Cheshire Observer

POINTS. « It is a Free Trade commonplace that German workmen, living under Pro- tection, have to eat the carcases of the old and diseased horses shipped to the Continent from this country. The truth is now out. Two van loads of imported tinned food, in very bad condition, have been seized in London. On being opened, they were found to contain horse flesh transformed into "potted dainties for British palates. The scales fell from Mr. John Burns's eyes, and he confessed in the House of Commons that he now realised what became of the poor, old horses sent from this county to Hamburg." Horse-flesh, therefore, is not the diet of the Protectionist countries, but one of the many doubtful blessings of Free I Trade in England.

FLINTSHIRE LICENCES EXTINGUISHED. 4 I COMPENSATION AWARDS. At a meeting of the Flintshire Licensing Committee at Mold on Monday, Mr. J. Eldon Bankes, K.C., presiding, the question of awarding compensation in respect of five licences svas dealt with. In each case the parties interested agreed to accept the awards of the committee. The following wore the awards :— Chemical Tavern, Commercial-road, Flint.— Licensee, Mr. Edward Poynton owners, Chester Nortbgate Brewery Co. Mr. T. W. Hughes (Flint) represented the owners, and Mr. Henry Taylor (Chester) the United Alkali Co., who were also interested in the award. Award, JS208, apportioned as follows: £148 to Brewery Co., B40 to United Alkali Co., and B20 to tenant. Rose of Tryddyn, Top-y-Rhos, Tryddyn, near Mold.—Mr. Jones (representing Messrs. Walker, Smith and Way. Chester) appeared on behalf of Mr. John Fox, Castle Hill, Hawarden, the owner, and Mr. J. B. Marston (Mold) appeared for the licensee, Mr. W. M. Roberts. Amount awarded 9171 C166 to owner, and £,1) to tenant. Red Lion, IE[alkyn. -Owner, Sir Wyndham Hanmer, Bettisfield Park, Whitchurch licensee, Mr. Joseph Williams. Amount awarded E158; 9153 to owner, and EZ to licensee. B-tynhyfryd Tavern, Halkyn.—Owners the Chester Northgate Brewery Co., licensee Mr. John Hughes. Amount awarded RTj-4, of which the tenant is to receive;C5. Black Lion, Lygan-y-Wern, Halkyn.-Owner Mr. John Lloyd Price, Holywell Brewery; licensee Mr. Joseph Carrington. Amount awarded £245, of which it was decided to allow the tenant 912. 10s.

» 1NCE TARIFF REFORM MEETING. TO THE EDITOB. Sir,—From the outlet I have made clear that my only dispute with Mr. Willii.s was in regard to his statement that the Corn Laws were first enacted in 1815, and tMit previously there were only registration duties. He referred to "Chambers's Encyclopaedia" and "Haydn's Dictionary" as his authorities, neither of which bears out hia statement, both of which give reference to previous Corn Laws. This any of your readers may see at a glance for themselves. It is a very simple matter; yet for above two months he has been writing all round the sub- ject, so as to evadc the simple question at issue. It is waste of time arguing with a disputant who wriggles in this fashion. Now he wants to argue on quite a different matter, "Free Trade" which is not Free Trade. Although," as he says, "only a working-man," he is anxious to leave his trade for two days and incur expenses in travelling between Oswestry and Ince. I would be the last to demand such a sacrifice from "a working man," and think he would far better employ hia leisure hours in reading up the history of the Corn Laws before he again appears on a public plat- form. This would save him making again such an egregious statement <ltI that the Corn Laws were first enacted in 1815, and referring for his justification to authorities which flatly contra- dict him.—Yours truly. SAMUEL WELLINGTON. Beech House, Ince, Chester, Aug. 13, 1907.

9 ENCOURAGEMENT TO ROMANISM. TO THE EDITOR. Sir,—The letter written by "Cestrian" in your paper of the 10th inst. deserves a reply, however brief, a6 it is both misleading and also singularly one-sided in ita views. I was present when the Lord Bishop of Cheater preached against Mariolatry, and I feel sure that he never for a moment included the the "Ancient, and Modern" hymns, a book universally u6ed by the Church of England, not only in our own Cathedral and, with the ex- ception of two, in all our city churches, but also throughout the country. Referring to the letter in question, I have travelled in many countries and have many friends, both Romanists and Anglicans, and I have never known the Virgin Mary to be placed in preference to the blessed Saviour," to quote "Cestrian's" words. Undoubtedly often next to, but never before. With reference to the picture in the "Graphic," I think the word "grovelling" used by "Cestrian" exceedingly bad taste. There isetill such a thing as reverence, even though he may not be aware of the fact, and to see the man, woman, or child kneeling at a wayside shrine, or crucifix, ae I have seen them so often, is surely a far better thing than to see the noisy crowds in our city streets each evening and to hear the language that makes one's ears tingle in so-called Protestant England. Lastly, I do not blame Romanists or Catholics for not attending a Coronation service, when part of tlw, Coronation oath contains what must be surely an insult to their religion, denying as it does all that they hold most sacred, and I am oertain that nobody would feel better pleased than our good King Edward were this part of the oath omitted, giving offence, as it surely must do, to millions of his subjects.—Yours truly. CHAS. ED CATTLEY. Stillington, Hoole-road, Chester, Aug. 13, 1907.

