Cheshire Observer

THE CHRISTMAS SHOW. I The old city of Chester has looked its best all through the past week, and many have- been the sightseers who ha.ve thronged the streets and Rows inspecting the t.c'>mpti.ngarray of Christmas presents displayed at the various shops, and makmg their purchases Por the festive, season. Wo have much pleasure in giving a brief de- scription cf the establishments of some of our advertisers. DRAPERS. SILK MERCERS, ETC. The ck3ip:ay at the drapery establishment ;I Eastg&te-streec, Me9sr&. Richard Jones and 00.. Ltd.. Is calculated to creato a feeling of covetous- nes3 in the hearts of too numerous customers who frequsut, this store. The main idea seems to be to sugge-st and provide something for a Christmas present which will bo useful. After a waJk round the various depa-taieaits, commencing with urn- brellas, ladies' blouses and a very dainty lot of muslin p.prons and caps, and- proooe-ding through the depar'naent devoted to fancy linen, silks, dress, fabrics of all- descriptions, and servants' print ctre- p:€acs we arrive at the glove and habc- das cry coimcer. Here an intending purchaser wou.d perhaps have some difficulty in decid ::g bet oen the rival attractions of pretty 'handker- chiefs ancl pincushions, which are quite properly called "Art Needlework," and! which are proof of the. union, of art and commerce. In the spacious showrooms upstairs customers can see the furs of animals made up into jackets, oollarette.s and muffs --At Measrs. John Okell and Sons' fashion- able drr.r'?:y establishment at the Cross the win- dows wt.o given up to a charming selection of Chrism a'-Ki New Year presents too numerous to mention, including some beautiful creacions in blouses, etc., combined with a fine show of handkerchiefs, glove.3, fur necklets, umbrellas, etc. —Messrs Densoas' establishment in North-at- Row this year is a veritable palace of ckeiight. A visit to Lt convinces one of the claim such an es- tablishment has to rank as a first-class emporium, whero a icies of every description. suitable for shewing good feeling from one to another at this season jf the year, can be bought. During a walk round we found many novel and interesting presents. There are hundreds of games to inter- est every one, also useful and ornamental articles for presents. The Christmas and New Year card departnusnt is a busy hiva. In this department were shewn a bewildering variety of picture books. toy books, reading books, etc., also photo albums, tiow so much in doma'nd. Leather writing oases and ladies' companions, forming desirable and useful present?, were much in evidence at vo;-y moderate Drioes. Taere was also a choice assort- ment of workbaskets. Passing along, we came to artich-s of perhaps greater utility, in the shape of fancy linens, manufactured by persons of every natiouclity. indudg cushion cases, ma&3 by Turkish l?die?. TpnaenfFe work. made by t'M? natives of the Caaary Islands. The Irish home industries were ohoioeiy represented. Indeied the establishment is stocked with the world's best in desirable and use ful pr-Events.-M-essrs, Josepii Beckett and Co.. ia their spacious showrooms and in the windows in Eastga Row, had a beautiful display of ball and evening dresses, and the rarest specimens of Brus-ols, Italian, Irish and other real laces, of which this firm are well-known con- no'.wiurs. There were also the richest of Rusaian and Canadian sables in stoles, throw-over trea. muffs, and furs of Sail kinds.—Mr. John Appleton, s rrvd-itner, f t e. of 31, Bn d t -e,t silk mercer, milliner, etc.. of 31, Bridge-street Row. was well to the front with a very choice selection of furs aud fancy goods, suitable for the. present season. The fancy departments are well repreee-nted with a beaut7ifui assortment of all kin as ot laoe carves, ties. collars, handker- chiefs, ap roiis, gloves, wool shawls, evening NY-apz-, lace oaps. um brellas, etc. The display of ladies blouses for day an.d evening wear, fartcy poods. Christmas cards, dolls and picture books is endless in variety. Mr. Appleton has really a pretty show,—Mr. C.. D Jones, at the well-known stores at 53. Foregate-str-eet, caters extensively for all interested in th<" requirements of the little ones at this sea-sou. His large range of requisite articles, including warm and comfortable^looking frocks, pinafores, silk smocks, costumes, hats, etc.. was noticeab Ie. Indeed, it would be difficult to enumerate all the useful and pretty things hero on view, and the young people who are fortunate enough to receive a seasonable present from this establishment should be in a fair way to enjoy a happy Christmas. CONFECTIONERS, ETC. Far ahead of an>J ning eue in the old city W.1 the show made by Messrs. Bolland and Son, the clu-established oonfecrior.er,, and noyal bride- cak e makers of Eas: gate-row. Their display of all manner of Christmas cheer and Christmas delicacies is sufficient to gladden all hearts, and everything is of the very best quality, and thoroughly up-to-d&ie. The ingenuity of the best manufacturers has been successful this year :n produoing many things <,i:ite new and unique; hence many interesting mechanical and other we re to" be found among Messrs. Bol- laud's goods. Handsome sa-tin boxes, some hand painted in exquisite designs are a. special fea ture and the daintiest Parisian productions 00.- tainabie are represented by a bewildering variety of ^legantly-trimmed baskets iiir-d a.nd fifctoi compk.te as work-baskets, china. Venetian gia.ss, srit and silver bonbonie-res-all filled with the choicest bonbons, ohocolat^s, marocrns; giacesand crystallised fruits. Special care has been given to the election of cosaques suitable for table decoration, etc. Messrs. Bollands' new speciality, Cfestrian paste, for sandwiches, etc., is now in great vogue.—Messrs. Baker and Sons, oonfeo- tionjers, of Bridge- treot, had a display befitting t.beir old-established reputation, a notice of which appeared in our last issue.—Messrs. James Cottle's Limited. confectioners and bride-oake makers, Bridge-street, are shewing a large variety of Christmas cakes (ormmented), also many other kinds of cakes, orr. amen ted shortbread and beet bun-loaf. A large selection of fancy boxes of chooolan- and cosaques, Christmas plum pud- dings. mincemeat, etc., also are here seen. In fact there is every requirement for "a me-cry Christmas. "-At Messrs. R. Davies's, the Oity Confectionery Work.s in Bridge-street, suggje-s- j tions for Christmas presents are to be found in the latest novelties Sited with chocolates and sw<eeis, especially soldiers' pouohes m khakMjolour, filled with chocolates, automatic toys, etc. The: assortment of chocolate boxes is larger than ever, and ranges in price from one penny to one gu; nea. Messrs. R. Davies's windows contain an imaians: j number of suitable Christmas gifts at tempting priO'S".—Many lover- of good confectionery made a point, of paying a vis .4. to Miss Pollard's estd,h- lishment at Eastgate-row. where a. fine selection of fanoy chocolate boxes and floral and ot::> crackers, in the moc-t exquisite designs. was to be seen. There was also an endless assortment of filled mechanical toys, some of which are Lfe- like models of animals, birds, etc.—At Mr. J. Will iams's at 43, Cherry-road, Bougnton, a. snow j scene is shewn, wiiv. house overlooking a lake ini "Father Christmas" (life size) with basket of novelties, etc. There are also dolls, mechani- ca.1 toys, hampers, etc.. as well as high-class chooolates and Xxa-i presents in varietv. I JEWELLERS. BOOKSELLERS, MUSIC I WAREHOUSES, BAZAARS, ETC. These establiahirrorvts are always a source of at, traction -.t, containing as they do so many beautiful articles. In the establishment of Messrs. Butt and Co., of Eristgate Row. the sea- port's trade has bean care-red for extensively. window displays av" superb. Til? company ha.ve utili"od tèæir intecHin.g old oak-panelled room as a. showroom, and vary beautr.ful the dainty silver goods look tnl thoir sombre, surroundings- The goods are all plainly marked and laid out oa tables, and oompiise ail the latest novelties pro- duced by the silversmith. The table of shifiing articles is worth nor.!œ. One usually finds that several email presents hav.?- to be gnven this time of the year, and it jS1 a comfort to know t: ne of tat,?, year. that they cait be chosen quickly and from a large selection Wo must not forget to mention this firm's attractive coiieocion of gem and gold jcweilerv. The designs in many eases are quit? new.—Coming to the old established firm of I jeweller* and' silrcwunrths. Messrs. Brown and Son, of Easinate Row, we find! a brilliant and tempting display of diamond and gem-set jewel- le-y. all worihv t'xa.;npl.è6 of the goldsmith's art. Prominent among tierce are some beautiful speci- mens of germ rings, of which article this firm make a. specialty; aiso there is a chamrng variety of novelites and up-to- date designs it solid s-ilver articke.—At- Messrs. Low& and Sons' estab- ii-JimcJit. ia Bridf&i-streefc Row tiha show of diamonds, peniis. precious stones, gem jewellery, a.iii antique silver goods is most exitensive. To comprehend ail the resoarca of this emporium of I wealth and elegance- on.? must vS, t it. SuiSoe it to say ',?at at Messrs. Lowe and Sc?a' the vaj-ietv of Christmas presents is very large, and ) the desisms are most, up-to-date.—Messrs. Min- } shell and Meeson have- made a remarkable dis- play of a coot) table gifts in the way of artistic, sta- tionery, fancy goods, pictures, etc. All visitors have been pleased with the wide range of choice S fointz l-i P,,n articles. The well-krown "Swa)" fountain pen is noticeable Messrs. Mirishull and Mocson make it a, speciality —At Mesisrs. W. W. Dobson a-ict Sojjfl. the wholesale stationers, of St. John-street, there is a very fine collection of Christmas a.nd Now Year's cards, as well as more useful articles for the ¡oeasofls reqnir.:>me-nt.s.-At Mr. J. D. Sid- dal's. Bridge-street, we found all the various a ds to vision for which h" shop has been so long noted. Spectacles and eyeglasses, microscopes, telescopes, barometer- of ail kinds, laitterxta and accessor-os. also a very f3-1-,t choice in umbrellas aiicl walking-sticks, and various mechanical toys s.ie also a conspicuous feature.—The show of Mr. H C. the opto'o- gist, of rhe oit, p. that he -?ms had great, x- p?r'enc'& in eve«ight testing and apecta?io 6tt'n?. In ?,"CIS?g4t a jplcsndid d spec4a,,c-lo baro- lu;,s skl-iow --?mbracc,.s a of bo.c,- fancy opom and 6c?! g?!a??e?. ehc.—Mr F. R chardson. at the bazaa-1* and china stores. FoN" gare-st" claims to have the finest show of toys and the largest showroom in the oity. This 's no idle boast, for Mr Richardson has excelled all his previous eitorts. It wo-aid be we!niTh impossible to fix on a. toy that is not to be found here His collection -"ncludos miniature railways, motor-cars magio lantenns. don-. rocking horses, and many I other specially Rood arid ingenious contrivances. House FURNISHERS. MUSIC WARE- I HOUSES. ETC. At the fimmhinar •shroant of Messrs. Richard Jon? and Co.. L'?. Brid.?-??t. th0 is ,n attract v d^sp e." ?? good'. Wis'ch U:, 6ur?ly go far to p-Le?" t??-C most fa?i-id?t,? and exacting requiremenbs. It always ts. an educ^taoii and a p'easure to walk through this firm's larsre and extensive showrooa>5t. Tlie items included in th* show are far away too n-iiaorw to catalogue h2', bu.' wo were with t'.ie unendhig variety of photo frame?. art.,cu'< '.v^iica appear tc evrvone. These we made in fi,liev woods, T  c,-?, w c ? silks" traced leather, velvet. a-t copper rep'u?see etc. The prices ran,i e f.}or> 4-jd. to 55. 6ej. Conspicuous among the fjiey f »u-,it-,rre. whidt ever niak? 8. most vafl-«*«ab!e and 3.DTY:???t'?d! jft. w-— pa.'m srau?-. ? 1? 6d..T?? ?5<. music ca b{:n;,rd;tt ;I,.}:I;. r' <. li; tors, Sheraton bureaus, smoker's oabinets from 4s. lid. oaoii. drawing-room bellows, and writrag- tabie requisites. Among the more substantial attractions were easy chairs from 14s. 9d. up to six guineas, Chesterfield settees, card tables, etc. In the ironmongery fancy department was dis- played a gi-ai-id selection of fancy metal ware. We also saw a fine lot of fancy vases in Japanese and Chinese ware, trinket sets, etc. A cordial invi- tation: us extended to all to visit these well- stockad showrooms. We feel sure Chester. witn such establishments as this. need not fear Liver- pool competition. Messrs. Richard Jones have just issued an attractive and illustrated furnish- ing catalogue of the many beautiful articles they have on view.—Mr. A. Richardson, at the well- .known rrvuic warehouse in Bridge-street Row. shews that tie is prepared to furnish everything conceivable in musical instruments. His Chester model iron pianos hold a foremost place in public favour. There are harmonious musical tOY9, gramaphonas. -eto.-At Dale's music saloon, Bridge-stroot Row, there is an attractive exhibi- tion. of their models in pianos by all the noted malcors—Steinway, Bluthner, Broadwood, Chap- pell, Walctemar, Gors and Kallmann and others. A short grand, only 5ft. in length, by Gors and Kallmann, is especially noticeable, being a copy of one supplied by -Alm. DaJe to her Highness Princess Vctoria of Sehieswtg Holstein. Pianolas and AerioLas a.re well displayed and free recitals given diiiy. Gramaphones have a prominent position.—Air. W. H. Ankers, at 6. City-road, caters liberally for lovers of the "dark art. His show of cameras, photographic material and inoclianicai. models suggests ideal presents.—-It is a pleasure to notice the display at Messrs. Andrew Storrar and Co., ironmongers, Foregata- stiwt. Everything, inoludirtg their Sheffield out.ery, their art metal work, their dairy utensils, etc., is of the beat, and in the show are many no vetoes. OUTFITTERS. HATTERS, CLOTHIERS, ETC. To comprehend some thing of what the proprie- tors of these establishments have attempted in the way of their clients in the selection of warm and seasonable clothing, the sightseer should visit the emporium of Messrs. Hepworth and Sons, Limited, Foregate-street. They have a special show of smart juvenile clothing in all the leading styles. Their display of men's ajid youthB' garments is also exc-e lient, everything being in good taste and the prices most reason- able. Charitable and philanthropic people who at this aea.s.on make gifts of warm clothing, would do well to note that Messrs. Hepworth, being manufacrturers, can supply them at remarkably low prio,-o.-As in former years the windows of I Mr. T. G. Burrell, at 117, Foregate-street, con- tain many serviceable articles that would give pleasure as Uhristmas gifts. An important item at this establishment is their 42s. overcoat, which they claim to be absolutely the best value they have ever offered. In the glove and um- brella dopartment a good show is made, and is thotouenly wortil inspection. At 55, Foregate- street, Mr. T. G. Burred made a brave bid for public favour. Here, the windows are full to repletion of stylish hats, the latest shape in col- lars, umbrellas and handkerchiefs in all shades and textures. We must not omit to notice the creditable display made by the Belfast Shirt and Collar Depot, at the Cross, where the best mimu- faotures in their trade are obtainable at reason- able prices. GROCERS, PROVISION DEALERS, ETC. I Mrr. Edwin Lloyd's Central Supply Stores, Bridge-street, is one of the interest:ng spots in the city for sightseers. He has a charming dis- play of all the season's delicacies, including fresh Christmas fruits, grapes, and all the many good thing3 which go to make up the stock-in-trade of a thoroughly up-to-date Italian warehouseman. Everything here is of the best quality.—Messrs. Densons, the go-a-head grocers, of Nort'hgate- row, in addition to the huge display of the packets of tea for which their establishment is so famous, make a special feature of Christmas j wines, which are in large demand. Messrs. J. Little and Sons, of Eastgate-row, have established a reputation for their selection of Christmas orackers, suitable for parties, and this year the show is all that can be desired.—At the Maypole Dairy, at 8, Watergate-street, is observed a d-Lility display of butter and tea. These speciali- tie for which the Maypole Dairy people are celebrated throughout the kingdom, are shewn in bounteous profusion. Here are pats of butter guaranteed absolutely pure, all fresh and, sweet. I On every hand are pyramids of the famous Maypole tea, all :n sealed packets.—Messrs. Thompson, Son and Clemence, cheesefactors and provision merchants, have a brilliant show of English provisions at their various eatablish- meats, their stock comprising specimens of the choicest -da;ifries of Cheshire cheese, Cheddar oheese from Somerset, Stilton cheese, rich and ripe, and th? celebrated Leigh toasting cheese, made in the Fylde country. They 'have also an immense stock of York. Cumberland, and Wilt- shire ^rock'd ham;; and bacon, etc. The firm are | well known for the superiority of their goods, wr)ich are distributed to an immense clientele I i extending from Land's End to John o'G roat=!. POULTERERS. ETC. I Messra. Jonn Southard and Co., 52, Northgate- street, fishmongers, game and poultry dbalers, have a brave display of finest English turkeys, goese, pneasants, hares. wild ducks, and other game in season. At "Ye Olde Game and Poultry Stores of Mrs. Ellison, at 17, Watergate-street. en ere is a prime and large selection. I THE MEAT SHOW. As ia previous yewrs a vast amount of public interest centred in the display of the choice home- red beef and mutton which mad e its appearance in the various butchers shops. There was plenty of friendly rivalry, and the establishment of Mr. Arthur Wall, butcher, at the Cross, was de- ssrvedty awarded premier honours for the mag- rufioent show he made of locally-fed beasts, etc. jHisi display included the champion bullock, the reserve champion bullock, the best bullock in th show in the open class, the champion beast, sold at Messrs. Cunnah and Roberts's Christmas sale, and other prize-winners. Mr. Wall's ex- hibits did not show an excessive amount of fat, tnus evmomg the care shewn in their selection It was a a ideal display of real Cheshire Christmas tare.—MT. Geo. O ldmeadow, at the old-estab- Ijsned xmtcher s business at 22, Foregate-street, evinced sound judgment in his Christmas dis- play, f,)r his show included choice selections. from hi3 Maj.esty s Berkshire pigs. Down wethers, and Devon Bullocks, together with numerous splendid examples from the great London Cattle Show, and trom the most noted breeders of this d;.S- trier. CHESTER GAS CO. I Tile, C-.Ps-ter United Gas Company have in their cowrooms. CUpptn-street, a magnificent seleo- tion oF most, artistic fittings for either inverted or tiprigpt incandescent gas burners and a variety of silk snarl"s for drawing-room decoration which are well worth an inspection. Outside their j offices and showrooms they have recently fixed a large incandescent gas lamp of a new pattern made by the We Is bach Company, and yielding a iigiit ot over 1.200 candle power, the diffusive power or which is most remarkable. No gas light of -,o effective a character has been seen be- ware in Chester, and evervone interested in puhhc hghfing should inspect the lamp. It is lighted each, nignt during the ordinary hours of street lighting.

