Cheshire Observer

"J' TO ADVERTISERS. Advertisements intended to appear in the CHESHIRE OBSERVER must reach the OBSERVER Office, not later than 12 o'clock- (noon) each Friday. Under no circumstances whatever can we insert in the First Edition Advertisements received after that hour.

PURE BEER. Mr. Henry Chaplin has taken the lead in the Pure Beer movement, which is now assuming practical shape by the formation of an associa- tion with that object in view. The new society proposed to ask the Government to receive a deputation on the subject prior to the meeting of Parliament. That request will, however, we take it, be now unnecessary, inasmuch as it was officially announced yesterday (Friday) morn- ing that the Government had appointed a Royal Commission to conduct an investigation into the beer-poisoning epidemic. Every possible guarantee for the thoroughness of the inquiry is afforded by the composition of the Commission, which embraces several eminent scientists and men of wide experience, namely, Lord Kelvin, Sir W. Hart Dyke, Sir W. S. Church (President of the Royal College of Physicians), Professor T. F. Thorpe (Govern- ment Analyst), Mr. H. Cosmo Bonsor, and Dr. B. A. Whitelegge (her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Factories). The instructions upon which the Commission will proceed, are to ascertain, with respect to England and Wales, the amount of recent exceptional sickness and deaths attributable to poisoning by arsenic, and whether these have been due to arsenic in beer or in other articles of food and drink- Tae Commission is further. charged to enquire by what ingredients or in what manner the arsenic was conveyed, and in what way the ingredients became arsenicated. In the event of the trouble being traced to arsenic, the Com- mission is invited to suggest the introduction as safeguards for the future. The prompt action of the Government, taken a day after the announcement of Mr. Chaplin's scheme, will go far towards allaying thepublic anxiety. Mean- time the "Pure Beer" Association will start a campaign forthwith, and will, by the circula- tion of literature and the organisation of public meetings throughout the country, endeavour to stimulate interest in and educate public opinion upon this important matter. It is hoped that the success of the Pure Beer" crusade will effect a twofold purpose; that it will not only safeguard the interests of the consuming public, but that it will increase the growth of barley in this country, and thus help to arrest the depopulation of the rural areas. While Mr. Chaplin is throwing himself with enthusiasm into the task, he does not forget to give due credit where credit is patently due to the untiring efforts of Sir Cuthbert Quilter in the same field for many years past; indeed, it is scarcely possible to speak or think of pure beer without coupling it with the name of the indefatigable member for Sudbury. It is instructive to recall the result of the latest agitation of Sir Cuthbert, when, in 1896, he was granted an inquiry by a committee of experts into the necessity for legislation to prevent the use of deleterious substances in the manufac- ture of beer. The Beer Materials Committee did not report until January, 1899. Five of the six members of the Committee issued a majority report, declaring their belief that no materials used in the manufacture of beer are deleterious, at all events in the quantities in which they are actually employed," and that "the exceptions to this rule are so infrequent and unimportant that legislation is not required to deal with them." The other member of the Com- mittee, Mr. Clare Sewell Read, although he stood alone, did not hesitate to issue a minority report, and to-day he reaps the reward of his courageous independence. In that report he pointed out that the evidence given before the Committee disclosed the fact that in the past certain ingredients, such as cocculus in- dicus, quillaia bark, grains of paradise, capsi- cum, tobacco, copperas, and other poisonous matter had been used in the manufacture of beer, and there is strong ground for stating that at the present moment materials which are possibly of an injurious nature are still employed." He then proceeded to cite the danger arising from the employment of sul- phuric acid for invert sugar, and to state that hardly any of the glucoses used were pure, par. ticularly those made from potatoes, which were imported from Germany for brewing purposes. Although he admitted that a glass or a bottle of beer might contain but a small quantity of an injurious substance, it these small quantities were taken constantly, harmful results were likely to follow. In summing up his conclu- sions, he stated in his report that at the present the public have no adequate protection against the use of deleterious substances in the manufacture of beer; that it would be neither difficult nor vexatious to enforce such legisla- tion as would ensure to the purchaser his right when he asks for beer-the national beverage- to obtain a beer brewed entirely from malt and hops." The revelations of the past few weeks, and more particularly of the last day or two, amply bear out Mr. Read in the stand he made on behalf of pure beer, for it is stated that the death-roll from arsenical beer already exceeds 100, while in the past it is impossible, of course, to know how much mortality attributed to other causes was in reality due to the same poison. The citizens of Chester will shortly have an opportunity of receiving further enlightenment on this subject at a public meeting recently announced. Two points of prime importance yet remain unsolved. If beer is to be legally defined as the product of barley, malt, hops, water, and yeast," will the beverage be such as commends itself to the modern taste? Again, in the light of recent experiments, what guarantee have the public that, even with all the proposed restrictions in full operation, there will not still be a grave risk of arsenical poison- ing from the malt alone ? Chemists have discovered, as our readers will remember, that arsenic has been tound quite lately on malt dried according to the old custom by allowing the fumes of a soke fire to find their way to the malt spread upon a perforated ceiling above. Against this statement it will naturally be contended that malt has been pre- pared in the kiln in this fashion from time immemorial, and that no ill effects have been apparent, while the mischief has been traceable largely and directly to the use of glucose. With regard to the suggested limitation of brewers to malt and hops solely, there seems to be a very general consensus of opinion among experts of the Trade" that the present-day public taste would not tolerate the resultant beer, and that a certain proportion of malt substitutes is absolutely necessary. If that be so, the remedy equally lies with Parliament to introduce a fixed minimum percentage of malt substitutes, and to see that the regulation I is rigorously enforced. LOCAL AND GENERAL NOTES. The Mayor has convened a meeting of the citizens to be held in the Town Hall on Monday to consider what shall be done to celebrate the forthcoming marriage of the Duke of West- minster and Miss Cornwallis-West. The Eaton tenantry are also taking action in the matter. As we had all along anticipated, the poll on the Tramways question has resulted in a large majority in favour of the Corporation's scheme, but at the same time the fact that 2,627 votes were recorded against the proposal, to a certain extent, justifies the action of Mr. Storr and his friends in demanding a poll. Looking at the matter from one point of view, no one can regret that the poll has been taken. Whether we are to have electric trams, 'buses, motor cars, or what, the question is one of serious interest to the citizens, and while we have every confidence in the judgment of the Town Council, it can do the members of that body no harm to know that they are being very critically watched by a considerable portion of the rate- payers. Judging from the number of votes that were recorded, the question of the future of the trams has not exercised the minds of the citizens to the extraordinary extent that was imagined. The total number of votes recorded was 7,171, but 60 of these were rejected, owing in some cases to the fact that the voters had gone to the unnecessary trouble of giving their reasons for saying "aye" or "no "to the pro- posal. We find that there are 10,000 assess- ments in Chester, but the actual number of occupying ratepayers is 8,525. The number of owners is 2,000, but of these only 500 thought it worth while to claim their votes. Over 1,600 papers were returned blank. One man who took his paper not filled in to the Town Hall explained that he was under the impression that if he did not return it he would