Cheshire Observer

SPORTING. —— 1 —— HOOTON PARK. -The Rovssoiora Welter Flat Race at the spring meeting has closed with 28 entries the Spring Steeplechase of 400sov. and the April Hurdle Race of lOOaov., run for at the Wirral Hunt Meeting in April, have closed with capital entrie3 of 3t and J) respectively.

WYNN8TAY HUNT BALL. I —— T The VVviinstay Fluufc BaJI waA, held at the Wh itcuureh Town Hall on Wednesday night. £ he brilliant function, being Largely attended. igir Wat-kin and Mu-w Will iatus Wynn were pre- aJent. and the company included Lord Kenyon, Viscount and Viacount-eea Southwell, General the Hoit. Savage Mostyn, Sir Olemoat and Lady Hill. Viscount Curzan, the Hon. and Rev. A. R. Parker, Lord and Lady CriohUm, Lord Gerald Grosvenor, [jord Hugh Grosvenor, the Hon. Major Ortybsby Gore, Major and the Hon Mrs. Haywood Lonsd-alo-. the Hon. Miss Hamil- ton, ti,, lion. Miss Aunesaley, the HOll. Wini- fred Pen-ant, Major I/omguevilla, Capt.. Trotter, Ladv Mary Peivy. Miss Tontkittson, Mr. Percy Wyndham, Mr. Reid Walker, Major God- sai, Mrs. Neilson, Mr. Bowlby, Capt. Camp- bell, Mr. John and Captain Jones, Capt. and Mi's. My t ton. Mr. and Mrs. Thorn, Major Ever- ett, Capt. France-Hay hurst. Mr. Warburton Lee, Miss Howard. Mr. Mostyn Owen. Oapt. and Mrs. Percy, Mr. Hornby Lewis, Me and Miss Neiton. C'apt. and Miss Mostyn, Mr. Thursby. Mr. Wood (of Whitewelii, Mr. St. John Charl- ton. Mr. and Mr-q IAathain., Mrs. Cotton. Mrs. ItaUwtlttwn, Mra. Grwnshie-ds, Major and Mrs. Raddiffe, and Mr Andretwea.

CO XX A ICS QUAY COUNCIL. -—* —— A meeting was held on Thursday evening, Mr. Walter Reney presiding. A communica- tion from the Ratepayers' Association WAS read, that the rate books should be depcsit-ed at Connah 's Quay and not at Northop; and on the motion of Mr. T. J. Reney, seconded by Mr. Copley, it was resolved to apply to the Assessment Committee at Holywell. BIRKENHEAD WATER SCHEME. It was resolved that'the chairman and vice- chairman should attend the conference of IH- ban councils in tlm matter. On the motion of the Chairman, seconded by Mr. Blane, a. vote of condolence was passed with the relatives of Mr. Samuel Smith. M.P. On the motion of Mr. Forber, seconded by Mr. Marrow, the Council's congratulations were cxtendod to the chairman on his appoint- ment as magistrate for tho, county. The Clerk had reported to tho Highway Committee that the only regulations whtch ap- plied to weights on vehicles were th,se con- tained in the Highway Act. which provided that a county authority might make bye-laws, but as far as he could discover no such bye-laws existed. The committee had resolved that the clerk write to the Holywell Rural District Council pointing out the serious damage done to P:(\5 Bsllin-road by excessive weight, and the extraordinary traffic, and asking their co- operation in the. matter with a view of pre- venting any further damage.

YEOMANRY BALL. ♦ i SUCCESSFUL FUNCTION. I A ball promoted by the non-oommiasioned officers and privates of the B (Eaton) Squadron of the Earl of Chester's Imperial Yeomanry was he'd on Wednesday evening, and proved a.n unqualified success. This is the first squadron ball that hafr been held in the Ancicnt city in connection with the county Yeomanry, and it is t{raufyin? to 6nd that the etfort? of the pro- mowrs were so well rewarded. The function w.M held in the Grœvcnor Hotd. w.Ll?h h:IS been the 8ccnc of many brilliant tiocial gatherings for many years past. The spacious ballroom and the corridors and staircases had been beautifully decorated for the occasion. Padma and other- plants and many varieties of Sowers, which had been privately lent, had been used in profusion. and the effect was to make the interior of the hotel present a pleasing picture. A company of about 250 assembled, the Yeomen appearing in thoir undress uniform. Dancing was com- menced at eight o'clock, and continued with short intervals until two on the following morn- ing, to the stra' ni of -in excellent orchestra under the conductorship of Corporal-Trumpeter A. Mayers. There was a programme of twenry- two dunces. The scene presented wb de the dancing was m progress waa most animated and picturesque. the dark blue uniforms and evening dresses of the gentlemen contrasting] with the light attire of the ladies in the midst i of a room already charming with nature- blooms. During the evening supper was served, as usual, by MIRA Lockwood, the hotel manageress. The assembled company included Colonel Wyndham and the Countess Grosvenor, Captain J. J. Richardson (adjutant). Captain H. Sarnston and Mies Barnston, Major Swctenham. Mrs. S we ten ham and Miss Swetenham, Lieut. R. Barbour and party, Captain and Mrs. | Cooper, eto. The president of the ball was! Squadron Sergt.-Major Dye, under whose1 Buperintendenoe the whole of the arrangements were carried out. These were all so efficient, and everything passed off tx> em<)othiv, that con-I gratulatiOflfl are due to the Squadron Sergeant •Major for his efforts. The duties of tho non,- mittee devolved upon the following-Sergeant T. Partington, Sergeant A. Piokering, Private ii H. Prichard and Private II. Gordon. The M.C.'s, whose work --it- such a numerous gather- ing was by no means light, were Sergt. J. Moore. Corporal H. Brcrcton, Corporal A. Waliey. and Private W. Pickering

Mr. Ezra Johnson has been appointed a Com- I milaioner of Land Tax for Prestatyn. is (jula- I

