Cheshire Observer

THROWING AT TRAINS. CHESTER ENGINE DRIVER INJURED. Thorns Jonot,, a Chester railway driver, while driving- a hunting special fronn Nant- wich to Chester" on Tuesday afternoon, was ren- dered insensible by a missile which appears to have been mischievously. thrown from a bridge which spans thi- line at Tuehmgham. between Whitchurch and Malpai. :The missile cut through a hard hat: worn by tho driver. The train was brouarht to a fcts.ndotiU by the firoomn. and at MSI pas the incident was reported. Jones, Who was feeling very faint when tw tram arrived at Malpaa. was able to continue h» journey. The driver of the 12.20 p. m. tram ox tfwsstor reported that he WAS thrown at from the KMBO bridge the eaToe day. Tho polico arc investigating the affair.

I WIRRAL EDUCATION MATTERS. I A meeting of the, Administrative Sub-committee for the Bebington and Neston area was held at Hootoa on Thursday evening, whem Mx. J. J. Evans presided over 1 good attendance. Ques- tions relative to tha transfer of the Primitive Methodist School. Ellasniere Port, to the county wore, discussed. A clause in the terms of transfer provided that the trustees should have the use of the building on Sundays and not more than three evenings per week.-TI-e Clerk (Mr. J. H. Hammond) reported that the trus.tees desired to retain the right to use the whole or any part of the premises when they were not being used for 6ohool purposes, without being iimited to three niglits.-Ildr. W. Poel said the county were going to pay a rental of fifty pounds per annum, and oany out all repairs, and he thought it was a bit ungracious for the trustees to make that pro- posal. He thought they ought to be content with three nights per week.—Mr. W. Stockton said the trustees did not wish to be confined to three nights when tho building was not being used on other nights in the week. If there were classes ever- night, th3 trustees would of course not use the building at all in the week.—After further disoussioii. Mr. W. Stockton moved that the County Committee bo recommended to accept a clause that the trustees be allowed the use of the building when it was not required for any pur- poso by the education authoritics-Mr. H. A. Latham seconded, and it was agreed to. Thj Chairman g.ated that the County Commit- tee had refused to aeoept the decision of that sub- committee to postpone the consideration of the new sohool for Neston for twelve months, and they desired them to proceed at ,-? d them to proceed at once with it. It was now their duty to appoint an architect, and tlia sub committee would meet him to consider the piar.s. Three architects had boen asked to aair.d in competitive plans, and it was for the meeting to •=)-loot, one of them.—Mr. J. Pemborton did not see how tho matter could be proeixdied with. Thr; number of employes at the C'Cilhery had been reduced, a.nd many had left tho distriat, but if the boring for a new seam was StHx)(.<;ful the numbers would be increased again. It was therefore impossible to know how maziy children to proriqo for. There was not now the overcrowding there, had formerly been.—Mr. P. N. S^oni sa.id the plant had been prepared on an unsuitable basis, and the county architect said all th:)<) were defective. The committee must have some satisfying data before they could appoint an arohitect.-A long discussion foUowed, and it woo finally docided to appoint Mr. Deacon, of Rook Ferry —It wart understood that the .work wouid not necessarily be commenced at onoo.

Denson's Xnus Port, guaranteed pure-, Is. per boU!<». CJHRIS11MAS PRESENTS.—Stilton C'nees^. ripe and blue, York and Cumberland Hams in primpi onnditimi. —Thompson. Son and Clemence, 10, N.'wthgat^tr'v^, 17. F/M.t.eite-street, 16, Fore- gai e-street, and 1, MaHt3^ Hall.

CHRISTMAS PRESENTS—Stilton "Cheese, r::pe and blue. York and Cumberland Hams in primo condition —Thompson, Son and C'emence, 10, Northgat,"tre-t. 17. Eastgato-straet, 16, Fore- gate-strcet. and 1, Market Hall. PAINFUL CHESTER CASE—At Chester Police Court, on Monday, on the application of Mr. Morgan. George Fai re lough, wardrobe dealer. Watergate Row, was granted a separation order against his wife, the sum that he should pay to- wards her maintenance being fixed at 7s. 6d. a week The ground of t-he application .was that defendant was an habitual drunkard. NEW HALKYN MINES. LIMITED.—The second ordinary general meeting of the shareholders of the New Halkyn Mines, Limited, was held at the Queen Hotel, Chester, on Monday. Mr. Thos. Parry (Mold) presided, and there was a good attendance. The directors in their first report said the mining areas and mines, together with the shafts, plant and machinery taken over from the vendors were found in good order and equal in all respects to what they had been represented. The main expenditure of the company had been upon the branch drainage tunnel. being driven under contract by the Halkyn Mining Co., Ltd. It would be seen from the reports of the managing directors, Capt. Powell, Capt. J. L Francis and Capt. Harper, that this tunnel (though still some distance from where the catch lode might be expected) had intersected several small joints in ground of a most promising character. The Board considered thus an encouraging confirmation of the policy of the company. They were advised that they were fully justified in expecting some good result from the proposed exploration of the liest joint referred to in the report. The directors were pleased to be able thus to meet the shareholders at the end of the first year's working with such hopeful indications in the company's chief enterprise. In accordance with the articles of association, the whole of the directors (Messrs. Thos Parry, Thos. Owen. Henry Blower, Thos. Dilworth, Thos. Glover. John Hammond, John Lloyd, W. M. Roberts and E. Noel Huyiphreys) retired. and were eligibleior re-election. Messrs. Wakefield. Dodd and Thornely, the auditors, also retired, and offered themselves for re-appointment. The report was adopted, and the directors and auditors re-appomted.