THE HANDS IN COLD WEATHER. I The effect of cold and frost on the more exposed portions of the body, such as the hands, is to produce a general lowering of the vitality of the skin, due to the blood-flow to the skin being tem- porarily arrested. Consequently a breaking-down of the skin tissue takes place, accompanied by an unple,.IL.Ant tingling and feeling of numbness. Th-etie well-known ænsations are nearly always associated with raw, chapped hands, chilblains, frostbite, etc. It is not the annoyance alone which makes thetse conditions a source of grave trouble to house- wives ana outdoor workers in cold and damp, it is the ever-present danger of blood-poisoning or septicaemia. Irritation and inflammation round about the knuckles and the back of the hand, or any other parto where the cracks or scaly roughness may have arisen, are the ifrist. sign's that the trouble is serious, and the greatest promptitude should be exercised in treating the case. The first step w to lessen the irritation. The affected part should be cleansed of any dirt with the heln of warm water and a soft towel, then gently anoint I with Zam-Buk, smearing with the fingers. or spreading on a piece of clean linen after the manner of a poultice. Zam-Buk will be found to materially reduce, and soon altogether end the inflammation and pain. Swellings go down, and the skin quickly assumes a velvet-like surfaoe. Zam-Buk should be applied liberally night and morning, and it is a good thing to wear through the night an old glove ventilated bv slits in the palm, and inside of which more of the balm be?n smeared, thus assuring the complete absorption of the healing and antiseptic ingre- dMnt?s. Zam-Buk is particularly recommended for chapped hands, chilblains, chafed skin, and all ^similar winter troubles, on account of its absolute purity and wonderful refinement, and because of ite undeniable power of creating new, healthy skin. Zam-Buk is unequalled for eczema, ulcers, ring- worm, psoriasis, scalp diseases, scurf. sores of all sorts, diseased ankles, wore heads and backs, sore throat and chest, sore faces and lips, aching feet, swollen joints, cuts, lacerated wounds, bruises, burns, scalds, stiff joints, sprains, festerings, gatnerings. and poisoned wounds. Of all chemists, Ln Is. ld" and 2s. 9d. boxes (2s. 9d. box contains nearly four times the Is. lid.), or post froe for the same price from the Zam-Buk Co., 4. Red Cross-street, London, E. C.

