Cheshire Observer

FIRE AT PARKGATE. LAUNCH DESTROYED. [SPECIAL TELEGRAM.] The steam launch Daisy, of Parkgate, formerly of Chester, belonging to Mr. C. L. Lloyd, The Parade, was burnt last night. Mr. Lloyd was away at Bangor, and had lent the launch to some friends. It is supposed that the latter omitted to thoroughly rake out the fires, for about five o'clock this morning Mr. Lloyd was aroused by the intimation that the launch was on fire. It fea.3 been completely destroyed with the exception of the engines. The damage amounts to JB80. Mr. Lloyd only bought the launch a few weeks ago.

HELSBY SEWAGE SCHEME. LOCAL GOVERNMENT INQUIRY. I [SPECIAL TBUGBAM.1 [ BT OUR OWN RBPORTKR."] This morning, at Helsby, Mr. Durnford, Local Government Board Inspector, held an inquiry into the application of the Runcorn District Council for sanction to boIfow £ 8,000 for sewarage works for Helsby. The inspector also inquired into the objection to the construction of a pumping station and filtering beds on a site at Hapsford, in the Chester rural district. The opponents to the scheme represented were the Ship Canal Com- pany, the Marquis of Cholmondeley, the Chester District Council, and the inhabitants of Hapsford. Two years ago an inquiry was held in respect to a sewage scheme for Helsby, but the Local Government Board refused to sanction it because it was proposed to discharge sewage into a brook without first subjecting it to filtration. An engineer prepared another scheme, and the appli- cants pointed out that the site chosen was the most suitable one that could be obtained at a reasonable cost. The Ship Canal Company ob- jected to sewage being turned into the brook, and the Chester District Council and the inhabitants of Hapsford opposed the scheme on the ground that the applicants had no right to bring aewage out of their own district. (Proceeding.)

A HOIAL MATCH. LORD ROSEBERY AND THE DUCHESS OF ALBANY. We (the Daily Despatch") have good authority for stating thAt the King's forth- coming visit to Scotland is likely to be followed by the announcement of a social event of a startling character. It is well known in Society that an ex- Leader of the Liberal party, whose country seat in Scotland is not a hundred miles from the Forth Bridge, has ioog had an attachment for a widowed caughter-in-law of the late Queen. Her Majesty strongly objected to the proposed anion, buj King Edward, who is more liberal- minded on the subject of marriages of members of the Royal Family, has not, we believe, put any obstacle in the way of the marriage between the distinguished nobleman and the Royal lady concerned. This lady will accompany the King on his visit to the North, and we have reason to believe that her betrothal to the illustrious statesman referred to will be formally announced either during the Royal visit to Holyrood or immediately after. Tois may have an important bearing upon the future of the Liberal party, as it would not be advisable for a brother-in-law of the King to be the official head of any political organisation. The Duchess of Albany is a daughter of the late Prince George of Waldeck. She was born on February 17,1861, and married the late Duke of Albany (Prince Leopold) on April 27, 1882 There are two children, Princess Alice Mary Victoria Agusta Pauline, who is now over 18 years of age, and the present Duke (Leopold Charles Edward George Albert) who will be 17 this month. The family residence is at Esher, in Surrey. The late Duke died on March 28, 1834.

THE SWOKD CONDEMNED. IMPENDING SWEEPING ARMY CHANGES. The reign ot the sword is over. A board ot expert cavalry officers, guided in a large measure by the opinions of cavalry leaders at the front, have pronounced the weapon practically useless for warfare. For cutting it is regarded as an absolute failure. Only on the very few occasions when a thrust is possible is it at all effective. Lord Roberts, who was one of the finest swordsmen of the Indian Army for many years, has decided that for the future the use of the rifle must be the first consideration in the training of recruits of all arms. He has abolished sword, lance, and bayonet exercises as a part of the soldier's train- ing, and has ordered that these "ceremonial" drills are to give place to musketry and rifle practices. The cavalry sword will still remain part of the mounted man's equipment, but a lighter one is being experimented with to take the place of the present pattern weapon. The glittering scabbard, pride of the horseman's eye, but excellent mark for the hidden sniper, is also doomed, and a leather-covered wooden scabbard is to be issued instead. It has the advantage of being ten ounces lighter, and also with it it is possible to keep the sword sharp, and a sharp sword has hitherto been almost unknown in actual warfare. It is also proposed to adopt a modifica- tion of the Sam Browne bolt, the idea being to carry the sword upon the body of the man instead of on the horse as hitherto.

BUCKLEY. THE NEW COUNCIL CHAMBER.-The i tender of Messrs. Guest and Wardle, of Chester, has been accepted for the furuiture and fittings for the District Council's new j! Council Chamber and Offices. I ♦ —

NOTKD GIANTESS Dues. A well-known Cheshire g\ant«es named Harriet Peers, of Birkenhead, died on Thursday at the age of forty, She was 6ft. 4in. in height, and weighed thirty-five 8OJltt. Until about four years ago she was connected with various shows. The coffin will be 6ft. 6in. long and 4ft. broad, and there is not a hearse in Birkenhead that caa contain it. In order to remove the coffin, the window frames will have to be taken out of the house front. Hams are dearer now than for many years paat, and will probably reach 9d. per lb.

