Cheshire Observer

Mil. STANLEY TRAPPED. 1 6 UNCONSIDERED LEGISLATION. I MINISTERS TOO BUSY. I I Wednesday was a bitterly cold iiiglit, but it did not prevent Bunbury people from giving Mr. Harry Barnstori a cordial reception on the occasion of liieg first public meeting. Mr. Charles Thrdfall presided, and among those present were Mrs. Threlfall, Dr. Archer, Dr. Jones, and Mefwrs. D. Byrd, 1. A. Brown (Ridley Hall), Samuel Ghallinor. Sheen, J. Woodward, Cbarlee Willi?- Bird, jun., Thomas Davieo, Parker (Alpraham), Vickerr; (Spurstow), Davies (Tii&tone Mills), R. Matthewe, H. Mounfield, Stephen Cawley, jun., II. Witter, C. F. Prichard (agent), etc. The Chairman faid they had met to shew that although defeated laet January they were not disheartened, but they intended to reverse the verdict. The country saw now that it was not the right verdict, and that it was won on several iceues which time had proved to be entirely wrong. (Cheers.) He introduced Mr. Barnston, who, he eaid, was & good speaker and had any amount of energy. If they selected him as their candidate they could not possibly hive a better man. (Cheere.) Mr. Barnston, in the course of a elo. t address, referred to the speeches of Lord Stanley of Alderley and the Hon. A. L. Stanley before the Eddisbury Liberal Association. He said4— Lord Stanley's position and hiM abilities make his views heard with natural iw|>eet. Speaking on the late Education Bill, biti Lordship said: I For my part, when the Bill died at the last moment, when the further oonceft-ions. oven after tho third reading, were propounded on behalf of the Government, I was very thankful we were rid of the Bill. The Bill, which was none too good when it was first introduced, be- I came in my opinion a potsitively bad Bill, if the Tones in the House of Lords had accepted the very leant, modifications which Lord Crewe was empowered by the Cabinet to offer." Yoit we, from the words of Lord Stanley himself, that when the Bill was iutroduocd he did not think the Bill Wall any too good, and when tho Bill wae finally given up Lord Stanley himself tells us he wao very glad. When you have that from one of the Radical members of the 1101100 of Lord. I think it shews you what an exceedingly bad Bill the Education Bill must have been. (Hear. hear ) Turning at a later period in his rom,i-ii.s to Mr Stanley's speech, Mr. Barnston oaid.-I ace that Mr. Arthur Stanley, your present member, speaking in Chester, referred to tlie question of an autumn session, and he uevd theao words: Although I supported an Autumn cession at firet. I have come to the bohef that an autumn session is not desirable. It i8 desirable that the legislation you liave to put forward should be carefully considered, and from what I have eeen of one Government depart- ment. it seems to me perfectly impossible for a Minister to give adequate tilito to the con- sideration of the measures he haa to bring for- ward, and at the same time to give adequate attention to the office duties ho has to perform and to the duties he has to perform towards tho House of Commons." I have no doubt that statement Je perfectly true, it seema to me tJiat. by this autumn sestuon, in which tlie Government have apparently picked up any measure and tried to get it through because they might catch a few votes, Ministers have had no time to attend to their duties and to the legislation they are going to brin? forward. I think, m ? pacing, 1 may say it ha? been very kind on the part of Mr Stanley to warn us that it has been perfectly impossible for the Minister* of the j prosont Government to give adequate time to the consideration of the measures which they | are going to bring forward next se.-sion. and I [ have no doubt that when we see those measures we shall the more appreciate the wisdom of Mr. Stanley's remarks. (Cheers.) Mr. Harold Smit-h (chairman of the Birken- head Conservative Working-men's Association) referred to Mr. Barnston'a straightforwardness. He said Mr. Barnston endeavoured to be per- fectlv frank with those whom he (Mr. Smith) was pleased to call his future constituents. There was I NO SHUFFLING ABOUT MR. BARNSTON. lie waA not a gentleman wi)o promised every- thing which every elector chose to atik and then forgot all about thOAC promises next day. Ho told them quite frankly what he hoped to do, and refused to promi se to do tj[jia, t.]ILt, or the other when lie knew there was no possibility of fulfilling that promise. If they had that quality in a future candidate they had a very great asset, and they had much more than that. They had a gentleman who not only felt Conservatism as they felt- it. but one who oould stand on any platform and advance the interests of Con- servatism by word of mouth That w" another extremely valuable asset in a future candidate. (Cheers.) Mr Smith afterwards delivered a thoughtful speech on the advantages of Pro- tection to agriculture. He pointed out that 00 long as the present state of affairs was permitted to continue agriculture would decline and the labourers would drift to the town. Cheshire was one of the most prosperous counties in Eng- land, but was that going to be any rea&on why they should not think of the interests of other parts of the country He asked them to strike a blow for the:r country and to say that they were sick and tired of an arrangement which per. milted the foreigner to compete with them on equal terms, and that this, the greatest. Empire were determined to have a fair chance, not only of selling our own goods in our own country, but of selling the products of the working elates in other countries. (Cheers.) Ottr con- d I was not what Radical speakers described iv to be, for. however much they might talk about a Ijoom in trade, there were still vast armies of unemployed. Mr. Thomas Fielding, of Manchester, referred to Mr Stanley's famous declaration that he would rather have prosperity than safety If, as Mr. Stanley said, we could pay too much for security, we might, as well take the bolU and bars off our door", and Jet other people help themselves to our goods. We might as well disband the Army and Navy and all ow the foreigner to come in and see us when he liked. (Laughter.) It was the most foolish idea one could imagine. Did we pay too much for security when the miserable policy of the Radical Government in 1881 caused us to hand over the Transvaal to the Boers'/ Twenty years after- wards we had reaped the fruits of Radical cowardice. (Hear, hear.) On the motion of Mr S. Challinor, seconded I by Dr. Archer, a vote of thanks was passed to the apoakers. A similar compliment was paid to the chairman.