WINES WORTH DRINKING —Since Mr. Gladstone assisted the introduction of light wines by light duties, some change seems to have- taken place in the public taste, if we may judge by the following facts and figures:-In the year 1896 the French imports of wine into this country amounted to 6.756.713 gal'ons. whereas in 1904 they had fallen to 3.714,350 gallons. The imports of Ger- man cheap hocks'and moselles- have also severely Buffered-On the other hand Australia, our own wine growing Colony, has shipped to us in the ten months of this year 172.289 gallons more than in the corresponding ten months of Ta-t year. This is a case of genuine "Colonial preference" Th:s Li a of -(,n!ilne whetro the merit of the art:c',c, -id its suitability to the ?a?te of the consumer command its. pre- ference. The public all go. with one accord. for their nQvelties to please their children to R. Davies and Co., 2G, Bridge-street, Chester. Their value is better than any other Shop or so-called Stores in Chester. CHRISTMAS PRESENTS.-Evans's celebra- ted Melton Mowbray Pies and Royal Cambridge Sausages obtainable only at any of Messrs. Thompson, Son and Clemence's Establishments, 10, No rthgate-street, 17, Eastgate-stroet, 16. Foresrabe-stieet,. and 1. Market Hall. Daily supplies.

AMATEUR THEATRICALS AT CHESTER. At tho Royalty Theatre, on Monday afternoon and evening, amateur performances were given of "Mrs. Gorringe's Necklace" with most suc- cessful results. Every part of the house was fiiled on both occasions, and this was particularly gratifying, as it was sought to benefit that excel- lent society the Chester Benevolent Association, of which Katharine Duchess of Westminster is patroness. The play was produced under the direction of Col. Hugh Archdale, C.B., and the cast was an exceptionally strong one. This was the first time "Mrs. Gorringe's Necklace'' had been presented in Chester, and though the plot is not strikingly novel, the story is smartly told, and an the hands of the talented performers it created a very favourable impression. Mrs. Gorringe, while on a visit to Col. and Mrs. Jardine. misses a diamond necklace from her dressing table. It has been taken by David Cairn, a fellow-guest, who has fallen into financial difficulties, and is engaged to Isabel, daughter of Mrs. Jardine. Cairn, having taken the nec klace, is stricken with remorse, and hides it in the library, pending an opportunity to return it. Tlie necklace is found by Captain Mowbray, another guest, also in love with Isabel, and a detective declares him guilty w i -a b L of the theft. Certainly circumstantial evidence is against him. Cairn admits to him that he has taken the jewel, and Mowbray, on learning that Cairn and Isabel have been secretly married, heroically determines to take the blame on his own shoulders. Cairn, however, has still a spaik of manliness left in him. and, leaving a note for his wife confessing his contemptible action, he puts an end to himself. This sounds more hke tragedy than comedy, but the pieoe scintillates with bril- liant repartee and amusing incidents. Monday evening's audience were kept in a continual bubble of merriment, and again and again they shewed their appreciation of the clever acting. Mrs. Hugh Archdale won golden opinions by her accom- plished impersonation of the flighty Mre. Gor- ringe. Her vivacity was delightfully refreshing, and her flirtation passages with Capt. Mowbray and subsequent recollection of the absent Mr Gorringe and her three children were distinctly drolL It may be mentioned that Miss Mary- Moore, 'who has the rights of the play, lent Mrs. Archdale the original necklace she wore during the run of the comedy in town. Mrs. Montague Thorold was most happy in her conception of the part of Mrs. Jardine, whose indignation at the carryings-on of Mrs. Gorringe and the upset over the missing necklace, lead to a breach of the laws of hospitality. In this scene Mrs. Thorold was remarkably realistic. Mrs. Sydney Sharpe made a charming Isabel, sustaining the emotional parts with much skill, and fully maintaining the high reputation she gained last year at a similar func- tion. Miss Dorothy Thorneyoroft shewed praise- worthy aptitude as the skittish Vicky, and Miss Lilias Summers as Miss Potts did what little she had to do well. Col. Hugh Archdale delineated the character of Capt. Mowbray in a quiet, natural manner, and Major MacGillycuddy, as usual, made a great hit in the role of the fussy Col. Jardine. which suited him admirably. Mr. Charles Kenyon shewed much histrionic ability M the unfortunate David Cairn. Mr. Alistair Tavler did full iustice to the nart of the detective. and Mr. C. H. Dale, R.W.F., made a creditable footma.n. The duties of stage manager were ably discharged by Mr. H. G. Rolt, and the following ladies made attractive programme sellers: —After- noon: The Misses Swetenham, Margery Frost, Angel Archdale, Vera Bosoawen, E. Sandbach, Dorothy Birch, B. Sandbach, Gwendolen Frost, and Freda. Barker. Evening: The Misses Ful- ton, H. Birch, E. Boscawen, Maud Frost, Archer. Robertson, and 0. Roberts. Among those who took tickets, and most of whom were present, were her Grace the Duchess of Westminster, the Countess Grosvenor, Lady Arthur Grosvenor, Sir Francis and Lady Howard, Lady Hanmer. the Hon. Mrs. Kenyon, the Hon. Mrs. Brodrick, the Hon. Mrs. Guy Feilden, Mr. and Mrs. Yerburgh, the Mayor and Mayoress of Chester, Mrs. Sand- bach, Mrs.. Howell Evans (Gresford), Mrs. Henry Gladstone, Mrs. Hornby Lewis, Mrs. E. W. Swetenham, Mrs. Aldersey, Mrs. Potts, Mrs. Barnston (Malpas), Mrs. Tvrer, Mrs. Nelson (Acton Park), Mrs. Rogerson. Col. and Mrs. Brown, Col. and Mrs. McLeod. Mrs. Soames. Mrs. Geo. Haves. Mrs. B. O. Roberts. Mr. and Mrs. R. Dixon, Mrs. Watkinson. Miss Sleigh, Mrs. T. Gibbons Frost, Mrs. J. G. Frost, Mrs. Uvodale Corbett, Mrs. Rogerson, Major and Mrs. Meredith, Mrs. Pearse, Mrs. Birch. Mrs. Rees, Mrs. Hamilton. Mrs. Barker. Mrs. W. Lees, Mr. and Mrs. J. R. Thomson, Mrs. C. P. Douglas, Mrs. Buddicombe, Mr. and Mrs. Geo. Barbour. Miss Keith Douglas, eto. A lady correspondent writes:—Some exceed- ingly pretty dresses were worn. Mrs Archdale, in the first act, appeared in a becoming gown of pale blue and white mousseline-de-soie, with dainty touches of pale blue. Mrs. Thorold was in cream, and Mrs. Sydney Sharpe in a pale pink costume and a smart claret Louis hat. In the second act Mrs. Thorold appeared in a handsome rose pink satin dress with flounces of black lace, and Mrs Arohdale's white spangled net over a satin even- ing gown was much admired. She was also wear- ing handsome diamond and turquoise ornaments. Mis3 Thorneycroft wore a pretty white dreas with blue ribbons. Mrs. Sharpe's evening gown was of pink chiffon. and she afterwards wore a pretty and effecti ve black soft silk dress, the skirt of whioh was flounced to the waist. She also wore a pretty hat of whito chiffon trimmed with pale blue and a touch of red. Mrs. Archdale later came on in a dainty soft pink .and white dress, wearing a charming -plumed hat. A"t the end of the second act bouquets were presented amid much applause. > <