I SKETCH OF HIS CAKEER. The unfortunate events of 1880 left the Conservative party in Chester in a feeble con- dition, and there was a general disinclination to fight at the next election. However, several younger members of the party were averse to the idea of making the Radicals a present of the seat, and a request was sent to headquarters for a candidate. Several gentlemen came to Chester and explained their views, but it was not thought ] they were likely to carry the Conservative flag to victory. Finally Mr. Robert Yerburgh came on the scene, and expounded his views to a very small deputation. The effect on his hearers was electrical, and after Mr. Yerburgh had left the room they unanimously decided to recommend him to the party. Mr. Yerburgh, who had then been Conservative candidate for Grimsby for two years, waa afterwards enthusiastically adopted as the champion of the Constitutional cause in Chester, and the exciting incidents of the cam- paign of 1885 are still fresh in our minds. We all remember the characteristic vigour with which Mr. Yerburgh threw himself into the fight; how his magnetic influence inspired confidence among his supporters, and how his rousing speeches caused dismay in the opposition camp. The election resulted in the defeat of Mr. Yerburgh by Dr. Foster by only 300 votes, and the result was considered very satisfactory by the Con- servatives. Then came the historic election of 1886, and with it Mr. Yerburgh's opportunity. The Radicals, recognising that they had a foeman worthy of their steel, fought their hardest, but had to succumb, and Mr. Yerburgh became member for Chester by the narrow margin of 66 votes. In 1832. when he met Baron Halkett, he increased this majority to 620; in 1895 he was not opposed, and in 1900 lie defeated Mr. Howell ldris by 729. Mr. Yerburgh is the third son of the Rev. Richard Yerburgh. rector of Sleaford. Lincoln- shire. and afterwards of Higher Bickington, North Devon, and on January 17th next will be 53 years of age. though from his youthful appear- ance one can scarcely credit it. He was educated at Harrow and University College, Oxford (B.A. 1877), and was called to the Bar at the Middle Temple in 1380. He joined the norther circuit, of which his uncle was the leader. Mr. Yerburgh was private secretary to Mr. Akers-Douglas when Secretary to the Treasury, in 1885-6, and was afterwards private secretary, in the House of Commons to the late Mr. W. H. Smith when Leader of the House. The hon. member is fond of hunting, is a good shot, and latterly has been strongly bitten by the golf craze. He is J.P. and D.L. for Lancashire, and J.P. for Kirkcudbright- shire. Mr. Yerburgh is eminently a busy man, and it may not be out of place to glance at a few of the movements with which he is connected. In the first Place,, he is President of the Navy League, a strictly non-party organisation, the object of which Is to urge upon the Government and the electorate the paramount importance of an adequate Navy as the best guarantee of peace. The excellent, work of the League is too well known to need any praise at our hands. An incident may be mentioned as shewing Mr. Yerburgh'* practical interest in our first line of defence. When a Committee was sitting to enquire into the question of Navy rations, he and Mr. Arnoid-Forster were visiting the Mediter- rane-an fleet, and for a day they lived on the rations supplied to the ordinary seaman. Mr. Yerburgh's verdict was not favourable, and there is no doubt, that his and Mr. Arnold-Forster'a action served a useful purpose in directing public attention to the matter, and making it certain that the Committee's recommendations would be carried out by the Admiralty. Then Mr. Yerburgh is President of the Agricultural Organisation Society, and there are few parts of the country he has not visited for the purpose of -expounding the objects of this excellent institu- tion. It was the National Agricultural Union, with which the late Lord Winchilsea was asso- ciated, that constituted the first real effort to organise British agriculturist. on a national basis; and it was the British Produce Supply Associa- tion, founded by the same gentleman, that attempted to create a direct bond of union between farmers and consumers. In 1900 Mr. Yerburgh became President of the Union, and on his sug- gestion the members decided to enter on a new field of action. His scheme was, in effect, that the Union should adopt the teaching and methods of agricultural co-operation already so successfully followed in Continental countries, abandoning both politics and risky speculations, and proceed- ing upon strictly practical lines. The title of the British Agricultural Organisation Society was then adopted. Affiliated to that society are .107 registered Co-operative Agricultural Societies in England and Wales. The principal objects of these local societies are to aid the farmer in pur- chasing his requirements to the best advantage, and to enable him to secure the best market for the sale of his produce; to open up remote districts by motor goods wagons; to hire or buy pedigree stallions, bulls, etc., for the use of members at small fees; to insure live stock and to establish I Agricultural Credit Banks. The steady progress that is being made in this beneficent work must! be very gratifying to Mr. Yerburgh. The hon. member also takes a lively interest in the Urban Co-operative Banks Association, of which he is President. This association has been reorganised with the view of making a renewed effort to induce working people in urban districts to establish their own popular co-operative banks, and to encourage deposits and advance loans for remunerative purposes at a moderate rate of interest. As Mr. Yerburgh has pointed out, these banks encourage wise saving and discourage thriftless waste; tend to abolish petty usury; and train working people in business habits. After the local societies are organised they are self- supporting, but the association continues its advisory services to those affiliated to it. Mr. Yerburgh is Vice-President of the Co-operative Small Holdings Society, of which the honorary treasurer is Earl Beauchamp. This society is accomplishing a valuable work by assisting to give a larger number of persons a direct interest in the soil and thus checking the deplorable rural de- population. Mr. Yerburgh is Vice-President of the Labour Co-partnership Association, and last year had the honour, under the presidency of Mr. Richard Bell, M.P., general secretary of the Amalgamated Society of Railway Servants, of delivering the opening speech at. the summer exhibition of the Co-operative Societies at the Crystal Palace. Mr. Yerburgh is a Vice-President of the Co-partnership Tenants' Housing Council, the object of which is to aid in the solution of the housing problem by encouraging and pro- moting the establishment of Tenants' Co-partner- ship Societies. The China League, of which the hon member is Chairman, is doing good service in keeping a watch on Briti&h interests in the Far East, and seeing that they receive proper con- sideration by the Government. Mr. Yerburgh is a member of the Executive Committee of the National Service League, of which Lord Roberts is President. This body advocates the principle of universal naval or military training, and urges the necessity of all young men, without distinction of class—duke's son and cook's son alike—being able to take up the rifle in defence of their country. Continuing the list of associations with which Mr. Yerburgh is connected, mention should be made of the fact. that he is hon. treasurer of the Balkan Committee, the object of which is to educate the public as to the real state of affairs in Macedonia. Then Mr. Yerburgh is Vice- Chairman of the Council of the National Home Reading Union, and hon. secretary of the Recreative Evening Schools Association. This is a formidable list, and shews, we think, that the member for Chester is a man of many parts. A sketch of this kind would not be complete without a brief reference to Mr. Yerburgh's Parliamentary work. His moderate views and courteous manner have gained him the respect of both sides in the House of Commons, and his speeches always receive careful attention. He made a name for himself in exposing the evils of usury, and largely as a result of his efforts we now have the Usury Act. Mr. Yerburgh also deserve, praise for the part he played in securing the passing of the Witnesses Protection Act. He is also entitled to the thanks of his foUow-countrv- men for causing the enquiry by an Agricultural Committee into the question of National wheat stores, at which much important evidence was given. The Committee, it will be romcmbered, recommended the Government to appoint a Royal Oommrssion to conduct an important inquiry into the whole subject of the National Food Supply in Case of War. In those and many other matters Mr. Yerburgh has always shewn a keen regard for the welfare of the Empire, and particularly in advocating the maintenance of our naval supremacy. The writer had the pleasure of a hurried inter- view with Mr. Yerburgh the other day, and found him most optimistic regarding the coming election. The hon. member never looked fitter in his life, and it was difficult to realise that twenty years have elapsed since he first made the acquaintance of the electors of Chester. He declared himself as strongly opposed to Home Rule as ever; on no account would he hand over Ireland to the government of the Nationalist party. He was also determined to resist, Dis- establishment, and the attempt to destroy the denominational schools and to prevent children from beng educated n the religion that their parents wished. He also advocated a small and I efficient army. and the encouragement of the Volunteer forces. On these and other ttIattèr.5 Mr. Yerburgh talked pleasantly, adding that he ghould soon take the opportunity of explaining his views fully to the electors. Asked ,then he thought the General Election would be, the hon. member said of course he did not know, but he should like it to be on January 17th. "Why?" the writer asked. Because," Mr. Yerburgh replied with a merry twinkle in his eye, that is my birthday, and I should ask the electors of Chester to give me a birthday present of 1,000 majority."

VISIT OF EMINENT JAPANESE —The con- cluding lecture of the Y.M.G.A. popular courso wiU be given in the Music Hall on Monday, when Satori Kato. journalist, author and lec- turer, will apeak on "Japan of To-day." the Lord Bishop of Chester occupying the- chair. Mr. Kato, who at one time owned and conducted a daily paper in Tokyo, i* a well-known writer On a variaty of subjects, and an aocomplished speaker. He received his cntiie education in Japan, was! a student at the time of the Restoration, and is.. an undoubted authority on the wonderful race of people of whom he is a true reprosentattive. QUEEN-STREET P.S.A.—On Sunday a j special open meeting was held. Tho Rifle Volun- teer Band provided the musical portion, under Bandmaster Mr. A. E. Humphreys. The Chair- man (Coi. T. J. Smith) said he was pleased to see the un;tt that existed betwec-n the Volunteers and | the. P.S.A.. which was bound to he a benefit to the old city. The speaker was the Rev. F. Hib- j borti, president of the Chapel-streeti P.S.A., Blackburn, who gave a splendid address on the j subject '='ho are you?" Mr. WillianiL3 played on the cornet the solos "Holy City" and "The Better Land." Mr. A. Eden, Mr. Tunnioliffe and Mr. Marriott also took part CITY-ROAD WESLEYAN P.S A.—There was a good at^endanco at a helpful service on Sunday. The posidont occupied the chair. The Rev. T. j Whoa-doy. in a bright, Orrery a.dd ross dosoriocd some "stepping stones" for Christian li-fe and service. Mr. and Mis. Bogie's singing was much a.pprocia.ted. Mr. sang the solo "The Lord is my Shepherd." and Mr. and Mis. Boeie gave l ic%s T t lesson wa.,3 the duet "Consider the Lilies" The lesson was read bv Mr. Pince. and Mr Edwards took the prayer. Mr. R. BLittirworth WM the organist, and Mr. G. Jones (choirmaster) had charge of a full ohoir. A choice selection of Wines for the Xmas Sea- eon. Ports, Sherries, Clarets at competitive- ( cash prices. Samples will convnce you of our I extraordinary offer. Denson's StoreB. INFIRMARY BALL.-Tho Right Worshipful Mayor of Cheter begs to acknowledge with thanks the recl-ipt of the following donations to itiv-, Infirmary Ball Fund: -Mrs. R. A. Yerburgh, £10; the Hon. Mrs. H. D. Trelawny, JBl; Mrs. Hamilton, JB1. Is.; Mrs. H. A. Latham. £ 1. Is. • Mre. Gooddie Holmes, E 1. ls Mrs. J. R Thom- son, ;Cl. Is.; Mrs. Tyrer. £ 1. Is.; Mrs. Carsta.irs ?oncs, ?1. 15.; Mrs. S. H. Holm, ?L Is.; Mrs i3ark?r, 21. Is. Mrs. Sanders. £ 1; Mm. Gibbons Frost, £ i; Mrs. Bam&ton, ?1; Mrs. A. S. Roz- cion, £1. Is.; Mrs. Aldersey, £ 1, Is. Mrs. Geo. Dickson, £ 1. Is.; Mrs. Henry Gladstone, B2. 2s.; Mrs. Pitcarn Campbell. £1; Mrs. Hope, £ 1. Is.; Mrs. Robertson. ;Cl. Is.; Mrs. Douglas Dobie, £1. Is Miss Richardson, £ 1. Is.; Mrs. Francis Barnston, f:1. Is. Mrs. E. P°we1'. £ 1. Is. Mrs. R. Simpson. El. Is. Mrs. T. H. Dixon, 91. la. Mrs. MordenRigg, £1; Mi-s. B. C. Roberts, 91. Is.: Mrs. Darby, £ 1. Is.; -ivliss J. E. Blackburne, JB1; Mrs J. H. Davidson. £ 2. 2s.; Mrs. Honoratus Ltoyd, £1 Is.; Mrs. C. P Douglas. JBl. Is.; Mrs. W. Rogers, Ll. is.; Miss Gamon, RI. Is.; Mrs. W. A. Fitz- gerald, Cl Is.; Mrs. Lyle Smyth. j61. Is* Mrs. W. H. Lowe, JB1. Is.; Mrs. Park-Yates, L2: Mrs. Adair. :Cl ls. Mrs. J. G. Chnrton, ki.. la. Mrd R. W. Ethelsiton. Ll; Mre. N. Johnson, JBl. ls. Mis. Okell, fl. Iii.; Mrs. E. B. Swetenham, £ 1 Is Mrs. J. S. Latham. £ 1. Is.; Mrs. Sto'terfoth,' 91. 11'1.; Miss Perrvn, -22 Mrs. Sheriff Roberts, £ 1. Is Mrs. Quellyn Roberts, £ T. is. Lady Frost, £1. Is.; Mr. Wav, £1. la. M-s. Reginald Dixon. BL ls. Mrs. J. q. Frost. 21. ls. Mrs. Kay, 21. la. Hon. Mrs. Cecil Parker, jEl. Is.: Mrs. France Hayhurst. £ 2. 2s the Countess Grosvenor. £ 1. ls.; Mrs. Simpson. fl; Mrs. Crosland Taylor. 91; Miss Darsie, jB2. 2s. Mrs. Harrison, gi Lady Howard, £1: Mrs. James Taylor. £1 ls. Mrs T. R. P. Royle, jEl. ls. Mrs. Bell, £1. 1,9. Mrs. Grie.. 01. 11'1.; Mrs. Trotter, El Mrs. Pearse, 21. ls.; Mrs. John F.Wers, Pl. Is.; Mrs. Rogerson, €1. Is.; Mrs. Wnlsbv, £ 1. la.; Mrs. Ferznson. :Cl. ls. Miss H. Dickson. £1. la. Miss Hobday, 91. la.

