc pf quarter ses- eions. and that tiierofa;^ the regulation^ of proo". durc applying to bre>wster sessioru; would be more pppropriate than the procedara ot quarter ses- sions. He thou^it the view the quarter sc&jions took of the nsatter was tha.t they vrere anxious to makjo the L:censia<x Coar,iti;U'v( 4n judicial a. body as TX)jsibie. 'Ilrej' wished the business to be ccndiujted not m the rather free and open maauKr j of brewster se^ions, but Jll acoordacioo with the rd-e-s oi a eourt of justice 8,1 muoh as possible. Mr. J. B. Nlarito-a, on behalf of the solicitors practiiiing in tho county, said they had a perfectly open mind on the subject, but if the matter was brought forward by the court of quarter sessions he thought- it was only right that notice should be given to the soiicifaora practising m the county. Tho Chairman: The court hwe a perfidy open mind on too subject, and of course would be glad to hear the argumaate Ql\¡ both sides. In it piy to a member of the Bar, the Chairman jj s?id due nociœ wouJd be ;vctl ? the jumor of the circuit ?v?n the matter w?r. c?:mng up for t!o c,.rcuit %v,-w-n th?o tyi,.ttber vr?t.;?. c3,iiing up fcpr REMARKABLE FLINT CASE. (Jeorge Jon?s, aged 20, labourer, Swan-street, Flint, surrendered" to his bail on a charge- of assaulting Susan Smith, aged 13, Ilt Flint, en Sunday evening, February 2fj- 'i'h:?¡ gjl lues with her mother and stepfather, who&c Ua.n!s are Wilson. H?r father was a colored man. and she is partly coloured and looks older than her age. TVte, story for the prosecution, outlined by Mr. Artemus J'ne.¡. was that prisoner forcibly earned the girt no an entry, and that but for t. e fact that the Sari's screams brought her stepfather to the rescue, wculd have achieved his purpose. prisoner now stated that when he was pas-i,nv fchs girl's earlier in tte day Ae knocked at the window at him, and wr-oto on the window, "I will meet you fco-nighfc." Ho accepted the invitation. Mr. Ellis Griffiths, M.P., for the de- fence, submitted it would be dangerous to con- vict on rhe girl's unrorro bo rated story. The jury found prisoner not gudty. and he was dis- char¡r?(1. SHOPBREAKING AT HOLYWELL. V- llliam it 'ftv, 57. labonrer, and Peter John WiLl: ''1'1 ,.f) labourer, against both of whom there were previous convictions, pleaded guilty to entering the shop of Mr Samuel Jones. Holywell, and r, Ppv. tea. tobacco, cigarettes, &c. Riley: v.I<J • four months' and Williams to three months' hard labour.

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CHESHIRE QUARTER SESSIONS. I ♦ These sessions were opened at Knutsford cn Monday. Sir Horatio Lloyd presided, and Mr. H. O. Yatts oooupied the chair in the second court. LICENSING COMMITTEE. I The following magistrates were appointed the Lioensing Commutes for the eoumr: -Altrine- ham, Messrs. R. H. Joyneon and Geo. Rooke; Brcxton, Messrs. R. Howard and R. O. Orton; Bucklow, Messrs. F. Ashworth and Frank Merri- man; Chester Castle, Messrs. John Thompson and R. T. Richardson; Daresbury, Messrs. J. C. Parr and Wm. Long; Dukinfield, Messrs. Thomas Beeloy and Q. H. Booth; ddisbllry, Messrs. Hugh E. WIbraham and G. R. Davis; Middle- wica and Sandbach, Colonel France-Hayhurst and Colonel John Kennedy; Nantwioh. Mr. E. R. Bellyse and Colonel E. T. D. Cotton-Jodrell; Northwioh. Mr. Chesterton Kay and Sir J. T. Brunner; Preetbury, Messrs. J. 0. Nicholson and R. B. M. Lingard Monk; Runoorn, Messrs. Aif. Thomas and A. R. Norman; Stockport, Messrs. R. S. Shepley and J. H. Milne; and Wirral, Messrs. T. R. Lee and James Smiith; together with Sir Horatio Licyd, chairman, and Mr. H. C. Yates, deputy-chairman of Quarter Sessions. A WIRRAL PROTEST. I I Mr. Kussell Lee (chairman ot the Wirral Divi- sion) urged that Wirral, with such an enormous ratable value, whereby £3,296 would be paid by the Licensing Act, should have more than two repre- sentatives. The division was double the size of any other, and actually there were only two others which raised more than £ 1,000 under the Licensing Act. He considered that Wirral should have at least three members.—The Chairman said this could only be done by taking one from one of the other divisions.—Mr. Lee thought that might be done as the state of things was anomalous.—No alteration was, however, made. I BENEFITS OF A TRAINING SHIP. Sir Horatio Lloyd, the chairman, referred to the fact that only two boys had been sent by the county to the training ship Clio during the year. He visited the ship regularly, and he could not imagine a better or more wholesome training. Sixty to eighty per cent. of thie boys.on the Clio went to sea after leaving the ship, and were provided with a oomplete kit. He did not think he ever saw a collection of batter looking boys, and no. school be had visited presented a better appearance. There was every faoility for whole- some recreation, and the percentage of boys who went into the world and did well was almost in- credible. He wished iutic-ea would bear in mind what a useful institution the Clio was. Boys who had been aoavioted could not be sent to the ship. It was a good way of saving boys from crime. PLEA FOR A FRODSHAM DIVISION. I iNine uneshira magistrates presented a petition urging the creation of a separate Petty Sessional Division for the Frcdsham section of the Eddis- bury Divis'en, to comprise the parishes of Frod- sham, Frodsham Lordship, Newton-by-Frodsham, Helsby, Dunham-o'-th'-Hill, and Alvanley. These parishes contained a population of 6,434. It was decided to advertise the application and consider it at the next Quarter Sessions. TRIALS. I EXTRAORDINARY CATTLE FRAUD. I John Wm. Walsh, 6b, butcher, was indicted for obtaining by faise pretences two cows, be- longing to Wm. Allman, of the Thorn Farm, Wilmslow. Mr. W. B. YatoeH, who prosecuted, oaid on January 21 prisoner called upon Mr. All- man, aad represented himself as selling octton cake. He tLen asked the farmer if he had any cattle to dispose of. Mr. Ailman shewed him two cows, which prisoner agreed bo buy for L28. The following morning a man called at tile- farm and told Mr. Allman's son that he had come for the cows. He handed the son an envelope addressed to Mr. AUman. It contained a oheque for £60, payable to a man named Raisgill. Ailman said it was not his cheque, and the man then handed him another (envelope addressed to a man named Kemp, and which contained a cheque made out in that name for 225. The man said some mis- take must have been made, but it would be all right. He then drove away with the cows, which were sold at Salford, the money being appro- priated by the prisoner. It was urged for the defence that there was no intention to commit fraud, that prisoner intended to pay for the cat- tlo in the usual way, that he had previously done business with Mr. Allman, and espooaed to have reasonable credit. Prisoner was found guilty, but was strongly recommended to merry cn ac- count of his previous good character. The Chairman said it was a oontcmptible offence, -,rid sentenced prisoner bel three months' with hard labour. I OLD MAN'S ATTEMPTED SUICIDE. ?i I- "Lnornas uuriey, to, pleaded guilty to attemptod suicide. He was seen in the River Dane in the public park at Ccmgletcn. A man tried to induce. him to come out of the water, and he said, "Leave me alone; I'm tired of life. I want to end it all." Prisoner said he had almost lost his sight, and was out of work. He had tramped about the country, and was taken ill on the read. Without money, friends, relatives, or home. he soarcely knew l ow he got into the river. The polios said the oid man was almost prostrate. Prisoner was f-ontenced to one day's imprisonment, in order that he might be admitted to the, workhouse. ASSISTANT OVERSEER'S DEFALCATIONS. ,11- T> L. TT_1.- -rn TToau-i .ud.U11W xia.ruing', os, assistant over- seer to the Newton, Ashton-under-Lyne, Union, pleaded guilty to embeozzling various sums of money. Mr. Trevor Llüyd, who prosecuted, said the prisoner had be"Tl the rate collector since May, 1893. and occupied the pcsition until Sep- tember last. On September 19 prisoner came to the audit, and the auditor found his books to be irregular. Prisoner fled to America Only going back four months, the defalcations amounted to JB129. Prisoner was arreted in Arr,r'c,a. Mi-. Ellis Griffith on behalf of prisoner, called Alderman Beeiey, J.P., and the Vicar of Newton, who gave prisoner the highest creden- tials. The case was a pitiful one. Prisoner had a delicate wife and little boy. His total salary for thace offices he held was B135 and his irregu- larities only extenjad over three months His wife and child. remained in Indianapolis, where the prisoner obtained a position, as book keeper, and gave such satisfaction that his new em- ployer was prepared to take nim back again. Prisoner was sentenced to one month's imprison- ment. and the bench hoped he would make a new start in life.