\I FLINTSHIRE COUNTY CRICKET. 9 ——— The fifth annual meeting of the Flintshire County Cricket Club was held at the Cross Foxes Hotel, Flint, on Saturday afternoon, Major C. E. Dyson, Flint, presiding over a fair attendance. Tlie Hon. Secretary (Mr. J. Inglis, Mostyn) read letters of apology for non-attend- ance from the president, Lord Mostyn, Mr. W. G. C. Gladstone (Hawarden), Major T. M. Koene (Mold), and Mr. E. Bevington (llhuddlan). —Before commencing the business of tlie meet- ing a vote of sympathy with the relatives of the late Mr. William Hughes was passc(i.Froni the hon. secretary's report it appeared that in 1906 nine clubs were affiliated. Of the matches played, two were won (those with Carnarvon) and two lost (those with Denbigh). With regard to the players, the Selection Committee did their work well, but on not one single occasion was the best side put on the field, it would be well to remind players that they could not all be selected as first choice, and to bear in mind that the players chosen by the Selection Committee must be regarded as the best players on form at the time. Financially, a balance was carried for- ward on the right side.—The secretary's report and balance-sheet were adopted.-Tlic rules were under consideration, and it was resolved that. it. be a recommendation to the North Wales County Cricket Association that the rule A player bom or resident in' one affiliated county and a bona-fide playing member of a club situated in another affiliated county must choowe which county he wiil play for, such choice to hold good for two years," be eliminated. This elimination would compel a county player to be eligible only for the county of bis residence, and would prevent, for instance, a Flintshire player's going out of Flintshire into either Denbighshire or Carnarvonshire and playing for either of these counties until he qualified as per Rule 7. it was also decided to recommend that pro- fessionale connected with clubs forming the association should be eligible to play in county matches. The Right Hon. Lord Mostyn was re-elected president, with Messrs. J. Eldon Bankes, K.C., J Watkinaon and W. G. C. Gladstone as vice- presidents. It was also decided to include several other prominent gentlemen in the county as vice-presidents. Mr J. Inglis (Mostyn) was unanimously re-elected hon. secretary a.nd treasurer. Major Koene (Moid). Major Dyson (Flint), Mr H. Moore (Buokley) and Mr J Inglis (Mostyn) were appointed representatives on the North Wales Comity Cricket Association ft was decided t play the home oounty matches as follows:—Denbigh at Mold, Carnarvonshire at Mostyn, one match to be played in June, one in July, and two in August. It was also resolved to play tlie trial match at Flint early in June.

EDDISBIJRY RADICALISM, I t I LORD STANLEY AND THE PEERS. I The annual meeting of the Eddisbury Liberal Association was held at the Temperance Hall, Chester, on Saturday, Mr James Tomkiuson, M.P., presiding. Among those present were Lord Stanley of Alderley and the Hon. A. L. Stanley, M.P. In tho course of an address, Lord Stanley said the two legislative failures of the session were the Plural Voting Bill and the Education Bill uw Pturtd Voting Bill seemed a small measure, but it was a very important one. That proposal was disliked by the Tories, because if it had taken effect it would have seriously affected the Conservative chances in a large number of con- stituencies in England. The present system falsified the real views of local electors by bring- ing in a lot of non-residont, absentee electors, whoso votes over-rocie the real decision of the locality. He thought himself, and most people thought, that the Bill wao not a very good Bill as a matter of drafting for ita purpose He thought that the Bill was drawn In too indulgent and roundabout & way in an endeavour to mini- mise the inconvenience that would be occasioned to thoso plural voters. Ho hoped the Govern ment would bring in this session another Plural Voting Bill, whioh would be much simpler, more thorough, and more effective than ever the Bill was that was thrown out last session. Regard mg the Education Bill, he thought. as originally introduced, it went a long way further than he wished in tlie direction of temporising and com- promising with the old private system, which lie wanted to see superseded by public manage- ment. For his part, when it died at the last minute, when the further concessions, even after the third reading, were propounded on behalf of the Government, he was very thankful they were rid of the Bill (Applause.) The Bill, which was none too good when introduced, be- came, in his opinion, a positively bad Bill if the Tories in the House of Lords had accepted the very least modifications which Lord Cvewe was empowered by the Cabinet to offer. Turning to the question of the House of LordB, Lord Stanley eaid the Liberal party were now deeply in earnest with regard to the question of reform- ing the House of Loni. He had not. the slightest doubt that the present Government would have to tackle reform of the House of Lords and to make up its mind how to tackle it during the present Parliament. There were two ways in which the House of Lords might be reformed. One was very seriously to limit their power of rejection; and the other was an alteration of the constitution. They might lay I down that any Bill which had paeocd the House of Commons and was thrown out by the House of Lordf. should, if parsed by the Commons in a subsequent session, beooine law without the consent- of the Lords being required. Another proposal might be to give the House of Lords somewhat fuller power of suspension, delay it possibly to the General Election, and to abolish the hereditary principle and bring the House of Lords into more direot contact with the people, altering the Chamber's hopelessly inconsistent constitution. The Hon. A. L. Stanley, in reviewing the work of the seghion, said the Liberal party had made some mistakes. They had not always done the wisest thing, but they had made fewer mis- takes than was expected of them by the Con- servative party. (Hear, hear.) When they went into power many said they would eoon split up. On main principles they were united and agreed. They were determined not to be forced to a premature General Election-(loud choer&)-and not to admit that the Lords had a right to dictate to the Liberal party when they should go to the country. Referring to the polling districts, on which reports had been presented in private, Mr. Stanley said that Mr. I Barnston had told him that he was afraid Tar- poriey was one of his black spots (laughter.) He had consoled Mr. Barnston by telling him I tliat he would find some more black spots some- where else. (Laughter, and a Voice: "He'll nnd one at Farndon.") He could not attend as many meetings as Mr. Barnston, who claimed to have held twenty since he had been adopted as candidate, but he would come down to them as often as he could. Mr. Stanley referred to the question of the autumn new ion, and said that he utW-d to think it was a desirable thing, but he had changed his mind. It was neoaseary that legislation should be carefully considered, and it seemed perfectly impossible for a Minister to give adequate time to the consideration of measures be was to bring forward and at the same time give adequate attention to office duties and to the House of Commons. Speaking on the education question. Mr. Stanley advocated a cold-blooded administration of the Act of 1902, shewing neither fear nor favour. He tiiought that the friends of Voluntary education would find they had cliosen the less desirable alterna- I tive in refusing the late Education Bill, and I that they would come in a year's time and humb:y ask for tlie Bill which they rejected in 1906. He trusted they would not get it. During his speech Mr. Stanley begged for criticism. He said he did not want to be told tliat every- thing was right.. There must be some dis- satisfied members of the party, and he wished to know their opinions.