4 — BUOKLEY URBAN DISTRICT COUNCIL. REPRESENTATION OF W-ARDS. TO THE RDITOR. Sir,-Pleao, allow me a small space in your paper to relate what took place over the in- quiry of the a.bove business on Friday at the Council Chamber. Th3 chairman remarked that the minutes of the committee were ir- relevant to the issue, and the clerk of the U D.C., Mr. Reeoe, also said that I (Coun- cillor H. Hughes) did not know what I was talking about. The facts of the case I will give you, so that all the ratepayers can judge who ia right or wrong over the business, viz.: -On November 15th, 1906, the Wards Committee, of which I was one, resolved. that the area be divided into four wards, whoch was agreed to at the monthly meeting follow- ing. On December 11th, 1906, another Wards Committee was held, at which neither I nor the chairman was present. This committee rescinded the former resolution, and making into E)lx wards with 16 members. This the committee had not the power to do according to the Council's standing orders, which are as folio"Ru,lc 6 reads: "No resolution of the Council Sihall be rescinded or varied ex- cept upon motion made on not too or on the recommendation of a committee which shall respectively specify the object and refer to the resolution to be resoinded or varied, and any such motion or recommandation must be carried by a majority of at least twothirds of the members present, and voting on such motion or recommendation of a oommittee shall be specially mentioned on the Council srtmmon-s. I say the whole inquiry rests on the above minutes and fatal to the holding of any inquiry. At the last elections, Miairoh, 1906, the number of voters in the whole area were 1,383, an,1 resulted in the return of two members residing* in Pent robin, two Ewloe. Town, two Ewtoo Wood, 000 Argoed, three West Bietre, four East Bistre, one outside area, total, 15 members If made into wards they ask for 16 members in tho following -manner:—Pteitrobin two mem- bers for 191 voters. Ewloe Wood three for 185, Ewloe Town three for 178, Argced two for 149, Bistro WeG-. three for 251, Bistre Bast three for 429; total, 16 members for 1,383 voters. Looking at the voting at last election the ratepayers could not be better represented oven if made into wards than they are at present. Tho matter of wards was before the Council in 1S00, and after discussion it came to the conclusion it would be of no advantage to the present representation of voti ng and double expense at election. In conclusion, I might say the County Council ought to have sent a more representative committee to consider this all important business, not three but five, as arranged, and not all cf the sarnie colour. I am aware that the decision of the com- mittee in favour of wards, etc., wfill have to be settled by the County Council, and trust that they will not approve but object to any alteration in the way of voting.— Yours, etc. HENRY HUGHES. I Liverpool House, Buckley, Aug. 12, 1907. ■ 4 ——————

