Cheshire Observer

PUBLIC-HOUSti MANAGERS. CHESTER JUSTICES' ATTITUDE. At Chester City Police Court on Wednesday, before Mr. John Thompson, Dr. Stolterfoth and Mr. Roger Jackson, Mr. G. H. Reynolds, solicitor, applied on behalf of Joseph Ingoldsby, at present managing the Green Dragon Hotel for Messrs. Montgomery and Co., for temporary authority to sell at the Grotto Hotel, Bridge-street, as a manager. Mr. Reynolds admitted that it was a bold thing to suggest, having regard to the practice adopted ia that court, that a licence should be granted to a manager. The question, however, of whether a licence should be held by a tenant or by a manager was one entirely in the discretion of the licensing justices. Having alluded to the action of the Crewe magistrates and the Cheshire Quarter Sessions on the subject, Mr. Reynolds remarked that many persons who were competent to judge were of opinion that the managerial system was a very excellent one and for the benefit of the public. He drew attention to the evidence on the subject given before the Licensing Commission by Sir Harry Pollard and Captain Nott-Bower (Chief Constable of Liver- pool), the latter of whom stated the managers' tied house was the best conducted and the brewers' tied house was the worst conducted the better conduct of the managed house being very largely due to the stringent regulations made by the owners of the house. The manager was paid a fixed wage and his conduct was checked in mhiaad m= by strict supervision. Mr. Ingoldsby had always been a manager; for 18 months or more he had been the manager of the Green Dragon, and before that he was manager of the j Victoria Hotel, HeswaU. The Chairman asked if he was .the licensed manager of the Green Dragon. M Mr. Reynolds replied that the licence was in the name of Mr. Montgomery. The Chairman said the only cases where they had granted licences to managers in Chester were the Grosvenor, the Queen and the Blossoms, which were in the hands of companies. Mr. Reynolds said the applicant would be the manager of the Grotto at a weekly wage, and the agreement might be terminated by a month's notice on either side. He would live in the house free of coals and gas, and would be entitled to make what he could by supplying luncheons and catering. He would get no commission on the sale of intoxicating liquors, 80 that he would I have no interest whatever in forcing the sale of drink. The Chairman: Except that if he does not sell enough beer he has got to go. (Laughter). Mr. Reynolds: I cannot say how that will be. The Chairman From analogy. Mr. Reynolds, proceeding to explain the agree- ment, said the manager had to conduct the house in a proper way and be careful that no offences against the licensing laws were committed. He must also keep proper accounts, and there was the right of re-entry in case he did not conduct the house properly. The Chairman said the licensing justices came to the conclusion three years ago that they would not grant licences to managers. They believed that there had been a good deal of deception about the matter and that bogus agreements had been put in. It would be a question for the justices to say whether they would still adhere to that arrangement or not. A meeting of the licensing justices was called for that morning to consider the question, but the licensing justices did not turn up. The Bench did not feel inclined to take upon themselves the responsibility of dis- arranging the arrangement that the licensing justices deliberately came to. They would there- fore not give any decision regarding the applica- tion. Mr. Reynolds: I may renew the application? The Chairman: You may renew the application, and we will try to get a representative attendance of justices.

DEATH OF A BIRKENHEAD COUNCILLOR.—The death of Mr. Restel Ratsey Bevis occurred on Sunday at his residence, Manor Hill, Claughton. The deceased gentleman, who was 75 years of age, was very well known in public and private life in Birkenbead, and was a highly-esteemed and respected figure in the town and district. He was a director of Laird's shipbuilding firm, a consulting engineer, and the inventor of several notable marine engineering appliances. He was a staunch Conservative, and in 1899 was elected to the Town Council as a representative for Argyle Ward. He served on the Gas and Water, Parliamentary, Ferries, and Tramways Committees. Last November he was offered the mayoralty of the town, but failing health caused him to deline the honour. OLD FALSE TEETH BOUGHT. Many ladies and gentlemen have oy them old or disused false teeth, which might as well be turned into money. Messrs. B. D. & J. B. Fraser, I of Princes-street, Ipswich (established since 1833), buy old false teeth. If you send your teeth to them they will remit you by return post the utmost value; or, if preferred, they will make you the best offer. and hold the teeth over for your reply. If reference necessary, apply to Messrs. Bacon & Co., Bankers, Ipswich.

DEE CONSERVANCY BOARD. ANNUAL MEETING. The annual meeting of the Conservators of the River Doe was held in Chester Town Hall on Monday, Mr. J. Thompson presiding.— On the motion of Mr. P. H. Chambers, seconded by Mr. Thomas Cartwright, Mr. John Thomp- son was re-elected chairman. The Chairman, in moving the adoption of the report, said there had been a considerable fail- ing off in the outward shipping dues owing to trade not being so flourishing in consequence j of the price of coal and tnere being a decreased demand tor bricks tor shipment. He was disappointed that they had failed to negotiate their loan. Unless the members ot the Board who Enew ail about the river and its conuiuon and prospects shewed the lead 111 che matter they could hardiy expect the public to do so. Whether it was worth wiule trying again to raise the loan he was not prepared to say, but every engineer who was com- petent to judge was of opinion that the removal of the obstructing rock at Connah's Quay would do a great deal towards improving the river. As to the general condition ol the nver, they could not make bricks without straw, and unless they had more money to dispose of they could not do what they ail text was necessary to be done to improve the river from top to bottom. Sandbanks had to be dealt with as they were found. To improve the deptii generally a.U along required a large expenditure, aud tuey simply had not tne money to do so. The total expenditure was practically the same, being £ tteO against ;t;¡,J88 last year. In consequence of the failing off of outward shipping dues the excess of income over expenditure, wnich last year was £ 281, had been reduced to £ 172. A sandbank had formed above the new bridge. The question arose as to whether it was caused by the bridge. if so, then the Flintshire County Council wold have to remove it according to the Act of Pari-LameiaL.I:he report was adopted. The report of the acting conservator (Air. H. E. Taylor; stated that the training wail and embankment had been much damaged by the stormy weather of late, but they had kept it in repair as far as possible with tne plant and staff available. At Connah's Quay the channel was constantly changing, and he had had to put a dredger at work on shoals immediately above Q.eea's Ferry Bridge. The existence of a bar at this point was caused, it his opinion, by the piers and fenders of the bridge. Mr. S. Coppack urged that unless the gap in the training wail were closed the navigation could not be improved. The water rushing through the opening carried through great quantities of sand, and banks were formed which impeded the navigation. The Acting-Conservator said to close the gap would involve a cost of i.266, and if it were closed he was of opiaion that another breach would occur ia a worse position. It could only be rendered safe if closed up entirely by extending and heightening the training walls, and this would meaa a cost of Lig,ouu. Mr. Coppack said the shipowners wanted the gap closed, and if the Board would not close it they would have to appeal to some other authority in order to have it carried out. If an appeal were made to the shipowners and all the interests con- cerned the necessary funds would be forthcoming, if the finances of the Board would not permit of their carrying out the work. The Chairman reminded Mr. Coppack that the Board had already expended a sum of £21,164 upon the construction of works exclusive of the cost of the plant. If the shipowners produced engineering opinion that the gap could be closed without the danger of another breach being made, and without damage to the navigation inside the training wall, the Board would be quite prepared to listen to it. The opinion of Mr. Coppack or himself (the chairman) was not worth anything as opposed to what they had been told by their engineer. The report was then adopted.