The Earl of Dysart has offorod to pay half the cost of equipping Grantbam Hospital with the most -noaf,,rn itpi)liance,g-the whole involving an estimated expenditure of £1,073. His lordship makes it a condition that the remainder should be subscribed in cash or promised within six months. HOLYWELL COUNTY SCHOOL.—The annual meeting ef the governors of the Holywell County School was held on Saturday, when Mr. J. L. Mirspr-ttt (the Mayor of Flint) was unammously re-elected chairman. Mrs. Johnson Jones and Mr. Alderman Peter Jones were appointed vice. chairmen. The Rev. Dr. Oliver and Mrs. J. H. Williams (Flint) were re-elected co-optative members of the Court of Governors.

COUNTY COUNCIL ELECTIONS I COUNTY COÙLECTIONS I GRESFORD. I PUBLIC MEETING. The approaching County Council election is beg.nning to aihact considerable attention in the Gre.,ford neighbourhood. A largely at- tended public meeting was held at the Drill Ilall on Monday evening for the purpose of selecting a suitable c nd date to represent the Gresford Electoral Division. A rcpres. ntative attendance included Air. and Miss Allington Hughes, Mr. and Mrs. R. Percy James, Mr. Reginald James, Mr. and Mrs. Lowndes, Mr. G. H. F. Robertson, Mr. Cruickshank, Mr. W. H. Lancelot, Mi. J. Milligan, Mr. jas. Lee, Mr. J. H. Manun, Mr. R. Rowley, Mr. J. G-ugh, etc. Prior to the opening of the proceedings, Mr. Allington Hughes, the selected candidate of the Unionist party, explained that rather than be a party to a contested election involving so much unpleasantness between neighbours, be had decided to retire from the field. Mr. James Lee proposed tho election of Mr. Lowndes as chairman of the meeting. Mr. Reginald James i-iiov, ti the election of Mr. Robertson as chairman, which Mr. Cruick- shank seconded. Mr. Lowtides declining to act, Mr. Robertson thereupon took the chair. The Cha.rman thought they ought to first of all pa-,6 t warm vote of thanks to Mr Lownc.ce, t-i eir retiring representative, for the exce.lcnt, manner in which he had performed the duties of county councillor. They all re- gretted his retircm. nt. (Applause.} Mr. Reginald James, in seconding, observed they were much indebt.ed to Mr Lowndes for the services lenJered by him.—The motion having been crdlally earned, Mr. Lowndes expressed his great appreciation of the acknowledgment of hie services. He had felt compelled to retiic owing to the long jour- neys to Council meeting*, und the prolonged sittings being more thmi his health and strength could endure. His medical adviser had e rongly forbidden his undertaking thv duties again. The Chairman explained that the business of the meeting was to s Ject a auitable candidate, and invited suggestions. Alt Reginald James said there was a pros- pect of their securing the tervic" of Sir Foster Cunliffe, a g,,ntlerrio.n at present at Ox- ford, who was well versed ID education re- quirfmenis, and would make an excellent re- piesentative. (Applause.) With all due respect to the-1 friend, Mr Lee, he couid not claim to have had the opportunities 01 acquiring the knowledgt- of Sir Fot.tci upoa this and other questions Thj County Council did not possess the powers of the Disr i Council and the Board of Guardians, whi-sv duties related to the passing of building bye-laws and the charge of the poor The present election bad largely to du with the managemnt of educa- tion (Cheers.) MT. James Leo complained as to the private way County Council candidates had hitherto been selected, several gentlemen taking ex- cept on to his remarks The Cbaiinian having invited nominations, Mr John Roberts (Hillock lane) proposed that. Mr James Lee be invited to become a candidate, which was seconded by Mr. J Milli- gan. Mr Reginald James moved that Sir Foster Cunlifle be invited Sir Foster, who was a ripe scholar, was giving up bit work at Oxford, and wa- again about to live among them They should welcome his corning to be of service to them (Applause.) Mr Crmcksharik. in seconding the proposal to invite Sit Fester Cunliffe. referred to the sacrifice of time and money a county coun- cillor had to make In Sir Foster CunlÙi they had the prcspecr of securing a roally smart man, and why should they put the ratepayers to the expense of a. contested election, which would cost as much as woitii pay for the light- ing cf tht- village (Hear. boar.) The suggestion was made that the meeting be adjourned fur a week to r-e if the leading supporters cf the rival candidates could come to some kind of arrangement in order to avoid a contest. A private consultation thereupon took place between the Chairman and the d fferent speakers, after which it was announced -that the meeting would be adjourned until Monday, February 4th, so as to give both parties rai opportunity of coming to an amicable arrangement The proceedings terminated with a oordiai Tf te of thanks to t-h- Chairman, a motion which waa carried with cheers. —-rr-~—V" ■■■