THE FUTURE. I TO THE EDITOR. I Sir,— Your correspondent attempts to refute my statements in a former letter by abusing statements. Such expressions as "confiscation of the land, oppression of the people, toiling masses," are "stage properties of ignorance, malice, and folly." Ho say, such a statement could only be made by a person who is utterly ignorant of what he is talking about. He is evidently not aware of the passing of the Enclosure Act of 1760, by which landlords were enabled to enclose over ten million acres of the people's land, and of the destruction of cottages which followed in due course to pre- vent people living on the land; of the hundreds of thousands of people evicted in Ireland and Scotland and outraged by the burning of their nomes over their heads to drive- them off the countrv-side. As to oppression, the very fact. that people have been compelled to compete for housing accommodation and for employ men-fc in towns, causing a reduction of wages and increase of r,ent., is quite sufficient evid- ence of oppression. If we need further prcof tho Sweating Commission, now sitting, can supply us with more than we need. How about the 1,200 Englishmen, who were compelled to disgrace England last week as blacklegs at Antwerp? How about the thousands of Eng- lishmen who have to become exiles in fo:eign lands every year, because they are denied the rrght to live in their own country? Surely the knowledge of such evils is sufficient to produce "gas" in any intelligent man who wishes to see progress and prosperity instead of degradation and decay. Your cor-espendent asks whether I would "tell your readers what I mean by Socialism? Socialism will give back again to the people the right to live cn this earth, and the power to govern themselves, ignoring altogether the privileges, superstitions, and impostures of landlords, capitalists, and other wild fowl w ho pretend 1 hat. they own this planet and are entitled to blackmail other people for living on it. But, strange as it may sound to a Radical, the Socialist would not take the land off the landlord, nor destroy the State Church, nor abolish the House of Lords. The first step in revolutionary Socialism is free maintenance of school children by the State; second, compulsory housing of the work' ng- claas by the municipal authorities; third. old- age pensions; fourth, State employment for the unemployed. Then would follow an eight hours' day, with a minimum wage for Govern- ment employes, anti-sweating laws, nationali- sation of railways, mines, etc; and so on. Yours correspondent says that I affirmed "that manual labour qualifies a man to administer justoe," etc.. I still contend that. there are men of the labouring class who could dispense justice more equitably than many who now sit on the bench, whose only qualification is that they are rich. But "Old Stager" gees beyond the question when he says "and doubt- less ignorant of statesmanship and cf the seieree of government." Anyone would think there were statesmen among the capitalists of the Lower House, and that there existed there a science of goven.ment. It is the absence of these things tha,t the Labour members are denouncing to the country. The Social Demo- cratic Federation are working very hard just now to educate Lawyer Haldane how to con- struct a.n Army, but, considering that this man has not even been a Volunteer, what result are they likely to have? He is getting £ 5,000 a year for "how not to do it. so why should I he bother? Now, the. paragraph which "Old Stager" gives to ventilating his superstitions about capital and labour, shews that he does not understand economics nor the development of trade and commerce. He says that Socialistic folly makes capital feel insecure, therefore it is almost impossible to obtain money for in- dustrial enterprise in England. He is not aware that over 214,000,000 have been spent in erecting new cotton mills in England dur- ing the last two years, and that millions CiÍ money were spent by English capitalists in India, China., and Japan for the same purpose long before Socialism was heard of in England. Considering tha.t Socialism is stronger in most countries of Europe than in England, where can it be more safely invested? But, suppos- ing it is true, what fools the British people must be to produce immense profits t-hat their masters might establish opposition industries in foreign countries to put the British work* man out, of work. If the various industries were nationalised, all the profit would stop in the country to start fresh enterprises- Yours, etc., J. WATSON. Hilléde. Guildcn Sutton. I TO THE KDITOB. I S.i,r,-I ask, through the medium of your paper, which I have sent me every week, just to paise my opinion on the letters I have read in the correspondence column headed "The Future" and written under a nom dc plume "An Old Stagier." It sounds hackneyed enough anyway, and his arguments are, like the city of Chester, ancient. J. Watson's is by far the most intellectual a.nd has shewn good thought on the subject. "Old Stager," well, his class, I am sure, would be better employed employing- someone elwe, say the undertaker. After all I have read on Social- ism and individualism I have come to the conclusion that Socialism is the only salvation for the people, and if the people of Chester do not sea it yet, if they will only go into the industrial centres they will. If Socialism is false, then why do &uch men as H. G. Wells, George Bernar-d Shaw, the Rev. R. J. Camp- bell, Robert Blatchford, and a host of others too numerous to mention, go prcachiiag and writing expounding its principles? Now if "Old Stager" would take the trouble to come over to Boitcn, which is a fair specimen of a Lancashire town, with plenty of religion aind work, I am sure it will do him a power of good. I do not say it is neoassary to work, in order to llive, but every man who lives ought to take his share of the world's work, or cease to live. I presume he has studied Socialism before he has written about its folly, for there are 1-0 many who have written and speken informing the people- of all its, evils as if there are no evils unde, the pre6ent system. I say if only thofo- who wanted to know all abc.ut it would go to those who know, all would be well. But it is not &0; they are content with xist in g cond itions. If you wanted to know what rrade unionism was, would you go to a "blackleg"? Not a biit of it. You would go to the 'unionist. So in the same way go to the Socialist,, not a man under the present sys- tem has got cm by pushing his fellowman down. Sir Oli-ver Ledge, in speaking of this growth of working-class representation in Parliament, says: "The most interesting thing of late is the coming into prominence of the Labour members of Parliament. It seems to me to be the natural outcome cf tho reform Bill of the early 'thirties, but it has been a long time in coming. The people have been slow to recognise their power. They have been told aga.in and agara that they have the power-, but they have been slow to use it, slow to educate themselves to use it wisely. But tho day of reaJisation has come; they now realise that they have this power, and I sincerely hope that this infusion of new blood in the legislature will result tin a. considerable stir and interest., in fresh and wider yiews of things, of human conditions. I think this is a movement* vV?ry much wanted. Things w, getting sta-gnamt arid complicated. A little' new blood will start matters on a simpler basis. I I dre say the now men will make Inistkeo at first. They are not likely to be w"? the beginning. At any rate, they ,ice: genuine and real, and keen for public se? .? I look forward with considerable hope t?o tho ultimate outcome of it. When they g? ?'?ief feet and hands firmly established, as 0,00 fc "et and lian-d-s firmly a6 might put it, they will learn how to wor? the machine they will learn btcauM th?V in earnest. h aJi Colonel Kenyon Slaney, in his spccc* East Denbigh, as an old Parliamentary b said he had been struck very much by appearance in t.he House of Commons of tiC Labour party. They represented v ¡ewe doubt somewhat dissimilar to these o? )? 0-oubt cornewhat di ,-)?i;IDil&r to thc-<? 110 Cnion:d Ixirty on domestic mattc?rs, Ll of believed that when there arose a, quost? .? great national importance, or a great Imp?-, difficulty on anything like a crisis in th? oug cems of the Empire, they would find ?" g the Labour party many a sou?d elip r ter 0' woul d Gacr fic?e party 'for the interests c f would 6a<'rince pa.rty for the interests ?'gt nation and of the Emphe at large. And R. of these men are Socialists, and arc the .? bone of the party. "Old St.a?er" saye ??jtd is leav ng the country, I wish it would tOr)" the capitalist with it. It is the oJd, old c'y. Now, "Old Stager," if you put your tbØ that is if you have any, in a hole 111 ground, and I&ave it there, and in a y??,J? two went to pick it up, would 'it ba? Alado more? Not it, nor would you do it.. would invest it, and thus by not doing ? ? ???- stroke of honest work, would receive ba? terest; and labour would have prod lccdthe int,Nest. Now, under the present "Ystl;?, labour is exploited just to make IDore  dends. The dividend-mongers, by '?:t? nelll, have !llvœted in úerlam profit inaCy in thie country, and have learned, by P11 .^jig their money in the same profit machineabr0^ that they can get more "drvi." They 00, not because of t.he democ,atlc tendencies the Government, nor of the workpeop'?* ? manding a better return for their labour, .? because they want more money; amd it ? flt.rt greed for wealth that w?il bring this '?'??? t?t? to ruin, and ha.9 brought it to its present !I of crime and poverty. ?h?r? Cast your eyes over to Belfast, and va you will see capitalism in all its glory- :hi 0u not PcterIoo and Fea,toorsto taugl" anything? Did not the presence of the   men a short time ago with na?ed sword? ra.ise a feeling of indignation in you' ,t,jp? lieve it did, if the newspapers are &n/ thing to go by. Socia?i?m will remove th?' oett other evils. Also "tJMMe stately holl? of England, how beautIÍuJ they stand, vvj"id, you see in the siumo of a large town. ,i,)i give a Mmpte iHustra.tion. A teacher $Itoas be f ore hia takes a, ro, out of & e, before his class, takes a ro?e. out of ?,, ?t a.nd says "Now divide this among y<?.' once the children begin to tk, a pet&t ??.h, as far as they go, aom? being left ??'????? and ait the end no rose. The teacher expl:  that this ? i capitalism, and to shew ?°?'??)..ch can enjoy I t, takes another rose, &rd P'* ? if it on the table and aaya that is ou-; w? p? 800 it and enjoy it That io Social ism'DO you see it? The dawn appears out fljof, but mœt people do not see for the o'?j?c that hide it from yiew. But it is co-alill", like the tide on the ehore, slow but sure, 0 W?-ho -down the barriers that bar it on its way. be & will stand and help its coming, and I)eso Dreadnoughts in the strife, amd 6631&1; glorious day a coming. teil When none shall lack a share of tile and gain of living; In the days when th& wodd grows fa.'?'   I will now conclude, hoping I have not. ^sr passed too much on your valuable space,aJ^i if "Old litage?? wants to know ?11 f for Socialism, there is a book called "130it.&L. O for the British," by Robert Blatchford, P'? f which will give him what it is and '?"? to attaiin it. J. IloWAP.Tif. Bolton, Aug. 14th.

