Cheshire Observer

I T C C mours Bashes and irritatlou? i?s!-ir;Uy relieved and speedily cured by hot baths with CUTICURA SOAP Cectle apphcaticns of CUTICURA Ointment, and .i ld doses oi CUTICURA RESOLVENT. Phee THE SI T, (?: or 80AP, le.;CTNTXBWT,29.6d.;Rsaol? VENT, 2a.6d. bn)d by ?M Chemi.t. t ilid b F NzwBEILY & Sons, London, JJ. C, FOITBS CORP., Props., BotUm, U.B.A. w The well known V vittaa l1i, z"z' i'nngg effffeecc]ttss of a e?p of strong Coffee can be 5 ?secured dh?ct!y by using Symington's$ 4 Edinburgh CofFte Essence. 76 0 76 !JVHOMAS JYORBTTR Y (Fellow of the Institute of Sanitary fcngineers), BEGISTER.T.r PLUM HER, GLAZIER, ANT> A THOi:iISEI> GASPITTBB, [ B 0 O.L h 26, C'» A H v- < STREET, HO OLE. TKLKPHONE 173. Any Or<i«ce lt>ft ».t. NOUITORY'S City Dining Booms. 10. F.r-of wU receive STerv attention. It SPLENDID SELECTION M XMAS AND ( Bm NEW YEAKS ?M? ? GIFTS. <<???? ?CHILDREN'S "A FROCKS  d PINAFORES, ioi;: Y: Æ COSTUMES and f '-? ???' t-?\_??? ? MILLINERY. M/ M$Y LADIES' FANCY .>.> r"" v,¡¡q' J IRVA ') V* APRONS, GLOVES, II V HANDKERCHIEFS, 1 I ? Y\ '?? MUFFS & FURS. ? ?' ?'.i ??SILE & LAC E LiTlKi$g A NECKWEAR. ) f, ) A choice assortment LADIES' FANCY  MOB CAPS 4 LACE MOB CAPS, ?\????' ? and OLD LADIES' :JJP" HALF CAPS. €. I). JONES, THE BABY LINEN STORES, 53, EOHEGATE STREET. FA As5 k k yoouur r Grocer for a bottle g | of SYMINGTON'S Edinburgh g Coffee Essence. You will like g it SS od?ld iin n every town. 8 75 0 oooooooooooooooooooooooooco THREE BOXRR FOR 28. 9D. ø:: 0 ??S???S?. ? 1 ■! ki Iwijli» 1 (THECERTAINOIREFOM I tTaALLRHEUMAnCArFECTtONS? •* 9 g !IIDNEY& LIVER DISORDERS A/ M I G \?\ ST)rFA ENLARCED JO(NTS /?/ FE I 10\ SCTOIFUFT? LUMBACO. SC)AT)CA /?/ G II Y?CLANDULARSWELUNC5/?/ I ,e\S IN COMPLAINTS y?y  V.SK/NC0MPLAINTS /Y•</ PY S 4&, 0 PIMPLESiq § ??0   ? S ( RKOISTKI>KD.) A MEDICINE THAT DOES NOT ACCPM A LATE IN THE SYSTEM. FOK SPRING AND AUTUMN, OR FOB GBNBRAL F&MILY USE. PROMOTES THE ACTION OF LIVER, AND PKEVENTS CONSTIPATION. FOB PAIN IN THE BACK, AND ALL RHKTTBIATIC AFFKCTIONB. DiultETIc. TONIC, DEPCKATIVE. IS NOT DIRECTLY APERIENT. THOROUGHLY EFFICACIOUS & SAFE. PSBPAUED ONLY BY FRANK H. WILLIAMS, Old Phconix Laboratory, 36, Brook-at., Chester <« liWIIMUU « K«*. OME OAY'S WORK .? A»1 nrannrr^-t • WATCH & CHAIN FOR ONE DAY'S WORK Boys and Gi,l, .an g,-t a NICKIU, A PLATED WATCH, ?)en a CHAIN and .<??M? ?B. CHAHM for MUicf 1? dozen pack?M of J f? Hf.UtXE at Fh-ept-nce etch. Send your M? — •JnS ?? full address, inchiding n?me of County, «K/^ iAiw by retutu z:W:- and :;Vtfo: "1:1: post aid, and ? large premium list. No mon^.y ?,ed an1íL ;Nl'c'xi.arr 1) 241, Olpay Road. West Norwood. London. B.B. 1 THE SAFEST MEDICINE FOR Bilious and Liver Complaints,* Indigestion, Wind, Spasms, Foul Breath, Nervous Depression, Loss of Appetite, Irritaliilii y, l assitude, Hyspepeia, Heartburn, Lowness of Spirits, Giddiness, &c. AS A GENERAL FAMILY APEEIENT MEDICINE DR. SCOTT'S PILLS ARP UN i QUALLED, BEING composed of the Finest Drugs that can be obtaiuen, are as mild and tonic in their action as tner are cnrtain in their curative effects. They give a healthy tone and vigour to the different secretions, causing the necegsary organs of the Stomach and Liver to re-umo their activity, thus restoring the appetite, pro- moting digestion, add strengthening the whole system. DR. SCoTT5S PILLS   by all Heads of Household to resort to on an sliC!ht occasion (,f ailing 9U the  of those under their -har,4e, as llv paying attention to 'he r 1011 ° f 4v lie o"-h. 'Liver, and Bowels many a severe i !,Iness is avoir"ed or ?ti?tted. They will be 'n < a!JeS !'v a sinKle dose to restore health to the wbodf y with a Lappy frame of mind. "uJ CniI'DRKN -? take them with safety, as they coutiun no ;?tercury. DR. SCOTrrs PILLS Are prepared qnly by W. LAMBERT, 173, SEYMOUR PLACE, LONDON, W. Do not be persuaded by anyone to buy any other Medicine instead hut iniat upon having the right thing, which is rapped in a pqtiaro green package. By post fur 14 or !J4 stamps.  r Have you tned SYM:?STCM'S 1 ?Edinbuc'?h Dandelion Go?ee Essei)C3?? 1 it is much used by persona of weak or j| feeble digestion. From all C;'cce"s. |? 0- c- #=,g -n_ gsssasasssassasasasssBsaa Healthy Homes, ? B —————— H BY REGULAR USE OF JFL CALVERT'S A pure soap, combined with the x| m strongest Disinfectant known, and its Is regular use for all ordinary household K| <M purposes will prevent Infectious and {A m Contagious Diseases. t K It washes readily with any water, H] m and no other soap is so effective in M m sweetening and whitening flannels, bei-linen, clothing and Towels. | g0- Refuse inferior imitations. ijnjj |s Sold in I20Z. and lib. bars by Chemists, m Grocers, Stores, &c. B Mustrated List of C.I,ert's C,bolic Preparations jjjjjj post free Qn avphcauon, W J nj i F. C. CALVERT & Co,, Manchester j ) Jangg^SESHSSSaBaSHSHSHScL'iaSS