be liable to a penalty of C20 If the Corporation decide upon electric tram- ways, and are as successful relatively with the undertaking as the Sunderland Corporation have been, the citizens will have no reason to grumble. In Sunderland one section of the municipal overhead electric tramways has been running since August and another since the end of November. The receipts, which were estimated at lOd. a mile, have been lB. 6d., and there was a nett profit of E3,000. The Corporation have decided to spend X27,000 in extensions, making the total invested X250,000, which is expected to produce E10,000 a year. He who preaches temperance should practise it. Mr. Tennyson Smith, who is vigorously prosecuting a temperance crusade at Saltney, is that paradox an "extreme" temperance man. His modus operandi will not commend itself to the unbiassed mind, for it is evident that, in his attempt to conduct his campaign on unique lines, he will not hesitate to stir up ill-feeling by prying into private affairs. He has declared his intention of visiting some of the Chester breweries, inspecting the share lists, and read- ing from a public platform the names of any public men he finds in those lists. as if, forsooth, any public man should not invest his money in a brewery if he wished! Surely there never was a greater piece of inquisitorial impertinence. In Mr. Duncan Graham a high-minded Christian gentleman has passed away. A man of conspicuous ability, Mr. Graham ungrudg- ingly gave his valuable services to the public welfare, and the county of Chester owes him a deep debt of gratitude. He excelled as chair- man of the County Council, conducting the proceedings of that body in a manner that gained him the praise of everyone. Mr. Graham was a sound practical Churchman, and his opinion carried much weight. He fully recognised the importance of giving the clergy in populous districts more than a bare living wage, and contributed an interesting letter on the subject to the last Diocesan Conference. Ellesmere Port is not exactly an ideal spot to reside in if a speaker at a Ratepayers' Association meeting is to be believed. According to him plans have been passed for houses in the Port without sewers or even a j road for the tenants to get to their homes." And, he added, in wet weather residents of Ellesmere Port might be seen wading ankle deep in mud right up to their front doors, and the strangest thing about it was that nobody seemed to care if they walked up to their necks in mud!" If this state of things is general in Ellesmere Port it is no wonder that the move- ment in favour of the substitution of an Urban District Council for a Parish Council is being so largely taken up. The opponents of the scheme claim that a District Council will be an expensive luxury, but financial considerations pale into insignificance when compared with questions of health. In recent years many reforms have been instituted, having for their object the destruc- tion of the evil known as the Workhouse taint, but we believe no scheme was ever more likely to attain that object than that which has just been inaugurated by the Chester Board of Guar- dians, and which assuredly has the best wishes of all interested in the administration of the Poor Law, or familiar in any way with the conditions of Workhouse life. We refer to the Children's Homes in connection with which there Ii was a stone-laying ceremony on Thursday. Our readers are doubtless aware that such homes are I now advocated by the Local Government Board, but it should be mentioned that the idea of making this provision was mooted on the Chester Board many years ago, and they would have been erected and in use by now had not the Board experienced delay, owing to those difficulties which ever hamper a public body that seeks to strike out an original line. The Local Government Board may not actually opposed the Chester Guardians' scheme, but they certainly did not at first afford the facili- ties which the venture deserved. The homes are four in number, and, with the exception of the headquarters block, which will occupy a site on the Wrexham-road, will be situated in villages within easy reach of the city. To these' institutions children will be drafted from the workhouse. They will attend village schools, play with village children, and generally their lot in life will be brightened. Amid such improved surroundings it will be easier to train them to be good and useful citizens, and when they leave their cottage home it will be to play their part unsullied by the contaminating workhouse influences which past experience has taught us to believe has handicapped many so severely in the battle of life that they have eventually been driven to again seek shelter in the only place they were ever able to call their home. If the Chester Guardians succeed in their attempt to remove this stigma they will have accomplished a work which will command the praise of every section of the community and earn the gratitude of those for whose benefit their parental fore- thought is being exercised.

LOCAL NEWS. I The Earl of Crewe and Mr. George Wynd- ham, M.P., were present, on Thursday, at the funeral of Lord Leconfield. Mr. George Wyndham, M.P., has accepted an invitation to the annual dinner of the London District of the Institute of Journalists, on Saturday, Feb. 23rd. The appointment of Lieutenant-Colonel Lord Binning, son of the Earl of Haddington, to be her Majesty's Lieutenant of the County of Berwick, in the room of the Earl of Lauderdale, resigned, is gazetted. A meeting of farmers held on Wednesday night in Warrington decided to join the Cheshire Milk Producers' Association, with the view of obtaining by corporate action a better price for their milk. Two new mural brasses have just been placed in position in Aldford parish church, one in memory of the late Duke of Westminster, and the other in memory of one of the sons of the late Rector (Canon Turner). Mr. R. Hugh Royds Brocklebank, who was gazetted on Saturday to the 9th Lancers, is the son of Mr. Thomas Brocklebank, of The Roscote, Heswall. His elder brother is flag-lieutenant to Admiral Sir W. Kennedy, K.C.B., Commander- in-Chief at the Nore. Mr. John E. Haswell,*corn merchant, of this city, in reply to a letter of congratulation, has had the honour to receive from President McKinley a cabinet-size photo and autograph, together with a note of thanks from the Executive Mansion, Washington. The village of Bromborough was en fete on Wednesday on the occasion of the marriage of Miss Ethel Johnston, second daughter of Mr. Wm. Johnston, Liverpool shipowner, of Woodslee, Bromborough, with Professor Rupert W. Boyce, M.B., of University College, Liver- pool. The estate of the Countess of Mexborough, daughter of Sir Rowland Stanley Errington, of Hooton, eleventh baronet, has been valued at X19,981 nett. Her ladyship bequeathed to the Duchess of York her miniature brooch set with diamonds, containing a portrait of King William IV., given by him to her grandmother, Lady Stanley of Hooton. CHESTER RACES.—The Stamford Two-year-old Plate has closed with 40 entries, and the Bad- minton Two-year-old Plate with 38 entries. The Duke of Westminster has one entry in each race. APPOINTMENT FOR CAPTAIN CONGREVE.—It was stated in Tuesday night's Gazette that Capt. W. N. Congreve, V.C., the Rifle Brigade (the Prince Consort's Own), has been appointed a deputy -assistant adjutant-general at head- quarters. INFIRMARY BALL.—The right Worshipful the Mayor of Chester begs to acknowledge with thanks the following additional donations to the ball fund:—Her Serene Highness the Duchess of Teck, S2 2s.; Mrs. C. J. Stuart, 13, Stanley-plaee, j61 Is. THE INDIAN FAMINE RELIEF FUND.—Mr- Reginald Potts, hon. secretary to the county of Chester Indian Famine Fund, which is now closed, has issued the balance-sheet. The amount of subscriptions was X3,371 7s. 4d., and adding JE2 9a. Id. bank interest the total was X3,373 16s. 5d. The expenses amounted to iE24 11s. lid., and the balance, £ 3,349 4s. 6d., has been remitted tothe Lord Mayor in nine instalments. HOUSEHOLD DANCE AT SAIGIITON.-The annual household dance was held at Saighton Towers on Thursday evening. The Duke of Westminster, who was present together with Lady Lettice Grosvenor, led off the first dance with the housekeeper. The company numbered 100, and included the household staff, a few tenants and residents in the neighbourhood. The Duke and Lady Lettice left about midnight, and dancing was spiritedly carried on to the music of Mr. Alfred Jones's String Band (Chester), till an early hour in the morning. IN MEMORIAM.