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CHESTER TOWN COUNCIL.
CHESTER TOWN COUNCIL. A quarterly meeting of the Chester Town Council was held on Wednesday, the Mayor presiding. Apologies for absence were received from Alderman Churfcon and Mr. B. C. Roberts. THE LATE QUEEN. The Mayor explained that he had received a letter from the Home Office, dated February 13th, as follows:—" Sir, I am commanded by the King to convey to you hereby His Majesty's thanks for the loyal and dutiful message of the Mayor and citizens of Chester, expressing their sympathy with His Majesty and the Royal Family on the occasion of the lamented death of Her late Majesty Queen Victoria." The Mayor suggested that the letter should be entered upon the minutes of the proceedings of the Council. THE DUCAL WEDDING. GRACEFUL LETTER FROM THE DUCHESS. The Mayor stated that he had received a letter from the Duchess of Westminster. He might say that a few days before the marriage of the Duke and Duchess of Westminster he had the pleasure of handing the Duchess the present which had been subscribed for and given her by the citizens of Chester, and it was most graciously received by Miss West as she then was, who expressed her great admiration of the gift, and also expressed herself very kindly indeed with reference to the kind feeling which had prompted the gift. He had since received the following letter from her Grace, dated February 19th :—" Eaton, Chester, Dear Mr. Mayor, I will ask you to kindly convey to all in Chester on whose behalf you presented me with the beautiful diamond wheat-sheaf my warmest thanks. It will be treasured by me as coming from those who in future will be my nearest neighbours, and I hope my best friends, and in whose welfare I shall always join with the Duke in taking a lively interest. Believe me, yours very truly, CONSTANCE WESTMINSTER." (Applause.) MOTOR CAR SERVICE FOR FARNDON. The Mayor explained that a letter had been received from a Liverpool firm of motor car manufacturers intimating that they intended to try a mctor car service between Chester and Farndon. The County Council had no objection to the scheme, and they enquired if the Cor- poration had. They intended to commence on the following Monday. The Mayor suggested that the matter should be referred to the Improvement Committee. He thought it had better be understood by the company that if they ran their cars on Monday they did so at their own risk, because the Improvement Com- mittee would have no opportunity of considering the letter until the next Wednesday. Mr. Holmes welcomed the introduction of motor cars in the district, which he thought would be a very great convenience to the public. He was only sorry they had no motor care in Chester, It was agreed to refer the matter to the Improvement Committee. ASSISTANT TOWN CLERK. APPOINTMENT AUTHORISED. APPRECIATION OF MR. S. SMITH AND MR. PEERS. IV L j uw mayor said the next recommendation dealt with the application made some time ago by the Town Clerk for assistance in the per- formance of the duties of bis office. Personally, he considered that the services of the Town Clerk during the many years he had acted in that capacity had been of the greatest value to the city, and he felt that each gentleman around that room would fully concur in the remark. (Hear, hear, and applause.) They were also agreed that the time had arrived when it was perfectly reasonable that the Town Clerk should ask for some assistance. Mr. Smith had been paid what they would all agree was a very moderate salary. It was part of the arrangement entered into when the Town Clerk was appointed that he should continue to carry on private practice, and that, no doubt, was one thing which was considered when the salary was fixed at the moderate sum which he had been paid hitherto. No one got younger, and the Town Clerk felt that the work was getting rather too much for him, it having largely increased since he was appointed fifteen years ago. It was almost a necessity that he should have help in his department. He needed only call their attention to one or two important matters which had taken place in the Council during the last few years to shew them at once the enormous amount of labour which those matters must have entailed upon the Town Clerk. First of all there were various Bills promoted in Parliament, and a great many Bills which had in the interest of the town been opposed in Parliament, all of which had necessitated enormous expenditure of time and energy on the part of the Town Clerk in addition to the ordinary duties of his office. There were also almost constant inquiries held by the Local Government Board, all of which entailed a considerable amount of time in the preparation for them. Moreover, there were many cases now coming before the Police Court, CAses of adulteration and various things of that kind, which were matters daily increas- ing in number and which were unheard of a few years ago. All of these added to the responsibility and to the expenditure of time and trouble on the part of the Town Clerk, who certainly had not been premature in asking for some permanent assistance. The application was remitted by the Council to the Finance Committee, who appointed a. small sub- committee. The latter had thoroughly gone into the matter, having discussed it with the Town Clerk and with Mr. Peers (the clerk of committees). The sub-committee reported that they had had two meetings, and that, after full coasi deration, they recommended the following, which the Finance Committee adopted as a reo;)iution:-That it be recommended to the council that the town clerk be authorized to appoint a professional gentleman as his assist- ant, subject to the approval of the council. The salary to be paid by the council not exceeding L250 per annum. The town clerk's assistant to devote the whole of his time to the duties of the office, and to occupy the town clerk's office in the Town Hall; three months' notice by either town council or assistant town clerk to terminate the engagement. The follow- ing conditions also to apply :—1. The appoint- ment not to interfere in any way with Mr. Peers's duties as clerk of committees, or the work he has hitherto carried out in attendance in revision court, registration of voters, and proceedings under The Private Street Works Act, 1892." 2. The town clerk's assistant to be at all times available to give assistance to and attend upon the Mayor, and act as his private secretary. 3. He may also at, and during the pleasure of, the Town Council be appointed and act as deputy town clerk. Con- tinuing, the Mayor said if there was to be a deputy town clerk at all he should be thoroughly efficient and a gentleman. Therefore, the least salary which could be offered was X250. This was about the salary given else- where for services of a similar kind. for it was a usual thing for a town clerk to have a deputy. They had no idea who the Town Clerk would nominate for the Council's approval, and the Council thought it desirable to fix the length of notice upon which the services of the assistant Town Clerk might be discontinued. They were anxious that the appointment should not interfere with the duties hitherto performed so well by Mr. Peers. He had said how much they valued the services of Mr. Smith, and he might say the same of Mr. Peers. Every member of the ,Council would bear him out when he said that it was hardly possible that the duties of Clerk of Committees could be performed better. (Ap- plause.) After consulting Mr. Peers with regard to the appointment, the committee stipulated that his duties as Clerk of Com- mittees should not be interfered with. When Mr. Peers wanted professional advice it would be given him by the assistant town clerk or the Town Clerk himself. The position Mr. Peers held was direct from the Council, and not by appointment of the Town Clerk. Those gentlemen who had served in the office of Mayor previous to himself would agree that it was very desirable that there should be constantly at the call of the Mayor either the Town Clerk himself—under existing circumstances that was almost impossible—or somebody to act as his deputy. Hitherto, Mr. Peers had always been ready to give that assistance which was not. strictly speaking, his duty. (Applause.) The Deputy Mayor (Dr. Stolterfoth) seconded the motion, and said the committee had given the subject careful consideration. The recom- mendation was reasonable, as in almost every town in England there was a deputy town clerk. Alderman George Dickson thought it was a mistake that the Town Clerk should have had a private practice. The Council wanted as Town Clerk a man who would give all his time to the duties of the office, and that was absolutely necessary. He was satisfied that the Town Council would not in future engage a gentleman as Town Clerk unless he would devote the whole of his time to the duties of the office. He (Alderman Dickson) was a member of the Council when Mr. Smith was appointed, and he remembered that the arrangement was then made that he should continue to hold private practice. That was the mistake they made. Mr. Smith, of course, was not able, with his immense work, to give as much time as they might wish to the affairs of the city, and his salary was not large enough. At the same time, the Council were not going on proper business lines. Mr. Smith should say to the Council "You are not paying me sufficient salary." They should consequently pay him the salary he required, and leave him to obtain the help he wanted. He (Alder- man Dickson) would not move a resolution to upset the work of the committee, for he had no doubt they bad given great attention to the matter. But he emphatically said that on business lines they had not taken the right course. The Council ought to pay the Town Clerk sufficiently, and make him get whatever help was wanted. That was the proper line any business man would go upon. With regard to the appointment of a deputy, he should propose the Council should stipulate that he would entirely relinquish private practice, if he was already a practitioner in Chester, and not practice directly or indirectly. He did not think it was fair to the solicitors in Chester that any man holding a public office should be a private practitioner as well. (Hear, hear.) The Town Clerk must frequently have acted on behalf of a private client whose interests clashed with those of the Corporation. He knew Mr. Smith did his best