Cheshire Observer

A CHARMING WELSH SEAT. + ARCHAEOLOGISTS VISIT ERDDIG HALL. An excursion which will long leave happy recollections in the minds of all who attended it took place on Tuesday under the auspices of the Chester and North Wales Archaeological j and Historic Society. By the invitation of Mr. and Mrs. Philip Yorke, Erddig Hall and Park, Wrexham, to which the Chester Natural Science Society paid a visit last yeas, was the destina- tion. Thus., who had not already visited this charming demesne had cc rtainly an unexpected pleasure. To a stranger the district of Wrex- ham is probably suggestive of the unlovely scenes of busy industry in coal mining rather than the beauties of secluded woodlands, glens and verdant, hills. Yet here, in the immediate neighbourhood of collieries, and not two miles distant from Wrexham, nature Ls found in all her pristine grandeur, and it is difficult, as one beholds such sylvan scenery, to dispel the illu- sion that he is far remote from factory chim- neys and railways. Beautiful weather favoured the excursion. The party, numbering 30, jour- neyed to Wrexham in the afternoon, a tramcar being in readiness there to convey them to ielin Pu:eston Mill, whence a walk of about half a miic brought them to the lodge standing at t.he foot of the steep and luxuriantly wooded incline. Here the visitors were met by Mr. and Mrs. Yorke, who, after extending a cordial wekome, guided them through t.he park and pointed cut the chief objects of interest, Mr. Yorke explaining the interesting historical as- sociations of each. First an inspection was made of the China House, a portion of the lodge so named from the china tiles with which the interior walls arc faced. Opportunity was next tak.n of testing the iron tonic properties of the spring water from the adjacent well, and thus refreshed, the party -eiimf)ta the hill and had a. delighful walk through the wood, finding much to admire in th; magnificent timber, some of which is two centuries old, and the command- ing views of the surrounding country. Particu- larly striking was the avenue of giant silver beeches, aptly designated "The temple of peace." So lofty and massive are the perpen- dicular trunks, and so exquisite the arching of the branches, that this avenue might have been the subject of the well-known painting, "Nature's Cathedral." A fitting poetical tri- bute to the sublimity of the scene is inscribed on a board hard by-- 0 a fair temple now behold! Of beech majestic, tall and old, Whew fabric nature's art did raise As tribute to her Maker's praise. Several of the trees bear interesting carvings, which seem to date back many years, judging by the expanded appearance they have assumed through the growth of the trunk. In one in- stance same initials are accompanicd by the ¡ date 1777, clearly carved. The party walked round Watt's Dyke, which marks the ancient boundary bet we. n England and Wales, and in- spected with interest wme quaint vemes de- scriptive of ancient racial feuds written by Thomas Churchyard, a 16th century poet. One of the chief objects of interest in the park is the old, mutilated statue of a Druid, an early specimen of Lambeth pottery ware bought in 1768 by an ancestor of the present, owner of Erddig, who was the author of "The Royal Trib:e of Wales. Originally the figure had one arm upraised and holding a. staff. Thia was accidentally broken off in or about 1835, and a curious history attaches to it. The arm was buried near to the statue by a person who over thirty yearn later confessed responsibility for the mutilation when dying and indicated where, tho pieces were buried. On search being mad? they were found, but in &0 crumMed a condi t io 21; to be of no use. At the foot of the statue the name of the maker "Goade, Lam- beth," is still drlljrlv visible. Some interesting verses on the subject, of the statue, written by Mr. Philip Yorke. appear on a board close by. Having wander, d through the wood, the visitors were escorted by their host and hostess through the beautiful gardens and around the lake in front of the hail, the wealth of co'our presented by the well-cultivated flower beds being en- thusius-ically praised. The mansion, which is beautifully situated between two vales, was afterwards entered, and refreshments were par- taken of by the invitation of Mr. and Mrs. Yorke. An inspection of the chapel, library and other parts of the hall was subsequently made. The hall, which was built in 1715, con- tains a store of treasures that appeal to the antiquary and connoisseur, and the visitors found much to admire in the handsom? oak panelling, numerous engravings and paintings by eminent artists, charming examples of o'd English fur- niture, Japanese wallpaper, and Chinese bed draperies of elaborate designs nearly two hun- dred yeaie old. the volume of "Annalr of Erddig," dating back from 1767, and the organ, upon which Dr Bridge gave an enjoyable re- cital. The chapel, which is one of the largest private places of worship in the country, is nced daily for family service. Time, unfor- tunately did not permit of more than a hurried inspection of its interesting features, ¡ whkh include an elnb^rately-rarved oak reredos thnt hIm crly adorned Yale Cruets Abbey, the antique "itver p?te of Spamsh or Italian de ?n. a Chpirl? II. Bible and a WHbam and Mary PraY?-bo?k. Before taking their de- parture th party. <? the proposition of Mr. Henry Taylor, seconded by Dr. J. C. Biidge, accorded a hearty vote of thanks to Mr. and I Mrs. Yorke for their hospitality.

I FACE PIMPLES I  I I. EFFECTUALLY CURED BY ZAM-BUK. Mrs. E. Simmons, of Moorsiado Farm, near Fal field, Gloucestershire, write.*—" My face brok e out in little pimples, which spread until they nearly covered the face.. Some formed into sow. and in other places little gatherings full of matter formed. I was ashamed to see anybody. My doctor said the trouble watf in the b'-ood, and others said the change of season was causing the disease. I used several sorts of ordinary ointment, and took doctor's medicine from various places, but failed to obtain a cure. Finally I got Zam-Buk. and, using it in connection with n. mild aperient medicine, derived the greatest pa-^ble benefit. Zam-Buk proved very soothing and pleasant, and it com- pletely eradicated the pimples and sores, causing a new, clear and hcaithy skin to gr<)W. I

FOOTBALL BOOTS. SpeciäJ show at Hewitt's. Quality better than ever. Prices same as before. Nothing to equal them in Chester.- HEWITT'S, Abbey Gateway. Established 50 years.

