Cheshire Observer

CURIOUS CHURCH SCENES. t ■ T Curious happenings in Brooklands (Cheshire) Chuich were described on Monday in a. case at Sale, in which Miss Jones, cf Marsland-road, Brocklands, a fashionably-dressed lady, nicco of the housekeeper for a well-known Salo resident, was summoned for using threats to a next-door neighbour, Mrs. Freeman, and her three daughters. It was alleged that defendant had calkd Mrs. Freeman and her (hught.ers "cats" and "beatt:> and, following them on their way to church, used abusive language to them. In- side the church on one occasion Miss Jones stood behind a pillar and glared at the Free- mans as they passed. Subsequently the vicar of Brcoklandt3 had a stormy interview with de- fendant about the matter. Denying an imputa- tion, Misa Jonc-e declared she (hI not say she would spoil their faces, because she did not think they had anything to spoil. She assever- ated that the Free mans weio a lot of hypocrites, and provoked her by making a certain allega- tion (denied by the complainants). The magi- strates bound defendant over to keep the peaco for twelve months; failing sureties, to go to prison for a month.

DISTRICT COUNCILS. I 1 I CHESTER RURAL. The monthly meeting of tho Chester Rural Council was held at Forest House, Chester, on Satuida-y, Mr. T. Butler presiding. The engin- eer reported that the Council's financial posi- tion with reference to the sewerage contract of Messrs. Adams at Christleton stood thus:- Amount of contract. £ 440; amount paid, £ 264; leaving £ .176 duo on tho completion of the con- tract. I ho Clerk (Mr. W. Tttmock) read corre- spondence regarding an alleged encroachment at the Chemistry Pit, Upton Heath.—Mr. B. C- Roberts said tliat if Mr. Turnoek saw the deeds and plans of the land belonging to one of the gentlemen who was a'leged to havo made tbe encroach roe nt, tho matter might be settled.- TtM Cork said ho would act on that suggcs- tion. The County Council wrote asking the Council to support, a resolution passed by them at their last meeting on tho s-ubject of the Motor-car Commission. The Bucklow Rural Council, writing on tho sauie question, suggested a con- ference of the rural and urban authorities of Cheshire, at Chester, to make represent&tions to Parliament. They proposed that each authority should send two representatives, and stated that tho date of the coafoienee would be about Octo ber 13th. Mr. E. Okdl said the Council ought to help tho matter forward as much as possible. Mr. Roberts reminded them of the It tte, r from the County Council, and suggested that it should bo approved. Tho Chairman: It is the first time they have atisstod us at all. The resoi-ution of the County Council was ap- proved. Tlie chilmarl and Mr. C. E. Linaker wevo appointed to represent the Council at the conference. The Clerk to the County Council notified the Council that motor-car warning posts would be placed at t-fio Diiekford crossroads, the Upton cross-roach, and at Mr. Itliell's at Upton. TARVIN RURAL. I The monthly meeting of the Tarvin Rmal I District Council was held at Crypt Chambers, Chester, on Saturday, Mr. Maddoek presiding I over a numerous attendance. ROADMEN'S HOURS INCREASED. I Mr. Sherwin, in accordance with notice of motion, moved that tho roadmen's hours or labour be in future from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m for eight months in the year, and from light to dark during the other four months During a lengthy discussion it was stated that at present tho men's hours wero from 6.30 a.m. to 5.30 p.m., with no breakfast interval, and as these- were shorter hours than those of the farm 1= f t.ho farm labourers, lil-feeling was aroused. R-#?cently a steam road rolier had been purchased, and it was stated that tho number of roadmen would bo reduced, but, on the contra.ry, tliey seemed to have been inct?ai?. Complaints were u.i? -— .??.?. ,?-;? inu nine. l\Tr. Siddom remarking (hat ail the men seemed to do was to at. in their barrows and sleep. It was urged that moro supervision was wanted, and it was agreed that the surveyor pay sur- prise visits to tho men and leprimand the late- comers. In ipply tc) cliic--t i o?,3 In reply to questions, tho Surveyor stated that tho mem received 2s. 6d. per dav, and each man bad to attend to eight miies of roadway. An amendment was moved by Mr. Youd that tho men's time remain as at present, but on a vot.e being taken the original motion was car- ried by fifteen votes to ten. It was also resolved that the number cf men be induced by one-fifth. m. UNADOPTED ROAD. I no committor appointed to inspect Mill- Jane, Williugton, reported that tliey could not- roeomnvend Hie Council to adept the road in I its pniseni narrow state. The recommendation WM &g?cd to. on tho motion of Mr. George Barbour, eoI>«kd by Mr. Nor(:l. TARVIN FOOTPATH DISPUTE. The Council considered tiw. quest on of the obstruction of a public footpath across Mulfieid. larvin. It will be remembered that at the ¡a.t meeting of the Council a complaint. was received from the Parish Council of the obstn, a.nd it was agreed by the District f-ouncil that tetters be sent to the soiicitois for the two disputants, stating that the ques- tion would be considered at the next meetiii" of the Council. Tho Clerk now read the replies. Messrs. Walker, Smith and Way, who r- ore sonted Mr. Prince, who had closcd tilt3 wrote to tho oiVrk stating "As we informed you when you called ur»on us. Mr. I'rinr^ movo tho stilo and ne-erected it on the opposite side of the fence oil which it originally was. If anyone has touched it since, it is not Mr. Prince's fauit, and we have asked Mr. Prince whether in removing it lie did any damage to the surface of the highway. He savs most. distinctly that he did not." Mr. E Brassey, oil behalf of Miss William- son, upon whoso kind the old footpath originally existed, wrote as follows:—"The position of the niatter since my letter of the 3rd May has so t changed that my client is quite- justified in re- I fusing to allow any pait of the footpath t?. )? p?ced on hor land. From further iu format'on which I have since reoeived, it would seem that if tho original status of the footpath be re- s-loved tho h-fdge is planUd exactly on the site wnero sucn tootpath was and had been for a. great many yea is. There is no possibility of any amicable arrangem*mt» being ("OlUe to with Mr. Prince, who has throughout acted in a I very unreasonable manner, and tim Cou.ncil' would not, I think, be justiHed in di?urbin.. a way that ha? tested for over twenty v?ra without any complaint by the public, whose rights wero fully disclosed to Mr. Prince at the time he bought the property two years ago. The Clerk explained that tho original path ran in a zig-zag fashion over Miss Williamson's land, but somo time ago it was slightly devia- ated, so that it. would be straighter. Now the path extonde.d over Mr. Prince's land, and not on Miss Williamson's. No legal authority was obtained for the deviation, but tho public had acquiesced in it for the ?t 18 yp?rs. He ad- vised the Counod to givo Mr. Prince's soiici- ?:a not.c? tb?t .,n[? the path was opened withm a W(?k th? surveyor of the Council would bo instructed to upon it, and perliaps sue Mr. Prince for the costs. The path had been dedi- cated to the public, and it was tho duty of tho Council to insist on its being opened. After a discussion it was agreed to follow tho advice of the clerk. MOTOR-CAR NUISANCE. I I On the motion of Mr. MuUock seconded by Mr. Cathcart Smith, it waa unanimously a.greod to support the resolution passed by tho Cheshire County Council complaining of the faduro of I the report of the Royal Commission to effectu- ally deal with the regulation and speed of motor- oars. Mr. MuUock said farmers would like to have motor-cars but for the dust and danger. A letter was also read from the Bucklow Union stating that it had been provisionally arranged to hold a conference at Chester on the 13th Oct., to make xvpreaentations to Parliament on the I findings of the Motor-car Commission, and ask- ing that the Council appoint two representa- tive. [ On the motion of Mr. Geo. Barbour, Mr. Mad- dock and Mr. Catbcart Smith were appointed.