VOICES WITH BELLS BETWEEN- 1900-1901. + I BY ALFRED MOORE. I Strange and ghostly sounds and voices Fill the wintry air to-night Voices near, and voices distant, Mark au epoch's rapid flight. Who are ye, that on the night-wind, Sound your measures weird and wild, Now in tone of trembling pilgrim, Now with voice of new-born child ? VOICE OF THE OLD YEAR :— Days three hundred five and sixty Mine have been, of joy and care; I, the Spirit of the Old Year, Bent my shoulders, white my hair. VOICE OF THE DYING CENTURY But a boy, though called an old man! He-whose voice has sounded deep- Till a twelvemonth since was lying In Time's womb enwrapped, asleep. I, indeed, am hoar aDd frosty, Footsteps tottering, doubled form Can you wonder? when I've breasted Just a hundred-winters' storm! Twice ten decades have I numbered, Years of growth and mystery- Now my feeble voice is sounding Death-wail of a century *?* MIDNIGHT, AND BILLS. Crash and olaujf! and crash and clanging Burst the belia, in joyous peal, Ring, a.rid clung, and clang, a-ringing, Mako each tower and steeple reel. Clash and clang-on I ring and clang-on! Gladsome is each brazen voice Cling and clang', and ring a-clanging, Bidding sons of men rejoice. Clash and clang-on, cling-on, ring-on, Wave to answering wave of sound; Riniz-on, sing-on and —at sinking- Echo symphonies around. VOICE OF THE NEW-BORN CENTURY I, but an Infant am; I, an unknown Child of Eternity Into Time thrown. What will my Future bring ? Ask you in vain! Peaceful, or strife-filled, or Pleasure, or pain P Hidden from mortal ken What I shall shew Yet, of a surety, there's This thou may'st know- —Sorrow and song, I bear, Labour and rest; Best using him who will Use me the best! Other voices, God-sent, glorious, Fill the air, as breaks the morn Angel voices, near, and distant, Heralding tne century born. 0 ye years, unknown unopened Crush the wrong, and speed the right; Man to brother-man draw closer And, for darkness, give God's Light New Year's Eve, 1900. A. M. I

FUEE CHURCHES. I Preachers for next Sunday in the various I Free Church places of worship:- _A I Congregataouai, Queen-street: iu.qo ana c).,w, Rev. D. Wynne Evans. Congregational, Upper Northgate-street: 10.46 and 6.30, Rev. F. Barnes, B.A. (Jon^reffational Welsh Chapel, Albion Park 10.45 and 6.0, Rev. Ivor Jones. Congregational, Great Boughton: 10.45 and 6.30, bupply. (Joi)gregational, Hand bridge: 10.45 and; 6.30, Rev. W. Jones. linnlieh Presbyterian, City-road s 10.30 and 6.30, Rev. D. Treborth Jones. Prenbytenan Cliur-iiaof England, Newgate-atreei: 11.0 and 6.30, Rev. J. Cairns Mitchell, B.D., F.E.A.S. baptist, Grosvenor Park: 10.45 and 6.30, Supply. Baptist, Milton-atreet t 10.46 and 6.30, Supply. Baptist Mission Hall, Hoole 10.45 and 6.30. Welfh iiaptist, Peuri Memorial: 10.30 and 6.0, Rev. J. Nicholas. Baptist, Hamilton-place 10.45 and 6.30. Wesieyau JWethodist, St. John-street 10.30, Rev. A. W. Ward, B.A. 6.30, Rev. J. B. Jones. vVesleyau Methodist. Oity-road: 10.30, Rev. J. B. Jones 6.30, Rev. W. S. Hackett. YVaMoyaii Methodist, Garden-lane: 11.0, Rev. W. S. Hackett; 6.30, Mr. Mellor. Welsh Weeleyan, Queen-street: 10.30 and 6.0, Rev. J. Wesley Hughes. Welsh Oalviuistio Methodist, St. John-street: 10.30 and 6.0, Rev. J. Piyce Davies. Primitive Methodist, George-street: 10.45 and 6.30, Rev. J. Travis. Primitive Methodist, Hunter-street: 10.45 and 6.30, Rev. J. A. Cheeseman. Primitive Methodist, Boughton 10.45, Mr. Ellis 6.30, Mr. E. Green. Methodist New Connexion, Pepper-street: 10.45 and 6.30, Rev. E. L. Perry. Church of Christ, Northgate-street •• 10.45 and 6.30, Pastor M. A. Collins. Unitarian, Matthew Henry's: 11.0 and 6.30, Rev. H. E. Haycock. Unsectarian Mission Church, Hoole: 6.30. Boatman's Mission Hall, Victoria-place 6.30, Society of Friends, Frodshain-street: 11.0. Waverton Presbyterian 10.45 and 6.30, Rev. D. Manuel, M.A.

MARKETS. I SALFORD CATTLE. TUESDAY.— At market: Cattle, 2,658. fair demand: sheep, 5,894, choice light weights scarce; calves, 112, trade good for best quality. Quotations: Cattle 5d. to 6 £ d., sheep 6d. to 8id., calves 6d. to Bid. per lb. LIVERPOOL CATTLE, MONDAY.—There was a much larger supply of cattle in market to-day than on Monday Jast, but smaller than the corres- ponding market of last season. Trade brisk for all classes at prices in favour of sellers, a good clearance being effected. Sheep also larger in numbers. Prices rather better for all descriptions. Prices: -Beef, 6fd. to 5d.; mutton, 8d. to 5id. per lb. MANCHESTER HAY AND STRAW, MONDAY.— Hay, 4Jd. to 5d. clover, 5!d. to 6id.; straw, oat, 3d. to 3d. per stone of 141b. BRADFORD WOOL, MONDAY.—Although the attendance on 'Change to-day was affected by the holidays, the better tone of a week ago was main- tained, and merino and fine crossbred tops could only be bought at latest rate, at which figure there was a slightly improved consumption. Lower class crossbreds remain steady. Tn the yarn and piece trade there will not be much moving -till the new year. CHESTER CATTLE, THURSDAY.—This market was quite of a holiday character on Thursday, both supply and demand being of the smallest. The business done was almost nil and scarcely sufficient to.test quotations. OUKSHIRB BUTTER AND EGG, FRIDAY.— Homo dairy butter and new-laid eggs at more favourable quotations. Satisfactory demand. Latest prices :—Stockport (Friday): Butter, lB. 3d. and 1a. 4d. per lb.; eggs, 6 and 7 for la. Altrino- ham (Tuesday): Butter, Is. 4d. per lb.; eggs, 6 and 7 for Is. Macclesfield (Tuesday): Butter, Is. 2d. and la. 3d. per lb.; eggs, 7 for Is. Crewe (Friday): Butter, Is. 3d. per lb. eggs, 8 for Is. Sandbach (Thursday) Butter, Is. 4d. per lb.; eggs, 8 for Is. Congleton Butter, Is. 4d. per lb.; eggs, 7 and 8 for is. Northwich: Butter, Is. 3d. per lb.; eggs, 7 and 8 for ls. Nantwich Butter, Is. 3d. per lb.; eggs, 8 for Is. Knutsford Butter, Is. 3d. per lb.; eggs, 7 and 8 for Is. Runoorn: Butter, Is. 3d. and Is. 4d. per lb. eggs, 7 for Is. Chester: Butter, Is. 2d. and Is. 3d. per lb. eggø, 8 for Is. CHESTER EGG AND POULTRY, SATURDAY.— Prices at this market were :—Butter, Is. 2d. and Is. 3d. per lb.; eggs, 8 for Is.; chickens, 2s. 3d. to 3s. each; ducks, 3s. to 3s. 6d. each; geese, 9d. and lOd. per Ib turkeys, lOd. and la. per lb.; pheaf, IT. -J 6d, to 66. P H~T.ee partridges, 4s. to 4s. -1, to 5s. each; rabbits, Is. to each 3d. each. CH: cop, BDAY. There is no cli -mgo to i;. he value of wheat. Very ittltt trade uo»j' h> this week, and prices remain generally as on i Saturday for all articles. AmericHi. maisce is K%U. •, ower. Foreign wheat steady. Quotations: — NBW. OL&. B. s. v. a. D. a. D. WhM.t.whito. per -Zl 1- iB0 D0 t.80* D(). Wh, ?r. red 75?.10—4 0> 0 0 -0 0 M?.n? KM-tcy. bC'ib. 0 0 0 0 u u Grij.uiKg ilo. ?'??' 0 —0 i?l0 ') -0 '? Oatf .?3— ?6?6—39 I Koanv. „ i 6 — 4 8; 5 3 0 o B:uir«, Kgyptniii < 1 0 0 — 0 0 intil.;) lAd. i. ) 0.- 0 dill 3—116