| JAPAN TO-DAY. MR. SATORI KATO'S LECTURE. I The last of the Y.M.C.A. series of lectures was delivered on Monday evening at the Music Hall. The large audience proved that the interest of the public was undiminished and the applause which greeted the announcement by Mr. J. P. Hodge that the committee had decided to hold a similar course next winter was convincing testimony of the appreciation with which this autumn's innova- tion has been received. It must have required no little courage on the part of the Y.M.C.A., in the then state of their finances, to launch out on the expense of such a series of lectures, and it was eminently satisfactory to hear that the accounts shewed a substantial balance on the right Bilk. We understand that the enterprise originated with the energetic secretary of the Chester branch (Mr. James Jamieson), to whom praise is due not only for this but for the advance the association has made in the city during the time he has been here. The final lecture was on "Japan of To-day," by Mr. Satori Kato. The Bishop of Chester pre- sided, and was accompanied on the platform by Mr. H. T. Brown (chairman of the Y.M.C.A., Chester), and others. Mr. J. P. Hodge, in making the announcements already referred to, on behalf of the committee, thanked the audienoe for their kind support, and expressed their gratitude to Mr. H. E. Crane and his band for voluntarily dis- coursing music during the interval of waiting— (applause)—and to those gentlemen who had taken I the chair at the lectures and thus shewn their appreciation of the work of the Y.M.C.A. The Bishop said those lectures were a public benefit to Chester. (Applause.) He was sure the audience had realised how very greatly the public pleasure and intelligence had been administered to by the instrumentality of the Y.M.C.A. The association as a whole were continually improving their methods; for example, those who still bore in mind the events of the South African war knew what admirable service had been done in admin- istering to the soldiers in the field by the repre- sentatives of the Y.M.C.A. An organisation doung such good work could not have too much money entrusted to it. (Applause.) They were there to give a most hearty welcome to Mr. Satori Kato. They welcomed him in the first place as the representative of a nation they were proud to call the ally of England. (Applause.) We ;hoped that our ally, who had shewn such marvellous qualities in preparing for war. and in going through the strain and stre.-w of war, would be able to shew no less meritorious qualities in the even greater trial of success and assured peace and prosperity. We believed Japan would shew herself as noble under those new circum- stances as she had done in the past. (Applause.) They also accorded Mr. Kato a very warm wel- come for his own Bake. (Applause.) Mr. Satori Kato then proceeded with his lecture. He is a member of an eminent Samurai family, and his figure is typical of his race. He is remarkably diminutive, looking quite a boy. Although he. spoke apparently not without some effort, yet he displayed a large vocabulary, and his range of words was as varied as many Englishmen's. He had not mastered English pronunciation, nor the structure of some sentences, and while sometimes the audience lost his mean- ing, they were at other times amused by his quaint sayings. Allowing for the great difficulties a foreigner must have in mastering our tongue it must be acknowledged that Mr. Kato was remarkably successful. He commenced by stating that he felt exceedingly fortunate in being in this beautiful city. They in Japan had heard of Chester for some time. Later he said that a Cestrian had written a poem to their Emperor. which had been published in the paper having the Largest circulation in Japan, so that the Japanese were always proud of Chester. Alluding to the alliance, he said that in personally representing to them his beloved country he was not going to describe a far remote country, but one of our allies, with whom we had undertaken vast powers. We had taken them into our bosom confidence, and now they trusted u& and they believed sorae good would come through such allies as they now had. (Applause.) Arm in arm, we and Japan could be the guardians of the world, especially against those pretentious powers in Europe, whose i aims might be all right, but whose actions were distressing. (Applause.) Without adopting any fixed line. Mr. Kato discoursed pleasantly on most phases in the life of Japan. In his allusions to the war, he expressed the belief that it could have been avoided without difficulty if the world, especially Russia, had known the quality of his humble country. People thought Japan made a great blunder when she commenced the war against Russia, with the terrib'e Cossacks, but Japan could do everything. Their oavalry was poor, but their infantry could chase their enemies. (Laughter.) The Japanese never spoke badly of the. Russians, whose gallantry they recog- nised, and they did not say the things about Russia, which he feared were said even in London. Mr. Kato appealed to them not to take China so ) jokingly. China was an immense country, with i enormous wealth and enormous resources for the benefit of civilisation in that part of the world. The future of China was not to be under- estimated. The Chinese were very faithful and upright, and their commercial probity waa beyond suspicion. China ought to be stimulated to rise. The awakening of that country was, he asserted, the dawn of universal peace and pros- perity. Alluding to our Queen's generosity to the unemployed, he said their Emperor and Empress were doing "exceedingly good for charity works." Wherever there was distress they jointly or separately donated something to assist the needy. The problem of the unemployed was not so extreme in Japan, and they had no workhouses there. People might say that the wages paid by the Government to their employes were very small. It was not the amount, but how far it would go, that mattered. (Applause.) In Japan a man did not require the same amount of money he required in London to live in the same .style. The expenditure in the west was unnecessarily increased, and the simple life of the Japanese people, especially in foodstuffs, had made the country thrifty and courageous. He thought Japan was achieving so well because they did not trust everything to foreigners. Their first railways were built by English contractors, but to-day they could build the railways at one-tenth the cost they paid to the contractors. The rail- way employes were treated very nicely, and they had had only one strike in thirty years. (Ap- plause.) The railways managed to pay from eight to fiftn per oent. in dividends, so they were just going on nicely. There were no rail- ways when he was at school, and with others he had to walk a distance of 300 miles twice a year from his home to Tokio to obtain higher educa- tion. On the road fftere were many tea shops, where travellers could obtain nothing to drink but tea, because the people were very much sub- jected to sobriety. (Laughter.) Speaking of recreation, he said people in England went to music halls and listened to vile music, which was absolutely contrary to the sense of morality. He thought it was most deplorable. (Hear hear.) The Japanese might fall into such temptations, but he hoped they would refrain from giving way to that dangerous tendency of life and luxury. (Hear, hear.) We had no good composers in this country. (Laughter.) In Japan they did not attach much importance to music. They preferred giving their children more training in mathematics and trigonometry. (Hear, hear.) They did not stir up people by their music, but they quieted them and made them more thoughtful and given to meditation. Speaking of the com- mercial development of the country, he said Japan was built on a coal-bed. He could recollect the time when the Japanese did not know coal. His sc hoolmaster shewed him a small piece of rock like substance and told him it was burnable. They did not know exactly what it was, but tç day they exported to Hong-Kong and Singapore and supplied many vesæls. Mr. Kato touched on the religion of the country. Shintoism was not so much opposed to the ideas of the west, and Japan was fast coming to the idea of the Father- hood of God and the brotherhood of man. (Ap- plause.) The lecture was illustrated by an excellent series of lantern views thrown on the screen by Mr. Siddall.

NATURAL HISTORY NOTES. I THE SISKIN. In my last notes I spoke about that interesting little finoh, the siskin, which this vww has burned up in some numbers. Not only has it been noticed in Cheshire, but two large flocks have been seen in Anglesey, and a few days ago we watched a party of considerable size in the alders which hang over the beautiful Elwy. There were many of the little green-yellow birds swing- ing on the slender twigs, pecking at the catkins, and whenever they flew to a fresh tree twittering in cheerful chorus; some of them were so near to us, as wo stood looking down upon them from the bridge, that. we could see every marking, every shade of colour. How they swung beneath the branches—tit-like in their actions, how they devoured those seeds, and slipped from twig to twig! It was a charming picture; the pretty northern birds in the graceful trees above the swift-flowing stream. The siskin is not like the fieldfare and redwing only a winter visitor to Britain, although the bulk of the birds we see are migrants from the north. A few pairs have from time to time nested in our southern counties, and north of Perth it may be found neating almost every year. Perhaps it nests in some of the fir woods of the Clwyd Valley, and perhaps in Anglesey and other parts of North Wales; we have seen one bird in full breeding plumage in spring in Anglesey. That, however, is no sure proof that the bird does breed th ere. BATS ON THE WING IN DECEMBER. I The winter sleep of most of our bats began wine time ago, but we know very little about ths winter sleep—hibernation, as it is called— and when food is still plentiful on warm days bats will come and feed. We very seldom see the big nootule abroad in December, though it has been reported in the south of England. Noctules feed on large beetles and high-flying moths, which are not on the wing at present. But there have been this month, owing to the warm, open weather, a fair number of the smaller bats about. On some of the milder days gnats and small flies were un- usually plentiful, and in the afternoon, for the light fails very early, I have seen several pipis- trelles hawking for food. The pipistrelle is a near relation of the noctule, and is the "common bat" of most folk. In the limestone of North Wales there are many curious oaves and smaller holes and cracks which afford shelter for bats in winter; in summer the little creatures do not seem to taxe about the c&vea, but find diurnal retreats elsewhere. In one of these caves we found nujnbers of lesser horseshoe bats sleeping, but I dare not aay hibernating. Certainly if their sleep was the winter trance it was uncommonly light, for when handled they very soon woke up, their temperatures rose, and in a few minutes they were as lively as on a summer evening. Probably these bats had been feeding in the caves, for food of their kind-flies of sorits--is plentiful; crowds of flies rest on the walls of the tunnels, and with them we find two moths and one or two different spiders. One of these spiders is a particularly fine animal; I do not think it. P ossesses an English name, but it has had several long scientific names given to it. It is only to be found in such dark spots as oaves and old ruins, but it appears to flourish there. Near these caves, but not actually in them, we saw, in full day- light, another bat flying backwards and forwards beneath the shadow of a natural arch of rock. It was the kind known as Natterer's bat, one which is by no means c-ommon; it has long ears, though not so long as the long-eared bat, a very common animal; it may also be distinguished when seon in such a good light as we saw it :n I by the reddish colour of its back and by its size, for it -is much larger than the pipistrelle or I whiskered bats. WANDERERS FROM THE SEA. I From time to time, generally after heavy gales or strong winds, birds of the ocean are drifted or blown to our shores, and at times a.ro carried far inland before they fall exhausted. So, since I last wrote, have two lost and storm-driven petrels reached Lancashire and Cheshire. One of these birds was driven so far inland that it fell in the streets of Fallowfield, a part of Manchester; the other dropped on the Now Ferry boat. Both birds were fork-tailed and not storm petrels. It is worthy of notice that though most of these storm driven petrels are described as storm petrels, that being a species which is well known to us in fablo and tale, vAiLn the examples are examined it is proved as often as not that they are Leachs's fork-tailed petrel and not the true storm petrel. Ine first-mentioned bird is now preserved in the Manchester Museum, but the other may perhaps still be alive. It was picked up by a kind-hearted seaman on the boat and taken home that night. I do not know if he tried to feed it. or if he did, what food he offered it. Some years ago a poor gannet was blown in- land in the same way and fell in a farmyard near Ringway. The farmer, finding a strange fowl lying in his yard, after dodging its powerful bill, managed to capture it and then attempted to feed it on "goose food"! Did he know, perhaps that one name of the bird is Solan goose? At any rate, it did not take to goose food, naturally enough, and speedily got over its troubles by departing this life; it is now preserved in a case in the farm house, an object of wonder for the natives. The little fork-tailed petrel, however, came off better, and next morning the sailor car- ried it down to the Mersey shore and put it back into the water. It swam, but was not strong enough to battle even against the small waves which were washing on the beach: it was thrown back to land again. Then the sailor took it up and stood it on a stone, from which it spread its wings and flew, departing seaward down the river. These petrels, very small birds compared with most of our gulls and other merint- fowl, spend the greater part of their lives on the open sea, feeding and sleeping without coming to land. It is small wonder that now and again-, when wea- ther continues to be rough and fierce, they are wearied and overcome and roach our shores either just alive or as washed-up corpses, to lie and rot among the corks and seaweed and aIr the flotsam and jetsam of high-water mark. DECEMBER. I Mid-winter is seldom the coldest time of the year, but it is a dead time in most forms of life. Yet there is never a time that we cannot see something stirring in the animal and the vege- table world, some birds or insects about, some buds, upon some trees. Insect fife is least in evidence, though dancing round t'no, street-lamps, even on eold and ohilly nights, W may see the ash-brown male of the winter math, and when a gleam of sunshine pierces the sullen leaden clouds or finds its way through the- thick fog some gnats are wakened from their slumbers and dance in the quickening rays. When the ground is not frost bound there are inisecta of other small forms of animal life in among thie grass or the newly-turned earth, for the lapwings and golden plovers would not trouble to frequent the fields if they J found nothing, nor would the winter thrushes— I field-fare and redwing-hop with such agility and sprightliness if there was nothing to hurilt for. In these winter mornings when the muggy air is not too much chilled by frost the song thrush sings daily with increasing art of music, and this year, very early, the wild notes of the mistle thrush have been hurled far and wide by the bigger, bolder bitrd. It is seldom that the mistle thrush sings much before Christmas or even the closing days of the old year, but by the 12th of the month he was singing gaily this season. And now the robin is not our only songster, for tho lyric wren chimes out, and the weak but sweet- voiced dunnock trills in the hedge. The lively tits break forth into utterances not unlike spring music, and on the warmest day a skylark here and there goes skywards as if he thought there was something to live for beside the loaves and fishes. And daily, even when tba rime clings thickly to the pear tree branohes, the starling is at his chosen post, clattering and whistling to the cold winter sure his idea of music. It may not be beautiful at times, this starling song, but it is lively and joyous; now with a tuneful p p?, now with a meaningless clatter of bill, the star- ling does his best to add to that winter chorus which is but the forerunner of the great spring orchestra that shall tell us all that Nature has renewed her youth once more. Long ere the ,last weed has withered or all the grass turned brown we may see signs on every hand of the promise of the future. Nature never dies. T. A. C.