WHAT "THE WORLD" SAYS. A T The King will arrive at Victoria Station on Saturday afternoon fi-ein: Dover, en route from Calais artd Marienbad. His Majesty is to leave King's Cross en Monday afternoon by special train for Olietton, and he will be the guest of Lord and Lady Savile at RufFord Abbey, Notts, until after Doncas'er races. The Queen, who i5 now staying at Copen- hagen, will proceed to Balmoral on her return home, nnd her Majesty will probably be con- veyed direct to Aberdeen, or some other port on the east coast of Scotland, in order to save the long railway journey from London to Bal. iater. The Prince and Princess of WTales are to stay at Abergeldie Castle until the beginning of Oc- tober, and during the second week of that month they will be the guests of Captain and Lady Beatrice P ro ty man at Orwell Park, Suffolk, where there is to be a large shooting party to meet the Royal gupsts. Much interest is already being shewn in the pageant that. is to be held next yc-ar in the beautiful old Abbey Gardens at Bury St. Ed- munds, among these who are concerning them:- selves especially with the arrangements being Lady Bristol, and Mrs. WTood, of Ilengravc Hall. Last week the neighbourhood of Bury I St.. Edmunds was very gay, as besides a garden party given at the bairacks en Thursda.y by the officers of the Suffolk Regiment, Mr. Mil-I ner-Gibson-Ciilluin invited all the county to a gathering in the beautiful grcunds of Hardwicke House on Friday la,t, The weather was very fine indeed, and the famous gardens were look- ing their best. Hardwicke Hoiu-e has been 1-1 for some yeais to Mr. Walter and Lady Evelyn Guinness, the former having unsuccessfully con- tested the Stow market division of Suffolk at the ]a?t General Election. But Mr. Guinness has relinquished his tenancy of the plac:, during the last few months, and the owner, Mr. Miln«r- Gibson-Cullum, is now living there himself, though he may possibly let it again later on.

— — THE SN0VVD0N COLLISION. The Railway Department of the Board of Trade have published tho report of Licul.- j Colonel Druixt on J¡;d inquiry into the causes j 01 tne coiiiaion wtiicn occurred on Juiy 31 be- i,weeii a patj^nger tram and a runaway iruck at Naiit .Mill, on the North Wales Narrow-gauge Railway, in th!? caw a cja? truck anach?jd ?? the 9.4f tailli. liiixeda tram trow iryhui Junction broke loo.-xi when ncaring Snow don and ran back on the Li2ep gradient, meeting ti? 10 a.m, cxcur?on tram Irom Lhnas to 6zio?v- don !war ??ntMii) ovuibt'i<Ltg<i. S?veni?s' so tigers complained of siigiit injuries, and me Liriv,,c, fir,2iiian, and guard of the train were also slightly injured. Tlie inspector finds that the eoHi.-ion was due to the ordinary rn.es for train si&uolhn^ by block telegraph on single lines of railway not being carried out. A mixed train with a cual wagon attached in rear left Waenfawr at 10.60 a.m., and entered the | section of single line which ends at Snowdon, the terminus of tho railway. An excursion train I WW following, and although Mr. Hughes, the scationmaster at. Waenfawr, had not reoeived tiie "out of section" signal for be mixed train, and though the traiii had not arrived at the end of tho section at rinovvdon, Mr. Owen, the station- master at the latter place, accepted t-he excur- sion train wti-eii ottered to him at 10.25 by Mr. Hughes, and the latter allowed it to leave Waenfawr at that time. But the coal wagon at tho mar of the first train got looso by the centre | buffer coupling becoming unhooked when about a unie from Snowdon, and this ran back on the steep gradient until it met the second train about two miles beyond Waenfawr. Fortunately the collision was not a violent one. It iø most important for safety," says the inspector, "that the block regulations should be strictly carried out, and no train be allowed to enter a section until the previous train has arrived, and a signal to that effect passed between the aignal-boxc* at either end. The company's regulations which say that -tile signal its only to be given at stations where special instructions arc used to that effect' should be immediately altered and the signal be invariably used. When the guard of the mixed train found the wagon at the n'ar of his train had disappeared he stopped the train, and, after making tho passengers aiight, had the train backed down the single line to try and pick up the coal wagon again. This. of course, was an improper proceeding, and the train should have gone forward to Snowdon, where it was due at 10.27 a.m., and the Wa-crifawr st-ationmaster informed that the train was divided and the section obstructed. This would not have prevented tho collision, unless the mixed train had arrived at Snowdon before 10.25 a.m., when the second train was improperly allowed to leave Waenfawr. It is to be hoped that in future the regulations for block working will be strictly carried out in all cases. The centre buffer hook couplings in use on the coal wagons are evidently not to be relied on, and to prevent breakaways chain couplings should bo fitted as an additional precaution."