CHESTER REGATTA. I BRILLIANT SPECTACLE. I RECORD ATTENDANCE. I The Chester Regatta of 1901 must be recorded as one of, if not the, most enjoyable festivals ever witnessed on the Dee. As a boating river the Dee has few equals in the kingdom, and it is therefore only in accordance with the fitness of things that Chester should have a regatta which ranks well in the world of aquatie sport. This annual event serves an admirable purpose in that it promotes locally a healt'hy interest in rowing and keeps this, one of the most beneficial forms of sport, well to the fore in the locality. It would be an evil day for Chester and Chester oarsmen if ever the regatta were erased from our calendar of annual festivals, and it behoves citizens generally to accord that support to the promoters which they undoubtedly deserve. But, thanks to the enthusiam and enterprise of the latter and the practical recognition by the former of the benefits conferred, Chester Regatta flourishes, the skill and style of local oarsmen and scullers develops in praiseworthy measure year by year, and the public generally are afforded opportunities of witnessing first-class performances by the leading crews of the day. Surely this is something to be thankful for, something to be proud of, something to desire for all time. On Wednesday there was a record attendance, which evidenced a growth of popularity. The day was gloriously fine, a gentle breeze tempering the heat of the aun's rays as they teat down upon the Committee Ground. Although Cestrians predominated the crowd, there was a gratifying number of rowing votaries and pleasure seekers from Mid-Cheshire and the outlying districts. The Mayor (Colonel H. T. Brown), who is the president, the Bishop of Chester, and other vice- presidents were present. Many old rowing men were recognised in the enclosure. They watched the races with evident enjoyment, and aquatically "fought their battles o'er again." Their criticisms of rowing nowadays were interesting and to the point. A large number of ladies, including the Mayoress, graced the assembly, and pretty dresses and sunshades lent a brilliancy of colour to the charming spectacle. The affair was capably managed by the com- mittee, whose enthusiasm has ever been un- bounded. No trouble or expense had been spared to secure the perfection of arrangements, and the committee and officials received congratulations on all sides. The card comprised some twenty races, which provided interesting sport. The Royal Chester, who entertained a number of their friends in a private enclosure, did not do so well as they were wont to do in the old days, but they shewed a true sporting feeling, accepting their defeat like gentlemen, and not grudging the visitors their well-deserved success. We do not for a moment believe that the fact that they were unfortunate will discourage our premier Chester club; on the other hand, we think they will benefit by their experience, which, though unpleasant to reflect upon for the moment, will serve as a stimulus to them to restore the reputation of the oarsmen of the Dee. They will not lack the opportunity, for it is only natural that Nottingham and other win- ning crews will re-appear next year in the hope of capturing a few more trophies. Whether they will gratify this ambition remains to be seen. The City of Chester Challenge Cup race was the more interesting, as it shewed a distinct reversal of form between the two Nottingham and the Burton crews from what was witnessed at Worcester re- cently, when the same crews competed for the ;nttly of England Challenge Vase. At Worcester Burton triumphed over the Nottingham crews, and on Wednesday the Nottingham Britannia crew turned the tables on their rivals, and this notwithstanding that the latter displayed a better body swing. The fact that the course at Wor- cester was a mile and that at Chester a mile and a quarter and 40 yards very probably had something to do with the result, as Burton always found it difficult to stay our course. The chief reason of Burton's defeat, however, was the fact that the Nottingham men got the advantage of the inside station, while the Burton men went unnecessarily Nottingham men W." t(>n men went unnecessari l y wide at the bend. The Mersey R.C. are to be congratulated on their well-merited victories in the Eaton Plate and Wirral Challenge Cup; we ven- ture to express the hope that this flourishing club will next year put a senior four on the Dee. Their competitors in the Wirral Challenge Cup were the Royal Chester junior four, who shewed remark- ably pretty style and a uniform action that was generally admired by the onlookers. We sym- pathise with them in the ground they lost by the bad steering of their coxswain, but even with the absence of this defect it is doubtful if they would have won, for the men in the Mersey boat were a powerful lot. Perhaps the most interesting race from a local point of view was that for the Mayor of Chester's prize, in which the rival crews were fours of the Grosvenor R.C. and the King's School R. C. The Grosvenor, which was by far the stronger crew, were fortunate enough to ob- tain the inside station. The school boys, how- ever, gave them a capital race. They pulled with great dash, and the boats went abreast past the enclosure. With waning strength and the disad- vantage of the outside berth, the boys eventually dropped behind, although they rowed pluckily to the end. The Grosvenor men pulled well to- gether, and, like their rivals, had been carefully trained. Dickin's success in the Members' Plate was a popular one. It was lucky for him that he had a length in hand when he passed the com- mittee ground, for he steered wide at the bend of the river, whereas Powell hugged the side, and if Dickin had not been leading he would have run a risk of losing the race. The hope is expressed that Dickin will be among the entrants for the senior sculls next year. It is a reflection on Dee scullers that ever since the Championship of the Dee was instituted and a handsome trophy provided, it has never been won by a Chester sculler. St. G. Ashe, Thames R.C., a sculler of repute, is the holder of the cup. His title to the championship was not challenged last year, but for Wednesday's race there were four entrants, which included R. K. Beaumont, Burton R.C., a former holder, who, however, scratched in his heat, and thus robbed the event of some interest. Percy G. Haswell, a nrnmi5linD" Grnsvpnnr sculler mot Sf r., .