i is just as good for [  Puddings as it is | for Cakes. K M 8" It is so simple and so easy to | ig use. It saves time and trouble I and there is no bother with it. f A Half a 3?d. packet makes a  pudding large enough for a family 11 2 of six. !| ? It is just as economical for I cakes. I I Recipes for cakes and puddings 11 ft and some useful hints about the a making of th?m are enclosed in I g each packet. 'I ? j Cakeoma' is sold by all Cro€<r? ? ? Bakers, and Stores in the Bhtbh !d<t. f I Manufactured by I I ff 07 LATHAM & Co., Ltd., LIVERPOOL. JL 8  

People Don't Feel Bad when fed right. Grape=Nut0 Pre-digested Food. Get little book, The Road to Wellville," in each packet. WARNING.—Imitations of Grape-Nuts are on the market, paying the retail grocer a special profit to push the sale. If you really want a skilfully an scientifically made brain food, insist upon getting Grape-Nuts. Most grocers will promptly supply genuine articles without attempt to palm off something just as good." If your grocer tnes to substitute some imitation Nuts" for genuine Grape- Nuts, perhaps the other grocer down the street might serve you more faithfully- If you find Grape-Nuts food a bit soft from the late damp weather, put it in a oven with the door left open and dry unt 9 crisp. Then add a sprinkle of sugar an H some milk enriched with cream and there fl you are, the finest breakfast food ex tan »