i DEATH OF lUlL J. H. SPENCER. j It is our painful duty this week to announce the death of one of the most widely-known and esteemed citizens of Chester in the person of Mr. James Hampson Spencer, chemist, Bridge- street, which occurred on Sunday morning after a prolonged illness. Mr. Spencer, who was about 48 years of age, had been suffering from a painful malady for some months past, and though his condition from time to time gave rise to grave apprehension, the news of his death came as a painful shock to the citizens at large. His loss will be particularly lamented among a large circle of scientists in Chester and North Wales, in addition to a host of personal friends by whom he was universally respected for his strict integrity of character j and many sterling qualities. Mr. Spencer had j carried on the business of chemist in Chester since the year 1876, before which he resided at Bury. As chairman of the photographic sec- < tion of the Chester Natural Science Society he was specially distinguished for his extraordinary ability in producing interesting photographs, more especially those pertaining to stereoscopic views, in which he attained some of the most remarkable work that has yet been witnessed in Great Britain. For such work he has been awarded gold and other medals at various exhibitions, winning the high distinction when undergoing his qualifying examination of being first in all England, and on one occasion he was actually fortunate to secure a handsome photograph, which will long rank as being peculiarly historic, of a group consisting of the present King and Queen, and the late Mr. and Mrs. Gladstone in the Golden Wedding Porch of Hawarden Castle. On tnat occasion quite a series of admittedly unique and really exquisite photographs were taken of those illustrious individuals as well as the Duke and Duchess ot Westminster, which earned for Mr. Spenoer the commendations of connoisseurs of stereoscopic and other photography. Not only was Mr. Spencer closely identified with the photographic section of the Chester Science Society, but he was equally interested in the work which tended to further scientific pursuits in connection with the Grosvenor Museum. The local temperance party has lost in Mr. Spencer one of its most powerful and earnest workers. He was a strong and uncompromising advocate of total abstinence principles, and in the course of a long connection with the tem- perance organisation he has filled the office of president of the Chester Christian Temperance Society with conspicuous ability. The philan- thropic side of Mr. spencer's character was the one by which he was particularly admired by all who knew him. His prominent connection with the Chester City Mission, and his assiduous and untiring labours as a Sunday school teacher for a period of about fifteen years, not to mention his beneficent work in other directions, will be associated with his true Christian character and invariable rectitude. Mr. Spencer was also a director of the Cheater Cocoa House Company, and was interested in the management of the Chester Savings Bank. He was a Liberal in politics, but never took a prominent share in party affairs. A Churchman, he was a sidesman at St. Peter's Church. The deceased gentleman leaves a widow and two children. THE FUNERAL. I Amid evidences of sincere regret the remains of j the late Mr. Spencer were interred in Chester Cemetery on Wednesday. The first portion of the burial service was taken in St. Peter's Church by the Vicar, the Rev. F. Tilney Stonex, who met the cortege at the porch. The mourners were Mrs. Reynolds (aunt), the Misses Harkness, Southport (sisters-in-law), Messrs. Robert Hamp- son and John Hampson, and the following assist- ants: Messrs. H. Wolff. E. N. Torry, and W. H. Fromont. The Chester Christian Temperance Society were represented by Messrs. J. Gibson, president; B. Adams, chairman of committee; A. Storrar, financial secretary; C. Bailey, agent; W. E. Williams, Band of Hope secretary; J. T. Partington, auditor, and a large number of mem- bers; the City Mission by Mr. W. Denson, secretary; Mr. Jas. Williams, treasurer; Messrs. 0. C. Bowles and G. Brooker, city missionaries; the National Science Society by Dr. Stolterfoth, Messrs. J. D. tnddall, W, F. J. Shepheard and J. Simon; the Chester Sohools of Science and Art by Mr. J. A. McMichael and Mr. W. D. Schroder, while others included the Rev. W. N. Howe, St. Mary's-on-the-Hill; ) the Rev. W. Jones, Handbridge; the Rev. D. Wynne Evans, Dr. King, Alderman W. Williams, Messrs. W. Vernon. H. Dodd, W. Pritchard, J. Lyon Denson, A. W. Jones, W. Skenfield, A. Lamont, jun., W. Dodd, J. Priddey, W. T. Williams, Edward Thomas, C. P. Cockrill, A. Richardson, Thomas Wood, J. Richard- son, C. Setchell, Williams (Handbridge), H. Jefferson, Gomer Welsh, J. Shires, J. Blake, W. F. Lowe, city analyst, etc. There were a large number of handsome wreaths, including one from deceased's widow and family, from Chester Christian Temperance Society, with the committee's loving sympathy; the committee of the Chester Society of Natural Science; Mrs. John Gamon, with every sympathy and regard; Mr. and Mrs. Pritchard; Misses Harkness, South- port; Mrs. Jefferson, Mr. and Mrs. W. Denson and family, etc. The concluding portion of the service at the cemetery was performed by the Rev. G. Hindhaugh, curate of St. Peter's.

A MESSAGE FROM MAS. i Whatever the result of Dr. Tesla's experi- mente in sending messages to planets, the messages which scores of Ma's are daily sending to their daughters and friends is that Charles Forde's Bile Beans for Biliousness are beyond all doubt the world's specific for colds, coughs, anaemia, rheumatism, indigestion, chest pains, buzzing in the head, flatulence, debility, liver and kidney disorders, constipation, piles, head- ache, and all female ailments. Bile Beans may be had from any chemist, or direct from The Bile Bean Manufacturing Co., 119 and 120, London Wall, London, E.C., by sending prices, one and three half-pence or two and nine. The above message should be noted by all women.

DEATH OF BISHOP CRAMFR-, ROBERTS. I The Rev. Francis Alexander Randal Cramer- Roberts, Suffragan Bishop of Manchester, and vicar and Archdeacon of Blackburn, died from diphtheria on Saturday morning at Blackburn after three days' illness. at the age of 61 years. Dr. Marten, the physician in attendance upon the bishop, states that he died of syncope. The deceased was born at Armagh. December 3rd, 1840. and was educated at Trinity College, Cam- bridge, where he obtained bis B A. in 1862. The degree of Master of Arts be received six years later. He took orders in 1864, and was until 1868 curate of Frant. in Sussex, and then for two years curate of Hawlev, in Hampshire. His first living was the rectorate of Llandinabo and Harewood in Herefordshire, and that be held from 1870 to 1872. going to Hawley for a year, and afterwards becoming vicar of Blindley Heath, Surrey. In 1878 he was consecrated Lord Bishop of Nassau in St. Paul's Cathedral, among those who took part in the ceremony being Archbishop Tait. Bishop Jackson, of London, and Bishop Browne, of Rochester. His diocese in the Bahamas covered an area of 112.000 square miles, upon wbioh a population of nearly 50.000 was settled. Here he remained until 1885, and on bis return to England be entered the vicarage of Milford Lymington, Hampshire. Then he travelled north to take up the office of vicar of Blackburn, rendered vacant through the death of Archdeacon Birch. The Bishop of Manchester appointed the reverend gentleman as assistant bishop, and he therefore took part in confirmations and the consecration of churches and churchyards Last January he became Archdeacon of Black- burn upon the retirement of Archdeacon Rawstorae. (The above appeared in our last Saturday Evening I Edition.)