å"h.n -l, l the final. Though fairly easily beaten by Ashe, s h e Haswell has no reason for despair, for his per- formance was highly creditable. In time he may cover himse!f with glory by capturing the coveted trophy from even such a great man as Ashe. Who knows? A new feature of this year's regatta was a canoe race, which the committee were able to introduce through the liberality of Colonel Read. whose idea certainly proved excellent. This and the race for mixed pairs were very popular items. Northwich failed to repeat their performance of last year in the Eaton Plate, in which race they were placed third. The Nottingham R.C. won the Dee Cup last year. as they did on Wednesday. The social element of the festival was more pronounced than usual. The Pierrots gave performances, which enhanced the intervals, and the 2nd (Earl of Chester's) V.B. Cheshire Regiment, under the able conductorship of Mr T. Outhwaite, dis- coursed a programme of music, which was much enjoyed. Messrs. Bolland and Son catered for the luncheon, which was served on the committee ground during a break in the racing. I DISTRIBUTION OF PRIZES. I I SUGGESTED CORONATION CARNIVAL. I At the conclusion of the racing the distribution of prizes took place from the band stand. Mr. E. W. Pierce, the hon. secretary, in calling I.ipork the Mayoress /to perform the ceremony which she had kindly undertaken, expressed his thanks to those present for attending, and men- tioned that the attendance had probably reached record figures. The local clubs, he said, had not done so well as in previous years, or as they per- haps would do in future y .ars-(hear, hear)—but they did not begrudge the other crews their vic- tories. (Hear, hear.) The Mayoress having presented the prizes, a hearty vote of thanks was accorded to her on the motion of Mr. Hy. Taylor, seconded by Mr. E. C. Kendal. The Mayor, who was cordially received, re- turned thanks on behalf of the Mayoress. His Worship said he had read in the "Chester Courant" that morning that the arrangements were so abso- lutely perfect-that only one thing was required to make the whole thing the greatest success possi- ble, and that was fine weather. That had been accomplished, for a more perfect summer day could hardiy be imagined. He uttered congratu- lations upon the large number of entries, and said that although Chester had allowed their friends, the visitors, to carry off nearly all the prizes this year, they possibly would not do so on future occasions. (Laughter.) Their defeat that day would only, he believed, stimulate the Chester men to prove winners at future regattas. (Hear, hear.) He congratulated Mr. St. G. Ashe upon the excellent work he had done at Henley, and said it was with great pride and pleasure that they saw him competing in the Chester Regatta. Mr. Ashe was a sculler who was winning his laurels at Hen- ley, and who this year had done more excellent work than ever. He (the Mayor) was going to take a great liberty and suggest something about the regatta of next year. It was a year which was going to be a historical one. The coronation of his Majesty was to take place in the month of June, and it seemed to him to be a great occasion upon which some special effort might be made to make Chester Regatta a great event upon a great occasion. (Applause.) He could remember, and many of them could remember, beautiful fetes upon the river, which had been the admiration of every- one who had witnessed them, and he thought the Chester Regatta could be associated with a fete of that kind in commemoration of the great event of next year. He could not help thinking that it would be a great stimulus to the Regatta, as well as a great pleasure to everybody who took part in it. All our thoughts were now centred upon the coronation, and he repeated that if something of the kind he had suggested could be associated with next year's regatta, it would make it note- worthy not only in the county, but in Lancashire. (Applause.) RACING RESULTS. I Details of the ractng are app,-nrlod The EATON PLATR. value E15. For four- owed gig boats wit-,b fixed seats (to be provided by the committee), to be rowed by gantl-pmezt amateurs who have never won a prize of any kind at a Regatta, except a local or scratch race. Distance, three-quarters of a mile. First UeAt. Mersey Rowing Club: W. Graham (bow). A. i Twentyman, J. Paterson, G. P. Higgina (stroke), A. N. Capner (cox) 1 < Royal Chester Rowing Clab: N. M. Worriii i (bow), W. W. Holland. A. A. Massen, R. Vincent (atroke).C.N.GrMty (cox) 2 Agecroft Rowing C?ub R. Worsley (bow?. G. i Els worth, .Johimon, J. Shaw (stroke), F. ) Milnes (cox) 3 1 Mersey led all the way and after stalling off a challenge of the Royals won by two lengths. I Bad third. Second Heat. Gros7enor Rowing Club E. G. Kember (bow), L. R. Baillie, G. B. Neyworth, C. E. Meacock (stroke), Edwards (cox). 1 Liverpool Victoria Rowing Club: H. C. Clarke (bow), A. Wade, H. Kingham, J. B. MacMaster (stroke), H. Crowley (cox) 2 The Grosvenor crew had the worst of the stations, but they were much the stronger crew, and won easily. Third Heat. Nort'iwich Rowing Club: W. A. Hankinson (bow), F. Hughes, W. Grundy, A. Hughes (stroke), J. Willis (cox) 1 Hollingworth Lake Rowing Club: C. Lunt tbow), F. Kale, R. J. Flintoff, H. T. Colling- wood (stroke), S. F. Roberta (cox) 2 The Lancashire crew were out-classed by their opponents, who won by several lengths. Final Heat. Mersey B.C 1 :n;Cû':ë' No-thwich F..C 3 Northwich were left at the start, and Mersey, on the inside, had established a big lead at the Committee Ground, and won easily from Grosvenor. who just beat Northwich for second place on the post. The CHAMPIONSHIP OF THE DEli: CHALLENGE CUP, value JE50, with presentation cup value 28. For scullers^; open to all amateurs. Dis- tance, one mile. First Heat. Percy G. Haswell, Grosvenor R.C r.o. R. K. Beaumont, Burton R.C *or. Second Heat. St. G. Ashe, Thames R.C. (holder) 1 G. W. King, Nottingham R.C 2 On the inside Ashe made the pace, and quickly finding the measure of his opponent, paddled home an easy winner by a length. Final Heat. St. G. Ashe (holder) 1 H \Swell. 2 Aske quickly took the lead, and although the lo :al sculler spurted pluckily, Ashe won with the greatest of ease. The CITY OF CHESTER CHALLENGE CUP, vilue E80, with presentation cupa and cox- swain's prize, value £ 25. For senior fours with coxswains.^Distance, 1! miles 40 yards. First Heat. Burton Rowing Club: T. Nadin (bow), R. K. Beaumont, H. Beck, C. W. Rudyard (stroke), W. Barrow (cox) 1 Royal Chester Rowing Club: C. H. Greenhouse (bow), W. P. Powell, C. W. S. Macfie, T. A. Tinne (stroke), F. Ellis (cox) 2 On the inside. Burton quickly forged ahead, and finally won with ease by four lengths. Second Heat. Nottingham Britannia Rowing Club E. Gandy (bow), H. Gaudy, J. E. Gee, R. Oreoraft (stroke), W. Shaw (cox) 1 Nottingham Rowing Club: G. W. King (bow), L. H. King, C. E. King, H. H. Bowden (stroke), G. Beatterefood (cox) 2 Britannia were by far the more finished crew, and won easily by four lengths. Final Heat. Nottingham Britannia A.C 1 Burton H-C 2 Burton, on the outside station, took the lead at the start, and with both crews pulling magnificently, Burton led by half a length at the Committee Ground. However, rounding the bend, Nottingham had the advantage and drew level. It was then a grand race to the finish, Britannia winning by a length. The MAYOR OF CHESTER'S PRIZE, value £ 10. For four-oared gig boats with fixed seats (to be provided by the committee), to be rowed and steered by gentlemen amateurs, being members of local clubs or gentlemen amateurs residing or engaged in business in the City of Chester, who have never won a prize of any kind at a j Regatta, except a scratch race. Distance, three-quarters of a mile. Grosvenor Rowing Club E. G. Kember (bow), L. R. Baillie, G. B. Keyworth, C. E. Meacock (stroke), Edwards (cox) 1 King's ciohool Rowing Club: S. M. Johnson (bow), P. J. Cram, W. A. Naylor, D. C. Jones (stroke), E. A. Evans (cox) 2 This was a magnificent race. At the Com- mittee Ground the boats were abreast, the schoolboys pulling with great dash and pluck. The Grosvenor's longer and more powerful stroke, aided by their superior position, even- tually enabled them to get away, and King's Schoolboys were beaten by a length. The WIRRAL CHALLENGE CUP, value R50, with presentation cups and coxwain's prize value £ 18. For four-oared boats, to be rowed by gentlemen amateurs who have never won a senior or open (rowing) prize at a Regatta. Distance, 11 miles 40 yards. Mersey Rowing Club: A. G. Ashcroft (bow), S. G. Wood, R. D. Wood, P. D. Williams (stroke), T. Baxter (cox) 1 Royal Chester Rowing Club: C. E. Lowe (bow), C. R. Morris, C. W. Scott, H. C. Lowe (stroke), C. N. Gresty (cox) 2 The Mersey Club led practically the whole of the way, and rowed in splendid style. On pass- ing the Committee Ground they led by nearly a length. Royal Chester lost considerable ground in taking a wide turning, and gave their opponents a comfortable win. CANADIAN CANOE RACE, for first and second prizes, presented by Col. Read. Each canoe to be paddled by two gentlemen amateurs only. Distance about a quarter of a mile. W. S. Ruthven and R. Sabatini 1 Ernest A. Stubbs and St. G. Ashe 2 S. J. Marston and B. K. Evans 3 L. S. Rowland and H. Rowland. 