for the Corpora- tion and gave as much time to his official duties as they could reasonably expect under the circumstances. He (Aid. Dickson) was sure it would have been most advisable if, when Mr. Smith was appointed, he was given a handsome salary and bound to give the Council the whole of his time. It should be a most important point in future that the Town Clerk should be paid sufficiently to enable him to devote the whole of his time to the duties of the office. Alderman Dickson proceeded to pay a high tribute to the ability and the work of the present Town Clerk, and said he did not think there was a city in the world that possessed a more able Town Clerk than Chester. (Hear, hear.) He (Alderman Dickson) moved an amendment to the effect that it should be stipulated that the assistant Town Clerk should relinquish private practice, and not practice directly or indirectly. The Deputy Mayor said he had no objection The Deputy Mayoor f s l('d at condition in the to the insertion of ffiiat condition in the minutes. Mr. J. Gooddie Holmes thought the clause that was already on the minutes that the assistant Town Clerk was to devote the whole of his time to the duties of the office was sufficient. The Mayor said that clause was intended to mean what. Alderman Dickson suggested. They would, however, accept the amendment. Mr. James G. Frost thought it was com- pletely wrong that the Town Clerk should have any private practice whatever, and on prin- ciple he entirely concurred with Alderman Dickson. He could not vote for the motion. Mr. W. Ferguson was of opinion that the time had scarcely arrived to make such a radical alteration as recommended by the com- mittee. He was not aware that the Town Clerk was less able to discharge his important duties now than he bad been in the past. His duties had been discharged with entire satis- faction not only to the Council, but the citizens at large. To appoint an assistant when the chief of the office was not bound to devote the whole of his time to the work of the Corporation was, he thought, rather out of place. Besides, he did not believe the Council would get a smart professional gentleman to accept the office at the salary offered. He would not re- main long in the service of the Council unless he had a prospect of advancement. He (Mr. Ferguson) was sure that in the staff of unpro- fessional officials that the Council had there were those who could be very well promoted to the office of assistant Town Clerk. and he could recommend one of those officials for the appoint- ment. It was with great reluctance that he felt obliged to move an amendment, that the subject be referred back to the Finance Com- mittee for further consideration. Mr. G. H. Reynolds quite appreciated what Mr. Dickson had said regarding the Town Clerk's private practice. If the Town Clerk would be willing to devote the whole of his attention to the duties of the office at a salary say of between £1,500 and iE2,000 he (the speaker) would be very pleased, but they knew that would not suit their present Town Clerk. Mr. Smith had done the very best he possibly could for the Corporation, and they ought to consider him. Mr. Smith had worked for many years at a very inadequate salary, and he (Mr. Reynolds) certainly supported the recommen- dation that he should have what assistance he thought he really required. Mr. J. Gooddie Holmes pointed out that the committee, of which he was one, had to accept things as they were. They had a Town Clerk, whom they appointed some 15 years ago, and who was allowed to carry on his own practice. He did not see how they could act on Mr. Dickson's suggestion unless they had an abso- lutely new Town Clerk. The work of the Town Clerk had almost doubled itself during the last ten years, and he thought it only reasonable that he should have assistance. The point they had to consider was with regard to the appointment of the assistant; was he to be merely an assistant to the Town Clerk or was he to be a servant of the Town Council. The suggestion that had been made appeared to him to be the simplest and most economical way of giving the Town Clerk assistance. The Sheriff quite held with everything Alder- man Diegson had said. He was quite aware that the Town Clerk had more than he could possibly do at the present time, but he thought the Town Clerk, or some one else, should take the Council into their confidence and let them know who the man was who was to be appointed. If the Town Clerk was going to appoint a deputy they should have his name submitted to them. He contended that the appointment ought to be advertised the same as was done at Liverpool and Birkenhead. An assistant town clerk was recently appointed at Birkenhead at a salary of C250 a year; four names were submitted to the Council for adoption, and one was finally adopted. Mr. J. Williamson seconded the amendment, for the reasons that had been stated by the Sheriff. It was very singular that the Town Clerk or any other official of the Corporation should have the power to appoint his own deputy, particularly at a salary of R250 a year. Alderman John Jones (St. Oswald's) said they were all agreed that some assistance was required by the Town Clerk, and he deserved assistance. (Hear, hear.) If they were going to appoint a Town Clerk he should be entirely with Alderman Dickson, and he should go in for the appointment of a gentleman who would devote the whole of his time to the duties of his office. But they were simply providing some assistance for the Town Clerk, and the Finance Committee imposed upon the Council the duty of finding the salary of that assistant, whoever he might be. He was in absolute ignorance as to upon whom the choice of the Town Clerk would fall, but with all due respect to the committee, he was bound to say that he could scarcely see his way clear to pay the salary of a gentleman whom he had had no opportunity of judging as to whether he had capabilities or otherwise for the position. He agreed to the restriction that the whole of the proposed assistant town clerk's time shall be devoted to the duties of the office, but he certainly thought that while the Council had to pay the piper they ought to have something to say with reerard to the calling- of the tune. Mr. Rae was prepared to agree to the resolu- tion of the Finance Committee. With regard to the latter portion of Alderman Jones's remarks, it was clearly stated on the minutes of the com- mittee that the nomination was to be subject to the approval of the Council, so that the Council had absolute power in the matter of the appoint- ment. But they ought to have sufficient confi- dence in the Town Clerk to know that he would give them a suitable person for the office. It was absolutely necessary that the Town Clerk should have with him someone he could trust and have confidence in. Mr. Carr said he for one had every confidence in the Town Clerk. He appreciated the way in which he had carried out the work of his office. At the same time he intended to vote for and support the amendment on principle. It was not the right lines to follow in appointing an official to a public office to leave it to an official. He thought it should appear in the Press and be open to other gentlemen if they liked to compete for the office. The Town Council ought to have the power of appointing an assistant town clerk. The Town Clerk deserved assistance, but he (the speaker) objected to leaving it to the Town Clerk himself, although he had every confidence in him. Alderman J. J. Cunnah said he quite agreed with Mr. Rae in his remarks. Their Town Clerk, he maintained, was most competent to make the selection of a deputy or assistant, because that person would have to assist the Town Clerk, and unless he was agreeable to the Town Clerk he (Alderman Cunnah) did not see how they were going to work together. They would have an opportunity in the first instance after the Town Clerk had made his selection of either approving or otherwise of that selection; and if he did not perform his duties in a satisfactory manner, then they would have an opportunity of giving him three months' notice. He maintained that the gentleman who had to work with the assistant was the gentleman who should appoint him. Dr. Roberts added his testimony to and his ex- perience of the Town Clerk.' He expressed sur- prise that the application had not come before the Council earlier. The Town Clerk had applied for assistance, and it was the duty of the Council to accede to the request by allowing him to select his assistant and holding him responsible for all the duties associated with the office. Mr. Lamb believed that the Town Clerk should have assistance, but they should go into the matter in a businesslike way and advertise for and select the gentleman themselves. He did not think it should be stated that the assistant might also act as deputy town clerk, because it might give him a little title to fill the office some time. They ought to steer clear of that. He joined with other gentlemen who had spoken in his admiration of the Town Clerk. Dr. Archer thought the Council were par- ticularly fortunate in having for so many years the benefit of the services of a man with such ability as their Town Clerk, and he agreed that Mr. Smith ought to have some assistance. But as this was the first opportunity the Council had had to discuss the matter, he had made up his mind to vote for the amendment that it should be referred back to the Finance Committee for further consideration. If an assistant town clerk ) was to be appointed, the appointment ought to be made by the Town Council. He agreed with Alderman Dickson that the work of the Town Clerk ought to be entirely given to the Council, and the appointment of an assistant who would be capable of acting as his deputy was the best means of obtaining that object in the future. It was out of the question now to insist that Mr. Smith should devote his time entirely to the office, and it would not be fair to ask him to do so. He supported the amendment. Mr. J. D. Siddall asked what was the salary paid to the Town Clerk at the present time, and were there any special payments made if special duties were rendered ? Mr. W. Peers replied that the salary was JB500 per year, and no special payments of any description were made to the Town Clerk. In addition to the salary he, of course, received £ 100 as Clerk of the Peace. The Mayor reminded the Council that the terms upon which the