CHESTER DIOCESAN HOUSE I OF MERCY. A YEAR'S USEFUL WORK. I The annual meeting in connection with the Chester Diocesan House of Mercy was held on Monday afternoon at the Town Hall, under the presidency of the Lord Bishop. The attendance included Canons Blencowe, Blackburne, Upper- ton, Holme and Cooper Scott, the Revs. G. A. Robins (chaplain of the institution), E. C. Lowndes, R. J. Fairclough, G. J. Howson, L. Garnett, W. Sparling (hon. secretary), Mr. R. Farmer (hon. treasurer), and Mr. John Scott. Apologies for non-attendance were received from Archdeacon Barber, Canon Feilden, the Rev. Stapleton Cotton, the Rev. H. Grantham, Mr. J. R. Thomson, and Mr. John Thompson. The report of the past year stated that the work had been one of quiet and steady progress. Al- though there' were no matters calling for any special remarks, the council were able to 'assure friends and supporters that the object of the in- stitution had been faithfully carried out. The number of inmates had not varied much through- out the year, and the house was still full almost to its utmost limits. The further extension of the work must therefore wait until the council were in a position to complete the quadrangle, of which only two sides had as yet been built, and which was the original plan of the founders. It was satisfactory to note that the laundry earnings had been considerably larger than any previous year, but that source of income was very liable to variation, and must not be depended upon. That happy result might be regarded as a good testi- mony of the order and loving discipline under which the inmates worked, and was an evidence that they were being well taught to qualify them- selves for good and useful positions when they loft the home. A most useful feature in the work of the institution was that of training ladies for penitentiary work, and during the past year the house had never been without such ladies, who, after a few months' residence, were able to gain invaluable experience in that difficult work. The council were pleased to report the completion of the new chapel, which was opened for worship by the Bishop of the diocese on 0 une 21. It had been buiit at a cost of LI,319 11s. 2d., which included the work of the extension of the corridor and the architect's commission. The handsome marble reredos was the separate gift of two anonymous donors. The council desired to express their gratitude to all who had contributed to the build- ing fund. The chapel, besides supplying a much- needed and long-felt want, would be a loving memorial of the late president, who contributed a sum of L600 towards its erection, and who also from the commencement so warmly and so gener- ously supported the work of the institution. The council regretted that there was still a debt of 1;60 10s. Lord Egerton of Tatton had kindly con- sented to act as one of the trustees in the room of the late Duke of Westminster. To the subscribers, and especially to the clergy of the diocese, who were kind enough to reserve for the use of the House of Mercy their Good Friday offertories, the council offered their most sincere thanks, and they also acknowledged with much gratitude a receipt of a special donation of £100 from his Grace the Duke of Westminster. The statement of accounts shewed that the receipts only just exceeded the expenditure, and that had it not been for the ex- exceptionally good laundry earnings there would have been actually a deficit. The Chaplain (the Rev. G. A. Robins), in his report, stated that one of the great difficulties was the immediate future of those girls who on leaving the home were too young or too morally deficient to-be recommended for service, for neither of the two classes were strong enough to stand alone, and this difficulty still remained for them to face in a small proportion of their girls. At one time an effort was made to establish some continuation homes, where girls should go for protection or further training, but who would receive wages as in ordinary service; and the need of such homes was very great, for the number of girls was, he feared, on the increase. But Lady F. Cavendish, with whom originated the idea of the continuation homes, and who made a resolute effort to carry it into effect, had been obliged to abandon it after all. A few words would suffice to describe the present condition of their work in Chester, where he rejoiced to say that during the past year all had been going on smoothly and, he hoped, with signs of real progress among the girls. On April 4th seven were confirmed at St. Mary's after a preparation of six months, all of whom, he thought, had since shewn that they were really conscious of the great gift they received. The number of girls in the home on Jan. 1st, 1900, was 20. Eight had been admitted during the year, five had been sent to service, one sent to another home, three removed by parents, leaving 19 in the home on J anuary 1st, 1901. Some people wondered at the small "results" they shew. He did not like such a use of the word in a work of this kind. Results were wholly out of our own power, and were entirely God's, and he was sure there were many indirect results which they were not allowed to see here. Moreover their little capacity for knowing the real results of any girl's training was shewn in the frequent discovery that those about whom they had but little hope when they left them had after leaving them done well. He could truthfully say that on the whole the tone of the general con- duct had improved. It certainly ought to do so, for the girls were treated with unre- mitting care, their health was most anxiously watched over, the hours of work were considerably less than in other homes he had visited, and every evening was spent by the ladies who were with them in teaching them sewing and in reading to them. A needlework competition was held yearly, for which two small prizes were given. Mr. Fuller celebrated the Holy Communion weekly, and Canon Upperton took a service every Thursday and Sunday, and indeed, being on the spot, sup- plied his (the chaplain's) deficiencies in ways too numerous to mention, except to say how grateful he was for them. Mr. Lowndes, too, undertook classes for him when he was away for his summer holiday, as well as celebrating for him during that time on Sunday. The following words were written to him by one who had taken a. service there for him at Christmas "The service was an ideal one, the reverence was perfect and very touch- ing, and would have impressed anyone; I hope it impressed me as it ought to have done. I was surprised at the manner in which everybody took their part. It was a great privilege to me to take it." Since the chapel was opened a beauti- ful little tablet in copper and enamel had been executed by Mr. Hilton, of St. Mary's Cottage, which recorded the reredos was a gift in memorial of the late Duke. Canon Upperton moved the adoption of the re- ports and statement of accounts. Canon Blencowe, in seconding, said it was satis- factory to find that on nearly every item of re- ceipts there was an increase'm amount, and per- haps the most satisfactory item was the offertory, which was a considerable increase upon the pre- vious year. He was strongly of opinion that the best way of raising money for that valuable insti- tution was through the offertory of the churches. He found the contributing churches did not num- ber half the churches in the diocese, and he hardly thought that was a fact for congratulation, considering the great importance of the institu- tion. The motion was carried. On the motion of Canon Upperton, seconded by Canon Scott, Canon Feilden, Canon Blackbume and Mr. John Scott were re-elected on the council, and Mr. M. Rigg was elected to fill a vacancy on the council. Canon Blackburne moved a vote of thanks to the clergy who had given offertories to the House of Mercy, the officers of the institution, the hon- orary physician (Mr. Hamilton) and the hon. den- tist (Mr. Bullin). tMr. J. Scott seconded. The Bishop, in supporting, spoke in terms of praise of the services rendered to the institution by Mr. Robins, the chaplain. Canon Upperton I also took a great and practical interest in the house. His lordship made mention of the work of the hon. secretary, the hon. treasurer, and the ladies who had borne the brunt of the work. If the home was to become what he thought it was their reasonable ambition that it should become- not merely a place for restoring by God's blessing the character and life of those poor girls, but also a training school for ladies-the house must be on a larger scale. They did not forget they had lost the great benefactor of the House of Mercy, but he could not doubt that a work so near to the heart of God would have friends in the time to come. The motion was carried. On the proposition of Canon Holme, seconded by the Rev. E. C. Lowndes, a vote of thanks was accorded to the Mayor for the use of the room.