0 Harold J. Fogg and J. Wannop 0 Arthur E. Jones and Hugh Hincks 0 Tbe race was an interesting and well- contested one. Stubbs and Ashe managed to get the lead at the start, and maintained it for the length of about half the course Ruthven and Sabatini then overtook them, making a grand spurt, and won by about a length. The DEB CUP, value 920, for competitors who have rowed in the City of Chester Challenge Cup or Wirral Challenge Cup Winners of the City of Chester Challenge Cup in 1901 are debarred from rowing. F,)r senior fours with coxwains. Distance, Ii miles 40 yards. Nottingham Rowing Club: G. W. King (bow), L. R. King, C. E. King, H. H. Howden (stroke), G. Scattergood or P. Butcher (cox); G. Gordon and A. Darby (subs.). 1 Royal Chester Rowing Club C. E Lowe (bow), C. R. Morris, C. W. Scott, H. C. Lowe (stroke). F. Ellis or B. Mortimer (cox.); A..Kotter" (sub.) 2 Royal Chester Rowing Club: C. H. Greenhouse (bow), W. P. Powell. C. W. S. Macfie, J. A. Tinne (stroke;, F. Ellia or B. Mortimer (cox.); N. G Frank and C. A. Bean (subs.) 3 The Nottingham crew always bad the advant- age of the Cestrian pair, and as the erid drew near, Nottingham won by 2 lengths. Notting- ham Britannia having won the City of Chester Challenge Cup were debarred from rowing in this race. The SHERIFF OF CHESTER'S PRIZI, value R4. To be rowed in Thames skiffs by a mixed pair (lady and gentleman), distance about half- a-mile. Entries to be mad e through a member of any recognised amateur rowing club. Boats to he provided by the committee. H. Rowland (bow) and Miss Peele (stroke) 1 St. G. Ashe (bow), Miss H. Browne (stroke), Baxter (cox) 2 Miss Tennant (bow) and S. J. Marston (stroke) 3 Rowland and his lady colleague secured the prize by two lengths, a short distance only separating second and third. The MEMBER'S PLATE, value £5, For junior scullers. Distance, one mile. j A. E Dickin, (Moavenor R.C 1 W. Page Powell Royal Chester R.C.? 2 A. Darby, Nottingham R.C. 3 T'& &JlvB.m rorruuatel v obtained a lead before be reached the bend, otherwise he would have had a stiff struggiti, for victory, for he steered wide at the bend and lost ground. SCRATCH EiGHTS, for Nine Tankards. For members of clubs competing at the regatta. Distance, three-quarters of a mile. H. A. Jones's crew beat S. Orme's (Northwich) crew. A LADY'S IMPRESSIONS. I "All that is required for a perfect regatta is a II fine day." So said the "Chester Courant." More gloriously perfect weather it would have been impossible to have. Merely to be out and the natural beauties of the Dee was bene- ficial, but when those beauties were enhanced by I two of the best loved things of an Englishman— sport je weU-gowne ladies—the pleasure was mSaon™ y-sided. Sport wis easily disposed of; we were beaten, and one almost tempted to renew son '0:, "Where are the boys of the old 1 BRrr1ig,ra»dite? ?" But halut there; don't carry the ?ong in paraphrase further, and allow that "they sleep m old Chester s heart. Beaten we were, and in all honour, and bravo' we say to the men who did it. But lads, the lady could hold her own. How's that? The opposite bank of the committee ground was lined with photographers, amateur and pro- fessionals. Seen from that side a most brilliant, I though curious, spectacle presented itself. On the left the crqwd was almost entirely black and white, with very few touches of colour; to the right colour was decidedly predominant pale tints chiefly, while here and there a poppy-red sunshade gave just the vivid touch necessary. Curious to see the reason, it was the work of a few moments I to cross and inspect closer. Truly when among the crowd the thought that the days of mourning were fully over would obtrude, yet an inspection into the inner circle of fashion betrayed such was not really the case. One saw that the right-hand f side belonged- to the Royals, within whose en- closure the best-gowned were to be found. Let me f describe one gown. Imagine a pale heliotrope j mousline with a narrow white knotted stripe over I the same. shade, pf zephyr, the under skirt cut plain, j < the mousline top cut so that a seam appeared down i the exact centre, slIghtly. gored, causing the white ( stripes to form a succession of inverted v's, which; 1 were carried with good effect around the sides. i r The back of the skirt consisted of two extremely small inverted: pleats, and fell in graceful folds 1 about three or four inches OIl the ground. The | bottom of the skirt had the usual shaped flounce, < but it was headed by a three-inch full frill of mousline festooned, with here and there a double bow of black bebe ribbon velvet. The bodice com- bined in one all that one saw in perhaps half a dozen different gowns; it was made over a tight-fitting lining of zephyr, the back stretched, the neck- band transparent, shaped high each side, tne top edged with half-inch wide white insertion with black bebe ribbon running through it; the draped front was also transparent for about four inches below the neck-band, and each side was finished off by a short rounded bolero, edged with white insertion and bebe vqjvet. Instead of a band belt the bodice was carried about one inch below the waist line at the back, and two inches in front, causing the waist line in front to appear slightly below the back, and giving the new touch of straight fronts. Around the edge of the bodice was a two-inch band of black velvet, finished in front with an old-world small silver clasp; the sleeves were tight-fitting, with rather larger bells than usual, edged to match the bolero. The inner sleevelet was of fine lace, drawn in at the wrist- band with bebe velvet. The chapeau worn with this gown was very simple, a medium-sized leg- horn with a couple of large black ostrich tips fixed low on the left-hand side, which was caught up, and underneath three or four heliotrope roses were placed in the hollow. The sunshade was plain silk of heliotrope and white circular bands ot various widths. The whole formed a pleasing effect, and, although giving colour, kept within the bounds of mourning. Many more beautiful effects were to be seen, but none touched the note of tasteful fashion as unerringly as this. I am afraid we shall have to discard the ever convenient blouse and skirt in the future if we wish to be considered well- gowned. They must be left to those who are energetic enough to be athletic. Piques and stiff materials are also on the decline; only graceful, clingling materials, light or dark, are now chosen. The favourite chapeaux were basket or rustic straws, trimmed mostly with a quantity of differ- ent shades of roses. The all-important glove was in very many cases "conspicuous by its absence," but when worn was invariably of kid or suede, and in colour white, dove grey, or light shades of biscuit. ♦