ADJOURNED QUARTER SESSIONS. CRIME IN THE COUNTY. I A PLEASING FEATURE. I Th. adjourned Quarter bewaicns of the Peace for the county of Ohoeter were opened at Chester Castle on Wednesday, before Sir Horatio Lloyõi tel.airman), and other magistrates, including Mr. H. E. Wilbraham, Mr. John Thompson, Colonel Evans-Lloyd, Mr. J. W. Macfle, Mr. John M. Frost, Mr. Evan Langiey, and Colone4 J. C. Lloyd. The Chairman, in charging the grand jury. eaid the calendar contained the na.mea of eight- prisoners, but the cases prastenfced no features of difficulty. One thing he not:oud, which was some- what new, in both divisions of the county, was that there was no female charged with any offence nor was there any juvenile offender, both very satisfactory features The number of •prisoners in the whole counfy WIIf; pretty much what it was last- year. Although there was an increase in that division, there was a decrease in the other, so that they ba'ar.oed each other. Several licensing appeaU fr:m Birkenhead, which engaged the attemtior. of the first court, will be. found reported elsewhere. SECOND COURT. I (Before Mr. H. C. Yates and ofch^r magistrates.) I FRAUDULENT SOOT AT HOOLE. I WHAT'S IN A NAME? I A Scotchman, giving the name of George Stewart (30), and de.scribod in the calendar an a. clerk, was brought up to be dealt with as an in- corrigible rogue, hie having at Chester Castle Petty Sessions been convicted of being a. rogue and a vagabond. Mr. D. A V. Colt-Williams prosecuted, and said that prisoner had begged alms at seve-ral houses in HooV) on January 30th. Charles Cooper, Balgowme, Hoole, stated that on the day in question prisoner called at his house at six o'clock in the evening. Prisoner askod fcr assistance, and df-scribcd himself as a discharged 501d,er of the Royal Army Medical Corps. Witness asked to see hi» discharge, but prisoner sa,d he had left that with some official of a society for the employment of discharged soldiers. He said he came frcm Inverness and claimed witness lid a "brither Soot." He (Mr. CoopeT) told hem that the Chester Caledonian Society had oejUed to give assistance to wander- ing Scotchmen because they found them all frauds (Laughter.) Prisoner remarked that the chairman of the Liverpool Caledonian Society had fold him that when a So: tchman w-ut to the bad there wa.9 no fraud so bad. (Laughter.) Witness gave him a shilling. William Leah, Deputy L a; S<f-constable ot Cheshire, stated that prisoner came to hie house at six o'clock on tho '-evening of 30th January. Pniscner ha.d some conversation with witness' daughter, and W-tnea* went tu the door. His daughter handed him a letter addressed to him. Witness read the letter, and a.,l.ed prisoner where he came from, and ho isaia' Scotland, adding that be saw that the name of the house waa "Strath- earn," and concluded that witness was a. Scotch- man. (Laughter.) Pr.soner further said he had bn in t' e army, and had been discharged as medically unfit. lie sai.d his discharge papers were stolen from him. Sergeant Jackson oa.me up during the conversation and said he was in search of prisoner, whom he arrt-sted. When searched in witness's pre-enc therei was found cn w,  prisoner a list containing foe names of about 36 persons living in the Hoole district, and several letters similar to that witness now produced. Witness asked* him where he obtained the names, and prisoner sa.id he got -rfciem from the Chester Directory in the, Fre-. Library. Witness asked him where he- worked last, and prisoner said he must find cut. Askri where he ir.ac; last been convicted, prisoner said "At Hcole. a year ago for be^g'ng." Wm. Robinson clerk to the clerk to the jiusticea of the Chester Castle Pety Sassiona.l Division, proved that in February lrujt- prisoner wa.s con- victed of being a rogue and a vagabond. Supt. Hioks said ha had, mJc1 inquiries from the Criminal Investigation Department and else- where regarding thi., man. From the office cf the Adjut-ant-Genral of th" Hcse Guards, L,, learned that no such man is George Stewart had joined the Army Medical Corps in 1899. and that the number given by prisoner belonged/ to a transfer from the Ea«t Manchester Regime-nt bearing the narre of George ilackintosh, who also gave his birthplace as Inverness. Prisoner had afterwards said that his name was Mackintosh and that he had enlisted under another name. Witness made further inquiries, and ascertained from the War Office that prisoner enlistedl at Jersey in the 1st Yorkshire Regiment on the 15th October, 1894, in the name of H. F. Stone- ham, and was dine;, arged on the 12th January as not likely to become an efficient soldier. During those ninety days of service there were three regi- mental entries against him for min-cr barrack- room offences. Prisoner: I enlisted in the name of George Mackintosh in the East Yorkshire Regiment in 1897, and was discharged in 1898. Supt. Hicks said he had a letter from the Chief Constable of Invern-jss conveying the information. that- the man's proper name was Gocrge Clayton, a. native of Inverness, and that he was at one time in the East Yorkshire Regiment. Prisoner asked the court to take into considera- tion that he had been in custody since January 30, and had been at haid labour aince February 11th. The Chairman Eaid he seemed to be a thoroughly bad lot. In 1891 he was oonvicted in Scotland, and there were numeroub further con- victions against him. The sentence upon him now was imprisonment with hard labour for twelve calendar months. SAD NESTON STORY. Frederick Goodwin (41). publican, Neston, sur- ?, t N, t on, siji-- rendered to his bail and wa.s charged with at- tempting to oommit suicide at Great Ne3ton on the 4th March.—Mr. W. B. Yates. for the prose- cution, said that a few days previous to this at- tempt prisoner sent to a chemist s shop for some laudanum. The chemist 'had his suspicion, and sent back not laudanum, but a harmless mixture, probably ooloured water. Prisoner took it, and as it waa thought by the people at the house tha.t he had taken poison, an emetic was administered. A doctor was sent for, and he found no poison. The present charge referred to an attempt to cut his throat with a broad knife. Prisoner had been drinking heavily. He had had some trouble- re- garding the house of which he was licensee,, and that was said to bo the cause of it. Mr. Colt Williams said prisoner admitted doing it, but urged that he did not know what he was about. The man had been drinking extremely heavily for a long time, and was in a more or loss stupid condition at that time. He wanted a sha.ve at the time, and took the bread knife. Dr. Yeoman. Neston, said he had known prisoner some years. Prisoner had been drinking heavily. Ho had been out on the West Coast of Africa.. and had suffered from malarial fever, the result of which would be that drink would affect him more than an ordinary person. He had, however, given up his drinking habits, and was now in a very much better condition. Witness did not think prisoner realised what he was about when he attempted the rash act Mr. Colt Williams: If he is let out on his own recognisanoes, do you think, now that he is steady, he would be likely to do this sort of thing a.gain? —Not in his improved condition. You think he has been thoroughly sobered by what he ha.3 done and by keeping away from drink?—That is so. And might safely be let out on his own recog- nisances.?—I think so. The Chairman: You think that without having anyone to supervise him he might be trusted alone?—Yes. Is his brain quite sound?—Quite. A. Stringer, Neston and Thomas Pyke, Nes- ton, each said they were piepared to become sure- ties for prisoner's future good behaviour. Mr. Colt Williams asked that prisoner might be bound over, remarking that he had had a thorough lesson, and was not likely to attempt such a thing again- P.S. Wharam said at the time prisoner was licensee of the White Horse, Neston, and under notice to leave. On the 10th March he appre- hended prisoner, who, when charged, said he did not remember anything about it. Prisoner was very excited. The Chairman: Do you think he is likely to appreciate what ho has done and behave himself in the future?—I think he will. The Chairman (to prisoner): You understand you have pleaded guilty to attempting to commit suicide, and you appreciate the gravity, I hope, of the offenoe?—Prisoner: Yes, sir. The Chairman: You have heard what Dr. Yeo- man and the others have said, and you are willing to undertake not to attempt anything of the kind again?—Yes^ sir. The Chairman Then you will be dealt leniently with. You will be bound over, yourself in £ 20 and two sureties of jBlO each, to be of ^ood be- haviour for six months. I SENTENCES. William Hockenhull (28). blacksmith, pleaded guilty to stealing a box containing 261b. of tobacco from Crewe Station platform, on the 12th March. Prisoner had been convicted of stealing numerous things, including a oow. He was sentenced to six months' imprisonment. Thomas Rigby (26), hairdresser, pleaded guilty to stealing watches and other articles, the pro- perty of Henry Martin, at Crewe, on or about tho 24th March. Prisoner had a long list of previous convictions, dating back to 1890. The Chairman said it seemod impossible to do anything with him. Sentenced to three years penal servitude. Thomas Alfred Jonos (21), clerk, pleaded guilty to two indictments charging him with obtaining credit under falsa pretences at Hoylake. Prisoner had obtained food and lodgings at two houses. In one case he had engaged a room at 16.s. per week with board and had represented himaeif as a barrister. Prisoner now p'eaded that he had called himself a barrister as a joke. The Chairmaa said prisoner had had several terms of imprison- ment. He seemad to have baen living by, prey- ing on the public Sentenced to 12 months. William Earnest Baley (38t, painter, pleaded guilty to stealing chemicals from Joseph Reado's Sxjp at Crewe. Detective Shearby and Miss James, of the Railway Mission, spoke of prisoner's having led a bettssr life lately. Prisoner was sen- tenced to one month's imprisonment. Henry Astar (21), collier, was sentenced to six monthst imprisonn>cnt for stealing a watch. at Church Coopcinhall on Oct. 28th. JURY DISAGREE. I John Hendrick (36), bricksetter, of very respect- able appearance, surrendesed to his bail on a charge of assaulting a smartly-attired lady's com- pan ion, named Gertrud e Trowman, on the sands at Hoyiake-oum-West Kirby. on March 9th. He pleaded not guilty. The jury, after a long re- tirement, failed to agree, and were discharged. The defendant was bound over to appear at the next Quarter Sessions.