FLINT. I The third annual show was held in the Cattle Grounds on Wednesday, and eclipsed all previous ventures. There were some excellent exhibits, 580 being staged. The space was taxed to its utmost. Unfortunately, rain fell all afternoon and evening, whilch told on the attendance. The Flint and Connah's Quay bancis played for dancing, and an elegant array of star arti6ts displayed their turns with marked effect. The proceedings terminated with a ball in the Town Hall. The following is a list of the prizes:— SECTION f.-COTTAGEWI-). Vegetables. Spring onions: 1. Mrs. Bixjcklev, Red House; 2, Edwd. Hayes, Holy- well-road. Aufi'.irrn onroii.s: 1. P. MeCorinie! School iiou.v:; 2, Thomas Roberta, CQrnist Cot- tages. Eschalots: 1, Thomae Jones Williams, Chapel-street; 2, James Brock ley, Red Houses. Turnips: 1, Thos. Roberts: 2, P. McCormick. Carrots: 1, Richard Thomas, Chester-street: 2, Wni. Bcavan, Coleshill. Parsnips: 1, Wm. Beavan 2, R. Thomas. Beet: 1, Wm. Beavan 2, John Lloyd, Earl-street. White kidney potatoes: 1, Edward Hayes, Holy well- road; 2, Wm. Beavan. White round potatoes: 1, James Brockiev; 2, W. Roberts, Marsh Cot- tage. Potatoes (any kind): 1, J. O. Jones, Oak- inholt: 2, T. J. Williams. White cabbages: 1, j W. Beavan; 2. Thomas Roberts, Cornist Cot- tagea Red cabbages: 1. Thoi. Upton, Duke- street; 2, Thomas Roberts. Peas: 1, Thomas Roberts; 2, Win. Beavan. French beans: 1, i Edward Hughes; 2, W. Roberts. Broad beans: 1. Richard Thomas: 2, Thomas Roberts. Cos; lettuce: 2. Edward Dean, Hill-street. Cabbage! lettuce: 1. Wm. lieavan; 2. James Brockley. Parley: 1, T. J. Williams; 2, Richard Thomas, Red celery: 1, Thomas Upton; 2, Richard Thorn an. White celery: 1, Thomas Upton; 2, James Brockley. Rhubarb: 1, Thomas Upton; 2, Edward Hayes. Leeks: 1, Wm. Beavan; 2, T. J. Williams. Collectioin of vegetables: 1, Wm. Beavan; 2 (equal), Thomas Roberts and T. J. Williams. Fruit. Cooking apples: 1, Evan Davies, Hill-street; 2, Be'tlis, Feather-street. Dessert applet*: 1, W. B. Foulkes, Rockliffe; 2. T. B. Bellis, M utn forth -.itreet. Pears: 1. W. B. Foulkes: 2, George Davi. Brook Cottage. Gooseberries: 1, W. Beavan: 2, T. B. Bellis. Black currants: 1, T. B. Belli*. Red currants: 1. '1'. B. Bellis. Flowers.—Bouquet of cut flowers: 1, James Brockley: 2, E. Hayes. Dahlias: 1. T. J. Morris, Eyton Terrace; 2, J. Brocklcv. China asters: 1, T. B. Bellis. Ten week stocks: 1. T. B. Bellis. Carnations or picotees: 1. T. B. Bellia; 2, W. Beavan. Sweet peas: 1, James Brockley; 2, George Davies. Pansies: 1, Edward Hayes. Pot plant: 1, W. Roberts: 2, J. Brockley. Table decoration: 1, Miss E. Jones, Feather-street; 2, Mrs. T. B. Be!lis. SECTION M. AMATEURS. Vegetables.—Spring onions: 1. T. W. Hughes, Coleshill; 2, C. J. Bishop, Crown Inn. Autumn oniorm: 1. C. J. Bishop; 2, T. W. Hughes. Eschalots: 1. Robert Williams: 2, John Hughes. Coach and Hor^v. Turnips: 1, T. W. Hughes; 2, Thomas Roberts, Cornist Cottages. Carrots: 1. T. W. Hughes; 2, K. Lombard. East-street. Parsnips: 1. Thos. Carr, Seafield; 2, C. E. Dyson. IVet: 1. C. J. Bishop; 2, K. Lombard. White kidney potatoes: 1. Ed. Williams. Cattle-street; 2, T. W. Hughes. White round potatoes: 1, Ed. Williams; 2, J. R. Alexander, Oakenholt. Potatoes (any kind): 1. C. E. Dvson; 2. E. Williams. White cabbage: 1. R. Williams: 2. E. Williams. Red cabbage: 1, R. Williams: 2. C. J. Bishop. Cauliflowers: 1, C. J. Bishop; 2, Thomas Carr. Peas: 1, Thomas Roberts; 2. T. W. Hughes. French beans: 1. K. Lombard; 2, C. J. Bishop. Broad beans: 1. C. J. Bishop; 2, Thomas Roberts. Cos Lettuce: 1, D. Dale, Manor Farm; 2, R. Jones. Bridge Side. Cabbage lettuce: 1. Thos. Carr; 2, R. Williams. Parsley: 1, C. J. Bishop; 2, D. Dale, Red celery: 1. D. Dale: 2, T. Carr. White celery: 1. D. Dale. Cucum- bers: 1, J. R. Alexander: 2. John Lloyd. Rhubarb: 1. Robert Williams: 2. John Lloyd. Salisbury-street. Leeks: 1. Thomas Carr: 2. D. Dale. Collection of vegetables: 1, T. W. Hughes; 2. J. R. Alexander. Fruit.—Tomatoes: 1. Thos Carr. Hardy fruit (thiec dishes): 1. T. W. Hughes; 2. D. Dale. Dessert apples: 1. T. W. Hugho.s; 2, D. Dale. Kitchen apples: 1, A. B. Lloyd Halkyn- street; 2, K. Lam bard. Dessert pears: 1, W. B. Foulkes; 2. D. Dale. Plums: 1, T. W. Hughes; 2, D. Dale. Gooseberries: 1. D.Dale; 2, T. W. Hug-bee. Black currants: 1. D. Dale. Red currants: 1, D. Dale. Flowois.—Table decoration: 1. Miss L. E. Hughes. Heathfield 2, M iss Woof. Stocks: 1, I J. R. Alexander; 2, C. E. Dyson. AEoteis: 1, T. Carr. Roses: 1. T. W. Hughes Sweet peas: 1. J. R. Alexander; 2. T. W. Hughes. Dahlias: 1. T. W. Hughes; 2. D. Dale. Car- nations or piootees: 1, C. J. Bishop Bouquet of cut flowers: 1, C. E Dyson. Pansies: 1. J. B. Denny. Four coleus: 1, T. W. Hughes. SECTION III.—Open. Collection of stove and greenhouse pa-rits: 1. F Woof, Chester-road; 2. '1'. Carr, Leafield Four stove ferns: 1. J. E. Bankes. K.C. Four coleus: 1, T. W. Hughes; 2, J. E. Bankes, K.C. Six out roses: 1, J. R Alexander. Her- baceous cut flowers: 2, E. G. Copley, Wcpre Villa. Connah's Quay. Basket of flowers: 1. J. E. Bankes, K.C.; 2, J. R. Freme, NN7epi, Hall. Cucumbers: 1, J. R. Freme; 2. J. E. Bankee. Tomatoes: 1, T. Carr; 2, J. R. Freme. Six tuberous-rooted begonias: 1, J. R. Freme. Carnations 1, J. E. Bankes, K.C. 2. E. G. Copley. Dahlias (cactus): 1. E. G. Copley; 2. J. E. Bankes. Dahlias (show or fanoy) 1, J. R. Freme. Sweet peas: 1. W. Brooks, Soughton; 2, J. E. Bankes. Six stove or greenhouse plants: 1, J. E. Bankee. SECTION IV.-School Children. Bouquet of wild flowers (prize given by C-apt. E. J. H. Williams): 1. Winnie Adams. R.C. School; 2. Maggie Griffiths, RC. School; 3, Florrie Lloyd, Haikyn-street; 4. Bertie John son. Nant. Collection of v?geiables, boys un- der 14 (given by bhe late Mayor of Flint): 1, John W. Hewitt, R.C. School; 2. Wm. Sher- ratt, R C. School; 3, Robt. Parry, R.C. SohooL CoLlection of 'hardy and half-hardy annuals, girls under 14 (given by the late Mayor of Flint) 1. Mary Bradley; 2, Maggie McCormick; 3, Maggie Griffiths SPECIAL PRIZES. Best kept and cropped vegetable garden (prize given by Major Dyson): 1, C. J. Bishop; 2. Edw. Hayes; special, Richard Thomas. Most prettily arranged and beet flower garden, under 912 rental (given by the. Town Clerk of Flint, Mr. T. W. Hughes): 1, Robert Jones; 2, FAw. Hayes. Best inside window garden, facing road, under JE12 (given by Dr. J. H. Wil- liams: 1, F. Woof; 2. A. J. Motbersoie. Hal- kyn-street. Climbing .plants on wall, trellis, etc. (given by the late Mayor of Flint): 1, J. R. i Alexander; 2, R. W. Bowen. Chester-street. Coitection of vf?ctabies (given by Messrs. McIIattie, Chester): 1. T. J. Williams. Beet back-yard flower garden (given by Mr. F. Woof! 1. H. Cartwright, Swan-street.