Tih. Ai;AS i ANi) VOLUNTEERS. PhiZ SHOOTING AT MOLD. Volunteer Battalion, Mold, as-tmMwd at the Armoury on Tuesday for the pu» ]>•■>*« of opening the NtHV Year with a p.izi-) jiittoh with the MorriB tuht., Obewmlit-i-'un bmng seven shots standing ana bl¡,t\ kti«-<r-.nng, bull's eye two inch, distance 50 jaidn I'he chief scores were as follow CupCompetition (standing): Sergt.- Instructor Whybrow, 32; Private Parkinson, 31; Corporal Giiffifhs, 29; Private Welch, 28; Sergeant Davies, 27; Col.-Sergeant James, 26; Sergeant Last, 26 a poon competition (kneel- ing): Sergt.-Instractor Whybrow, 34; Private Parkinson, 33; Private Welch, 32; Ccl.-Sergt. James, 31; Sez-gt. Davies, 30; Sergt. Last, 29. Hon. members' competition (seven rounds kneeling): Mr Bell (late colour-sergeant), 35; Mr. Kay, 33; Mr. Lewis, 30; Mr. Morgan, 30; Mr. Jones, 28.

It was announced in Friday night's London Gazette" that Capt, W. Bromley-Davenport has been appointed second in command of the 4th Battalion of the Imperial Yeomanry with the temporary rank of major in the Army. PROMOTION IN THE CHESHIRES. Friday night's "Gazette" contained the following: -The Cheshire Regiment: Sec.-Lieutenant J. A. Busfeild to be lieutenant, vice C. G. Porcher, promoted; Private R. Sleight, from Queensland Mounted Infantry (nominated by the Governor of Queensland), to be second- lieutenant, in succession to Lieutenant C. G. E. Hughes, seconded; Lieutenant A. F. de Trafford, from 3rd South Staffordshire Regiment, to be second-lieutenant, vice J. A. Busfeild. NORTH w BSTEBN .uiBTitiux auiiiuni OFFICERS. Chester M.-General L. V. Swaine, C.C., C.M.G. Aide-de-camp, Major A. Fuller- Acland-Hood, Rifle brigade. Chief staff officer. Colonel E. R. Courteuay. Deputy Assistant Adjutant General (" a "): Acting-Captain K. C. Wright. Deputy Assistant Adjutant General ("b"): Acting-Colonel T. H. Winter. Deputy Instructor in Musketry Captain A. E. Evans- Lombe. Officer Commanding Royal Artillery: Lieut.-Colonel F. M. Bland Staff Captain Royal Artillery Major W. G. Phillimore. Commanding Rdyal Engineers (Colonel on the Staff): Colonel J. W. Savage. Commanding Ordnance Officer: Lieut.-Colonel Parkinson. District Paymaster Colonel H. M. Compigne. Principal Medical Officer Lieut. Colonel R. C. Gunning. Recruit- ing Staff Officers: I;ieut.-Colonel Leatham (Man- chester), Major L. Nicol (Birmingham), and Capt. Strachan (Liverpool). 2ND (EARL OF (JHESTKR S) VOLUNTEER BAT- TALION CHESHIRE REGIMENT.—Headquarters, Chester, Jan. 2nd, 1901. Regimental orders by Lieut.-Colonel T. J. Smith, V.D., commanding, for week ending Saturday, 12th Jan., 1901. 1. Parades Recruits drill, Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, 7.30 p.m., Bearer Company. Monday, 7.30 p.m., St. Michael's Hall, Voiunteer-street. Saltney recruits, Tuesday and Thursday, 7.30 p.m. 2. Musketry Instruction: Lecture on Wednesday next, 9th inst., in the Orderly Room, at 6.15 p.m. Subaltern officers are requested to attend. 3. Pro- ficiency Certificates: The undermentioned N.C. officers having passed the qualifying examination for promotion to sergeant, have been granted certificates of proficiencyHeadquarter Com- panies Lance-Sergeant F. A. Crosby, Corporals J. Woodcock, J. K H. Jankinson, J. H. E. Bennett, C. W. Bennett, and E. Currivan. Saltney Company Provisional Sergeants W. H. Lewis, J. Willetts, and C. Price; Lance-Sergeant H. Ellis, I and Corporal A Evans. Detail: Orderly Officer for the week, Captain C. E. Bromley Battalion Orderly Sergeant, Lance-Sergeant J. Jackson; Company Orderly Sergeants-A, Lance-Sergeant F. A. Crosby: B, Lance-Sergt. W. Wright; C, Colour-Sergt. W. Peel: D, Sergt. J. H. Williams E, Sergeant W. H. Sconce. Orderly Bugler, D Company.—By order (signed), D. B. THOMAS, Captain, Adjutant 2nd Volunteer Battalion Cheshire Regiment.

ONE OF THE "DIE-HARDS." I A SEQUEL TO INDIA AND THE ZULU WAR I There are many famous regiments with equally famous nick-names, and of the latter, none is perhaps more famous than the "Die- hards," the 1st Battalion Middlesex Regiment (the old 57th), which won its name at the battle of Albuera. A reporter (according to the Warrington Examiner") recently had a conversation with an old Die-bard," Mr. M. Shaughnessy, living at 8, Milner-street, Warrington, and emp)oyed in the town at the large works of the St. Helens Cable Company, Limited. He is a sturdily-built man of medium height, with hair just tinged with grey, and an expression at once genial and prepossessing. To look at him no one would think he had a record of thirty- one years' service in the army, but such is the case, and he finished up as colour-sergeant in the Die-hards," having served in India, and fought through the Zulu war in South Africa, where he was stricken down with the dreaded enteric fever, which ruined his digestion. lIfr. M. Shaughnessy. I (From a photograph by Parkinson, Warrington.) I I was down four months there," said be' "and had two months more of it at Netley Hospital when I came home. I blame my ill- ness for the horrible pains I have suffered since. The doctors told me it was acute indigestion and spasms, and that I must be very careful. I tried all kinds of medicines and spent pounds, but until recently I dared not eat meat or drink tea. About two months ago I read about the cures effected by Dr. Williams' pink pills for pale people, and immediately got a box from the company in London. The pills did me good at once, and I have taken them ever since. Just before I began to take them I had had a seizure, which came on like lightning, at the office here, and everyone thought I was going to die on the spot. But now I feel ever so much better, and can take both meat and potatoes. The pills are a wonder and no mistake." Do you know of anyone else who has benefited by taking them ? My wife," said Mr. Shaughnessy. has been taking them for indigestion lately, and they have done her good too. I have never had any medicine which has done me so much good as these pills." Many people think that indigestion can be cured by purgatives. It cannot. A purgative simply sets up a new ailment, which we should call diarrhoea, and take medicine for, if we had not brought it upon ourselves by our own fool- ishness. Indigestion, and a number of other diseases—bile, rheumatism, paralysis, St. Vitus' dance, bronchitis, anaemia, consumption, and ladies' characteristic ailments have been cured by Dr. Williams' pink pills, price two and nine- pence from chemists or stores, or post free at same price from Dr. Williams' medicine com- pany, Holborn Viaduct, London. If purchased at a shop, it is necessary to make sure that the wrapper bears the full name, Dr. Williams' pink pills for pale people; these words, if they are all there, are a safeguard against sub- stitution.