THE NEW MAYOR. j ,i- I I A QUJICT CEREMONY. I The Chester Town Council assembled on Wednesday afternoon, and their first business was the election of a Mayor. The ceremony was robbed of much of its splendour on account of the circumstances which had brought it about. Very few of the general public were present, although accommodation had been pro- vided for a large number. The aldermen wore their scarlet robes, und the Town Clerk his wig and gown, while khe livened sword and mace bearers attended with their insignia. The pro- cedure lasted only a short time. Alderman R. Lamb took the chair at the opening of the meeting.. Mr. James Frost, in making a lIomination, said that they as a Council and the citizens of Chester must deplore that the first business on the agenda wa« to elect a successor to the late I Mr. Frank Brown, who was elected Mayor only two months ago. He had been asked, and it was with much pleasure that he proposed that Alderman John Jones (S.O.) be elected Mayor for bhe remainder of the mun?pal year. lh? alderman had be.n a good servant to the city. He had been first elected to  in November, 1885. as a member for St. Oaw?d s Ward. He had been re-elected on the next four occasions when ho went beforo his eun- ti nents In Mav, 1900, he had been mad e an alSman, and in 1891 he held the o&c. of Sheriff. Alderman John Jones had been de- puty chairman of the Improvement. Committee from 1891 to 1900, and chairman from 1900 to 1906. lie had then resigned the chairmanship of that committee to undertake the more im- portant and arduous duties of chairman of the Finance Committee. The splendid service he hud rendered to the city as chairman of the Improvement Committee entitled him to any honour which the Council had at its disposal. (Applause ) His great business capacity and h:s patience and integrity were a guarantee that the time he would hold the office 1111 Ilayor would be a success (Applause.) Alderman Churton seconded on behalf of the p:Hty he was ?uppo&od to represent in the CouDcil, although he believed there were no I such things as parties when they got into the Council. If sound commonsense accompanied by practical habits and undoubted probity of conduct was any recommendation whatever for the Mayoralty then Alderman John Jones (S.O.) undoubtedly deserved the ooniplintent at tfceir hands. It gave him pleasure to second the nomination, as only a short time a.go he pointed out the absolute necessity of gentlemen making up their mindri to accept the position when they entered the Council Chamber. He fitdl thought any gentleman who would agree to accept the honour of alderman ought to con- sider it to be his rluty, if he had not passed the chair, to take the office wbeu his fellow-citizena required him to fulfil it. Alderman Jones was senior alderman in Chester, and it was an ex- treme pleasure to find li, was now willing to accept that position. He was a lucky man in one sense. He had been elected in the year t 1886, and became an alderman in 1900--after a period of fourteen years. He (Alderman Chur- ton) had been elected to the Council in 1871, and he had not. attained the honour of an alder- J mancy until 1895 -a period of 24 years. The motion was carried, and Alderman John Jonc6 (S.O.) was invested with the chain of office by Alderman R Lamb. no thou tttade the u, Hal declaration j The Mayor, in returning thanks, mud: My I first word tiit:tst he one expressive of the pro- j found regret that [ have that such a oeremony as this; is necessary. We could all have desired that this function might have been spared us until November 9th next; but Divine Provi- S dence has willed otherwise. [t is true wisdom, however, not to grieve unduly over wiwit is j irreparable, but to use it to the best liossible, advantage. Thus it is that we are taking put in the ceremony of this afternoon. I have j to thank my friend, Mr. James Frost, and my friend, Alderman Churton, for the all too flat- tering terms they have used in moving and seconding my nomination, and I have to thank every member for the unanimous expression of their appreciation and goodwill. I am free to say I have been preceded in this position by men who have had a far larger purse, by men who have had a great deal more time at their di-'pcsal, and by men who have had gifts and ) capacities for the discharge of the duties at- taching to it that I cannot, even pretend to possess; but I have equal freedom in saying I that I yield to none of those who have preoeded me in this chair in the interest I have for and interest I take in the prosparity and develop- ment of this old oity, and the welfare of the citizens. (Applause.) I am rather pleased thaai otherwise that the length of my purse has not brought me to this chair. (Hear, hear.) I look upon the election of myself to the office of chief magistrate rather as an appreciation of twenty years" honest and conscientious ser- 1 vice rendered to tine oommunity through the { medium of this Corporation. Some twenty years ago I entered (his chamber for the first i t:me, and it was rather singular the father of our late lamented Mayor welcomed mo on that occasion, he having accepted the office of Mayor 1 for that year for ti e fiist time. I- am startled by the fact that out of the forty gentlemen who composed the membership of the Council at that time, the only one found sitting around the table is Alderman Churton. Wo are all pleased to vee him here. (Aplause.) We hope lie will remain with us for a good long time, and I am sure it .,s a pleasure to everyone of us to know that in the father of the Council we have :,nch a strong, vigorous and capable leader as Alderman Churton. (Applause.) With re- gard to the cfficial duties of this office I promise you I will bring to bear upon their discharge all the energy <>11d ability and sound judgment I can command. With regard to the many othrr little functions in which the Mayor is expected to take part, I can only say that I will do my best. I shall not fuel under any obligation to follow precedent. It is just pos- sible that, within the next few months I may create tome precedent, but so far as my means will allew, and health and strength will per- ¡ mit, where [ can serve I will serve. In regard to the work of the Council in general there are. I two or three very important niatlei-s that will require the be-it thought and consideration we can give to them. The Birkenhead water ■scheme, for instance, vvhioh you have already I I taken steps to enable you to oppose, not, I hope, in any t o-tile spirit. We, as a community, do not wish to prevent: our friends and neighbours in Birkenhead securing for themselves a pure and good water supply, but what we do con- ceive is that under the proposals of their Bill they propose to poach on our preserves, and we wish to secure concessions from them by way of compensation for what we conceive to be an infringement of our rights. Then there Ls the I eternal problem of sewage purificat ion. The question will riquire all the thought- and atten- tion the Council can give to it. It is a diQioulty everywhere. Sti?. I hope, with It littie patience, aided by a little real expert advice, that we shall eventually emerge from what I '1 cinnot regard as anything else than an unsatis- factory position, with machinery xrxi plant that, will p»atisfaetorily toivH the question. I do I hope that in the coming days we shall bear I more prominently before our minds the fact that we are not here principally to provide good streets and well-lighted roads, and a pure I j water supply, and proper a.nitary cinveniencec only, but we have t!w cwtoJy of th? social and nic,;al well-being of the people of Lhis city. In I regard to this and I.he general conduct of the business of the Council [ ask for the kindly consideration and sympathy of every member sitting around this board. fn view of the recent and sudden ro- moval of our lat-c Mayor, and in view of tho fact that we have already been M the Cathe- dral once during this municipal yeu-and I am sure we were all pka&ed to go and listen to the practical observations of ih? Lord Bt'shop—I have reached the eonc'u?ion that any parade or display just now was not only undesirable, but would lie somewhat unseemly. I have detor- I miad that a Htde later I hope to have the pleasure and opportunity of inviting the mem- bers of the Corporation and my fellow-citizens and friends to aCOinnpany me to a servioe in my own church, where I will arrange to have a collection taken in aid of some benevolent in- stitution oonnected with the ciity. I hope that will prove itself to the judgment and good 3e>rise of the Council. I have to offer one word of apology for tho ab-enoe of the Mayoress. Unfortunately she has been kept indoors for the last fortnight by a very acuta attack of ia- 9u<iM. ?ndacc rdingto the advice of her dGc- 'I tor. she will be kept there a few days longer. I am free to say that w hen she recovers her u6ual health she will, along with my daughter, assist m,? in all those IiUle duties and functions which only the grace and charm of a lady's presence can efRcicntly discharge. For a long time I have observed the first cfficial act of the I Mayor has been to send a telegram of con- gratulation to his Majesty the King. It is my painful duty this afternoon to submit to the Coui.cil and those present a vote of condolence with the family of our late Mayor. I little thought when some eight or ten weeks ago I had the priv.Iege and honour to put Mr. Francis Faulkner Brown in nomination for this office, we should soon be called upon to do without him. With a public career promising so well, fitted in every way to serve this city, not only s Mayor but as counsellor and adviser, it has been no less than a calamity that his death should have deprived lis of his services. It is with very profound regret, and a very deep sense of the loss the city and the Council have sustained, that I submit this rtsolution: "That this Cotincil desire to record their very sincero and deep regret at the death of theJlate Mayor, Francis Faulkner Brown, Esq., and their sense of the great loss the city has sus- tained, and to express their appreciation of his public and privabe worth as a citizen, as well as his unremitting attention he devoted to the best interest,, of this city, and they beg leave to tender to the family of the late Mayor their heartfelt sympathy with them in the bereave- ment they have stistaitied." The Sheriff (Mr. R. H. Lanceley) seconded. The motion was carried in eilenoe, the mem- bers standing. The Mayor then announood that he had nominated Alderrn.-i-n Robert Larnb as the Deputy-Mayor. The Council then passed on to the ordinary business, whicfh is reported fully on another page