CURATIVE aOLONY.-Buildings compris. ing a portion of a colony for pauper epilcptica, erected jointly by the Chorlton and Manchester- Unions at Langiho, near Blackburn, the entire scheme of which is estimated to cost £ 180,000, wero on Monday opened by tho Earl of Derby] who. at tho subsequent luncheon, said this was the first institutioa of its kind, and he hoped other authorities would interest themselves simi- larly. Sir John T. Hibbert, chairman of the Lancashire Co-unty Council, while sympathising with this movement, said it was a matter for serious reflection that in prosperous Lancashire there were 5.000 to 6,000 more persons in the workhouse than the average during the Laet six yoara.

APPLAUDING ASSASSINS. I It I MR. KEIR HARDIE'S OUTBURST. I The Hon.Charles Lister, eon and heir of Lord Ribblesdale, was announced to be present at a meeting addressed by Mr. Keir Hardie on Mon- 1 day night in Blackburn Town Hail, in support of the Russian workers' struggle for freedom. Mr. Lister, however, was unable to fulfil his; engagement owing to an alteration of the date of the meeting. Mr. Keir Ilardie, in the course of his spcooh, said the bomb-throwers d'd not skulk behind a throne and send out Hussars to butcher at s'oond hand. They laid i down their lives for freedom, and he honotuod and rrspected those who had courage to give their lives to help to win the freedom for those who had it net. (Cheers.) He ventured to ex- press the hope to his comrades fighting in Rus- sia that they would make no half-job of the business while they were about it. The day for Kings, and Czars, and Emperors was (? n? past. (Cheers.) The kings might be tolerated as ancient monuments so long as they were harmless and created no mischief.

MAJOR BOSCA WEN'S THANKS. I On Friday, Major A. Grimth-Boscawen, the defeated Conservative candidate for East Denbigh- shire, issued his address of thanks to the electors. He says:—" I desire to tender to you all my most hearty thanks for the kind and courteous reception which you extended every- where, not only to me but to those who advocated the cause I represented during the late contest. I, To those who supported and worked for me, my thanks are especially due. The result of a hard" fought struggle shews that the spirit of Conser- vatism is not dead in Wales, and that with energy, perseverance, and a strict attention to organisa- tion, East Denbighshire may hope ere long to stand shoulder to shoulder with those who are banded together to support the best interests of the country, to promote the welfare of all classes, and to maintain the security of the British Empire."

THE CAUSE OF CANCER. I 9- A Cologne physician, Dr. Otto Smith, says the "Morning Post," announces through the medium of severa l organs of the Berlin Press that ho has discovered the cause of cancer. It is, he says, a special growth which vegetates on plants. He declares that he has succeeded in artificially cultivating this growth and in ob- taining from it a preparation which he has applied with favourable results to his patients. He docs not claim for his preparation that it will euro advanced cases of -cancerous diseases, but he contends that if employed before and after an operation it will destroy the remnants of the malady which have escaped the operator's knife, and render the patient immune from the re- appearance of the fatal growth. According to the "Voseischo Zcitung" the scientific authori- ties to whom Dr. Smith has submitted his alleged discovery are far from being satisfied with the evidence he has adduced as proof of its efficacy. Dr. Smith's announcement, in fact, is received in Berlin with outspoken scepticism.

MR. R. NEWSTEAD IN BELGIUM. I AN INTERESTING MISSION. There is a pleasing reference in a recent issue of "La Chronique" to the important con- ference held between the King of the Belgians and the members of the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine. The subject at issue is chiefly in regard to the cause and prevention of sleeping sickness in Africa, The conference, held by command of the King, took place in the Royal Palace, Brussells, on Thursday at noon. Luncheon with his Majesty was served at two o'clock. The members present were Sir Alfred Jones (chairman). Professors Roes and Boyce. Drs. Stephens and Todd, Messrs. A. H. Milne (secretary) and R Newstead (the !ate curator of the Grosvenor Museum, Chester. At the conclusion of the conference the King ex- pressed his grest pleasure and satisfaction at the measures which had been suggested to check the spread of sleeping sickness, and his desire to aid the efforts of the Liverpool School in their endeavours to combat this terrible and .ever spreading d's-ase. Professors Boyce and Ress aiterwards received a personal decoration at the hands of the King. Mr. Newstead re- mained at the Brussells University, and con- ducted expeditions into the country with the Principal of the Belgium School of Tropical Medicine with the oject of obtaining niabria- carrying injects for demonstrative purposes in the Belgian School.