Lord and Lady Tollemache arrived at Peckforton Castle on Thursday from London. The "Daily Telegraph" says Sir John Brunner has been offered a peerage, but it is believed he does not wish to accept the honour. Speaking on Tuesday at Selattyn at a Con- servative meeting held in support of the candida- ture of Mr. W. Clive Bridgeman, Lord Harlech vigorously denounced the policy of Home Rule. Mr. W. G. C. Gladstone is at Hawarden entertain- ing friends for a shooting party, but owing to the unfortunate death of an under-keeper, Robert Hardy, on Thursday, suddenly, the shooting has been postponed. The Bishop of Chester has appointed the Rev. F. A. Macdona, M.A., rector of Cheadle, to be Rural Dean of the Rural Deanery of Stockport in the place of the Rev. Canon Symonds, M.A., who has resigned. Lord Harlech, Lord Enniskillen, Mr. Townsend, Mr. E. Oakley, Mr. Wood, and Mr. Hugh Peel shot over Lightwood Hall, Blake's Wood, Osier Bed and Heath's Wood, on the Brynypys Estate, one day last week, and had very good sport. The bag consisted of 500 pheasants, 20 hares, and 60 rabbits. The death is announced from Trefriw of Mr. F. Kitchen, a Justice of the Peace for Carnarvon- shire and a considerable landowner in North Wales. Quite recently Mr. Kitchen bought the Caldy Manor Estate, Cheshire, for £ 60,000, and had contemplated developing it. He died sud- denly in bed late on Monday night. The Marquis of Cholmondeley left London on Saturday for Cholmondeley Castle. Earl Egerton and the Duchess of Buckingham have returned from London to Knutsford. An engagement is announced between Graham, second son of Henry Partridge and Mrs. Partridge, of Castle Hill, Blechingly, Surrey, and Marian Clouston, youngest daughter of E. C. Thin and Mrs. Thin, of The Uplands, Noctorum, Cheshire. 2c>th, ni1^90!6 f £ e ^Jltake place on Thursday, January Mrs. ni.%?? 6? at Christchurch, Higher Bebington, between Edgar Lancdot, youngest son of the Rev. Henry Sharlock, of Bildeston. Suffolk, and Barbara May, youngest daughter of G. H. Eaton, of Gorsey Hey, Higher Bebington. Alderman W. H. Vaudrey, of Manchester, upon whom the King has conferred the honour of knighthood, traces his ancestry back to an old Cheshire family of Vaudrey, some of whose repre- sentatives were prominent residents in the Bowdon district between the years 1500 and 1700. Countess Grosvenor, Lady President of the St. George's, Hanover-square, District of the League of Mercy, was present on Monday afternoon at a drawing-room meeting held, on the invitation of Mrs. Lumley Holland, at 5, Wilton-crescent. Lady Grosvenor explained the working of the organisation, and the results attained in her district. A marriage has been arranged between Roger Charlton Parr, of Killichronan, Isle of Mull, only son of Mr. J. Charlton Parr, of Grappenhall Heyes, Warrington, and Staunton Park, Hereford- shire, and Juhan Mary, elder daughter of Lieut.- Colonel the Hon. Robert J. O. Jocelyn, of Tulla- more Park, co. Down. The death of Lady Rawson. wife of Admiral Sir Harry Rawson, the Governor of New South Wales who was accompanying her husband to Sydney, is announced from Colombo. Lady Rawson died on board the Orient Pacific steamship Ormus in the Red Sea on the 3rd inst. She was the daughter of the late Mr. John R. Shaw, of Arrowe Park, and married Sir Harry Rawson in 1871. Mr. Martin Hall, younger son of Lieut.-General 'Julian Hall, lately of the Coldstream Guards, was married on Saturday at Holy Trinity Church, Brompton, to Alice, daughter of the late Mr. W. W. Hasler, of Aldingbourne, Sussex, the Dean of Ripon, cousin of the bridegroom, officiating, assisted by the Rev. W. W. Kelly, vicar of Aldingbourne. The bride was wearing a costume of ivory satin duchesse draped with antique Brussels lace, and trimmed with silver sequin embroidery, and a long Court tram of brocade was veiled with Brussels lace. Master Geoffrey Holt and Master Patrick Payne acted as train-bearers, attired in Court suits of white cloth, with lace jabots; and there were five brides- maids-Miss Joan Hasler, Miss Agnes Hall, Miss Barbara Stnckiand, and the Misses Geraldine and Molly Grey. Mr. Henry P. Hussey, son of the late Mr. Edw. Hussey, of Scotney Castle, Lamberhurst, Kent, was married at Holy Trinity Church, Sloane- square, London, on Monday afternoon, to Miss Margaret Peel, daughter of the late Mr. Edmund Peel, of Bryn-y-pys; Flintshire. The service was ohoral. The Bishop of Bangor (uncle of the bride) officiated, assisted by the Rev. H. H anni co, rector of Grendon, Warwickshire. There were six bridesmaids. The bride was married in a drees of white ivory, satin, with semitrain covered with a coat of old Brussels family lace (which was worn by the iateLady WillougW de Broke, ifrea-t-aunt of the bnde, at her own weddintr over. Bixty years ago), arkl Brussels o -over a tiara of orange blossoms. The reception, held at fo, Eaton-square, leot by Mr. J. Eldon Bankes, was largely attended.: Early in the afternoon Mr. and Mis. Honry P, Hussey left for the Riviera, where they will spend their honeymoon. SALE OF A CHESTER BAYEl?'S" SHOP.- On Saturday Messrs. Cunnah and Roberts put up for auction at the Blossoms Hotel the baker's shop and dwelling-house, Nos. 11 and 12, Christleton- road. Mr. R. Walton became the purchaser at £ 510. Messrs. Bridgman, Weaver and Wild acted as solicitors to the vendor. AN ABSCONDING PAUPER.-On Monday, at the County Police Occasional Court, before Air W. Williains, Joseph Blake, an inmate of Chester | Workhouse, was charged with running away from the institution with the suit of clothes he re- ceivcd from the guardrana. Prisoner disappeared on the. 16th of Sept., and presented himself at the orkhouse on Saturday. He was sent to gaol for ftevon days. CHESTER BOARD OF GUARDIANS.-Tho: fortnightly meeting of the Chester Board of Guar- dians was held at the Workhouse on Tuesday.-Mr. T. Knowles mentioned that there were now forty children under four years of age, Mid gifts of toys would be very acceptable. He was sure the appeal had only to be made to the public for there to be a liberal response.—It was docid-ed to give the children in the Children's Homos the usual Christmas treat, with roast beef and plum pudding, on Christmas Day.-Miss; Mary A. Coleclough, of Longton, Staffs., was appointed by a majority of one vote as female at- tendant on the imbeciles. There was only one other candidate. CHESTER AMATEUR MINSTREL SOCIETY —An excellent concert was given by the members of this troupe on Monday evening, in the Lecture Hall, Saltney. A good programme was provided, and the audience shewed their appreciation of all the items rendered. The troupe kept the audience in roars of laughter by their comic songs and jokes, The interlocutor was Mr. Alf. Thompson. The following was the programme :-OpeniDg chorus, Branigans' Band," The Troupe; comic song, "Trifling oécurrences." .T oe Parry; comic song, When r woke up in the morning." Jim Green; song, "The Boys of the Lifeboat Crew," Mr. Alf Thompson; eomic song. I can't come out to-day," Will Deer; song, Queen of the earth," Mr. Will Dutton; comic song, "Stop yer tickling, Jock" (encored) Jock Amos song, Under the Deodah," Joe Mealing; comic song. I've brought the coal." Mr. Harry Sinclair; closing chorus, "The Church Parade," leader, Mr. R. E. James; stump speech, Will Deer; song, The trumpet call, Will Dutton; selection by the C.A.M.S. quartette; comic song (encored), Little Griff; selections on fairy bells, Mr. A. Prince; character song, "Tobermory", (encored), Jock Amos; character song, Harold Darlington. The programme eemiriuded with a laughable farce, entitled Immanuel's Ghost," in which the characters were ably sustained by Messrs. J. E. Caldecutt, Joe Mealing and Will Deer. THE WRONG HORSE.-At Chester Countv Court on Thursday, before his Honour Judge Sir Horatio Lloyd, Hobert Hewson, general dealer, Chapel-lano, Chester, brought an action against Robert Rose, furniture remover, 2, Spital-walk, Chester, to recover 22. 2s. Mr. Brassev was for the plaintiff and Mr. R. T. Morgan defended. Mr. Brasscy stated that plaintiff rented a field at Deo Banks, Boughton. and had four horses there. One was a black mare. In a field adjoining was a bay mare which defendant had hired. Defendant wanted a horse to go with a load of furniture to Rhydymwyn, near Mold, on Monday. August 28th. and his man, instead of takng the bay mare (whioh shortly afterwards had to go to the knacker's), took plaintiff's black mare, which defendant himself helped to put in harness. The black mare was missed, there was a hue and cry, and the cause of its absence discovered. De- fendant explained that a mistake had been made. and telephoned to Mold for the mare to be re- turned. Plaintiff had hired the black mare to a man named Magee, who first reported its absence from the field. The black mare was recovered. but was unable to work until the following Saturday, owing to a swollen shoulder through the mis-fitting collar defendant used.—Plaintiff gave evidence.—Mr. Brassey: Is defendant short- sighted or blind that he should mistake a black mare for a brown one?—Plaintiff: I don't know.— Thomas Magee spoke to having hired the black mare from plaintiff and finding it missing. He also said that when the mare returned it was "done up." The defendant's horse was a dark bay. about Ig hands smaller than plaintiff's.—Mr. Morgan argued that it was a pure mistake; and defendant in the witness-box Supported this stated ment., saying his own horse was quite fit to t-ako the journey to Mo'd, which wa^ twelemile5. lipo offered plaintiff the use of his dark bay bpree.,i He met the other horse as it was returning,' and'1, did not see anything the matter with it. The collar fitted plaintiff's mare. which was of the same colour as the one he had hired.—The Judge said j there was no doubt defendant had made a mistake. He did not think the damages claimed were too 'high. and he crave judgment for plaintiff. hiP?hH. EASANTS! PHEASANTS! 6uitable for Christmas Gifts, at lowest market prices.—J. Southard and Co. (Market Square), 52, Northgate- street, Chester. TeJeohone 2Y. ( Don't miss Denson'* Port Wine for the X-na,i Season; extraordinary value at Is., Is. 6d, 2s., 2s. 6d. ocr battle.