NANTWICH. I FUNERAL OF MISS DOWNES.-The funeral of Miss Downes, whose death occurred on the 23rd ult., took place at Acton, on Friday. The chief mourner was Mr. William W. Downes. Illness caused Mr. Downes to be unable to leave his room. The Rev. B. N. Cherry (of Brickendon, co. Herts, and Rector of Clipsbam, Rutlandshire), and the Rev. C. E. Jackson (Rector of Nantwich) officiated at the service. Wreaths were sent by Miss F. L. Downes, Mr. William W. Downes, Major Villiers Downes (59th Foot) and Mrs. Villiers Downes (of Aspley House, co. Beds), Mr. and Mrs. Burke Wood (Moreton Hall, Chirk), Mr. and Mrs. Evans-Jackson, Miss Evans-Jackson, the Rev. W. A. and Mrs. Stevenson (Nantwich), Mr. and Mrs. Cramer-Roberts, Surgeon-Major Hale, V.C., and Mrs. Hale, Mrs. Meaking (London), Mrs. Johnson, Mrs. Hesketh, Old Servants. The hearse and funeral carriages were followed by the carriages of Miss Downes (closed), Mrs. Bennett (The Woodlands), and the Rev. W. A. Stevenson. Miss Downes retained even to the last much of her remark- able beauty.

A vivid description of the race for the Chester Cup is the leading feature of our new serial tale which commences in this issue of the Observer." The author of "A Dead Certainty" is Mr. Nat Gould. who has won a lasting reputation as a writer of exciting sporting novels of a healthy type. The story opens in North Wales and culminates in some thrilling incidents of the Cup race. VALUABLE DISCOVERY FOR THE HAIR.-If your hair is turning grey or white or falling off use the MEXICAN HAIR RENEWER, for it will positively restore, in every case, greyer white hair to its original oolour. It makes the hair charmingly beautiful, as well as promoting the growth. Price 3s. 6d. per bottle.

I N'VS uf e i. WuriLU. From the commencement of the New Year Greenwich time has been adopted officially throughout Spain, the hours being numbered 0110 to twenty-four. Higimees UJM Duke c?t Y.)rk Lht- been o r)ti;k t ftofei Atuuira; n the British LNavy. Mr. Punch (to Lord Roberts): "Weil done, indeed, sir! You have had a tough job in South Africa; but Heaven help you when you get into the War Office!" Major Cuignet has been acquitted by a Frenqh military court of the charge of breach of discip- line, but has been sentenced by the Minister of War to sixty days' detention in a fortress. Five railway porters employed at Rugby Station were each sentenced at the Warwick Quarter Sessions, on Tuesday, to three years' penal ser- vitude for stealing goods valued at JB200 while they were in course of transit. An old lady named Mrs. Elizabeth Wilmot, of Kirkby, Laythorpe, Seaford, on Tuesday celebrated her hundred and first birthday, and there is also living at Moulton Chapel, near Spalding, Mrs. Ann Kingston, who is in her hundred and second year. During the momentary absence of the wife of a Birmingham tobacconist named Smith, a sum of JE205 was stolen from the shop. The money was being tied up to be sent to the bank, and the woman had gone into an adjoining room for a piece of string. The premises of Mr. Richards, jeweller, Wex- ford, were broken into on New Year's Eve, and property to the value of L4,000 stolen. A man has been arrested, with most of the valuables in his possession, and he is believed to be a member of a gang of burglars who are "working" Dublin. General Sir Andrew Clarke, Agent-General for Victoria, has received a telegraphic despatch from his Government to the effect that the Inland Penny Postage Act has passed, and that it will come into force in the Colony on the 1st of April next. Tuesday night's "Gazette" contained the an- nouncement of the Queen's intention to confer the Victoria Cross on Brevet Major Halliday, of the Royal Marine Light Infantry, and Mr. B. J. D. Guy, midshipman of her Majesty's ship Barfleur, for distinguished services in China. The Queen's New Year gifts were presented on Tuesday to the poor of New Windsor, Holy Trinity and Ciewer. The royal alms,which consisted of meat and coal, were allotted among nine hundred and fourteen recipients. The Royal bounty amounted in value to about JB200. Her Majesty also gave £100 to the Royal Clothing Club. Col. the Hon. W. Le Poer Trench, speaking at a meeting of the Rural District Council at Slough, on Tuesday, said he had employed a lady water diviner, who had found two or three lots of water on his estate. He intimated that he could recom- mend her to property-owners who had a difficulty in finding water. An alarming accident occurred on Tuesday on the Dudley Electric Tramway. A car while going at full speed down a steep gradient left the metals, swerved round, struck and broke a pole, knocked down part of a wall, and was only prevented from toppling over by coiiiing against another pole. The car was crowded with passengers, of whom five were injured. The overhead wires were brought down, and the traffic suspended for some hours. The attention of her Majesty having been drawn to the case of a labouring man .named John Carter, living at East Garston, in South Berk- shire, who has six sons in the Army, Sir Fleet- wood Edwards has forwarded £ 3 to Mr. Mount, the member for that division, to hand to Carter: "As a mark of the Queen's appreciation of this interesting record in the hope that it may be of some temporary assistance to him." Peter Regan, a notorious "organiser" of the United Irish League in county Mayo, was ar- rested on Tuesday in Ballinrobe for the non- payment of the fine of JS55 which was imposed upon him some time ago by the Ballinrobe magis- trates, with the alternative of 22 months' im- prisonment with hard labour, for sitting as chair- man of the Ballinrobe District Council after he had been disqualified. He was taken to Castlebar Gaol. The Examinations Board of the National Union of Teachers have had under consideration the re- cent modifications and simplifications authorised by the French Minister of Education, and have decided that, at all examinations conducted by the Board, candidates will be permitted to answer in accordance with the new provisions. It is hoped that the abolition of many archaic usages and illogical exceptions, which proved stumbling blocks to foreigners, will have the effect of stimu- lating the study of the language, especially in commercial and continuation schools. James Bergin, who was executed last week, at Liverpool, for the murder of his sweetheart, left a final request that a wreath should be placed on his victim's grave. It was to bear the following inscription, which he penned the day before his execution: -"This wreath is from Jim Bergin to his dear sweetheart Maggie Morrison, whom to live without he could not do. So he offered up not only her life, but also his own, at the shrine of the Goddess of Love. God is Love, therefore Love is God, who any waters cannot quench nor death destroy. Amen." The Incorporated Society of Musicians on Tues- day opened its annual conference at Llandudno. Dr. E. Prout, of Dublin University, who presided, read a paper on the proper balance of chorus and orchestra, in which he denounced the modern practice at great festivals of swamping the in- struments with a huge chorus. This, he said, was done to pander to the public taste for sen- sationalism, and he thought the remedy was to limit the size of the chorus for all works given with orchestral accompaniment.—Mr. J. M. Rogan, bandmaster of the Coldstream Guards, read an interesting paper on martial music and military bands.—It was decided to hold next year's conference in London. At Marlborough-street Police Court, on Tues- day, when the assistant gaoler Scott called out "Ernest Cole," a person looking like a well- dressed woman stepped into the dock and gravely faced Mr. Denman, the presiding magistrate. No one would have imagined that the prisoner, who was attired in a black fur-trimmed winter mantle, large black feathered hat and veil, and carried a muff and neat hand-bag, was a man. It was alleged that the prisoner was a suspected person loitering in Oxford-street presumably for the pur- pose of committing a felony. Detective Gittens, D Division, deposed that while in company with Detective Dyer, he saw the prisoner in Oxford- street on Monday evening. The prisoner was be- having like a disorderly female. He went up to the prisoner, and told him that he believed him to be a man. The prisoner endeavoured to escape by jumping on to an omnibus. He was, however, caught and taken into custody. Mr. Denman re- manded the prisoner for inquiries, as it was men- tioned that it was believed he had been previously convicted. With the current number of "Punch," the familiar pencil of Sir John Tenniel disappears from its pages. The famous cartoonist is eighty years of age, and for half a century his classic outlines have been a great artistic possession. During the greater part of that time he has occu- pied a position, as humorist and historian, which no other artist save John Leech has ever ap- proached. His work has lain in a splendid period, and his unequalled opportunities have been used with astonishing vigour and resource. The contemporary political history of the world has been his main theme, and there is hardly an event of real moment, affecting either the wel- fare of his own country or the destinies of others, to which his pencil has not alluded. In the treat- ment alike of great matters and of some intimate personal peculiarity, like Disraeli's curl or Mr. Gladstone's collars, he has been equally happy, and his work has been invariably free from any trace of the "cheap" or the vulgar. Much that he has done has become historic, such, for in- stance, as the "Dropping the Pilot," the German Emperor's dismissal of Bismarck, and the "Pas de Deux" of Lord Beaconsfield and Lord Salis- bury at the period of the Berlin Conference. The firmness and dignity of Sir John Tenniel's artistic style, his happy characterisation, and graceful touch, formed a combination which we can hardly hope to see matched yet awhile. Such work, stamped with genius as it was, must ever be rare indeed.