present Town Clerk held his office were entirely foreign to the present matter. Mr. Smith had made no application whatever with regard to his own appointment, and there was no proposition that there should be any alteration with regard to him. He thought everyone would agree that the Town Clerk was entitled to the help which he asked. (Hear, hear.) The only question was whether the Town Clerk should make the appointment or whether it should be made absolutely by the Council. He had not the least idea who Mr. Smith wished to appoint as his assistant, and in the many con- versations he had had with him and in the dis- cussions which had taken place in committee he had never heard the Town Clerk suggest a name. He was quite satisfied that the course suggested by the recommendation of the committee was the right one, and he could not imagine that s-ny other course would result satisfactorily. If the Council advertised for a gentleman they would be inundated with applications from all sorts of pro- fessional gentlemen, and would consequently have a very grave difficulty in arriving at a satisfactory decision. On a division the amendment was defeated by 19 votes to nine, and the original recommendation was carried nem con. The Town Clerk thanked the Council for their grant of the assistance he had asked. He had no hesitation in saying that the professional work he had done for the Council apart from his duties as Town Clerk would, if charged for at the professional rates, have paid his salary alone. The subject had been, no doubt unintentionally, discussed rather from the point of view that the assistance was for himself personally rather than for the Town Clerk's department generally. The increased duties that had fallen upon the Town Clerk's staff had thrown increased duties on the Town Clerk simply because the services of the staff had been taken in doing work that did not properly belong to them. Therefore work that did properly belong to them had fallen upon his shoulders, so that instead (4 getting increased relief from his staff he had had increased burden thrust upon him. Replying to a question by the Mayor as to whether he" would submit the name of the assistant then, the Town Clerk said he was prepared to submit the name, but he thought it would be hardly fair to the Council to ask them to come to any conclusion on a name without giving them any previous intimation. He thought he should prefer that ho should not be supposed to take them by surprise. Mr. Ferguson asked if it would be in order to submit a motiou with reference to adver- tising. The Mayor: Certainly not; it is actually the opposite resolution we have just passed. THE PRINTING CONTRACT. I THE SHERIFF AND MR. CARR. I Mr. Carr said he saw it stated in connection with the tenders lor printing that every it-m must be tendered for at .fair trade prices. Could the Mayor give them any idea as to what was meant by fair trade prices. The Mayor replied that there was an idea in the minds of the committee that gentlemen in tendering might, in certain cases, not quote the exact fair trade price, but rather a tancy one, and the committee for their own guidance wanted every item tendered for to be tendered for at a fair trade price. Mr. Carr remarked that he thought it was something connected with wages. The Sheriff was surprised that Mr. Carr had not noticed one or two items in the accounts. For instance, twelve guineas was charged for great coats for the sword and mace bearers. That was a large item. He expected there was no sweating there. (Laughter.) He thought all these items of clothing should be contracted for. Then there was P.7 odd for a uniform for the hallkeeper. The Mayor said these articles were rather special work. Judging from the firm who supplied the livery, he took it upon himself to say that there was no sweating there. He believed the same firm supplied the original livery for the sword and mace bearers, and it lasted 32 years—(laughter)—and if these liveries lasted the same period there would be nothing to complain of. Mr. Carr held no brief for the firms in question, but he could say that there was no sweating in those firms. The Sheriff said the work ought to be open to tender, but that might result in their being made by sweating firms in Loudon. It was a special kind of work, and probably if it was sent to some of the Sheriff's favourite shops (laughter) the work might not be found 80 satisfactory. IMPROVEMENTS. Aid. John Jojies (chairman of the Improve- ment Committee) proposed that the committee be authorised to execute the necessary street works in connection with an improved roadway from Steam Mill-street to Seaville-street at an estima- ted cost of 1;84 8s. 6d. He explained that Messrs. Frost had helped them considerably by sacrificing two cottages so as to afford them room to make the necessary widening. Mr. John M. Frost seconded the proposition, and it was carried. Alderman Jones next proposed that the com- mittee be authorised to have the carriage-way in Northgate-street, from Messrs. Okell's shop to Mr. Kendrick's shop, widened at an estimated cost of £ 38. He considered it would be a great improve- ment, as Northgate-street was so narrow. The Mayor: Do I understand there will be no path there except what is in the Rows? Mr. Peers (clerk of committees): About eighteen inches. Mr. John M. Frost seconded, and this pro- position was carried. FIRE BRIGADE'S QUARTERS. COKPORATION TO PURCHASE. Alderman Jones proposed that the Improvement Committee be authorised to agree for the purchase of the block of property in Northgate-street, be- longing to the Charity Trustees, consisting of the Fire Engine Station and yard, the cellar under- neath, the chemist's shop and house (let on lease), and four cottages in Valentine's-court, for the sum of £ 4,500, subject to the sanction of the Local Government Board being obtained to borrow the amount of the purchase money. He explained that the Charity Trustees had an enquiry with re- gard to the sale of this property, and knowing that the Corporation were interested in the pro- perty as tenants of the Fire Engine Station, they very thoughtfully gave the Corporation the option of purchase. The total rental of the property was £1374s. The committee had gone into the matter of the accommodation of the Fire Brigade care- fully, and had considered several sites, especially the Fish Market or the Mug Market. They were advised by the surveyor and others that to alter the latter for the purposes of a fire engine station would entail a very large outlay of money, and would also hinder any further development of the market, and that after everything had been done that could be done the exit from the place would be very inconvenient indeed. The present posi- tion of the fire engine was the most suitable one and everybody knew where it was situated. Mr. John M. Frost seconded. iVIr. lowe moved an amenament that the Cor- poration do not purchase the property. They had sufficient property on their hands to enable them to find a site for a fire engine station without buy- ing more land. There was no better place in Chester for a fire engine station than the Market, because it was next to the Police Station, where a fire engine station ought to be placed The value of the property in Northgate-street was over- estimated.' They had property in Hamilton-place and Goss-street that was nothing but dirty, empty houses, which if they belonged to private people would have been pulled down long ago. He thought it was quite time the Corporation stopped buying property in opposition to private people. The Mayor: I am afraid I cannot accept it as an amendment. Mr. Lowe then asked for his motion to be altered to read that the fire engine be placed in the Market instead of the present place. Alderman George A. Dickson said he had for a long time felt that the fire engine ought to be in connection with that (the Town Hall) building, and if they could find room it ought to be re- moved to there. Undoubtedly in time the whole of the fire engine arrangements must be under the police. Mr. J. Williamson supported the recommenda- tion. There was no gentleman around that table who did not know how inadequately the fire en- gine was housed. He did not wish to use strong terms, but it was a disgrace to the city. They had a fairly efficient voluntary brigade, which put the city to very little expense, and they had not even a place where they could wash their hands. It had always been argued that there could be no better site in the city. It was one of the highest por- tions of the city, affording them a downward grade to get away quickly with the engine, etc. With regard to Goss-stroet as a site, he had no hesita- tion in predicting that if they were going to turn any fire brigade down Goss-street they would be in Quellyn Roberts's. (Laughter.) Mr. J. Gooddie Holmes: I am afraid they would never get out again, Mr. Mayor. (Laughter.) Mr. Williamson said with regard to the site behind the Market, there were too many turns. It was in the interest of the citizens to purchase the land and make it as convenient as they could for them. Mr. Lowe said if they sent it back to the com- mittee another situation might be found. Mr. J. M. Frost said Mr. Lowe appeared to have lost sight of the expense of building another mar- ket if the present one was taken up. The present station had been known for generations. In these days of telephonic communication they could be in quick touch with the Town Hall. Mr. Carr supported the recommendation of the committee, and urged the advisability of keeping the Council's property which might be utilised for purposes which were really necessary. The time was coming when the Council would have to go into the housing question, and it was, he thought, necessary that. they should keep all the ground I they had in order to deal with the housing ques- tion. That was one reason why he supported the purchasing of that land. He did not see why they should not build a new fire engine station if they wanted it. The brigade was very serviceable to the city, and all they could do was to en- courage that splendid service rendered to the pub- lic by the brigade. Dr. Archer supported the amendment, believing that they ought not to have the fire engine too far removed from the Town Hall and the police. I hey had got splendid accommodation for a fire engine. If the property in Goss-street belonged to a private individual it would have to be