.— ♦ BURTON. BURNING FATALITY.—On Thursday a oh Id named Thomas Janiias Swift, aged six, the son of a farm labourer, living a.t Burton, died flrom the effects of burns received on Tuesday. It appears that on Tuesday morning the child's mother left him alone in the house, and in his bedroom, where he was dressing himself, there was a lighted candle. On returning to the house Mlrs. Swift saw the boy running into the road, the sleeve of his shirt being in flames. She at once extinguished the fire with her skirt, but despite the prompt attention of Dr. Yeoman, of Neston, the child succumbed as stated. An inquest well be held.

ROSSETT. I DEATH OF MR. E. PRICE-We regret to record the death of Mr. Edward Price, of Bur- ton Gieen, gamekeeper to Mr. Thorley Sykes, I Croe.showelL which took place on Friday after a painful illness at the ea-riy age of 51 years. De- ceased, who was a freeman of the city of Chester. was also closely associated with the Burton Pres- byterian Chapel. He leaves a widow and grown- up family. The respect in which dceca.sed was held was evidonocd by the large concourse* of mourners attending the interment, which took place at Rossett Church on Tuesday. At Burton Cnapel a short devotional service was conducted by the Rev. B. Soott Williams, B.D., and tho Rev. J. Meredith, who also performed the funeral r:tes at. the grave. Among those present in ad- dition to the relatives were Messrs. J. Hughes (Yew Iree Farm), W. Harvey (Burkehouse Farm), Joshua Smith (Pulford), Eilis Gillam (Poulton;, James Edwards (Pinfold Farm), W. Allsopp, Geo. Chaloner, W. H. Harris, S. Hus- kissoll. W. Jones (Ball's Hall), R. Randies, Wm. Crewe, H. Williams, Peter Dutton (Rackery rm) T. Wynne, E. Martin, etc A number of beauti.L ful wreaths were placed upon the coffin.

I FKODSHAM. (See aito page 7,j .RUMMAGE SALE—The rummjage sale ra- oently held at the Frodsham Bridge Mission Uhuroh, in aid of the renovation fund, resulted in the satisfactory balance of £ 9 being realised CURATES' FUND.-The statement of ac- oounts for year ending September 30th, 1905, of the f rodsham Curates' Fund, shews the income from 46 subscribers with j69. 12s. 8d. as the pro- oeeds from the vicarage garden fete, to have been 1.155. 3s. 2d., and the expenditure:6135, leaving a balance of 3s. 2d. FIRE.-The Frodsham Fire Brigade were sum- moned on Wednesday morning to a fire at the house of Mr. Thomas Bailey, Volunteer-street, Newtown. Superintendent W. G. Linakeir and Mr. George Jones turned out with a cart contain- ting the hosepipes and, fittings, but their services were not required, the outbreak having been extinguished before much damago had been done. BILLIARD MATCH.-Tllo initial billiard match of the season between the Frodsham Con- servative Club and Beaconsfield Conservative Club took place at Liverpool on Wednesday. Beaconsfield Club were easily winners by 141 points. The following is the soore:-Beacons- field Alexander 100, Beckett 100, Thompson 100 Woodworth 40, C. Hunt 100, R. Felton 100 T. Foster 87, Nicholls 100, Davies 100, Stocker 97, total 924. Frodsham: W. H. Warburton 52, J. Holland, jun., 78, J. Gorst 89, G. Hindley 100, O. H. Johns 53, F. Gleave 71, H. Holland 100, J. H. Rodgers 92, T. Illidgl 48, R K. Jeacock 100, total 783 HOMING SOCIETY.-At an adjourned general meeting of the FixxLs-ham Homing Sooiety, held on Tuesday evening at the Queen's Head Hotel, Mr. F. W. Spenoer's resignation as vice-president and delegate of the Frodsham- and district Homing Soo-ety was aooept-ed with 11e-- gret, and Mir. D. Walker was elected vice-pre- sident, and Mr. W. Janion delegate in his stead. The following programme of races will be lfown during 1906: Old birds. Wellington, 50 miles; Worcester, 80 miles; Bath 133 miles; Bourne- mouth, 181 miles; Jersey, 285 miles; Nantes, 424 miles. Young birds: Wellington, 50 miles; Worcester, 80 miles; Gloucester, 100 miles Bath, 133 miles. DEATH OF AN OLD RESIDENT.-We re- gret to record the death of Mr. Thomas Sant, sadler, of Frodsham, which took place at his residence on Friday last, aftefr only a. short ill- ness. Deceased was in his 69th year. The re- mains were interred on Tuepday afternoon at the Drodsham Parish Church in the presence of a considerable number of friends and sympa- thises. The funeral cortege left the residence of the deceased shortly after 1.30, and was preceded by officials of the Trinity Church and Sunday school, and by other prominent parishioners, in- cluding Messrs. R. Proud, W. E. Shore, W. E. Thornton, H. N Linaker, A E. Rimmer, Gil. Shalrrock, W. D. Ringrose, James Clarke, John Hoose, and others. There were a number of beautiful wreaths from relatives and friends, and floral tributes of respect and sympathy from the sohoiars and teachers and officers of the Sunday school and of the Trirv.ty choir. The mourners were Messrs. Harry Ormson and John Bribes (nephews), and Messrs. W. II. Pickering and S. Sharp, the Rev. W. H. Moseley (minister), Messrs. Andrew Hutohinson, Samuel Smith, William Unsworth and George NorCross. The burial service was read in a most impressive man- ner by the Rev. W. H. Motley in the Tnnitv Church, after which the congregation joined in urc???g ing of the hymn "Now the labour?' r?k is er," and on leaving the church Mr. G. S. Frith, the organist, played the Dead March. The coffin was subsequently borne to the grave on the shoulders of eight of the de-cteaaed's feilow- workers of the church—Messrs. John C. Jones, A. Lazenby, G. Chatwocd, W. H. Shore, S. Clalrke, Geo Hulse, H. Thornton and Jesse Ather- ton. For many years Mr. Sant has conducted the business of a saddler, and was greatly esteemed respectied. He !had been connected with the Wesleyan Sunday school for upwards of sixty years, first as a scholar, then as teacher, and latterly as superintendent of the morning school and choirmaster He was a true Christian, be- loved. by both old 'and youM alih?, and his name will be revered by those who were on terms of intimate acquaintance with him, and his loss will be keenly felt by the °'? he so much loved. L MUSIOAL SOCIETY CONCERT.—The Frod- sham Choral Society held their first concert of the presont session on Wednesday evening in the Dr.Il HaD, Frodsham, there being a fairly large and enthusiastic audii,eno- The programme was of a. ™lSoe 1 ^aneous charactor, and deviated some- what from the general rule of the society; the innovation was albeit one. which was heartily ap- preo-ated by most of the audience, consist inn- as it d;,d of a series of string quartettes by accom- plished artists a treat- not often presented to a F-rodsham audience. This is the eighth season of the society under the present management, and the comnv.,ttee aire to be heartily consratu- lated upon their endeavours to foster the tastes of the mw ng portion of the community, with the works of. uch past-masters of instrumen- t.ation as Brahms, Mozart and Haydn. The ar- tists consisted of Mrs. Newham (soprano), Mr.. J. Rabbitt (tenor), wi-th the string quartette-, 1st violin Mr. Whitehead. 2nd violm Mr. Starkey, rviola Mr. Allen, and 'oello Mr. Wright. The chorus consisted of 60 voiass, under the con- ductorshap of Mr. H. P. Allen. The opening chorus, "And the glory of the Lord" (Handel). was excellently rendered, as was also Dr. Bridge's well-known and exacting part-song Love," which was finely interpreted. The chorus, "He trusted in God," recieited creditable rendition, alt-hou-h lacking a little in energy. The whole refleclie4 great credit on ohoir and conductor. Mrs. Newham in hor numbers, Eternal involami" (Verdi) and Stephen ( Adamss Ihe island of dreams," shewed to ex- ce-llent advantage, her rich clear voice and per- fect enunciation being a great musical treat. She was enthusiastically recalled. Mr. J. Rab- bifct was likewise much enjoyed in his capital ren- dering of recit and air. "Lend me your aid" and bullivans "Sailor's Grave," the latter in par- ticular being expressively given. The qua-rtette party in Brahm's sonata, Mozart's oanzona and allegro molto. and "Adagio" and "Allrgtëo ma n- ti-oppa" Haydn), we're exe-eptcoitalHy pleasing all the items being full of beauty and remarkably well rendered. Mr. Whitehead, for his violin solo, "Legende"- (Wieniawski) received a well- merited encore. Mr. Allen. :n addition to giv- ing a pianoforte solo, shared the accompaniments with Miss Bessie Lewis in a manner which ccn- tributed materially to the success of the evening. The society must be congratulated on their first concert.