-A. tablet has been erected in the Parish Church, Mold, in memory of Lieut. Francis Howard Raikes (a grandson of the late Right Hon. H. Cecil Raikes), who was killed in action at Ladysmith onj the 6th of January, 1900. The tablet, whick is surmounted by a laurel wreath, bears the following inscrip- tion :—" In memory of Francis Howard Raikes, lieutenant, 2nd Battalion K.R.R., who fell in action at Ladysmith, South Africa, on the 6th January, 1900, aged 20, only son of F. W. Raikes, Q.C., L.L.D., and grandson of Henry Raikes, of Llwynegrin. Resurgam, Celer et Audax." DEATH OF MR. WALTER FOUNTAIN.—Our obituary notices include, we regret to state, the announcement of the death of Mr. Walter Fountain, youngest son of Major Fountain (late Royal Artillery), of Southcote, Flookers- brook, Quartermaster of the 1st Cheshire and Carnarvonshire Volunteer Artillery. Mr. Fountain, who had attained the position of second officer in the service of the British India Company, died of dysentery at Calcutta on the 13th December, at the early age of 24. Major Fountain's second son, who has been invalided home from Krugersdorp, is due to reach London this week. The Bank of Liverpool limited has declared the usual interim dividend of 12/6 per share for the half-year, equal to ten per cent. per annum. Mr. Harmood Banner was on Friday elected chairman of the Liverpool Finance Committee, in succession to Sir Thomas Hughes. The Duke of Westminster and Lady Lettice Grosvenor are at Saighton Towers. Mrs. Cornwallis-West and Miss Shelagh Cornwallis- West left Saighton Towers for London on Monday. The engagement is announced of Mr. Harry Pollitt, son of Colonel Sir William Pollitt, V.D., and Lady Pollitt, of Bowdon, to Miss Mabel Alves, only daughter of Mr. John Alves, of Melbourne, Australia. Miss Gwendoline Verdin, only daughter of Mr. W. H. Verdin, made her debut at a brilliant ball given at Darnhall Hall, on Friday evening. Several other county families took advantage of the opportunity to bring out their daughters. The fixture of the North Cheshire had been made at Darnhall for Saturday morning in conjunction with the event. His Honour Judge Bowen Rowlands, as Recorder of Swansea, opened the Quarter Sessions for that borough on Saturday, and was congratulated by the Foreman of the Grand Jury, the Bar, and the Clerk of the Peace on his appointment as a County Court Judge. It is now generally understood that General Pole-Carew, whose engagement to Lady Beatrice Butler has just been announced, will be the first military commandant of the Federal forces of the Australian Commonwealth. General Pole- Carew has the advantage of knowing Australia, and his appointment would be popular. A YOUTHFUL ORGANIST.—Master A. G. Howick, pupil of Mr. T. Pate, organist of Trinity Church, Chester, has been appointed organist of Pulford Church. DUKE OF WESTMINSTER'S WEDDING.—We are authoritatively informed that the marriage arranged between the Duke of Westminster and Miss Shelagh Gornwallis-West will take place at St. Paul's, Knightsbridge, London, on Thursday, the 14th February. A GRATIFYING ANNOUNCEMENT.—During the course of his sermon on Sunday morning, the Vicar of St. Oswald's (the Rev. E. C. Lowndes) announced that the amount contributed by the parish to foreign missions during 1900 was larger than in any previous year, and the sum collected in missionary boxes was more than double. Increased subscriptions, the preacher said, meant increased interest in missionary work. MR. FREDERIC VILLTERs.-Our readers are reminded that Mr. Frederic Villiers, the famous artist and war correspondent, will deliver a lecture entiteled "Kruer and Khaki" in the I Music Hall on Friday, the 18th inst. A great treat is in store for those who attend the lecture, for it will be illustrated by 200 limelight views taken during the actual fighting in South Africa, and not previously published. RENT REMISSION AT HALKYN.—The half- yearly rent audit of the Duke of West- minster's Halkyn Castle estate was held on Monday, at the office at Halkyn, when the rents were received by Mr. H. Lester Smith, the agent. His Grace made a return of 5 per cent. to his agricultural tenantry. Mr. Lester Smith, acting on behalf of the Duke, has just made large distributions of coal and flannel to the widows of lead miners resident upon the estate. CHESTER VOLUNTEER BALL.—The committee beg to acknowledge with thanks the receipt of the following additional donations in aid of the Ball Fund :—Mrs. W. Welsby, El Is.; A Friend to the Cause, Si Is.; Mrs. Bonnalie, JE1 Is.; Mrs. Charles Gamon, £1 Is.; Mrs. Johnson Dickson. J61 Is.; Mrs. Townsend Ince, X2; Mrs. Wood, Bodlondeb, Conway, £ 1 Is. WELL-KNOWN HYMN TRANSLATED.—Among the invited guests at the reception given last week by the Faculty of Arts, University College, and other Liverpool learned societies to the Modern Language Association, was Mr. G. H. Evans, solicitor, of Chester, who has just completed a Latin translation of the well-known hymn 0 God, our help in ages past," in com- memoration of the close of the nineteenth and the dawn of the twentieth century. ECCLESIASTICAL APPOINTMENTS.—The Bishop of Chester on Thursday made the following appointments:—The Rev. S. P. Gray, L.Th., A.K.C.L., collated to the beneflc of St. Mark's, Bredbury, near Stockport. Assistant curacies The Rev. J. H. Cbell, M.A., to Bidston, near Birkenhead; the Rev. E. M. Ellis, M.A., to Bowdon the Rev. A. O. Newnham to St. John's, Altrincham; the Rev. W. H. Warlow to St. Peter's, Stockport; and the Rev. Joseph H. Toogood, M.A., chaplain at Arley Hall, was licensed to officiate in the diocese. WINTER'S ADVENT: DEATH FROM EXPOSURE. -At the end of last and at the beginning of this week we had our first experience of wintry weather. There was a severe frost, and, had it continued, skating would soon have been possible. On Monday evening Mr. Siddall's thermometer registered seven degrees of frost. Snow fell on Tuesday. A thaw set in on Wed- nesday night, and by Thursday the snow had entirely disappeared. A labourer named Thos. Sumner was found dead in an outbuilding at Carden on Sunday afternoon, by P.C.Ward. Mr. J. C. Bate (county coroner) held an inquest on the body on Tuesday, when the jury returned a verdict of Death from natural causes." DEATH OF A CHESTER BAND-SERGEANT.— Regret will be caused in local Volunteer circles by the death, which took place rather suddenly on Friday morning, of Band-Sergeant John Tinkler, who belonged to the 2nd Volunteer Bat- talion of the Cheshire Regiment. Deceased had been a member of this regiment for nearly twenty- one years, and he was just on the point of receiving the long service medal. He died at the comparatively early age of 35 years, and he was well liked and esteemed in the city. The funeral took place on Tuesday afternoon, and was of a military character. All the members of the regimental band, and some fellow-workmen with whom deceased was intimately associated, attended to shew their respect. The cortege left the late sergeant's residence in Henshall-street shortly after two o'clock, and proceeded slowly to Trinity Church, the band impressively playing the "Dead March." At the church the Rev. L. M. Farrall conducted the first portion of the service, and he also officiated at the graveside in the Cemetery. THE GROWTH OF ST. OSWALD'S PARISH.— In the current number of the "St. Oswald's Parish Magazine" some interesting facts and figures are given by the Vicar shewing the growth of the parish during the century just closed-changes greater, probably, than in any other parish in Chester. It would hardly be an exaggeration (the writer says) to state that the present parish has come into existence since 1801. None of the parochial buildings were in existence a hundred years ago, but the South Transept of the Cathedral-now happily being restored-was the parish church of St. Oswald, and continued so until 1882. On January 2nd, 1812. the Diocesan School Institution was established, and one of its first works was the erection of the Diocesan School in George- street. The figures of the census of 1811 throw an interesting light on the changes that have occurred. At that time there were 717 houses in the parish of St. Oswald, occupied by 759 families 17 houses were uninhabited, and none was being built. One hundred and fifty-one families were employed in agriculture, 587 in handicraft or manufactures, and 21 in other callings. The total population was 3,416. But these figures by themselves would be mislead- ing, as the parish then included the greater part of what is now Christ Church Parish, a considerable portion of the present St. Peter's, and a small slice of Upton Parish. The first great change was the building of Christ Church soon after the middle of the century, and the attaching to the new parish of the Newtown portion of St. Oswald's, and the land on the east side of the Liverpool-road. Then building began in the direction of Liverpool-road, Park- gate-road, and Garden-lane, and the last thirty years have seen the building of St. Thomas' Church, its enlargement, and its constitution as the parish church; the attaching of the part of the parish within the walls of St. Peter's, and of Crabwall to Upton; the building of the vicarage and the parish room; the building and enlarg- ing three times of St. Thomas' Schools; the erection of the old iron church, and its replacing by the Mission Church of the Good Shepherd. It is surely worth while, the Vicar says, to pause and note them thankfully, that we may set out with good hope upon the new century. THE TOWNSHEND TONTINE SICK AND BURIAL SOCIETY.