FELL DOWNSTAIRS. 6* SANDYCROFT FATALITY. The Cheater Coroner (Mr. E. Braseey) held an inquest at the Infirmary on Tuesday touoh- ing the death of James Loftua (26), of 1, Arthur-terrace, Sandycroft, who died from in- juries received through falling downstairs. Arthur Michael Loftus, labourer, who lodged at the same house as the deceased, said he and his brother were employed on the new sewage works. Witness heard his brother talking to some fellow-lodgers about 11.30 on Saturday evening, and almost immediately afterwards heard him fall. Witness waited five minutes., and as he heard no other noise he struck a light and saw the deceased lying at the bottom of the stairs, unconscious. Deceased was put to bed, and on the following morning was attended by Dr. Burlingham, who ordered his removal to the Infirmary. Witness said his brother was half drunk. John Creaeby, a labourer who also lodged in the same house, said the deceased came into his bedroom about 11.30 on Saturday night, and asked witness if he was going to church in the morning. Witness said he was, and deceased stayed talking a few minutes. Then he bade witness Good-night" and left the room. After- wards Arthur Loftus came and told witness that his brother had fallen downstairs. Deceased was not drunk, but had had drink. Dr. Hodge said Loftus died in the Infirmary on Monday afternoon. He couid not give the exact cause of death. Deceased might have suffered previously from heart trouble. He might have tumbled downstairs and fractured his skull, or a b'ood vessel. There were no external marks on the head. The jury returned a verdict of "Accidental death.

A ONE-MAN RAID. Y CHESTER BANK HOLIDAY INCIDENT. A r?d conducted sin?e-handed ont a shop _by A a London entleman was related to the Chester magistrates on Monday. William McPherson, a whito haired commercial travel- ler, of Oxton, London. was charged with assault- ing Emily Ruth Knight, of Eastgate Row, on the 7th June, 1897.-Mr. E. Brassoy, who prose- cuted said the assault happened so long ago that if the defendant would promise not to again interfere with Miss Knight he would be inclined to withdraw the oharge.The Magistrates' C'erk (Mrr. Geo. Davison): Why didn't you appear in answer to the summons ?—Defendant: I was the guardian of these children, and I was accused of greæt orime which The Magistrates' OIerk: That j8 no masorj-—Mr. Brassey said he would have to app'y for an adjournment. The defendant was one of the trustees of the late Mrs. Brace girdle, who oar- r:ed on an iin&,riinen businf-ss ia Bridge-street. Defendant appeared to think that he was fit and proper person to sell under] men to ladies who entered the s hop. and that. he was praoti cally "the boss." [t ended by his locking him- seJf in the shop, so that, nobody was able to enter. A crowd collected outside, and when the door was forced the defendant assaulted Miss Knight. The reason he asked that, prisoner should give an undertaking for his future eon- duct was because, when a trustee, he disap- pe-ared, and as the children were under age they oould not get the money out of court, Great expense had been incurred in hunting the prisoner all over the country; altogether he had cost the family over £ 100. Defendant called at his (Mr. Brassey's) ofEoa th?t (Monday) morning and used very foul language; and recollecting that the warrpnt was still out for the assault on | Miss Knight, ho had it executed.-D,&fcnda-iit was asked to give an undertaking not to molest the children.—Defendant.. What. is molesting?— The Magistrates' Clerk: Going near them.— Defendant: Going near my own family—I am the children's uncle—is that- molesting thorn?— The Magistrates' Clerk: Was the defenda-nt re- moved from being a trustee.?—Mr. Brassey: Yes.—The Magistrates' Clerk (to defendant): You are. not a trustee now.—Defendant: How did that come aoout?-Tlw Magistra,tcs' Clerk: In a court of law.—Defendant: How was it ob- tained?—The Magistrate?' Clork: By proceed- ings in a Court of Chancerv. If you don't ^ivo the undertaking you will be remanded in cus- tody until Wednesday.—Defendant: If it means that I am not to go near the children I won't. II give it.-Tli4L, Cliairinan: Then you will be re- manded in custody until Wednesday.—Defend- ant was then removed below. On Wednesday prisoner was again brought up before Mr. F. F. Brown, Alderman John Jones (8.0.), and Mr. C. H. Deeley. Mr. Brass-y appeared for complainant and Mr. F. B. Mason defended. Mr. Brassey said it was little use reaping up old troubles, therefore he suggested that prisoner should consent to be bound over. Mr. Maaon said that after reading the ac- counts of the proceedings on Monday he thought his cLent had been treated in an unjust man- ner. Ho was a respectable man and had been kept in gaol for two days for not agreeing to do a thing in respect of wh.ch he had never been summoned before the court. He had be-oil oigjnally summoned for a very technical a-wuuit during the tc-uree of some Chancery pro- ■-edings, and he considered that an unjust at- tempt had been made to use the court to make the man into a semi-criminal in the Chancery proceedings. The matter ought to have been reported to the proper authorities in London. Mr. McPherson lived in London. He had never bo-n in Chester for nine years and after those proceedings he did not suppose they wouid hear or see anything of him at all The Chairman He was summoned and did not appear to the summons. Mr. Mason said his client had authorised him to say he was reully very sorry he did not obey the commands of the magistrates. Mr. Brassey's suggestion having been refused, the case was heard. Mr. Brasfiey said that the assault was com- mitte.d on a Bank Holiday, when the shop was closed. At the time prisoner was homeless and practically a vagabond. Mr. Mason I don't see what that has got to do with the assault. I am sorry to inter- rupt. Mr. Brassey: He could only feed by feeding at the expense of the estate. The Chairman We have nothing to do with anything outsid". the assault. After further argument, the Chairman told Mr. Brassey to confine himself -to what hap- pened on the particular day. Mr. Brarsvy .-aid prisoner took advantage of the fact that the dtor was halt open and a servant working there to rush into the place and turned Mies Knight and the servant out. Miss Knight said she had been manageress for Mrs. Bracegirdle, deceased. On the Bank Holiday prisoner carre up to her sitting-room and told her to clear out of the house. He had shut the servant out. She caught up her hat and keys tyKI prisoner pushed her down- stairs and out of the house.—Cross-exaihined She had no personal animr.sity against prisoner. Mr. Mason, be ore entering into his defon-ce, submitted that thero was no case. The bench decided that an assault had been committed. The case was dismissed, but prisoner was bound over in the sum of B10 to keep the peace for six months and to pay the costs. Mr. Mason complained that he had wished to point out certain facts to the bench before they made their decision, but they had given him no opportunity. He felt indignant that prisoner should be kept in gaol for two days for a thing he had never been summoned for, and he asked the magistrates to re-consider t:opi r decision. The bench refused to re-open the case.