WREXHAM AND EAST DENBIGH- I SHIRE WATER COMPANY. The forty-seventh annual meeting of this company was held on Tuesday, at the offices of the company, Mr. J. AUington Hughes pre- siding. The report ane balance-sheet btatcd that fho large storage reservoir at Ty Mawr, the construction of which bad occupied the atten- tion of the directors for some years pa.st, had new beei so far completed as to permit the impounding of water to which the directors referred in their last report. Some forty millions of gallons were now stored in this reservoir, or one third the total capacity. With the additional atorage now provided, the total quantity of water to meet prospective requirements would be 170,000,000 gallons, as compared with 40,000,000 gallons hitherto available, an increase in the company's re- -ure,es which, the directors believed, would place them in a position to meet every con- tingency. The receipts upon revenue account for the year shewed an increase of JE40. 10. 6d. tipon the preceding year. The number of houises now supplied was 6,510. After pay- ment of the tisual charges, the dividend upon the preference stock, the ir.terim dividends at 6i per cent. per annum upon the consolidated stock, and E4. 115. per cent, per annum upon the ordinary stock for i h e half year ended December 31, 1906, and interest upon mort- gages 4,rid debenture stock for the year, a balance remaineel on nett revenue account of £ 7,204. 6s. 2d. The directors accordingly re- commended tho payment for the half-year of the preference dividend, and also divid-endsat the rate of 6! per cent, per annum upon the ccnsolidated stock, <.nd £ 4. lis. per cent. per annum upon the ordinary stock, all free of income tax The report and accounte were adopted, RUcl the sum of £ 200 was voted the directors for their sendees during the year under review. Mr. James Robertson Thomson, the retiring director, was re-elected, as al-o was Mr. John Bury to the pest of auditor.

For Black or Tan or Glace Boots or Shoes, for Athletic Shoes of all descriptions, for quality, for style, for reasonable prices, you cannot do better than-HowrLt's, Abbey Gateway. Fifty years good rpputatioa.

BIRKENHEAD'S NEW RECORDER. I ———— 4 APPOINTMENT OF MR. ELLIS GRIFFITH. Mr. Ellis J. Criflith has been appointed Re- corder of Birkenhead in succession to Mr. Clement Higgins, resigned. This appointment causes a vacancy in the representation of Anglesey, which constituency Mr. Griffith has irrpr'esc'nted in the Liberal interest since 1895. The new Recorder is one of the leading mem- bers of the North Wales Circuit, and has been a prominent member of tire Welsh Parliamen- tary party since his election for the Anglesey Division in 1895. Ho was boin 47 years ago in Anglasey, and was eduoated at the University Colloge of Wales and Downing College, Cam- bridge. being President of t.ho Union in 1886. A year later he was called to the Bar. In 1892 he embarkrd upon a politioal career by seeking to win the seat for the West T'oxteih Division of Liverpool. In this contest he was opposed by Mr. R. P. Houston, who proved victorious by an üvcrwhülming majority, securing 3,602 votes against 2.479 recorded for Mr. Griffith. Undaunted, he sought another opportunity of cv,onl,c,ring Parl iament, and he was deoted for Anglesey three years later. An ardent. LibClal, in Parliament Mr. Griffith has distinguiNhed himself by his (debating qualities. He associa- ted himself prominently with that section of the Liberal party of which Mr. Lloyd George has proved himself so determined a leader. In judicial circles Mr. Ellis Griffith, is held in the highest, esteem, and by the legal fraternity generally he will be wanjtly congratulated upon his preferment. Mr. Higgins, who has held the Recordorship of Birkenhead for a quarter of a ocnlury, had been unable to peiform the duties failing to the lot of the Recorder, owing to an illness which grew more serious as time went on. The visits of Mr. Higgins to Birkenhead were very rare owing to the cause indicated, and in his absence his duties have been under taken by Mr. E. A. Sykes. Th.? salary is L100 a year, and it is stated that Ihe itcw Recorder, not being disquaiined by the office for Parliamentary service, intends to offer himself for re-election.

I LLANGOLLEN SHEEPDOG TRIALS. —— Beautiful summer weather, an unusually large gathering of spectators, and a record entry for all the events combined to make the Vale of Llangollen sheepdog trials, held at Vivod on Friday, the most successful gathering in connection with the society. The judges were Messrs. J. W. Robinson, Crook lands, Milnthoipe. and T. Owen, Abergele. In the Cambrian Stakes, open to the world, for prizes of JB25 and Mr. G. H. Robertson's challenge cup. 27 entries were received. Afterl trials lasting from eight in the morning until the evening, Lady, worked by W. Akrigg, Gaisdale, Stdbergh, was placed first; J. Mason's (Cartson, Westmorland) Jack second; Thomas Dickenson's (Kirby Stephen) Swallow, winner of premier honours at Tring Park oil the pre- vious day, third; A. Middleton's (Casteron, Kirby Lonsdale) Toss fourth. The competition was exceptionally keen, and was followed with g-i-eat inieitets by the spectators, numbering 5.000. In the District Stakes, Thomas Jones, Glyn, was first for dogs with Fido, and Thomas Roberts, Llantysilio, second with Prince. For bitelies, R. E. Pugh, Pc-mredwr, was first with Juno, and W. Lloyd Roberts, Giyndyfrdwy, second with Lady.

I A CHESHIRE VILLAGE CLUB. On Friday afternoon, at a meeting of the Northwich Rural Council, it was reported that Lord Barrymore had given the site and is about to build a village club-house for the parish of Weaver ham, near Northwich. The building will cost £600, and will provide all kinds of recrea- tion. At the rear there will be a bowling green. The club will be vested in trustees and a nominal rent charged. The gift is greatly appreciated. d'

TO CORRESPONDENTS. The demands made upon our space by latest and important news often prevent our publishing letters to the Editor which reach us on publication days. Correspondents frequently would be spared this disappoint- ment if they would, when possible, send their letters earlier in the week.-(ED. C.O.")