-The annual dinner of this society was held on Tuesday evening at the City Arms Hotel, Frodsham-street. The society, both so far as finances and members are concerned, still continues to flourish. Mr. J. Hill Jones presided, and was supported by Messrs. Thomas Onslow and Thomas Harrison, trustees Henry Vernon, treasurer; Samuel Barnes, delegate to the Medical Association; John Strange and William Williams, members of the committee; and a good muster of members. Mr. Herbert Clum occupied the vice-chair.—The Chairman proposed The Qaeen," Prince and Princess of Wales," and The Army, Navy, and Reserve Forces," the latter of which was responded to by Hon. Bugle-Major D. Walker.—Mr. Walker proposed The Townshend Tontine Society. The Secretary, acknowledging the toast, thanked the proposer and company for the kind manner the society and its officers had been mentioned, and said he had been secretary for 21 years. In 1879, the total number of members was 37, and £ 65 19s. 8d. was paid out in sick pay, a dividend of £ 1 18s. 3d." being declared. The membership had increased last year to 182 members, and they bad paid in sick payEl07 17s. 6d. and £ 41 in funeral money, and had divided JE356 18s. 4d., declaring a dividend of E2 Os. 4d. During that 21 years they had paid M70 ls. sick pay, E224 5s. funeral money, JE30 wives' funerals, and in dividends 94,899 14s. 8d., being an average of JB2 Ss., while after 21 years' work there was a reserve of E156 19s. 8d. The society had been rather unfortunate during the last year in losing four members, one an old and respected trustee, who took a great interest in the society's affairs; another killed in South Africa; one drowned in the Dee; and the youngest member a week before Christmas. Mr. J. H. Jones submitted the toast of The Officers," to which Mr. H. Vernon replied.—The toast of "The Chairman," proposed by Mr. Thomas Onslow, was drunk with musical honours, and was suitably replied to.—Mr. Thomas Harrison, in proposing "The Vice- Chairman," said he thought the society was in a very prosperous condition, and was much indebted to the officers appointed.—" The Medical Officer," and The Host and Hostess," were also duly honoured.—Capital songs were rendered during the evening by Messrs. E Thomas, Thomas Onslow, W. Shelly, H', Thompson, J. Killick, and violin solos by Mr' H. Newns. Mr. Williams presided at the piano: DIOCESE OF CHESTER.—The Bishop of Chester will hold his next ordination on the 2nd June, being Trinity Sunday. Candidates for ordination should com- municate with the Rev. Canon Maitland Wood, The Vicarage, Runcorn, Cheshire, examining chaplain to the Bishop. The examination will commence on Tuesday, the 30th April next, and the papers of accepted can- didates must be sent in to the Bishop's secretaries, Messrs. Gamon, Farmer, and Co. Cathedral Chambers, Chester, on or before the 30th April next. DEATH OF A DENBIGHSHIRE MAGISTRATE.— The death took place at Pentre Bychan Hall, near Wrexham, on Monday of Lieutenant Colonel Henry Warter Meredith, late of the 41st and 45th Regiments, of Pentre Bychan and Oak Lawn, Upper Norwood. He was in his 76th year. His military service included service in the Crimean War. He took considerable interest in public affairs in the county of Denbigh. He had served the office of High Sheriff, and was a justice of the peace for the county, and frequently sat as a magistrate at the County Hall, Wrexham, and Ruabon. On his return from the Crimea he was presented with a public testimonial. MR. TENNYSON SMITH'S FAREWELL NIGHT.- Considerable curiosity has been aroused in the Trial of Alcohol," which is to take place in the Lecture Hall, Saltney, on Monday next, and the interest in it is considerably enchanced by the fact that Mr. F. Horatio Lloyd has undertaken to defend the prisoner, Alcohol. Rev. T. P. Dimond Hogg will officiate as Judge, and a jury of twelve well-known local gentlemen has been empanelled to try the prisoner, Alcohol, on charges of robbery and murder. Mr. Tennyson Smith will, no doubt, make out a strong case against the prisoner, but it is by no means certain that he will get the verdict, as that depends upon the view the jury may take as to whether the ease has been shattered by the counsil for the defence. An assurance has been given that the jury will not be packed with teetotallers, so that the prisoner may have a perfectly fair trial. This is the farewell and special night of Mr. Tennyson Smith's series of meetings, and as the hall has been packed night after night a good audience is expected. GENERAL BULLER AT CREWE.-Sir Redvers Buller and Lady Buller, who have been staying with the Earl and Countess of Crewe at Crewe Hall, drove into Crewe on Thursday morn- ing. and paid a visit to the great works of the London and North-Western Railway Company, which gives employment to over 7,000 artizans. The Earl and Countess of Crewe were among the party. They were received at the general offices and conducted over the works. General Buller and party, after visiting the works, pro- ceeded to Crewe Station in a special train pro- vided by the company's engineer. They then alighted and visited the new electric works of the railway company. This is a new department, and is supplied with the finest electric plant in the country. On leaving and returning to Crewe Hall they were enthusiastically cheered by great crowds. Sir Redvers Buller joined in a shoot on Friday over the extensive Crewe estates. There was a distinguished party present. The weather, however, was exceedingly foggy, and interfered with good sport. On Sunday Sir Redvers and Lady Buller attended Crewe-green Church, where there was a very large attendance. They left Crewe Hall on Monday morning, and were driven to Crewe Station. There was a great crowd, and the gallant officer, who left by the 10.51 express for Euston. was warmly cheered. HANDBRIDGE MEN'S INSTITUTE.—The annual dinner in connection with the Institute took place at the Red Lion Hotel, on Tuesday evening, when there was a large gathering of members. The Rev. Prebendary Bellamy occu- pied the chair, and letters of apology tor non- attendance were read from the President (the Rev. H. Grantham), who was unfortunately obliged to go out ot town, and Messrs. G. J. Johnston, J. E. Newman, and E. Lloyd. The following toast list was gone through:—"The Queen," proposed by the Chairman; The President and Vice-presidents," proposed by Mr. T. L. Edwards and responded to by Mr. H. B. Dutton; The Librarian and Cricket Secretary" (Messrs. T. W. Rogers and G. E. Taylor), proposed by Mr. H. B. Dutton The General and Financial Secretaries (Messrs. R. Atherton and J. Speakman), proposed by the Rev. G. M. V. fiickey fisuccess to the Institute," proposed by the Chairman, -and responded to by Mr. Egerton Gilbert; The Ladies," proposed by Mr. R. J. Williams, and responded t J by Mr. A. E. Blake; The Chair- man," proposed by Mr. W. E. Linaop, and "The Host," proposed by Mr. Francis. The evening's proceedings were much enlivened by songs from Messrs. O. Humphreys, J. and B. Dryland, H. J. Thomas, A. Jarvis, and Adams; and speeches were made by the Rev. Ormsby Van- deleur, and Mr. George Parker. During the evening the General Secretary (Mr. R. Ather- ton) spoke of the excellent state in which the Institute stood at the present time, the membership having much increased; and Mr. Speakman (financial secretary) also gave a satisfactory account of the finances. After the singing of "Comrades in Arms" and the National Anthem the proceedings closed, every- body exclaiming that a very enjoyable evening had been spent. GAME TRESPASS AT HANDBRIDGE.—At the City Police Court on Monday morning, before the, Mayor (Alderman H. T. Brown), and other magistrates, a bricksetter named Albert Willcocks, residing at Handbridge, was charged with trespassing on land belonging to the Duke of Westminster in pursuit of game.- Mr. W. H. Churton appeared for the prosecu- tion.