DEKBIGHSHIRE COUNTY FINANCE.— The c'erk of this Council (Mr. W. R. Evans) has issued an abstract of the receipts and ex- penditure of the Council for the past financial year. It appears that the total receipts amounted to £ 135,251. of which £ 78,575 represented re- ceipts in respect of elementary and higher edu- cation and JE13,755 receipts on the Exchequer contribution account. The total expenditure (as allowed by the district auditor) was £ 137,427. Tho principal items of expendittr.e were: — Police, £ 9.030; maintenance and repair of main roads, £ 17,563; repayment of 1 ans and in- terest, £ 3,841; in respect of education, £ 77,559. The outstanding loans of the Council at the end of the year amounted to a. total of £ 178,807.

I HARVEST HOME. I Another fine week, though happily not one characterised by euch fierce beat as the pre- ceding, has enabled farmers to practically clear the fields of all the cereal crops. A little bar- ley is to be seen here and there still outstand- ing as we write, occasioned through the scarcity of labour, but little, if any, will remain beyond the present week. The crops had been a good deal lodged in some districts, rendering cutting difficult, but this has been no new feature of late years, and has had to be faced like many other farmers' trials. The grand harvest weather, together with the fine crops, hae been something to be thankful for, and when all is reckoned up at the end of the agricultural year there probably will be little complaint. The forcing weather has set the grass growing again, but rain is now much needed in this particular, as well as to save the roots whioh are exhibit- ing a tendency to ripen prematurely. Potato disease continues to spread unchecked by the drought, but poesibly when the crop is raised it will be found not to have been so severe as on some occasions. Considering the time and season, too, the flow of milk in Cheshire has not been so severely felt as in many other counties. THE MILK FAMINE. I Some cynics are connecting shortness in the milk supply with want of water, but the two aspects are more closely connected than may be supposed, yet not from their point of view. It stands to reason that lack of water and grass must materially influence the milk yield beyond the power of farmers to remedy, and the inhabitants of large towns are finding this out to their discomfort. In the Manchester district it has been stated that in certain locali- ties and on certain days it has been impossible to beg borrow, or buy a sol tary pint of milk, and that though several of the largest dairy- men endeavoured to supply their regular cus- tomers they were early compelled to abandon the task and had to continue their "rounds" merely to explain the state of affairs, The tew people, it is added, who were fortuniie enough to obtain a supply, had to pay double piiee- 6d. a quart—or a hundred per cent. above the normal. Subsequently, however, this was re- duced to 4d. [ LIGHTNING HARVESTING. By the aid of the Universal" motor, which obtained the highest award of the R.A.S.E. at Derby, a field of wheat at Kempstou was lately cut, threshed, converted into flour and then into bread, and the same land then ploughed up, cultivated and re-sown within the space of six hours. The wheat--& heavy crop of the old-fashioned Revitts—yielded over 50 bushels per acre, and was dealt with by two 6ft. binders which were drawn at the ratl, of over three miles an hour. The same mot drew the large size Marshall threshing machine to the field, drove it on its arrival, and supplied the power for the grinding mill which converted it into flour. While the bread-baking was in process the motor was taken back to the field an<] the land was ploughed up; then a culii- vator took the place of tho plough; t>o seed bed being thus prepared tiw motor hauled a corn drill and a harrow, .nd drilled in the seed for an autumn-sow. catch crop of tares. Mr. Herbert Prosser, A Erdington, near Bir- mingham, has succoraed this season in reaping a field of wheat, threshing and milling the corn, and bakins" six dozen loaves from it within the space of three and a half hours. Hand flails supphvnted the threshing machine, and the grinding was done at a water mill two miles d- ',starit. Mr. Prosper performed a similar feat iii eight houis five years ago, but none of the summers since then have been sufficiently dry to render it possible again until the present season.—"Midland Counties Herald."

POTATO DISEASE IN CHESHIRE. —— & v Inquiry shews that the prevalence of disease among late-grown Che&hire potatoes is very marked, especially in "up-to-datee." Thie is a sort which has not shewn signs to any great extent hitherto. A farmer, writes an agricultural correspond- ent, shewed me a bucketful, onc-haif of which he assured me would not to fit for table pur- powis. These tubers had been grown on heavy land, but on lighter soils there is not the same tendency to disease, although "jscab" has mani- fested itself more or less in many cases. To somj extent the loss will be counterbalanced by the magnificent. cropR of turnips and man- golds, which arc coming forward. Nothing like them has been seen for many years. Thresh- ing is now becoming general, and the samples of oats and wheat continue to shew splendid weight and coilditio-ri. Q-econd-crop clover has also yielded well.