CHESTER SOLDIERS' HOME. TO THE EDITOR. Sir,—Wall you allow me a short space in you'r columns to tender my thanks to the. peo- ple of Chester for their kindneos in helping me to start a Soldiers' Home? My reason for thits venture was that, when staying at the Lichfi,el,l Soldiers' Home, I met some of the men of the Cheshire Regiment, v. ho expressed a great wish for a Soldiers' Home at Chcewr., For though a. soldier may enjoy many advaint- ages at the Castle, such ae a coffee-bar, an A.J.R. room, a library and a gymnasium, yet ho Bitill longs for some kind of social life out- side the barrack walls. And although Chester is particularly fortunate in its numerorw in- stitutes, and in the interest which the clergy and niinr st.e \s of the different denomination" I take in the welfare of the young men of the city, still a young soldier coming into the town without introductions naturally longe for some plaoe where he can enjoy socral ad- vantages. The beautiful memorial in your Cathedral to the memory of those of the Cheshire Regi- ment who feU in the South African war shews mis what a dbep Coding of gratitude Dtåll reigns in the hearts of the people of Chester and the neighbourhood And I feel confident that this feeling will never die out, but will find further development, in the asoTBtance which will be given to support the Chester Soldiers' Home in Lower Bridge-street. I feel assured that if th<«e whose dust is now resting in a South African grave could speak for their comrades, they would plead far more eloquently than I can, that a Soldiers' Home might be supported fn Chester. The home, I hope, will be formally opened in October Meanwhile it is already being patronised1 by some of the. soldiers, and it will be a great satisfaction to me to explain the undertaking still further to anyone who has timo to call at the Soldiers' Home, Lower Bridge-street.—Believe me to remain, yoiim sinoerelv, THE SOLDIERS' FRIEND. The Soldiers' Home, Chester, Aug. 12, 1907.

INCE. -.rot EGG AND FLOWER SERVICE.-A n"? ? service, which was well attended, took pl» Ince Church on Sunday. After the service thO Vicar m?de an innovation by inviting tb? children to follow him to the churchyard tioi" their bunches of flowers which, at his so??'?? they reverently laid on the different gravos within. The e?s (a goodly number) were for- warded to Chester Infirmary.