A DEE FATALITY. —— A T CHESTER OARSMAN DROWNED. A drowning accident occurred in the river Dee between eight and nine o'clock on Friday evening. A young man, aged about 23. named G. W. Aldersoy Williams, son of the late Dr. Williams, who resided in \Vt.ergato-st.reet, Chester, had boon up the river in a racing boat to Ileion Bridge in a four crew of the Royal Chesters, who wore training for Br;dgnorth Regatta. The weather was intensely hot, and when t he crew returned to the Groves they woie perspiring. On landing tlieir boat Will:ams and the three other members of the crew went into tire river lor a swim. W.lliams came to the surface after he dived in, and ho was seen to struggle. 1m- mediately after his companions m'ssed him, and commenced diving in the liop-o of finding him. They continued their efforts for some time, but without success. A drag was then procured, and tho body was recovered. A quaiter of an hour had elapsed, however, since he d sappeared, and the efforts made to restore animation by Dr. Giffen were unavailing. Tho body was re- lio body was rc- moved to di-eoased's home. Before diving into the water deceased is stated to have said to his companions, who W01\ swimming, "I cannot swim much; you must took after me." THE INQUEST. THE JURY'S SYMPATHY. The inquest was held at the Town Hall on Saturday by the Deputy City Coroner (Mr. F. Turner). The Rev. T. W. MunJy, Chuighton, Bi: ken- head, formerly curate at Holy Trinity Church, Chester, identified the body as that of George Witham Aldersoy Williams, aged 24, 66, Water- j gate-street, architect. Details of the sad tragedy were given by Mr. Bryan Wolfe, l.ving at Puddington, near Ches- ter, and in business in Liverpool. He said that deceased and he were members of a crew of four of the Royal Chester R. C. They finish- d rowing en Friday night about 3.15, and Mr. Poggi (another n-cmbcr of the crew) and de- ceased and hirr.self went into the water to bathe. They wew perspiring freely, and de- ceased remarked that he was not a competent swimmer. Noticing that deceased was in diffi- culties after his dive, witness went to assist him. Deceased clutched held of him and pulled him down. Witness managed to get fre-> and rega n the pontoon in safety, although during the struggle his jersey was torn. Mr. Poggi went to deceased's assistance, and caught hold of hi" hair, but lie was knocked backwards by a b'ow in the mouth. Witness swam about but eoud not find deceased, and then went into the boat-house to change. A boatman named Daniel Humphries deposed to recovering the body about a quarter of an hour later w:th a drag. He said tho river was about 20 feet deep at that point. Dr. Giffen, of Chester, said he was on the scene before the, body was brought up. Artiifcial respiration was tried wlibclii avail for half an hour. The jury returned a verdict of "Accidental death." and expressed their deep sympathy w:th the relatives. The Deputy Coroner joined them in their condolences, and the Rev. T. W. Mundy undertook to convey them to the family. THE FUNERAL. The funeral of Mr. G. W. A. Williams took place on Monday. The first part of the service, which was at Holy Trinity Church. was at- tended by a considerable number of mourners and friends, and the genoral sympathy with the family was also expressed by the large attend- ance at the Cemetery. The service was con- ducted by the Rev. L. M. Farrall (rcctor), as- sisted by the Rev. T. W. Mundy. Mr. T. Pate, who was at the organ, played, amoii"- other selections, "0 Rest in the Lord," prior to the commencement of the service, and as the mourners left the church he rendered the Dead March in "Haui." The sxrpiiccd choir and clergy met the cortege at the doer and pro- ceeded to the stalls, while tiie Rector recited the opening sentences. The hymns "The Saint.s i of Gc-d and "Peaoe, perfect peace," were sung, and the 39th IVilm was chanted. The burial lesson was read by the Rev. T. W. Mundy. Among the rncurners present, including mem- bers of the Royal Chester R.C., the GresN-Eiior R.C., and the Chester Hockey Club, were Mr. Williams (brother), Mrs. Mundy, the Misses Lucy and Nora Williams (sisters), Mr. C. Wil- liams (brother), Miss Aldersey Williams (aunt), Miss G. Witham, Mrs. Geodhart, Miss Hum- phreys, Messrs. W. A. and B. A. Wright (Wrex- ham), and Messrs. A. Eveson, Tudor Price, A. fait, Mr. B. Wolfe, H. G. Smith, A. E. Dickon, E. G. Poggi, n. B. Parry, W. Lockwood, A. Parkcs, K. Pavkes, T. Knowles, S. L. Miller, G. F. Dutton. Cecil Jones, F. Whaley, N. Ellis, H. Miller, C. E. V. Sykes, J. Green, etc. The following sent wreaths: His mother and sisters, His I brother Tom and wife," "Aunt Charlotte," "Aunt Liilie," "His loving aunts, Gertie and Georgie, Fulledge House, Burnley," "Hi", nep- hews, Arthur, Frankie, and George," "A dear friend," "Jlis fellow workers in Trinity Sunday School," Mr. and Mrs. Guckenheim, the mem- bers of the Royal Cheeler R.C., Messrs. Norman a.nd Frank Ellis, Mr. Warrington, the Rev. and Mrs. L. M. Farrall, "Coxswains Frank and Eric," Miss Parry, "Essie and Will," the mem- bers of the Grosvenor R.C., "His R.C. crew (.B. N. Wolfe, R. A. Tait, E. G. Poggi and F. Mason)," "C. J. and Mabel Ewing," "Mr. Sal- mon and Tom," Mr. John F. Evans and family, the Misses Salmon, Frank, Ken and Len," Mr. Frank Segar, Holy Trinity choir and organist, "Jennie Green," Mr. and Mrs. Southby, the maids at 66, Watergate-street, Mr. W. Lockwood, Dr. and Mrs. Burn* and family, FuHedge House, Burnley, the office staff, the members of the Chester Hockey Club, the Chester Master Builders' Association, "Mr. Groom and Emily," "Jessie, the Grange, West Kirby," "Jack," etc. The funeral arrangements wero carried I out by Messrs. Brown and Co. T A curious incident occurred at a meeting of the Northwieh Board of Guardians on Friday. The Danish butter supplied to the inmates had been analysed, and the Cheshire analyst reported it pure. Mr. Millington, a large farmer, declared any Cheshire supplies would eq ii ail y sat; sftetory. The chairman feared Cheshire was not particularly noted for good butter, and Mr. Howitt challenged any Cheshire farmer to produce butter of a uniform quality for many weeks together. He was loya to Cheshire, but declared that Danish butter scored in uniformity. Several farmer members strongly dissented, and Mr. Howitt said Well, I offer Mr. Millington a new hat." Mr. Millington "You may as well buy it."