Pure Port Wine, spccial valuo for Xmas Sea- son. Is per bottle*, at Denson's Stores. CHRISTMAS PRESENTS.—Evans's celebra- ted Melton Mowbray Pies and Royal Cambridge Sausagest obtainable only a.t any of Messrs.* Thompson, Son and Clem oner's Esbablvhments 10, Northgaite-stieet, 17, Eastgate-atroot, 16. Forcgate.-st re et, and 1, Market Halt. Daily supplies. Printed and published for and on behalf of the Cheshire and North Wales Newspaper Company. Limited, by JAMES ALBERT BIRCHALf., at tin, Cheshire Obse"er oftice, i. Bridcre-street. in the Oity fit Oht-ater.—SATUMiAy. December 16. 190 £

CHESTER BTEAM LAUNDRY, VICTORIA ROAD (CLOt-J BY THE NOBTHGATB STATION). Au the ariaagements are on the most approved modsru system for Washing, Ironing, Drying, Packing, &c., end the management most efficien:. W. H. LIPSHAM, Secretary & General Manager, Chestor Steam La-mfir- Co., Ltd. i TKtiSPH02v5 No. 411. fjg" ItiEpeuUiou is specially invited on any day excepting Mondays and Saturdays. TELEPHONIC EVANS & Co. (Chester), LTD.. WiNE t SPIRIT MERCHANTS, THE EASTGATE, CHESTER "TINiS & PIRIT OF FINEST QTJAUTT. FIN PLATERS NOURISHING STOUT. HEINEKEN'S LAGER BEER. BASS' PALE ALL LiST ON APPLICATION.

HAWARDEN KEEPER FOUND DEAD. On Thursday afetrnoon Robert Hardy, game- keeper on tho Hawarctaa estate, welit to the woods to feed the pheasants. As he did not return a search party was organised, and at ten o'clock he -was found lying: face downwards m the woods, life being extinct. Dr. Roberta, who was seat for, stated that cbooased was troubled wifth heart affeotion. An inquest lx, hdd. i

LYMM CHAMPION. BOUGHT BY THE DUKE OF WESTMIN- STER. Looal fanners leara with imiveveetf: that the Duke of Westminster has puichas-ed thei valoabk- two-yoar-old eh ire stallion Lymm, Champion 22562. which has boon exhibited with deaesved suooo-a. bv Mr. James Gould, Model Farm, Lymrr., Cheshire. He is got by Lymm Lion 18892, whoso stock haro niado a mark in tho, principal show ringa theao \.aÆ.t three years. Three of his gets have beoa sold thig season foe nearly 22,000. Lymm Champion, i: a horae ci true shire oharao- tcr, with immaass substance, and W'3 hope lie will do well for h» O-io:?!. whom wo arc glad to see takin? an uiterotn. in shire, iioraes. Lymm Champion has wo-i tho following prises in^ is aea- Fon: Secon d. Show, London; first, ree&rve champion. PeborborcKigii, first, and Weet Midknd, •at Shrewsbury; fii'st. fifty guinea cup. Wirral and Birkenhead; d, RoyaJ; second. Potetfboi'ough Suninrf Show; second, Royal Lancashitwo fir. t, Altrincham.

HAWARDEN PETTY SESSIONS. THURSDAY. —B>'orc Afe. T. R. Piobert, M'I F. Lee-Ha^oock and Mr W. Fryer. A WOMAN'S- TONGUE.—Elizabeth Hodgkias, Chemistry-laa?, Hawarden, waa awnKnooed far using obWne language an Nov. 4th.—PC Dempsey proved, ttbo casc, end a. fine of 19s., in- cluding costs, w?f> inflicted. UNCONTROLLED THIRST. — Elizabeth Buochai-rtone, a. respectably-dressed wocnan 110-. sidiasr as Quaaa's I'e/f, was stunmoiiM for being drunk at Queer's Ferry 03 Nov. 11th.—P.C. Rc:be;.t said tha¡. at 7.45 pm, m SWaivday, Nov. 11th. he found defendant drunk a.t. Quoen's Ferry She war u:,n6 bad lanjfttitfye. and ho was obliged to look betr up. ffo* t)*tli b) hire a con- veyances "to take* to Shottxii PO-ion Sfcwfcion. Deferi'Iant w83finJ lir. and ooois ^-Ils. 4<1).— Robext- Quoen's: Fon-y, was aummpaed for a similar o0tOMC5. P.C. Robert pirovad the c%se. -D(-,4aud (to Ctc. cort?b'oh W? 1 drunk, or WM-& yy?? I think it ?w you th? w&s drluik, or ivc-e y Vtink JLL ?A,?c 5,ou thi? was chunk, an d not ir.c*. (Larn hb?!): Prioe, Saifeisj', fmcd 5s. atid (lis -Win Pt?oe. &!tny. was &?<?<i 2a 6d 3ad owt& for ?ui? drunk aid -incapable on Nov 26th.—PS WriIliinw ftiid he found de £ ejxdant. >yin^ •across th;> roa-d near Sandy-'ano.—Goixk^a Swift, a weli-<ircv5sed young man. a. fimllar periaUy lor beiag drunk on Nov. 25th, or midnight.- -The C^b^nnAa jw)- vised him to turn teetotal -Jc^jtptv^-Rosachwla, c»f Sd.itney". lio 1 t.3 paj- 10s.and oosta foir 'bein^ drunk on D,o 2,i J noar Cha'jj mok jifel_-row, ney.—P.S. Willia.ns. proved th •■»(» ooaec. AN OBSTINATE ILMP. Thonniis Wigirans, Handbrdcre. UiKwtcr. had ♦» pay 10s., inoluding costs for riding without ft light, ftt. Sandycroft on Nov. IS —P. C. Dempaey proved Cne (Iil.?-. and stated rhat he lit. cfrsfendan'/i lamp for iiini, and it appeared to burn p^oprr'y. Uefr-ndajit fi..1.iJ t!1J) light, wout out again soon lft.r,. h?> had left the t^Tn?taUie, and h.-> walked It was Hie. f first time he h:td beeti summoned for hiving no light, although 5io> had b'n a oyeHst foe twemty t yc-am. THE BOAWC-. HEAD. hoenoe of the Boar's was from Mrs. Hughes to .T:i-eph Simc"ck.

CHESTER BILLIARD LEAGUE. SALTNEY v. HANDBRIDGE. -Played at Saltney. SALTNBT. IRANDBRIME. A. Ryland 150 .1.8peakUlaD 139 8. Ellis 150 T Belshaw 112 S. Read. 150 H. Pallett 120 P. Freeman 132 H. B Dryland 150 J.WH!etts 150 W. Hornby. 121 R. W. Jones 150 W. H. Walters 111 832 7(2 Majority for Saltney. 120.

SEQUEL TO COLLISION OF TRAPS.—At- the Chester O^aty Court on Tjitir-Jay L: Honour Judge h\r Horatio Lloyd heard an action •rising out of ftit accidi-nl; in Rridgjo-street. J. Brickland. hsl>m:> igsr. Bridge-street., claimed :Cl. 46. from Mr. T. Lee Okcli, farmc-, M damages aiJeged to have boefi sustained I the nc-gligent driving of defendant' servant. Sir. F. B. Appeared for Mr. Okeli. Plaintiff ca'.d his porty and trap were standing at hi:, r.op door. Defendant's man drov,, "-R tjii trap from the C;, between a tram and ot.fie»* vehicles, end collided with plaini.i 11-, trap, i\c-->rly knocking it. into the- flhop. He contended JlaP defendant's servant been thriving on iii-s peoper E,.& 410 Æcciderrt wuJd h'ave happened. Hi., (pJamtriFV) trap --Asid harncft, Were tiaVnaged. —Defendant Kaid he iheard of the accident and saw the trap. Tix> carnage repairer told him the trap could be repaired for a few I sfuilings. and he (defendant) ?s?r?ed to pay a « reasonable sum. lio- hod reoeivrd a bill for £1 for repairs to the I -ap. The Judge gave judgment for plaintiff for £ 1. -In the course of the oaise hir, ? Honour remarked t-'iat some pf?ptf ?ot pec'jt?r notions about the- 'rule of the nxut. Th?y thyao!l? it was the taw. A driver must depart from the rule of the roacl b avoid a.n accident. The rule of the road .va.s "•;»!. the law of the land; it was merely for the purjicee of using the- road without accident. CHRISTMAS GONFEOTK)NERY. -Amor.< the notable diepb>r3 in tho estab'ijhaieints in Chester mr, few to be fottild of greater at- traction to pe sons, of ail r.gcs th'tuii L" siiops of the contectioners. arid cako-makctn. Mess. Bok^r and Sons, of Bridge-street, are. ?<ja.in in the front > rank ia providing o. vAf'ed, ifovrl^aind high-class dspiay of all foai-urcs of the coM"( cvioner's art. In addition to a c;v>ico a.iTswi,2?emen-t of the deli- cacies of Christina., in the r &hop windows, they have a. special -sho/room w t out. to gi eait advan- tage. A here the biie may view and choose the I latest acquisition from too l-est Eugliir. and Continental market- It is iinneoess-irj to enumerate all the. dehght-s, but ■ r'- ar-^ s-evoral which strike RB* eye afc OIKX- Tho cakes. with h& 'm,'l.!lV 'cod d?i?n, are a"- ranged with rwa* lMHf s,weetm?a.i fsuur. p'?tt?Iy r,inxecl ?llitP -L, a,piff %Wcy-tm,-?at p-,eot'Iy &trqwbc,rn,-s I,,i d arLN shewn in pi-ofusbn Moiefc of liners, yaohts. eailoii and mili-tavy men in m-jue-taire- adorn the œk. Fancy bo,,(. baskets, <n'?-'t\?M? cmrw of winos. ha-?a of all fiJ )V<h BWOC.t- 1 meats. TI?T?' ai?'?t?d?')? of Cmaiieri '? b.ou Oacadia.u !o? w.d'?n'A wi?h r <?.? r:po:? of Oanadiai-i ttz w,da.11 o?-th boses dl1h- fil1, t'nndoÜL<" of < v"y Liud, f?m a g-rac? p:a?o t& a. s.i?? < ,sh:ti !?.?cha?9 wrth couc tturprisjo ta Rhape of domino Vvxcs, loovos and t-aafetrf oottof-i. 1 In co>a.iue.= Mofc. Baker travo an cmdleca varxetv or cieMgns r.wiJ.abl«--> fo" J.^Wo dt^eoration. Orchids, wallHower.; and orher bhxvm,- ai;e-daintily arranK?c! on th? pov'sof th" c)??-?'??., wWoh con- ta.in. j?Wt'U?ry t?d t?ys- A'u.)?' ?F ?xaaU'xit. bu?d are "r.wü. a <d a large ??'k of ooxæ of sweetmeats for aro ?ac<:?t i.) tempt? &&Y. Gift OXe6 of o'TOcn?at?)', <). ?')m.?y de- corated hv -U. n s-.id other materi^s, iv:) a r rh appear"e vo tho e'towrc-'jm.