CHESTER DIOCESAN CONFERENCE CHURCH ORFENCE IN WALES. The Chester Diocesan Conference will be held on Wednesday and Thursday next. in the Music Hall, Chester. The proceedings. open on Wed- nesday at 11 a.m., when an address will be given by the Bishop. The position of Church schools in reference to education will be discussed in the afternoon A public meeting will be held in the evening The Bishop of Chester will preside, and the subject for discussion will be "Church Defence, with social reference to the Church in Wales." The speakers are tho Lord Bishop of St. David's and Mr. Marlay Samson. On Thursday morning reports will be presented on "Clergy Pensions," by Canon Gore: "The Rural Exodus and Housing of the Poor," and the "Chester Diocesan Mission to the Deaf and Dumb." The annual meeting of the Ches.ter Diocesan Finance Association will be held at 12.30.

COUNTY COUNCIL ELECTIONS I FLINTSHIRE. I The greatest possrible interest is centred in I the coming County Council elections ui Flint- shire, and a contest in every electoral division is freely predicted. The Radicals have never ¡ quite recovered iheir oquanimity after the un- expected losi of bbe seats for Mold (East) and Moid (West). Strenuous efforts will be made to regain thes-e seats, and only by untiring and combined effort can the Unionists hope to re- tain them. In the Ciloen division the retiring member, Mr. Owen Wynne (R), will be oftpoeed I by Major Basi! E. Philips (U), who for a period wæ3 the county councillor for the division- elected by the easting vote of the returning officer -and was ousted at the last election by a narrow majority. In the Argoed division there will bo a new member, the late coun- cillor (the Rev. T. Mardy Rees) having re- moved. On the occasion of t,hc election of Mr. Reee the chivalry of "our friends the enemy" necessitated the then retiring member, Mr. C. P. Morgan, emerging from the ?ick-room to fight for the rcteii?ion of his seat, his efforts being unsuccessful, In the forthooming elec- tion Mr. Morgan again takes up arms in the Unionist cause, and he will be opposed by Mr. Peter Roberts, a native of Mold. who has re- II cently taken up residence near that town.

CHESHIRE'S NONAGENARIAN I RECTOR. « I DEATH OF REV. K DYER GREEN. I We mudh regret to announce the death of the j Rev. E. Dyer Grocn, who forty-six years ago was an active cleric in Chester, and who was probably the oldest rector in this diooese. The I rev. gentleman passed away on Sunday a.t. his ¡ residence, the Rectory, Bromborough. Though he had attained t.he great age of 92 yea-ra, bo manifested fche keenest interest in parochiaJ affairs up to tho end of last. week. On Saturday he complained of pains in his chest, but affce-r retiring to rest and having been seen by his doctor, his condition shewed an improvement the following morning. The rev. gontleman was visited by his curate, the Rev. R. E. Roberts, on Sunday, when he appeared in good health, but when the church beUa were being rung for the evening service he quietly and very peacefully passed away, deatli being due to heart fail tiro. Tho sad event was announced to the congregation at the conclusion of the ser- vice, and a favourite hymn of hhe deceased's, "Abide with Me," was srung by the choir. Finishing his education at Queen's College, Cambridge, Ln 1342. he received his M.A.. degree from the then Archbishop of Canterbury in I 1855 He was ordained a deacon in 1844. and priest, subsequently at Salisbury. His clerical work took him to Pitney, Somerset, from which place he removed to Middleaoy. and in 1850 he was appointed to the living at Trelystan, which he resigned in 1854. He was curate of St. Oswald's, Chester, from 1855 to 1860, a.nd during the last two years of his stay in this city he was chaplain of the Chester Union. In 1860 he was appointed Reotor of Bromborough. He had kept many close friendships in Chester, and the old city always had a. warm corner in his heart. He was a surrogate of Uhe diocewett of Chester and Liverpool. He was the originator and hon. secretary of bho mem tonal to Bishop Pearson, who died in 1686 and who was buried in Chester Cathedral. Mr. Green was editor for ten years of the Chester Diooeaau Calendar. He was also a Fellow of the Royal Hisrtorioal Society, and read a paper beforo that learned body on the identification of Brombamugh with the site of the ancient, batitlio of Brunburgh in 927, when Athelstan drove back tho Danish invaders. The patrons of the living of Bromborough are the Dean and Chapter of Chester, and the gross vaiue of the living is £300 The population of the district- is 1.824. Since his connection with Broutborough Church the Rev. E. D. Green hAd thrown him- self heart and soul into the? work of the parish. On his appointment, the old edifice of Saxon architecture, built in 1828, waa found to be in- adequate for tho increasing population of the parish. Mr. Groen irrluiediatelye-xerted himself to secure a new ohurch. and in this he was eminently successful, the proswit handsome edifice standing as a lastiug fitollitin-ent to his indefatigable efforts Tho tower and bells were added in 1880. The land on which the church and schools aro built was given by the Lord of the Manor, Mr. Mainwaring. The schools were I elected in 1868 by Mr. Jamas Rankine, of Brom- borough Hall. The Market Cross, which llld." a picturesque effect to t-ho o'd village, was re- storod through the efforts of the Rectoi", from designs of the late Sir Gilbert Scott, in, 1869. In 1905 Ma Green celebrated the golden jubilee of his marriage. Shortly after fchis happy event liad token place, i-ha rejoicings in connec- tion with whioh were participated in by the vil- lagers generally, he sustained a heavy blow by the loss of his wife. It was about two months ago that Mr. Green anticipated Resigning, and made it known that he intended severing his connection with Bromborough in June. The reverend grintleariian was most active in Church work. but in addition to his clerical Work lie was well-known for the part, he i.ook in local matters of antiquarian interest.