—Robert Youd, a gamekeeper in the employment of the Duke, said he was on duty at liandbridge about four o'clock in the after- noon of Christmas Day, when he saw defendant walking about Dickson's Nurseries, with two companions. Willcocks carried a gun, and was also accompanied by a dog. Atter staying around the nurseries for a short time defendant crossed over into a field belonging to a Mr. Strange, and "worked" one of the fences. Then he went in another field occupied by Mrs. Dunning, and afterwards worked a fence in the field of Mr. Walter Edwards. When Willcocks noticed that witness was watch- ing him he pulled the gun to pieces and placed it in one of his coat pockets. W itness questioned defendant, who said that Mrs. Dunning had given him permission to shoot over her land, but witness reminded him that he was on Mr. Edwards's field, which was owned by the Duke of Westminster. In answer to further questions defendant acknowledged that both barrels of the gun were loaded, but argued that he had trespassed on the land for the purpose of shoot- ing birds, and was not in pursuit of game. Witness subsequently heard that the statement made by Willcocks with reference to having permission to shoot over Mrs. Dunninll's land was absolutely false. There had been several complaints previously about defendant trespass- ing on land in the locality of Handbridge.— Willcocks denied that he went on the land referred to for an unlawful purpose on this par- ticular occasion.—He was fined 20s. and costs, or 14 days' imprisonment. THE CENTURY'S PROGRESS. The Great Boughton Social and Mutual Improvement Society held their first meeting of the New Year on Friday evening in the Christleton- road School. Mr. Norman Jones gave the pre- sidential address on Progress and its exempli- fication in the 19th Century." He dealt with his subject in an interesting and comprehen- sive manner, shewing what gigantic strides had been made in all departments of social and political life, the arts and sciences, in mechanical and other inventions and discoveries. Com- mencing with the political world the lecturer gave briefly the names and principal work of the Prime Ministers of the last century. Some of the great measures that have passed into law were quoted, such as the People's Charter, the great Reform Acts, Catholic Emancipation, &e. The great boon of free trade was also touched upon. In the wider field of European politics it was pointed out that Greece had struggled through untold trials to freedom. The liberation of the serfs in Russia and Austria had been accomplished during the last century, a most humane and gigantic undertaking. The life and work of Garibaldi, the Italian patriot, was quoted. He pointed out that improved methods of communication had brought man nearer to man; that the penny postage intro- duced by Rowland Hill was the forerunner of the means of social intercourse; and that education had made mighty strides, for whereas at the opening of the century the total annual sum .spent in this direction was 910,000, now we were spending on an average not less than E2 lOa. per head per annum. Mr. Jones reminded his hearers of the influence of great thinkers and workers in the march of progress, honouring such men as Livingstone, Ruskin, Shaftesbury, Kingsley, &c. The progress in the sciences was instanced by the inventions useful in the arts of peace as opposed to the arts of war, as for example the phosphorus match, the electric light, the locomotive, the sewing machine, &c. In the medical world discovery had followed discovery, and he men- tioned the discovery of vaccination and of the germ theory, the rapid strides in anaesthetics and antiseptics, &c. The world of writers was instanced by such master minds as Macaulay, Carlyle, and Goethe. L liC og-. names as Byron, Scott, hjm-ta d Br ing, Morris, Swinburne, anc Tens/son, repre- sented a glorious centu. y pot-al ire; c- tion. Among other rca: th s era I philosophers such names Johnson. HEini Ward Beecher, Oliver Wena?ll Holm. and Tolstoi stood out prominentl. ence to the great musicians &.D(1 painters oi T e century, the lecturer brought his remarks c • a close. A vote of thanks r^roposevi by fro John Morris, and sec. nded v jslr. w ier Brown.

I TRAMWAYS POLL. f BIG MAJORITY FOR THE SCHEME. The polling papers which had been dis- tributed among the ratepayers of the city regarding the Corporation's scheme for the municipalisation and development of the Chester Tramways were collected on Monday, but those who had not filled in their papers were allowed grace till noon on Tuesday, up to which time the papers were received at the Town Hall. The history of the scheme dates back to March 1899, but long before then the citizens gave expression to their dissatisfaction with the present inefficient service. So general did this dissatisfaction become that the Corpora- tion, after having fully discussed and carefully considered the matter, felt it incumbent upon them, when the opportunity arose, to make a practical move. laey opened negotiations with the Tramways Company which culminated in their acquiring the undertaking. Having done this wicn, wd believe, the entire approval of the citizens at laige, it was necessary to obtain powers by Act of Parliament to work aud, it coueiuerea advisable, to develop the system. It was a legal requirement tnat a meeting of owners and ratepayers should be called tor the purpose of sanctioning the Bill I! which had been drafted. This was done, and for the first time the voice of opposition was beard. There was only a meagre attendance, and to the general surprise, and notwithstand- ing that the resolution was carried, Mr. F. Storr, ef The Groves, demanded a poll. i'ne counting of the votes was expeditiously carried out at the Town Hall, on Tuesday by the Town Clerk and staff, and the result was declared by the Mayor soon after eight o'clock as follows:- For the Scheme 4,484 Against the Scheme 2,627 Majority for 1,857 mi « me actual number of voters was:—For the scheme, 3,499; against, 1,939; majority for 1,560. The number of papers not counted, being neither filled up nor signed, was 1,626, representing 1,723 votes. Sixty votes were rejected on account of improper filling up of the papers. Thirty-three ot these votes were given against the scheme, and 27 for it. THE GAS COMPANY AND THE TRAMS. I O TO THE EDITOR. I bir,-Will you please insert in your next I issue a copy of my chairman's letter addressed I to the Hon. Cecil T. Parker, in response to his letter inserted in your last Saturday night's paper ? Copy letter enclosed herewith.—1 am, yours faithfully, JAMES PYE, Secretary. The Chester United Gas Co., I 9th January, 1901. 1 [copy.] The Chester United Gas Company, January 9th, 1901. Sir,—I am at a loss to understand why in writing about the promotion of the Corpora- tion Tramways Bill you should endeavour to throw a stone at the Gas Company, especially as an irresponsible and irrational judgment without adequate knowledge is scarcely the qu ilitication for one who professes to advise the citizens of Chester. The directors of the Chester Gas Company, a company who are large ratepayers and promoters of an industry which is closely connected with the prosperity of the city, unanimously gave the votes of the company in support of the Corporation Bill, and they have never opposed any scheme for the benefit of the town, though it may have affected more or less seriously the interests of the company. I send a copy of this letter to the Cheshire Observer," in which your letter appeared.—I am, sir, yours faithfully, JOHN GAMON, Chairman of the Chester United Gas Company. The Hon. C. T. Parker. We have also received the following copy of a letter from the Hon. Cecil T. Parker to Mr. John Gamon, for publication :— Eaton Estate Office, Eccleston, Chester, 10th January, 1901. Sir,—I have to acknowledge the receipt of your courteous communication of the 9th. No doubt the public will be glad to hear that neither your company nor those holding shares in it have voted against the Corporation Bill. As yeu are sending your letter to the Observer you will, doubtless, send this, my reply.