THE PASSING SEASON. I The rapidly, and, it may be added, pleasantly moving season, has called for little variation of description during the last few weeks, and according to present appearances there seems the likelihood of a continuance of the agreeable conditions. True, the pastures for the most part are brown and worn, as is to be expected at this end of the year. But the autumn has been mostly noticeable for its mildness, attested by the early singing of the thrushes and lively twitterings of numerous smaller birds. It is even reported that a robin's nest full of eggs has been discovered, and taken altogether, present indications do not favour the "desperately hard winter" early prognosticated by some prophets. We read in some papers devoted to the agricultural interest of the country in places, principally in the South and about London, being in the grip of winter," and if that has been so we in the North may consider ourselves fortunate; for beyond a slight frost on two or three occasions there has been little or nothing to complain of in that respect. Of course there is time for plenty of rough weather yet, the three months of winter being all before us. For the sake of the thousands of unemployed, and others but scantily provided for, however, if for no other reason, one can but hope that the present prospect may not be marred. A "nip of frost" would be but seasonable during the Christmas holidays, if only to keep the butchers, poultry dealers, and other purveyors of Christmas fare in countenance. People's thoughts and fancies are naturally directed towards the approaching holidays, and without dwelhng on other matters, which must be self- evident, we take the opportunity of wishing our readers "A Merrv Christmas." The Suffolk Punch appears to be finding favour in Australia At a sale in Sydney recently the prices realised ranged from 140gs. to 320gs. The butchers and cattle salesmen who have been clamouring for the reintroduction of Canadian cattle into this country, have recently formed them- selves into kn association called the Free Importa- tion of Canadian Cattle Association of Great Britain. Doubtless they imagine that the new- comers of the Board of Agriculture will be more pliable than their predecessors, but it is question- able whether they will incur a risk so long and successfully shunned by the late president of the Board. There has been a goodly trade during the past year in che export of Shropshire sheep. The total amounted to 1,032, compared with 703 in 1904, and 785 in 1903, including 253 to North America, Canada and Newfoundland, 497 to South America, 153 to Australia, Tasmania and New Zealand, 54 to South Africa, Algiers, and Algoa Bay. and 75 to the contment of Europe. THE KING'S FAT STOCK SALE. The sale of the King's Christmas fat stock last week as usual attracted a large company at Slough Market, buyers coming from places so widely apart as London, Sheffield, Southsea, Merthyr Tydvil, and Warrington. The sale was conducted by Messrs. Buck land and Sons, and comprised 34 prime Devon bullocks. Mr. Willis, of Sheffield, as usual, paid the highest price, that of JB48. The total for the cattle reached £ 1,060. The Hampshire Down and Southdown wethers numbered 140, and the top price of the Hiunpwhjres was 5gs. per head for a pen of five, which fell to the bid of Mr. Spenser, of Man- chester, who also was the purchaser of the lowest at 80s. per head. The Southdowns were an un- commonly even lot, the highest price being 67s., purohased by Mr. Taylor, of Chesterfield; and three pens went to different buyers at 60s. per head. The pigs, as usual, excited a Brisk de- mand, and as much as lOgs. was paid by Mr. Bryant, of Sheffield, for a very heavy Berkshire hog. The porkers also sold well at about 80s. each. Ninety-two pigs made 2560, and the sale aggregated £ 2,108. WEIGHTS AT SMITHFIELD. From the published compilations we gather that while last year there were five classes under the age of two years that gave an average, daily gain of over 21b. per day, the Herefords, which took precedence this year, made an average daily fain of 21b. 2.10oz. for an entry of ?ix. The rix breed, which were first last ya!r, came second this with an average daily gain of 21b. 2.8oz. Then followed the Shorthorns with 21b. 1.54oz.; the Cross-bredls with 21b. 1.29oz., and the Welsh with 21b. 0.17oz. The highest indivi- dual average this year for steers under two years was 21b. 6.07oz., for Mr. J. Phipp's first-prize Hereford. In the older steer classes the highest average daily gain, 21b. 0.78oz., was made by a small class of South Devon cattle; thle Hereford class, with its six entries, taking second place with an average daily gain of lib. 12.97oz. The Oroes-breds came next with lib. 12.41oz, and then followed the Sussex with lib. 12.16oz., and the Aberdeen-Angus with lib. 11.21oz., as against lib. 13.60oz., the top average in this section last year. The highest daily gain for a steer above two years of age was that made by Mr. B. Trant's third-prize South Devon steer (21b. 3.53oz). The highest average daily gain in the heifer classes was made by the ,Ct-oss-br.eds under two years old, tiamely, lib. 15.66oz., and the Shorthorns were second with lib. lli34oz. The highest individual average daily gain in the heifer classes was 21b. 4.67oz., shewn by Mr. R. Greaves's third-prize Welsh heifer. Indeed, an exceedingly notable feature in the competition was the splendid show made by the Welsh, cattle, which took two out of three first prizes, though the championship went to a Cross-bred (Aberdeen-Shorthorn). THE CARCASE COMPETITION. I The younger steer class numbered eight, all of which were present. The aggregate ago of the class was 5,148 days, and the live weight. 9,2451b., which gave a percentage of 62.29 of carcase weight, and an average daily gain alive of lib. 12.78oz., and of carcase weight of lib. 2.08oz. The highest percentage of carcase t) live weight was 65.66 for Mr. Young's third-prize Cross-bred steer. The older clas6 of steers had six entries present, the aggregate age of whic. was 6,070 days, and the I live weight 8,3241b., which gave a percentage of 65.36 of carcase weight, and an average daily gain alive of lib. 5.94oz., and of carctae. weight 14. 34oz. highest percentage of careaso to I've weight W3 72.84 per cent., given by Mr. L. Phillip's reserve Cross-bred steer. There were eight entries pre- sent in the heifer class, the aggregate age <'f which was 6,827 days, with an aggregat weiqbf of 10,297ib. This gave a pc.c^ntage of 64.93 of oarNI. weight with an average daily gain of lib 8.13oz. alive, and 15.68oz. of carcase weignt. The largest percentage of carcase weight was ohewn by Lord Tredegar's reserve oross-bred heifer, 66.42 per oent. BLINDNESS IN BARLEY AND OATS. I A leaflet on this subject is to hand from the Board of Agriculture pointing out that this disease, which has lately made its appearance in this coun- try, is on the increase. It comes as a parasite. The young leaves and leaf sheaths are at first marked with minute, scattered, pale green spots, which increase in number and size, and the leaf gradually changes to a sickly yellow green colour, after which it droops and ceases to grow. The stunting of the plant is in proportion to the severity of the attack, but in almost all instances the plant is practically killed before the ear is liberated from the leaf sheath enclosing it, hence the disease is known as blindness." Even where the ears grow out many of them die prematurely, or remain erect without becoming" sickled" as in a healthy, well- ripened crop. The preventive measures advocated are the sprinkling of the grain with 1 per cent. of formalin in water, and the steeping of the seed in water at a temperature of between 130 and 135 deg. F., the seed barley to remain in the water from five to seven minutes. IMPORTATIONS INTO FRANCE. I The Board of Agriculture and Fisheries have been informed that difficulties have arisen at some of the French Channel ports owing to the fact that the formalities prescribed by the Decree of the 11th June, 1S05, with regard to the importa- tion into Franoe of horses and other animals have not been complied with in Great Britain. The Board desire to bring to the notice of all pereons exporting horrses, asses, cattle, sheep, goats and pigs to France that the landing can only take place through certain specified Custom-houses. The stock must be accompanied by a certificate of origin from the administrative authority of the place from which they come, certifying that no contagious disease affecting animals of the species in question exists or has existed in that place during the preceding &ix weeks. The certificate must state the number and description of the animals, and should not have been issued more than three days before the despatch of the animals. Animals not accompanied by such a' certifioate or which are not presented with as little delay as possible after the expiration of the voyage will be rejected. Cattle presented for importation into France will be submitted to the tuberculin test, and for this purpose are to be kept under observation, at the expense of the importers, for forty-eight hours at the least. Fuller particulars were published in the "Journal of the Board of Agriculture for August, 1905.

Useful presents for Christmas and New Ye-n Splendid seleotion of new troods at THORP'S Hosiery and Glove Depot, The Eastgate Opposite Grosvenor Hotel). PHEASANTS! PHEASANTS 1 suitable ior Christmas Gifts, at lowest market prices.#. Southard and Co. (Market Square), 52, Northgate- strreet, Chester. Telephone 2y. CHRISTMAS PRESENTS.—Evans's celebra- ted Melton Mowbray Pies and Royal Cambridge Sausages obtainable only at any of Messrs. Thompson, Son and Ciemenoe's Establishments, 10. Northgate-street, 17, Eastgatc-streeit, 16, Foregate-strewiij and 1, Market Hall. Daily supplies.

WARRINGTON AGRICULTURAL I SOCIETY. Sir Gilbert Greenall presided over the annual meeting of the Warrington and District Agri- cultural Society on Tuesday. The report shewed that notwithstanding the large number of entries and high character of the last show there was a lews on the year's working. The deficit, how- ever, had been made up by a special donation by the president. The question of the extension of the society's district, the report continued, would have to bo seriously considered. The twelve miles radius round Warrington did not extend sufficiently into the cheese, butter, and hunter districts of Cheshire, and it was therefore pro- posed to increase the size to 16 miles in Cheshire, exoept that part lying east of the railway from Broadheath to Manchester and north of the rail- way from Broadheath to Stockport. The report was adopted. Sir Gilbert Greenall was re-elected president, and it was decided to ask Lord Lilford to become vice-president. A discussion took place on the question of the extension of the district, and it was pointed out that if this were decided it would enable certain champion breeders to come in and sweep the decks. It was also oontonded that the part of Cheshire it was in- tended to include was already covered by the Altrindham, Middlewich, Mid-Cheshire, Wirral and Birkenhead, and Shropshire shows. Eventually the meeting decided against extending the boundary by a large majority.