HESWALL. I DRAMATIC PERFORMANCES.—Two enjoy- able dramatic performances were given in the schoolroom on Wednesday and Thursday evenings, for the purpose of starting a fund for the pro- posed Heswall Company of the Church La' ds" Brigade. The performances were of the charming little plays "Which is Which?" and "Who's to win Him?" The following ladies and gentlemen took parts:—Miss C. Leadley Brown, Miss Meadows Frost, Miss M. C. Hubback, Miss E. C. Hubbaok, Miss J. C. Hubback, Mr. C. Leadley Brown, Mr. E. F. Meadows Frost, Mr. G. Meadows Frost, Mr. J. Austin Hubback and Mr. W. Hubback. The different characters were very cleverly imper- sonated. The dresses were marvels of ingenuity and artistic design, and the frequent outbursts of applause were fully merited. During the even- ing selections of music were given by Mr. Hudston. VOLUNTEER PRIZE DISTRIBUTION.— The annual distribution took place on New Year's Day in the schoolroom. The prizes were dis- tributed by the Rev. P. H. May. The following were the prize-winners and the scores -Colour- Sergt. J. Tarbuck, 41; Private C, Lancelotte, 40; Sergt. R. Hambleton, 40; Sergt. J. Caldow, 39; Corpl. W. Clarke, 38; Corpl. J. Law, 38; Corpl. J. Lightfoot, 37; Private D. Grice, 37; Private T. Roberts, 36; Private J. Smith, 36; Private F. Dale, 36; Corpl. T. Rathbone, 36-; Private E. Stacey, 36; Sergt. H. Swift, 36; Private H. Jackson, 35; Private R. Banks, 35; Private J. Gardner, 35; Private E. Caldow, 34; Private E. Griffiths, 34; Private W. Jackson, 34; Private J. Chaloner, 34; Private E. Hough, 34; Private J. Jackson, 34; Private E. Law, 34; Corpl. T. Barlow, 33; Private W. Griffiths, 33; Private H. Davies, 33; Private E. Rutter, 33; Private J. Randies, 33; Private C. Brierley, 32; Private W. Brierley, 31; Private J. Ellis, 31; Private H. Rutter, 31; Private W. Barlow, 31; Private G. Collin, 28; Lance-Sergt. S. Ellis, 28; Private A. Caldow, 28; Private G. Chamberlain, 28; Private S. Maxwell, 28; Private J. Buckley, 28.

UMBRELLAS RE-COVICRHD and RityiNisHED equal to new. Ladies' or Gent's, with the noted B F M Silk, 3/6 each, and at all prices from 1/11 to 12/6 — BRADLEY'S Foracate-street. Chester. TIME TRIES ALL. For over 50 years Hewitt's Boots have stood the test of time, and are still I unsurpassed snd unequalled. Abbey Gateway and next to Music Hall. To MOTHERS.—Mrs. Winslow's Soothine Syrup has beea used over fifty years by millions of mothere for their children while teething with perfect success. It will relieve the poor sufferer immediately. It ie pleasant to taste it produces natural quiet sleep, by rt the child from pain, and the little cberr.1: i. up bright a button." Of all Obeiu.it!is, m. Isd. bctis*