BOARDS OF GUARDIANS. WIRI-IAL. The fortnightly meeting of this board was held on Wednesday at the Clatterbridge Workhouse, Mr. Tho., Davits (chairman) presiding over a large attendance. A NOVEL REQUEST. Some amugemeat was caused ID connection with an application for outdoor rehef by an elderly man from Neston. He stated that be had earned a living by making baskets from twigs, but his matcnalshad run hhort. One farmer in the district, be aid. had chased him off his land when he went to gather twigs. to The board decided to offer the old man and his wife the workhouse. On being informed of this decision, he pleaded volubly for a little pecuniary reiief to tide him over it few weeks. The Chairman said soma of the guardians would perhaps have t% talk to him after the n?etMi?. "Uouid you gentleinen make a coilee tiun for me," pe?iatcd the &pphc&nt, who thea left the room amid much lauagt-pll*4eant, Who then COUNTY COUNCIL'S REQUIREMENTS. On the recommendation of the Finance Com- mittee accounts were passed for payment to the amount of E333. 12s 3d. Tho balance in the hands of the treasurer was reported to be JUAM. 5s. ld. Mr. H. A. Latham pointed out that their nnttticioi position was not so satisfactory as it seemed, Their was a heavy call from the County Council, which would more than absorb the balance in the treasurer's hands. u OFFICIALS COMPLIMENTED. ftir. 0. McLieavy referred to the recent case of & man who was found lying on the road near the workhouse, and complimented the master (Mr. Richards) and officials on the prompt assistance they lendered in removing the man to the intinnary. HAWARDEN. The fortnightly meeting of the Hawarden Boa. d of Guarcilaiiii was held at Broughton Workhouse o.i F, iday, Mr. W. Fryer presid- ing.—On the motion of the Chairman, seconded by Mr J. M Ihngton, a vote of sympathy was pass d with Mr. J. Catherall (Buckley) on the de..th of his riter.-The Local Government Board inspector (Mr. Williams) paid his period ca.i visit to the Workhouse, and was in- troduced by the Cha:rm..n. Mir. Williams afterwaids delivered an addrees, in which be spoke in eulogistic terms of the work of the gua.diatiB and the efficiency of the officials. He expressed the wish that the good feeling thrit had existed between the Board and the late inspector, Mr. Bireham, would be con- tinued between him and the Board during his te m of offiec-. At the cLse Mr. Williams was cordially thanked for his address on the motion of Mr. Miilinjjton. DISTRICT COUNCIL. A meeting of the District Council followed, Mr Fryer again presiding. -Ivlr. Newton (sur- veyor) recommended tbe Council to plant a few quicks on the banks of the mill race at Trvddyn, and otherwise partially fence it in at an eetim&fced cost of about E3. There had been eome local discussion as to the adequate fencing in cf the stream as it was considered by some to be dangerous in its present condi- tion. Mr. Newton said that the roadway was not an important one, and was used only by the iocd inhabitants. He did not oonsider any furthv r expense was necessary. His recom- mendation to eXDcnd L3 was adopted. I HOUSES SNOWED UP. Mr. Newton also reported that during the re- cent snowstorm a roadway between Tryddyn and Mynydducha was snowed up and a funeral pi.rty underwent a unique experience. It was impossible to travel down too road for about two miles, and the undertaker in charge of the arrangements engaged about nine men on the Sunday to clear the roadway. Ho now produced a bill from the undertaker for £ 2. 2s. 5d. but this was latier prohibitive, and if the Council would leave the matter in his hands he would come to terms with him. Th;.ø was agreed to. It was mentioned that the clerk (Mr. H, G, Roberts) was indisposed at heme, while the —- I spector of cowsheds (Mr. Vickere) had met with an accident and could act attend to his duties. I WHITCHURCH.? A meeting was held on Friday, Mr. Evan Langley (chairman) presiding. The Cheshire Asylum wrote btating that the rate of maintenance in that institution for the ensiling quarter had been fixtd at 8s. [jd, per head per week. Tenders from local builders for the supplying and tixing of the new cooking range, etc.. according to the speciifcations pre- pared on the behalf of the Guardians were now submitted to the Board, and the tender of Mr. Geo. Edge ( £ 21. 10s.) was accepted.