MR. MOND'S RECORD.) THE CANDIDATE'S I PERFORMANCES. Mr. Alfred Morit Mond, as the pro-Boer candidate for Souih Salford, in 1900, was defeated by 1.227 votes, increasing the former Unionist majority in that constituency by 1,039. Since that date Mr. Mond, in the language of Mr. W. S. Gilbert, has done nothing in particular, and done it very well."

CHRISTMAS CATTLE SALE AT I FLINT. On Monday. at Flint, Mr. W. H. Nightingale I conducted a suooesafui Christmas show and prize sale of fat stock. Evary stall and pen in the yard was oecup-ed, the stablee having to be turned into loose boxes for the oattle. A brisk trade at top market prices resulted, and keen campe-ti- t on was witnessed between the local and distant supporters. Th)3 duties of adjudication were undertaken by Messrs. T. Hind's, Jos. Dares, J. Mosford and Jos. W. M. Evans. Mr. T. Bate, of Keteterton, won tho heifer and bull class. Both were neat beast*, and made quite 7jd. per lb. The prize bull w:.1fI sold at JE16 and the heifer at E20, being purchased, by Mr. Jos. Davies, of Flint. A cow, the property of M'r. Williams, Flint, took premier honour in its class, realising L23. 15s. Mr. BarwLse, of Maesgwyn, had a good entry. His bullock secured the first prize at L26. Lord Moetyn favoured with an entry of a cow whiah sold at L17. 10s., being highly com- mended in its claas. Mir. Jno. Owtens, of Plas Ucha, took the award for the best pair of beasts in the show, and they were sold at well over the see re per 'head. The sheep entry was large and met a rapid clearance. Mr. J. Eldon Bankes, K.C., showed ten wethers up to 34s. per head. Mr. S. Denaon'a Soutih Devon ewes were highly commanded, and sold at 39s. Mr Kendlrick, of Comiat Hall, for cross-bred gimmier3 took the prize, realising 46s. per head. Tho card for Welsh aheep was captured by Mr. Edwards, Hendre, with a pen of Welsh wethers, sold at 38s. The highly commended pens was the property of Mr. Jones. Penhwlfa, and made 31a. Tha prize for bacon pigs was awardfed to Mr. Williams, Flint, for a paar which made £ 12.17s. 6d. Messrs. Silcock, per their agent, Mr. Jones, pre- sented cash prizes to the winners who ihad con- sumed their feeding stuffs.

CHESHIRE COUNTY BALL. I The Cheshire county ball was held at Knuts- ford on Wednesday, and was a brilliant success. The AsseiiiWy Rooms at the Royal Georgte'Hotel 'had boon tastefully decorated for the oceasiott, and the inusic was niipplied by Mr. F. L. Buck- ley's (Sfcadcport) band. The members of the Ball Sub-oommittee were—Miss W. Dalrymple Elphin- stone, M.33 Main waring. Miss Ruth Thornycroft, Colonel Hubert Legh, Mr. T. F. Egerton, Mr. H S Maanwaring, and Mr. Cuthbert Leicester Warren. The following constituted the General Committee—Earl Egerton of Tatton, Sir Philip Main-waring, Colonel Lungford Brcoke, Col. Dixon, Mc&sns. W. Bromley Davenport, MP., Egerton Leigh, R. 0- Leycester, T. F. Egerton, Cuthbert Leioester Warren and Lady Letghton Warren. Antcng the Eruest-s were the following:- Earl Egerton of Tatter, and party, including Lord Middleton, Hon. May Grenvdie, Miss K. Egerto/i, Lady Clare E.rton, Mr. T. F. Eger- ton, CL-tptain thi: Hon W. Trefusis, Lady Ger- trude Cailiard, Mr. Cholmondeley, Ca.pta.in Gaillard, Captan Straeey, Hon. L. Legh, Lord Bury, Lady Consta±aoe Milnes Gaskell, and Mr. Milr^ss Gaskeli. Lady Ma.nwaring and party, including Mr. and Miss Mainwa.nng, Mr. and Mrs. Leigh Whif, Mr Guy Eden and Mr. and Miss Hennall. Lady Leig'liton Warren and party, including Lady Penrhyn, Hon. Lilian Douglas Pennant, Hon. Margaret Douglas Pennant, Miss Worth- ington, Mr. Philip Ashworth, Mr. de Poix and Mr. Robt. Wood word. Colonel and Mrs Dixon, ( Astle Hall), and party, inoluding Mir. J. Dixon, Miss Balcc-r- vylle Glegg, Mr. and Mrs. Baskervylle Glegg, M -ss Franiklier, Captain and Mrs. Case, Mr. I Tatton (Wythenshawe) Miss Jooelyn, Mrs. Dulane, Mr. Balfour, Mr. Osborne, Mr. and Mrs. Noll I.I.igh, Miss Stabb and Mr. Nevi llie. Lady Stanley of Alderley and party, including Hon. Sylvia. Blanche Venetia Stanley, Miss Clementine Hosier, Mi:n Phillippes Kruson, Lady Tikyll, Hon. F. Henley, Mr. H. Adeane, Mr. E. Villi'?rs, Mr. Paul Phippe, Captain HftK-a-gc and Mr Harold Baker. Hon. Mrs. Egerton Warburton (Arley Hall) and party, including Miss Egerton Warburton, Eveline Egerton Warburton, Lady Brooke, Miff, Gladstone, Miss WJnnington, Lord Ardie, Lady Violet Brabazon, Mir. Wilfrid Parker, Miss Muriel Saumarez, Hot. Gerald Saumarez, Mr. Thomas, CaptaJn Grani, Mr. Leicester Warren, Mrs. Lcioe^ter Warren o-d Captain. Andstrson. Mrs. Pa.yn (Mobbsrley; and party, including Miss Eldrydd Dugdale, Mr. A. L Payne, Mr. John J. Payne, Mr. WiUiam Ellis, Mr. Trevor Williams and Miis DugdaJe Mr. and AL-s. Egerton Leigh and party, in- cluding Mr. and Miivs Heselti'ne, Mr. and Mrs. De Knoop, Mr and Mrs. Schroder, Mr. Delves Broug'nton and Mr. Long. Lady DaJrymple Elphirtstone and party, ill. cluding Mi** Winifred Dalrymple Elpfainstone, Mi3s Campbell, Mir. Dugdale, Mr. R. Pratt Bar- low and Mr. W. Warren. Hon. J. E and Mri J. Cross and party, in. cluding Miss Dorothy Cross, Miss Major e Cross, Mrs. Symonds, Miu.-i Madeline Symonds, Miss Vera Symonds, Mr. Piem Jones, Mr. Ronald Rose, Mr. H. Birdhonough, Mr. H. Beaumont and Mr. F. Waterfield. Mr. and Mrs. Hoarc a.n.d party, including the MLases Hoare, Mr T. B. Koare, Miss Mason, Miss Campbell, Mr. M. Hultoa, Mr. J. McDonald and Mr. K. Green. Mr and Mrs Cyril Dewhurst (Hartford) and party, inoluding Capt. Lockett and Mr. James Tinsley. Mr. and Mrs. G. P. Dewhurst and party, in- Mr. Harry Dewhurst, Miss Brougham, Mr. Ellis, Mr. Bardsweil, Mr. Ecde, Mr Little- dale and Mrs. Littiadal". Mr. and Mrs. H. M. Wilson and party, in- cluding Mr. W. Abri/ham. Mrs. W. Abraham, Miss Abraham, Mrs. •Stock. Mr C. Reiss, Mr. Neilson and Mr. Farrant Mr. Thomycroft (Thomycroft Hall) and party, including Mr. and Mm. Hulton, Mr. and Miss Bali-clay, Mr. and M3.1 C. Sandbach, Mr. and Miss Verdin, Mi.« Ashton Casie, Mr. Edwards, Mise G. Thornyetoft, Dki;ii F. Thornycroft, Capt. j Thornyoroft, Mlas Glasebrook and Mr. P. K. Glazobrook. Mr. and Mr! Kay (Da;rer.ham Hall) and party, including Miss Kay, Miss W. Kay, Mr. John ,K ay, Mr. Grant Saund?r,, Mr. Charlton and Mr. Mr. T. Robinson. Mrs. Langford-Brooke (Mere HaU) and party, including Lord and Lady Acton. Hon. Annie Acton. Mi.« H -le'i Egerton. Miss Fraser. Major and Mr'. Throckmorfco i Mr. de Branrille. Mr. Atiok Mcrtin, Mr. BaVl Throckmorton, Mr. J. W. EatTe and Major Ga'obete. M. -aid Mrr. Litt:toc\ De-whut, Mr. and tb>& Hon. Mrs. Brocklebank. Mr C. A. Antrobus, Miss M. Antrobus, Mr. H. B. Dykes, Mr. E H. Broadhurst. Mr. and M" R. A. Tatton. Mr. 'and Mrs. Legh (Adlingtoo. Hall), Mr. and Mi&3 Sandbach, eto.