—Yours faithfully, (Signed) CECIL T. PARKER. Jno. Gamon, Esq. HOOLE AND THE TRAMS. TO THE EDITOR. oir,—The Hoole Urban District Council appear to have returned to their old method of throwing stones where they know it is impossible to re- taliate. I therefore ask you to allow me space to deal with the utterances at their meeting on Mon- day last. In the first place I must inform the clerk that I gather my information from the urban district of Hoole, where he only enters about once a month, and receives high fees for so doing. It is to be hoped in future he will be wise and accept the hint of Mr. Davies. I would also remind him the ratepayers of Hoole have elected: twelve councillors to conduct the business of the district. So far as the tramways are concerned, the prin- cipal objection raised in the city was that of j bringing the trams to Hoole. However, the Bill is approved, and it seems almost incredible to think of any sane person interested in Hoole attempting to put a thorn in its path. I have not the slightest doubt that if the Council will be so blind to the future interests of the district as to oppose a scheme the ratepayers have for years been longing for, the electors will immediately rise in a body. I again repeat the principal an- tagonists to the amalgamation scheme are the officials. If this was not the case, why was the surveyor instructed to go from door to door with a petition impressing the minds of the ratepayers with a false statement that if they did not sign it their rates would be increased? Was not this officialism? The facts were as stated by the present Mayor of Chester, that the average rates during the preceding five years were in Hoole 4s. lid. and a fraction, and in Chester 4s. 4 2-5d. of a penny. That was to say, Chester owners on the average paid 7d. in the pound less than Hoole, and occupiers lid. less. Mr. Nightingale accuses me of being once "dead against" joining Chester. This is another of the abominably false statements so often made in the Council Chamber. Any ratepayer interested in the district is aware I have always held if any sensible man would sit down and ponder the ques- tion for half an hour, free from pessimism or prejudice, he would rise in favour of seeking equitable terms from Chester. Mr. Nightingale's statement appears to be an attempt to inform the ratepayers of Hoole that because they have been blindfold so they must remain. I have more confi- dence in the good sense and wisdom of the rate- payers of Hoole than to believe any such state- ment. As Mr. Nightingale is so strong against joining Chester, let us consider the only two reasons this gentleman was able to give in evidence at the time of the inquiry. 1. "He was told the rates of Hoole would be increased." 2. "He was told the City Council would do away with the Ermine Cattle Mart." In reply to the former Mr. Nightingale was asked if he was responsible for the false statement circulated in Hoole con- cerning the rates; and to the latter that the City Council liad never considered the matter. Mr. Nightingale also informs us the whole of the members of the Urban Council, with one ex- ception, were against the Amalgamation Scheme. He failed to say that a particular member was elected last April at the head of the poll, and that four of the other members have never been before the ratepayers. The chairman thinks I go beyond the limit of my powers to state at a public meet- ing what I believe to be the opinion of the majority of the ratepayers of Hoole. If Dr. Butt is worthy of the position he was so eager to obtain and now holds, as chairman, and has any argument against the Amalgamation Scheme worth the slightest consideration, let him first explain to us why the clerk is so eager to keep the district from Chester, that pays him about JB8 for every meeting he attends, and allows him to charge solicitors' scale rates for nearly all the business he executes on our behalf. Again, we have about 500 children in Hoole more than we have school accommodation for. If we are to keep from Chester, and be honourable, what are we to do with these chil- dren? If Dr. Butt, Mr. Nightingale, or any other member of the Council will be good enough to answer these questions through your correspon- dence columns, I will be delighted to give them a few more. It will also be the means of giving the ratepayers of Hoole an opportunity to know both sides of the question, and to judge for themselves. So far as the park question is concerned, I hope to have the pleasure later on of dealing with the senseless restrictive covenants so often and un- fairly mentioned. However, the ratepayers have demanded a public park, and in case the clerk fails to agree with Messrs. Bater and Williamson it is the Council's duty to look for land elsewhere at once. Otherwise the district will soon owe the clerk the nice little sum of L100 for legal ex- penses. This means another extra Id. rate in a small district like Hoole, and nothing to see for it.—Yours, &c., H. CROWDER. Mona Lodge, Hoole, 9th Jan., 1901. P.S.—Since writing the above I learn there is some misunderstanding concerning the rates of my house, as mentioned at the Boughton meeting. It must be understood the house in question is in Newton, not Hoole, and is assessed at JB59 10s. I also referred to last year's rates. Ratepayers in the know are aware there will be a great increase in Newton rates for the present year-In fact there will be little difference between Newton and Chester. The increase is to cover legal expenses. This onl confirms what I have always held, that neIther Hoole nor Newton can keep their rates ?belo-w ?th hose of the city if they are to attempt the 1 I shghtest necessary improvement.

I CHILDREN'S HOMES FOR I CHESTER. INTERESTING POOR-LAW FYPPPTAIPVT REMOVING THE \V(YRK"Ur»T7STi< TUVT Thursday witnessed the inauguration at Chester of an important scheme of poor-law reform, which is destined to rid our pauper children of the stigma which ever attaches to those who have been brought up amid the injurious influences of the workhouse. The Chester Board of Guardians has for many years past been ahead of the Local Government Board in almost every branch of workhouse reform. The idea of providing outside cottage homes for the children connected with the Workhouse was first mooted on the Chester Board, we believe, some ten years ago. When the attempt was made to carry out the scheme the Local Government Board, who have now adopted the idea, did not afford those facilities which the venture deserved, and delay was the result. The London authority is, however, now thoroughly alive to the advantages of such an ar- rangement, and it would not be surprising if they issued an order in the near future calling upon all boards of guardians to make similar pro- visions. Be that as it may, the Chester scheme is being pushed forward rapidly, it being with good reason believed to be a step in the right direction. The experiment will be watched with great interest by poor-law authorities throughout the country, for although children's homes may already exist in a few unions, those in course of erection in the Chester district will, it is believed, be the only isolated homes in existence. Alto- gether there will be four homes, and they will cost about £ 6,000. The headquarters block, from which the other homes, when erected, will draw their supplies, will be under the charge of a superin- ten dent, while the others will be managed by matrons or "mothers." The former occupies a site which was acquired from the late Duke of Westminster on the Wrexham-road, Chester. It will accommodate about ten boys and ten girls, superintendent and his wife, etc. There will be a common dining-room, kitchens, out-buildings, bathrooms, lavatories, etc. The elevations will be carried out in terra-cotta work, and will be of a simple but useful character. The other homes will occupy sites at Dodleston (purchased from the late Duke), Saughall and Upton. The foundation-stone of the headquarters block was laid by the venerable chairman of the Board (Mr. J. Pover) on Thursday, in the presence of a large assembly of guardians and others interested in the movement. The ceremony was fixed for twelve o'clock, when a silver trowel was presented to the chairman on behalf of the architects (Messrs. T. M. Lockwood and öons), together with a specially made mason's mallet with silver in- scription plate, on behalf of Messrs. McLennan Bros., builders for all the homes except that at Dodleston, which is being erected by Mr. Peter Edwards. The stone bears the following inscrip- tion:—Children's Homes, 1900. Foundation-stone laid January 10th, 1901, by Joseph Pover, Esq., J.P." Amongr those present were the Lord Bishop of Chester, the Rev. Canon Lynch, Mr. J. Pover (chairman of the Board of Guardians), Mr. T. Knowles (vice-chairman), the Revs. F. Edwards, E. C. Lowndes and W. Jones, Messrs. W. Vernon (chairman of the Visiting Committee), J. Gooddie Holmes, Roger Jackson, S. Wedgwood, T. Hart Davies, A. W. Jones. M. Kennedy, W. Mills, S. Coppack, A. Smith, E. T. Hallmark, T. Nixon, J. A. Kendrick, J. Dean and A. W. Butt, Mrs. Douglas and Mrs. B. Adams, (city Guardians), Messrs. W. J. Lee, T. Payne, E. Carter, J. Warburton, J. Dutton, W. A. Forster, S. J. R. Dickson, J. H. Dickson, J. Minshull, Rowe Morris, J. Pickering, T. L. Okell, R. Rowe Morris, NN-illiams'T. Butler, J. T. Ball, E. Hartshorn, T. Williams, T. Butler, J. T. Ball, E. Cookson, C. Maddock, J. Ball, J. Taylor, E. Dean, M. Gibbons, S. Crawford and W. Williams (county Guardians), the Rev. F. Anderson (chaplain), Mr. W. Turnock (clerk), Dr. Archer (medical officer), R. C. Turner (master), C. J. Owen (surveyor), H. Harrop and H. Anderson (relieving officers), P. H. Lockwood (architect), McLellan (builder), &c. Mr. T. Knowles (chairman of the Children's I Homes