I ♦ THE OUTLOOK. Another week of dry weather has proved most ap- preciable to the fatiiiiLiginteiesigeuendiy. Plough- mg had scarcely received a check since the year commenced up to the frost on Tuesday night, and in consequence little remains to be done in this, neighbourhood bcfcro spring. One of the chief difficulties which hamper dairymen just now is the abseneo of dayiight in the morn.tig. The days are perceptibly lengthening in the even ing, but milking, which demands most aitentiou in the early hours has still to be carried on by the ajd of artificial light, a condition which naturally must prevail for some weeks yet Though valuable in some respects, the mildness w as not regarded as being an unmixed blessing, and the frost has arrived most opportunely for manuring purposes. Vegetation, with the ex- ception of grass, was beginning to get more fotward in some respects than was desirableso early in the year. The buds of many trees were swelling prematurely, producing a state of things that lias been regarded with more apprehension than pioajiurc by both far mors a.nd gaidenere interested in fruit vulture. Though the "paining' of rooks has already been noUoeab&e. and thrushes and tonw small song- sters are bmaking into melody. the time should not be yet. It goes without saying that the dry season has been favourable for lambing among the early flocks in the southern shires, where tibo process is being carried on success- fully both as to dams and their offspring. There is stated to be plenty of keep in etoro, and, this being so, with a continuance of the present atmospheric conditions, disasters should be re- duced to a minimum. A po.H of colder weather extending over a few weeks would, however, be more desirable just- now than in the mouth of Mav I POLITICS AND AGRICULTURE. I Speaking at the annual dinner of the Stock- ton Chamber of Agriculture, Mr. F. W Lamb- ton, M P. said he agreed that agricultural questions should not be made party matters, and he tiiought tih-s House of Commons, accord ing to its lights, did deal with tbeui in a non pait-y spirit Of course, thore were a great many matters mixed up witii the holding of the land that had been party lnat-tei-s iu the past, and would 00 party matters in the future They were promised a Small Holdings Bill which would bring Jar¡;e numbers of people book to the land He hoped that might be the caas, but there were great difficulties in the way. acid it was of no use talking platitudes. They were told tliat & Pitiv. r Bill was neoes sary but. on the other hand, brewors eaid that such a Bill would not increase the demand for home but for foreign barley, M the former did not, contain enough sugar &nd other neÆ'drJ pro- perties. There ought to be more co-operation among farmers, and unless there were 6inali holdings would not be much good in this conn- trv. I MUNICIPAL MILK. I Mr. Jolui Hurns's reply to the deputation that waited on him at. the Local Government Board from the Infuinte' Health Society, was not of a very encouraging natune These people urged that tlirt refrigeration of milk for infants was more effectual titan sterilisation, and that iocal authorities should receivo sanction to supply tliat kind in the Bill he proposed to bring ill. But before this was done experiments should be made by experts io determine the respective values of the two methods before a Departmental Committee Mr. Burns, in rep.y. said tlieie were not more than seven or eight sterilised milk depots throughout the country. Their point of view was that they were at present illegal institutions, and to ex trieate the local authorities from the unsatis- factory position he thought was only just. Of ooume bo knew that sterilisation was not the last word in dealing with the problem of the milk euppiy, and if sterilised milk was the source of evils they altributed to it, they would have to reconsider their at t-i Lucie on the matter But at present. he saw no reason why they should not have a choice betweesi the two methods of sterilisation and refri geiation. It seemed to him that no great harm would be done by legalising the sterilisation of milk and induding it in his Bill. Witli regard to the investigation of the question by & joint com- mittee. he woud be glad if eueh a committee would communicate to him the results of their investigations, and if the filots justified the adoption of the methods Uiey suggested he would not hesitate to adopt Uieiu. They mIght. rely upon it that lie &nd his sttff would give due consideration to their suggestion, but he could give no pledge as to adopting the course which they asked him to t-ake.

FARMER M.P 'S-—Durham oewwity farmers aiM di-ssatiefied with tiw Land Tenuiw Bill and the way agricultural interests are treated in Parliament, and desire direot representation Mr W Pallipter. a prominent agriculturist, of Crook, propounds a scheme to send tenant far- mers to Westminster In Duibani 500,000 a.orœ are farmed by tenant farmers. If a society is formed and eech contributed a farthing per aero, the resultant £ 5,200 could go towards run- ning Parliamentary candidates, county council candidates, and in "lobbying." FARM SERVICE RECORD—Mr. John T. Rumming, of Pinnelfs Farm, Grittenham. is very proud of the length of service of his staff of work- men, and claims that it is a record for a small farm occupied by a tenant farmer. Mr. Rumming and his father have tenanted the farm since 1850. His regular staff consists of six men and two boys, who have served for the following periods46 years, 8 months. 44 years 8 months, 32 years 8 months, 26 years 7 months, 14 yeara 11 months, 4 years 11 months, 5 years 6 months, 3 years 9 months. There is thus an aggregate of 179 years of service, and an average of 22 years for eajh employe. AGRICULTURISTS AND SLAUGHTER- HOUSES.-At. the. annual meeting of the Staffordshire Chamber of Agriculture at Stafford on Saturday. Mr. R. G. Patterson introduced the question of proposed legislation with rofer- ence to slaughter houses, and said it would not be to the interests of agriculturists that private slaughter-houses should be done away with. as farmers would have less chance of soiling their oattie advantageously. At the same time there was a great deai of cruelty practised in connec- tion with the preeeut system of slaughtering. In no othftr country was loss care taken to pre- vent. this cruelty. We weit! far behind Germany, Switzerland and Donmark. In these countries it was illegal to kill anima's wiihout first stun- ning them. He sliouid also like to see the Jew- ish method of slang liter proh-ibited, as it wss a very crued method A resolution calling for the withdrawal of the Public Slaughter houses Bill was passed unanimously.

I MOLD. PREFERMENT FOR A LATE CURATR- The Rev. Stephen Bangor Jones. vicar of Rhoeeemor and formerly curate of Mold, has acccpted the vacant living of Llancfyd, near Ruthin. SAVINGS BANK.—At the annuaj meeting tlie following statistics wore presented by the actuary (Mr. J. Bradburne Price) :-Total num- ber of dcp<Mitor&, 773: amount de"!t?p-d, L32,93(i, 1&. 4d.; surplus, £ 1,398 2? bd. Me?,-m W. F. and T. H. Small, of Chcs:€r, were unanimously r,r,lt..c1 auditors. I COTTAGE HOSPITAL STAFF CHANGES. The head nurse, Mies Gillott, has been appointed matron of the Convalescent Home at Filey, while the probationer, Miss H. Cawdron, has taken up an appointment at Ciacton on-^ea. Nurse Gillott has been succeeded by Mits E. Jasper, from the Children's Hospital. Liverpool. Nurse Jasper ie-a gold and silver medalist, and has served at Brad- ford Infirmary and sorce of the principal nursing institutions in the country. She has seen con- eiderabie military service, particularly in South Africa during the Boer War. The new pro- bationer is Miss Ackroyd.