I THE CORONATION. I ROYAL PROCESSION TO ECLIPSE THE JUBILEE. The Press Association has reason to believe that the route of the Royal procession on the occasion of the King's Coronation is tentatively intended to be on a more extended scale than even the long route followed by the late Qaeen at the last Jubilee. It is rumoured that the addition to that route may be so extensive as to involve a two days' ceremonial, but on this point no official information is possible at present. Should the current proposals be ultimately adopted it will probably be found that in any case the streetd traversed by the pageant iu 1897 will be again followed by the Coronation procession. Then, it will be remembered the route was from Buckingham Palace, up Constitution Hill, along Piccadilly by way of St. James's-street, Pali Mall. thd Strand, and Fleet-street, to the City, ocrom London Bridge, through a portion of South. London, and back to the Palace by way of West- minster Bridge, Parliament-street, the Horse Guards, and the Mall. The Executive Com- mittee appointed by the Lords of the Council to deal with the matter met at the Privy Council Office on Wednesday to consider the preliminary arrangement. As all proposals dis- cussed by the Committee have to be submitted to his Majesty before adoption the subjcit of discussion at the meeting cannot, we are officially informed, be disclosed at present. —————— ——————

I HAWAKDEN PETTY SESSIONS. THURSDAY.—Before Messrs. J. Watkinson (ohairman), L. Hancock, W. Fryer, T. R. Pro- bert and W. Carstairs Jones. IN PURSUIT OF GAME.—John Davies, Pen- tre, Hawarden, was charged with trespassing in pursuit of game on land in the occupation of S. E. Lloyd, Queen's Ferry.-P.C. Jones said that on the 15th of June he was on the highway near Queen's Ferry, when he saw the defendant on Mr. Lloyd's corn field with a large dog. It appeared to be a greyhound. Defendant was about 50 or 60 yards from the hedge, and he was evidently there in search of game. The dog was running about the field.-Mr. Lloyd also gave evidence in support of this statement.—The magistrates im- posed a fine of 6d. and costs (8s. altogether). FURIOUS DRIVING FIFTEEN OR TWENTY MILES AN HOUR.-Edward Jones, Dobbs Hill, was charged with furiously driving a horse at Saltney on the 18th of June.—P.S. Adams said he was in the police station at Saltney about six o'clock in the evening, when he heard a noise as if a horse was running away. He went outside and saw defendant driving at a furious rate- about fifteen or eighteen miles an hour. De- fendant, who was driving in a light gig, was soon out of sight in a cloud of dust. Witness saw him using a whip on the horse five or six times. Several people were knocking about at the time, and it was fortunate that nobody was injured.—Two work- men on the railway were called to prove that defendant was driving very fast. From their evi- dence it appeared that Jones was going at the rate ¡ of fifteen or twenty miles an hour, and was hitting the horse with a whip.-Mr. W. H. Churton appeared for the defence, and contended that his client was not driving at such a rate as to endanger the lives of those who might be passing along at the time.—Alfred Marsh, schoolmaster, said he was in the trap with defendant, and he thought that Mr. Jones was certainly not driving at a rate more than eleven or twelve miles an hour. He drove with defendant all the way from Chester to Dobbs Hill.—In the witness-box defendant em- phatically denied that he was driving furiously. The statement of P.S. Adams was not correct.— The magistrates, however, decided that the charge had been proved, and imposed a fine of 2s. 6d. and costs. SUMMONS AGAINST THE WRONG PER- SON.—The Dee Estates Company were summoned for allowing a house in Sealand Marsh to be oc- cupied before a water certificate had been granted. I —Mr. Barrett, sanitary inspector to the Rural Dis- trict Council, said the summons was taken out under section 6 of the Public Health (Water) Act, 1878. On May 23rd he found one of the cottages in Sealand Marsh occupied by Geo. Smith before a water certificate had been granted by the Council. They were fetching water from Mr. Howard's farm.-Mr. Cartwright, who appeared for the defence, said the Council had summoned the wrong person. Messrs. Keeble and Co., of Peterborough, were in possession of the property, and the owner was Mr. Skelsey. The Dee Estate Company had nothing to do with it. The water supply had been a matter of considerable difficultv with Messrs. Keeble and Co., who were sinking a well to obtain a supply of water. Everything that could be done had been done to obtain water, but in the meantime their foreman required a house near the works, and occupied the house in question. The cottage had been supplied from the well which had supplied Mr. Howard for the last twenty years. They had been doing all they could to find an effective water supply. They had re- ceived no assistance from the District Council, upon whom a liability rested to provide water. Under the Act of Parliament they were bound to supply water.—The Chairman remarked that if a person wished to build a house where he liked he could not compel the District Council to find water for it. It was no good proceeding with the case if the summons had been issued to the wrong person, and it would therefore be dismissed.—A similar summons was taken out by the Hawarden Rural District Council against the Birkenhead Brewery Company in respect of the Phoenix Inn, Sandycroft, and defendants were ordered to pay 8s. including costs. 8s. A LARGE NUMBER OF DRUNKS.-Alfred Williams was summoned by P.C. Nelson for being drunk and disorderly on June 28th at Penymynydd. He was fined 2s. 6d. and costs.-Thomas McHugh was summoned for a similar offence on June 19th in Chainmakers'-row, Saltney. P.S. Adams said defendant got hold of his wife by the hair and dashed her head against a wall. Defendant was mulcted jn a fine of 5s. and costs, a week being allowed for payment.—Jos. Thomas, labourer, Was also summoned by P.S. Adams for being drunk and disorderlyi and was fined 5s. and costs. —-CJlara Williams, for a similar offence in Bridge- strt, Saltney, was fined 5s. including costs.— street, Williams had to pay 5s. and costs on a like Th os. charge.—Margaret Jane Jones was summoned for being drunk and disorderly in High-street, Saltney, on June 29th. P.S. Adams heard someone scream- ing, and found defendant lying in a gutter in- capable. Fined 2s. 6d. and costs. QUARRELSOME NEIGHBOURS.—Accord- ing to the story of Mrs Boswell, Saltney, a neighbour named Mrs. Groom accused her of having made game of her husband's trotisars.- Mrs. Boswell, the complainant, denied having done anything of the kind, but Mrs. Groom, believing that she bad, went to see the former, and some rather strong langualre was 118pd- so it was alleged.—he magistrates decided to dismiss the caso.-P.S. Adams a'so summoned the two women for engaging in a free fiaht, and they were bound over to keep the peace for six month a. STRAYING ON THE HIGHWAY.—Edward Connab was summoned for allowing a cow to stray at Saltney, on June 17th.—P S. Adams proved the case, and a fine of 5s. and costs was inflicted.