Wm. Cotterall; 2, John Bell. Pods of Frcnch beans: 1. Wm. Cotterall. Pods of broad beans: 1, Jame* Willett; 2, Wm. Cotterall. Parsnips 1, Wm. Cotterall; 2, Arthur Turner. Sticks of rhubarb: 1, E. Fellows; 2, John Boll. Heads of lottuoo: 1, E. Ilaycs; 2, John Ball. White cabbages: 1. William Hug-bee; 2, E. H ayes. Red cabbages: 1, E. Hayes; 2, Edward Fellows. Beetroot: 1, John Bell; 2. Wm. Cotterall. Carrots: 1, Wm. Cotterall; 2, Arthur Taylor. Collection, cf vegetable* (four varieties): 1, Wm. Cotterall; 2, John Bell; 3, E. Ilayos. Cooking apples: 2, E. Hayed. Fuchsia: 1, Arthur Taylor. Fern in pot: 1, N. H. Davies; 2, Wm. Hughes. Plants in pot.s (any variety) 1, D. Thomas. Geranium: 1, James Hami-Icon. Fuchsia (in pet) 1, James Taylor, Ecnr. Dahhais: 2, William Hall. Cut aste.s;" 1, William lhll. Cutspikcs or stocks: 1, John Bell. Varieties of sweot poat3: 1, E. Hayes, 2, David Thomas. Cut rcecs: 1, John Fcxcroft; 2, 2, W. Bell; 3, John BeJI. Collection of cut flowers (in box, six varieties) 1, J. Hamilton 2, John Boll. Collection of flowers (three varieties) 1, John Boll; 2, James Hamilton. Hand bouquet of outdoor flowers: 1, Win. Cotterall; 2, John Hall; 3, John Foxcroft. Window plant in pot: 1. William Hughes; 2. Mis. Piper. Vark'ti-fcs of carn*icns: 1. Win. Hall. Bunches of annuals 1, John Bell. OPEN SECTION. Collection of fruit (four varieties): 1, J. Johnson Houghton (gardener, Wm. Astall); 2, W. K. Fornie (W. Piper) 3. J. S. Forgueon (D. Thomas). Dessert apple., 1, Mrs. T. Raithbone (F. Mowsley) 2, W. K. Ffcrnie. Cooking apples: 1, Mrs. T Rathbone; 2. W. K Fernie. Dessert pears: 1, W. K. Fernie; 2, Mrs. T. Rath bone. Plums (any variety) 1, Mra. T. Rathbone; 2, H. Garnett. Sticks of Rhubarb: 1, John Bell; 2, W. K. Fernie. Collection of vegetables (eight vai ieties): 1, e E- T. Bri-SI-ICIO (NN' Mis. T. Rathbone; 2, F. E. T. Brisooa (W. Felthouae); 3, W. K. Fernie. Cucumbers: 1, John Clarke (C. Pownall); 2, Mrs. T. Ra.th- bone. Cauliflowers: 1. H. Garnett; 2, Mrs. T. Ratnbotue. Vegetable marrows: 1, H. Garnett; 2 .George Healey. Bunches oi shallots: 1, F. E. T. Briscoe; 2, H. Garnett. Pods of scarlet runners 1. H. Garnett. Pods of peas: 1, W. K. Fernie; 2, Mrs. T. Rath- bone. Pods of French OOar: 1, H. Garnett; 2, Mrs. T. Rathbone. Pods of broad beans: 1, W. K. Fernie 2, J. B. Glynn (J. Mowsley). Tomatoes: 1, James Millington; 2, W. K. I'crnie. Heads of ce'ery 1, James. Hamilton 2, Mrs. T. Rathbone. White round potatoes: 1, II. Garnett; 2, Mrs. T. Rathbone and W. K. Fernie. Coloured round potatoes: 1. Mrs. T. Rath bono; 2, Il. Garnett. White kidney potatoes: 1, H. Garnett; 2, J. B. Glynn. Coloured kidney potatoes 1, H. Garnett. Spring onions: 1, W. K. Fernie; 2, J. John- tIOIl Houghton; 3, F. E. T. Briscoe. Looks; 1, Mm. T. Rathbone; 2, F. E. T. Briscoe. Cabbages (green) 1, George Healey; 2, H. Garnett. Red cabbage 1, George Healey 2, H. Garnett. Carrots: 1, II. Garnet; 2. Daniel Sillitce. Parsnips: 1. Mrs. T. Rath- lone; 2, J. B Glynn. Garden turnips: 1, W. K. Fornie; 2, J. B. Glynn. Swedo trunips: 1, H. Garnett. Mumgold wurzels: 1, H. Gar- nett. Mangold globe: 1, H. Garnett. Beet- root 2, H. Garnett and David- Tiiomas. Col- lection of cut flowers (twelve varieties) 1, R R. Anderson; 2, F. E. T. Briscoe. Cut ro-es (distinct varieties): 1, R. R. Anderson; 2, W. K. Fernie. Varieties of sweet peas: 1, James Millington 2, R. R. Anderson. Holly- hocks (four varieties) 1, J. B. Glynn and Mrs. T. R&th borne. Darlias (six varieties) 1, J. Clarke. Cactus dahlias: 1, Mm. T. Rathbone; 2. John Clarke. Pom-pom dahlias: 1, James Millington; 2, R. R. Andereon. Carnations: 1, R. R. Anderson; 2, James Millington. Hand bouquets: 1, James Millington; 2, John Clarke. Wild flowers: 1, Edith Aetill; 2, Majorie Taylor. Collection of wild flowers: 1. Geoffrey Astall; 2, Louitsa Beli. Ferns in 6in. pots: 1, J. S Ferguson; 2, W. K. Fernie. fern: 1, J. S. Ferguson. Foliage plants: 1. J. S. Ferguson 2, W. K. Fernie. Plants in bloom: 1, J. S. Ferguson; 2, J. Johnson Ilcxugbtan Gladioli: 1, John Clarke. Bunchcs of annuals (diatinet varieties) 1, John Clarke; 2, J. S. Ferguson; 3, R. R. Anderson. COTTAGERS' GARDENS AND ALLOT- I MENTS. Best kept allotment: 1, Arthur Taylor; 2, John Foxcroft; 3, Peter Rock. Best kept I cottage garden: 1, John Bell; 2. James Willett; 3, William Cotterall. ATHELETIC SPORTS. I Athletic sports were in progress during the afternoon, and keen racing was witnessed by a large crowd of spectators. The cycling events afforded some exciting and, fortunately (as they were not attended with serious consequences) amusing incidents. The flat races were weLt contested for the most part, but in the open tug of-war- the winners made quite a one-sided con- quest. The first tu--i-,Ie waa between Kemp's team (Seaforth) and J. Bibby's team (Birken- head), the former of whom easily won the first two pulls outright. The eame thing happened between Denny's team (Liverpool) and J. J. Grant's team (Birkenhead), but those who ex- pected from this coincidence that there would be a stiff content in the final found their antici- pations were not justified. Kemp's team (whose "tail" man was an absolute host in himself) defeated their opponents with apparent ease, and without the necessity of a deciding third pull. The last event was a donkey race, which caused much merriment. The winners went round the course in great style, but one rider, who was armed cap-a-pie as a resplendent jockey, cou'd not get his steed to go faster than a walking paoe until within a few yards of the winning post. Mr. W. Hulme Lever's donkey proved refractory, and threw him soon after (lie start, returning, riderless, whence it came. At the conclusion of the sports handeome prizes were distributed by Mr. W. Hulme Lever, on behalf of Mrs. William Heskcth Lever, who had been announced as having consented to hand them to the winners. The following were the results of the sports:— 80 yarda, for girls under 14.—1. G. Lloyd, Raby Mere (scratch) 2, Gertrude Lloyd, Raby Mere (3 yards); 3, A. Ankers, Thornton Hough (6 yards). 100 yards, for boys under 14.-1. F. L. Griffiths, Raby (11 ya); 2. D. Thomas, Thornton Hough (scratch); 3, W. H. Edwards, Thornton Hough (6 yards). 100 yards (local).-l. F. Price, Raby (8 yards); 2, P. Kelsey, Raby (6 yards); 3, W. Hughes, Thornton Hough (4 yarc6). Half-mile (open).-l, W. Wharton, Moreton (60 yarde); 2, F. H. P Info'd, Liscard (5 yards); 3, W. Gaskill, Tranmere (45 yards). Mile bicycle. handicap (local).-I, T. Hughes, Brimatage (70 yards); 2, T. Price, Raby (150 yarde); 3, S. Hayes, Raby (scratch). 100 yards (open).-He,at winners: H. Oxton (Neston) H. Grundy (Neston), H. Pinfold (LiD- card), G. W. Shaw (Liverpool), J. Hilton (Liver- pool), and J. Spencer (Warrington). Final: 1, H. Grundy. Ne6ton (11 yards); 2, J. Hilton, Liverpool (10 yard.") 3. J. Spencer, Warrington (6 yards). Tug-of-war (local).-l, Rev. T. Langford Burrows's team; 2. Thornton Hough Band. Tug-of-war (open).—1, Kemp's team (Sea- forth); 2, Denny's team (Liverpool). Mile handicap (open).—1. J. Devanev, Greasby (80 yards); 2, H. Waring. Frankby (80 yards); 3, W. W. Lowe. Liverpool (100 yarde). Three-legged race.-l. J. H. Daley and E. Faulkner; 2, F. Williamson and F. Price. Donkey race.-I, Tyson, Bebington; 2. Bart- ley, Neston. The Thornton Hough Brass Band enlivened the fleeting houra with bright selections of music, and refreshments were provided on the ground in a small marquee.