Mazawattee Tea. Delicious to the Palate. j Maxawattee Tea. Dainty Aroma. Mazawattee Tea. Delightfully Refreshing. I Full weight without wrepper.

HA W ARDUNTY SCHOOL I T'llIZK DISTRIBUTION. WORK AND REWARD. ADDR-KSS BY PROFESSOR DALE. The annual distribution of prizes took place at the Ha warden County School on Thursday afternoon, in the presence of a large number of parents a.nd scholars. Mr. J. Herbert Lewis, M.P., presided, and the oelemony was per- form-ed by ViceChancellor A. W. W. Dale, of Liverpool University. The attendance included the Rev. Canon and Mrs. Drew, tho Rev. It. Jonas, Mr". Ma.yh.ew, the Rev. the Hon. A. V. Lyttelton, Miss Evans, Mr. A. Lyon (head- master) and staff, Mr. Fred Green (clerk to the governors) etc. The Chairman, in opening the proceedings, said he was glad to be ab!,e to congratulate Mr. Lyon and the able sbttff who served under him, and the Rev. R. Jones, the chairman of the local governors, upon the admirable appear- anoo of the school and all oonnected with it. 1*1 to record of the school had been a record of continuous progress from the beginning. He weli remembered the beginning. Hu remem- bered how doubtful it had been whether a scthool should be established at Ha warden at all. It was argued that soimo oontneis of the county of Flint. deserved a school, whereas it was doubtful whether one could bo carried on in Hawarden; but there had appeared before thc- committee that had had the matter in hand a great statesman, whose name would aJways have all imperishable. connection with Hawarden—the late Mr W. E. Gladstone—and ho had proved to the committee that Hawarden and i t.,t district needed and deserved a. school. The committee, had decided upon es- tablishing a dual school, and their decision had over after been justified by the results. It was pleasant and refreshing ro him to come into that green and delightful oasis in a, barren and arid wilderness of controversy—(hear, hear)-- because the Welsh intermediate schools were oommon to all and open to all alike, and they knew no religious differences of any kind what- ever. Members of various churches and per- suasions in Wales' united in' doing their best to support the schools, and most fortunately tliio platform of the intermediate school was an absolutely common and equal platform, upon which tho forces of religious and sectarian oon- troversy were never lighted. He trusted that it might continue to the end. Mr. A. Lyon, in presenting his headmaster's report., said the numbers in the sohooi oon- tinued to grow. and tho extension recently made was by no means too large. There were now 187 pupils. They could squeeze in a few more, but they wished that the growth of numbers might slacken a Utile until the pre- sent debt was considerably red uced and they had had time to breathe. Last year had been a striking one for the school in the matter of examination successes They had gained a larger number at certificates, and Ralph Hamp- swn bad carried off the senior exhibition of the county and stood tenth in the whole of Wales. Another county exhibition fell to Daisy Chat- terley. The special elocution prizes were the outcome of a. movement in the school to infuse lifo and interest in clear enunciation and de- livery of speech. Everyone had taken part in the competition, and the result, had been very gratifying. A great deal (yf talent had shewn iteeif, aiid in nearly all oases there had been (Hctromo difficulty in deoiding the prize-winners in each torm. Finally, Mr. Lyon mentioned the playground, and appealed to parents to en- ooura.ge the children to take part in all sohooi movements and school games. The prizea, a list of the recipients of which is gi ven below, were then distributed by Vioe- Chanceiior Dale. Tho Chancellor afterwards gave an interest- ing address. At the outset he paid a tribute to too late Mr. Samuel Smith. IU said no man was more deeply venerated than Mr. Smith. Death, while it was strong to divide, was also strong to unite, and in its presence the differ- ences, whether great or small, of conviction, of opinion and of feeling, vanished and, faded away, and all that was left- was a. tender regret and a grateful regard. For public men and for all of us it was a good thing to be wise; but unless we oould mate wisdom with courage, wisdom. however groat, however naal, would cod by being barren and fruitless rho- quality that he most admired in the JatlO Mr. Smith was his absolute fearlessness, whioh was almost without a parallel among the public men of his time. Mr. Smith's conception of roue-at-ion had been broad. He had believed it otight to be accessible and open to all; he had believed tha.t it ought to be thorough and that it should deal with all the faculties of tlie human mind and human uatuie. Last and most of all, lie had believed that education, if it was to do its true work. should be inspired, and that it' should uplift the citizen, and by uplifting the citizen that it should strengthen the State. Turning to the prize distribution, Mr. Dale said that some good but not very wise persons objected altogether to prizes. They told us what no doubt was perfectly true, that we ought to do our best without thinking of reward. If tboy would only put that in a little different way, and say that. we should think of work firsrt and of prizes second, he should go with them. Ho would add that if we put prizes first, and work second, ib was extremely j doubtful in most oases whether we should got jlio prizes, and it was perfectly certain that our work would not be as good as it ought to be if wo took things in the other order. Those who objected to prizes seemed to forget, that while work wa.s good. rewards were pleasant, and when wo had worked hard and won prizes as tho result of hard work, it encouraged us to go on working and to fling our whole- heart into the next- race. There was another thing they also forgot, and that was t.hat. human life it- self, ts we grow older and took our part in the work of the world, had its prizes and rewards. He !>f-.l ioved that so long as human nature con- tinued what it was, Towards and prizes would have their ptace in the world. He had never been able to see why we should object to little prizes for little people, while we did not object to the bigger prizes for childien of a larger growth There was one word of warning he would add Tito system involving ruwards and punishments were apt to be very unequal and very uncertain, whether we found it in the school of the world or in the world of a school lu a topsy-turvy world" like this, it often tiap. ptuied that we got. whipped for our virtues and tipped for- our crimes. Tlie moral he drew wako that wo should not think too much of the prizes, whether we won them: or failed to win them. In advising the recipients of prizes to treat tho books well. C hanoelk>r Dale said: If you should need anyth ing to throw a.t. an erring sister or bix>hh«r, or at an obtrusive (log, or an evasive cat, let me rccommcnd a boot rather than a hook. It is much easier to throw; it goes much etraighter, aud does whatt you want it to do far more effectively. (Laughter.) You should also consider it suffers less in the pro- ce.s. rhomfcre lie oaveftil with the books, but don't be too careful- There is always an ex- I t rente. He member that a book afler all was never made to stand on a shelf or be always wrapped up in brown paper a.nd put in a cup- board or lie on a nico little mat in the middle j of the drawing-room table. (Laughter.) A book, if you will believe me. is meant to be used, to go with you wherever you may happen to go. People who rarely oare for booksi would as soon think of going on a journey or visit without a book as without a tooth-brush or clioan collar1 Bear this one fact in mind—it do-e-i not hurt a book to read it Mr. Dale afterwards impressed upon the ohildren talel need of taking a. pride in their sohoo!, and he appea-M to them to make the snhod have a pride in ?hom. The children helped to mAke the &uhoo! wh&t it was. No education aulbo- rity unaided could make a sohooi great. Even great masters like Arnold and Thring cou!d not wlaidd have mad? Rugby and Uppingham what thev mado litem. 17,aJow the scholars hdpBd. a great teacher, he GOuld never make it what. it might be. He therefore app"ali?d to the &cho1ars to support the teachers and to follow up the bc?t t.1ditions of 1? school, a.nd jl leave those traditions strengthened, and batter for their work. (Applause.) The following is a list, of tho prizes and cer- tificates:—Flintshire senior exhibition, £ 40per annum for three years, Ralph Hampson; Flint- shire exhibitiort, 930 per annum for t-iiree yeam, Marguerite Ohatterley; Viotoria. matriculation, Ralph Hampson, Isabel Hill, Frederick C. Hughes, GortifLoates awar&d bj Central Welsh Board—Honours cert,i fioal.es Marg. Chatterlcy, history and French (diat. and oon- versation power); Ralph Hampson, dish in mathematics and physics; Marg. E. Hewitt, history and French (conversation power) Isabel L. Ht?, hiabory and Fl'onoh (conversatIon power); Marion <TonŒ, history and Fi'pnch (con- versation power). Senior oiirtifieates: Ernest Astbury, dist, in mathematics, French (with conservation); Walter K Davics, dist. in ariti-c- metic, French (with conversation.); Ma.ry E. Howorth. dist. in arithmetic, French (with con- versation) F. C. Hughes, dish in mathe-maiics, French (with conversation); F. Roberts, dist- in ariiiiuitttic, mathematics, a.nd French (witch conversation); R. Tyson, French (with conver- sation) Jessie Wyatt, dist. in arithmetic. Junior certificates: N. A. Astbury, French (with conversation); W. II. 3d!, dist. in oom- position, French (with conversation); Dorothy M. Bennett, disti. in composition and mathe- matics, French (with conversation); J. W. Con- ncil. dist, in mathematics; Emily A. K. Cooper. dist. in mathematics, French (with conversa- tion) Elizabeth J. Davies. French (with con- versation) Mary C. Evans, French (with con- versation) Jane Hampson, dist. in composition and mathematics, French (with conversation); C. F. Hill, dist. in arithmetic ajid mathe- matics, French (with conversation); Alice Howorth, dist). in composition, English, mathe- matics and French; J. Hughes, dist in arith- metic find mathematics, French (with conversa- t.ion); Mary E. Hughes, dist. in composition, French (with conversation); J. J. Humphreys, dist. in composition, French (with conversa- tion) 14. Jones, dist. in composition, arithmetic and mathematics, French (with conversation); J. Jones, dist. in composition and mathe- fnatics; R. Jones, dist.. in mathematics and chemistry, French (with conversation); Esther Mackintosh, dist. in composition. French (with J. Robinson, French (with con- versation) F. Webster, dist, in English and mathematics, French (with conversation); Elsie A. Williams, dist. in arithmetic and mathe- matics, French (with oonver?tion): G. Wil- Hams. dist. in arithmetic and mathematics. French (with conversation); Bertha Wright, dist. in (x)m.position, F,enott (with conversa- tion.) King's Scholarship, 2nd class (lat div.), Mary A. O. Roberts; 2nd class (2nd (tiv,.), T. Robenis, Arifirewina Morris; 3rd class (1st div.), Bevsaie Hewitt Form Vt. Mathematics and seicnoo, R Hampson; languages, Marg. Chat- I todoy; honours cert.ifioa.tea. Isabel L. Hill, Marian Jones, Margaret Hewitt. Form V.: mathematics and science. F. ItoLwrts; lan- guages. E. Astbury; English, M. Eleanor Howorth Form- IV.: mathematics and science, C. F. Hill; languages, Elizabeth J. Davies; English, Mary C. Evans Form III. (girls): mathc-rmatics and science. Elsie A. Williams; languages and English, Alice Howorth. Form III. (boys): mathematics and science, Ernest Jones; languages, Randal Jones; English, F. Webster. Form II. (girls): mathematics a.nd science. Rose Phillips; languages, NanoyClift; English, Mary Hewitt. Form II. (boys): mathe- matics and science, F. G. Wynne; languages, A. Harris; English, W. Williams Form I.: English, G. Frater. Pupil teachers (seniors): mathematics and science, J. Tarbuck; literary subjeatt;, Atioe M. Jones. Pupil teachers (juniors) Mathomatica and science, H. M Davies. Elocution prizes: Form VI.. Mary Chattcrley; V., C. F. Hill; IV., Mary J. Lewis; III. (girls), Eva Oliff; III. (boys), J. Millward; II. (girls), Hm-niiah Williams; II. (boys). J. E. Heald; pupil teachers (senior), Maud Hell 13; pupil teachers (junior). Mary Evans.