EMPLOYES PicNic.-The annual excursion of the employes of Deneons, drapers, Chester, took place on Wednesday, when the Loggerheads, Mold, was visited. The party, numbering 110, J was driven in brakes via Hawarden and Bock- ley. The weather was glorious, and all seemed to enjoy themselves to the full. Tea was pro- vided at the Loggerheads Hotel, and ample justice was done to it by the party, who arrived at 4 o'clock, after a lovely drive of 16 miles j through a beautiful mountainous country. j After tea, a vote of thanks was passed to the Brm on the proposition of Mr. Jordan, and Messrs. F. R. and W. H. Denson responded. Colonel Davies-Cooke, Colomendy, threw open tits park for the sports, which were varied and imusing, and were conducted under the superin- tendance of Mr. Corbett. These sports lasted ?out an hour and a half, after which everyone )njoyed the walk through the beautiful under- wood for which this locality is justly renowned. I rhe return journey was commenced at 8 30, the party reaching Chester at 11.30, when three I learty cheers were given for the firm before I lispersing.

DISTRICT COUNCILS. i CHESTER DISTRICT. I A meeting of this Council was held on Saturday, I Mr. E. Dean (vice-chairman) presiding over a I small attendance. I REPAIR OF FOOTPATHS. The Chairman moved thatahe footpath lead- ing from Miss Humberston's to Upton Scmools should be repaired with cinders. He explained that th. reason he brought it forward was that they were repairing footpaths in other town- ships. He did not think it right that such town- ships as Newton and Upton snould repair their own footpaths while there was a rate for it. Mr. Cox said the footpath had been made into a 12ft. road, and it would cost a deal of money to repair it, and Messrs. Dickson would get the benefit of it. He suggested that ..as Messrs. Dickson had commenced the work they should be asked to cinder it. I Mr. Pickering asked if there had been a foot- path there before. Mr. Cox said there had. In summer it was all right, but in winter, being clay, it was very bad. He suggested they should ask Messrs. Dickson to finish it. Mr. W. J. Lee thought they were opening a wide question. They ought to think very seriously over this matter, and remember that they were spending the ratepayers' money. There were some miles of footpaths in their district, and if they commenced to repair one portion they must continue. If they were anxious to spend money, he could reoommend them to repair certain footpaths in his district. He did not wish to do so, and objected to their repairing one foot- path if they did not repair others. Mr. Dean said he did not see why they should repair footpaths, and in Mollington they were repaired out of the district rate. Mr. Lee asked if it was a footpath or a cart- way. Mr. Dean: It is a footpath. Mr. Lee: Then we should stop it being made into a cartway. The Clerk (Mr. Turnock) said they could not stop them working on their own land. Mr. Cox suggested that the clerk should be instructed to write to Messrs. Dickson asking them to finish the road in a proper manner. He had spoken to Mr. Diokson about it, and he said he had not seen what was being done, but was prepared to do anything that was right. The Clerk pointed out that the motion had not been seconded, and the discussion should not be allowed. The subiect then drooDed. I THE MOLLINGTON WATER DIFFICULTY. I A letter was received trom the Chester Water- works Company stating that the directors had had under consideration the Mollington water supply, and they would be pleased, if possible, to meet the wishes of the owners and residents of ) Mollington if they could make a reasonable offer to solve the difficulty arising from the large initial cost. The total estimated cost of taking a 6in. main through the district so far as within the company's bounds was £2,200, and they would be willing to koy that main and give the necessary water supply on the owners and ratepayers con- tributing aboiit J6500 towards the cost. As an alternative, they would do it on a satisfactory guarantee return of £ 150 per annum in rates. If this was not agreed to, they suggested that ( the matter should stand over until Captain Feilding's return from South Africa. On the suggestion of the Clerk, it was decided to forward this letter to the Mollington Parish Council for their observations. I MALPAS. A meeting of the Malpas Rural District Council was held on Wednesday, under the presidency of Mr. S. H. Sandbach. there were also present the I Rev. C. Wolley-Dod, Messrs. G. S. 1. Morgan, J. Done, G. Lewis, R. Reeves, E. Langley, T. Nun- nerley, J. W. Parker (surveyor), T. T. Chubb (sanitary inspector), W. Ankers (water engineer) and G. Richardson (clerk).—The Surveyor reported the district free from infectious disease. He had received several complaints about the quantity as well as the quality of the water supply at Mar- bury, and also about a well which supplied four cottages at Norbury.—It was decided to ask the medical officer of health to make a special report on the water supply at both these places.—No further steps, the Surveyor continued, had been taken to remedy the nuisance at the Cross, Mal- pas.-This resulted in a motion authorising a final notice to expire in one month, after which an in- junction would be sought against the owners.— He reported a nuisance at Mr. Weaver's, Church- street, and he added that complaints had been made about the sewage which flowed from cot- tages occupied by Mrs. Cartwright, Messrs. Thomas and James Allman.—It was agreed that these must be remedied, and also an old grievance at the lower end of Well-street.—Mr. Morgan said the committee appointed by the Parish Council had inspected the workings of the filter beds in connection with the sewage filtration, and they found that the secondary beds were too small to deal with the effluent from the primary beds. He assumed it must have been a miscalculation on someone's part which might easily be put right after consultation with the engineer.—The Clerk said he had applied to Mr. Charlton for the de- ficiency due in respect of the repayment of the loan and interest for the cost of the constructional works of water supply to Bickley. The amount due to the mortgagees was JB141, towards which £ 6 10s. 6d. was derived from the Id. in the £ rate on the assessable value of Bickley, leaving a balance due from the guarantor, Lord Cholmon- deley, in accordance with the terms of the agree- ment, of CI34 9s. 6d., which amount he had applied for. Mr. Charlton had forwarded him a cheque for J675, and asked to be credited with the amount derived from the water rates. This he said could not be done under the agreement which had been prepared by the solicitors to'Lord Chol- mondeley, and accepted by that Council, though what Mr. Charlton was now asking for was ex- actly what the Council had during the negotiations offered to Mr. Charlton and to the solicitors, but which had been ignored by them.—The agreement was produced and read, and after some further dis- cussion-a resume of the negotiations having been given by the clerk-it was decided that the clerk be instructed to inform Mr. Charlton that the Council was bound by the terms of the agreement which had been submitted by the estate's solicitors. —It was decided to spend JE30 on the drainage of High-street in conjunction 'with the County Council, with the object of removing the large quantity ot sunace water which found its way into the sewage drains, to the detriment of the successful working of the filtrates.-A scale of charges for the water rates for Bickley was sub- mitted and approved. I HAWARDEN RURAL. 1 he fortnightly meeting of this Council was held I on Thursday at Broughton Workhouse, the chair- man (Mr. W. Fryer) presiding over a small at- tendance.. I A CAERGWRLE MATTER. The Surveyor (Mr. Newton) reported that he had seen Mr. Wilbraham with the view to a purchase of some land for the suggested improvement near Caergwrle Castle Station. He declined to sell, and he intended building on the site required, and also declined to allow Messrs. Ellison and Man- ning a right of way unless they paid to him the sum of E60 per annum.,—No further action was taken on the subject, and it was allowed to re- main in abeyance for the present. I PROPOSED IMPROVEMENT AT HOPE. The Surveyor reported that a deputation of the Hope Parish Council, consisting of Messrs. John Bellis, Wrench and Huxley, met representatives of the District Council (Messrs. W. Moses and W. Newton) on the 26th ult. in reference to the pro- posed improvement of Hope Village-road leading to the station, by purchasing 200 yards of land for the purpose of widening it. Mr. Alfred Jones, the owner of the adjoining land, was also present, and fixed his lowest price for the land required for the suggested improvement at Is. per yard. The deputation of the Parish Council considered that price too high, and decided to recommend their Council to make an offer of sixpence per yard, and in the event of this being refused they (the Parish Council) to petition the Hawarden Dis- trict Council to make application to quarter sessions to prevent any building being erected on the land required for improvement. Since that conference the surveyor had received a letter from the Hope Parish Council intimating that they had decided not to purchase the land for the sug- gested improvement. The Clerk (Mr. H. G. Roberts) said the news- paper report of the Parish Council meeting at which that decision was arrived at seemed to make that body rather ridiculous. According to that report "the Council declined to have anything to do with the matter." (Laughter.) Mr. John Jones remarked that this was another instance of the peculiarity and foolishness of the Hope and Caergwrle people. They took up a scheme with enthusiasm, and when it reached boiling point they dropped it. The Clerk pointed out that in consequence of the decision of the Parish Council this authority was not in a position to act. Mr. Wilcock: Does it fall through now? The Chairman: Until the Parish Council send us some petition. Mr. Wilcock said he had been told that Mr. Alfred Jones was about to commence to build a wall on the land that was wanted. Could not they get an injunction to prevent him from build- ing that wall until the matter was settled. Mr. J. Jones said the surveyor would watch that there was no. encroachment. The Chairman said the first committee thought the owner ought to give that land for the sake of the improvement to his property. Mr. J. Jones thought that if the Hope Parish Council ui;1 not think it worth while to spend jB15 on an improvement like that, the rest of the district ought not to be called upon to pay for it. The Chairman remarked that the Parish had thrown the District Council over entirely. The Clerk said it ought to be known that the District Council were quite willing to do their duty in the matter, but the Parish Council had practically refused their assistance. It was amusing to hear that they had declined to have anything to do with the matter in view of the fact that the District Council only took action in it; upon their own request. j It was decided to take no further action unless a communication was received from the Parish. Council. j j FFRITH WATER SUPPLY. -i In reference to the Ffrith water supply scheme a letter was received from the Brymbo Water Company stating that the estimated cost of pro- viding a-d:la??,-g new main from Brymbo to the Blue Bell, Ffrith, via Bryn Rhug, Penycoed and Ffrith Farm, was £ 435, and subject to the provisions of the Brymbo Water Act the company would be prepared to provide and lay down the main and afford a supply of water upon being ma i n an d afford a su guaranteed payment of an annual income of £43 10s., being 10 per cent. upon expenditure, for a > period of not less than ten years. If the alterna- tive route was adopted, leading from Penygarth, Brymbo, passing Gyfynys, the estimated cost was I £634 4s., and subject to the same terms and con- ditions they were prepared to carry out the work and supply water on being guaranteed payment of £ 63 10s. per annum. The water rate accruing under the company's ordinary scale of charges would be collected by the company, and the whole would be in liquidation of the, amount guaranteed. The Council came to no decision as to which of the two routes should be adopted, although opinion was expressed in favour of the first-named one.—On the proposition of Mr. Maurice Jones it was decided to negotiate for the water supply in conjunction with the Wrexham District Council.

LOCAL VOLUNTEER CAMPS. I EARL OF CHESTER'S FOR SALISBURY I PLAIN. The 2nd (Earl of Chester's) Volunteer Battalion Cheshire Regiment, which has been honoured in its selection by the War Office to form part of the 30th Brigade, Field Army for Home Defence, will leave Chester on Saturday en route for Salisbury Plain. The distinction has given the liveliest satisfaction to all the men in the battalion, par- ticularly at Chester. The request made by Lieut.-Colonel Smith, their commanding officer, that each should make a special effort to attend the camp, has met with a gratifying response, and it is expected that there -j!1 be a muster of ?<? 630 men. The battalion will go into camp with the special Volunteer force at Salisbury Plain from the 13th to the 27th inst. The men have had to undergo extra drill in preparation for the camp, and, in a i word, a higher standard of efficiency is required. As compensation the men will receive increased rate of pay while in camp. Not unnaturally, many of the men have had some difficulty in ob- taining the permission of their employers to leave their work for the period of the encamp- ment, but this has proved no real obstacle in the arrangements. On Tuesday morning an advance party left Chester for Salisbury Plain under the command of Captain Edwards and Quartermaster Williamson. THE ARTILLERY. On Friday No. 3 Company (Chester College), under Captain Hall, entrained at Nortbgate Station and went into camp at Wallasey where they will remain till the 12th. The same evening they were joined by No. 9 Company (Bangor), and on Saturday Nos. 6, 7, and 8 Companies (Carnar- von, Bangor, and Llandudno) will pro- ceed to the same camp. On Saturday, July 27th, the 3rd Position Battery (Chester) will parade at the Drill Hall, Chester, and proceed to camp at Aber, and on August 3rd the 3rd Position Battery (Chester) and the 2nd Position Battery (Sandycroft) will journey to Aber for seven days. All the guns are to be painted khaki colour this year. i