TREACHEROUS SPRING WEATHER. DR. WILLIAMS' PINK PILLS FOR PALE PEOPLE A SAFEGUARD AGAINST CHILLS, AND THE BEST SPRING MEDICINE. Why is Spring tho most dangerous season ? For two reasons. First, because Spring weather is treacherous. Sudden changes cause. chill. Cnill not only gives us a cold, it also stops digestion, leads to liver complaint and bile, and lowers the system. Besides, in the Spring all Nature undergoes change. The blood beoomes heated and disturbs the whole system. Hence the old-fashioned notion of SPRING MEDICINE I I taking. But the old-fashioned purgative modi- cines did harm as often as good. Blood grcws thin and! poor in Spring; it needs enriching, not impoverishing. W", need Strength in Spring, not weakness. Dr. Williams' Pink Pills for I ale People purify the blood and make new blood. Therefore, they are the best Spring Medicine. "Damp gave me a severe chill. I was at- tacked with lumbago. My health completely broke down, and but for Dr. Williams' Pink Pills I doubt if I should have done another day's work," said Mr. George Cameron, 63, Cottenham- street, Kensington Liverpocl. "I had to give up my employment. I was la.:d up for five weeks, and was attended by hve of the best doctors in Liverpool. They said that my system was com- pletely run down and my liver thoroughly out of order. I was in great pain, and had no appetite and little sleep. Then a friend earnestly adviged me to take Dr. Williams' Pink Pils for Pale People, and I did so. The result was marvellous, for before I had taken two boxes of pills I had experienced relief. I continued to take them, and before very long I was able to return to work, as well as I ever was in my life." THE ONLY REAL SPRING MEDICINE. I Dr. Williams' Pink Pills make new blood; I simply to do that their work. But it implies everything. The way they give strength, im- prove the appetite, clear the skin (often showing the Spring disturbance in spots and pimples) is not less wonderful than the way that they cure Indigestion, Anfemia, Consumption, Fits, Eczema. Kidney Disease, St. Vitus' Danoe-, Par- alysis, Locomotor Ataxy, and! the frequent ail- ments heroically borne by women of all agee. Dr. Williams' Medicine Co., Holborn-viaduct, London, send a box post free for 2s. 9d., or six for 13s. 9d-; but the pills can be had wherever medicines are sold, if purchasers will ta.ke care to ask for and insist on having Dr. Williams' Pink Pills for Pale- People. Substitutes wi!! not cure. Wise people d^al at shops where substitutes are not offered.

"THE UNINVITED GUEST" is the title of our new serial story, and the opening chaotera will appear in the "Cheshire Observer" next Saturday, April 15th. It will lie found of exceptional power, whilst the pleasing element of aristocratic domestic life will not be wanting. The authoress. Miss Florence Stacpoole has, in her best novel, "The Uninvited Guest," produced a work of dramatic and absorbing interest, and o?r readers may acticipate much entertainmeat from this charmingly written romance. ACCESS TO THE DEE AT BAGILLT.-TT was announced at Friday' s meeting of the Holywell Parish Council that the London and North- Western Railway Company h-is refused to agree to constructing a bridge at l-hgillt. and further, that the County Council might possibly be inclined not to persist with the demand for a bridge. The Rev, John Lewis (chairman) said it was of vital import- ance that every effort should be made for the erection of the bridge, and he moved:—"That, inasmuch as the widening of the main line of the London and North-Western Railway at Bagillt Station will c;us¡e serious inconvenience and danger in the continuance of a level-crossing, a bridge is an alfsolute necessity for the future welfare and development of the locality, and that the County Council be urged to press forward the matter." Mr. Lewis pointed out that the scheme for the improvement of the navigation of the river Dee was one that a few vears would see approaching, and if by the action (If the railway company the right of access to the ri ver was closed, the fact of the deep channel being close in-shore would be of no use to them. In seconding, Mr. Samuel Lloyd said that Bagillt had a right of access to the shore before the advent of the railway. The bridge was an actual necessity, and op"ition should beentered to the London and North Western Railway (Widening) Bill. i

COAL GAS IN A LEAD MINE. I At the Holywcll Sessions, on Tuesday, the Holy- weli-Halkyn Mining and Tunnel Company, Ltd., and thoir manager, Capt. Peter Grimtha. were summoned by Mr. Henry Hall, Rainhill, Govern- ment Inspector of Mines, under section 11 (sub- section 1) of the Metalliferous Mines Regulation ) Act, 1872 for having neglected to report within 24 hours an explosion at their Milwr mine, by which a person was injured. Mr. Bayliss, Chester, prosecuted on behalf of the Treasury. The facts were ot a somewhat peculiar charac- ter. On December 12 four men were going along the workings to their work. The leader, Hugh Edwards, had a candle in his hand, holding it close to the roof, when there was a flash, which singed his hair and slightly burned his hand and face. Edwards went home and was in bed several I days. Mr. Bayliss pointed out that the explosion ought to have bo-en reported to the Inspector within twenty-four hours, but was not reported till December 15. The explosion was one of coal 1. _1 gas, wmcn was a most unusuai occurix.»uoe in il metalliferous mine, and owing to the delay in re- porting it the Inspector was unable to make an investigation, as before he could get there the gas had all cleared away. Mr. J. P. Jones, the secretary of the company, stated that the explosion was a flash but there was no report He went to Edwards's house the same day and wanted his mother to get a doctor, but she said he did not want one. It was not til! the 15th that they could get the necessary material to make a report, though they did every- thing they oould to try and find out the cause, and there was really no neglect on their part. The Bench fined the company and the manager E- 2 and costs ea.oh.