NEW USE FOR TARVIN WORK- HOUSE. THE PROPOSED HOME FOR EPILEPTICS. At the fortnightly meeting of the Tarvin Board of Guardians on Saturday, under the presidency ot Mr. R. O. Orton, some discussion took place in reference to the proposal which was made at a recent conference of representa- tives of poor law unions in Cheshire, on the question of providing accommodation for imbeciles and epileptics outside of workhouses | to utilise the Tarvm Workhouse, which was practically without inmates, for the purpose. Mr. R. Cathcart Smith strongly opposed the proposition to erect costly institutions for the accommodation of the epileptics, and he moved that the delegates of.this union at t he meeting of the joint committee on Wednesday next should signify their intention not to take any part in any discussion on the provision of a new building tor epileptics in the county, but that if it was agreed to board the epihptics in Tarvin Workhouse they would be willing to negotiate further. In answer to Mr. Harry Barnston the Clerk (Mr. Grant Bailey) said there were no epileptic patients in the union workhouse. A return which had been published shewed the number of sane epileptics in the different unions in the county to be 58. The committee appointed at the conference to meet, on Wednesday next would decide what accommodation they should recommend to be provided for the sane epileptics. Mr. R. C. Smith Wbat an insane scheme it seems to provide extra accommodation for these people when there will be mote accommodation in the workhouses than they will know what to do with. It is simply madness. Mr. Smith added that .it was evidently the intention to build a special institution for the patients, and if so he recommended the Tarvin guardians to have nothing further to do with the matter. The Chairman said he did not think Mr. Smith was correct in representing the prevail- ing opinion at the conference to be in favour of building special institutions. As a matter of fact he believc-d it was far from the wish of any of the guardians who attended the con- ference to incur a great expense in building special asylums for these few epileptics. Mr. Smith W here do they propose sending them ? The Tarvin Workhouse is not suitable for them. The racts are plain. The Chairman said that though the sane and nsane epileptics could not both be accommo- dated at Tarvin Workhouse, be thought this institution could very well accommodate the fifty or so sane epileptics. He thought there was quite sufficient room for tht,m, ati(t arrange- ments might easily be made for their admission, but the only question was whether the Local Government Board would consider the accommodation in their workhouse suffi- cient for inmates who were more or less unhealthy without necessity for alterations. The Master (Mr. Atkinson) informed the guardians that the total accommodation of the workhouse was 249, and the number of persons in the house at present was 24. The boys' and girIs' dormitories and the schoolrooms were not required, and they afforded considerable accom- modation, while there was access to them from both ends of the house, which would ensnre speedy escape in case of fire. Mr. Smith: If they are not quite up to the mark you could soon enlarge them. The Master replied that the Board had spent some money upon the dormitories and school- rooms, and he did not think much alteration would be necessary. He thought those were the most suitable rooms in the House for the purpose suggests d. The Clerk pointed out that any scheme the conference decided upon could only be carried out with the consent of the Local Government Board, and after long negotiations in the future. Mr. Barnston thought it was very unlikely the Local Government Board would sanction the use of Tarvin Workhouse for the accommo- dation of epileptics. The resolution moved by Mr. R. C. Smith was seconded by iNIr. Minshtill, and carried. It was decided to appoint the clerk, the chairman, Mr. R. C. Smith, and Mr. Roger Bate to represent the Board at the meeting of the joint committee.

"OUR FISHERMEN IN THE NOHTH SEA." I INTERESTING LECTURE AT CHESTER. On Friday the Bishop of Chester presided over a large audience in the Music Hall at an enter- taining and instructive illustrated lecture given under the auspices of the Royal National Mission to Deep Sea Fishermen, on Our Fishermen in the North Sea," by Mr. W. T. Grenfell, a gentle- man of coniderable experience as a mission I worker among the :fishermen. not only of the North Sea, but in Newfoundland, Labrador and Iceland. In introducing the lecturer, the Bishop re- marked that Mr. Grenfell was interested in the welfare of a part of our population to whom we owed so much, though perhaps we hardly realised what we did owe. In the course of a fluent and graphio address, which was listened to with rapt attention, Dr. Grenfell enlisted the sympathy of his large audience in the mission he represented by his description of the life and characteristics of fishermen in the North Sea, Newfoundland and Labrador, and of the beneficent work the mission accomplished among them. It had been his lot, he said, during the last eleven years to live among them, and as they lived their lives chiefly at sea, his own life had been largely on sea with them. He thought we ought all to feel grateful for the fact that the fisheries of this country were by far the greatest fisheries of the world, and that with all our pre-eminence as a maritime nation in matters naval just the same as in those which concerned the sea from a commercial point of view. Our mercantile marine was as large as the mercantile marine of the rest of the world, and our fisheries occupied a similar position. From the Bay of Biscay all around England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, the North Sea, the coast of Belgium, Holland, Denmark, along the coast of Norway, the Orkneys and Shetlands, across the Atlantic, on the Newfoundland banks and the coast of Labrador our fisheries extended and it might interest them to know we had even sent fishing boats to fish off the coasts of Spain, Africa and China. At the present time this great nation was sorrowing for the loss of its beloved Sovereign, and a wonderful demonstration of affection had gone out towards her, which had shewn the whole world that the mightiest Sovereign of the mightiest nation founded on the mightiest prin- ciple—a principle of love—had just passed away from us. No class of her subjects loved her better than the fishermen and sailors. It was twenty years ago that the notice of the public was first called to the fact that there lived at sea some 20,000 fishermen along the eastern, southern and south-western coasts of England who were cut off from the benefits of civilisation, that they had many times died from want of first aid, that in their extremity they were often three or four days from the nearest hospital, and that a great deal of suffering was endured and a great deal of injury to limb and loss of bread-winning capaci- ties was brought about by the want of aid at sea. One of the first people to take interest in this subject was the late Queen, who ordered a mission hosnital shin which was heino- bnilf. to be sent to Osborne, where sh e personally inspected it and had it named Queen Victoria." She con- tributed £ 50 towards the cost of its construction, and a short time afterwards she had a second hospital mission ship named "Albert." Some time ago an appeal made on behalf of the poverty- stricken fishermen in North America for clothing was taken notice of in the Royal household, and one jersey to be sent out was knitted by the hands of Queen Victoria, and another by Princess Louise, and several others by the Duchess of Albany. Quoting a few interesting fishing statistics, the lecturer said the number of fisher- men in the North Sea was at present about 20,000 men and boys, and the fishermen of Labrador numbered from twenty to thirty thousand. The value of fish at first hand brought into this country last year was a little over ten million sterling-no mean sum as a harvest of the sea and it should be borne in mind that to-day if a Frenchman wanted to eat fish he had to ask an Englishman to catch it. (Laughter and hear, hear.) The lecturer spoke in eulogistic hear, of the character of nshermen generally. There was not a finer class of men, and there was not a class of men in the world that observed the Sabbath more strictly than ifshermen. Formerly every fleet in the North Sea had its "grog shop," which had a demoralising influence on the men, but the mission vessels had absolutely driven them I out of existence. The lecturer also made interesting mention of a mission church and schools which he had visited in Labrador and which had been built and equipped at the sole cost of a well-known Chester ladv. In con- I elusion he made special reference to the great need of warm clothing for distribution among the poorer inhabitants of those icy regions of Labrador, and he desired to take that oppor- tunity of acknowledging the valuab)e con- tributions received from sympathising Chester friends through Miss Sybil Clark, of Stanley House, who acted as local honorary secretary, and who would gladly receive and forward not only donations in money, but gifts of clothing, knitted woollen articles and literature, which are so much valued in the mission.— The descriptive eloquence of the lecturer was deftly supplemented by a charm- ing and extensive series of coloured limelight views, which would certainly be placed in the front rank for artistic merit, and mention should be made of Mr. Siddall's valuable assistance in exhibiting the lantern slides. The Mayor (Mr. H. T. Brown) proposed a vote of thanks to the lecturer. The subject was one of intense interest, and their sympathies could not fail to have been deeply moved by all they had heard. Archdeacon Barber seconded. The Bishop, in supporting, said with their knowledge of the subject their sympathy had I expanded, and it made them realise the life that was going on in the distant eoraera of the vrcrld which we little knew of until it was brought home to us through the eye and ear of one who was gladly devoting his life with many others to minister in those parts where people might be left in destitution and ignorance. He hoped we would be pledged to practical sympathy and a continued study of this great field of work among deep sea ifshermen, and that continued blessing might rest upon such truly patriotic, humani- tarian and Christian work as Dr. Grenfell and his comrades of both sexes were carrying on. On the initiative of Colonel Evans-Lloyd, the Bishop was thanked for his services in the chair.