BUCKLEY WORKMEN IN TROUBLE. I MR. CHURTON v. MR. MARSTON. I At Hawarden Petty Sessions on Thursday, before Messrs. W. Carstairs Jones and other magistrates, Robert Griffiths, employed by Messrs. J. Watkinson and Sons at the Elms Colliery, Buckley, was summoned for leaving his work without giving proper notice. Mr. W. H. Churton, who appeared on behalf of the colliery proprietors, said that the damages claimed through defendant absenting himself from work only amounted to 10s., but he would shew that Messrs. Watkinson and Sons had sus- tained a serious loss. It appeared that defendant was the head stoker over the boilers, and accord- ing to the terms laid down it was required that he should give 14 days' notice whenever he wanted to leave his employment. On the 2nd and 3rd of this month, however, Griffiths left his work without giving notice, and in consequence a rather serious loss was sustained. Instead of the pressure in the boilers being 501b. or 601b it was reduced to about 251b., and as a result the colliery proprietors were put to great expense and the lives of the men engaged at the place were endangered to some extent, as they could not be wound up properly. Thomas Stanley, a foreman in the employment of Messrs. Watkinson and Sons, stated that de- fendant was head stoker in charge of the boilers at the Elms Colliery. It was the duty of de- fendant to see that the boilers were properly fed. On July 2nd and 3rd defendant went away with- out saying a word. Mr. Marston (who appeared for the defence) Is it not true that Griffiths was employed at the Elms Colliery from "day to day"? He was not supposed to give 14 days' notice, was he? Witness: Defendant ought to have given 14 days notice. Mr. Marston then asked witness other ques- tions, which Mr. Churton said did not relate to the present case. He therefore objected to those questions being put to witness. Mr. Marston said he must object also to Mr. Churton interfering. Mr. Churton said that so long as Mr. Marston conducted his cross-examination properly he would raise no objection. Mr. Marston: I know how to conduct a case as well as Mr. Churton or anybody else. 1 strongly object to being constantly interfered with like this. (Laughter.) At this point matters cooled down a little, but later on Mr. Churton again accused Mr. Marston of asking questions which had nothing in the world to do with the case. Mr. Marston: I wish you would not shout so much, Mr. Churton. (Laughter.) Mr. Churton: Nobody shouts more than your- self. Mr. Marston: I can't stand shouting like this. (Laughter.) Mr. Churton: Well, I must object to any ques- tions that are irrelevant to the case. Mr. Marston: I must ask your worships to keep my friend quiet. (Laughter.) Mr. Churton: Go on with the case, Mr. Marston. Mr. Hopwood, manager of the Elms Colliery, said defendant was engaged on the understanding that he should give 14 days' notice. Defendant had no right to leave his employment. Mr. Churton: And what expense was entailed in consequence?—Witness: I don't think J650 would cover it. Proceeding, witness said that on July 4th defendant complained that he had been ill. De- fendant had signed an agreement to the effect that he must give 14 days' notice previous to leaving his employment. Mr. Marston: Do you want me to understand that because one man absented himself from work you were unable to find another man to fill his place?-Witness: We employ every man for a specific purpose. Mr. Marston contended that it was simply absurd to say that the colliery owners were put to the expense of J650 in consequence of de- fendant or any other man leaving work. Griffiths then went into the witness-box, and in reply to Mr. Churton he said that on July 2nd he went to Little Sutton to play in a band. He started about nine o'clock in the morning and returned about 4 a.m. the following day. Mr. Churton: What were you doing all that time?—Witness: Well, we had an accident on the road. The horse fell down and we had to walk. (Laughter.) Mr. Churton: What time did you leave Little Sutton ?-Witness: About half-past nine. Mr. Churton: And you naturally felt a little disinclined to work the next morning? (Laughter.)—Witness: I did not feel very well. Mr. Churton: Have you frequently left work before without giving notice? Mr. Marston objected to such a question. Mr. Churton said it was important that he should ask the question. The magistrates having agreed that Mr. Churton had a right to put the Question, de- fendant said he had always asked off before. Another workman named Charles Hughes said he always understood that defendant was working "from day to day." Before the magistrates gave their decision in this case, Thomas John Hill, another workman at the colliery, was also summoned for leaving his employment without giving due notice. Messrs. Watkinson claimed 20s. for damages in this case. Thomas Stanley, a foreman, said Hill com- menced work at six o'clock on the morning of July 3rd, and he asked witness how many were going in the ash-hole. Witness said two, where- upon Hill said "Well, I am going back." He went back, and failed to work at all that day. James Lewis, also employed at the colliery, was summoned for leaving work without giving proper notice. Mr. Churton explained that Lewis was engaged as an ordinary labourer to do any kind of work. It appeared that on July 3rd he was ordered to do some work. but in a short time he found it disagreeable to him and left the place altogether. Charles Hughes and Joseph Connah were also charged with similar offences, and, after a few minutes' consideration in private the magistrates ordered each defendant to pay 10s. and the court fees.

Hams are dearer now than for many years past, and will probably reach 9d. per lb. UNSKCTABIAN MISSION CHURCH. ffoOLIC.- The members of the bihlo class had a success- ful picnic on Saturday, when they journeyed in brakes to Delamere Forest, After an enjoyable ramble through the Willmgton Woods, per- mission having been kindly granted by Mr. Jas. Tomkinson, M P., the party partook of tea. After test an interesting presentation was made to the leader of the class. Mr. Gomer Welsh, who has been connected with the mission for upwards of twprfty years. Mr. Duck (the hon. sec.) and Mr. Jenkica in a few appropriate words spoke of the example of Mr. Welsh and his faithfulness in carrying on the work, and the former presented Mr. Welsh, on behalf of the class, with a silver-mounted Malacca cane bearing the following inscription: Presented to Mr. Gomer Welsh by members of the bible class, Unsectarian Mission Church, Hoole, 6th July, 1901." Mr. Welsh returned thanks. Mr. Hallmark also spoke and gave a humorous recitation. Miss Anne Rathbone kindly opened her grounds, and a number of hymns, &c., were sung, and the return journey was safely accomplished. Hams are dearer now than for many years past, and will probably reach 9d. per lb.

GO L F. I CHESTER CLUB. I Played on Tuesday. Results:- MIXED FOURSOMES. .Mr. R. Shand and Mrs. Nielson 90 3 87 I **Mr. F. Comber and Mrs. Cumin 98 igi 884 Mr. and Mrs. F. O. Evans 99 gi 89fc Mr. G. J. Johnston and Miss A. Hughes 99 81 goi Mr. Gibbons Frost and Mrs. Quid. 100 71 924 Mr. H. B. Rowley and Miss Comber 98 34 944 Mr. Speakman and Mr3. James Frost 107 12 95 Mr. Corbett and Miss W. Hutton. 114 18 96 Mr. G. H. Reynolds and I Mrs. Fiuitt. 104 7 964 Mr. James Frost and Miss Shand 109 9 100 Dr. Archer and Mrs. Chambres 108 74 1004 Mr. D. Dobie and Miss F. Shand. 111 10 101 Capt. and Mrs. Thomas 124 18 106 Rev. and Mrs. Timperley. 125 18 107 Mr. Rowley and Mrs. John Frost 127 18 109 Dr. Fitzgerald and Miss Kelgall 129 18 111 Captain Tyler and Mrs. Comber 131 18 113 Winners of the prizes. Winners of the sweep.