".> r. "W' I YOU WILL BE WISE IF YOU I BEAR IN MIND THAT I CHARLES FORDE'S I BfLE BEANS FOR BILIOUSNESS I ABSOLUTELY CURE I ALL LIVER & KIDNEY AILMENTS. I HERE IS PROOF POSITIVE. H Mrs. Holdsworth, of Easy Terrace, Richmond Hill, Leeds, has had an experience, which, fortunately, ■ few mortals are called upon to endure. For a period of between five and six years she has bc-on I struggling under ill-health, and never completely out of the hands of the medical practitioner. ■ H How long she could have continued her programme it is impossible to say, but she at last stumbled ■ across a remedy so eminently simple, cheap and efficacious that she had persistently ignored it for more complex, and for more costly curatives, which in the end ■ proved not to be remedies at all. At the present time she is H better than she has been before for years. It came about in this I I ? .? -—  "? ?-?? way. About six years ago she began to suffer from nervous ????\ ? ??? \V debility, and gradually grew worse until she could not hold a plate ??,??'?t M?u????\ in her hand, and could not stand to wash one. At last when she I  ? 6/ ? ?'?jM? /\)?*A*'? ??s so bad that she coul d not stand, and was in momentary fear was so bad that she could not stand, and was in momentary fear ■ <  r' t '!? of a stroke, a doctor was called in, and prophesied a long and ■ jfs\ 1 R ■ i « a stro^e> a doctor was called in, and prophesied a long and i ? severe illness. And so it proved. Her daughters had to take I I mV J ? A I charge of all the housework, as she was absolutely unable to stir  't?L??=L ? <!? \??????????? ? a band in that direction. "I could not lift a pan or a kettle I '> from the fire," she says, "or hold anything if I had been paid H H ever so much for doing it." Then several other ailments began to appear. 'I'o use her own words :—" I began to have pains in my ? j?????) ? ???''<???t N head, dizziness, and such queer sensations. If I walked a yard I ■ I I j????j?' ?m had to cling hold of something, for I felt as if I was falling. I ? ?r ? Indigestion troubled me fearfully, and my food gave me terrible pain. I got into a shocking state. This went on for five years, ?????????.=??'??'? ?/ and you can imagine what I was reduced to. One day a neighbour ???????? —'? ?* recommended me to try some beans, which she had been taking, —' and which bad done her good. I got some, and it really seemed ■   5 ?? ? < -ia if they went straight to the place. The first box cured me of H ? dizziness, and then I began to have no more pain after meals. By ■ degrees the indigestion left me altogether, and then I gradually got ■ stronger. They called the medicine Charles Forde's Bile Beans,' and by taking these I have reaped ■ more good during the past six months than I did from all the medicine I took in the six years ■ before. I am now better than I have been for years, and what is best, I can do my work. They ■ are certainly a fine medicine, and I don't mind you stating my case as an example of what they ■ caa;;cure." an,, -k -<;I'.>' :), ????s?URE" )! AJ: Bile Beans have been found an un?ou?'?MCt cure for Headache, Influenza, §|ji Costivenen, Piles, Liver Trouble, Bad Breath, Rbpumatism, Liver Chill, S1g1l1 Indigestion, Dizziness. Buzzing in the Head, Fulness after Eating, Constipation, Lack of Ambition, Debility, A næmia, Female Ailments'PitBpIes, and ahostof other ?i ailments that owe their origin to defective bile flow, assimilation, and dige8tion. |$l Bile Beans are obtainable of all Chemists, or Post Free from THE BILE M BEAN MANUFACTURING CO., 119 and 120, London Wall, London, E.C., on $.8 receipt of price l/q. and 2/9 large box, containing three times small size; three large boxes 7/6, or six for 14/- FREE SAMPLE.—The Proprietors have so much faith in the efficacy of their remedy that they are willing to forward a free sample to anyone sending f'f their name and address to the London Office; the only conditions are that a ï:4 penny stamp is enclosed to pay packing and postage, and the name of this paper mentioned. s- j itt:JI1; ;}{?:f:)'.){;;

l SHOCKLACH. THE GALE.—On Thursday night and Friday a terrific gale visited this and the surrounding neighbourhood, accompanied by a very heavy rain. The Dee overflowed its banks, and the meadows present one large sheet of water. It is one of the largest floods ever witnessed. Fortunately no serious damage is reported. SEASONABLE GIFT.—Daring the past week Miss Howard, of Broughton Hall, has dis- tributed among the deserving poor a pair of blankets at their respective homes. This, with many other acts of charity administered by the family, is an (instance of their untiring energy and thoughtfulness to bring comfort and "good cheer" to those who are in need.

MOLD. I PEITY SESSIONS.—At the Mold fortnightly sessions on Monday, Mr. Henry Lloyd Jones presiding, two brothers, named George and Thomas O'Neil, were charged by Alfred Mayers, an elderly man, with assaulting him on the 19th December. The Bench fined George (against whom there was a long record) 20s., and Thomas 10s., the costs to be divided between the two defendants. The Chairman expressed a hope that with the lapse of the old century the appearance of the defendants in that court would cease.—Peter Davies, collier, Garden-place, Mold, was charged with fighting in King-street, Mold, on the night of Saturday, 22nd December. He was bound over to keep the peace and ordered to pay the costs.

NORLEY. PENNY READINGS.—On Saturday evening the second of a series of Penny Readings took place in the TEmperance Hail. Mr. John Newall presided, and gave an interesting sketch of his life among the drinkers. He urged all to sign the temperance pledge. A number of songs, readings, and duets were contributed, and much appreciated. PRIMITIVE METHODIST SUNDAY SCHOOL.—On New Year's Day the usual tea meeting was attended by teachers, singers, scholars, and friends in the chapel. A public meeting was held in the chapel when songs, recitations, and duets were given by the children and friends. The Rev. A. H. Kynaston presided, and referred to the commencement of the new century. Mr. W. Dutton gave an address, and the Chairman distributed; the rewards for the year.

FRODSHAM. VOLUNTEER DANCE.—On Thursday night a dance, under the auspices of the Frodsham Volunteer Corps, took place in the new Drill Hall, the proceeds of which were in aid of the funds for purchasing new instruments for the Volunteer band. The affair was very success- ful, over 80 persons being present. Mr. T. Yould officiated as M.C., and'the Volunteer Band supplied the music. TONTINE SOCIETY.—The annual dividend of the Whalebone" Perseverance Sick and Benefit Society took place at the Whalebone Inn, Frodsham. on Friday night, each member receiving over 12s. as his share, notwithstanding the payments of over XS for sickness and general expenses. In addition to this, upwards of forty members sat down to a supper, the expenses of which were defrayed by the society. THE GALE.—The terrific gale of wind and rain of Friday did considerable damage in this neighbourhood. Chimney-pots and slates covered the streets. Part of the galvanised roof ot Mr. John Palmer's masonry shed was blown off, and the gable end of the unfinished new mission room, Five Crosses, was destroyed, the damage being estimated at from R25 to JE30. Several pedestrians bad lucky escapes from falling slates. SUPPER.—On Saturday night some 50 members of the Frodsham Parish Church Foot- ball Club were entertained at supper in the Parish Room, Frodsham, by the president (the Rev. W. Dawes, M.A.), who is leaving the district and in consequence resigning. Sub- sequently a very pleasant evening was spent in games, singing, and dancing. A vote of thanks was accorded to Mr. Dawes, on the proposition of the captain of the club (Mr. W. Janion), and seconded by the hon. secretary (Mr. P. Jones). The Rev. W. Dawes, in replying, said that he was sorry to have to resign, but that he would be pleased to hear from the secretary that the club was going on satisfactorily, and that he would always feel a kindly interest in it. DINNER TO EM PLOYES.-On Tuesday evening, in the Drill Hall, a dinner was given by Messrs. Kydd and Kydd, Limited, preserve manufacturers, to nearly 100 of their employes, as a commemoration of the successful comple- tion of seven large Government orders for jam for South Africa during the year 1900. Mr. J. G. Kydd, managing director, presided, and was supported by Messrs. James Entwistle (manager), H. G. Linaker (carting contractor), S. Davies (architect to the firm), and W. J. Few, of Caversham. The usual loyal and other toasts were duly honoured. "The Trade and Prosperity of Frodsham" was proposed by Mr. Entwistle, and responded to on behalf of the workpeople by Mr. H. Wyke, head boiler, and Mr. P. Jones. The remainder of the evening until 2.30 was very pleasantly spent in dancing, interspersed with vocal and instrumental music, Mr. Jones presiding at the piano. Messrs. J. Entwistle, P. Jones, C. Heffern, and F. Jones contributed songs, while Mr. Albert Ashworth was greatly appreciated in his three zither-banjo solos. The gathering, which it is proposed shall be an annual one, passed off very successfully, and strikingly exemplified the good feeling which exists between the em- ployers and employes. PAROCHIAL COMMITTEE.—The monthly meeting was held in the Court-room on Friday evening. A letter was read from the Chair- man, Mr. Linaker, explaining his inability to attend and wishing the members the compli- ments of the season. The wish was recipro- cated.—The Surveyor reported that only two members of the committ,ee-Messrs. lllidge and Rodv,ers-had inspected the Sea Flatts outfall, and it was found that the overflow pipe into the river Weaver contained some 12 inches of solid matter, and conse- qucnUy it was not in a satisfactory condition. and it w?s needful for the whole committee to viil the ApM nrior to the taking of any subse- quent proceeding. The Surveyor was directed to convene the committee as early as possible.—The attention of the committee was called to the b-aps of cinders put on the path leading up towards Pinmill Brow, which re- q'lirej levelling, and the Chairman of the F^otpath^ Mr Kydd, undertook to have the work done.—The attention of the com rait tee w <.s directed to certain wooden fractions put up in the neighbourhood of <hui'i:b-st*">«t. plit), of which bad not been submitted, and a small sub committoA of inspection was at pointed in order to see if they had been in contravention of the bye- laws in force in th", tow u^'jip.