A CHESHIRE ELOPEMENT. I THE GIRL'S STORY. Evidence regarding the Altrinoham elopement was given at Sale on Friday, when Horace NalI, of Regent-street, Altrincham, was sent to the Assizes charged with taking Lilian Rose Hugo, a girl of 16, living in Oxford-road, Altrincham, out of tho custody of her parents against her father's will. The magistrates at the outset directed that ladies should leave the court.—Mr. Hugo stated that about two months ago his daughter brought home the prisoner, who said he was Lieut. H. E. Nelson, of the Army Veterinary Department, living in Burlington-road1. Thinking he was an honourable man, he allowed his daughter to keep company with him for a few weeks, but he told him that his daughter was only 16, and there was no engagement. Mr. Hugo eventually found; on making inquiries, that prisoner's real name was Horace Nail. He told prisoner of his discovery, adding that he understood that Nail was of thoroughly bad character, and had been in pfrL'son Witness warned him that be must have nothing more to do with his daughter, and shewed him the door. Prisoner promised not to speak to the girl again, and wrote that he was going away. Mr. Hugo also prohibited his daughter from holding any conimunicat-lon with Nali In spite of this they met frequently, and Mr. Hugo on one occa- sion lost his temper with the girl and dhastised her. Before this his eons went out to give Nail a hiding, but a crowd collected, and they had to go away. The following Sunday prisoner paraded in front of the house, and sent in a. note asking for the promised hiding. The police had to be sent for to order him off. Prisoner cross-examined Mr. Hugo as to his chastisement of the girl, and tho father denied that he blacked her eye and cut her cheek. On March 18, continued witness, Lilian went out with two sisters, gave them the slip, and vanished. Lilian Hugo, a prepossessing girl was the next witness. She admitted that she often met Nell in spite of her father, her liking for him weigh- ing more with her than her father's advice. Nail tlked a lorabout his military duties, and wrote her from the War Office When she disappeared she met Nail as arranged, he having told her that they were to ba married at St. Anne's, Man- chester, that day. Prisoner saw a clergyman, who refused to marry them, despite the fact that Nail told him that she was 21. They went from Man- chester to Stockport, where prisoner obtained lodgings at 35, Churchgate. They stayed until Monday. He gave her a wedding ring and placed it on her finger. On Monday morning he made the excuse that they could not be married, but that they were to stop until it was possible.—Nail cross examined tho girl closely, and she admitted that he had always told her that he was Horace XalL She bad told him that her life at homo was unbearable and that she would run away. Mr. Hugo here protesfed that his daughter was under prisoner's influence to such an extent that she said "Yes" without safeguarding herself. Nail then elioited from the girl that when they loft for Manchester they intended to return the same day, that he asked her to go back to her homo and she refused, that she refused to see any of hnr family before going further, and that he ixuld her he was liable to arrest. She denied that while they were living together he behaved im- properly in any way. She promised to marry him and :;ho still meant to do so. Medical evidence and a statement by the land- lady that they told her they were married con- cluded the hearing.

AGRICULTURE. I SEASONABLE NOTES. I So far as the season has gone there is little or nothing to'mar the prospect of steady advancement in agriculture and gardening operations. It would, perhaps, be impossible to imagine a more ideal winter and spring than those through whieh we have been and are passing, unless we preferably accept the "old fashioned winter" theory, on the principle of sweetening the soil and the destruction of insect life and germs which are apt to be aggressive and troublesome later on. The alternate breaks of sunshine and shower, as well as it may be added, the celd winds and night frosts, have been welcome as the characteristic prelude to the awakening of new vegetation so generally a marked feature of the month on which we have now entered. Early pears and damsons, the latter especially, are white with the promise of bloom chestnuts and lilacs together with other trees are rapidly advancing into full leaf, while the hedgerows are gradually assuming their promise of spring. The appearance of plovers' eggs in poulterers' shops reminds one that the raid on these highly- prized delicacies has commenced, and to offer a word of advice to agriculturists not to be too hard on these birds, which are aocounted among their beet friends in clearing the land of wire- worms and other insect pests. A sharp look-out might too be kMt against the many poaching thieves who are ever on the prowl after these eggs. A question haa arisen lately, and is being variously debated among corn growers, as to the utility of folding sheep on the forward rr- wth of the autumn sown corn. There can be no two opinions in respect to this when judiciously oarried out; but if it should be de- aided upon it were well it were done at onoe, and them only on moderately dry soils. AGRICULTURISTS AND LOCAL RATES. I At a meetrng ot the Shropshire Chamber of Agriculture at Shrewsbury, on Saturday, Mr. A. E. Payne dealt with the unfair incidence of local rates oil agriculture. It might, he said, be thought that agriculturists had their relief in the Agricultural Rating Act, and what more did they want; but it was still true that the ratable value of property used for agricultural purposes was considerably higher in proportion to the ability cf the occupier to pay them than in the oaso of any other occupation. Personal property must bear a far larger snare of the burden, and the best way of exacting a larger contribution from it to loc-al taxation should bo to make such chargcs as the police, the- poor, main roads, and education chargeable to the- Imperial Exchequer. What they should ask in the meanwhile was that the Agricultural Rating Act should bo re- newed. He moved a resolution urging the Government to do t-hat as an act of justice towards agriculturists until such a leform of the present system of local taxa- tion had been effected as would ensure a tr,( equitable distribution of the rafcos on t.ho clas&^s. Ihe motion was duly seconded and oarried. THE NEW BEET-GROWING TRIALS. I A J ,1 I a meeting ot the V< orco^scforshLTe Chamber of Agri. culture attention was called to a circular from a firm of London manufactuiors, expressing their wnttngne-s to establish a sugar manufactory if they could be guaranteed 40.000 tons of beet. which could be grown on 2.400 acres of land, and for which they were prepared to pay about 18s. per tea. The Essex County Council have taken up the subject in earnest so far as experimenting is concerned. Mr. Primrose McConnell, in a communication, states that sugar beet-growing for tilp rr-iniiitacture of sugar was a regular industry in Essex about twenty-five or 11 'vt.y veal's ago, but it came to an end for some rt -ison. Bv the present, arrangement experimental plots are to be c""tab:i3hNI on six different farms in various parts of the county of E^sex At each farm there will bp five plots of a tenth of an acre each. These plotii will be dvessed with farmyard manure superphosphate and nitrate, and half of each plot- wiil have sulphate of potash in addition. The cultiv at on is to be carried out as far as edible in exactly the same way as mangels, only that the plants will be left more closely together at the singling -otil. The object to be ascertained is which h, the lest variety of seed to use, which will bo determined when the crop is lifted.

HOW THE LUNGS BECOME I DISEASED. IT IS THE HAWKING AND covghtsg I THAT DESTROYS THE TISSUES OF THE LUNGS, AND I MAKES THEM WEAK AN]) SORE. What you want is something to stop the hawking I and take the soreness out of the throat and chest. Nothin comi)fl,re!,i with Vrcxo's LIGHTNING COUGH CUHK it soothes inflamed membranes, eradicates the catarrhal mucus: you feel well quickly. For weak lungs, catarrh, bronchitis, chronic coughs and throat trouble there is no remedy to be compared with VENO's LIGHTNING COUGH CURE. Relief comes instantly and a permanent cure follows. It is strongly recommended hy such Englishmen as W. Lascelles-Scott, F.R.M.S., Gran- ville H. Sharpe, F.C.S., Rev. W. W. Tulloch: D.D. Ask for VENo'S LIGHTNING COUGH CURIC, Old., Is. ltd., and 2s. 9d., at Chemists everywhere.

COUNTY POLICE CUUKT I SATURDAY.—Before Mr. Horace Trelawny, the Hon. Cecil T. Parker, Col. Evans-Lloyd, Mr. B. C. Roberts, Mr J. W. inlacfie, Mr. W. Williams, and Mr. C. Maddock. SON ASSAULTS HIS MOTHER.—Thomas Evans, aged 20, of Shotwick, was summoned by his mother lot assault on March 24th.—Complainant stated that he and his father pushed and shook her. -Complainant's husband said she started a quarrel with him and he slapped her on the face. She then threw two cups ot him, and when he ordered her out, she took him by the chain. Defendant came in and pulled her away.—The Chairman said the family seemed to keep the village in an uproar. He thought complainant was partly to blame as she did not control herself properly.—Defendant was bound over in B5 to keep the peace for six months. ANOTHER SON'S ALLEGED CRIME.— Thomas Frederick Thorns, Lightfoot-street, Hoole, pleaded guilty to stealing a handbag from his father on March 25th.—Complainant gave evidence as to missing the handbag and finding that it had been pawned at Mr. A. Bradley's.—On the applica- tion of Mr. C. Wright. Police Court Missionary, the case was adjourned for a week in order that he might try and get prisoner into a labour home.

ATTEMPTED SUICIDE. I SAD CASE AT CHESTER. I At the City Police Court, on Saturday, before Dr. Stolterfoth. Annie Jones, said to be the wife of a master carter at Shrewsbury, was charged with attempting to commit suicide. Prisoner, who had an air of respeotability, gave her age as 30. but from her careworn appearance one would have said she was older. In answer to the charge she said: I have not been taking much drink since Christmas. I was treated yesterday and a little drop of drink got over me. P.C. Wright said he was informed on F riday e vening that a woman had attempted to jump into the Dee. He went with a man to the river, near the bottom of Sourer' s-lane, and found prisoner in the custody of Sergeant Gill, of the Cheshire Regiment. She had partly got her things off and the sergeant said she had said to him by the Eastgate that she was going to do away with herself. On that he and another man followed her down to the river. Prisoner had not aetually thrown herself into the river, but the lower por- tion of her skirt was damp. The Chief Constable explained that prisoner was separated from her husband. She had been drinking on Friday, and that morning had ex- pressed a wish to go into a 'home. If the Bench remanded her until Monday and empowered him to hand the woman over to Miss Wright, if she could make arrangements to receive her, it might meet the case. Prisoner (pitifully): I would not have done it for the world if I had not had a drop of drink. I am sincerely sorry. The Chairman: Will you go into a home. Prisoner (eagerly) Yes, I will. The woman was then remanded, power being given to tho Chief Constable to hand her over to Miss Wright.