re- paired. There was a disgraceful collection of dirt, and it was positively a nuisance. The sooner it was done away with, and a market and fire en- gine station put there, the better it would be. Mr. Rae had been told of a possibly suitable  near to what was formerly the Judges' lodg?ngs available^"1 John Jones said that site was not avib!e The Town Clerk said it was hardly possible for the matter to stand over. The Charity Trustees, the owners of the property it was proposed to purchase, had given to the Council the first re- fusal of the property, and had declined to deal or negotiate with anyone else until the Council had said 'Óaye" or "no." The matter had been before the committee some two months, and he knew that there was a person prepared to give the price and more than the price asked of the Council if the Council did not entertain it. Thev could hardly ask the Charity Trustees to wait any longer. Mr. G. W. Haswell, who supported the or- iginal motion, thought the question of altering the site might be deferred. Mr. J. Gooddie Holmes, as chairman of the Watch Committee, sympathised with Mr. William- son. The Fire Brigade building at the present time was a most unsuitable one. He added that the Corporation property in the city was in a most unsatisfactory condition. The property they had in the neighbourhood of the Town Hall was a dis- grace to the Corporation. He hoped some steps would be taken to improve the condition of their property, and to provide a more suitable and con- venient fire station. Mr. Egerton Gilbert wished the Council to thoroughly understand that they were buying this property at something like 34 years' pur. chase, a price no business man would think of entertaining. He also wished to point out that the interest of the Corporation in the property represented only about one-quarter of its value. It would be very difficult to deal with in the way of selling portions of the property at anything like a fair return He also reminded the Council that they would have to erect a new fire engine station at a cost of between £1,008 and £ 2,000. Mr. R. Lamb hoped the Council would not lose the opportunity to secure the property at the price mentioned. r Mr. J. F. Lowe: This property has been valued by competent valuers at £ 3,450. Alderman Cunnah Property is worth what you can get for it. There are gentlemen willing to-day to give a great deal more money for this property than the trustees are offering it to the Council for. The amendment was lost, and the recommenda- tion of the committee was accord insrlv »rlr.r»for1 HOUSING OF THE WORKTlvn PT A QQMIQI THE COMMI T TKE'S INA(ITTOW I Alderman Jones complained that no steps had been taken to call the Housing of the Working Classes Committee together this year. The housing question had become so pressing in the country that reference had been made to it in the King's Speech in the opening of Parliament. He thought so long as the committee had been ap- pointed it should be called together to take some action in the matter, and he moved that the Town Clerk be instructed to arrange for a meeting of the committee at an early date. The Sheriff seconded. They had been spending th, ousands of pounds in improving front property, and yet they left some of the Corporation pro- perty in the state that Mr. Lowe had described. Mr. Carr knew of three cases of overcrowding in one court not far from there. There were more cases, but the difficulty was to get at them, as the people were standing in their own light, and were not telling the truth to the officials. The reason was that the people were afraid that if they made any complaints they would be turned out of their houses, for which they were paying extortionate rents, as the landlords were taking advantage of the position of affairs. Mr. Lowe intended to give notice that. he would move at the next meeting of the Council that they adopt part 3 of the Housing of the Working Classes  (Hear, hear.) The committee was merely a Iff' and the only way of getting at the matter was to 1 a direct '?"? at the next Council meeting. It was decided that the Town Clerk should place himself in communication with Mr. Lowe, the chairman of the committee, in order that a meeting of the committee might be called. THE BATHS. I Mr. G. W. Haswell asked the Mayor if he could give the Council any opinion as to the approxi- mate date of the opening of the baths. The Mayor said the chairman of the committee was absent. Mr. Reynolds was a member of the committee, but he was afraid he could not tell them when the baths were going to be opened. fLanr-hier. ) TREES ON SEALAND-ROAD. I ,it, a meeting ot the Improvement Committee a letter was read from Alderman Thos. Smith, stating that Lord Crewe was desirous of planting trees on the roadside opposite to the Fever Hos- pital, and it was resolved to give permission, sub- ject to the approval of the survivor. RENTING OF THE LITTLE ROOllKK. I Application had been made to the Improvement Committee by Mr. P. Collins for the Little Roo- dee for the next race meeting. It was resolved that the Little Roodee be let to Mr. Collins for the week of the next race meeting at the rent of ±-100, and on the terms of the agreement of last year, and that the Watch Committee be requested to furnish the necessary police for keeping order on the ground at Mr. Collins's exDense TRAMLINES OUT OF REPAIR At a meeting of the Improvement Committee attention was called to the dangerous condition of the tramlines in various places, and the Town Clerk was instructed to write the company, calling on them at once to do the necessary repairs. CHESTER WATER. I SATISFACTORY REPORT. I Keportmg on the results which he had obtained in the chemical and bacteriological examination of several samples of water received, Dr. Percy Frankland stated: "The samples of filtered water, both from the works and from the consumer's tap, were almost perfectly clear to the eye; they were palatable and contained only a moderate amount of organic matter. The unfiltered water contained a considerable, although by no means very large number of bacteria for surface water, especially at this season of the year; and this number was very greatly reduced by filtration, although the actual number still present in the filtered water was not as small as I have often found on previoiii3 occasions. The emeiency of the f~ M+r«?- is indicated by the fact that, out of every 100 bacteria present in the unfiltered water, no less than 95.4 were removed in the process. The results, both chemical and bacteriological are in every respect very much more satisfactory than on the occasion of my last quarterly examination." it appeared from the minutes of the Public Health Committee that a communication had been re- ceived from the Chester Waterworks Company, stating that Dr. Boyce's latest report on the water supply was under the careful consideration of the engineer, who was investigating matters, and leaving no means untried to ascertain the cause of the irregular action of the filters. Though no serious defect had as yet been discovered, Mr. Crowe had been able to materially improve the means of safeguarding the water supply, and hoped, as the result of what was being done and what was proposed, to completely remove any feeling of uneasiness which might have arisen In consequence of the rprAnf, nnfflvrwiraklrw mnArfe THE CORPORATION TRAMWAYS. I The minutes of the Local Government Act Com- mittee shewed that the Town Clerk reported the position as to the consents of local and road author- ities required under the standing orders of Parlia- ment, that the consent of the Hawarden Rural District Council has been given, but that the con- sents were still wanting of the Cheshire County Council, the Flintshire County Council, the Hoole Urban District Council, and the Chester Rural District Council; he also reported the correspondence and the clauses and amend- ments required by the Cheshire County Council and the Hoole Urban District Council, and stated that the Chester Rural District Council would con- sent when the Cheshire County Council are satis- fled. He further reported that he and the surveyor, on the invitation of the deputy-clerk, attended a meeting oi P,, committee of the Flintshire County Council, at i. e Queen Railway Hotel, when their proposed requirements were discussed. The re- quirements of the Flintshire and Cheshire County Councils and of the Hoole Urban District Council were considered in detail and discussed, and in- structions were given thereon to the Town Clerk. A letter dated the 25th January, from Mr. R. R. Nelson, solicitor to the Great Western Railway Company, was read, and the Town Clerk reported that strenuous opposition by that company and the London and North-Westem Railway Company may be reckoned on. Objections by Mr. Hudson, owner of the Bache Hall estate, and by the trustees of the late Mrs. (Judge) Wynne Ffoulkes's property in Upper Northgate-street, were reported and instructions given.—It was resolved that the following gentle- men be appointed a sub-committee to confer with and instruct the Town Clerk in reference to all matters arising during the progress of the Bill, viz., the Chairman, the Deputy-Chairman, Alder- man John Jones and Mr. John R. Rae.
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UKBRBLLAS RE-COVERED and REFINISHED equal to new. Ladies' or Gent's, with the noted B E M Silk, 3/6 each, and at all prices from 1/11 to 12/6.— Bradley's Foregate-atreet. Chester. DEATH OF A LOCAL LABOUR LEADER.-His many friends will regret to learn of the death of Mr. Thomaa Young, for a number of years chairman of the Chester section of the Indepen- dent Labour Party. Deceased, who was only 45 years of age, had been for a lengthy period in precarious health, and succumbed to cerebral troubles on Wednesday. Mr. Young was actively concerned in local Oddfellowship and Co-operation, being a director of the Chester Co-operative Society. Above all things honest and uncompromising, deceased gained the respect of even those to whom bis advanced Social views were utterly repugnant. He was buried at Chester Cemetery, the funeral being attended by members connected with the various organisations in which he was interested, to pay their last tribute of regard. t BRADLEY'S sell All-fur Elastic FELT HATS, at 3/9. in any shape as comfortable as a cap, really 4/6 goodg.-Foregate-street (corner of Seller-street) and 70, Brook-street.
ICHESTER BRNEVOLENT INSTITUTION.