IMPORTANT TO FARMERS. BORROWED SERVANTS. LIABILITY IN CASES OF INJURY. I Hie Honour Judge Moss has given hill judg- ment in the caw. of T horn as ionft v. Ann Jones, which was heard at the last Menai Bridge County Court, and which involved a point of the highest importance to farmers and farm labourers under the Workmen's Compensation Acts. In ilia judgment hia honour said that the applicant applied for compensation against the respondent in respect of an accident causing tho loas of an eye. The applicant was in the employment of tho respondent as a farm labourer, and a neighbouring farmer, having a threshing machine upon his premisffi, received t-lie loan of various men from adjoining farm houses in order to carry on the threshing. Among others, lie borrowed the applicant from the respondent, and while the applicant was on a load of hay receiving hay from another man one of the prongs of a hayfork which the latter held in his hand ran into the applicant's eye, destroying it. It was the custom throughout Anglesey for farmers to lend each other men for the purpose of threshing. They remained under the control of the borrower in every respect, but the man who lent paid his servant his usual wage, he in turn receiving the loan of men when his turn for threshing came. The question in this case turned on who was the applicant's employer at the time of the accident, because it WM the employer who was responsible to pay compensation by section 1 sub-section 1 of the Act of 1897. There waF. no doubt in his honour's mind that the employment wa<s one within the Workmen's Compensation Act, 1900, and he also found that the accident was not due to serious and wilful misconduct on the part of the, applicant. Although he regretted the decision at which he had arrived, yet he had come to the conclusion, reluctantly and much against, his inclination, that in this case he was governed by the authorities from Rourke v. White Moss Colliery Company. 2 Common Pleas Division 205, to Donovan v. Leing, 1893, 1 Q.B. 623, and he found that the applicant was not, at the time when the accident happened, in the employment of the respondent in respect of the particular employment he was then engaged in. Under the circumstances the applicant waa not, in his judgment, entitled to compensation. The a.pplication was, therefore, dismissed, with- out coiste.

HUNGRY YOUNGSTERS. — When the youngsters come in from school or play, they usually bring with them an appetite that brooks no denial; one, 11 short, that wants the edge taken off it without spoiling the meal proper We are told by the King's physician that mother, can provide nothing more suitable than Currant Bread. Currants are fail of nutriment in a delicious form and render bread palatable and easy of dize-rtion. HOUSEHOLD ECONOMY. If you are interested in the above read the Common Sense" circulars delivered at your door this week They contain home truths about tinned food.

(iOVRKKMf NT T)XTTV ON TEA REPUCBD ID. PSF. POUND DEUUCnON OF 2D PER POUND 1tf II.I. PRICES OF HOBNI.MAN'S PURE TEA. (No RFT>TTCTION IW QtTAXlTY.l Sold by c.k< vtor W. AInu Da.v ies 10, Comnionball stret t (wholesale aeent); Co-operative Society; Cryer, 25, Christleton-road Holbcrti Restau- rant, 29, PoroKate-street. Little Suttoa: Swindells. Rhrcdftlan R. -berts, grocer. Bromborotisrh P >ol: Co-op. Society. Mold Junction: Co-on. Society. Wrexham: (,riffiths, Newtow-n. WinCWc).n. Wroibitm: Griffiths, Newtown. Wingford: Whitehead; Co-op. Society; J. Butter & Co. Tattenhallc Jackson grocer, Flint: Topping, chemist.