I HAWARDEN GUARDIANS. On Friday the fortnightly meeting of the Hawardon Boa.rd of Guardians was held, Mr. W. Fryer (chairman) presidiag. 1m LETHARGIC OVERSEERS. .ine LJierK (ivtr. liugta Lr. Roberts) reported as to the proceedings lie was instructed to take against tha overseers of Higher Kinnerton, in respect of overdue calls still unpaid by them. Ho had written to the. overseers telling them he had allowed them enough rope, and that he was taking proceedings. He reoeived a reply to the effect that they hoped to pay immediately one sum of B48 due to the poor rate; but as the railway com- pany had not paid their rate, which was J670. they could not pay the other sum of £ 90 until that rate waa paid, and they hoped to receivo it within a few days. The result was the oalls were paid in at tho last moment, and the curious thing was that the sum of J690 which they stated they oouid not pay immediately was paid in first, and the £48 afterwards. (Laughter.) This was not until he (the clerk) had taken out a summons, although he had not served it. The summons cost las., but that included the convening of a spccial oosaions.- In reply to a member the Clerk sad he was not sure whether the Higher Kinneiton Overseers would be required to pay the 10s. If he had served the summons it would have been a charge upon the overseers personally.—Several members expressed the opinion that if possible the over- seers should be charged the sum, and eventually the matter was left in the hands of the clerk. INDIFFERENT MEDICOS. I The treasurer s balance to credit was reported to be £ 1,816. 14s. 2d., and the cheques required Were for, £ 307. 6s. Id. Five cheques remained un- prasented at the end of the half-year, and the singular fact transpired that these were all drawn in favour of medical officers. RURAL COUNCIL. I 1-1 I., I A meeting ot tn,) iiurai l/Dunoll was afterwards held, Mr. W. Fryer again presiding. The committee appointed with regard to the Ffrith and Cymmau sewers reported, as to Ffrith, that the scheme foreshadowed was in their opinion too costly for the- number of houses it. would sorvo. They recommended an amended scheme, pro- viding for the raising of the sewer two feet, at a total cost of JB46. 10s.—The Council adopted the report, on the motion of Mr., Iewis.-W'th regard to Cymma.u, they recommended the laying of a 6in. drain to the existing drain, but this was re- ferred back. The Council approved of plans from the Flint- shire Education Committee for a new school at Hop-o. NEW WATER SCHEME. I The Inspector (Mr. Barrett) laid before the Council the preliminary outlines of a echame for the supply of water t. the villages of Caergwrle and Hope. The water, he said, would be ob- tained from two sources—one situated near Bryn Yorkin in a plantation, and one situated near the smithy belonging to Messrs. Griffiths. It was from this latter source that the existing supply in Caergwrle was obtained. He had gauged the spring near Bryn Yorkin on several occasions, and found the flow to be regular.. It yielded about 21.600 gallons per day. The total number of houses in the districts to be watered was about 253, and they might take the population as being approximately 1,265. Allowing for a consumption of 15 gallons per head, it would be seen that the supply from this spring alono was more than sufficient for this population. He proposed dividing the district into two areas, which he would call No. 1 and No. 2. No. 1 would be SUD- plied from Bryn Yorkin spring, which is situated at an elevation of 510 O.D. It embraced all the houses at Abermorddu, Bridge End, Hope, and so much of Caergwrlo as lies south-east of Castle- street. The number of houses in this area was 143. This area could abo bo extended to indludo Cefn-y-bcdd if necessary. No. 2 would bo sup- plied from the spring near the smithy, and would iiielud3 the remainder of the houses in Caergwrle. Under ordinary circumstances the areas would be kept quite. distinct, but should it be necessary to augment the supply in one from the other, this might be done by the manipulation of the valves. A small collecting reservoir would be constructed to each of the sources, both being capable of hold- ing two days' supply for their respective areas. The walls of the reservoir would be built of brick- work in cement mortar, with a baoking of clay puddle. Tho floors would be of concrete resting on a bed of clay puddle. The covers would also be of concrete, supported by girders. A screen- ing chamber would be attached to each reser- voir, through which the water must flow before it entered the reservoir. There would be pro- vided a bye-pass arrangement for use during the time when the reservoirs were being cleansed. The distributing main& would be of cast-iron, with turned and bored joints, and capable of withstanding a pressure due to a head of 600 feet Tho greatest presssure on the mains would be that due to a head of 270 feet. The point at which this pressure occurred was opposite the National School at Bridge End. The pipes would be 4in. and 3in. in diameter. The 4in. pipes were to be in No. 1 area, and extending from the reservoir to the main road at Abermorddu. The distance was 924 yards. All the rest of the mains in this area, and in the whole of No. 2 area. would be 3in. in diameter. The total length of the 3in. mains was about 3?905 yards. Sluice valves would be fixed on all branches and fire- hydrants at suitable points. He had gone sufficiently into the details of the sc heme to enable him to give a fair estimate of the cast, but he believed it would be self-supporting. Mr. Davies moved that the inspoctor get out estimates according to the scheme outlined, also that the clerk open negotiations with the trustees of the Bryn Yorkin estate with a view to the acquisition of sites for the reservoirs, and ease- ments for the pipe line. The Clerk recalled that the medical officer had stated in his report that with a good war supply Caergwrle would increase, and larger and better houses would be built there. Mr. Lewis said he knew several persons would go there and build better class houses if a good water supply were provided. The motion was carried. I rpJ, COMPENSATION FOR AREA. 1 I I TM-. L i I uunsiuuurcn xvurai ujuiivii auaroraeu a letter to this Council on the. subject of alteration of boundaries, and expressed the opinion that some steps should be taken to secure to any district suffering a loss of area the right to com- pensation for loss of ratable value, to which, prior to a recent decision of the Court of Appeal, it was held to be justly entitled. They asked the ilawarden Council to join in a representation to l arhament on the subject. The Chairman: I think we cannot do better than support the Christchureh Rural Council, not only bearing in mind Connah's Quay, but some of our other neighbours who are easting sheep's eyes on some of our district. Mr. Roberts: Wolf's eyes, Mr. Chairman. (Laughter.) This was agreed to. I READJUSTING BOUNDARIES. I ( iir. Konerts moved that the Clerk be instructed to provide a large scale ordnance map shewing in full the eastern part of Saltney and Hawarden parishes, with a view to application to the County Council for an order readjusting th.e boundaries of Saltney and Bretton." He added to this that three members for Saltney parish and three mem- bers for Hawnrden parish be appointed a com- mittee to go over the land and make a recom- mendation to the Council. This was agreed to, and Mr. Deeley and Mr. Manley (Saltney), Mr. Millington, Mr. Daviee and Mr. Roberts (Hawarden) were of the committee appointed. (The, above articles appeared in our last Saturday Evening Edition J