I CHESTER BRNEVOLENT INSTITUTION. The annual meeting of the subscribers of the Chester Benevolent Institution was held on Monday in the Town Hall, Sir Horatio Lloyd presiding over an attendance including the High Sheriff of Cheshire (Mr. B. C. Roberts), Dr. Archer, the Revs. Canon S. Cooper Scott E. C. Lowndes, A. Radforri, Mr. J. R. Thomson: and the secretary (Mr. James Rogers). The committee, in their 103rd report, stated that 324 cases had been attended during the past year, and five private ones-143 in the first half of the year and 181 in the second half. The increase in the latter half was decidedly encouraging, as it shewed that confi- dence in the nurses' work was gradually being established, and the kindly visits of the matron were much appreciated. Great thanks were due to the surgeons (Drs Hamilton, Harrison, Parry, Archer, Herbert Dobie and Wright). and the gentlemen on the finance committee for the kind interest they had taken in promoting the welfare of the institution. The committee appealed for additional subscriptions and for more general public support, as the expense of the institu- tion exceeded the yearly income. The state- ment of accounts shewed there was a balance in hand twelve months ago of £ 15^ 13s. 3d., and one at the present time of X143 7s. 8d., a sum of C209 8s., including a donation of X20 from the Duke of Westminster, having been received during the year in subscriptions.—The chair- man, in moving the adoption of the report and accounts, remarked the subscribers bad now for the first time an opportunity of forming an opinion of the working- of the home under the new system in the new building. The state- ment of accounts shewed the institution was not quite paying its way, and this shewed the necessity of more subscribers. If the institution was utilised to its fullest extent the deficiency would, as a matter of course, be very much more than it was. there had been a falling off in the number of subscribers com- pared with the previous year. In view of the fact that the deficiency on the funds would be a serious one when the usefulness of the institu- tion increased, it was absolutely necessary to increase the number of subscribers.—The High Sheriff seconded the motion, and the report was adopted.— The Dowager Duchess of West- minster was elected patroness of the institution, Mrs. Stolterfoth president, and Mrs. Charles Douglas vice-president. Mrs. Birch, Mrs. George Churton, and Mrs. J. R. Thomson were elected on the committee of ladies in place of Mrs. Pitcairn Campbell. Mrs. John Frost, and Mrs. James Taylor. The following were re- elected on the finance committee:—Sir Horatio Lloyd, the High Sheriff. Messrs. H. J. Birch, John Thompson, W. H. Churton, G. A. Dickson, J. R. Thomson, and the Rev. E. C. Lowndes.
THE GHIKVANCUS OF A CHESTER…
THE GHIKVANCUS OF A CHESTER TAILOR. CONFLICTING EVIDENCE. At the Chester City Police Court on Monday morning a young man named William Rosenfeldt made a claim against his former employer, Wm. Adler, who is a tailor carrying on business in Foregate-street, Chester, amounting to J82 5s., as wages due to him. There was also a counter- claim amounting to JB6 5s. against Rosenfeldt. Mr. W. H. Churton appeared for Rosenfeldt, while Mr. Cartwright, sen., appeared on behalf of William Adler.-Mr. Churton said his client was employed by Mr. Adler in July for twelve months at a certain rate of wages. He was engaged as a presser, or, in other words, he had to press gar- ments ready for them to be sent off to customers. On the morning of the 8th inst. Adler went up to the room in which Rosenfeldt was working, and, after picking out a garment from a number of others, said "Look here, Rosenfeldt, this coat has not been pressed properly. You had better press it over again." Rosenfeldt expressed his astonish- ment, and said he had done his best, but Adler insisted that he should press the coat again. His (Mr. Churton's) client obeyed instructions, and actually spent two hours and a half in pressing the garment a second time. About 12.30 p.m. Mr. Adler went to the workroom again and said the garment was not satisfactorily pressed, and some rather strong words ensued between plaintiff and his employer. Rosenfeldt was told to "clear out" or a policeman would be sent for. Thinking his employer would be calmer after a short while, Rosenfeldt left the premises with the intention of returning later on in the afternoon, when Adler would perhaps be more peaceable. He had not re- sumed work half an hour when Adler caught sight of him and said "What are you doing here? 1 sent you away, and you had no right to come back." Rosenfeldt replied to the etfect that he thought the row was all over and consequently had returned to work. Adler then exclaimed "You might as well clear out. If you don't I will send for a policeman. After a few words had passed between them Rosenfeldt went on being told to do so by a policeman. Mr. Churton here read a letter received from Adler who admitted that Rosenfeldt was entitled to £1 ils., money due to him for working 4* days. Adler also made out a counter-claim as follows:—Time and wages to do plaintiff's work which was left unfinished, 9s.; money paid to two other men in weekly wage, 7s. 6d., or 15s. altogether; railway fare to Liver- pool and other expenses to engage a workman in plaintiff's place, I-Is. ;loss to new dress suit ordered for Monday, the 11th inst., U4 10s., this making a total claim of £ 6 5s. He (Mr. Churton) contended, however, that this claim was most un- reasonable. When the magistrates came to con- sider that Mr. Adler deliberately told his work- man to clear out on such a petty excuse as he had described it would be seen how unreasonable the claim was. Rosenfeldt entered into an agreement for twelve months at the wage of JB2 5s. per week, on condition that he worked sixty hours or more if necessary, and he (Mr. Churton) was certainly of opinion that his client was perfectly justified in his claim. Mr. Cartwright: Is it not true that you created a disturbance and interfered with the business of other workmen on this particular morning?— Witness: I deny that I did anything of the kind. Mr. Cartwright: I believe you refused to carry out your instructions?—Witness: I did not. Mr. Cartwright: In your opinion was the coat fit to wear after you had pressed it ?— Witness: Well, I can hardly say. I know I did my work all right. P.C. Woods said he was called into Mr. Adler's shop about three o'clock in the afternoon. A quarrel was taking place between Rosenfeldt and his employer, but the former went out quietly enough when ordered by witness. Adler told him that Rosenfeldt left off work about half- past eleven o'clock and refused to work any more. Rosenfeldt said Do not say that, Mr. Adler, because I left at half-past twelve."—In reply to Mr. Cartwright witness said that Rosenfeldt was excited and said Mr. Adler was not fit to be master over him. Mr. Cartwright contended that Rosenfeldt was alone to blame for the unfortunate dispute that had occurred. As a presser Rosenfeldt was sup- posed to complete all coats which were handed over to him and make them fit for use. In the present case he did not seem to have carried out his work satisfactorily, and Mr. Adler had cause to remonstrate. The coat referred to had to be attended to quickly, and when Mr. Adler had occasion to examine the garment before it was finally sent away he found it incomplete. When his (Mr. Cartwright's) client called the attention of Rosenfeldt to the coat the latter turned round and said in excited tones "I shall not work for you any more." Mr. Adler advised him to press the garment over again, but the young man abso- lutely refused to do so and went straight away. He returned later in the afternoon and made another disturbance. Mr. Adler was not to blame in the slightest degree, and as a matter of fact he had offered Rosenfeldt El 11s. as wages due to him for the 4? days he had worked. This, he thought, about fairly met the case. Rosenfeldt, however, wanted the full wage of JB2 5s., which he was really not entitled to, seeing that he left of his own accord. William Adler now entered the witness-box and said Rosenfeldt really had no justification in leaving his employment. Mr. Churton: Is it not a fact that you have given other workmen £10 to be relieved of their engagements .-Witne-s That has nothing to do with the present case. Mr. Churton: Will you answer my question in a straightforward manner ?—Witness Well, yes, I have given E10. Mr. Churton And are you prepared to say that in consequence of some petty disturbance between you and Rosenfeldt you wanted to get rid of my client ?-NVitness I had sufficient reasons for acting in the way I did. Lazarus Black was also called for the defence. When Rosenfeldt said he would leave Mr. Adler replied "I will bring you back wherever you go." The coat in question was by no means well pressed, and he hardly thought Rosenfeldt pressed it a second time for two hours and a half as he asserted he did. Mr. Churton: I believe you appeared at this court some time ago as plaintiff in a similar case against Adler.- Witness: Yes. What if I did? (Laughter.) Mr. Churton: And since you went back to Mr. Adler's employment I understand that you have been promoted and your wages are increased?— Witness: Yes; but for all that I have come here to tell the truth. Mr. Churton: Was there any strong language used?-Witness: Rosenfeldt made use of some rather forcible remarks. (Laughter.) Mr. Churton: Did you hear Mr. Adler speak forcibly?—Witness: No, I did not. (Laughter.) Myer Grossman, foreman in the workshop, said Rosenfeldt had not pressed the garment properly. I Witness was obliged to press it himself for nearly an hour to make a "proper job" of it. Evidence for the defence was also given by a cutter named Hunt, who said the coat was quite unfit to be sent to the customer who had ordered it. The magistrates—Messrs. J. G. Holmes and J. M. Frost-ordered William Adler to pay Rosen- I feldt 21 lis., as 4i days' wages, and disallowed the counter-claim. Each party had to pay ii > costs. «.