I FATALITY AT BUCKLEY. 9 On Monday morning a young man from Bucktoy, named Catherall, agetd 17. was admit- ted to the Mold (Jottage Hospital, tho top of his skull having been smashed in by a winch aocid/cnt at tie Elm Colliery, Buckley. The unfo-rturiat-e young fellow received every pos- sible attention, but from the first it waa ap- parent that his condition wa.s hopeless, and he succumbed the eame afternoon. At the County Hall, Mold. on Tuesday even-* ing, the County Coroner held the inquest. There were in attendance iNIr. D. Mathews, H.M Inspector of Mines, Mr. James Newton, manager of Llim Buckley Collieries, and Mr. Leonard Newton, assistant manager.—Edward Oathorall idontified the body as that of his son.. who liad turned 19 years of age.—Henry Cbntiah, of Old Parot, Mill-lane, Buckley, said that, on the pmvious morning the deceased was helping him to wind tuba at the Elm Colliery. "rho rope got off the drum, and the baautteB were foorced out of their handfl The next thing lie saw waa the deceased on We hands.- At. this juncture Mr. Leonard Newton ex plained to tlie jury the position and working of the winch, and said they had not had a similar accident to this before.-TI-vo Inspector asked if there was any c-at-cit on the winoh to it. and the witness Newton replied! in the negative. —The Inspector: But something could be done to prevent it slipping back in future?—Mr. Newton: Yes.—Connah added that ho had been working tho winch for the last six months, and had no difficulty with the rope except tihat, he had pushed it baok onoo or twice, but he had never had tho rope off beforo —In reply to the Inspector, witness said he had soon a catch on a winch, but. not on the kind he was working. -Th.) Inspector: If you don't wr a catch on it will be a bad job for you.- Edward Roberts, brioksetter at the colliery, said Connah called out for help, and witness put his tools down, but before he could push the rope straight both miein .had' lost the handles, and the rope had slipped over thlern. -The Coroner sa.id it was evident from the remarks of the Inspector that, gome sort of a catch to these win-ohoo would obviate any danger of accidents of this sort.— Mr. James Newton f,&Id. tloat hie had had his attend ion called' to the suggestion, and he pro- posed to adopt it at once.-Th-e Coroner said that tlie evidence was perfectly clear that the death was from accident. He was glad to find that the manager appreciates the danger, end had given an undertaking to seo that the winches wero altered.—The jury, in rotuuning a verdict. that tho deceased's injuries were acci- dentally sustained, added a rider that there was muah to blame on tlie part of those in oharge, and there was no pall to the winch, and in their opinion no winoh was complete without one.—The Coroner said there was no regulation compelling the company to do this, but. when there was a big strain up a eteep road it was advisab'o to do so