FAMOUS CHESHIRE COLOURS. +—— THEIR RESTING PLACE. CHESTER CATHEDRAL SUGGESTED. The Town Cierk (Mr. J. H. Dickson), at the re- quest of the Mayor (Alderman Robefrt Lamb), writes asking us to publish the following corre- spondenoe between the Mayor and Major Clifford, commanding the depot Cheshire Regi- ment, relating to the historic Moc-anee colours of the Cheshire Regiment. [COPY.] Town Hall, Chester, 6th November. 1905. THE COLOURS OF THE CHESHIRE REal- MENT. Dear Sir,—It has been brought to the atten- tion of the Mayor that the colours of the Cheshire Regiment, known as the "Meeanee" colours, ara deposited in the Portsmouth Garrison Church; and, he is of opinion that if possible, they Should be removed from there in order to place them along with the other old colours of the regiment in the Chkster Cathediral. He therefore desires me to ask you whether you oan give him any information as to how these colours became deposited at Portsmouth, and as to the course you think should be pur- sued in order to have them transferred to the Chester Cathedral ?—Yours faithfully, (Signed) J. H. DICKSON, Town Clerk. Major Clifford, The Castle, Chester. [COPY.] Ballinamona, Thornlayn, near Wioklow, co. Wjcklow, Ireland, 8th November, 1905. Dear Sir,—I am in receipt of your letter of the 6th, re the "Meeanee" colours of the (regiment. I am in entire sympathy with the Mayor re- garding the transference of these colours to what I, thoroughly consider their proper home, viz., Chester Oatthedral, and, though I have not. spoken to the Dean on the subject I have been given to understand that he thinks likewise, and would be quite ready to receive them. When I first came to Chester I spoke to Col. Hamersley, the chief constable of the county, about these wjolottrs, and he then told me that the colours had been, as colours in former times ufled to be, the property of the McMurdo family, Gendral McMurdo having been colonel of the regiment at om time, and he further naid that he believed there was some clause in Sir Charles Napier's will expressing a wish io be buried under the shadow of the colours. New Sir Charles is buried in Portsmouth Garrison Church- yard, and this is, I presume, the treason why the oolours have been deposited there. If it has baen done in accordance with a dy- ing man's wish, I do not see quite 'how the pre- sent arrangement can be upset, much aa all of us who desire to see th<e oolours in the Cathedral would wish it. As, however, the Mayor is tak- ing a.n interest in the matter, I will make furtheir enquiries as to the possibility of the transference taking place, but foresee much difficulty. -Yours faithfully, (Signed) W. R. CLIFFORD, Major, Commanding Depot Cheshire Regiment. The Town Clerk, Chester. [COPY.] I Town Hall, Chester, 11th November, 1905. I "MEEANEE" COLOURS. Dear Sir,—I thank you for your letter of the 8th instant, which. I have shewn to the Mayor, and hse is pleased to learn that you are making further enquiries relative to the above colours, and be will be glad to know result of same.-Yours faithfully, (Signed) J. H. DICKSON, Town Clerk. Major Clifford, Ballinamona, Thornlayn, near Wicklow, oo. Wioklow. [COPY.] Ballinamona, Thornlayn, near Wioklow, oo. Wioklow, Ireland, 16th November, 1905. r "MEEANEE" COLOURS. I Dear Sir,—I wrote to Major Napier, 1st Cheshire Regiment, on the subject of the "Meeanee Colours," and the following is an ex- tract from ihis letter in reply:—"The Meeanee Colours belonged to General William and Mrs. Napietr. When the General died, Mrs. Napter, in acoordanoe with his wishes, ihad the, colours placed in the Garrison Chapel, Portsmouth. Tho place is appropriate enough as Sir Charles as buried there; but in any case Mrs. Napier ia bound by her husband's wishes, and his will, too, I believe, though I have not actually read that. The oolours were put there last July by (Captain) Anderson and (Captain) Hayter, repre- senting the Regiment, and we also sent a few N.C.O.'s from Edale. In these circumstances you will see that it is quite impossible to reopen the Q&')tion." WiH you kindly shew thib to the Mayor; I am afraid that in the above Major Napier's opinion must be held to b& oo, namely, that the subject cannot now be re- opened.^—Yours faithfully, (Signedj) WALTER R. CLIFFORD, Major, I The Cheshire Regiment. The Town Clerk, Chester. [COPY.] Town Hall, Chester, 5th Deoember, 1905. "MEEANEE" OOLOURS. I Dear Sir,—I am obliged for your letter of the 16th November, upon which I have conferred with the Mayor, who wishes me to thank you most sincerely for the trouble you have taken; and to express his regret that it does not appear possible to have these colours transferred to Chester Cathedral. As many Cestrians have taken an interest in this matter, his Worship desi'res rue to ask if you have any objection to our correspondence be- ing sent to the looal Press.—Yours faithfully, (Signed) J. H. DICKSON, Town Clerk. Major Clifford, Ballinamona, Thornlayn, near Wicklow, oo. Wicklow. [COPY.] The Castle, Chester, 7th December, 1905. Dealr Sir,—I quite share the Mayor's regret that it is impossible to have the Meeanee Colours transferred to Chester Cathedral. I have no ob- jction to our correspondence on the subject be- ,ing- published as the Mayor d-eire-q.-Yours fait-h- fully, (Signed) W. R. CLIFFORD, Major, The Cheshire Regiment. The Town Clork, Chester. I

LITTLE SUTTON. I SALE OF VV ORK.—On Wednesday the annual Christmas tree and sale of work was held in the Wesley an Schoolroom, and was in every way a great success, there being a very large attend- ance all the afternoon and evening. CONCERT—The National Schoolroom on Wednesday evening was well filled with a repre- sentative audience, on the occasion of the annual entertainment in aid of the choir and organ fund of St.. Paul's Church. Tho programme was one of the best that has been givon in the district, and every item was highly appreciated. The fol- lowing were the contributors:—Miss Sybil Torr, recitations; Mr. J. Lawson, violin solos; Mr. McFarlane, songs; Miss Mabel Whipp and Mr. J. Lawson, violin duet. The orchestra, of whom Mr. J. Lawson was conductor and Miss W. Water- house accompanist. gave tho following: "Suite in G major" (Saint George). "Serenade Angeliquo" (Lewis Haiin), "La. Cburonne d'Or" (Herman), and- an Andante by Mendelssohn, in which Miss G. Young- took the violin solo.

I MR. ROBERT YERBURGH, M.P.

BUNBURY. DANCK-The Bunbury Cricket Club's an- I dance was held in the Public Hall on Wed- nesdav evening. Although not at the present time residing in the neighbourhood, the presi- dent of the club, Major Gordon, took the usual keen interest- in the event, and under his direo- t-ons tho hall was beautifully decorated. Up- wards of 100 were present. Dr. Robertson and Mr. G. F. Dutton acted as M.C.'s, and Messrs. H. Davenport, R. D. Hughes, R. J. Parker and A. limmis as stewards. Finney's String Band supplred the music.

HESW ALL. (See al,a page 7.) E„ ARTHQUAKE.—A shock of earthquake was felt on Deesde about 10.40 p.m. on Sunday. In Jtieswali only a short rumbling* sound resembling distant thundter was heard. C.L.B. CLUBROOM.—Building operations in connection with the new clubroom of the C.L.B. will commence next week, and the building is to be erected by the end of February, at a cost of £1()5. The club will comprise a billiard-room and a reading-room, and already some J6130 has been subscribed towards it. OHURCH-GOING CYCLISTS.-The parish church officials have announced their intention of providing storage accommodation for the cycles of those attend.ng divine service, for which purpose they have prepared a shed on the north side of the tower, which was used as a tool-house. More adequate accommodation will be provided if found necessary. LAND DISPUTE SE=ED.-Af the Birken- head County Couirt, on Tuesday, his Honour Judge Bowen Rowlands, K.C., gave judgment in the Hoswall land disputte, a case commenced in July. The Contending parties were Messrs. Bromley-Davenport and Mrs. Lawton, of Under- ,hill Farm, Heswall, and the action was in re- speot of a piece of land fronting on Telegraph- road, Heswall. It appears that over one hundred years ago an old sexton, named Shone, settled on a piece of land which became known as Shone's croft. This croft was situated in Banks- road, and has by marriage and direct inheritance come down to Mr. E. Totty, son of Mrs. Lawton by her firsthusband. In 1848 various roads were made in Heswall, and existing roads we-ra widened, Banks-road being one of the latter. Where land- was taken up for this purpose other land was awarded to the owners in lieu of it, and as part, of Shone's croft was taken up, the Totty family were awarded the piece in Tele- graph-road, which was the subject of the (recent proceed.tigs. In 1894 the lords of the manor erected a fence on the land held by the Tottys which fencte was .immediately thrown down, but nothing further was then done. A couple of yeara ago the land was sold to a third party by the lords of the manor, henoe the action. Numerous old inhabitants of Heswall gave evi- denoe, with the result that judgment was given for the Totty family.