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BICKERTON RECREATION CLUB.
BICKERTON RECREATION CLUB. MR. BARNSTON AND ITS OBJECTS. MINSTREL ENTERTAINMENT. ihe iennessee Darkies, from Chester, gave an entertainment in the Bickerton Recreation Club on Tuesday evening in aid of the funds of the club, under the presidency of Mr. H. Barnston, of Crewe Hill. Before we record our impressions of the concert, it is interesting to examine the history of the club. That a village institution of this character confers incalculable benefits upon the inhabitants is clearly evidenced at Bickerton, where the scheme for providing a club where recreation, amusement and instruction might be obtained, originated five years ago. The idea commended itself to, among others, Mr. George Barbour, of Bolesworth Castle, and Lord Arthur Grosvenor, both of whom shewed their sympathy with the movement in a practical way and are trustees of the new building. Up to last year the meeting place used to be the schoolroom. Meanwhile the provision of new rooms was receiving enthusiastic attention, and twelve months ago the members were able to meet in the long room of the club. The report to the annual meeting this month contains the following paragraph -The com- mittee record with much pleasure the completion, by the trustees for the building, of their original scheme, and the members of the club are now in possession of commodious premises at a nominal rent. The members of the club and the inhabi- tants of the district generally are to be congratu- lated on their good fortune, and their thanks are due to the trustees for the public spirit shewn by them in taking this burden on their shoulders, thus entirely freeing the members of the club irora any liaDiiity. The committee propose, however, to hand over to the trustees from time to time any surplus sums of money they may have, after paying the working expenses of the club, until the debt on the building is cleared off." The statement of accounts for the past year shew that the working expenses have been JB52 10s. 5d., and the receipts 32 5s. lid. The expenses of the club are met by members subscriptions and the proceeds of entertainments. By means of the latter a sum of L19 9s. Id. was raised last year, and it is announced that the receipts for the current year will be increased by the subscrip- tions of several new honorary members. The healthy state of the finances is but one of many testimonies to the excellent work of the execu- tive committee, of which Mr. W. D. Haswell is the enthusiastic chairman. Mr. George Barbour is the president of this splendid institution, which has for its vice-presidents Lord Arthur Grosvenor and the Rev. J. M. Hall. We learn also from the report that a full-sized billiard table has been ordered by the trustees, and will shortly be placed in the room; and that a bowling green is being laid out by the members of the club, but will not be ready for play until the summer of 1S02. The Chairman's address at the concert was one which members and others may study with advan- tage. He said it gave him great pleasure to be present for more reasons than one. This was not the first time that he had been at a concert given by the Tennessee Darkies, and he ventured to think that those who had ever been present at any of their entertainments generally wished to repeat the experience. (Hear, hear.) He had another reason, a stronger reason, for which he was pleased to be there that night. He was exceedingly glad to be present to support, if only in a humble way, the excellent efforts which Mr. Haswell and the committee of the Bickerton Recreation Club had been able to make during the last few years. (Hear, hear.) He felt that those efforts needed the support of everyone who could help them in the slightest degree. A club such as that, if properly managed—and that was the kernel of the whole situation-must be a great means of recreation and education, and, he thought, what was more important, a great barrier against evil to everyone whom it concerned, especially to the young men in the neighbourhood. One feature in their report of the past year he noticed in par- ticular. He saw their efforts were to a great extent confined, with the exception of the monthly entertainment, to what he might cali intellectual entertainment. This was a very wise thing. A circulating library, reading room, a few games which involved skill, and a glee class seemed to be the pivot upon which the organisa- tion generally moved. Mr. Barnston shewed how, once there was no proper control, an insti- tution like this might be put to harmful use, and I be looked upon by the people of the neighbour- hood not in the light of a blessing, but rather as a curse. When, however, they had a committee such as they had at Bickerton, they might be sure that the rooms would be managed in the best possible way. (Applause.) Mr. Haswell and the other members of the committee seemed to find pleasure in providing amusement and recreation for the people—recreation which was harmless and most instructive—and they deserved all the support which could possibly be given to them. Their Recreation Club was the rallying ground for improvement and became a means of teaching people, of getting an interchange of opinions and of widening their views. It was also a means of keeping in touch with the great events of the times in which they lived, and, above all it gave the men who had gone through their day's labour a few hours of well-merited rest. (Hear, hear.) There were two points in their report upon which the members of the Recreation Club could very warmly congratu- late their committee, and upon which the committee could congratulate themselves. The first point was this. He saw that agricultural labourers and young men in service were admitted to the Recreation Club entirely free of cost. (Hear, hear.) The second point was that once a year, generally at Christmas time, they had been able to extend their efforts and give some treat to those whose age and sex failed to entitle them to belong to the Recreation Club. He expressed the wish that this might be continued in the future. (Applause.) As he was anxious to shew his interest in the work the committee was doing, he was going to ask the committee to receive a donation from him, which he hoped would encourage them in that work. (Hear, hear and applause.) That the concert by the Tennessee Darkies amused and delighted the audience was evident from the unstinted applause and peals of laughter. The troupe was composed as follows: — interlocutor, Mr. E. D. Shepherd; bones, Messrs. C. Watkins and L. Baillie; tambourines, Messrs. E. Haswell and George Davies; principals, Messrs. Warren Trevor, C. Noblett, J. H. Thompson, W. Huxley, C. C. Jones, W. Aldis, J. Chesters, A. Mill and R. Watkins. There was also an orchestra, the members of which played various selections during the evening. The enter- tainment was produced under the management of Mr. J. W. Richmond, the hon. secretary of the troupe. God Save the King having been heartily sung, the troupe rendered as the opening chorus Put on the Golden Sword," the solo being taken by Mr. E. Haswell. Mr. C. Noblett sang a patriotic song, The Lads in Navy Blue," and Mr. Len Baillie contributed a comic song, "All over me." The songs "My Sweetheart when a Boy." by Mr. J. H. Thompson, and Oh I, Oh I Oh!" by Mr. Ernest Haswell, preceded the plantation song and chorus "Carry me back to Old Virginny," given in costume by Mr. Warren Trevor. The remaining items oi Part 1 of the programme were:—Coon song, "Oh my Susie," Mr. C. Watkins; song, "Phyllis," Mr. H. Huxley; and a comic song, The Baby's Name," Mr. George Davies. Part 2 was as follows:- Extravaganza, "Bill Williams's Child," Messrs. L. Baillie, George Davies and Ernest Haswell; character song, "Storyettes," Master A. Mills; banjo selection. Mr. C. Jones; sketch, "The Impecunious Photographer," Messrs. E. Haswell, George Davies, W. Aldis, C. Jones, L. Baillie and C. Watkins. The whole entertainment was deservedly appreciated, the songs were good and the jokes excellent. Fun was the order of the evening, and much merriment prevailed during the playing of Bill Williams's Child and The Impecunious Photographer." At the conclusion of the concert, the Chairman, in thanking the troupe, described it as a most excellent entertainment. Mr. Haswell, in second- ing the chairman's motion, said that but for various causes they might have had a larger attendance. Mr. Haswell took the opportunity of referring to what he said were unreasonable remarks which a short time ago had appeared in the Chester papers with reference to a concert given by the Tennessee Darkies in Chester in aid of the War Funds. The troupe bad taken a great deal of trouble in the matter, and had got up a successful concert. They made a deal of money, but the person who wrote to the papers and did not publish his name was not satisfied. He sup- posed that person thought he could have done it much better. '-L'he iennessee Marines handed over between JB50 and JE40 to the War Funds, but the person who wrote thought it was not enough and pointed out that the room was filled to overflowing. The concert was got up by volun- teers, all of whom had to attend to their busi- nesses. It took some time to get in the accounts after the concert and to make up the balance- sheet. The writer in the newspapers insinuated apparently that the Tennessee Darkies had been putting the money into their pockets. He (Mr. Haswell) happened to be the accountant who went over their accounts, and he was glad to say that they were all in perfect order and the money they made was duly handed over to the War Funds. The reason not so much money was handed over as the person referred to seemed to think ought to be handed over was that a small troupe of minstrels were not able-at any rate they did not think they were able-to work a big concert like that by themselves, and they had to engage pro- fessional talent, which had to be paid for. The suggestion that the professionals ought to have given their services free of cost was unreasonable. Very great thanks were due to the Tennessee Darkies in the matter. Me. Haswell concluded by expressing thanks to Mr. H. Baniston for his kindness in coming so far to preside over the meeting. What Mr. Barnston had said with regard to the objects of the club would be of great assistance in many ways in carrying on the institution. (Applause.)—Mr. Warren Trevor returned thanks on behalf of the troupe, and the proceedings terminated with the singing of the National Anthem.