HAWARDED GUARDIANS. f I The fortnightly mting of the I-1aWardlll Board of Cu?rdi&n? wa? held at 'h?, I Workhouse on Friday, Mr. W. Fryer prwidiiig. I I VACCINATION RETURNS. I Mr. G. A. Jones, the vaccination officer, pre- oonted his returns for the half-year ending Deoember, 1905, from which it appeared that there had been 373 children born, 291 of whom were successfully vaccinated. I POOR LAW CONFERENCE. I On the motion of Mr. Ford, Miss Thom and I Messrs. Ralph Williams and J. Wright were ap- pointed delegates of the Board to attend the I North Wales Poor Law Conference, to be held j at Carnarvon on the 4th and 5th September. I I HALF-YEARLY ESTIMATES. I I The Clerk (Mr. Hugh G. Roberts) submitted his estimates for the ensuing half-year, from which it appeared that tho gross annual charges were estimated at £ 2,911. There was an in- como of £ 719, leaving a sum of £ 2,192 to be called up. This would require a rato of 4ld. in the JE. I THE WORKHOUSE ACCOMMODATION. I The Clerk drew attention to the objection raised by the Holywell Guardians to admitting into their Workhouse a man who was found at Broughton Hall Station with h;,3 head on the railway lines, and who was sub-sequently found to be suffering from delirium tremens. it ap- peared that tho man was taken by the police to Moid, where the magistrates ordered his re- moval to tho Holywell Workhouse. The ques- tion was discussed at the subsequent mooting of the Guardians, when the members urged that the man should have been taken to Broughton Workhouse, as he was found in the Hawarden area. The Clerk stated that the police dealt with the man, and no officer of the Union had anything to do with the Gfu'oC. There was no accommo- dation at the Hawarden Workhouse for such violent caees. Tho matter then dropped. I DISTRICT COUNCIL. I A meeting cf ffie District Council followed, I Mr. Fryer again presiding. I MOHJ URBAN POWERS. I A letter was read from the Local Government Board investing the Council with special urban powers for the watering of the district witliin th Hawarckm Special Drainage Area. Tho question of the purchase of a water cart was deferred. I EWLOE POSTAL FACILITIES. I A letter was received from the Postmaster of Chester with respect to the complaint of tho Council as to the inadequate postal facilities in tho Kwioe district, stating that there com- menced on the the 27t.h August an extra de- while there also commenced a special collect-ion at 9.30 a.m. I Tlio Chairman said all the inhabitants of t.ho district ought to be very much obliged to the postal authorities. Mr. Millington said tho facilities had been wanted for many years. It was agreed to convey the Council's thanks to the Postmaster. I

BURGESS'S GREAT SWIM-The inter- national swimming match concluded on Sunday evening. The only competitor who succeeded in continuing the swim for the full period of 2* hours was the Englishman Burgess, who covered a distance of 44 kilometres GOO metres. EARL GREY'S PREDICTION.—In the course of his tour through Canada Earl Grey, speaking at Battleford, where he was accorded a very enthusiastic reception, ptedicted that in a short time the population of Canada would exceed that of the United Kingdom, and that Canada would soon share in the councils of the Empire. THE EARL OF SHAFTESBURY.—The Earl of Shaftesbury, who on Friday re- ceived congratulation.) on h:6 thirty-seventh birth celebration, is an alderman of the city of Belfast, where he owns the fine reeidence, Belfast Castle. Lord Shaftesbury gives his services unsparingly to charity. Ho haa a fine tenor yoice, and sings the Irish folk songs with ex- ceptional distinction. In all probability Lord Shaftesbury may go out to one of the Colonies as Governor. He haa all the qualifications for such a püBt. With Lady Shaftesbury, who is a daughter of the Countess Grosvenor, he accom- panied the Prince and Princess of Wales on their recent Indian tour.

EDUCATION ENIGMA. 9 BISHOP OF LIVERPOOL S ADVICE. The Bishop of Liverpool, writing in the cur- rent number of tho "Dioce.san Gazette," sa": s: "The judgment of tho Court of Appeal in the West Riding case, if it be accepted as final by the Government., is likely to revolutionise the education question. It may possibly afford a way of escape from difficult and unp'en-sant com- plications. The prei-nt Education Bill, as it stands, satisfies fow. It irritates a large num- ber of Nonconformists, because in clause 4 it admits tho prineiplo of denominational educa- tion by tho State. It displeases a still larger number of Libenals, because it Ixuiishes re- ligious reaching out. of school hours, and forbcls teachers to give denominational instruction of any kind in many schools. It is repugnant to the groat majority of Church-peoplo because it ignores the very object for which tho Church, relying on the good faith of tho State, built and maintai«ed its sohoob at tho cost of millions of pounds; and because it overi idCt; tho right of The parent to dlecide tho character of tho re- ligious teaching which the ohild, whom he is compelled to send to school shall receive. It is certain that tho Honso of Lords will introduce amendments into the Bill whioh will be unpala- table to the majority in tho House of Commons, and which may result in the withdrawal of tho measure. The present Bill beat's traces of partizanship and religious passion. It was altered and stiffened an tine very eve of its in- troduction to satisfy the demands of an extreme section of tho supporters of tho Government-. It is neither politic, nor practicable, nor likely to bo permanent. Let it be withdrawn. Let tho decision of tho Court of Appeal be ac- cepted. Let a temporary measure removing the grievances of Nonconformists in tho Act of 1902 be passed, and let tiii*> bo given to formulate a now Education Bill on sampler a-nd juster lines, when a mote dispassionato view of the circum- stances can be taken by men who aro not swayed bv the heat and clamour of extremes on either side.