CHESHIRE DAIRY FARMERS. ADMISSION OF LIVE STOCK. A counoil meeting of this association was held at the Blossoms Hotel, Chester, on Saturday. Mr. G. Barbour occupied the chair, and the follow- ing members were present:—Messrs. Rowe Morris, R. Mullock, R. Bourne, Jas. Blake, P. Dutton, C. Bate, J. Jackson, J. Minshull J. Jones, T. Prince, R. D. Walley, H. S. Walley, and R. Challinor (secretary). Discussing the result of the annual show held at Chester and Nantwich, the members generally spoke in words of commendation of the satisfactory way in which the stewards had carried out the several duties involved. Mr. Rowe Morris raised the question of the desirability or otherwise of ad- mission of live stock into this country, stating that the matter had come under the notice of various corporations, a number of which had passed resolutions in favour of it. To what ex- tent corporations would benefit by the opening of their ports for admission of live stock he (Mr. Morris) did not know, but in his opinion the pass- ing of an Act to allow this admissioij would seriously affect the interests of the dairy farmer. —Mr. Richard Mullock stated that the matter was serious. He did not look at it on commercial lines, viz., in the light of raising or lowering the price of cattle but rather at the certainty of in- creasing the risk of introducing and spreading disease. He and numerous others had in their minds vivid recollections of the terrible havoc wrought in this country in 1866 by the rinderpest, and he thought that an excuse for offering a strong protest against any action that may be taken which would increase the risk of importing disease into the country.—Messrs. R. D. Walley. J. Minshull, T. Prince, C. Bate, and others spoke in a similar manner, whereupon it was unani- mously resolved that the whole matter be dis- cussed at the annual meeting of the association to be held in February.

MOTOR-OAR AND BROUGHAM. I ACTION BY SIR DELVES BROUGHTON. I At Nantwich County Court, on Saturday, be- fore Judge Reginald Brown, K.C., and a jury, Sir Delves Broughton, Bart, of Dodington Park, Nantwich, sued Henry Mervyn Lubroyohe, gentleman, Aston Cottage, Nantwioh, for damages, amounting to JE26, alleged to have been caused to a brougham by defendant negligently driving his motor-car. Mr. Ellis Griffith, bar- rister, appeared for plaintiff, and Mr. J. P. Whit- tingham, solicitor, Nantwioh, for defendant. Sir Delves and Lady Broughton, plaintiff's coachman and footman, and other witnesses gave evidence" in support of the claim. Plaintiff's case was that on August. 31st Lady Broughton was re- turning from .Audlem Flower Show in her brougham accompanied by her daughter, to Dod- dington Park, when defendant drove his motor- car at an excessive speed round a bend in the road and charged into the brougham, which was overturned, Lady Broughton and her daughter being for some time imprisoned inside the car- riage. The defendant and three witnesses who rode in the car and two labourers denied that the car was driven at more than six miles an hour round the corner. They swore that the car was on its proper side of the road, that the horn was fre- quently sounded, and that the collision was due to Lady Broughton's coachman being on his wrong side. The Judge having pointed out that the claim could only be sustained on its being proved that the damage was due to defendant's negligence, the jury, after an absenoe of twenty minutes, found for the defendant, with costs, holding that the collision was an accident. It transpired during the hearing that defendant was fined by the Nantwich bench £ 5, and oosts for negligent driving on the date in question, and that defendant is appealing to Quarter Ses- sions against tho decision.

ERRATIC MOTORING I I DRIVER'S PLIGHT NEAR WHITCHURCH. I At the Whitchurch Petty Sessions on Friday Charles W. Paulet, a driver in the employment of Mr. Wood, of Whitewell, was charged with being drunk in oharge of a motor-car near Whit- church on the night of the 7th inst.—Mr. J. M. Etches appeared for the defendant, who pleaded not guilty. Arthur Thos. Trickett, fishmonger, Whit- church, said that about a quarter to eleven on the night in question he was coming along the highway at Broughall when he came up to a motor-oar which was partly overturned, having run into the hedgebank. One light was in the front, and the red light at the back was also burning. He saw that a man was in the oar, and he appeared to be asleep or drunk. He spoke to him but he did not answer. He did not get out of the trap and go to the man, because If he happened to be drunk he might hit him. (Laughter.) Three oiffoers (P.C. Reeves, P.S. Lealand and P.C. Adams) gave evidence to the effect- that the defendant appeared to them to be under the in- fluence of drink, and he smelt very strongly of spirits. They did not believe that his condition was due to the injuries he had received by the accident; he had 6oratohes and blood on the faoa, but no wounds of a serious character. The marks of the motor-car wheels along some little distance trom the spot where the accident happened, shewed that it had been taking a very erratic oourse before it aotually mounted the hedge bank. Mr. Etches urged for the defendant that he was in a dazed condition owing toO the force of the impact consequent upon his 'head striking the front part of the oar; and he also submitted that the conduct of the defendant was perfectly consistent with the theory that, after having been struck. he was suffering- from concussion. It was pointed out that about 2hours elapsed before the car was got out of the hedge and set right, after whiclh the defendant drove it home, in company with P.C. Reeves. Defendant gave evidence, and a couple of wit- nesses also gave evidenae in his favour, one stating that he thought the defendant was sober, while the other said he was dazed, but he could not say whether it would be through drink or not. Mr. Wood gave defendant a good character, and said that to the best of h:s knowledge the de- fendant was a sober man. The Bench retired. and on their return the Chairman (Mr. C. T. Dugdale) said the defend- ant would be fined E2 and costs, and it was lucky for him that the case }Vas tried under the Highways Act and not undor the Motor-Car Act.

UNKNOWN FACTS ABOUT CURRANTS. wfc- If young mothers, and indeed all those whose duty it is to cater for a household, only knew what a cheap valuable food there is ready to hand in dried currants, the fruit would be on the table every day. These little grape berries contain over three times as much actual nourishment as lean beef, and are abundant in the right kind of sugar required to supply the body with energy and vitality. Currants contain several most important delicious fruit acids, which not only cool the blood and help the digestion, but prevent skin complaints Currants eaten as dessert are as wholesome as they are palatable, and there are scores of ways of cook- ing them. For children, currants are an adeal article of food. They are eaten with delight, and are, consequently, more profitable to the youngsters than food which is unpalatable. The action of the currant is gently and naturally laxative, and its use is altogether conducive to good health.

Marvellous value in Stockings, filled with Toys and Sweets, go to R. Davies and Co., 2G> Bridge- street, Chester. Useful presents for Christmas and New Year. Splendid selection of new goods at THORP'S Hosiery and Glove Depot, The Eastgate (opposite Grosvenor Hotel). FOOTB ALL-Many a goal is missed by reason of faulty Boots. Hewitt's Boots are faultless. Try a pair, and raise your average.—HEWITT, Abbey Gateway. PHEÄSANTS PHEASANTS! suitable for Christmas Gifts, at lowest market prices.-i. Southard and Co. (Market Square), 52, Northgarte- Chester. Telephone 2Y. strCeeHt, RISTMAS PRESENTS.—Evans's celebra- ted Melton Mowbray Pies and Royal Cambridge Sausages obtaiinable only at any of Messrs. Thompson. Son and Clemeuce's Establishments, 10, Northgafte-street, 17, E ast gate art reet, 16, Foreate.trt) and 1, Market Hall. DaUy I suppUos? j