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IDESPATCH FROM KITCHENER.
DESPATCH FROM KITCHENER. DE WET MOVING NORTH. The following despatch has been received from Lord Kitchener: Pretoria, 18th Feb., 7.15 p.m. De Wet is reported still moving north, and to be now west of Hopetown. He will probably double back south-west. Troops are prepared for this. A train was derailed between Vereemging and Johannesburg this morning. The Boers were driven off before they could get much out of the train. Our casualties were one man killed and one slightly wounded.
PLUMER'S SUCCESS.__I
PLUMER'S SUCCESS. I BOERS REPULSED. I I ENEMY'S RUFFIANISM. I The invaders have met their match in Colonel Piumer. Fighting is reported to have I taken place between Philip3town and Colesberg, and the result so far as we at present know is that the Boer forces have been so much vanquished that they are in full retreat to the west, with Colonel Plumer's forces in pursuit. Other telegrams from South Africa describe the operations of Colonel De Lisle, who relieved Calvinia and had a reception of the most enthusiastic nature. Further examples of Boer savagery are reported. While in the Calvinia district the invaders, who are described as ruffians of the lowest type, cruelly flogged I several people for refusing to divulge informa- I tion, and one was mercilessly beaten alter be had become ill, and then shot.
I THE PURSUIT OF DE WET.
I THE PURSUIT OF DE WET. I FIGHTING NEAR DE AAR. I LORD KITCHENER PRESENT. On Thursday afternoon Lord Kitchener was apparently at Pretoria. Early on Saturday morning he sent a despatch from De Aar, the important junction on the Capetown to Kim- berley railway, from which a branch runs to join the midland railway at Naauwpoort. Evidently the Commander-in-Chief has been drawn to Cape Colony by the presence near De Aar of General De Wet and his forces. General De Wet is following almost exactly in the footsteps of his predecessors—Brand and Hertzog. They, like him, crossed the Orange River at Zand Drift, to the north of Colesberg. They occupied Pliilipstown, which he un- successfully attacked a week ago. From Philipstown they sent a small force to Hout Kraal on the western line, and subsequently moved in force across the railway at that point. General De Wet crossed the railway early on Friday morning at Baartman's Siding, to the north of Hout Kraal. His force was seen from Hcut Kraal, and Colonel Crabbe moved out from that station to attack him. Two armoured trains were also brought into action, but they can have been of little service, for the enemy cut the line both to the north and the south of the point at which they crossed. Colonel Crabbe, however, succeeded in capturing over twenty wagons— many of which were full of small-arm and pom-pom ammunition—a Maxim gun, twenty prisoners, and over 100 hornes. The loss of the ammunition at this stage will mean a great deal to the Boers, who are being vigorously pursued by several British columns. Colonel De Lisle, who is steadily forcing the Boers under Hertzog towards the Orange River, has now arrived at Carnarvon, the chief town of the district of that name, about 90 miles from Victoria West Road, on the western main line. It is a great sheep-farming district, and the farms are of enormous size, the chief draw- back being the severe droughts which occur from time to time. Colonel De Lisle's force had an arduous march from Calvinia, but met with no opposition.
ICESTRIAN'S EXPERIENCE ATI…
I CESTRIAN'S EXPERIENCE AT LIC HTEN BURG. I STIFF ENCOUNTER WITH THE ENEMY. The appended is an extract from 3897 Private R. H Smith, of the Northumberland Fusiliers, who is a Cestrian, and the eldest of two brothers, sons of Mr. W. Smith, plumber, late of Hoole, who are now both at the front Lichtenburg, Transvaal, New Year' s Day. In my last letter I told you we were go;ng to Lichtenburg to garrison it. Well, we made a good start. We went to bed at half-past eight at night, got up at half-past eleven, rolled our blankets up, paraded at half-past twelve, and set off on the march to a place called Kaffir's Kraal, a distance of 17 miles, landing in about ten o'clock next morning. Next morning we paraded at 3.30 to march to a place called Riet Kuel, a distance of about 16 miles, and got to a place called Wonder Fontein, when we encountered tbEJO enemy, who tried to stop our advance, thinking we had a large convoy. Well, we had to take up a position to check them from advancing on us, and it is a mercy that we weren't all captured, as we were only about 260 strong. We fired a large quantity of ammunition, but we couldn't get on any further, and had to sit down and wait for reinforcements from Lord Methuen, whom we left at Kaffir s Kraal. Help arrived in exactly five hours from the time our colonel sent an officer and 12 men of the Imperial Yeomanry to tell Lord Methuen that we were surrounded. It was a splendid piece of work for our Yeomanry, who all volunteered to go. Well, when the reinforcements arrived and put a few shells into the Boers, they scooted and we advanced, but only for them to come at us again, and we had to fight our way the remaining eight miles right into camp, and then when we got there my section had to go on out-post duty for the remainder of the night. We were on the go from half-past three in the morning till half-past seven in the evening, then had to go on out-post till a quarter to four the next morning, fall in at half-past four and march to Lichtenburg, fighting our way right through for 14 miles. I daresay you have read the whole account of General Lem- mer being killed. Well, it was him we were fight- ing against, and we weren't to be beaten. What we undertake to do wo have to complete at any cost. Well, we got into Lichtenburg at last, and a very pretty place it is—in fact the prettiest place I have seen since I have been in South Africa. The way the houses are situated, with great lime trees forming as it were porticos to them, the clear springs of water running through the village, the grass, the fruit trees bearing fruit—every- thing seems so beautiful. My Christmas wasn't a very bright one. The only difference there was towards any other day was that we had a bit of duff, and Lord Methuen sent us his compli- ments. I had a splendid New Year's dinner to- day, though. Where I am on out-post now there is a house, and in it lives a very nice Dutch woman. We asked her to cook our meat for dinner, but instead of doing so she sent a fine roast joint of mutton, some Christmas pudding, jam tarn and a bottle of grape wine. It was delicious. You can just imagine how I enjoyed it after hav- ing stews for fifteen months.
IWITH THE 21sT IMPERIAL IEOMANRY.
I WITH THE 21sT IMPERIAL IEOMANRY. I A TRYING MARCH. I ON THE KAROO DESERT. The following are extracts from an officer's letters with the 21st (Cheshire) Company of the Imperial Yeomanry in South Africa:— Sutherland, Jan. 14th, 1901. We are still with Colonel Thorneyerott's column. The last 200 miles of our march have been over awful country in 40 miles we have seen but one human being (a nigger) and neither wild animals nor birds. Water is scarce, and the animals drink from the dirtiest and smallest of puddles, usually once a day. Our horses are, many of them, like skeletons, and are dying by the dozen from heavy kopje work and short forage. Mules go wandering round the camp picking up what they can get; one ate our towel two days ago. On December 31st we came across a charred heap of letters and parcels. On examination it was found to have been a sack for the 22nd Company Imperial Yeomanry. The Boers had collared the post cart and looted it. Cross Roads," Matgesfontem, Jan. 20th. Here a large convoy was to have met us but only one day's food for man and horse arrived. From Sutherland we marched south-westwards. It was hoped the Boers would try to force a passage through the mountains, and the main road passes through Verlattin Kloof, which the Coldstreams were holding. Then we should have had them snug, but they turned west- wards, and we hope to get behind them, as now we are to their south. Verlattin Kioof is a fine pass, but beyond being wild and bare, is not very beautiful. We would give anything for a good stream of water, a spring, or anything to relieve the dry veldt. January 15th.-Marebod 30 miles. Heavy rain that night; decidedly unpleasant; but mostly so for the horses. January 16th.— By mid-day it was grilling, and that night the cold was intense. Despite the rain all the water we could raise was by scraping a hole in the sand in the dry bed of a river and letting the water collect. From De Aar on December 23rd to January 17tb, when we arrived here, we covered 500 miles, which is a good record con- sidering it was done on the barest amount of food for animals, but the small column lost over 500 mules and horses. Karoo Poort, Ceres, Jan. 23rd. It is only the main portion of our two Cheshire companies that are here. Details are scattered elsewhere, but the officers commanding and staff are here. The Boers are to the north towards Calvinia, and we hope they will continue their pilgrimage on Capetown. We left "Cross Roads.'   reached this next d.y. I don't thil we have -)y "poorts" in Engl?63; tbe^orfevei^s&e?^roughhUisp^^ tlY     range of mountalDB. K:loof i eqUJvaient to our passes at home, where you have an ?', ? one p^oorrt t.^iieSCODt °23 the 0therJ To a°*h of th £ PoOrt where we are encamped there is an openi on to the plain, only 100 yards wide, and then t five miles it wmds through grand mountains ( to the plain to the south, but it is near'v leve: J Whole way. Karoo Poort. is the main opc? from the soutn on to the great desert of the Karf which stretches north and eastwards. n. is on ti desert that we have spent the last month. Karoo Poort. Jan. 27th. Scarcely many hours after the news must hhve reached you, on the afternoon of the 25rd the heliograph flashed the message that the QJieen was dead. How she would have liked to FL.o seen this job completed and to have left England at peace How will England get on? How will the world? As the news spread over the camp there was a hush, and everything seemed knocked on the head, but only for the moment,, for no out- ward signs of mourning oan be shewn, and the Boers, by latest news, are not stopping tneir ad- vance, The King's health was drunk at mess, and at church y parade this morning. chf Colonel prayed for our Sovereign King Edward V II. Along our last march there has been difficulty in getting ready cash, but -e pay Ifooth officers and men! for everything, from i an egg to a horse, though we fix a reasonable price and have the advantage of oommandeering or taking what we want apart from the owner's wishes. The only bit of real loot which I have secured is a bran new Capecart, whii- eh I got from Sutherland. The owner is an active rebel. There is no new to tell vou. We sit here holding the pass and waiting for develop- ments or orders. De Lisle s and Bethune's col- umns on our left a.re moving on, so report. says. Our horses are pjcking up on a plentiful supp!y of rest and food.