CHESTER'S 0< ;TOU EN ARIAN COUNCILLOR. MR. ISAAC JONES'S BIRTHDAY. A PRESENTATION. At the Lecture Hall, Saltiiey, on Friday night, Mr. Isaac Jones, who has represented St. Mary's Ward in the Cheater Town Council for about 18 years, was made the recipient of a handsome tea- service in recognition of his valuable services to the ward. Dr. Stolterfoth presided over a crowded at- tendance, and among others present on the plat- form were Mr. S. Moss, M.P., the Rev. lvorj ones Dr. Roberts, and Messrs. H. Alwyn, F. F. Brown, J. D. Siddall, W. Vernon, John Williamson, H. Williamson, Owen Roberts, J. Humphreys, W. Ferguson, Hy. Jones, &c. The Chairman expressed his pleasure at presiding on such an occasion, and said they all wished to shew their appreciation of Mr. Jones's valuable services during the time he had represented St. Mary's Ward by some slight acknowledgment. Mr. Moss, M.P., before making the presentation, spoke in high terms of the valuable services wil- lingly rendered to the ward by Mr. Isaac Jones. It was not every day that they had the pleasure of presenting to a man of the age of 83 years, hale, hearty, active and strong—(applause)—a small token of their high appreciation of his great work among them for half a century of time. (Renewed applause.) He (Mr. Moss) bad pleasure in presenting to Mr. Jones the illuminated ad- dress, which contained the names of all the Liberal councillors and a large number of other Liberals in Chester; also in presenting the silver tea- service. The inscription read: "vVe ask your acceptance of the accmpanying tea-servioe as a small token of our regard and esteem of your unswerving and disinterested support to the great Liberal cause and your efforts in promoting the welfare of the city, more especially in regard to the Education Act." (Applause.) It was intended to make this presentation on Friday, when he attained his 83rd birthday, but owing to the gloom into which the country had been plunged by the death of our late Queen it was deemed advisable and proper to postpone the occasion for a short time. All would join with him in wishing Mr. Jones many happy returns of the day. For 17 years Mr. Jones had been a member of the City Council, and his work, both in the Council and out of it, during that time had always been done well and ungrudgingly. Mr. Jones had given wiilinsr and generous support to evervthinsr whinh tended to the welfare of the city generally. His years of connection with the Town Council were not years of listlessness or of idleness. Apart from his work in the Council, he (Mr. Moss) be- lieved that the recipient was also an energetio member of the School Attendance Committee. He had always shewn generosity, sympathy an d kind- liness to the children who came before him, no matter from what cause, and he (Mr. Moss) felt certain that the children and parents who knew Mr. Jones had in him a true champion and a kind friend. (Applause.) No good cause had ever been started in Saltney without receiving from Mr. Jones his warmest and most graceful support. He gave this support without bigotry, without preju- dice, but with a large-heartednoss which many men of greater education did not possess. (Heai* hoar.) Mr. Moss then made the presentation. Mr. Isaac Jones expressed his thanks in suit- able terms. He said he had always tried to do his best for the ward he represented and the city at large, and he was glad to know that his services were appreciated. (Hear, hear.) If ever he made a mistake with reference to the work of the School Attendance Committee, it was always on the right or the mercy side. (Applause.) Mr. John Jackson, a resident of Saltney, spoke of the many improvements which had taken place in the district mainly through the instrumentality and business-like principles of Mr. Jones. Mr. William Williams, who rose in the body of the hall, also testified to the numerous good traits in the character of Mr. Jones, who, he said, always stuck to his principles, and never departed from the object he might have in view. He was of the people and for the people. (Applause.) Mr. F. F. Brown also made a few remarks. He mentioned that Mr. Jones had had opportunities of becoming an alderman, but had himself pre- vented it, and modestly asserted that other men were better able to fill such a position. Although this shewed a good spirit in one way, he (the speaker) could not help being- disappointed, be- cause if there was one gentleman he wished one day to see an alderman it was Mr. Jones. (Ap- plause.) In Mr. Jones they had a representative who did a vast amount of good for all his con- stituents. His object was to bring all classes together more closely for their benefit generally. He had heard it said that Mr. Carr, who was present that evening, was the first workingman to sit on the Town Council, but he thought Mr. Jones could beat him in that respect. Mr. Carr expressed his admiration for the re- cipient. With regard to Mr. Brown's latter re- marks he said he was certainly the first working- man, employed by an employer, that had gained a seat in the City Council. (Hear, hear.) Mr. Jones, of course, could not be regarded in that sense. Alderman John Jones said the first committee meeting he attended as city councillor was one in connection with the School Attendance Committee, when he had the pleasure for the first time of making the acquaintance of his friend, Mr. Isaac Jones. He had six years' service with Mr. Jones on the committee, and he could testify to the wisdom and tact displayed by him, and of his in- variable kindness. The work of the School At- tendance Committee was looked upon by the City Council as a whole with a certain amount of in- difference, as if it was of little importance, but personally he (the speaker) had a very keen regard for the duties imposed upon the members. In the dealings of the committee Mr. Isaac Jones was always on the mercy side-in fact he was too merciful. (Laughter.) If ever there was any question affecting the Saltney district or St. Mary's Ward Mr. Jones was generally appealed to for his opinion and advice, and in a great many cases the advice tendered by the recipient was acted upon. He spoke of Mr. Jones's adherence to temperance and other principles. He had great admiration for those people who stuck rigidiy to their principles if they honestly believed them to be true ones. In the long run fidelity to convic- tion and principle led to the highest and the best success. (Applause.) Mr. W. Vernon said he could only corroborate all that had been said with regard to his old friend Mr. Jones. With regard to Mr. Jones's position as a guardian, he had been an invaluable friend. In cases affecting Saltney Mr. Jones al- ways went to all the trouble necessary in order to deal with them property and discreetly, especially in relief cases. The recipient did his work con- scientiously, and with the firm conviction that the ratepayers' money should be spent in the right way. He was sure Mr. Jones fully deserved the handsome tea-service, which, he hoped, would put him in remembrance of the great esteem his friends held for him. Mr, W. Ferguson wished Mr. Jones long life and happiness. Dr. Roberts said he had had the pleasure of thirty years' acquaintance with Mr. Jones, whom he regarded as a most wise and sympathetic man. On the School Attendance Committee he shewed great tact, and his opinions of cases which came before him were invariably on the side of mercy. (Applause.) Mr. J. D. Siddall wished Mr. Jones many years of happy and useful life, and many years to enj oy that most gratifying present they were making him that night. He bore testimony to the great kindli- ness and consideration always shewn by Mr. Jones on the School Attendance Committee. Personally he would like to serve again on that committee. but as yet he was not able to do so. He ventured to say that he had never met a better, a more sympathic, or a more kindly man than Mr. Isaac Jones. (Applause.) Mr. John Williamson said they would all agree with him that Mr. Jones had many friends but very few enemies. He mentioned that the reason Mr. Siddall could not get on the committee men- tioned was through there being no more room for anybody else. (Laughter.) A hearty vote of thanks to Dr. Stolterfoth for presiding concluded the meeting.