MIDDLEWICH AGRICULTURAL I SHOW. T GOOD STOCK BUT FEWER ENTRIES. r (By Our Own Reporter.) I One of the oldest local agrictiltural societies in the country is that of Middlewich and Dis- trict, which held its annual show on Wednesday upon the border of the quaint old salt town. The society began its operations on a very modest scale nearly half-a-oentury ago, and by encouraging competition among local farmers it has proved, like most local organisations, to be of the utmost ralue as a feeder of the oounty and other large instit-utions. Favoured by fme woather, tho show attracted a large number of visitors, Mr. W. H. Verdin. the president for the year, having travelled specially from Scotland in order to be present. Owing to the absence this year of a dog section, which had not been substituted by any new classes, the entries shewed an appreciable falling off in numbers compared with last year, making a total of 1,143 as against 1,513. What made this addi- tionally regrettable was the fact that in no see- tion excepting cottagers' cattle and pigs were the oxhib:ts as numerous as in 1905. Horses, for instance, aœounted for 185 as ag??nst 210, cheese, 27 as against 43, corn and roots 105 as against 172, fruit and vegetables 226 against 260. poultry and eggs 235 against 295, and pigeons 218 against 268. Despite these un- favourable comparisons, the society has good reason for self-congratulation in the enormous growth attained by the show during the last sixteen years, as indicated by the fact that in 1890 the entries totalled only 485. Only since 1895 have they run into four ifgures. The de- velopment is, of course, due largely to the sup- port of ma.ny influential county patrons, by which the society has been enabled to increase the value of prizes. The prize-money amounted to £ 500, in addition to numerous special trophies. On the whole the deficiency of the exhibits in point of numbers was amply comt>ensated by the quality of the stock Heavy hoiees shewed a vast improvement upon last year, a particu- larly s-triking advance being noticeable in foals, yearlings, two and three-year-olds. The advan- tage to be gained by using the best sires that can be introduced to the neighbourhood was cleanly demonstrated, and farmers cannot do better than proceed on the lines they have adopted, irrespective of cost, for in the end they will certainly find the resultt; to be the most profitable. In the mare or gelding pair olass Mr. J. B. Hill, Smethwick Hall, gained the judge's verdict, with a very valuable pair of maies, one of which also won the silver cup for the best animal in the show. They are of the true shire typie. displaying the full character of the breed with the best of joints, knees and hair. Next in order of merit were a pair of mares, on the email side, shewn by Mr. S. S. Raingill, Ring- way. In tho single mare or geiding class Mr. J. J. Astbury. Church Minshull, was pre- eminent with Mirwhuil Brook, a mare of the true shire type, which, although five years old, has not. completed her development, and will un- doubtedly do her present owner much good. The second animal, belonging to Mr. T. Parton. Weston Hall, was litt4e inferior, and the two had to be submitted to an urepire be fore a de- c;s'on could be arrived at. Mr Lewis Dodd, TarpoiOoy, supplied the third winner with Lady Councillor, an aged marc far on in the teens, yet wonderfully fresh and perfectly sound. There were seventeen entries in the cart mare with foal class. Hero Mr. Lewis Dodd was second to Mr. T. H. Ridout. of Leighton, with a mare of nice character, which would have been placed higher but for the consideration that soundness must, be put first in the judging of breeding classes. In the three-year-oid mares and geld- ings competition was very keen, and although j there were fifteen entries the judges had to ap- | peal to an umpire, who decided that the first and second winners, belonging to Mr. Lewis Dodd and Mr. R. Peacock, Minshull Vernon, should be regarded as of equal merit, and the prizes were therefore divided The animal shewn by Mr. Dodd was Rustic Violet, a daugh- ter of the noted sire Phenomenon. In two- year-olds Mr. Frank Dodd. Tarvin. received the premier award for a wonderfully well-grown filly standing on the best of legs and feet, which gained further honour by taking the trophy for the best mare of aU ages in the show. This cia-is was undoubtedly one of the best in the s how Cart foals were exceptionally strong, Mr. Lewis Dodd proving his supremacy with a foal by that. noted winner Tattou Friar, belong- ing to Earl Egerton. Thia foal has the best of Ileg-s and feet, and this is only one of several pr!zos it has received. In the competition for cart mares and foals offered by the TarporJey Hunt the judges selected for first prize out of a numerous entry Mr. Frank Dodd's (Tarvin) two- year-old Rustic Rush, already mentioned. Of the hunters the young animals wem the most attractive feature—yearlings, two and three-year-olds all shewed good promise. There was a very nice strain of roadsters, and here aga.;n the foals were of outstanding merit Cattle made a capital array, dairy cows in milk being exceedingly good, the judges having here to call in an umpire, who awarded the first prize to Mr. George Cooke, Clayley Hall. for his roan Beauty, whioh has been a prolific prize- winner. Two-ye&r crd heifers were also a very strong class in point of quality, and first prize was awarded to Mr. T. Partoo, Weston Hall. In sheep, competition was more active in long wools. In short wools Mr. J. W. Kenworthy. Kelsall, was a winner in every class, taking two firsts and two seconds. In pigs Mr J. Jeffer- son was the pr neipal winner, rec-eiving three firsts, one second and one reserve. Of cheese there was only a small show, the three classes which were provided attraoting only about thirty entries. The judges.