PILFERING- FLOWERS. FLOWERS. I THEFTS FROM NURSERIES. I At Chester Castle Petty Sessions, on Saturday, I Walter James Pearce, a young married man residing in Hamilton-street, Hoole, was charged with having on March 28th stolen a. quantity of cut flowers, value Gel., the property of Messrs. Dicksons Ltd. Mr. R. T. Morgan appeared for defendant, and pleaded guiity. Mr. E. Brassey, on behalf of Messrs. Dick- sons, said the case revealed a somewhat extensive system of robbery. Had it not been so, oomplain- ants would not have come to the couit on a single solitary charge of stealing goods worth 2s. 6d. Prisoner was first florist at the nurseries, and he had cut flowers on what was know* by tho cant term of "a foreign order," which meant they were for tho benefit of the man who cut them. When his house was searched a large number of articles were found there belonging to Messrs. Dicksons. A letter from a man at Swansea had also been found, containing the follow- ing passages:—"Dear Walter, have you got any begonias or gloxcineas you do not want, as 1 tost mine this winter. I should be very glad ii you could let me have them, and a few fuchsia cuttings." Further in the letter the writer said lie had got "the things,' and he thanked Poarce ve:y much. He said "he would remember him after Palm Sunday. Defendant was earning a weekly wage of 32s. 6d. As prisoner had pleaded guilty, no evidence w;is calied. Mr. R. T. Morgan, addressing the bench for the defence, made an eloquent appeal on his client's behalf. He said that although he was young he had had 20 years experience, and until that un- fortuna-to affair there had not been the slightest breath of suspicion or charge of any kind against him. In other words, he had twenty years' irre- proachable character, and lie had been employed by the best firms in different parts of the oountry. it spoke well for his ability, and he ventured to say for his honesty, that when he left firms he had been written to and asked to return to their ser- vice. If he had been found dishonest they would never "have done that, but both at Birmin gham, Southport and Southampton ho had boon asked to return to his former employers. He was a mar- ried man with one boy, and after building up such a character one could only imagine he did not fully comprehend the effect of what he was doing. He (Mr. Morgan) did not want to make any charge against a body of men, but Messrs. Dicksons should know that unfortunately there was an extensive system of peculation in the nurseries. Whether other men wore doing it or not he did not know. He quite realised that, situated as Messrs. Dick- soris wore, with the nurseries open to the public and their own servants, they wished to make an example of that case. They must trust to the public and their own servants, and they were iiable to pdfering. The Chairman: I am afraid it is a system of peculation. Mr. Morgan said his client went there and found that sort of thing going ODt. Strictly he ought to have reported the matter to his em- ployers, but he submitted that there was not one man in fifty would have had the strength of mind to do so. If he had reported the matter, his life would have been made unbearable; or if he had resisted the system the place would have been made too hot for him, and he would have had to go. The Chaiiman: You seem to be throwing dirt on the others. Mr. Morgan said he did not want to say any- thing about the scale of salaries—it would be, im- portinanoe on his part; but his olient had to keep himself respectable on a wage of 32s. 6d. a week, and he did got a few extra oomforts out of pro- ceeds of the flowers. He was not an extravagant man. and he was a strictly sober and steady man. The other artio.es found at his house did not come from his department, and if they had been stolen the men in those departments must have known about it. Col. Evans-Lloyd: 32s. is not a bad wage at all. Mr. Morgan: 32s. bd. to keep himself respect- able upon. I say I don't criticise that at all. Mr. B. C. Roberts: It is a very handsome wage. Mr. Morgan said defendant had been sent out to places to decorate, and to private houses as well. If he had had any desire to steal system- atically he could have taken silver and really valuable articles from those houses, but no charge had ever been brought against him. His sense of honesty, perhaps, had become somewhat blunted by the things going on around about him. When he was oalled into the office he made a clean breast of everything. Mr. Brassejr said he did not do anything of the kind. Detectire-Inspeotor Hoole was called on this point, and repeated the evidence recorded above m this report. Mr. Morgan said that practically bore out what he had said. At the polioo station Pearce gavo a detailed list of the things lie had in his house from tho firm, and where they could be found. Detect vo-lnspector Hoole: That is so. Proceed ing, Mr. Morgan said prisoner had already felt the sting of prison, and he had been subjected to ratlier drastic treatment. Ho was a householder, and waa not likely to. run away, and he thought a rather severe course had been taken. Ho thought lie was fair in criticising it. The Chairman: Individually, I think it was quite rigiiti. Supt. Hicks: I object to any remarks against the action the polioe took. Mr. Morgan: I submit with the greatest re- spect it was a very severe course to take. This man could have been readied by a, summons equally as well. He livosorily a few yards from the police station. Continuing, Mr. Morgan said that after the oase, his twenty years' charaoter had gone to some extent; at all events, l it was seriously clouded, and no one realised that more than his client himself. He asked the Bench to deal leniently with him. He had a. wife who was ailing and delioate, and a boy seven years of age who was also ailing and delicate. His mother waa now with him, and it had been a tremendous shock and blow to her. The pain of causing her so much pain had been such that only a man personally experiencing it could realise. He asked that he should be dealt with under the First Offenders Act. In all earnestness h-a said he had nev-er felt more sympathy for a client in all his life. and he asked the Bench to send Pearce back to his wife, his child, and his mother a free man. Dr. Butt said he had attended prisoner's wife and son and they were delicate. After the Bench had considered their decision in private, the Chairman said the majority of the magistrates had taken a lenient view of the case. They were not at all unanimous, and he thought prisoner ought to have gone to prison. It was a most serious case and they did not know how long it had been going on. Prisoner would have to pay 210 and costs or go to prison for two calendar months. Mr. R. T. Morgan said his client would find' half the money then, and he was allowed a fort- night to pay the balance. Walter Jones, florist. Frodsham-street, pleaded not guilty to receiving the flowers taken by Pearce knowing them to have been stolen. Mr. H. G. Hope defended him. • Tr. Brassey asiel defe-ndant was formerly a florist at Messrs. Dicksons and he knew Pearce. and he knew Pearce had no right to eell or give flowers to anyone. On March 28th, a boy who delivered the letters at the Nurseries, delivered a parcel, which was unlabclled, at defendant's shop from Pearce. Mrs. Jones received the. parcel and they were unable to dive into the mystery of what arrangements there were between the last de- fendant and the present one. J. Eccleston, driver of the post cart; employed by Messrs. Dicksons, deposed to delivering the paroel at defendant's from Pearce. Th? parcel contained flowers made up in the usual way. He received no money from Mr. Jones, and he delivered no invoice. Cross-examined: It was open to florists and the public to purchase flowers from any of the managers. Gcrdon Byers, second florist at the Nurseries, said he, saw Pearce make up a parcel of lilies of the valley, spirea, hyacinths, and ferns, and give it to the post-boy. The order was not on a registered form and he suspected it was what they called a "foreign order." Detective-Inspector Hoole said that while in- quiring into the Pearce case he asked Jones if he had received any flowers that week from Pearce. Jones said he asked Pearce -on Satur- day at his shop if he had any Roman hyacinths to spare, to send them to him and charge for them. Four dozen, came on: Monday. On several occasions he had paid Pearce for flowers. He said he did not receive any flowers on Tuesday from Messrs. Dickscns. William Stubbe, order clerk at the Nurseries, said he was on duty on the morning of the 28th and Pearce gave in no order on that day. Mr. Brassey then asked for an adjournment in order that he might subpoena Pearce to give evidence. Mr. Hope strongly objected to that course, and said there was up to then no evidence to uphold the charge against defendant. The Bench ordered the case to proceed. Addressing the magistrates for the defence,, Mr. Hope said his client's case was simply an abso- lute'denial of any knowledge whatever as to any felonious intent on the part of Pearce. He had been employed by Messrs. Dicksons for a period of 17 years and there had been no. complaint against him during that time, and he had been in business himself 2 years. During that time he had frequently had small transactions with Messrs. Dicksons, and he had paid the full trade value for the goods he had received. When the flowers arrived on Tuesday they expected' Pearce to send in a bill for them. Dafendant bore out his solicitor's statement. Replying to the magistrates, he said he did not keep a cash book. He generally paid cash for the goods he received- Cross-examined: He had paid the gardener at his shop for goods he had ordered from Messrs. Dickson3, and he had given the fkirist orders at his shop. Mr. Brassey: IRtn't you know it is a very grave irregularity to pay the gardener at your shop? The Magistrates Clerk (Mr. W. H. Churtan): Don't they send out invoices if you dcn". pay cash ?-No, sir. Colonel Evans-Lloyd: I generally get one- the next morning. Witness afterwards stated it was the rule to label parcels leaving the Nurseries. Mr. Riches, florist, Dee Banks, and Mr. E. Thomas, formerly nursery cashier, gave evidence as to the business methods in vogue between Messrs. Dicksons and customers giving small or- ders. The Chairman said the Bench were unanimously agreed that defendant was guilty. He wou!d have to pay £10 and costs or go to gaol for two months. (TILe above appeared in our last Saturdag Eveniny Edition,)

I THE LATE COL. READ. v The funeral of the late Lieutenant-Colonel Alfred Read took place on Friday at Chester Cemetery, the officiating clergy being the Rev. F. Edwards, the Rev. H. J. E. Williams and the Rev. Dr. Ford. The first portion of the ser- vice was held at St. Paul s Church, and attended by a numerous congregation. At the graveside there was aiso a large gachenng of mourners. The interior of the grave was tastefully dressed with evergi-oeris, and the coffin, wliioh was of polished oak, bore the simple inscription: "Alfred Read. Aged 59 years." The chief mourners were Mr. A. H. Read and Mr. Frank Read (sons), Dr. Whichello (son-in-law), Mr. Davey, senr. ^cousin), Dr. John Hayward and Dr. Charles Hayward (cousins), Mr. Musgrave, senr., Mr. Davey, junr., Mr. H. Ker- shaw, Mr. F. Benov and Dr. W. Lees. Among otheis present were Sir Charles Petrie, Mr. F. W. Longbottom, Mr. Richard Hough, Mr. Langdon, Col, Stephenson (1st Lanes. Regiment), CoJ. Crean (1st Liveipool Irish Regiment), Major Myall, Mr. Musgrave, junr., Mr. Gilbert Parry, Mr. Parry, Messrs. Honey, Mr. Marsden, Mr. Page, Mr. j. IT. Laybotiriio, and members of the staff from the offices at Water-street, Liverpool, incmding Mr. Piitchard (manager), Mr. J. Jones (Holy- well), Mr. Joe. Read (Liverpool), Mr. Wims- hurst, Mr. Amos, (Bank of Liverpool) Mr. Johnston (Nationad Provincial Bank, Chester), and Mr. Barry (cashier). Floral tributes were sent by Mrs. Read (widow), Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Read (son and daughter-in- law), Mr. Fiank and Miss Florence Read (son and daughter;, Dr. and Mrs. Whichello (son-m-iaw and daugnter), Mr. and Mrs. Davey, Misses Winnie, Doris and Phyllis Read (grandchildren), Mr. Ernest Kershaw., Mrs. George and Miss Hutchin- son iLeamington), Mr. and Mis. Taylor (South- port), the employes of F. H. Powell and Co., Dr. and Mrs. Lees, the servants at Kenwvn. Mr. F. lienoy, Mr. and Mrs. Piitchard, Mr. Millwood. The funeral arrangements ware carried out by Messrs. Joseph Beckett a.nd Co., Eastgate Row.