ILETTER FROM LIEUTENANT GROSYENOIt.
I LETTER FROM LIEUTENANT GROSYENOIt. I CHESHIRES THAMKED BY THORXEY- CROFT. I AN EXACTING CHASE. ) We are indebted to Lady Ebury for the follow- ing interesting letter from her son, Lieut. the Hon. R. V. Grosvenor:- Karoo Poort, near Ceres, 25th January, 1901. I am afraid I can give you no idea as to date of our return. Our services are in such request that we are unlikely to be let off for a long time. I was much surprised to see in one of your letters, dated 19th December, that you were aU very anxious about the 22nd Company. At the time of the battle of Nooitgedacht we were peace- fully and comfortably seated in a railway car- I riage on our way to De Aar from Worcester, to join the force under Henniker Major. A* Beaufort West, at least 1,200 miles frog I Nooitgedacht, we were puzzled by getting, telegram from an anxious parent concerning tIt safety of a son, and a cousin, who are in tIt ranks. The young gentlemen in question wen never better in their lives, and much more a their ease than they have been since, or are likek to be for some months. We could not imagine what is meant, and were far from associating it with Clement's reverse, which we had just heard of. The 22nd is going strong, ditto the 21* which is also here. Both companies have received the thanks of Thorneycrolt for their services during the trek, and, what is more. the unquali- fied praise of his officers, who looked upon us with much suspicion when we first found the column. We were worked very hard to start with to see what we were made of, and having come out of the ordeal satisfactorily are enjoying a comparatively essy time, but no service with Thorneycroft is ever very easy, as he is a man of infinite precautions, and though one may very likely run the chance of being killed, one is pretty sure of not being led into a trap. We were touch with the enemy for ire first half of the march, and one day the Cheshire Companies had a most exciting ride after the Boers, but they had too long start of us and we were ordered back by heliograph. The whole force should have been pushed on next day, for the Beers killed half their horses to get away. As it was, we stuck to them as long as we could, but they kept com- mandeering remounts as they went on. and just managed to keep half a day ahead of us. We finally had to abandon the chase, as the forage gave out and our horses were walking skeletons. It was dreadful to see old favourites perish by the wayside, horses we had cherished for eleven months drop by twos and threes at each halt. We lost 80 per cent. of our English horses. We have arrived at this place (Karoo Poort) after having marched 550 miles in 26 days, a record for this war, but in no condition to con- tinue the chase, which is being taken up bvl- Do Lisle. Bethune remounts are being seut up to us by the hundred, and next week we shall be fit again. You will be pleased to hear that Jack came through the trek most successfully. He 13 as good as ever he was. He mostly goes in my cart, where he is the admiration of the column, though I often ride him also. Cab em, after serving me very faithfully for a year, La" had to be invalided. He is going home. My new man's name is Clark, the son of a Cheshire farmer. H< is most delightful, and understands all aboul horses. We expect to be off acain immediati lv. I R V. GROSVENOR.
. LOCAL CASUALTIES.
LOCAL CASUALTIES. 5021 Private P. Henley, 2nd Cheshire Regiment, is reported to have died from a frac- tured skull at Potchefstroom, on February 32th. At the SMce pl^ce and on the same date 3628 Private H. Cliff, let Royal Welsh Fusiliers, is stated to have died from enteric, while 6055 Private J. Green, cf the same regiment, was a victim of the same disease at Johannesburg on February 11th. 3710 Private J. Lewis, 2nd Royal Welsh Fusiliers, di&d of multiple injuries at Hong-Kong en December 23rd.
THE CHESTER TRAM -SCHEME.
THE CHESTER TRAM SCHEME. TO THE EllITOE. Sir,—Ihe energetic protests of your corre- spondents on this subject have aroused in many show and pleasure towns of rising commercial im- portance a good deal of sympathetic interest. Al- low me to say, however, that the real question lies between men of taste as well as others of cuiisider- able vested interests, and men of no taste save for the raw £ s. d. But,, even on the latter ground, they have very weak defences. Some of vour readers up at Bathampton, Batlieaston, Bath ford, Bathwick and, as a matter of course, in the city of Bath, say, in effect, simply this: thut Chester, at which many break their journeys to North Wales and Ireland, in a very few years after it became known that such a commercial venture as an overhead electric "shock, shock, shock" to the car or 'bus and all in it on the tram-road below in its vulgarised streets, would undoubtedly find itself in the position of Bath as regards ibitors of any very great consequence to its inhabitants. For Bath, however much encouraged, even by their resident friends, woud be tabooed more than ever by everybody, except for gout, rheumatism and some heart complaints. They truly t iiou-gh say that the rapidly over-grown suburbs have al- ready half destroyed those surrounding rural beauties which were Beau Nash's trump cards in the 18th century, when railroad a and speculators were not, and when visiters could breathe a purer atmosphere and enjoy the society of those whom they knew and met everywhere except in the South of France, etc. This consideration a while since impelled some gentlemen to suggest the re-a,ppo:ntnient of a master of the ceremonies. Then came a newspaper squib which left it stone dead. Quoting Mr. Pick- wick's celebrated reception by tho then master (not improbably the immediate predecessor of that very courteous and gentlemanlike Uo!md JeTVo:s;. whO, with a deep bow and a long CTapr, said "Wel- come to Ba-ath, sir; welcome to Ba-ath 1" The squib went on to say that the "appointment of a Beau Nash" had been puggaetecl for the purpose of introducing "the strange irin.io visitors to the strange female residents!" and pointed out the difficulty, both from numbers and petty jealousies, that it would inevitably lead to a day or two after, Lord Rosebery came down to itiiv,-if a lot of memorial plates affixed to various dwellings where 18th and early 19th oentury statesmen had either lodged or permanently resided, among others Pitt, Earl of Chatham, in whose OIlS., Lady Tweed- mouth now resides, who was for the occasion Lord Rosebery's bostesa- Bofebory took up the "W el. come to B#-ath, sir" in an amusing speech, but which certainly did not create half the amusement of the squib in question..However, with al these continually growing drawbacks of popula tion and dirt and destruction, rot so necessary evervwhere to a great trading country, peoph having very old associations wrth Bath, and iove-i of the surrounding elements in the picturesque, and farther &field, the rustic beauties of "Zummer- Zeet," still find some re-payment for their pains. But Chester, as already truly said, has the whip- hand of Bath in its four e siaint and beautiful old Roman and mediaeval streets, all lying at right angles; its fine Abbey Cathedral and many ancient churches and .I. an d towers; itfj remains; its very ancient Y«Ta!ls and towers; its once-hallowed Dee; the Weteb mountains of real '•Welsh Wales" and never shall 1 believe that, any such modern tram contrivanr r-s as those proposed will ever be permitted within tho circuit of ita grey walls or anywhere, even in th., Foregate-street beyond hail of Frocsha m-slre^t at the very furthest. And it would bf won to prevent even this concession, as once they get an inch they will want an ell.—I remain, sir, yours very truly, I AN OLD
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