WELSH MINERS' STlilKE. + FIGHTING THE NON-UNIONISTS. Eleven thousand We-lsh mind's wero idle in Glamorganshire on Saturday as a. protest against the employment of non-unionist labour in tho mines. For tho moment the troubio is confined to the Rhymney Valley, on tiie eastern border of the coa ne'd. where 7,000 men out. and to the Maosteg district, in Mid-Glamorganshire, where the 4,000 workmen of. North's Navigation Collieries aro idie. But the disaffection is spading. In tho western district, comprising the Neath and Swansea valleys and tho anthra- cite collieries, 10,000 workmen on Saturday handed in a month's notice, terminating con- tracts at the end of September, while on Octo- ber 1 a siniiiar step will bo taken in the Ponty- pridd and Rhondda Valley district by thtf 45.000 colliers thee remployed. These methods have been adopted as tlio result of the sesttled policy of tho South Wales M iners' Federation to force every man employed in or at-Y,Ju t the coll'er.'es to join the union. In the Rhymney Valley and Maesteg d stricts, where 11,000 men are now actually on strike, fornial notices to tcrininato contracta had been handed in on August 1. On Friday night there seemed every prospect that in tho Rhymney Valley at least trouble could have been avo (led. As 3 lesult of the vigorous efforts made by the l eder- atioaists during the mont h only 5-50 workmen were out of oomp:ianc>o when tho notices ex- pircd. and in tho Maesteg district tho non- un onists had by a s'milar process been reduced to 150. An application was therefore made by the workmen to the employers to permit the notices to run OIl for another e-ght days in the hope that within tha-t extended pe-riod the re- maining non-un ouists could be pee-uaded to en- rol themselves in the Federation. The coal- owners met. at Cardiff to consider this request. Their decision was to refuse an extension for eight days, but to offer all extension for oiia month. The workmen declined this propose, and accordingly BU";p0Ilè.ed work oil Saturday. A hopeful feeling preva:!s. however, that t-ie suspension will not be of very long duiatiou. Possibly in two or three days tho non-union sts will be reduced to an insign Scant number, and before tho end of the week work HUY once bo resumed. Busiin-ss was in a veiy unsettled state on the Cardiff coal market on Saturday* and sellers wore lio'ding off. W- loviii,, stoppages, coming as they do Oil an already strong market, may inflate prices to a mucfl higher level.

CRUISER DISASTER. I I FATAL EXPLOSION AT BARROW. I 4 KILLED, 8 INJURED. I By the explosion of illflammableo gases in the capstan engine-room, of t.ho Russian cruiser Rurik at Banow, or], Monday afternoon, four men were immediately killed, wh:le eight others were injured, two, it is feared, seriously. Few more words are noecicd to tell the dread- ful story. Fourteen men. employees of Messrs. Vickers, Sons and Maxim, by whom the Rurik is being constructed, were working in the room, when by some moons not yofc cfcar a naphtha lamp was introduced. Instantly inflammable gases, said to have arise.1.1 from somo paint in the room, exploded, thlre was a flash, followed by a deafening report, shrieks wero heard from the chamber, and all was silent again. But in that brief spaco the four victims of the explo- sion had been literally blown to p:eces, and eight others lay helpless. The way of escape was a long perpendicular ladder, which their condition forbade them to attempt. Warned by tho noise of the e-xp'osion, some of thoso lioar sent worer. irnmed.atdy to half-a- dozen doc-toes in the district, and the medical men hutried to offer their services. In view of the nature of tlie moans of approach already alluded to. the work of rescue, was rendered very difficult, but. tho rescuers toiled on, and at length succcedod in bringing up tho injured men from bci'ow. The dead wero beyond re- cognit ion The following is the list of the killed :-Pc,-tkr Penny, John Moore, John D;ck- inson and Joseph Dickinson. All four werertw.r- j ried. The most seriously injured are William Box all, William Bell, John Bouch, and Samuel Steetl. Tbrv injuries of all four aro serious, Rurik would soem to bo an ill-fated name in the Russian Navy Calendar, for the first ship of the name was crippled and sunk by the Japan- ese. Certain new features, regarding which great secrecy is bein? ob?rved. have been introduced in her construction, as an outcomp of the re- cent war. R is known, however, that cons.dur- ably heavier defensive materia' is being used. Official particulars regarding the Rurik include: Length, 490ft.; displacement, 15,000 tons horse- power. 19,700; sp^ed. 21 knots; coal consump- tion. 1.200 tons; and mean draught, 25ft. The vessel is to carry four lOin. guns, eight Sin., and twenty 4.7, and will have two submerged torpedo tubes. Her equipment also includes two sets of cylinder quadruple extension ell- gincs. two screws, and Beilcville boilers.