I CHESTER BILLIARD LEAGUE. A I Results of matches played on Tuesday ST. FRANCIS'S v. SALTNEY. ST. FKA sera's. SALT,VET. C. Reynard 150 S. Ellis 83 G. Goulding 108 P. Freeman 150 W. Hornby. 150 S. Read 107 M. Collins 150 J. Willetts. 135 J. Oney 150 W. Wood 121 J. Higgins 99 F. C. Lowe 150 807 740 Majority for St. Francis's. 01. LIBERALS v. CAMPBELL. LIRKBALS. CAMPBELL, P. Williams 150 W. Corker 90 E. Wrighb 150 A. ',Imi Ith 100 H. Maher 150 W. Parry 113 E.W.Adams 150 E. Jones 72 B. E..Johnson 150 H. Thomason 4G R. Keating. 150 W. Thurston. 118 900 539 Majority for Liberals, 361. HANDBRIDGE v. BRIDGE HOUSE. HANDBRIDGK. BRIDGK HOUSE. 60 J. Speakman 150 J. Edwards 60 J. Harrison 126 T. Kelly. 150 H. H. Dryland 120 F. Morris 150 J. Harper 150 R. Wild B9 T. Relsbaw. 150 W. Seymour 82 W. H. Wafers. 150 J. Clarke 127 84G 668 Majority for Handbridge, 178. RESULTS TO DATB. P. W. L. Pts. Unionists 7. 6. 1 12 Liberals 8 6. 2 12 Handbridge 8. 5 3 10 Campbell 8 4 4. 8 St. Francis 8 4 4. 8 Bridge House 8 2 6. 4 Saltney 7 Q 7 0

[ WORTH KNOWING.—Stark's great Rem- nant Sale to-day and Monday. Last two dlays of Sale. AU R,(Aimunia must be sold.—91, 93, 1 95* Forogiabd-gtreot, Cbe&Uwu

[ CITY POLICE COURT. ——— MONDAY.—Before Mr. John Thompson (in the chair), Mr. R. L. Barker, and Mr. F. Skipwith. NOT A DIVORCE COURT.-Sarah Jane Williams summoned Albert Williams, her hus- band, employed as a. boat-builder in Sandy-lanti, for persistent cruelty. Mr. F. Turner de- fended. Complainant said she had been mar- ried for ten years, and there were three chil- dren. A week on Saturday he got. her by the throat and banged her head against the wall. He had previously ill-treated her, and Ciioh time he was not sober. -,axarni ried She admitted throwing the contents of the starch bowl and a candlestick at him, but it was after he had struck her. Aft-er the summona had been issued she went to defendant and de- manded her clothes. Defendant said she could take them, and if she was not quick he would throw her down the stairs. She had heard that defendant had had influenza, but that was after the summons had been issued. When the doctor came be was outeide. (Laughter.)—Mrs. Macgregor said she took complainant in when defendant had turned her away. She said she had seen defendant thrash complainant. De- fendant said he earned 20s. a week in the winter and 27s. in the summer with perquiaitea, which amounted to about 5s. a week. His wife was not correct inlaying he earned more. On the I Saturday night in question, he asked his wife for a clean collar, and she said there were no clean collars, 3Q he turned his dirty one round to make it look clean. As he was going out complainant told him to get his trousers out of pawn. He said that as she had taken them there she must get them back. She called him names, and threw a bowl of starch at him, and then a candlestick. He then struck her on the side of the head with his open hand, and took hold of her wrist* to prevent her throwing any- thing more.—At the end of ihe evidence, the Chairman said I don't feel disposed to give a separation of this sort. You have no business to strike your wife even with the open hand, but we are not going to separate people who ought to live together properly. People are fa.r too fond of getting separation orders.— Defendant: I don't think we will live happily together.—The Chairman You must have a little forbearance. We are not a divorce oourt here.—Mr. Turner said he would 36k the polica I court missionary (Mr. C. Wright) to do what he cjuld.

I BUCKLEY. I ANOTHER COLLIERY FATALITY.— Anotheor f",tal aooioonlt--tho second within a period of a weeik-took place at the Elm Col- liery late on Wednesday. A fall of coal took place, the unfortunate victim being Thomas Hughes, aged about 40, and residing at Main- road, Buckley, near the Black Horse Hotel.

I TARVIN. UNITED MISSION.—Tlie services held in the Public Hall concluded on Sunday night. Crowded congregations attended from the first, Anglicans and Nonconformists unit.in.g to- gether. On Sunday night crowds were turned away. The missiorcers, Mr. G. B. Radcliffe, of Tarvin Hall, and Mr. J. Louis Form, of Liver- pool, gave powerful addresses. There were anxious enquirers each night, and upwards of 50 namea ware registered. The singing, one of the leading features of the mission, was led on the pia-ttoforto by Miss Anna Radeliffe. assisted by Mr. Joseph Nield on tho cornet.