-how<ever. were satis- fied that the high reputation of Cheshire cheese was maintained by the lots exhibted, their general excellence making decisions more than usually difficult. A remarkable feature was that none of the cheese shewn appeared to have been affected by too roccnt tropical weather. Poul- try, though not numerically strong, were an excellent collection, bantams making quite a show in themselves. Indian game were a.so two exceptionally fino classes. Working homers were a strong feature of the pigeon section, the winners being capable of taking prizes in any company. At the public luncheon the president (Mr. W. H. Verdin) occupied the chair. In proposing "Prosperity to the Middlewich and District Agricultural Society," the President spoke of the ittt:-fu.l purposes achieved by such local shows as this. and referred in terms of praise to the quality of the stock shewn that day. Farmers could not regard the present year as an un- satisfactory one in spite of the cold and wet fprilit' the bay harvest in Cheshire having been abundant. The price of choose had been en- couraging, and might be ascribed to several causes. In the first plaice, there was no doubt that generally a better dftss of cheese was being produced in Cheshire than formerly. Then the trade of the country had been good, especially in Lancashire and Yorkshire, which were the chief markets for Cheshire cheese Another contributing factor in the improvement of prices was probably to be found in the dreadful revela- tions in connection with the production of fcod by foreigners for the innocent British working- man He thought most people had now come to reeogn se that there was some virtue in English- made articles. (Hear, hear.) Mr. C. B. Davles (secretary to the Cheshire Chamber of Agriculture) responded to the toast. Although Cheshire farmers had experi- enced one of the best harvests they could re- member. he was somewhat, doubtful whether they would meet with remunerative prices. The wheat product of the worid had been perhaps the highest for the last- eight or ten years, and j as an enormous quantity of foreign wheat was bound to be sent into this country, our own mar- I.-Pls would be over-stoeked. In consequence, the British products would meet with indifferent prces. Happily the effect of the Chicago me-at scandals had been to increase the demand for genuine. honnt British products. The toast of "The President" was proposed by Mr. H. E. Wilbraham. "The Town and Trade of Middlewich' by Major Wilson, and "The Judges" by the Rev. A. G Child. Mr. J. J. de Knoop and Mr. J. Brecroft responding. "The Cheshire Hunt" was proposed by Mr. Fred Wil- braham, and responded to by Major Wi!son, the Master. Appended are the names of the judges:- Cattle, Mr. Joa. Hill. (Smethwick), Mr. W. E. Lea (Priors Heys, Tarvin); heavy horses, Mr. A. Lawson, J.P. (Ashtou-on-Mersey), Mr. Jos, Beecroft (Eastham); hunter classes, Mr. R. Weaver (Garden), Mr. J. J. de Knoop (Calveiey Hall); roadsters, cobs and ponies, Mr. A. L. Goodson (Knutsford), Mr. Jas. Laithwood (Con- gleton); jumping and turnouts, the President, Coi, C. H. Franoe-Havhurst, D.L. (Bostock Hail), Mr. H. M. Wilson, M.F.H. (The Hermi- tage); Mr. W. R. Court, J.P. (Manor House); pigs, Mr. J. A. Dodd (Mollington); sheep, Mr. John Barnett (Norton-m-IIakssj; cheese, Mr. G. A. Pedley (Crewe), Mr. B. S. Bostock (Hasling- tou) butter, Miss Forster, Dairy Institute, Wor- leston); eggs and dressed poultry, Mr. P. Proud, Birkdale; own, roots and implements, Mr. C. Thorrthili (S&ndbaoh), Mr. R. Hornby (Northwich); fruit and vegetables, Mr. P. Bolt (Manor House Gardens), Mr. A. H. Hall (Bo&- tock HaJJ Gardens); poultry, Mr. P. Proud, Birkdale; pigeons, Mr. E. C. Stretch (Orme- kirk), Mr. James Baxter, Lostock Oral am). PRIZE LIST. The following is a list of the principal awards:- HORNED CATTLE. (Confined to tenant farmers only.) Bull, two years and upwards, which has served exhibitor's stack dur.ng present year: 1, George Cooke, Clayley Hall; 2, Thomas Par- ton, Weston Hall; 3, John Cross, Earnshaw Grange, Sandi way r. J. Pr"cott, Kinderton. Bull, under two years, which has served ex- hibitor's stock during the present year: 1, Tiros. Parton, Weston Hail. Bull calf, under one year, to be reared for stock purposes: 1, Thomas Parton; 2, Joseph Platt, Tabicy. Bull calf, under one yea.r, to be reared for sock purposes, and to have been bred at Ravenscroft: 1, George Moreton, Kinderton Hall. Pair of dairy oowe, in milk or in-calf: 1, Joseph Piatt, Tabley, Knutsford; 2, William Foru, Smailwood. Dairy cow, in miik: i. George Cook; 2, Wm. Foid; 3, Thomas Parton. Dairy cow, in calf: 1, Joseph Platt; 2, Saml. Sherwin, Stapleford; 3, John Presoott, Kinder- ton; r, Henry Beckett, Station-road; Wine- ford. Two-year-old heifer for dairy purposes: 1, Thomas Parton; 2, A. Platt, Tabley; 3.. W. Ford. One yeai-old heifer for dairy purposes: 1, W. Ford; 2, J. R. Newton, Warburton; 3, Thomas Parton. Heifer calf, under one year: 1, J. R. Newton 2, Thomas Parton; 3. Joeeph Platt. Dairy cow, in-calf or in milk, the bona-fide property of a farmer resident on and occupy- ing his farm of not more than 50 or less than 10 acres within the limits of the Cheshire Hunt (special prize given by the Tarporley Hunt Steeplechase Fund) 1, A. Piatt; 2, Henry Beckett; 3, George Tite, Church Minshull. Best bull, any age: 1, Thomas Parton; 2, John Presoott. Dairy cow, in milk, fed on Silocck's cake: 1, Thomas Parton. Prizes given for agricultural labourers, mechanics, artisans and general labourers, keeping not more than two cows nor holding more than five acres of land. Cow. in milk or in-calf: 1. John Kitchen. Shrewsbury Villas. Wmsford; 2. Mrs. Small- wood, Middlewich. Heifer, under two years: 1, Thomas Buckley, Clive. Middlewich: 2, William Hollinshead, Ashbrook. Fat pig: 1, James Bailey, Middlewich; 2, and special, Herbert Scott, Middlewich; r, William Dkkerwon. Yatehouse, Middlewich. HEAVY HORSES I f (Open to any resident in the society's district.) Pair of horses for agricultural purposes, mare or gelding: 1. Jos. B. Hill. Smethwick HaU; 2, Samuel S. Raingill, Ringway; 3, John Hill, Tho Lakes, Congleton. (Confined to tenant larmers only.! Mare or gelding, for agricultural purposes: 1, J. J. Astbury, Church Minshull 2. Thomas Parton 5. Lewie Dodd, Rushton, Tarporley. Cart mare, with foal at foot 1, T. H. Ridout. Leighton; 2, Lewie Dodd 3, G. Moreton, Kinderton Hall. Mare or geldiug. three ye are old: 1 (equal), Lewis Dodd and Robert Peacock. Minshull Vernon. Mare or gelding, two years old: 1. Frank Dodd. Oseroft Hall, Tarvin; 2. Samuel S. Raingill; r, N. ThornpsUme. Northwood. Chel- ford. Maro or gelding, one year old: 1, N. Thomp stone; 2, Benjamin Wright, Mobberiey; r, I John Walley, Barbridgo. Cart foal (extra prizes given by Mr. E. H. Moss. open to the county of Chester): 1, Lewis Dodd; 2, Wm. Wilding, Tetton. Cart mare, with foal at foot, or covered by a stallion entered in the Shire Horse, or Clydes- dale Societies' Stud Books, bona-fide the pro- perty of a farmer resident on and occupying his farm of not less than 30 acres, within the limits of the Cheshire Hunt, whose sole occu- pation is farming (given by the Tarporley Hunt Steeplechase Fund): 1, Frank Dcdd 2, Lewis Dodd; 3. Robert Peacock. Cart foal, got by a stallion entered in the Shire Horse or Clydesdale Societies' Stud Books, same conditions as Class 25: 1, Lewis Dodd; 2, Wm. Wilding; 3, Jos. H. Richardson, Leighton; 4, George Moreton. Foal. irrespective of breed, insured with the companv this season 1, Jce