I DEE FISHERY BOARD. I PETITION FROM FISHERMEN. I Un Saturday a quarterly meeting ot the conservators of the River Dee Fishery District was held at the Town Hail, Chester, Mr. John Thompson presiding. Mr. Henry JoihUe (clerk of the Board) read the following petition, forwarded on behalf of the hshannon 01 Connah's t^uay by Mr. John Latham:—" We, the undersigned fishermen of the river Dee, desire to petition you for the pur- pose of bringing beiore you for consideration an instrument now used by many persons to catch dukes. This instrument is an iron frame, on whioh are soictered or lashed with wire cod-hooks, placed about tive niches apart. And as this frame ia left to drag on the bottom of the river, the fish get fastened on to these hooks. Tins manner of hshing is now carried on by a great many persons in this river, and we feel sure if allowed to con- tinue it will become detrimental to the fishing industry in Connail's quay and district. The manner of fishing us most cruel, and will become ruinous to we fishermen, and to our means of livelihood. We hope, sirs, that you will oonsider favourably this petition to you to put a stop to this practice. In the course of a discussion it was stated that the fishermen were unanimous in condemning the instrument complained of, the effect of it being to destroy large quantities of immature fish. The system was stated to be used by iron workers and others fishing for pastime. Against the spearing of flukes in th4 customary way no objection was raised. Superintendent Simpson said this new rake was much more destructive than the old, as probably ior every fish 1L caught it would mark or destroy ten or eleven. I On the motion of Mr. J. E. Green, seconded by Mr. W. Li. Lloyd, the Board agreed to refer the matter to a committee with the view to art alteration in the bye-law. Pending the altera- tion it was also decided to issue a circular depre- cating the use of the new destructive instrument. Mr. J. E. Green called attention to the use of stake nets in the estuary. The Board were aware, he said, that the Lancashire Sea Fisheries District overlapped a portion of theirs. That territory which belonged to the conservators of the Dee Fishery District as far as salmon was concerned belonged for sea, fishery purposes to the Lanca- shire and Western Sea Fisheries Committee. That committee allowed the use of stake nets, while this Board did not. The matter was going to be considered by the Sea Fisheries Committee in May, and he would like to know the views of the Board thereon, so that he might present them at the meeting. Personally, he thought the Sea Fishery District bye-laws ought to be altered so as to discontinue the use of stake nets in that district which was under the jurisdiction of this Board as salmon conservators. Superintendent Simpson expressed the opinion that the use of stake nets did not do any harm to the salmon fishery. Mr. Bithell. however, remarked that he had caught many a ton of salmon with stake nets. The Chairman said lie could not but believe that stake riots were dangerous to salmon, and he moved that Mr. Green be instructed to object to their use before the Sea Fisheries Committee. This was agreed to, the Clerk adding that Mr. Green might also remind that authority that they were more or less under a promise to abolish stake nets.

HORSE PARADE AT CHESTER. A horse parade promoted by the Chester Far- mers' dub was held in the Grosvenor Paddock on Saturday afternoon. The weather was some- what unpropitious, but there was a large attend- ance of agriculturists. Probably in. the history of the club a more successful parade has never been hold. The entries were all of superior quality. and the faimers present had no difficulty in suiting their tastes. Itie iight. horsm were ten in number, and included thoroughbreds, haeknoys and ponies. The former were represented by the Duke of Westminster's Just Cause. Mr. James Storrars Sea Fly, and Mr. W. J. Milton's (Bir- kenhead) Naixillan. All are useful horses, and their pretty act.on was greatly admired. Nar- eiian. though getting old, was the winner of the Queans premium, last- year. Hackneys were a nioa lot Mr. Stoir-ar sent Crusader and Roos M.P. into the ring; Mr. J. W. Macfie entered his liowton Cannylegs; Mr. Joseph Taylor (Birken- head) was represented by Rosaroyd, and Messrs. Edward Holmes and Sous, Bootio, had on view their dark chestnut Foxholes. Each of the ani- mals is of the right class to improve liackney breeding in the district. Roos M.P. moved in a manner that pleased everyone, and Crusador was carrying hiBagawou.deffu;IyweI'l. Rowton Canny- legs is also a good. goer, shewing plenty of knee and hoek action. The same may be said of Mr. Joseph Taylor's Rosaroyd, which gained an he card in a strong class at the recent London. Show. Foxholes is of a bigger type and more adapted for getting big-sized carriage horses. The two pOlÙ.i shown were the Duke of Westminster's Lord Langton and. Mr. J. Storrar's Barton Prince Both possess many good qualities. The-chief interest centred in the heavy horses, of which there were fourteen. All the animals were full of quality. The entries were as follow Chester Farmers' Club's Lymm Harold, Wirral Farmers' Club's Lockinge Midnight, Mr. Ken- worthyMatchless Waiter and Delamere War- rior, Duke of Westminster's Phenomenon III. and Eaton Prince,. Mr. J. Beecroft's Bankfields Prince Harold, Mr. G. Ingman's (Mold) Birdwell Prince William, Mr. C. Bell's (Norley Hali), Intake Ad- vanoa and Norley Advance, Mr. G. H. Muliock s Shard Pajcton and J.P. II, Mr. T. Jeff's Garnet Combination, and Mr. J. S. Taylor's, (Birkenhead) Yoking Blaae. Without doubt the best horse in the ring was. the Chester Fainior-.s' Ciub's Lymm Harold. This, is a. powerfully-buiit animal, stand- ing 171L 2in.. and having exceptionally good feet and legs. He is well furnished ill his aims and thighs, and. has excellent pasterns.. His move- ment, both in walking and trotting, is perfect, and the club are to be congratulated on having obtained ihe services of such a fine stallion. Per- haps, too ttoxt in order oi merit was Mr. Ken- worthy's Matchless Waiter. This is a striking young horsto, full of feather, and with good joirsts Delamere Warrior is rather of a lighter class. Phenomenon III. was hooking rery fit, and bore favourable comparison with any horse in the Jang Mr. Beeoroft's Bankfields Plinee Harold is a well- bred cap taliy-grown colt., and only wants time to, develop into a useful horse1. Mr. Ingman s Birdwell Prince William, is a sound horse, though his colour is a little bit against him. Norley Ad- vanoe, fresh from his recent successes in London where he was second in tho three^year-oJd cla.s> and reserve champion, at once found many friends. Shard Paxton has been before the public for some littLe time, and his good points are well known while Mr, Mullock's other entry, J.P. II.. is a good young horse, and was one of the best three-year-olds in the ring. Of Garnet Combina- tion it is sufficient to say that, Mr. J^ffs sold him a few years ago, and his stock did so well that he thought it advisable to buy him back again. It waa a noticeable fact that the best horses in the heavy dase* were bred by members of the Far- mers' Club—-or were by hprses used by the Club. Mr. T. J. Durton, too popular secretary, wa.3 warmly comprl'mented on the exoollenoo of the arrangements. The. steward^ who performed, tbsir duties with efficiency, were: Light horses. Messrs J. Beccroft R. Jones (Ledsham), W. Har- rison (New Pale), a.nd M. Kennedy; heavy horses. Messrs. Tom L. Dodd (Cotton), P. Allen (Wi'ilas- ton), Gaskel) (Pnenton), and Lewis Dodd (Rush- ton), The above appeared in our last Saturday Evening Edition.)