Committee), said they were met there that day for the purpose of laying the foundation stone of the central block of the Children's Homes. The object of the guardians in pro- viding those homes was pretty generally under- stood. They desired to remove the boys and girls from the Workhouse and its surroundings and place them in cottage homes in villages within easy reach of the city, under the charge of foster parents; to allow them to attend village schools, play with village children, attend churches, chapels and Sunday schools along with village children, and give them a part in life they could not have under the present circum- tances. They trusted that when the children had finished their education and were discharged from the homes they would start life under very different and, they hoped, improved circum- stances. He now called upon their venerable and esteemed chairman to lay the foundation stone. (Applause.) The Chairman having declared the stone well and truly laid, and expressed the hope that the homes would answer the purpose for which they were intended, the Bishop pronounced the Benediction. I THE LUNCHEON. The company then adjourned to the Town Hall, where they were entertained at a complimentary luncheon by Mr. Pover, the gentlemen already mentioned being joined by the High Sheriff (Mr. B. C. Roberts) and the Mayor (Alderman H. T. Brown). After the toast of The Queen and the Rest of the Royal Family from the Chair, the High Sheriff submitted The Bishop and Clergy and Ministers of all Denominations." He expressed the pleasure it afforded him to do so. The clergy and ministers were well represented at the banquet, and he was glad to say regular in their attendance at the meetings of the Guardians. He was glad to be able to say from his own know- ledge that the clergy and ministers had always been foremost in doing their best to further the business of the Board. (Applause.) The Bishop, in responding, said he was par- ticularly glad to hear what the High Sheriff had said about the regular and valuable work done by the clergy and ministers in connection with the Workhouse. He could speak quite inde- pendently in the matter, because he could claim no connection with this work for himself, as he was not in the habit of attending their meetings, even irregularly. (Laughter.) It was a field of work wherein they were well employed, and it was a comforting thing to hear a great repre- sentative of the laity putting his seal upon the assistance rendered by the clergy and ministers of all denominations in that important field of opportunities and responsibilities. He had probably said before what he believed was a most important fact and truth, and that was that people were too apt to think that the important thing in life was to get laws passed, whereas he ventured to say an even more important thing was to carry out those laws by a wise, intelligent, persevering and open-minded application. That applied of course to our poor-law. They might see here and there some point which could be improved, but the more important thing was to make the best of the law as it existed. He believed there was a mind abroad, equally among the clergy and laity, leading them to see what was best to be done with their existing buildings and appliances. He thanked the chairman and those associated with him for the hospitality shewn to the clergy and ministers that day. The work they were engaged in that day was an instance of how to make the most intelligent use of the opportunities which were already within their reach. He could not conceive anything nearer to the heart and understanding of every Christian, and certainly to the ministers of all denominatiofls, than the watchful and wise care and provision for those young citizens who were placed in a peculiarly difficult position in early life-provision in order that. tiiey might have every advantage given them for growing up to be good and useful citizens and good and sincere Christians by being put in the best places they possibly could be for their development both for this world and the world to come. That was common ground between all denominations, and they could rely upon the ministers and clergy doing sympathetically and perseveringly all that lay in their power to strengthen the hands of the authorities at every point. (Applause.) Mr. J. Gooddie Holmes proposed "The Right Worshipful the Mayor," and said that Aiderman Brown was well known to them all and appre- ciated. He was an exceptional Mayor—(hear, hear) —both in ability and zeal, and they trusted that he would long continue to OCCUDV that offiop. as did Mayors of Chester some six or seven centuries ago, when they occupied the position for as many as ten or twelve years successively. (Ap- plause.) The Mayor, whose health had been cordially toasted, expressed the pleasure it afforded him to place the Council Chamber at their service for the banquet. Mr. Pover was at the head of a very important public institution, and he (the Mayor) was at the head of another. He had always held that public institutions such as the Board of Guardians and the municipal authority should always shew the utmost sympathy the one with the other-(hear, hear)— because they were both engaged in very important public works, and those works would be far better carried on if thev were in sympathy with each other. He was therefore very glad that they had been good enough to use the Council Chamber on that oc- casion. He took the opportunity of congratulating the Board upon the work which they had in- augurated that day. Many years ago he (the Mayor) was elected a guardian on their Board, and for many years also he was an ex-officio member. During his active connection with the Board he took an interest in its affairs. There was one subject which pained him very much, and that was that children who had been brought up in the Union afterwards, unfortu- nately, had the stamp of the workhouse upon them, and that that mark was hardly ever erased in after life. The work they had inaugurated that day would largely contribute to the removal of that defect in the administration of the poor- law in that Union. For upwards of 20 years he had been intimately associated with an industrial school which was entirely supported by voluntary contributions and educational grants from the Government. He could not see why a school of that kind should differ in any way from schools under the management of the Board of Guardians. His experience of the industrial school was that not only did no sort of stigma I attach to the boys who had been educated there. but that in after life it was their great pride to speak of themselves and hear themselves spoken  He hoped that the scheme which hey had inaugurated that day w<,mdp,od?..?.?S ''??"? an enormous bodiy of usefu] momk of r Tlety would be the result of a general adoption of scheme throughout tha e gene^f^fc^ ^unt^aT a°n t* mense mass of useful cItIzens there would be for the country to fall back upon m time of ??e?? He sincerely trusted that every su?ss wo,!hi attend their effort and the effort that ^as beW made throughout the country to educate the children in such a way as would further their interests in after life. (Applause.) The Rev. E. C. • Lowndes proposed The Hio-h Sheriff" in felicitous terms, and spoke of the characteristic energy and zeal with which he carried out everything he undertook of a public SthJ Board of Guardians had rejoicS to hear that one of their own body had been appointed High Sheriff of the couiity-(applause) -and he was sure the High Sheriff counted it not the least of the honours which had been thrust upon him in recent years that he was him- self elected a member of the Board of Guardians. They would all be glad to see him re-elected on the Board i- n March, when his duties as High Sheriff would terminate. (Applause.) Wu Sheriff thanked them for the manner in which they had received the toast, and assured them that he would always be glad ? assS in any movement for the good of the community in the city or county. He took the opportunity of congratulating the Bishop upon his scheme which, he understood from the papers, was about to be floated. He had the greatest possible pleasure in wishing his lordship s scheme every success, and he was sure from what he had seen in a critical article that it must succeed. They all hoped that it might. (Applause.) Mr. W. J. Lee proposed tne health of "The Chairman," a toast which was received with the utmost enthusiasm and musical honours. He referred in eulogistic terms to the life-long public services of Mr. Pover as a guaraian. and to the good work which he did while resident at Elton. His loss was very much felt in that parish, where they were sorry to lose him, but he (the speaker) was glad to find that he was carry- ing on good work at