ROYAL ROCK BEAGLE HUNT. I THEIR DIAMOND JUBILEE. t To commemorate their sixtieth season the I members of the Royal Rock Beagle Hunt gave a ball on Friday at the Music Hall, Claugh- ton-road, Birkenhead, to which all the farmers over whose land they hunt were invirte.d with their wives and families. The Hunt claims the proud distinction of being the oldest beagle hunt in the country, and in point of age it takes pre- cedenoe over many fox hunts. The hunt, which is now in its s:xty-first season, was foundled by the late Colonel King, who is still rempmbered all over Wirral. He was the first master and held the position for many years. It is interest- ing to note that Miss King, his daughter, who was predsnt at the ball, is the only lady member of the hunt, and has the honour of being one of the half-dozen life-mem- bers. Colonel King was succeeded by Mr. Lewis R. Stevenson, who is also a lite-member. The next to take the mastership was Mr. J. W. Mac- fie, of Wavortcm, who is also a lifie-member. Since he resigned the position has been held by the late Mr. Gould Smyth, Mr. Tiempest- Dixon, Mr. C. F. Hutton, and Mr. C. H. Rode- wall, who is the present master, having taken offic-k, at the beginning of this season. Tne coun- try of the hunt oomprises the Hundred of Wirral, and perhaps no body has experienced more forcib- ly the rapid development of that side of too Mersey than this hunt. In their Lairly days meets were held at Wallasey, and in other places of similar character, from which hares have long since disappeared before the rapid advance of bricks and mortar. The present season has not been a good one, the sasnt having been uniformly poor. The arrangements for the ball were in the hands of th,e master, assisted by Mr. G. Cowiey, Mr. H. Todd, Mr. J. Ravensdroit, Mr. Hamilton Gair and Mr. Tempest-Dixon, who are to be heartily congratulated on the succc-ss of the function. Invitations to the number of 550 were issued, and nearly all were accepted. The hall was charmingly decorated1 and furnished, and the ballroom, where Messrs. Eyton's band (Liver- pool) played, presented a beautiful appearance. The members of the hunt, who are limited to sixty in number, wore the hunt button -4et in a pretty bow of red and blue, which made a neat ornament. The guests were received at the head of the staircase by Miss King, who wore a charming dress of grey satin, and the Master of the Hunt. A handsome bouquet of tulips and lilies of the valley was presented to Miss King. Dancing commenced at half-past eight and was cirried on merrily until three o'clock. No M.C.'s wetre appointed, the duties being carried out by the members. The following is a list of the guests: —Arrowe: Mr. R. P. Jones, Mr. R. P. Jones, junr., Miss Jones, Mr. and Mrs. M'Farlane, Mr. and Mrs F. Burgoss, Mr. and Mrs. S. Oroor, Mr. Hancock. Barnston Mr. and Mrs. Sparke, Mr. and Mrs. W. Gertrey, Mr. and Mrs. M Getrick, Mrs. Robb, Miss Farrington, Mr. and' Mrs. Jones. Bebing- ton: Mr. Thomas John-oil, Mr. R. 0. Johnson, Miss Johnson, Miss Mary Johnson, Mr. Thomas and Miss M. Howard, Mr. M. Booth, Mr. S. Booth, Miss Daisy Booth, Mr. and Miss Nicols, Mr. and Miss Corfe, Mr. TurnN, Miss Spalton. Bidston: Miss Mutch, Mr. Thomas Plunkett, Mr. E. T. and Mrs. Evans, Miss Rowland, Mr. Thomas Lamb, Mr. A. Lamb, Mr. and Mrs. D. Jones, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas. Brimstage: Mr. Garnett, Mrs. Spencer, Mr. and Mrs. S. Davies, Mr. and Miss Shakeshaft. Bromborough: Mr. George Ledson. Burton: Mr., Mrs. and Mr. J. Johnson, Mr. J. G., Mrs. and Miss E. Tickle, Mr. J., Mr. W. and Mrs Charmley, Mr. W. and Mr. J. Chesworth, Mils, and Miss Ohesworth, Mr. and Mrs Crow, Mr. and Mrs. Ledson, Mr. D., Mr. R. and Miss Kemp, Mr. W. and Mr. R. Cross, Mr. J. and Miss E. Mealor. Caldy: Mr. S. and Miss E. Croxton, Mr. F. W. Lyon, Mr. and Mrs. Marples, Mr. W. H. and Mr. T. Croxton, Mr. A. E. and Mr. W. G. Shenatt. Capenhurst: Mr. and Mrs. John Maddock, Mr. W., Mr. R. and Mrs. J. Griffith, Mr. 0. and Mr. S. Maddock, Mr. R. Jones, Mr. John and Mr. T. Mansley, Mrs. J., Miss E. and Master Jones, Mr. J. R. and Mr. H. Carter. Eastham: Mr., Mrs. and Miss Boo- croft, Mrs. and Miss Randies, Mr. G. H. For- rester. Frankhv • Mr .T TT TTurrkoo. IVTicc TYT "0' ""1'.L"" .1'. Lee, Mr. and Mrs. Clarke, Mr.. W. H. and Miss E. Moore, Mr. J. and Miss Parkinson, Mr. W. Povall, Mr. Povall, junr., Mr. F. and Miss Dodd, Mr. E., Mr. S. and Mr. J. Parkinson, Mr. Geo. and Miss Day. Gayton: Mr. W. and Miss Griffith, Mr. W. E. and Mr. S. Rowland, Mr. and Mrs. S. Woodward, Mr. R. Norris. and son. Giange: Mr. a.nd Mrs. J. Smith. Greasby: Mr. and Mrs. G. H. Smith, Miss and Miss A. Smith, Mr. W. B. Booth, Miss A. Jackson, Mr., Miss J. and Miss M. Dodd, Mr. and Mis. Dunbavin, Mirss and Miss A. Rüaly, Mr. and Miss A. Peers, Mr. T. S., Mrs. and Miss Fairclough, Mr.. Mrs. and Miss Bros- ter. Haswail.: Miss S., Miss H. and Mr. J. Totty, Mr. G. R. and Miss Hough, Mr. J. R. and Miss Lamb. Hooton: Mr. and Mrs. Waring. Irby: Mr. and Mis. Dunba.vin, Mr. and Mrs. Hancock, Miss Jones, Mr. H. Le-es, Miss A. Leech, Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Smith, Mr. and Miss Cropper, Mr. and Mrs. Cooke, Mr. Jas. Dodd, Mr. H. Pliillips, Mr. W. Maddock, Miss Smith. Landican: Mr. and Mrs. Okell, Miss A. John- sou, Mr, W. L. Turton. Ledsham Mr. and Mrs. R. Jones, Mr. J. Jones, Mr. and Mrs. Stretch, Mr. and Mrs. Harrop, Mr. and Mrs. W. J. Mil- ton. Mr. and Mrs. Geo. Owen. Miss and Miss D. Owen, Mr. H. and Mr. T. Smallwood, Mr. H. and Mrs. J. Beecroft. Leigbton: Mr. and Mrs. Fryer, Miss and Miss E. Piggot.t, Mr. and Mrs. J. Davies. Moreton: Mr. and Mrs. Sutton, Mr. and Miss B-riscoo, Mr. and Mrs. J. J. Lamb, Mr. and Mrs. T. Parkinson. Nowton-cum-Lar- ton: Mr. Strong, Miss Kitchen, Mr. T. A., Mr. W. B. and Miss J. Booth, Mr. E., Mr. J. and Mr. T. M'Gctrick. Ncston and Ness: Miss B. and Miss P. and Mr. T. and Mr. F. Moris" Master and Miss Pc?rs, Mr.. Mrs. and Miss Jones, Mr. and Mrs C. Bower, Mr. C. J. and Miss Gray, Mr. and Mrs. Jos. Royden, Mr. H., Mr. S. and Miss E. Johnson, Mr. S. and Miss Mealor, Mr. J. Green, Mr. Jos., Mrs. and Miss Meaior, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Jones, Mr, and Mrs. Dodd, Mr. J., Mr. M. and Miss Hutchinson, Miss Eithel and Miss M. Jones, Mr. R. and Miss M. Scott. Oxton: Mr. and Mrs. W. Houghton, Miss Slingsby. Pensby: Mr. and Mrs. Barber. PEenton: Mr. and Mrs. A. Gaskoll, Miss and Mr. E. Gaskell. Mr. R. and Miss Johnson, Mr. and Mrs. J. L. Johnson* Puddington Mr. and, Miss Tomlinson, Mr. and Mrs. S. Griffiths. Mr., and Mrs. R. Griffiths, Mr. and Mrs. Brassendale, Mr. R. and Miss A. Owen. Raby: Mr. IL and Mr. E. Has- sall, Miss Wright, Miss A. Bewley, Mr. W. and Miss Ellison. Mr. and Mrs. Tux ton, Mr. and Mrs. Kelsey, Mr. and Mrs E. Jones, Miss A. and, Miss C. Jones, Mr. T. B. and MiSS Griffiths. Spital: Ur. and Mrs. F. Jellicoe, Mr. T. and Mir. J. Latham. Storeton Mr. and Mi-s. Pate. Sjet- ton and Stanncy: Mr. and Mrs. G. Leo, Mr. G. Boffey, Mr. W. and Mr. T, Jenkins, Mr. F., Mr. J.. Mr. H. and Miss Mason, lr. Richard and Miss Williams, Mr. W. Williaras, junr., Mr- A. Price, Miss Hayes, Mr. J. and Miss N. Johasoti, Mr. Jos., Mr. F. and Miss Jones, M;ss Pickering, Mr. and, Mrs. Chri stopherson, Mr. S. Tones. junr., Mr. J. Jones, Miss Jones and Miss ( Boughev, Mr. C. and Mr. J. Pudforrl, Mrs. Howard, Mr. and Mrs C. Howard. Tranmere: Mr. R. S. and Mr. J. Ravens haw. Thingwall: Mr. a.nd Mrs. T. Lamb and Miss Rawles. Thurs- taston: Mr. and Mrs. J. Evans, Mr. W. and Mr. J. Hough, Miss E. M. and Miss S. R Hough, Mr. and Mrs. T. Hughes, Mr., Mrs. and Miss Johnson, Mr. and Mrs W. Hughes. Thornton Hough: Mr. and Mrs. T. Jelliooe, Mr. and Miss L. Jones, Mr. and Miss C. Waring, Mr. J. J. Shakeshaft. Upton Mr. and Mrs. and Miss Lee, Mr. and Mrs. Thos Knowies, Mr. and Mfs. J. Xnowles, Mr., Mrs. and Miss Wilkinson. Wil- laston: Miss Jones, Mr. P. Francis, Mr., Mrs. and Mr. J. Leech, Mr. Jos., Miss F. and Miss E. Pollard, Mr. J. L., Miss L. and Miss A. Pollard, Mr. S. F., Miss MoHie and Miss E. Wood, Miss Wright, Miss Broster, Mr. W. H. Wood, Mr. and Mrs. Francis. Mr. and Mrs. Argyle, M,iss L. J. and Mr. Argyle, Mr. W., Mr. E. and Miss John- son, Mr. and Mrs. Allen, Miss J. Allen and Mr. W. Allen, Mr. Claud Francis, Miss Charmley, Mr. W. and Miss A. Pugh, Mr.. Mrs. T. W. and: Miss Mason, Mr. and Mrs. P. Mason, Miss Pol- lard, Mr. John and Miss E. Maher, Mr. T. and Miss L. Pugh, Mr. W. and Miss HaJe, Mr. and Miss Sherlock, Mr. W. and Miss A. Wright. Whitby: Mr. W. and Miss Platt, Mr. and Mrs. A. Wilson. Woodchurch: Mr. and Mrs. Crox- ton, Miss Bullen, Mr. and Mrs. Briscoe, Mr. and Mrs. Whiteway. General List: Mr. Richard and Miss Johnson Houghton, Miss Owen, Mr. and Mrs. Catto, Mr. and Mrs. Holden, A. Edward- son, Mr. and Mrs. Thos. Davies, Messrs. W. S. and T. A. Summerfield, the Misses Summer- field, C. M, Beckett, Mr. and Mm. Jackson, Mr. and Mrs. Twigge, Mr. and Mrs. G. Barker, Mr. and Mrs. Stern, Mr. and Mrs. Hobbs, Misses Isihay, Mr. Percy Roberts. Miss Evans, Mr., Mrs. and Mr. P. Sunday. Mr. and Mrs. Carter, Mr. and Mrs. Morgan.