I SAUGHALL. (See also page 11.) SCHOOL ACCOMMODATION. At a-HMf? ing of the Administrative Sub-committee for II the Chester Union area on Monday, a letter WM read from tho owner of the Saughall Town Hall, 1 which is being used as a temporary school for infanta, stating that he had given, lho mana- gurs six months' notioeto leave, this notice to expire on June 5th. As there was no (,ttier suitable building, lie thought. the managers should be pressed to provide increased accom- modation for the mixed aahooJ at Saughall.— Mr. Minshull eaid the ma.nng?ia were already moving in (alio matter.—It was stated that the plans for the increased accommodation could not be passed until further information was provided, and consideration WlI8 defc-i-red. A

HESWALL. VOLUNTEERS' PRIZES.-Tlie annual prize distribution in connection wibh the Hoswall (K) Company, 1st V.B.C.R., took p1.aoo on Fri- day night, in the Dee View Assembly Rooms. The chair was occupied by Capt. W. J. New- ton, officer commanding K Company, who was supported by Oapti. J. A. Pernberton (I Co.), Major J. W. Shaw, Col.-Sergt. J. Tarbuck, Coir.-Sergt. J. Davies, etc.—Major Shaw pre- igant-ed the various cups to the wiunefrs as fql lows: -Brooklobank Challenge Cup, Private C. Turner; Hoult Challenge Cup, Private C. Lanoelotte; M¡lI vor Challenge Oup (recruits), Private J. W. Holm berg; Major Shaw's cup, Private 0. Turner. Sectional Challenge Cup (for highest aggregate in olassliring). Not. 1 sect ion, Coir.-Sergt. J. Tarbuck. Other awards were also made.—Capt. Newton referred to the retirement of Coir.-Sergt. J. Tarbuck, and paid a high tribute to that officer's services. lie had been a sergeant in K Co. for twenty-three years, a.nd colour-sergeant for eighteen years. He (Major Shaw) had great pleasure in asking Colr.-Sergt. Tarbuck to accept, as a slight token of their esteem for him, a silver watch. (Applause.)—Colr.-Sergt. Tarbuck, who was re- ceived with an outburst of "For he's a jolly good fellow," thanked them all for the hand- ?OM! gifL-An enjoyable moki-ig concert fol- lowed.

INCOME TAX REPAYMENTS. A repayment of Income Tax can be claimed by anyone who has had an income of not more than £ 700 per annum from property, lands, mortgages, stocks, and shares, Government funds and other similar in vest merits. The amount repa-yable will vary from C13. 14s. 2d to £31. 6s. Sd., according to the exact amount of incoanc. Ladies in the receipt of incomes from funds invested by themselves or by trustees almost invariably neglect to obtain the repayment of Income Tax due to them when their net income is lees than £ 700. Owners of house property, also, whose in- comes fall below E700, often omit to get back their overpaid proport.y tax. Although they can in some; oaees recover as much as JS50, they generally go on year after year allowing the tax to 00 deducted from tlteir rente, and never think of enquiring whether it can be got back. FuU information, trae of charge., from the Income Tax Recovery Agency, 21, Wellington Place, Hastings, on rooeipt of addressed en- velope and particulars of income.

WIRRAL TEACHERS' ASSOCIATION. Tho animal meeting was held at PorI; Sunlight on Saturday. It was reported that the member- ship was 67. Owing to illness, the installation of Mr. W. Jenkinson, Little Sutton, as presi- dent, waa deferred to a futurQ m.œting. Oth?r offioers were appointed as foUows:-Viœ-prœ i. &-nt, Mr. J. W. Sha.w; woretary, Mr. 4 TunMu-; T.P.S. secretary, Mr. S Scbo?es; B. Mld O. aeopettuy, Mr. W. J. Barker; commit- too, Misses Slater, Dooolly, Burnett, Dumbell, and Jones, Mrs. Hughes, and Messrs, Axton, Goodalli Worth, Butferworth,

1 RHYME OF THE TIMES. ———— "'II' ———— Charge, .Barnston, oharge! Off, Stanley, On! Placid, i.nOugh insecure, Stanley, nevermore Will you our votes secure, I To put you on the floor; I Never a goal you'll score; I Nor that three hundred draw. Next. year it might be moro. Who will the looi (Iel)lore? Vanished £ 300! I K S. M. I

I SAFETY FIRST. We vc been brought up to think that, we De'e.r shall be slaves. That what else may occur, we'll aye rule tho w ELVEG. But Stanley's testing the thing at his loisi-irf.), And thinks it's all rot; it's not in it with pleasure. I wonder will Eddisbury men like the notion Of Germans (say) getting command of the ocean. I doubt not when next they elect an M.P. Their decision will be that their land shall-be tree. 1-- T. H. J.

THE NOTED FIRM FOR WEDDING RINGS BUTT & CO. (LTD.) Q.UINKA GOLD WEDDING RINGS. A Handsome Present with each. From 15/- upwards. Private Room. 32, EASTGATE ROW AND STREET. _u_-