LATENT MAHKET8 & FAIRS. (See also page 3.) CHESTER CATTLE, THURSDAY.—There was a smaller fair and the quality was not so good as usual. Buyers were not numerous and trade quiet. Prices had a lower tendency. There were no fat stock or sheep in the fair. PricesMilch, £ 18 to E21 fanner. £ 16 to £ 19; barrens, iElOto jE12 he,ifer, £9 to £ 14;

I CONNAH S QUAY. (See alio page 7.) COMPLAINTS AT AN INQUEST.—On Tues- day, at the Connah's Quay Police Station, the coroner for Flintshire (Mr. F. Li. Jones) opened the inquest on the body of Herbert Povey, a native of Runoorn, whose body was found in the Dee at Connah's Quay. The Coroner explained that the only ooursa open to him was to adjourn the inquiry until a later date, as some of the most important witnesses were not present. The jury would, however, take evidence of identifi- cation and view the spot where the accident oc- curred on the Quay wharf.—Several jurymen seri- ously complained of having the inquiry ad- journed, as their time was more important than attending a ooroner'a court twice, when once should have been sufficient.—Tiro Coroner ex- plained that the men, who were at Runcorn, had been informed, and he did not know why they were not there. If they did not come at the next inquiry he would bring such pressure to bear upon them that he would compel them to oome.&rgt. Hill said both the captain and the ciew of the Isabel had been discourteous ito him and his men. They oould not have done less if it had bean a dog that had lost its life. ("Shame.") —Several jurymen asked the coroner to severely reprimand them when they did come, and let them know that they could not trifle with a jury in that manner.—The inquiry wMoojourned untll next Tuesday morning. VOLUNTEER PRIZE DISTRIBUTION.— The annual prize distribution in connection with the members of K Company, 2nd V.B.R.W. Fusiliers, took place in the Connah's Quay Coro- nation Drill Hall, on Wednesday evening. Cap- tain C. Hurlbutt (captain of tira Company) pre- sided, and among tnose present were Mr. and Mrs. J W Summers, Colonel Sheriff Roberts, Colonel and Mrs. Wilis, Major Dyson (Flint), Captain T. M. Keene (Mold;, Lieut. Williams' (Ftint), Miss Hurlbutt, Mr. and Mrs. Marriott, i Sergt.-Major W. Kelly (Sandycroft), etc. Capt. Huributt said ho was pleased to report that the company was progressing- very favourably. The men had shewed a real interest -in the work of: volunteering, and in oamp they had performed their duties excellently. He regretted that the strength of the corps was not what they should desire. They had received ten ireoruits since; oamp; but still, the number was far short of what it ought to be in a great place like Con- ■ nah's Quay. (Applause.) At the annual shoot! at Rhyl this year Private Paul Roberts won fir4 prize in the recruit section, while another member of the company won third pnze. In the squad shooting they also did well; and although the company were not brilliant individual shots, they did very well in winning third prize in thp i squad shooting. Captain Hurlbutt then oaliied' upon Mrs. J. W. Summers to present the prizes to the prize-winners, a duty which that ladv! graaafully performed. For a sJver cup for the largest number of drills during trhe season,, Pte. J. Jones and Private H. Jones tied. Each put in the same number of drills, and' Mr. J. C. Davison, the donor of the prize, presented' eaoh man with a silver cup. The number of dr.;lls each man put in was 57. The .other awards were as follow:—Score and drill prize, silver cup, Private Paul Roberts; firing for trained Volun- teer, prize silver cup, Sergt. Frank Baird, 129 points; section drill, prize silver cup, presented by the tradesmen of Connah's Quay, winners Colour-Sergt. Prince's section; drill prize, Colour-Sergt. Prince, No. 1 section; Siergt. F. Baird, No. 2 section; Bergt. W. H. Lloyd, No. 3 section; Sergt. Roberts, No. 4 sect/ion. A special pr-ze of 10s. was presented for having brought in the largest number of recruits to Pte. Coulson. Medals for highest score in class firing, 200 yardi Bergt. F. Baird, 41 points; 500 yards, Private H. Hewitt; 600 yards, Sergt. H. J. Robeirts. Pazes in kind were also presented to the flowing members of the company for emoency in shooting: Sergts. Roberts and Baird, Private H. Bennett, Colour-Bergt. Prince, Sergt. W. H. Lloyd, Lanoe-Oorpl. Williams, Private Rutter, Private Bennett, Private Peters, Sergt. A. Jones, Private H. Stewart, Private A. Jones. I I'llivate W. Roberts, Private, J. Foulkes, Private J. Bennett, Corpl. J. McNioholls, Cvolist H. Kenchington, Private J. Hully, Private G. Aston, Bugler Williams, Private, P. Roberts, Pr-vate C. J Coulson, and Private J. Round. At the conclu- sion of the presentation of the prizes, Colonel Wills (commanding officer of the battalion) pro- posed a vote of thanks to Mrs. Summers for her kindness 'm coming there that evening. He joined with Captain Hurlbutt in regretting that the company was not stronger in numbers, and did not see why, in a place like Cc-nnah's Quay, 13(1 men-the full strength—could not be a?- oured, instead of a total of 62, the present strength. He noticed that Lord Roberts the other day said evary able-bodied man ought to know how to use a rifle. There wore, of course, civilian rifle clubs, but they did not give the same experience as that obtained by Volunteers, | as in addition to shooting, the Volunteer learnt i discipline and drill. Captain Hurlbutt took 1; deep interest in the company, and worked ry: I hated for its success, and he trusted he wou d be supported in his efforts. This year the number in Camp in the battalion was 638, and last veJ; 636. The new regulations provided a. fortn' g-ht in camp for those men who wero able to stay that period; and they all kn>ew how much more I a fortnight was worth than a Wiek. Mr. Sum- mers was very good in allowing his men leave I from work to go to camp, and he appealed tv. other employes to give their men leave of ab- sence from work if they were able to do so (Applause.)—Mr. J. W. Summers thanked them for the vote of thanks accorded1 to Mrs. Summers. i Any young man who had! a desire to defend his country mig't do wors? than joining K Company, j under Captain Hurlbutt. He knew that Captain ¡ Hurlbutt had taken a deep interest in the t-- pany, and (bad Ouck to his work under depressing circumstances. The Volunteers were under a cloud at the present time, and the War Minister had- not looked upon them with a sympathetic eye. Mr. Arnold Forster had gtiwn plaoe to anc ther Minister, and he hoped he would be more friendly to the Volunteer movement. (Ap- plause.)—Captain Hurl butt mentioned that as a result of the medical examination every member of K Company, w-th one exception, was passed M medlicladly fit to S'erve abroad. (Applaus" *)--Ool. Wills, in presenting &rgt.-Inst. J. H 11 with a. good service medal, Mn?Arked that Rera?. Hill' had b?en 21 years in the service w?h&ut a mai,-k against him. (Loud applause.)

NESTON. (Bee also page 7.) YOUNG LADIES AND PHYSICAL DRILL. —A meeting in connection with the Girls' Ath- letic Class was held in the Neston Presbyterian Schoolroom, for the purpose of presenting the cards of membership. There were about thirty or forty members present, in addition to friends and others interested in the class. The students went smartly through a number of graceful exercises and drills, under the direction of their teacher-Mias Bewley. Mrs. Norman Hill, who presented the cards of membership, afterwards complimented the class on its proficiency,, and spoke of the value of such physical traiinting in afterlife. The leasons were a pleasure to them now, and in after life they would find they had derived Teal benefit from them, and that they were better fitted for their daily task. A hundred years ago the fashionable young lady was accus- tomed to faint on the smallest pretext, but this cLass of heroine was now fortunately quite out of date. Wlhen the Boys' Brigade was estab- lished it was Mt that something of the kind should be inst-ituted for the girls in the district, and she congratulated the promoters on the suc- cess of the present movement. The customary votes of thanks followed. SALE OF WORK.—The annual sale of work on behalf of the Curate Fund. Nurse Fund, and other parochial objects at Neston, was held at the Town Hall on Thursday and Friday. The sale had been postponed from the previous week on account of the death of the wife of the Vicar (the Rov. Canon Turner), who, together with the latter, had been actively engaged in making the necessary arrangements. The stalls, laden with a profusion of bright and tempting articles, were arranged on either side of the hall, and a gaily decorated Christmas tree occupied the central position, the whole giving the room a very gay and attractive appearance. Judging by the num- ber of visitors and the number of transactions which were in progress throughout the sale, the funds will benefit very substantially from the efforts of those responsible for the movement. The stallholders were aa fol- lows:—Dairy and produce, Miss Roberts (Bank Cottage), Mrs. W. F. Barrett, Mrs. Livermore, -Mrs. Gill, Miss Johnson, and Miss Lilian Bushell Christinas tree, Mis. Pemberton, Miss Cariisle, the Misses Cramer-Roberts, Miss Gibson and Miss Aileen Smith; sweet stall, Miss Pemberton; fanoy stall, Mrs. Ariel Gray and friends; refresh- IOOnt stall, Mrs. R. L. Price, Mrs. Bingham, Mrs. Alfred Williams, Mrs. Field and Miss Carter; flower stall, Miss Gill; fancy and plain stall, Miss Lyon, Miss Livermore, Miss Webb, Miss Fair- brother, Miss Seagar and Miss Gamon.

NORTHOP. (See also page 7.) THE REV. J. H. DAVIES.-The Rev. J. H. Davies, whose resignation we record on page 7, lias accepted a call to the Pensarn English Cal- Vinistio MethodLsu Cnureh, Abeigele, where! he will proba-bly start on his duties early in the spring.