WEST RIDING APPEAL. 1 ACTION OF WELSH COUNTY COUNCILS. I At a meeting cf the members of the Welsh Revolt Committee at Shrewsbury on Monday, Mr. Lloyd-George, M.P., and his Parliamentary colleagues being present, with the leading re- presentatives of the Welsh Nonconformist bodies and the Welsh county councils, the prac- tical effect of the recent decision in the West Riding case was considered. It was contended that this decision fully justified all the steps taken by the Welsh councils in refusing rate aid to denominational schools. The decision, how- ever, was regarded as imposing further obliga- tions upon the Welsh councils in the immediate future. I It was considered to be now obligatory upon the councils to give practical effect to this im- portant jaidgrroent, and considerable discussion ensued as to how th:e could best be done. There prevailed general agreement thao teachers' salaries in denominational schools should be reduced in proportion to the time now being devoted to religious instruction. Several members urged that this action should be taken in such manner as to cause the least pos- sible hardship upon the teachers, though all agreed that, as a matter of principle, such ac- tion was imperative. It was reported that sonw Wels' eounols had already notified teachers in denominational schools of impending action in cases where teachers had net signed the omcial form af agreement. It was intimated that one month's notice of the proposed leduc- tion wculd be served, while, in the case of those who had signed these agreements, three months' notice would necessarily be allowed. It was generally understood that the Welsh councils should be advised to take common, and, if possible, simultaneous action, and with this object a formal resolution to this effect will be submitted at the national convention to be held at Cardiff in the second week in Oc- to be r.

KNUTSFOliD UNIONISTS. —— I PRIMROSE LEAGUE- FETE. Under the auspices of the Knutsford Habi- tation of the Primrose League, a successful tote was he'd in Tatton Park on Saturday. There was a. very large attendance, and, notwith- standing the intense heat of the sun, the giant trces cast a 6hade which enabled those present to move about with the minimum of discomfort. Earl Egerton of Tatton, the Ruling Councillor of the Habitation, and the Duchess of Bucking- liaiii and Chandcs, the Darrie President, wore both present during the afternoon, and mingled with the guests, the arrangements for whose entertainment were supeiyif-ed by a committ"c, of which Messrs. Leicester Caidccutt- and J. Ambrose Smith were the hon. secretaries. Part of tho afternoon's proceedings consisted in the holding cf an open-air meeting, over which Mr. II. M. Wilson pres ded, and at which addresses were delivered by Mr. Deii.ston Thorley and Mr. T. Eastham, of the Unionist Propaganda Club, and others. The company present inc!ud<d Mis. Brooke, of Mere; the Hen. Rupert Kep- pel, the Hon. Arnold Keppc-l, Mrs. Charles Montgomery, Sir H. S. Mainwaring, Mr. Alex- a.ndcr Beith, Mrs. Beith, Mrs. Birley, Mr. Geo. -Ln,j I I I  Lord, Mr. Wilson Rocke, the Rev. W. G. Gres- well, Mrs. Conybeare, Miss Cliffe, Mrs. T. G. Hardy, Miss Jackson, Mrs. R. Whittaker, Mr. G. W. Bebbington (hon. treasurer), Messrs. T. Bradbury, W Brett, N. Dale, W. Dale, W. E- Dhniel, W. R. Dean, G. Duckworth, T. F. Egerton, R. Garsidc, T. H. Hardy, C. Lowe, H. Peinberton, M. Power, A. Silvester, L. Todd, F. Vickere, J. Vickers, W. D. Watson, and A. W h 't,-I(,gg. The Chairman expressed the sympathy of the I meeting with the Prime Minister on the death of his wife. He admitted the very great d s- appointment the Unionists of the Knutsford Division suffered at the general e'ection, and said it would be their duty to do their utmost to rectify thc mistake then made at tlie next election. The Liberals won by their wholesale recourse to m e-epresentation. He hoped that th" recently-enlarged Unionist Executive in the Division would net concern itself with 6ide i6' sues—with matters not within, the range of practical politics at the present time. There were two burning questions en which the party could solidly unite—the Education question and the question of Home Rule. According to the newspapers we were veiy likely to hear a I good deal about, Ireland and Home Rule in the near future. He trust d they would work hard for the maintenance of Unionist princip'es, keeping before them the motto cf the Primros3 League—In perium efc Libertas. (Cheers.) Mr. T. Eastham criticised the policy of the Government en finance, its proposals for the re- duction of the Army, and the education ques- tion. Since the Education Bill was b:ought in, he pointed out, the whole law on the subject had been altered. He hoped therefore that the Bill would be thrown out by the House of Lords, and that the Government would deal with the subject afresh. Ho urged on Un:or.ists the imperative need of organising themselves so as to be ready when another appeal to the constitu- ents occurred. Their cause was in danger. The Church was attacked, the House of Lords was threatened, Heme Rule appeared to be ahead, and the national defences had been weakened. It behoved them to work hard for the principles the Primrose League was formed to PrQnot. (Cheers.) Mr. D. Thorley dealt especially with the sub- ject of Fiscal reform. The Colonies, he said, had given 118 a preference, and the question of a reciprocal policy on our part would have to be faced. If our trade was all that the advocates ¡ of Free Trado would have us believe how was I it that we had so many unemployed and so many on the verge of starvation? Signs of a 1 decline in the cotton trade were revealing them- selves at Oldham, where the reelers and I doublers complained that they were not book- ing the orders they should if the present level of trade was to be maintained. On tho motion of Mr. George Lord, seconded by Mr. Wilson Rooke, a vote of thanks was ac- corded to the chairman and the speakers. A programme of sports and old English pas- times was gone through. The Knutsford Pierrot Dancers were in attendance, and the j Knutsford and Cross Town Brass Band played selections and for dancing in the evening.