I EDDISBURY SESSIONS. 0 MONDAY.—Before Mr. J. Tomkinson, M.P. (presiding), Captain Wynne Griffith, Mr. 11. E. Wiibraham, Captain Higson, Dr. Smith, and Messrs. Charles Bell, J. S. Neill, G. S. Davies, J. H. Stock, E. W. Dixon, and Roger Bate. KELSALL MOTORING CASE.—Claude William Jackson, of 3, West-street, Finsbury Circus, London, a motor car driver, was sum- moned for driving a motor car along the Chester- road, Kelsall, at a speed dangerous to the public.-Bupt. Beeley stated that tlie case was taken under section 1 of the new Motor Car Act. -P.C. Migali stated that on the afternoon of Christmas eve he was on duty on the Chester- road, Kelsall, near the Royal Oak Hotel, when he saw the defendant's motor car being driven in the direction ot Norriiwich, and containing five persons, viz., three ladies arid two gentle- men The car was driven round the corner, j which is rather aharp. at a t-peed of fully twenty miles an hour Defendant passed a grocer's cart and a brewer's van, which were abreast, and did not slacken his speed, narrowly avert- ing a collision, as the road is omy 27 feet, wide and the three vehicles pad abreast. Witness: held up his hand for the defendant to stop when he was about sixty yards away, and he did not pull up until he had pasted witness several yards. Two roads converged near this point, i and there were houses and shops on each side, j and. considering all the circumstances of the case, the defendant drove at a dangerous speed, j Witness did not hear the defendant sound his horn-Dr Pattullo, of Kelsall, corroborated.— S Mr E. Braesev, solicitor, Chester, defended Jackson at the instructions of his employer, Mr. Horace Barrett, a solicitor in London. He explained that the car and its occupants wero travelling from Chester to Northwieh on the day mentioned. It took them three-quarters of an hour to reach Kelsall, and after negotiating tiie gradual rise from Tarvin to Kelsall they approached the corner alluded to, and noticed a grocer's cart OIl its right side and another van on its wrong side. The defendant slackened his speed and sounded his born, and the van crossed to its right side, and that was how the three vehicles passed abreast. There was no danger to anyone, and defendant's speed was reawnable. Defenda.nt had been driving several years, and had travelled about 11,000 miles with his present employer, and the present was the first charge that had been preferred against him. Defendant bore out this statement, adding that his speed when lie rounded the comer was about ten miles an hour If he had been travelling faster he could not have slackened his speed to allow the van to get on its right side. There was no risk to anyone. Considering the up gradient and the load he was carrying, his speed could not have been more, and when the officer told his master he was travelling fast he replied "Nonsense "—At this point the Bench stopped the case, the Chairman announcing that the evi- dence. was not strong enough for a conviction, MAI.N,,TENAN-CE -Ilioina-s Shaw, a painter, of Utkmton. was summoned by the Tarvin Guardians to contribute Is. a week towards the maintenance of his mother, who is an inmate of the Union Workjioup-,e -Mr R. Willis, relieving officer, proved the case, and the Bench ordered the defendant to pay Is. a week. I CHRISTMAS DAY INCIDENT -Jobn Crawford. a labourer of Deiamere. was sum- moned for being found in possession of two rabbits which he was reasonably suspected of having poached.—P.C Mi gall proved the ease. He stated that on the afternoon of Christmas Day he saw the defendant .crossing land owned by Mr J. W Ken worthy, at IXLtmere. Wit- ness overtook de fendant, and, noticing his. pockets were bulky, lie asked the defendant- several questions, but each time he replied "Find out." Eventually witness searched the de- fendant and found in his possession two rabbits and a ferret. Witness had to threaten to lock up the defendant before he would give his name. Witness had since learned that the defendant had permission to kill some rabbits in the adjoin- ing foreafc land, but defendant was not coming from this direction—Charles Tomkinson. a keeper, who was in company with the officer, corroborated.—Mr Holland, a solicitor, of Wins- ford, defended Crawford. Hie client had been employed for many years in the Deiamere Woods by the Commissioner of Wool16 and Forests. Men so employed were allowed to kill rabbits in the woods and forests, but the defendant, to make certain that he was acting rightly, ob- tained permission from the keeper to Colonel! Hail Walker, who had the right of shooting over the land. He caught. the rabbits in a planta- tion which was part of the Fom t, and owned by the Crown.—Defendant bore out this statement, and denied that he was impertinent to the officer. He was not on Mr. Kenworthy's land, as the officer eta.t.ed.- The case was dismused, and an older was made for costs against the prose- cution. i A VIOLENT HUSBAND.—James Purnell, a stud groom, of Tiverton, was summoned for assaulting his wife. Mary Purnell, on tho 4th January -Mr Cawley solicitor, of Tarporley, prosecuted on behalf cf the wife. He explained to the Bench that on Friday the 4th inst.. the husband carne home the worse for drink, and after being in the house for some time be com- menced to use foul language and was ren)on- strated with by hi6 wife. He then hit her in the back, whereupon she ran away. Defendant fol- lowed and overtook her and knocked her down. afterwards kicking her. A son, aged 16, then arrived on the scene, and assisted his mother away The mother, son, and three younger: children had to etay the nhjht at the house of Mr Warren, by whom the defendant was em- ployed On the Sunday the family returned to their father, but on the following Thursday the defendant threatened to murder his wife and set. fire to the house, and in consequence of his conduct the woman and her family had to kave hun. Defendant did not app-ear.-The Bench considered the prisoner guilty of an aggravated assault and sentenced him to a month's hard labour DANGEROUS PRACTICE.—George Hcpley, a carter, of Tomkinson-street. Hook, was sum- moned for not having contro! of his hon>e,- j Sergeant Brew stated that about 8 p.m. on the ] 9th January he saw the defendant leading his horse through Tarvin village. An hour and a half afterwards he saw the defendant's cart a quarter of a mile further along the road, stand- ing still On Jooking into the cart he found the defendant asleep — Defendant said he had been to Crewe and back, and had been on tha journey nearly 24 hoars without any aloep.- Defendant was let off on payment of 2s. costs.