Hoole, where he had made so many friends. Mr. Pover was an honourable iunglisnman whose only object in life was to assist those who were not able to help themselves. He had set a worthy example of good work, and it was a matter of pleasure to all of them that he had laid the foundation stone of the new Children's Homes, which were the outcome of a worthy and noble scheme. He hoped he might have good health and be spared long enough to see many of the inmates of those homes become honourable citizens. (Applause.) The Chairman, who was cordially received, thanked them for the kind manner in which they had received the toast. He mentioned that he had been a guardian for something like 40 years. First of all, before the Chester Board existed, they used to meet at Great Boughton, and after- wards in a room in Lower Bridge-street, and the Workhouse at that time was situated near to the Gasworks, somewhere near the Roodee. After that they went to the new house, and he had been chairman of the Board for about 16 or 17 years. (Hear, hear.) He had always been elected with- out opposition. Sometime he might have been thought to be a little harsh on the poor. but he assured them it was not with the deserving poor. It was very pleasing to him to have his invitation so heartily responded to, and he wished all the best of health and happiness. (Loud applause.) Mr. J. Minshull proposed "The Vice- Chairman," and praised him for his persistent and thoughtful work. No one had given more of his leisure time, thought and energy than Mr. Knowles--(applause)-who had been actively en- gaged in the preliminary work in connection with the Children's Homes. Mr. Knowles, in responding, said the scheme of the Children's Homes had been in the minds of a great number of the Guardians for about ten years but it was not until about three years ago that the Board ap- pointed a committee to look out for suitable sites. They then set to work to select sites, and some difficulty was experienced in find- ing town sites. Mr. Rowe Morris suggested that they should approach the Duke of Westminster. They did approach the late Duke, and their diffi- culties were soon over, for his Grace placed at their disposal the site upon which they had laid the foundation stone of the headquarters block, the situation of which could not be improved upon. One of the things which they thought might have given them trouble was the question of what to do with the Roman Catholic children. For several years they had been sending their Roman Catholic children to Pantasaph. where they knew they had been cared for in a way which left nothing to be desired. After speaking of the internal arrangements of the building, he mentioned that they had come to an arrangement with the Infirmary Board with reference to the children who might be unfortunate enough to become seriously ill. The arrangement was that any case of serious illness should be treated at the Infirmary at a fixed sum per week. They had every confidence in the work which they had undertaken, and which had been inaugurated without difficulties, and believed they might have every reason to rejoice in the results of the work which they had begun. (Applause.) Mr. Rowe Morris submitted the toast of The Chairman of the Visiting Committee," who, he said, was one of the principal movers in the inauguration of the scheme. When the idea was first mooted some of the Guardians had criticised them, but he believed that that day every mem- ber was of opinion that they had made a step in the right direction. It might cost them a little more than hitherto to maintain thev children under the new conditions, but it would be money well spent. If they removed the stigma which had hitherto rested upon children brought up in the Workhouse they would have accomplished a splendid work. (Hear, hear.) Mr. Vernon, replying, spoke in optimistic terms of the results which would attend the Children's Homes venture. Their object was to make the children good citizens, and to train them so that they would be able to hold their own among those with whom they would associate in after life. If they could teach workhouse children to disassociate themselves from the Union they would have done a good work. Future generations would see the result of the experiment, and they (the present Board) would feel proud of the step they had taken. It was a remarkable fact that the Chester Board of Guardians had been ahead of the Local Govern- ment Board in almost every poor law reform which the latter had suggested. (Hear, hear.) They had already classified the inmates of the Chester Workhouse, and the Guardians had now in hand the classification of out-door relief. He described the changed condition of life in the house, and asserted that they were doing all they could to make the lives of the inmates as com- fortable as possible. He was proud that the Chester Board deserved the credit of being fore- most in such reforms, and that they had for their object the betterment of the conditions of workhouse life. (Applause.) Messrs. Bolland and Sons catered for the luncheon, which was excellently served.

BIRTHS, MARRIAGES,& DEATHS. BIRTHS. MAILRIAGICS, and DEATHS are charged at the rate of 20 words for Is. (prepaid). If not prepaid, the charge will be 2s. 6d. The announcement must be authenticated by the Signature and Address of the Sender. BIET H S. EVANS—January 9, at Clement House, Blacon, the wife of Alfred Evans, grocer. of a son. HCNTER—January 9, at the Vicarage, Seaton Carew, the wife of the Rev. C. H. Hunter, of a daughter. SIKFSON—January 6, at 5, bandolph Crescent, Edin- burgh, the wife of Dr. G. F. Barbour Simpson, a son. MARRIAGES. BitirRLEY-TAYLOR-January 10, at St John-the-Baptist, Chester, by the Kev. Canon Cooper Scott, Vicar, assisted by the Bev. F. Tilney Sionex, John Gamon. second son of the late J. C. Brierley, to Alice, youngest daughter of John Taylor, Queen's Park, Chester. TOPHAK—SHAKPE—January y, at St. Weri urgh's Church, Grosvenor Park-road. Chester, by the Very Rev. Canon Lynch, assisted by the Eev. Chicele Giles and the Bev. George Carton, Edward A C., eldest son of J. B. Topham, fcsq., of Oxton, Cheshire, to Norah M.. second daughter of F. W. Sharpe, Esq., of Abbey Gate House, Chester. DEATHS. AKDEKTON—January 4, 19-1, at 3, Back Brook-street after a short illness, Thomas Anderton, late of Guilden Sutton, in his 83rd year. BARKETT January 3, at the residence of his daughter. Mrs. Hooley. Bridge-street, Joseph Barnett, of Dove House, Boughton, in his Bird year. CRIMES—January 8. Mary, the widow of the late John Crimes, of Crane Bank. FoulqT&IN- December 13, :&00, at Calcutta, aged 24, Walter Fountain, youngest son of Major E. Fountain, late Royal Artillery, of Southcote, Fiookersbrook. Chester. GRIFFITlis-Janllary 5, at the Ship Victory Inn, George- street. Chester. Martha, widow of the late Joseph Griffiths, in her tilst year. filGGiK80S—January 7, at 358, Overleigh-road, Hand- bridge, Chester, Ellen, the beloved wife of John Higgmsou, aged til years. [Interred Barrow Church- yard, January 9th.J METcALFE-January I, ll, suddenly, Ellen. daughter of John and Emma ?etcalte. 01 9?. Francis-street. Chester, aged 37 years. PATNE—January 4, 1901, at Kimberley, Charlie, third son of William Payne, of Holly House Farm. Hoole, in his 21st year. IN MEMOBIAM. BEKKETT—In ever-loving memory of Frank, the beloved son of Frances and the late Charles Bennett, 49, Tarvm- road, who fell asleep in Jesus on January 13th, 1898. We shall sleep, but not for ever: There will be a glorious dawn We shall meet to part-no, never, On the resurrection morn. (Ever remembered by mother and sisters.) FRANcE-In loving memory of Florence Helen, the dearly beloved niece of C. J. Errington also Jeff, the bon of the above. [Peace, perfect peace.] (IORHAX-IU fond memory of Edward, the beloved husband of Hannah (iorhava I who departed this life January 6th, 1892, in his 42nd year. [Gone, but not forgotten by his sorrowing wife and children JONEII-In loving memory of my dear husband, John Jones, who died January 8th, LFCOO, at 11, Mount street, Boughton, aged 60 years, and was interred at Chester Ceiretery January 12th. Good was his heart, and in friendship sound. Patient in pain and loved by all around His pains are o'er, his griefs for ever done, A life of everlasting joy he's now begun. LANGToJr-In loving memory of my dear husband, Thomas Langton, who departed this life on the iOth January, 1898. WILKINSON—In loving memory of my dear sister, Eliza- beth (Lizzie) Wilkinson, who tell asleep Jauuary :5th. 18S7, at Heywood Lodge, Newton. [At rest with loved ones far away.] (M. S. E.)

ATEMOB.IALS- AT ALL PRICES, IN MARBLE, GRANITE, STONE & ALABASTER. On View, and to Order. W. HASWELL & SON. MASONS, KALEYAEDS, CHESTER. Estimates cmd D"ig" Free on application 1 Telephone No. 161A.