NATURAL HISTORY iXOTES. THE ARRIVAL OF SUMMER BIRDS. Usually by the first week in April we can record the arrival of some of our summer visitors, but this year they were earlier than ever. First came the whoatear, always well to the front of the migrant army. On the loth of last month one was seen on the hills near Macclesfield, where during the breeding season the bird is common. iNoxt day three were nouoed at Pwllheli, on the 20th, one near Dulas, in Anglesey, followed on tne 21tit by many more; on that date, the 21st, he birds arrived in force at Barmouth, and now they are abundant all over the East Cheshire lniis. The chilfchaff, first of the warblers, was not long behind the wheatear. One was singing gaily at Ouuton on the lth, an unusually early date. The earliest ohiifchaff reported in the Field '—on the Surrey coast-was on this day. One had reachod northern Anglesey by the 21st, and next day birds were seen and heard at such wide apart places as Oxford, Barmouth, and Castle Mill, near Bowdon, where I watched and listened to my first ohiffchaff of the season. On the 18th migratory pfirties of pied wagtails and meadow pipits were drifting across Cheshire; these birds are brighter and cleaner iooking than the members of the same species which have wintered with us. Large numbers of both species leave our shores in autumn and return about the middle of March. A few days later I met with a small congregation of pied wagtails, which suddenly flew up mto a tree, and began a most charmmg little concert of song. Sand martins were seen on our southern shores and in the extreme south-west of England from the ISth onward, but they did not rush in to their more northern haunts like the chiffchafis. Whinchats were also reported from the south, but as the editor of the "Field" wisely remarks, it is easy to mistake a female stonechat for a whinchat. A stonechat, only a passing bird in Central Cheshire, was noticed some time ago at Knutsford. Reed buntings appeared suddenly in some numbers in the reed beds round the meres about the middle of the month. In one or two plaoea these fine Little buntings remain all winter; there are usually one or two to be seen at Budworth, near North- wioh; but most of the birds leave us during the colder months. FATHER DEPARTURES NORTHWARD.  ii?i Miern ()rUlng mras leave while the birds from the south are coming in. Golden plovers left their winter haunts some time ago, and, savo for the loudly calling lapwings, much interested in domestic affairs, tlie fields were deserted. One morning last week, however, I found a large gathering of golden plovers in one field, which is always a favourite feeding ground. I counted 236 birds, and with them wero a few lapwings, probably migrants too, for they were silent. When I passed the same field next morn- ing all had gone. How do these passing birds know which are best feeding grounds? They always settle to rest or feed in the winter haunted spots. The golden plovers whioh breed in Cheshire are already on the hills, mixing their spring music with the bubbling breeding cries of the moorland curlews. There are curlews still in the estuary, and probably will be all the summer, for many of these shore-loving birds seem to be non-breeders. All tie migratory mallards seem to have left the meres, but the drakes, whose spouses are settled comfortably in their down- lined nests, sail on the waters or stand idly on the banks; they take little interest in the welfare of their families onoo nest-making haa really begun. Winter ducks etiil linger, here a few tufteds, there pochards, but most of the latter have left. One day last week I put up a couple of goldeneye-s from a reed bed at Rostherne; they were a fine pair, and the drake had a splendid white spot in front of his eye. Goldeneyes are often late; they remain longer than most of the other visiting ducks on the waters of the Lake Distriot. I have seen them at Easter when Easter has been late. Wigeon, too, drift in, remain a day or two, and then pass northward; over fifty came in a few days since to Llyn Coron in Anglosey. The soft night call of the departing redwings has been heard for some time, and altkough there are still fieldfares to be met with, their numbers are greatly reduoed. Birds depart and birds arrive, birds pass, are here one day and gone the next; but we are never birdless, and there is constant change. SPRING FLOWERS. -but the ohainge of seasons is not only notice- able in the birds, a few days at this time make a wonderful difference in the appearance of the oountry. Coltsfoot, which a short time ago was only visible in a few places, now makes a grand show on the spoil-banks and waste places where no other flower can hold its own. Lesser celandines dot the woods, the roadside banks, and every wild hole and corner; primroses are abundant in those places where the root-grubber does not penetrate. Ground ivy flourishes beneath the shelter of its leaves, and the glorious beds of golden daffodils rejoice the eye. but only! alas where privacy keeps the robbers away. In the damp ditches and on hedge banks the golden forage is out in patches, light green leaveB tinged with the tiny yellow flowers; in one spot I found the wood ranunculus well out, much earlier than usual, and sweet violets were flower- ing before the third week of last month. By the rivers of eastern Cheshire the groat purple-pink flower spikes of the butterbur, not one of the most beautiful of our spring bfeoms. are to be seen in thick bods; their leaves, which later give cover to the feeding birds, have not yet appeared: And now, at the very end of March and beginning of April, the woods are clothed with the dainty pink-tinged flowers of the wood anemone-the "wind flower" stirred with every breath, but hardy all the same. Another delicate blossom is appearing, the white nodding wood sorrel, one of tho prettiest of our roadside flowers, all the prettier, too, because it hangs on slender stem above its trefoil bright green leaves. Dog violets In patches give colour to tho banks, and less notice- able, but as abundant, are the curious five-faced flower-heads of the moschatel, green as their own leaves. Marsh marigolds are out in a few shel- tered spots in Cheshire, but in Anglesey they are in glorious clusters. AL_< THE ESTUARY IN MARCH. I I ?, I ?. AO°ui we middle of the month I visited the estuary, and noted many changes. The geese had departed, and most of the ducks had also left. The paired mallards which breed in the district, after Hying round in couples for some time, went off to their spring haunts in Wales or inland Cheshire, but there were a few remaining, unpair-ed and migratory birds probablv. With them were some splendid pintails, and with the aid of a powerful telescope we watched them for some time. There were a few wigeon scattered about, but not many. but the most abundant duck on the sandbank* was the sheld- duck. The drakes, fine birds in splendid plumage were performing curious evolutions round the females, walking round them with their heads low, their necks bent downwards, and their shoulders hurn-ped up in a strange manner. Now and then two drakes would snar. and at times they would stretch up their long ncck" soveral times, and between the stretching dip and bow to the ducks; when sparring they jumped clean off their feet. Cormorants, old birds with white thigh patches, were common on the banks. This conspicuous white thigh patch is only taken on by the birds during the breeding season; it appears early in spring, but disappears while the birds are sitting. When tho cormorants first take to the rocks the white patches are very con- spicuous but before the young are hatched all the white filaments have been shed. Ovster- catchers and curlews were fairly abundant and there were a rair number of guU?r?eat black-backed nerring* and common gulls; we only saw a single black-headed gull, for the birds are now in the nejds round their inland breeding haunts. I hear they have left the Barmouth estuary, but are abundant at Bala and elsewhere in Central Wale^. Common gulls seem in no hurry to aepart; I noticed one last week at Ros- therne; it had a favourite stump on which it stood, and day after day it was in the same place. Another bird, for some weeks, has fre- quented Tatton Mere. Scon now, however. we shall lose the common gulls; they will return to their nesting haunts north of the Border, and until the autumn we shall see them no more. T. A. C.

T-??A???X A HALKYN MOUN- I TAIN-At the H?yn parish meeting the chair- man (Alderman Poter Jones) explained the steps which bad been taken, to ascertain the rights of the commoners in the waste lands, with the view to. safeguarding such riarMs, and. if possible, prevent- ing their ahuso by persons from other districts. The clerk (Mr. Peter Evans) read letters from the Department of Woods and Forests respecting the. matter, intimating thnt as the Council desired to bave an inquiry held by the Board of Agriculture into the exercise of common rights, the Com- missioners would give the application their best consideration rt v,%s resolved tliat the views of the other, parishes interested in the Halkyn Moun- tain common bo invited. "A WASTE" OF RATEPAYERS' MONEY. The decision ohhe Flintshire Edition Committee,, affirmed by the Board of Education, neouirinsf thQ. manag-ers of the Brincelyn (Holywell) National School to erect new building's on a new site as a condition of the continued recognition of the school by the education authority, is-sharply criticised in the April nsrr.ber of the '« Holywell Parish Magazine." We are quita aware," says the. article, that the ultimatü. aim of the educa- tion iwthority is the extinction of these. schools, and the erection of new buildings* On, that administrati ve body there are several re- preseaiafcives- of the ratepayers of B»lywell and' 1 xreenneld, not one of who. we believe, has as yet raised his voice by way of protest against this proposed wicked expenditure of the ratepayers' money: for it may be distinctly understood that the present managers of the school will maie no endeavour to find a sum of £ 5,000. for the erection, of new boildings, in view of their contention that the existing buildinrs do not merit the sweeping" [ condemnation of the local education authority. That outlay will have so be met. We regsat it for- the ratepayers' sake we regret it the more, because* 1 it is reedless, bpcause it is a waste."

A Breakfast 1 Dainty Good Cream 1 or Rich Milk I and urape Nuts