ATTACK ON THE OBSERVER.' w MR. MILLS'S COMPLIMENTS. Facts are sometimes unpalatable. The Observer's" mention of Mr. Alfred Mond's pro- Boerium and ignominious failure at South Salford inspired Mr. T. Mills to deliver himself of some mentoriai references to us in a speech he made at a meeting under the auspices of the Chester Women's Liberal Association at Handbridge on Fri- day night. He said he hoped as far as possible we were going to have a clean and straight fight this time. He took up the "Observer" that night— (laughter)—and there were indications that they (the Radioals) were going to have the same sort of dealings with that paper that they had had in. the past. They (the "Observer) ought to divorce Hooliganism and journalism; the two things had no affinity, and ought not to be brought together. He remembered the days when some of them were pilloried for having had the courage to go down to weloome John Morley at the Liberal Club; and there was a black list with their names in, because it was thought they had done something criminal. Now, to-day, the old cry of pro-Boerism was raised again. They ought to be ashamed— (A Voice: "They have no shame")--having regard to the fact that to-day everybody admitted the Government bungled into the war for they wore not prepared. Only the other night he heard one of their (the Unionists') stalwarts pro- claim what a piece of shameful bungling the Boer war was, and the shameful unpreparednees of the Unionist Government. We were now asked to give this Government another lease of power. Every man who had the responsibility of that war never ought to take part in a Government again with the consent of the working classes. (Applause.) Mr. H. B. Dutton also spoke of the "Observer." He said Mr. Mills had referred to tho fact that the "Observer" was on the warpath. He had read right through one article, and found a fine manifesto on behalf of Mr. Yerburgh. Then the reoord of Mr. Mond was summed up in ten lines. It just mentioned that he fought South Salford and sinoe then he had done nothing in par- ticular and done it very well." (Laughter.) He hoped they would give Mr. Mond a chance to do something; he would be able to shew them that he was both able to do nothing in particular very well and something in particular very well. He (Mr. Dutton) had been anxiously awaiting Mr. Yerburgh's declaration on the point of Free Trade. The "Observer" concluded the article by saying they had an interview with Mr. Yerburgh :tywr hurriedly—(laughter)—and gave point. He (Mr. Yerburgh) declared himself as strongly opposed to Home Rule as ever." (Laughter.) That was to be in the forefront of Mr. Yerburgh's fight; and it was going to be the battle cry; that was the herring drawn across by them—(a Voice: "Bogey")—the bogey. The next thing was Mr. Yerburgh was "determined to resist Disestablish- ment." Who said anything about Disestablish- ment? (Laughter.) They were putting up these skittles in order to knock them down. Mr. Yerburgh also advocated a small and efficient army and encouragement of the Volunteer force. He was quite sure the "Volunteer foroe wanted a little encouragement after the way in which they had been knocked about by people in higher positions than Mr. Yerburgh. Mr. Mond also spoke. Mr. Moss thanked God that the late Govern- ment was dead.

SCOTSMEN AND CONSCRIPTION.-An animated debate took place at a meeting of the Chester Caledonian Association on Friday evening on the question, "Is the adoption of a system of Army Conscription for the defence of our nation desirable?" The Sheriff of the city, Mr. William Ferguson, presided. The affirmative view was taken by Mr J. M. Smith, who advo- cated a modified form of conscription to meet the growing needs of our Empire. Mr. J. Stirling, who led on the negative side, opposed compulsory Army service as demoralising, and dltew a lurid picture of the moral condition of France and Ger- many as the result of their conscript forces. The subsequent discussion was maintained by Messrs. J. Simpson, Skitt, J. McKinley, Brown, A. Groig, Pringle; S. D. Cawood, W. Burness, J. Weights, D. Robortson, and J. Simon. It was significant, as indicating the trend of public opinion, that the great majority of those present spoke in support of some form of compulsory Army service, and although Mr. Stirling made a gallant fight, he found himself in a hopeless minority. (A portion of the above appeared in our last Saturdau Eveninq Edftion.)

I DRAUGHTS. I CHESTER AND DISTRICT LEAGUE. I UNIONIST CLUB v. UPTON. I Played at Chester on Mondav. Score :— UNIONIST CLUB. UPTON CLUB. Wins. Draws. Wins. 4 W. Burness 0 E. Lockley 0 2 A. E. Dutton. 1 H. Huntley. 1 2 T. Rice. 0 .T. Williamson 2 0 G. Ashmore 2 A. Hunt 2 3 H. Dutton 1 H. Williams 0 1 H. Stone. 0 W. White 3 12 4 8 Majority for Unionist Club, 4 games..

COUNTY POLICE COURT. I SATURDAY.—Before Messrs. H. D. Trelawny(pre- sidLug), John Thompson, R. T. Richardson, J. W. Macho and Rowe Morris, and Col. Evans- Lloyd. POACHERS' CLEVER DOG.—George Reay and Thomas Williams, Saltney men, were sum- moned for trespassing in pursuit of game on land in icho oocupation of Bonjamin Jones, in the town- ship of Marlston-oum-Lache, on the 3rd inst. De- fondants pleaded not guilty.—Mr. E. S. Giles, who appeared for the prosecution, said the oaso disclosed the story of a very clever dog and an unworthy owner and his friend. On the morn- ing in question Mr. Roberts, a farmer of Balder- ton, went to soe his sheep just after daybreak. On leaving them he heard some of them eoa.mper- ing, and turning back, heard the cry of a hare. Going in the direction of the cry, lie saw a grey- hound dog killing a hare. The dog ran off with the hare when he shouted to it, and going in pur- suit of the animal he saw two men, who whistled to the dog, which followed them with the hare in her mouth. Mr. Roberts gave chase, and fol- lowed the dog to Cambrian Row, Saltney, where it dropped the hare in the middle of the road. Mr. Roberts, picking up the hare, saw the de- fendant Williams poke his head out of the door of a house and call the dog, which immediately went into his house. Complainant and a police man subsequently called upon Williams and charged him with being out with the dog, which he denied. They afterwards went to Reay's house in Curzon-street, and asked to see the dog. By that time the dog, which was extremely clever, had found its way home, Reay being its owner. Reay produced the dog, which Mr. Roberts identified as the dog which killed the hare. Reay at first denied having been game trespassing, but afterwards admitted' and asked to be let off. On the Monday morning both de- fendants came to Mr. Roberts and offered to do away with the dog and to give 10s. to the. poor box if he would let them off. The dog was so clever that if the men had offered to do away with themselves instead he (Mr, Giles) thought they wouild be missed less than the faithful ani- mal. (Laughter.) Mr. Roberts had for some time suffered considerable damage to his sheep through their being frightened by dogs.—Mr. R. G. Roberts, Mainwaring- Farm, gave evidence bear- ing out the above circumstances, and P.C. Wil- liams (Saltney) was also called.—Reay, who ad- dressed the bench volubly in his defence, urged that he and his oompanion had no intentrion of krlling game. When they saw the dog catch the hare they ran away.-Wiliiams made a similar statement, adding that when the dog set off with the hare he (Williams) exclaimed, "Good God, there goes the bitch after a hare." (Laughter.) —The magistrates having decided to convict, the police produced a record of a conviction of the defendants at Mold in June last for night poach- ing, when both were sent to gaol for a month.— The bench decided to impose a penalty of 20s. and costs each, the Chairman pointing out that luckily for them the summons had not been taken out for poaching on a Sunday, or the fine would have been £ 5

HOCKEY. CHESTER v. TIMPERLEY. Played at Timporley on Saturday. The home team in the immediate opening of the game made a brisk run, and Sykee scored. The Chester team then pulled themselves together, and very quickly made things equal by scoring. G. Williams showed his pace on the right wing, and took the ball down the field, but failing to centre at the right moment, missed a. good chance. Half-time arrived with a score of one goal each. After the interval the play was even, and neither got- much advantage. Chester got on the attack, and several splendid shots were saved. Roberts took the ball, but afte? some pretty, combined passing, the forwards failed to get past the Timperley cus- todian. The game ended in a tie of one goal each.

I A CHESHIRE ACTION. The action Harding v. Cotton and Reynold's, by which the plaintiff claimed specific performance of an agreement to sell to him certain land and here- ditaments at Middlewich, came before Mr. Justice Swinfen Eady in the Chancery Division. of the High Court on Monday. Mr. Eve, K.C., who with Mr. Redmond'repre- sented the plaintiff, said that the property, which formed part of the estate of Ann Venables, de- ceased, was- pnt up for sale by auction in Wales on the 8th of Jane last year, and the plaintiff pur- chased two lots, a house, orchard, and some land for:2585, and some land in the neighbourhood of Holmes Chapel for £140. The plaintiff asked for specific performance of the agreement and damages in respect of deterioration by reason of the nonperform- ance of the contract. The defendants sold as the trustees of the will of Ann Venables, and' it now turned out that the will bad not been; proved, and was disputed by one of the beneficiaries. The testatrix died in March of 1904, and nothing had yet been dome. The sale took place- under the general conditions of the Chester and North Wales Incorporated Law Society, and the purchase isoney was payable to Francis Wood Johnson at the Town Hall, Middlewich. The contracts for sale were signed, on the 8th of June, 1904, and a. deposit paid, but up to the present time the plaintiff had been unable to obtain an abstract of title; Mn; Percy Wheeler, representing Mr. Cotton, said that his client desired to complate, and had commenced an action to obtain probate of the will, but owing to opposition they had not y(it been able to obtain probate. Mr. Montmorency. for Mr. Reynolds* desired to put his client in the box for the purpose of proving that at the time of the sale he bact no doubt that the will would he proved in due course-, and knew nothing of any opposition. Ms lordship ordered the action to stand over until the probate action had been decided.

KING'S INVESTITURE.—The King held an investiture at Buckingham Palace at noon, on Monday, when h- conferred upon about one hun- ;dred recipients the insignia of various honours bestowed in connection with hiB Majesty's birthday and with the recent resignation of the Governments His Majesty wore the uniformi of a British Field- Marshal, and was supported by the Duke of Coanaught, also dnessed as & Field-Marshal, and, Prince Arthur of Connaugbt, in Hussar uniform. The ceremony took place ia the Throne Room. The list of candidates for investiture comprised most of the names already published in the honours lists. Sir George Clarke and Sir Ernest Cassel were invested by the King with the maignia oj the Grand Cross of St. Michael and St. George and [ Lord Redesdate rec'?n ed the Grand Cross of the Victorian Order. Mr. Lawson Walton, the new Attornev-G eneral, and Mr. Robson, the new Solicitor-General, attended, and the Kiig bestowed upon each the honour of kighthood. Captain Scott, the Antariic explorer. was also present, and hia Majesty invested him with the Antartio medal. SULPHOIJNE SKIN LOTION. The only effecti va remedy for SKIN TROUBLES. Sulpholine quickly drives away Eruptions, Pimples. Eczema, Acne, Blackheads, and all Disfigure, meats, developing a fair, spotVess skin and beautiful complexion. Try Sulpholine Lotion Shilling Rattles.