BIRTHS, MARRIAGES & DEATHS.  4 BIRTHS, MARRIAGES and DEATHS &ra charged at tho rate of 20 words for Is. (prepaid). If not prepaid the charge will be 2s. 6d. The announcement must be authenticated by the I Signature and Address of the Sender. BIRTB. WfLLIAMS- On the 17th January, at 51, North Parade, Grantham, the wife of B. Williams, of a son. MARRIAGES. ClERRARD-BARR. Y -On the 23rd January, at St. Paul's Church, Boughton, by the Ilev. F. Edwards, vicar, Samuel, youngest soil of Miles Gerrard, Vicar's Cross to Frederica Davis Barry, niece of the late Thomas Nelson Pritchard, Christlelon-road, Chester. W ALKER--McCUAIG-On the 21st January, in (ilawow, by the Rev. Dr. Maclean, D. D., assisted by the Rev. Fraser Graham, B.D., Fred Lightfoot, only son of John Lifchtfoot Walker, Grey Friars, Chester, to Margaret, eldest daughter of Mrs. MeCuaist, Banchory Gardens. Glasgow, W., and the late ltev. Angtts McCuaig. DEATHS. CLIESWORTil-On the 20th January, at Ohrislleton. road, Sarah, the dearly-beloved wife of Robert Ohe»- worth, aged 54 years. LLOYO-At Chester Infirmary, on the 17th January after a short but painful illness, Jessie, the beloved wife of William Henry Lloyd, 03, Frodghanl-,trest, ared 40 years. I MILLINGTON—On the 1"3r(i January, at Pigeon House Farm, Hope, Mary, eldest daughter of the late Thomas Millington, Hope, agel. ï5 years. TURNER-On the 22nd January, at Tarvin-road, Chester Martha, relict of the late Charles Turner, of this cifcr aged 76 years. IN MEMORIAM. BLYTHLN-In loving memory of Elizabeth, the dearly. beloved wife of James lilythin, who passed away January 21st, 1905. COOPER-In loving remembrance of my dear mother, Harriett, the beloved wife of Win. Coopt-r. January Sist. 1900.-Tarvin-road, Chester. (Jennie.) (Jennie. ) JONES-It) ever-loving remembrance of little Sid, who died January tnd. 1901, aged 10 months. t'-ft.b in my heart he liveth still."] (Auntie Eni.) JONES-In loving memory of Oliver. our dearly-loved and only son, who passed into the higher life January 21st, 1901, in his 19th year. Death has not severed e'en the finest strand In the eteroal cable of our love The very strain has twined it closer still And added strength. 28, Camlorian- road. KEATING—In ever-loving lllemory of Elizabeth, the beloved wife of Richard Keating, who departed thia life 24th January, 1903. [" To memory ever dear,"I KEI,LY-in loving memory of our dear mother, Catherine Kelly, who departed this life January 28th. 1892. ("Thy will bedone."I KENDRICK-In ever-loving memory of our dear grand- mother, Mary Ann Kendrick, who died January 21st, 1904, aged 88 years. [" Fondly remembered."] (M.) OWEN—In loving memory of Enoch Owen, of 54, Princess-street (for 33 years sexton at St. Martin's welsix Church, who died January 23rd, 1006. Ilia memory is as dear to-day As the hour he passed away. I "Thy will be done." (From his wife and family.) P,OWI.AN.DS- In loving memory of my dear husband, Joseph Rowlands, who died January 23rd, 1906, at 28, Cornwall-street. Though parted by the hand of God, In Christ united still We'll meet again at the golden g^ate, For Jesus aaith we will. (From his widow and children, Albert and Alice.) ROWLANDS—In loving memory of my dear father, Joseph Rowlands, who died January viird, 1906, at 28. Cornwall-street. We miss the hand clasp and the loving smile. Our hearts are broken but a little while, Soon we shall pass within the golden gate, Oad comfort us, God help us, white we wait. (From Polly and Charley.) ACKNOWLEDGMENT. Mr. Robert Cbesworth and Family sincerely desire to Thank all friends for their kind sympathy and also for the floral tributes sent to them in their recent sad bereavement.—Ohristleton-road, Chester.

\J E MOB I A 1.8 M E l\{ °JNR IÁ LS MARBLE, GRANITE, STONE i.. AL VP,ASTER. CHURCH BRASSES. Established 177-t. W. HASWELL & SON, KALEYARDS, CHESTER. Estimates and Designs free on application. TELEPHONE No. 161A. IVTEMORIALS IN Granite, — MARBLE AND STONE. MKMORIAL TABLETS IN MAKBLK, BRASS, &0. All at lowest prices at T. LUNT'S MONUMENTAL WORKS, VICTORIA ROAD, CHESTER. Inscriptions Engraved in Granite, Marble & Stone. ESTIMATES AND DESIGNS FREg.

LATEST MARKETS & PAIRS. I (Seø also page 3.) 4 CHESTER HORSE, THURSDAY. This fair was a small one. Tl-.cr3 was qttic,t de,- mand for the best and sound and useful horses, but few buyers for inferior lata. Prices were satisfactory to selLors on the wliodc, rang- ing from JC14 to L30 for nice trap horses, £,35 to 1;45 for cart horses., and £55 to £ 70 for best dray lionets. CHESTER CATTLE. THURSDAY.-Afr this fair supplies were plentiful, and the de. mand oolwwhaJ, more lively, especially for cattle, of a good class. The best milkingslook and fresh store cattle were more inquired for. a.nd sellers had le&s difficulty than of late in obtaining their values. There were, no fat cattle on offer, a.nd tho sheep pons were quite empty. Prices: Milch cows L17 to £ 22, calvors C15 to £ 19. barrens C9 to £ 13, he-ifors £8 to £ 14. fctirks £ 6 to L9. bullocks 29 toCI2. WHITCHURCH CHEESE. WEDNESDAY —There waa a larger pitch than expooted--40 tons, against 30 Ion? at tho corresponding fair of last year. A speedy clearance was effected. Best qualities realised 76a. to 30s.. medium 70s. to 75s., and nothing lower than 65s. per cwt.

SIR PERCY BATES & HINDERTON HALL. <? FORTHCOMtNG NIARRIAGE.I INTERESTING ANNOUNCEMENT. I We are in a position to mak e an authoritative announcement in reference to a matter which is of special interest to the Hundred of Wirral generally, and to the urban district of Neeton- curn-Parkgate particularly. It has been for some time an open secret that Sir Percy Bates, the well-known Liverpool shipowner, is engaged to Miss Lefroy, daughter of the famous Deaxi of Norwich, the well-known author. During the present week Sir Percy Bates has become the owner of Hinder ton Hall, together with the park and ornamental grounds and gardens, and after the marriage, which ? to take place in June I next, the newly-married pair will take np their- al&xio at the Hall. Hinderton Hall was erected by the late Mr. Christopher Bushell about half I & century ago, and after his death his widow continued in occupation until her death in January last year. The estate was afterwards acquired by private treaty by Sir Alfred Jones, and the land lying chiefly between Hinderton and Neston, and commanding panoramic views -of the Dee Estuary and Flintshire, is being dis- posed of as building sites for large residences. I

PRIVATF,, TO B. Goater, of the Royal Army Medical Corps. Chester, had been granted the rank of Major after 32 years' service. He rose from the ranks. Another "ranker," Lieutenant W. Siddans, has been selected for duty with the Army Service Corps at Chester. Printed and published for and on behalf of the Cheshire and North Wales Newspaper Company, Limited, by JAMES ALBERT BIRCHALL, at the Cheshire Observer Office, 8, Bridge-street, in the Oity of Chester.—SATURDAY, January 26,1907.

TILSTON. FIRE.About two o'cilook oii Tiiutmlay morning an alarming outbreak of fire was dis- covered in tha buildings adjoining the old and well-known inn, Cape of Good Hope. owned and occupied by Mr. Edwin Evans. Tlie pre- mises consist of an inhabited portion, stable, trap-house and ahippon, all under the same roof. The fire was discovered by Mr. Evans's three year-old sou., who sleeps in the room next to tho stable, and who was awakened by dense votumca of smoke in his room. He had the re- markable presonco of mind to run and arouse his father, who promptly summoned his neigh- bours to 'his .aasit:tan08.. One of these cycled to Malpas for the fire engine. The brigade turned out with commendable promptness): By six o'clock tho fire was completely extinguished. The stable and loft were gutted, but the fire was prevent.ed from spreading to tho inhabited portion of the premises by the timely efforts of two neighbours, Messrs. Kettell and H. Pern ber- ton, who, at considerable personal risk, stripped off the burning root. Tlie damage is covered by insurance.