Miliinsrton. Sutton I Hall: 2. T. H. Ridout. Foul, irrespective of breed, insured with the Scottish Live Stock Insurance Company this I season 1, Jos. R. Richardson 2, T. and G. Parry, Shipbrook Hili; r. George Moreton. LIGHT HORSES. I Hunters. Brood mare, suitable for breeding I hunters, with foal at foot, or covered by a thoroughbred horse (tr registered hunter shire, bona-fide the property of a farmer, resident on and occupying his farm of not lews than 50 acres, within the limits of the Che-hire Hunt 1 and rnedal. T. and G. Parry; 2, John Pres- cot t; 3, E. S. Jones. Choirncndeston: i. R. Hull, Nantwich. Foal, likely to make a hunter: 1, T. and G. Parry; 2, E. C. Griffiths, Broken Crcwa; r, A. L. Royds. Brereton; vhe, Jo*. Millington. Mare or gelding, over one year and under two: 1, Thee. A. Oweu, Marburv; r, J. Richardson, Old Hough. Mare or gelding two years old: 1. E. C. Griffiths; r, Jos. Piatt: special, J. Trelfa, Sparrow Grove, Sandbaeh. Mar. or gelding, three years old: 1, William Smith, Reaseheath r, T. and G. Parry; special, John Presoott. Mare or gelding, four yeaiv old: 1. Thos. Abell and Sons, Brad wall; r, WillitAri Hopiey, Salters Wall. Over. Mare or gelding, any a ge, up to not less t.h.n 14st. 1 and 2 H. M WiLson, Hoimee Chapel; 3, Col. W. Lee Pilkington Noriey Blink. Mare or gelding, any age, under 14st. 1, H. M. Wilson: 2, Col. W. Lee Pilkington; 3. Chaa. Rf'ias, Sandiway: r. W. H. Sbierts, Dareii- ham. Roadsters, Cobs and ponies.—Roadster brood mare, with foal lit. 1 Bentley and Sons, Knutsford: 2, William Clarkson, Shaw Heath, Knutsford 3, Ralph Hough, Bexton. FoaJ by aery oê Mr A. L. Goodson hackney stallion?.: I mii P, Bentiey and Sons; 3, Ralph Hough r. Rir-h»rd Knmvles. Shaw Heath, Knutsford. Roadster mare or geJdirrg, any age: 1, A. H. Maguire, Darland Hall. Roesett; 2, F. L. John- son, Lowor HartshiJI: 3, F. Hardwick, Over Peover. Roadster lwwe or gelding, any age (tenant fanners only): 2. Ralph Hough; r, Samuel Sherwin. Stapleford: vhc, William Alfred Biake. Smailwood. Cob. mare or gelding, over 13.2, but Dot exceeding 14.2: 1. Mrs. Douglas Gilbert, Nant- wich 2, iEdward Bradshaw, Nantwich. Pony, mare err gelding, not exceeding 13.2: 1, P. H. Chestprtt. Nantwich 2. A. Cooper, Siddington r, T. Broster, Kinderton. PIGS. I Brawn, over 12 ir.(miths old: 1, W. Bancroft, I Mere Bank, Weaverhtm; 2, Jchn WTalley, Tab- ley r. J. Jefferson, Chester. Brawn, under 12 months old 1, J. Jefferson 2, A. M. Glassford, TabU-y. Sow and p'.gs; 1, W. Bancroft; 2, J. Jeffer- Eon. In-pig sow: 1, J. Jefferson; 2, F. Dodd, Tarvin. Pair gilts, littered since January 1st, 1906: 1. J. J^fFcrscn; 2. A. M. Glaesford. I SHEEP. Long-wooiled ram, any age: 1, C. Hollins- head. Warmingham; 2, G. Cooke, Clayley Hall. Three long-woolled ewes, any age: 1, C. Hoflinshead; 2, Edwin Richardson, Home Farm, Bradwall. Three long-woolicd ewe lambs: 1, Samuel Hopley, Bradford Mills; 2, Jos. H. Richard- eon. Long-woolled ram lamb: 1, Samuel Hopley; 2, Joe. H. Richardson. Short-woolled ewes, any age 1, J. W. Ken- worthy, Keisall; 2, Thomas Parton. Three short-wcolled ewe lambs: 1, Thomas Parton; 2, J. W. Kenworthy. Short-woolled ram, any age: 1, Thomas P&rton; 2, J. W. Kenworthy. Short-wcolled ram iamb: 1, J. W. Ken- worthy; 2, John S. BUlingtcn, Balterley Hall. I CHEESE. ■V 1 1 i j ■rour coiourea cnecse, any weight: 1, Jos. Jones, New Farm, Dodleeton, Chester; 2, S. Charles worth, Leighton; 3, Edwin Cookson, Chester; 4, J. E. Jones, Haughton, Tarpor. ley; r, C. E. Parton, Haughton Hall Farm^ Tarporley. Very highly commended: John Williams, Sound, Nantwich; J. H. Bourne,' Baddington, Nantwich. Highly commended: Mrs. Mary Ninis, Leighton. Commended: J. Holland, Baddiley, Nantwich; James Trickett, Calveley Green, Tarporley. Four unooioured cheese, any weight: 1, J. H. Bourne, Baddington; 2, Jos. Jones, Dodlee- ton; 3, R. C. Bancroft, Darnhall; 4, Mrs. Mary Nini, Leighton. Very highly commended J. Williams, Sound, Nantwich; S. Charlesworth, Leighton. Highly commended: Chaxles Wil- liamson, Nantwich. Commended: P. Good- win, Bradwall; G. P. Hodgson, Nantwich. Four coloured or unooioured cheese, not ex- ceeding 401b. weight each: 1 and special, S. Clutton, Haughton 2, S. Dutton, junr., Haugh- ton; 3, Mrs. Lovekin, Tarporley; r, George Marrow, Haslmgton;' vhc, Thos. Jackson, Hampton. BUTTER. Three pounds butter, 16oz. each, slightly salted: 1 (equal), Mrs. G. B. Robinson, Bad- diley and Mrs. Joseph Taylor, Hatton 4, P. Reade, Swanley; 5, C. Ashby, Tiverton Heath. EGGS AND DRESSED POULTRY. Six hen egge, white, single yolk: 1, F. A. Hanks, Bunbury; 2, Mrs. J. Challoner, Spree- ton Green. Six hen eggs, coloured, single yolk: 1, S. Dutton, junr., Haughton; 2, W. Lea, Minshull Vernon. Pair of fowls, dressed for table use: 1, J. Tomlinson, Whitegate; 2, E. Jones, White- gate; 3, P. Reade, Swanley. Pair of ducks, dressed for table use: 1, Mrs. Joseph Eilia, Winsford; 2, S. Charlesworth, Leighton 3, J. Palin, Leighton. CORN AND ROOTS. r. teampie of Uarton s Improved Abundan, c, nft less than 1001b., grown from seed supplied: direct by them during spring, 1906: 1 (equal), T. G. Yarwood, Kinderton Lodge; and F. W. | Hopiey, Alciiciow Bank, Winsford. Sample cf red wheat, not less than 1001b. 1. Charles Yarwood, Brereton; 2, C. B. Daviee, Eardswick Hall. Middlewich. Sample of white wheat, not less than 1001b. 1, Exors. of T. Percival, Yatehouse; 2, G. Hollinshead, Drakelow Hall. Sample of white oats, not Jess than 1001b.: 1, Exors. of T. Percivai, Yatehouse; 2, Chas. Yarwood, Brereton. Sample of black oats, not less than 1001b.: 1. F. W. Hopiey, Wins:ord. Six swode turnips: 1, J. Platt, Tilston Fearnall; 2, A. Brock, Manor House Tarpot- ley. Six ro-ote of Dick&on and Robinson's Defianoe Yellow Globe or Yellow Intermediate Man- golds, grown from seed supplied direct from them in 1806: 1, T.. Lanceley, Clotton, Tarpor- ley; 2, R. Hull, Edleston, Nantwich. Six roots of Dickson and Robinson's Eclipse Long Red or Giant Long Red Mangolds, grown from seed supplied direct from them in 1906: 1, T. Lanceley, Clotton; 2, C. Derby- shire, Middlewich. Swede turnips: 1, Marshall Irving, Moston; 2, A. Brock, Manor House, Tarporley. Mangolds (long): 1, A. Brock, Tarporley; 2, C. Derbyshire, Middlewioh. Mangolds (globe) 1, C. Derbyshire, Middle- wich 2, A. Brock, Tarporley. Kidney potatoes: 1, Chas. Yarwcod, Brere- ton; 2, J. A. Johnson, Dolamere-street, Over. Round potatoes 1. Chas. Yarwood, Brereton; 2, J. Baskervilie Glegg. Swede turnips, with leaves and roots as grown 1, Chas. Yarwood, Brereton 2, Thos. Thorley, Hollins Green. Middlewich. Kidney potatoes: 1, Cha6. Yarwood, Brere- ton; 2, R. C. Oulton, Tetton. Round potatoes: 1, R. C. Oulton, Tetton.