I SANDIWAY. 1 I BAILIFFS TRAGIC DEATH.—On Monday, I ) at Sandiway, Mr. Bate, Cheshire Coroner, held i an enquiry respecting the mysterious death of J John Guy (59), for 20 years bailiff to Mr. Littledale, Sanaiway. Deceased was found lying dead under a hedge on Friday morning, I with an empty whisky bottle in his pocket. His wife deposed that he had been drinking for months. Dr. Gough said death resulted from heart failure, accelerated by exposure and excessive drinking. A verdict was returned accordingly.

MALPAS. I BALL.—On New Year's Eve the Malpas Foot- ball Club held their annual ball in the Jubilee Hall. There were nearly 100 present. The music was furnished by the Abermorddu Band. The M.C.'s were Messrs. L. Fletcher and J. Baker. The merriment of the ballroom gave place to an impressive silence as the clock struck the midnight hour. Afterwards dancing was continued till four a.m. NEW YEAR TREAT.—On Wednesday the Congregational Sunday School children were given their New Year treat. Tea was served in the schoolroom by Mrs. Ogmore Morgans, Mrs. G. S. Morgan, Miss Morgan, Miss Huxley, and Mrs. W. Allman. An interesting entertain- ment followed. Lantern views of the Transvaal, with explanations by Mr. S. Barlow, were given, the lantern being manipulated by Mr. G. Turtle. Songs were contributed by Mr. F. Turtle and Mrs. Ogmore Morgans. At the close each scholar was given an orange by Mr. T. Huxley, the superintendent. PARISH COUNCIL.—A meeting was held in the Jubilee Hall on Tuesday, when there were present Mr. Danily (chairman), Messrs. R. Reeves, J. W. Wycherley, J. Huxley, T. Parsonage, and W. Bentley (clerk).—The Clerk presented an account of 915 15s. for additional hose and couplings. The Chairman said that there was a balance of about Ell in the bank on the fund which bad been specially set apart for the purposes of the brigade. As trustee he would be pleased to hand over this money to the treasurer of the Fire Brigade. It was decided to provide two hay knives for the use of the Brigade, and a sub-committee was appointed to make a selection. Captain A. Eaton applied on behalf of the members of the Fire Brigade for an increase in their rate of pay. It was pointed out that at present the pumpers for 11 hours work earned as much as the firemen did working twelve hours. He (the Captain) said that as a result of a meeting of the Fire Brigade, he had ascertained that an increase of 2s. 6d. per man per day would meet their wishes, otherwise they would be unwilling to continue. The Council resolved to grant the increase asked for. Captain Eaton also sug- gested that a new rule to the following effect be added to their present rules That one half of the stipulated pay be only paid when any member comes to a fire two or three hours late." This rule was adopted.—The attention of the Council was drawn to the bad state of some of the Churchyard walks, and a sub-committee was appointed to inspect and ascertain the probable coat of making repairs.

NESTON. I STRAWBERRIES AT CHRISTMAS.-The remarkable mildness of the present season was strikingly exemplified by the discovery by Mr. Robert Ostle, a few days ago, of several straw- berries growing in his open garden. Some of the berries were ripe. PRESENTATION TO MISS SAWERS.— The mothers belonging to the Little Neston Mothers' Meeting have presented to Miss Sawers, who conducted the meeting for many years, a handsomely-bound Prayer-book, and also a birthday book in which all their names are inscribed, as an expression of their affec- tionate regard. Miss Sawers, in acknow- ledging the gifts by letter, expressed the pleasure it had given her to receive such kindly tokens of their affection. RESIGNATION OF A TEACHER. Mrs. Montgomery (headmistress of the Parkgate Infants' School) has resigned her position, having been appointed to a similar position at Burley, near Oakham, in Rutlandshire. Before she left Parkgate the members of the Mothers' Meeting, conducted by Mrs. Comber and Mrs. Barratt, and some of the parents of the children attending the Parkgate ScboM, pMsented to Mrs. Montgomery a band. some brass inkstand and pair of candlesticks as a token of their regard. SCHOOL REPORTS.—The following reports of H.M. Inspector have been received:—Little Neston Mixed School—"The School goes on very well," the Government grant being the highest possible. Infants' School—" The school is recovering from its temporary depres- sion; the children do fairly well now."—Park- gate Infants' School—" The children do fairly well, though the hrst class are ratner slow in arithmetic. The defect of the school is the laxity of discipline below the first class. The children are constantly noisy."—The Great Neston School reports are not yet to hand. DEATH OF MR. J. LEWIS.—Mr. James Lewis, a well-known resident, who had for some years followed the business of a grocer in Bridge-street, died on Christmas Day. The deceased, who was a native of Warwickshire, came to this neighbourhood about twenty years ago, when he acted as farm bailiff to Mr. Peter Gregory, of Denhall. He had always been closely associated with the Neston Mission Hail, now a Wesleyan Chapel, and the Sunday morning and evening he attended the services as usual. On returning home on the Sunday evening, however, he was seized with an illness which resulted in his death. He had for some years suffered from a fatal disease, but the immediate cause of death was hemorrhage on the brain. The funeral took place on Friday, the service being conducted by the Wesleyan body, under the provisions of the new" Burial Act. SOCIAL EVENING.—A successful tea and entertainment in connection with the local Presbyterian Guild took place in the Presbyterian schoolroom on New Year's Day. Tea was served at 6 p.m., and Mr. R. M. Morrison presided over a very large gathering at the entertainment. Some excellent piano- forte pieces were played by the Misses Scott I and Miss Powell, while some popular glees and part songs were given by the Glee Club connected with the Guild. Miss Swift (Heswall) contributed sweet selections on the auto-harp, and some humorous readings by the Rev. J. Towert were deservedly appreciated, as were also the solos by Messrs. R. M. Morrison, A. Ashley and A. Jellicoe, and a duet by Miss Scott and Mr. Morgan. A new departure in the form of a humorous sketch in which Miss Gill, Miss B. Jellicoe, Messrs. A. Ashley, I-largreaves, and others took part, proved a | success and bespoke considerable talent on the part of the artists. The room was beautifully decorated for the occasion.