-IIEï:-RX.- _I WEDDING.—A pretty wedding was solemnised at the parish ohurch, Helsby, on Thursday after- noon, the contracting parties being Miss Helen Potts, only daughter of Mr. Joseph Potts, of the Robin Hood Hotel, Helsby, and Mr. Fred Earn- shaw, youngest son of the late Mr. R. Earnshaw, of Oven den, Yorkshire. A large congregation witnessed the ceremony, which was performed by the vicar (the Rev. E. Jermyn). The bride, who was given away by her father, was charmingly attired in cream alpaca trimmed with chiffon and silk, with toque of white satin straw and ostrich tips, and carried a bouquet of lilies and violets. She was attended by four bridesmaids, the two elder, Miss V. Earnshaw (sister of the bridegroom) and Miss Chamberlain (cousin of the bride) being dressed in cream cashmere trimmed with white satin and lace, and black picture hats, and each carried a bouquet of choice lfowers; the two younger ones, Miss F. Liversage (cousin) and Miss E. Dunbabin (cousin) wore skirts of pale helio- trope bengaline and blouses of same coloured silk, trimmed with white chiffon fichus and sprays of lilies and violets, and black picture hats. Mr. H. Butterworth acted as best man. Later in the afternoQn the happy pair left for Ovenden, where the honeymoon is to be spent. Over 100 presents were received. (The above ai-ticles appeared in our last Saturdcy Evening Edition.) ——————

GIFVAT CENTRAL RAILWAY Apporyrr;. FN"-—! Const-quent upon the appointment of Mr. Foundrinier as assistant suprint,endent; of the line, several changes in the staff of this railway company have been made. Mr. J. J. Martin, of Wigan, has been appointed district superin- tendent for all stations on the Wigan, St, Helens, Chester, and Bidston Line. Mr. Martin has been identified with the rise and progress of the Wigan Junction Railways, and his many friends in the district will be pleased to learn that his services in this direction have been recognisedin this manner.-[Tbe above appeared in our last Saturday Evening Edition.] TIME TRIES ALL. For over 50 years Hewitt's Boots have stood the test of time, and are still unsurpassed and unequalled. Abbey Gateway and next to Musio Hall.

HAND CUT AS EVIDENCE. ALLEGED WAREHOUSE BREAKING. At the City Police Court on Saturday morning, before the Mayor, Albert Mot ton, a youth, was charged with breaking into the warehouse of Messrs. Evans & Co., wine merchants, the Eastgate.-Inspector Tilley said the offence was alleged to have been com- mitted between the hours of seven o'clock on Thursday evening and eight o'clock on Friday morning. Prisoner had been arrested on sus- picion. He failed to give a satisfactory accouut of himself. They proposed to call only sufficient evidence to justify a remand.—Mr. Albert Evans said an entrance had been effected at the back part of the warehouse, where several panes of glass had been broken. There was some blood on one small piece of glass. There was nothing in this part of the warehouse that prisoner could have stolen.— Detective Hughes deposed to arresting prisoner. On seeing him the man ran away. He bad a cut upon his hand. Prisoner made several statements as to how his hand had been cut, I but he failed to give a satisfactory account of I himself.—Remanded for a week.

CHESTER CASTLE PETTY I SESSIONS. SATURDAY.—Before Mr. H. D. Trelawny (chairman), Hon. Cecil 1. Parker, Col. Evans- Lloyd, Col. T. Miller, Mr. John Thompson, and Mr. J. Pover. STRAYING PIGS.-John Fryer, a farmer, residing at Huntington, was fined 5s. and costs for allowing two pigs to stray on the highway. Defendant had been previously cautioned. P.C. Mullineaux, stationed at Christleton, proved the case. WITHOUT COLLARS.—Thos. Griffiths, of Newton, was fined 6d. and 4s. 6d. costs for having been the owner of two dogs without collars. TOO MUCH LIQUOR.—Lydia Roscoe was charged with being drunk and disorderly at Whitby, on the 17th of last month. She had previously been fined for similar offences. On this occasion she had to pay a fine of 10s. and costs (18s. 6d. altogether). BICYCLE WITHOUT LIGHT. William Shelley, of Chester, was charged with riding a bicycle without having a light attached to it at Rowton the other night.—P.S. Fryer, who laid the information, said defen- dant at first gave the name of William Williams, Halkyn-road, Whitchurch.-Shelley said he gave his wrong name and address from a sudden impulse, but he afterwards rectified the matter by giving the right information to P.C. Mullineaux at Christleton.—Fined 2s. 6d. and 4s. 6d. costs. REFRACTORY PAUPERS: EXEMPLARY I bfciJN IJciNCE.—James Marshall and Hy. Morris, formerly inmates of the Chester Union, were charged with having refused to do certain work at the institution when requested, and also with committing wilful damage.—Wm. Dugdale, taskmaster, said the men were admitted to the casual ward of Chester Work- house on Thursday evening, and the following morning they were told to break stones in tho stone cell. The men, who were fully able to per- form the work, refused point blank," but gave no explanation. Witness told them they would have to suffer the consequences and be prose- cuted, but still they absolutely declined to do a stroke of work. Soon after this the atten- dant over the casual ward reported that defendants had broken a partition wall, nine inches thick, with sledge hammers. Witness found this to be quite true. A large hole had been made in the wall separating the two cells in iwhich defendants were placed, and the damage was under-estimated at 10s. The Chairman said it was a serious offence, especially when defendants were kept at the ex- pense of the ratepayers. Upon the first charge —that of refusing to work-they would have to be imprisoned for seven days with hard labour; for the wilful damage 21 days' im- prisonment would be imposed, the sentences to run consecutively.