CHEESE AND MILK TRADE. It CORNER IDEA DISMISSED. One of the principals of a leading Manchester firm especially concerned with the American market informed a Press representative that a corner in cheese waa an impossibility. In the firet place, he said. there are too many dealers; secondly, the sources of supply are so numerous. and, what is far more important, the home supply is far too large to permit of such an. event taking place. Speaking roughly, he believed that more than half the cheeses con- sumed in this country were the product of English labour. "Look," he said, "for instance, at the quantity we get from Cheshire, from Somerset, and from Scotland. Moreover," he added, "the prices to-day are too good and the demand too great for anyone with an intimate knowledge of the market to hold his stock longer than he can possibly help." The increases in the import returns were also, he contended, a proof of his statement. Asked if he thought there was any prospect of an early reduction in the present prices, our informant said he was afraid not. He certainly did not anticipate any decided change before the end of the year. As to what might take place after that he oould not say. Subsequently he explained that though there was certainly a jump in the prices after the Chicago exposure, there had been a gradual rise noticeable from the very commencement of the cheese-making season in May. This was due to the increased consumption, for, he added, "during the past few months there has been an unusually good demand for all classes." The London spot price per box of cheese on Saturday was 61s. to 63s., as compared with 55s. to 56s. on September 1, 1905. The price rose towards the end of last, year. but only from 59s. to 61s. From September to December 1964 it Too,- from 45s. to 50s. The shipments from Montreal from May to August thie year were 1,118,642 boxes, an increase of 103,158 over the corresponding period for 1905, while the cheese stocks in London, Liverpool, and Bristol on Saturday were 337,000 boxes, as oompared with 222.000 on September 1, 1905. and approximately the same figure in the two previous yeam. A "Daily Diif-patch" correspondent had an interview with one- of the largest oheesefaotors. in Cheshire. This gentleman says that on the whole auri for a series of years cheese making has paiti the producer much better than milk selling, and since the commencement of the present yea-r Cheshire farmers have been realising quite 10s. per c-wt. more for their cheese than last vemr. Twenty-five thousand tons of citeesc arC annually m&de in Cheshire, and in its manu- facture 60,000.000 gallons of ruilk are used. If the wholesale price of milk was raised he believes fewer would continue in the cheese trade, the country would soon be flooded with milk. and there would be the inevitable "slump." Canada, lie pointed out. sends England 100.000 tons of cheese yearly, so that there is no fear of a famine in cheese. There can be no doubt- that the tinned meat scare from over the water has put thousands of pounds into the pocket of tJ Chesbire cheeøemaker. C.ios h ire c h oeoerna k er.

RAILWAYS AND WATER SCARCITY.— Owing to the scarcity of water the railway com- panies are finding difficulty in keeping their engines supplied. The water at Wrexham is very limited, and is cut off for several hours. Consequently, as there is also very little obtain- able at other points, water has to be obtained at wayside stations. The Great Central are depen- dent in a great measure upon Hope vill-age as & mainstay for the Wrexham to Bidston district.

REMARKABLE RESULTS FOLLOW THE USE OF Grape = Nuts