KELSALL. I BAND OF HOPE.-On Thursday in last week a meeting of the Wesleyan Band of Hope was held in the schoolroom connected with the Wesleyan Chapel, and was addressed by Mr. William Dutton, of Norley, and others. TEA PARTY.—The members of the Kelsall branch of the Scripture Union, numbering about 70, were entertained at tea in the National School by Miss E. H. Maddock, The Elms. Prizes were afterwards distributed to those who had prepared the best papers during the year. A lantern exhibition by the Rev. B. Atkinson followed, and was much appreciated.

I CONNAH'SQUAY. BAZAAR RECEIPTS.—At the Wepre Presby- terian Chapel bazaar held on Wednesday and Thursday in St. Mark's National Schools, a sum of JE234 was realised. TONTINE SOCIETY.—The New Inn Tontine Society with the end of the year has issued its fourth annual balance sheet. The receipts amount to 9184 13s. 6d., and the expenditure in sick and funeral benefits to R64 3s. 6d., leaving a balance to be divided of E120 10s. among 116 members. The present officers are—President, Mr. A. Stewardson; vice-president, Mr. S. Massey treasurer, Mr. T. B. Bennett; secretary, Mr. W. Edwards. THE STORM.—The full force of Friday's violent gale was felt at this port. The fisher- men's craft were in an unsheltered position, and the men who removed the small boats into a haven of safety had a task of some difficulty, accompanied by great danger. Beyond the displacement of slates and chimney pots, no serious damage was sustained locally. At Mostyn Deeps the severity of the gale was felt by the large number of tihips lying to anchor there awaiting fair winds to proceed on their voyages. In one instance the anchor dragged and the schooner Spencer sustained rather serious damage, and will have to return here for necessary repairs. SUPPER.—The choir, officials, and clergy of St. Mark's Church were, through the kindness of Mr. and Mrs. C. Davison, Fairfield Hall, entertained at supper on Friday in last week at the National Schools. The usual loyal and patriotic toasts having been duly honoured, the Vicar, the Rev. T. Williams, M.A., in proposing a vote of thanks to Mr. Davison for his kind hospitality, made reference to the warm sup- port which Mr. and Mrs. Davison gave the choir and all movements connected with the church. The vote having been heartily accorded, Mr. Davison returned thanks. Songs were given by Messrs. E. Coppack, H. Kenching- ton, and T. Latham. Games of various kinds were indulged in. 'j VOLUNrEER CORPS.-On New Year's Eve the non-commissioned officers of the Conrah's Quay Volunteer Corps sat down to supper at the Half-way House Hotel, there being also present I as invited guests Major Haswell and Sergeant Peel. The customary toasts were honoured. Colour Sergeant Cunningham, replying to references to himself, said he regretted his departure from Connah's Quay, but he should always have happy remembrances of his connection with the K" Company. He wished the company every success, and he had no doubt that with such a fine class of young men as formed the company they would be successful. Although going some distance away, he was not severing his connection with the corps, and should endeavour to come over to drill now and again. Referring to the impending retirement of Sergeant Major Holden, instructor to the company, Sergeant Cunningham said he (Sergeant-Major Holden) retired from the corps to enjoy a well-earned pension. During his short connection with the corps he bad endeared himself to each I member.—Sergeant Major Holden expressed his thanks for the kind remarks.—Songs were given by Sergeants Antrobus and Dyson, Corporal Lloyd, and Major Haswell.

HELSBY. i BAND SUPPER.—On Monday evening a hot- pot supper was partaken of at the Horse and Jockey Inn by nearly 30 members of the brass band. A smoking concert was afterwards held. TO JOIN B.-P.'s POLICE.—Mr. V. Cauley, stepson of Mr. Roscoe, tailor, of Helsby, who was for some time employed at the Telegraph Manu- facturing Company's works, left for South Africa on Sunday evening to join Baden Powell's Mounted Police Force. PAROCHIAL TEA.—The parochial tea in con- nection with the parish church was provided in the National Schoolroom on Tuesday evening, and was attended by quite 200 persons. The tables were presided over by lady members of the con- gregation. An excellent entertainment, con- sisting of vocal and instrumental music, followed, and was interspersed with dancing and games. CHRISTMAS TREAT.—The annual Christmas treat was given to the scholars of the Wesleyan Sunday School on Thursday evening. After tea, to which about 100 persons sat down, a meeting was held, the Rev. T. H. Bailey presiding. Fol- r lowing the distribution of prizes the Chairman gave an address. Some excellent solos and reci- tations were rendered by members of the school. WEDDING.—On Monday afternoon the mar- riage took place, at the United Methodist Free Church, of Mr. A. R. Savage, youngest son of the late Mr. D. Savage, of Springfield Farm, Helsby, and Miss E. Parker, daughter of Mr. P. Parker, farmer, of Five Crosses. The ceremony, which was witnessed by a large number of relatives and friends, was performed by the Rev. G. C. Percival. The bride, who was charmingly attired in a dress of blue grey, trimmed with white satin, and white hat trimmed with orange blossoms, and carried a beautiful bouquet, was given away by her father. Miss S. A. Parker, sister of the bride, and Miss Clayton, of Rainhill, were the bridesmaids, while Mr. A. C. White acted as best man. Mr. W. Stanway, who presided at the organ, played ap- propriate selections as the wedding party entered and left the church. During the service the choir sang "The voice that breathed o'er Eden" and "How welcome was the calL" At the conclusion of the ceremony about 70 relatives and friends including members of the choir, were entertai ned at tea in the schoolroom. Later in the afternoon the happy couple lett tor south- port, where the honeymoon is to be spent. READING-ROOM.—The reading-room was formally opened by Mrs. Jas. Taylor on Saturday evening, in the presence of a large attendance of members and friends.—The Chairman, the Rev. E. Jermyn, in introducing Mrs. Taylor, said he was very pleased to see such enthusiasm displayed in the new movement, which should prove of great benefit to all concerned.—Mrs. Taylor, in a felicitous speech, declared the room open, and [ wished it every success.—Hearty thanks were accorded to Mrs. Taylor, on the proposition of Mr. J. T. Collier, seconded by Mr. J. Fedden.— Mr. Taylor responded, and remarked that the want of such an institution in the village had un- doubtedly been felt, and he was pleased to hear that 100 members had already joined. He hoped that everyone would assist in making it the suc- cess it deserved to be. An enjoyable vocal and instrumental entertainment followed. Songs were contributed by Messrs. E. Smith, W. B. Barlow, F. Cartwright and the Rev. C. R. McKee; recitations by Mr. C. Warner; Lancashire read- ings by Mr. J. Fedden; duet (violin and piano) by Messrs. J. Atherton and A. Cooke; and selec- tions on the phonograph by Mr. J. Atherton. Mr. W. Stanway accompanied.

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