ELECTRIC WIRE ACCIDENTS. ( STATEMENT BY CHAIRMAN OF TRAMWAYS. At a meeting of the Tramway Committee of the Liverpool Corporation on Friday reference was made to the electric wire accident on Monday night, by which two men were killed and several injured. It was reported that certain claims for compensation for personal inj uries had been received, as well as a claim for the death of a horse on the occasion in question, but it was resolved that the claims could not be entertained. Alderman Petrie, chairman of the Tramway Committee, said they had heard and soen a great deal regarding the accident, but it was quite clear to everyone who had taken an interest in the mat- ter that the unfortunate occurrence was entirely owing to the almost unprecedented snowstorm of Monday night, which caused a break in the tele- phone wires. At the time of the construction of the electric trolley wires, wherever telephone or telegraph wires crossed them certain protectors were placed on the tramway wire. These con- sisted of strips of wood called guards. At the point where the accident happened the guards were in perfect order, but when a whole stack of some forty to fifty wires fell, as on this occasion, some of them, no doubt, got round the tramway wires and became charged with the current. The accident shewed that the sooner telephone and telegraph wires were placed underground the greater the safety of the public. The Telephone Company had been proceeding with that work for some time, and the accident would, no doubt, hasten it on. Many suggestions had appeared in the press, and it was stated that such an accident had been foreseen in other places, where arrangements different from their own existed. He believed that their works had been as well constructed as those in any other place in the kingdom. It had been said that they were very much to blame for adopting the overhead trolley system, but, after full consideration, they came to the unanimous con- clusion that it was the best system under all the circumstances, and he was firmly of that opinion still. If there was any improvement that could add to the safety of the public, no matter what the cost might be, the committee would be quite willing to adopt it. (The above articles appeared iu our last Saturday Evening Edition.) A THIRD MISHAP. I Some alarm was created on Saturday morn- ing by the falling of a wire forming part of the overhead electric tramway equipment in Lord street, Liverpool. The trolley head of a car got foul of a joint of the cross span wire, causing it to snap with a loud report. The broken wire, which fell across the trolley, became highly charged with electricity, and as it reached down to the street it caused quite a panic among pedestrians in the vicinity. Fortunately no one was injured. The tramway officials were soon on the spot and repaired the damage. INTERESTING PATENT. I Aldermen J. tiiodie and J. Grime, chairmen of the Electric Tramways and Electric Lighting Committees of the Blackpool Corporation respectively, in view of the recent trolley wire accident in Liverpool, have arranged to hold a public demonstration to-day (Saturday) of the efficacy of a patent "cut-out" designed to prevent accidents of this kind. The invention is that of their borough electrical engineer, Mr. R. C. Quin, and it has been used on their tramways for about two years, meeting with the approval of the Board of Trade. If the trolley wire breaks the" cut-out" immediately shuts off all current, and the wires fall to the ground dead. Should a telephone wire come into contact with the trolley wire the cut-out" comes into action, and both trolley wire and all connections become electrically dead. TRAMWAY ENTERPRISE. I The Tramways and Electricity Committee of the Leigh Town Council have resolved to recom- mend the Council to obtain statutory powers to enable the Corporation to construct and work tramways within the borough. The total cost is estimated at £ 45,771. Judging by towns of the same size as Leigh, the annual receipts were estimated at over E10,000. Reckoning an annual expenditure, including interest and instalment on a loan of X45,800, calculated at 31 per cent. and repayable in 25 years, and working expenses of E8,140, the committee anticipate that there would be a substantial profit on the year's workings. The Light Railway Commissioners have I approved of the scheme for tramways from Blackburn to Whalley and Burnley, a distance of 14 miles, and estimated to cost 9154,000.

CHBSHIBK BELLBINQERS AND VicAR.-Con- siderable surprise was occasioned in the village of Wybunbury, near Crewe, on Sunday morn- ing, when at the usual hour the bells were not rung for morning service. It is stated that on Wednesday there were a couple of weddings at Wybunbury Pariah Church, apfi the ringers were engaged to ring merry peals. The vicar appeared on the scene and told the men they had no right to ring without his permission. The ringers said they had not been stopped on previous occasions, and if they had to cease then the vicar himself would have to ring the bells on Sunday morning. The ringers were as good as their word, as on Sunday they absented themselves from the belfry, and the parishioners were called to church by the ring- ing of one bell, tolled by the clerk. CADBURY'S Cocoa is absolutely pure, being entirely free from kola, malt, hops, alkali, or any foreign admixture. Caution! The public should insist on having CADBURY'S—sold only in Packets and Tins-as other Cocoas are often substituted for the sake of extra profit. 4

DISTRICT COUNCILS. t TARVIN RURAL. [ Mr. R. O. Orton presided over a well-attended meeting of this Council on Saturday at Oryptl Chambers, Chester.—At the last meeting a com- mittee was appointed to consider whether a length of road leading from Fir Trees Farm, Duddon, to Willington, so far as it is enclosed, and a length of road from the junction of the Tarvin, Kelsall and Willington-roads to Four Houses in Weetwood, should be taken over and repaired by the Council- —Having carefully inspected the lengths of road the committee now advised the Council not tAlI take them over.—Mr. jairies Tomkinson, M.P., J explained that the lengtns in question were fron* 160 to 180 yards in length. The one leading from Fir Trees Farm, Duddon, was a public foot-road past Willington Mill to Keisall and beyond. It was also a bridle road and a public road for carts going to Willington, and he believed a certailm number of carts used it as a thoroughfare, and that there was a good deal of traffic. Under the circumstances he certainly thought the Council should take it over. The other length of road, which was practically impassable, was also a pub- lie footway and cart thoroughfare leading to Four Houses, and to Weetwood and the mill. This, be thought, should also be taken over.—After soaae discussion, however, it was decided to fall in with' the committee's recommendation, and not take the lengths of road over.—On the proposition of Mr- Tomkinson, M.P., a committee was appointed to inspect a road leading from Clotton to Hoofield, with a view to steps being taken by the Council to have the road straightened. (The above appeared in our last Saturday Evening Edition )