COUNTY POLICE COURT. I SATURDAY.—Before Mr. R. T. Richardson (in the chair), Mr. B. C. Roberts, Mr. T. Butler and Mr. T. Woollam. LICENSING CHANGES. —On tho applica- tion of Mr. E. Brassey, Lydia McGarva, widow, was granted the transfer of the lieenoe of the Railway Hotel, Eiie.smere Port, formerly held by her late husband for 22 years.-On the ap- plication of Mr. II. G. Smith the licence of the Yacht Inn, Wcodbank, was transferred to Edward John Wynne, wLo had previously re- ceived temporary authority. MOTOR-CAR WITH NO LIGHT.-Edward Gittens, late of El esiriere Port, now living in Glamorganshire, who did not appear, waa lined 20s. and costs fcr driving a motor-car on the night cf August 12th without a rear light. FAMIL Y UN PLEAS ANTNESS.—Thomas Chesworth, market gardener, Christ-lcton-road, summoned John Conor, of Chr.stletcn-road, for threats. —Mr. E. Brassey said that on August 22nd, while complainant W;16 returning f.oru Christletcn Show, defendant's wife met him and used horrible language and created a dis- turbance outside his house. His dog ran out and Mrs. Conor kicked him and the dog bit her. The husband seemed to entertain a griev- ance and a few days later he used threats when complainant was not present.—Mr. it. T. Morgan, for the defence, submitted that there was no case if the threats were not tEed to- wards complainant himself.—Mr. F. B. Mason, who was acting as magistrates' clerk in the absence of Mr. Churton, advised tho bench that there was a case for trjal.Evid(nCD was given on behalf of the prceecut.ion.—Tho court then heard a summons and a cross summons for assault between Annie Ellison, a waitress at a Chester restaurant, aud Annie Conor, wife I of the defendant in the last case.—Mr. E. Brassey appeared for Ellison and Mr. R T. Morgan for Conor.—Miss Ellison said that at 11 p.m. en Sunday, August 26th, while she was in the Chesworih's house, a s-tono was thrown through tho window. They all ran out of the house to see who had thrown the stone, and Miss Concr met her and assaulted her, givin"- her a black eye and bruising her arm.—Defend- ant's stalement was an entire contradiction. She alleged that complainant was the aggres- sor. Much conflicting evidence was .riml. Mrs. Conor was bound over in her own re- cognizances in the sum of E5 to keep the peace for six months and to pay costs. The other summonses (including the one for threats) were dismissed. THEFT OF APPLES.-Mary Evans, cf no I fixed abode, was charged w 't' stealing 131b. of apples, value 2s., the property of Messrs. Dicksous Limited, Chcster.Pri.()ner plead'-d g-uiltv.Harry Jo,jes, watchman at the Newton Nurseries, deposed to seeing prisoner taking the apples.—P.C. Whitby gave evidence of ar- rest.—Prisoner, against whom w-re several pre- vious convictions, was sent to prison for 14 days with hard labour.

FRENCH DAY OF REST. 1 Paris, Sept. 2. To-day was the first Sunday since the "weekly rest" enactment came into force. Virtually all the cafes and restaurants wei< open as usual, and the casual stranger can bald- ly have cljserved any indications of the begin- ning of an imponant social r- forrn. The effects -mad e themselves felt chiefly among those classes of the population whoso affairs are net much in evidence. Several large storey !;t¡ally ÜpC!I Oil Sut1,lay were closed, the employers having resigned themselves to the inevitable. Feed supplies were una ff"cted. Paris generally may be said to have ac- commodated itself readily to the new situation, but at present relations be tweeii employers a,,id the employed ir. many branches of industry resemble a trues rather than a permanent peace, and t'iiere, ):-$ many possibilities of conflict before matters art Rnjiiyadj?titcd. I'?ri?S.'pt.l. M. Doumergiuj. Minister of Commerce, it understandings which have arisen cn the subject dr?wmK up ;). circuiar int?'ndt?t to roiOYC m's' of the enforcement of the !?w for a weekly d?y of rest. According to this circular nobody can benefit from the law who is neither an employe nor a workman, such as journalists, dramatic I artists, and members of the 1.beral professions. These exceptions do not apply to printers or other persons employed in a minor capacity itt newspaper-cilices, or to theatrical machinists, female attendants, check takers, etc. Among the other classes of po sons not aif, cted by the law are attorneys, notaries, and bailiffs, whila stockbrokers (0:1;1. within its provisions. Domestic servants, valets, nurses, and private concierges derive no benefit from the law. M. Doume.rgue recommends labour inspector! to observe the greatest possible tolerance at first.

MR. ROOSEVELT MAY SURRENDER.- President Roosevelt has written to the public printer at Washington saying that if the simpli- fied spelling, which is now used in public tlocu- ] ments, meets with approval, it will fu- made permanent. Otherwise, says the President it will be dropped. DISINFECTING BIBLES.—When swearing in a jury at the City Coroner's Court on Saturday, the Deputy Cornier (Mr. F, Danford Thomaa^i said that the jurymen need have no habitation in taking the oatli in the usual way, as the Bibles .d 1 and Testaments provided for that purpose wero frequently disinfected. CREWE'S RATABLE VALUE. The? borough accountant for Crewe has just issued his abstract of accounts for the. year which shews that the ratable value for the oOlough debt is nearly £ 10,000 more, namely, 1;177,21).,). Ten years ago the mortgage debt was only £ 54,102, so that it has increased during that period by £ 123,WO, while the rates (including the poor rate and the water charge) have advanced from r). 8d. in the £ to 7s. IUd. THE SEVERN SALMON FISHERY.- Old-established owners of ground s on the Severn declare that, iLi between (; loucester and the estuary, the returns are worse than for ovet 30 years past. Certain it is, however, many who paid 30s. for a licellce have not caught thirty pence worth of salmon. Ae to prices, th-cse have been distinctly favourable. All through Lent the price was higher than usual, and at no time was it less than Is. Id. (wholesale). Tho top price was, 5s. per lb. Some put the jioorness of Uie aoason down to tho dry weather, others to turning into the river of sewage matter; and otherrf again declare that the putting in of weira baulks the female fish from proceeding to the spawning beds, and a good deal of spawn is, therefore, killed in the isftlt watec.