KNUTSFORD. I WILL OF MM. MERRIMAN.-Mrs. Catherine Merriinan, of Heath House, Knutsford, witiowof Mr. C. Anthony Meiriman, of Knutsford, who died on the 7th ult, in her ninetieth year, left property which has been returned by her ions, Mr. Frank Merrinaan, of Church House, knutsford, and Mr. George Langshaw Merrimau, of Tremsdoc, Reigpfe. Surrey, the two burvivinc cxecutor. at ?71.498. 16s. 10d grs and £ 71,382. 19s. '?d. nett. The testatrix Jeft all her property to her children.

9 —————— I EASTHAM. I ENTERTAINMENT.—On Thursday evening the members of the Eastbam Amateur Dramatic I Society gave an entertainment in the Scliooirooin. An appreciative audience thoroughly enjoyed the programme. The vicar, owing to a severe ooid. was unable to preside, and his place was taken by Mr. R. P Sing. The first item was a trio, "Peaoeful Slumbering on the Ocean," by the Rev. H. Barker and company. Then came a farce, in one act, Who's Who? or All in a Fog," which was admirably performed. The Nlr. q. Svva principal characters were: "Mr. S. Swanlioper" (A. E. Worthington). "Laurerx,e I.:¡yenoçr" (J. Woodward), "Mr. Bloomfield BrambJcton" (G. Ward), "Cioejey" (W. ToiiikinF.), "Matilda Jane" (E. Worthingtoii). A song. "Isn't tliat like a man?" was sung by H. W. Jones; a part song. "Annie Laurie." by the company, and a humorous song, "Mrs. Brown and her Baggage," by Mr. G. Ward completed tlie p?rt. The Rev. II. Barker op?n?d the second part with ?.FatJie, O Flynn, and Mr. E. Worthington contributed a humorous song. In a short comedy the following were the char- actens:—"Mr. John Smith" (H. W. Jones), Snoozy, his servant" (E. Worthington), ajid "Mr. Fred Freely" (W. Tomkins). The even- in gas's enjoyment was due to a great extent to the interest displayed and the help given in the training by Mi&s Babin^ton.