WHITCH U UCH BOARD OF I GCARDiAiVS. I On Friday the fortnightly meeting was held at I the Union Workhouse, Mr. R. P. Ethelsto» (chairman) presiding. -jnlr. M. C. H. Chubb, vac- cination ofifcer, presented his supplemental vaccin- ation returns for 1899, and the return for the first half of 1900, as follows :—For Whitchurch and Mai" pas during 1899, 311 births, 236 successful vaccina- tions, 3 insusceptible cases, 6 objection certificates., 20 died unvaccinated, 15 postponements, 9 re- movals from the district, 22 temporarily unac- counted for. For the first half of lb00, births 148,. successful vaccinations 126, conscientious objec- tions 2, died unvaccinated 8, postponements 7, re- movals 2, and temporarily unaccounted for 5.— The committee appointed to consider the dietary question presented their report, wmch concluded as follows'The effect of the new dietary witt be to increase the cost of maintenance, but as the numbers in the house vary from time to time iu is impossible to say exactly to what extent. AS nearly as your committee can estimate the pxtnJi cost will be about 16s. to 20s. per week. In the case of the children and the aged your committe8 think that you will not grudge the extra expense, but they think that in the case of the able-bodied and those whose pauperism has been caused by their previous mode of life, the improvement i* diet giving them richer food than respectable, hard-working men and women outside the house can possibly afford for themselves is not called for- They, however, assure you that in framing the tables of diet for this class, they have kept the increased cost down to the lowest limits compatible with obedience to the Local Government Board's order." —The Chairman moved. aJ) Mr. Langley seconded, the adoption of the report.—A discussion ensued as W the increased cost of maintenance undef the new tables, and Mr. H. Smith, iø reply to Mr. Spencer E. Smith, pointed out tila,14 whereas the increase would probabiy amount, the aggregate, to something between 16s. and 20e per week, a proportion of 13s. to 16s. would b0 represented by animal food. Under the new adult inmates would have 2gibt of meat per weeK —an amount that an average labourer with øi family would scarcely be able to treat himself to- (Hear, hear.)—It was pointed out that in some other directions waste would be prevented and JJI saving effected, so that it would be impossible to tell exactly what the increase of cost would be under the new tables. The committee did not con- sider that so large an increase in the matter 0 animal food was either necessary or advisable, an they were therefore in favour of protesting against it to the Local Government Board,-The Clerk reported that the medical officer had expressed satisfaction with the table decided upon by committee.—The report of the committee was adopted.

RAILWAY SUPtiKINTtiNDENT LIBELLED INTERESTING SEQUEL. TRADES UNIONISTS AND THE PRESS. In the High Court of Justice, King's Bcncb Division, on Saturday, before Mr. Justice MatheW, the case Linaker v. Pilcher and others agajJl occupied attention. The case was recently tried before his lordship and a special jury, and resulted in a verdict for the plaintiff for iil.OOO. The case now came on for argument on the point whether the plaintiff could recover his damages out of the funds of the society. Sir E. Clarke, K.C., Mr. Joseph Walton, KC and Mr. Sanderson appeared for the plaintIff;, while Mr. Rufus Isaacs, K.C., Llir. liorridge K.C., and Mr. Clement Edwards represented the defend- ants, the Amalgamated Society of Railway Ser- vants. Sir E. Clarke said the questions raised were, first, that the defendants could not be sued in topif capacity as trustees, and, secondly, that though they might be sued and judgment obtained against them, the judgment could not be carried to execu- tion as against the funds of the society. He, ? course, held the opposite view on both points- The learned counsel then put in a formal state- ment of facts, assented to by both sides, as to the registration of the paper and of the society and the appointments of the defendants Pilcher, Hewlett and Alcock as trustees. They were, he said registered under the Newspaper Libel Act, 1894. He also read the regulations laid down by the Trades Unions Act, which provided that the "funds of any society should be vested in the trustees for the time being, and that all real and personal es- tate should also be so vested. As to prosecution9 in courts of law the trustees for the time being of any trade union were "empowered to bring or defend, or cause to be brought or defended, any action, suit, prosecution, or complaint in any court of law," and to use the funds of the union for the purpose. Returns had to be made under the Trades Union Act of income and expenditure, and the statement for the year 1899 of the Amalga- mated Society of Railway Servants shewed income from the "Railway Review" of £ 6,404 18s., and1 on the other side were expenses, the details of which contained f,6,528 14s. 9d. on account of the same paper. He also read the rules of the society to shew that the society was responsible for the acts of the trustees. Mr. Rufus Isaacs, for the defendants, said the point at issue was one of considerable importance. He admitted that the trustees could be sued so fat as they were personally concerned, and so far as they had taken any personal part in the matter of a tort committed, whether as trustees or not, but he submitted that the funds of the union oould not be made available for the tort that had been committed by the trustees qua trustees. Mr. Justice Mathew Have they personally com- mitted any tort? They are representatives of the union throughout, you know. Mr. Isaacs: Personally, I am afraid they are. Mr. Justice Mathew: Who do you say are liable? Mr. Isaacs The persons who have done the act, not the society. Mr. Justice Mathew: The persons who have done this are the persons the society has placed in the position of trustees. It is needful there should be trustees, otherwise there would be no- body to go against. It is said the trustees are the society. Mr. Isaacs said his other point, in addition to the trustees being personally liable, was that it was ultra vires tor a trade union to own a news- paper, and if it was ultra vires for the officers to do so qua officers of the union, then it followed that it could not be held that the funds of the union could be attached for an act that had been done ultra vires. Assuming that the newspaper was the property of the trustees, and that the trustee8 could properly be proprietors of it, the funds of the society could not be attached to answer for a tort committed by the trustees. Counsel pro- ceeded to quote from the Trades Union Aot, 1871, to shew that a trade union was not an association for the purposes of trade, and could not trade in anything for making profit, and therefore not in a newspaper. There was, he said, no case, so far as he knew, where the funds of a union had been held applicable to a tort committed by trustees on behalf of the union. Mr. J. Walton, in reply, said the trustees could carry on a newspaper just as trustees under a will could carry on a business. The trustees in this case were responsible to the society for the carry- ing on of the newspaper. He submitted that the plaintiff, having succeeded against the trustees, was entitled to his rights as against the funds of the society. That was an ordinary common prin- ciple in equity, and effect was given to it every day. As to the argument that the newspaper did not come within the objects of the society, be maintained that the objects were "to improve the condition and promote the interests of its mem- bers," and that there could be no question of ultra vires in the case. His lordship, on Monday, entered judgment for plaintiffs as against the trustees and held that they were entitled to be indemnified out of the funds of the society. A stay of execu- tion was granted in view of an appeal.

PROPOSED LIGHT RAILWAY FOR CREWE.— A communication was received on Thursday night by the Crewe Town Council from the Light Railway Commissioners stating that the application by the Council for an order for the construction of light lailways within the borough would not be granted. This is probably due to the strong opposition offered to the scheme by the London and North-Western Railway Company, who contended that with a very liberal allowance for revenue from passengers and goods traffic, the probable nett loss would be over z69,000 per annum, which would increase their rates as ratepayers by X3,000 vearly.-[Tb e above appeared in our last Saturday Evening Edition.] VALUABLE DISCOVERT FOR THE HAIlt.-If your hair is turning grey or white or falling off use the MEXICAN ITAIrt RENISWKR, for it will positively restore, in every case, grey or white hair to ita original colour. It makes the hair charmingly beautiful, as well as promoting the growth. Price 3a. 6d. por bottle.