I DISTRICT COUNCILS. I DISTRIO'}: jOUNOILS. I WittRAL RURAL I A meeting of this Council was held on Mon- day at Birkenhead, -Vir. Thomas Davi, s prc- I siding. I HOOTON STATION DRAINAGE. In reference to tJ:" sewerage nuisance at IIoo- | ton Railway Station, the Clerk (Mr. J. E. S. OlhKj read a letter frooi the aireut of tiie rail- way company, who st&tcd tHiI he had fully -xpeQted their eijgin??.r wcuM hav-c bf?n in a poasi.tiori to make a prGJXNd respectiug H)p w.- tion drainage. lie. however, had not yet com- pleted his imestigatiCJíllió, and it was; expected I that he would shortly be in a position to submit a complete plan The Council might rest as- ■ sured that the matter was not being overlooked. Mr. n. A. Latham thought the Council ought to take proceedings against the raiiway company for an abatement of the nuisance. The Surveyor (Mr. Shennen; was insiruc-'icd to press the company to take necessary inci- sures and inform them tbat the Council "ould otherwise take proceedings. MOTOR-BUS SERVICE A Jeiter was received from the Wirrai Rail- way Company, noting that tiie. Council objected to issue licences for the motor-buses which proposed to be run from Greasby to Meols, and asking if tJIP Council had any alternative routo within their district to suggest. It was etaied that the buses were of ligbi build, and the pro- posed service wou;J develop the district. The Chairman thought it was not tiie business of the Council to suggest an alternative route. If the company proposed one, they would give it their consideration. No action was taken. WILLASTON SEWERAGE SCHEME. PARISH COUNCIL IMPATIENT OF DELAY A Jong letter was read from the Rev. W. Postance. vicar of W iilaston. complaining of the delay in the completion of the drainage scht?im- for WiiLaston.. He sta-ted that by the direction of the Parish Council be wiote to this Cburicil in September. 1905, complaining among other things of the great delay in completing this work In reply it was explained that the delc- &rose through difficulty experienced in arrang- ing with certain landowners—tiie Wiloox Charity ae to tiie erection of a pump- ing station. After reviewing subsequent nego- tiations, Mr. PostAnce said the Parieh Council wished to remind the District Council that the Local Government inquiry was held in February, 1904, that in November of the same year a purchase of land for the sewerage works was agreed to. and that presumably the scheme had been sanctioned prior to that date. On 20th November. 1905. a loan of £ 3.920 was obtained, and the eon tract was sealed. Having regard to tlie date when the scheme was mbmitted to the Local Government Board inspector, and the date when the loan was sanctioned, the Pa-risih Council felt there was ample time before the date of the contract to complete the whole de- tails of the scheme, and that the way in which the work had been conducted called for in- quiry. The ratepayers were getting no advan- tage for the special sanitary rates they had paid and were paying for the scheme. Moreover, Mr Priest fctbe engineer) couid give no idea when he would be in a position to proceed with the work, and apparently there might be a further delay of many months. Mr F. E. Priest (engineer! said be had written to Mr Postance stating the facts, but it seemed useless to argoo the position wirh him. On ac- count of the opposition which the Parish Coun- cil raised to the original scire mo of drainage, they propoge-d it became necessary to lift by power part. of the sewage in the Hadlow-road district. In order to biiild the house that was toO contain tnI" motive power for the later and less expensive plant they bad to have the con- sent of the Wiloox trustees Repeated appli- cations had been made to the trustees, but owing to prossuro of business in t-he office of their solicitors (Messrs. Brown and Dobie) the trustees had not been called togatdiei. The clerk was instructed to write Messrs. Brown and Dobie. pressing for the consent of ibe trustees. aJid to communicate with the Rev. W. Postance asking wlteiliit-i- tilw, Parish Council would accept responsibility for the execution of the woik if they failed to obtain an arree ment with the trustees. Mr. Priest. I think the Parish Gour>&) are very sorry they offered oprxusitum to the first- scheme you proposed, and now they are trying to case thoir consciences by worrying you. (Laiurbter) HIGHWAYS COMMITTEE. A meeting of th* Highway* Committee was subsequently held Mr T Dav i es again pro- siding.—Mr. 0 E. Hope reported with reference to the widening of the road at Burton opposite tbe entrance to Mr. Henry Gladstone's grounds at Burton Manor Mr Gladstone wished ii to be understood that- tlie improvement suggested with not owe which would benefit him, as lie had plenty of room coming out of the entrance for motor, carriage or pedesir:an traffic, whether turmng to the right or left. The road here was a lit;tle narrow. and the widerwng would be a great improvement to tbe village Mr. Gladstone proposed to set brick his fence, and he thought that if he gave the land it was only reasonable that the District Council should alter a fresh watw drain which emptied into his private dram, and was treated septioal'.y in bis pari:, ajitl should also undertake to make the road. He (Mr. Hope) tiiought this widening would be a great improvement to the village. In arty case, whether the Council accepted the eondi tions or not, Mr Gladstone intended to set lwek his fonc-,o.-It was agreed that Mr Hops* amd Mr. S. Davtes (surveyor) should inspect the spot and report at die next meeting.

RLLESM EHE PORT. PRIMITIVE METHODIST CENTENARY. This being the 100th y-mar that tlie Primitive Methodist Church has been in existence, prayer meetings have been held each evmjing due week and a series of addresses given as follows:- "Our Origin and History," the Rev G. T. i.ovat; "Our Founders," Mr. W Stockton; "Our lnti. tutions." Mr E Pierce: "Our Missions," Mr. A. Taylor; "Our Aims," Mr J W. Nscbolati; "Our Great Need." Mr M Green. Addresses on the subjects named are also being given at Whitby Primitive Methodist Chapel by Messrs. H. D, Mahey, T. Cave, J. Bedwell, T Jones and J. Jones respectivelv. MEMORIAL SERVICE—On Sunday k^t, at the parish church, ntemonai service*, were held in connection with the death --(reported on another page) of the late vicar. Tiie morning service was taken by the Rev. Mr. Parker, the sermon being preached by tlie Rev. Canon Lambert (Mersey Mission to Seamen) frotn the text It is sown in WfakneW it if. raimed in power." The reT. gentleman referred very touchmgly to the late Mr. Rice, and the congre- gation were deeply moved. The hynin- "Thy Kingdom come. 0 God." "Peace, perfect peace," "I beard the voioe of Jesus say." At the close of the service Mr. Fojtg (organisL) played the Dead March in "SauL" At night the church was packed to tbe doors, and a Uce-w number of people were ttirned away -The hymns were "Oh. for a heart to praise my God." "now brijrfct these glorious spirits shine," "Tlie Son of God goes forth to war." The Rev. W. James delivered an impressive di«XMir»e At Whitby Mission Church tbe Rev. W. James took the morning service and the Rev. Mr Parker the evening service, when many people wero una.ble to obtain admittance.

TRAMWAY EMPLOYEES' XMAS BOX.- Tbe total collections in tlie Christmas boxes in the Chester tramoars amounted to £ 15 9s, 6d.. which was apportioned by the cbti-imian as folloNN.F. Dri vers and conductors who have been on the Saltney route during the lact twelve months, 10s. each; h?idt' staff. 2s. e&ch others in proportion to !M)?th of service drivers and con uctqrs on Borghton route. each THE GWESPYR srHOOL QUESTION.— The clerk ef the Flintsh-'e Education Autho- rity tMr. F. Llewell n Jones) received on Satur- day a comniu.iication from the Board of Ed una- ti n s: ting they had dccided :o auth^ rise tho ction of a new elementary provided school at Gwc&pvr. to pt-c-irmodate 150 sc-bcia--s. It will be recollected th:d some few o an official of the Bosird of Education held an inquiry st Gwes-pyr into the difficulty t-hat had developed there The Education Autherity are arr IJging fy the ejection of a temporary bu-ldinp to be nd as a school during tbe er< o t-ion of the peTmsneTrt building new authored It is presumed th t Fir Pyers and Lady Mostyn will continue the Talacrc f>ci.ool M a privately mauuged school.