 NKSTON AND DISTRICT V. OXTON.—Played at ) Neswn on Wednesday. Score:- NBSTON & DISTRICT. j OXTON. H K Spe-bly c Turner b M Court c GiUing b Fitaioy 39 Roberts 5 FCK Boberts c Hobble- V i'uruor 0 tipeecliiy b thwaite b Ashcrott 0 Roberts 7- H IS Metcaif c Hebble- E Finney b Roberts 2 thwaite b Walsh .20 M Ashcroft c & b Metcalf 2 A J Mott c Gossage b i' F t'ttzroy c Micbolson Walsh 70 b Mott H F W Cumber c Monro b AD Munro not out.14 not out 14 M Court 1 A D Munr*o 1 4 C H Vines c Hebble- thwaiie b Walsh 12 j J U A Nicholson b Finney 4 A Miller c & b Walsh 4 HK?nhn?oFinueyb 25 1 Fitzroy -25 H Coveutry7-ney b W a,.h 16 G Smith not oat 11 ISxtraa 1 I Extras 6 Total 19J Total (for 5 wkts) lis TABPORLKT v. NOKTHWICH.—Played at Tar- porley on Saturday. Score farporiey Daine 1, Littior 1, Fenton 7, Vernon 7, Witter 0, Goulding 0, Smith 1, Hamilton 4, Hunt 20, Dods 0, Smart U, extras 5, total 57. Northwich liarper5, Wadciell 9, burgess 0, Thorn 0, Newhall2, Gatley 1, Foster 9, Burgess 0, Willis 0, Douglas 3, extras 10, total 30. 0, Gatley 0, WiUis 0, Douglas 3, extra.s 10, total30. ASHTON HAYES V. WICAVRigliAN. illayed at Ashton Hayes dn Saturday. Score:-Auiiton iiayea K. Gleave c Davies b Blain 14, F. W. Hayes b Blain 7, H. fShalloross b Bradford 22, M. Mo un fie la c & b A. Johnson 7, J. S. Mort ruu out 8, V. P. Gamon b Blain 1, H. P. Gamon c JBiain b Bradford 16, '1. Shallcross b Gatley 9, 0. CawkeU run out 3, J. Schofield b Bradford 15, W. Wade not out 0, extras 24, total 126. Weaverham A. Catley b Mounfield 0, A. Biain lbw Scholield 8, W. Johnson b Schofield 1, W. Bradford b Mounfield 3, A. Davies b Hayes 12, A. Johnson b Schofield 13, D. Johnson Ibw Schofield 3, W. Portman c & b Wade 1, E. Denning b Schofield 8, B. Moss not out 0, C. Haynes did not bat, total 49. BAKHOW v. INce.Played at ince on Saturday. Score :—Barrow J. u kell b J. N laId 2, W. Round bNieldO, W. Jones b JNield 3, M. Leonard b W. Nield 19, G. W right b J. Nield 0, H. Jeffs run out 11, J. Gregory c White b JNield 1, W. Vernon c White b Nielu 0, A. Owen b J. Nield 4, J. Uwenb J. Nield 1, (J. Hawkins not out 1, extras 5, total 47. Ince: O. Proffit b Gregory 1, A. Garner b Leonard 0, W. Nieid b Leonard 1, &. U us worth b Gregory U, J. Nield b Gregory 2. W. Brown b Leonaru 4, J. Turner b Gregory 4, W. (Jartwright c Jones b Gregory 0, T. White not outO, C. Eilams c Vernon .b Leonard 0, X. Martin b Leonard 0, extras 5, 'total 17.

AUCTION SALES. I CHESTER ANNUAL WOOL SALE. I On Thursday Messrs. Cunnah and Roberts held theu 16th annual sale of wool at the Smithfield, Chester. There was a much larger pitch than there has ever been before, the total number of fleeces being upwards of 18,000. There was a very good attendance of both staplers and spinners, buyers being present from Bradford, Leeds Halifax, Huddersfield, Dewsbury, Roch- dale, Kendal, Leicester, Northampton, and other wool centres. The wool trad e at present is in a deplorable state, especially for cross-breds, which have to face the enormous importations from iMew Zealand and the Argentine; but the prices at this sale were fully id. per lb. higher than trade prices, and nearly Id. per lb. higher than other sales held lately. The best price realised was 7id. per lb. for the Duke of Westminster's lot of Shropshire, his Grace's Clun making 7 £ d., Scotch Std., and cross-bred 5id. Other Shrop- shire wools realised from 7d. to 6fd. There was a very sharp demand for both Clun and Scotch wool; in fact prices for Scotch were about the same as in the two previous years, and at this sale in many instances it made more than the same owners cross-bred. Other prices were: Half-bred 61d., Leicester ewe 61d., Southdown 61d., Leicester hog 71d., Cheviot 6d., Dorset (un- washed), 5$d., cross-bred 4d. to 61d., etc. I PROPERTY, &c, AT CHESTER. I On Saturday Messrs. Cunnah and Roberta offered for sale at the Blossoms Hotel a per- petual first chief rent of JE15 on six houses in lomkinson-street, Hoole, and, after some spirited bidding, it was knocked down to Mr. Vernon for £ 375. Another chief rent of £ 20 on six houses in Lightfoot-street, Hoole, was with- drawn at XSOO. The next lot offered was a freehold dwelling-house in Stock's-lane, Boughton, which found a purchaser in Mr. W. Taylor for £ 535. A plot of building land near Shotton Station was sold to Mr. J. Jones for JE50 Messrs. Bridgman. Weaver and WiJd, Chester, and Mr. John Sefton, 41, Castle-street, Liverpool, acted as solicitors to the respective vendors. THE UPTON LAWN ESTATK I At the Grosvenor Hotel, on Saturday, Messrs. Churton, Elphick and Co. put up for sale by auction a choice residential estate and building land situated at Uptnn, about two miles from Chester.. There was a large attendance, and bidding was spirited. The first lot submitted comprised the family residence known as Upton Lawn," containing large entrance ball, entertaining rooms, smoke room, servants' hall] the usual domestic offices, 17 bedrooms, dressing room, billiard room (detached), &c., the whole fitted throughout with electric light, hot and cold water, and all modern conveniences, with flower and kitchen gardens, conservatory, greenhouses, vinery, entrance lodge, four cottages, stabling, cow house, convenient farm buildings and land, the whole estate embracing an area of about 22 acres. The property was put up at R5,000, and ultimately fell to the bid of Mr. Reginald Potts at £ 8,000. A field ripe for building, known as the Marl Hays," now in old pasture, situate fronting the Long Lane, and extending to 13a. lr. 28p. or thereabouts, fetched 11,300, the purchaser being Mr. Birken- head Glegg, who also secured a piece of building land lying opposite the last lot, and known as Mill Field," with an area of 4a. 0. 36p., at the sum of JE530. The solicitors acting for the vendors were Messrs. Tyrer, Kenion, Tyrer, and Simpson, of Liverpool, and Mr. E. S. Giles, of Chester. I THE GOLDEN LION. I UNDER THE HAMMER. On luesday afternoon, Messrs. Churton, Elpbick and Co. offered for sale by auction, before a large company, the valuable block of freehold property on the south side of Foregate street, belonging to Mr. William Williams, comprising the well-known hostelry" Tbe Golden Lion," in the occupation of Mrs. Watkins, with the two shops adjoin- ing, one with house over and at the rear occupied by Mr. Albert Jenkins, boot- maker, and the other by Mr. G. E. Oldmeadow, butcher, with spacious stabling, shed, and yard accommodation at the rear. The whole property, which the auctioneer described as the most valuable that has been j in the market at Chester for a considerable time, contains a ground area of about 1,500 square yards, having a frontage of 67 feet, and an average depth of j about 174 feet, affording ample space for extending the hotel, or for the development of any business requiring capacious premises. t Bidding started at £ 5,000, and advanced slowly } to RS.000, at which figure the property was I withdrawn.

I nam* are dearer now than for many years past, ) and will probably reach 9d. per lb.

HELSBY PARISH CHURCH CHOIR EXCURSION.— The annual excursion given to the members of Helsby Parish Church Choir took place to Blackpool on Wednesday in glorious weather. The party, numbering about 30, who were accompanied by the Rev. C. R. McKee (curate) and Mr. R. W. Hill (choirmaster), left Helsby at 7.15 and arrived at their destination about 9.15. Before and after partaking of an excellent dinner pro- vided at Parker's Restaurant, the members thoroughly enjoyed themselves amid the many and varied attractions of the famous resort. The return journey was commenced at 8.15, and Helsby reached at 1015, after a most pleasant outing.

WKFCXHAM. SCHOOLBOY KILLED.—A boy named James Edwards was killed on the Great Western Rail- way, near Wrexham, on Wednesday. The de- ceased was 13 years of age, an orphan, and had been living with his grandmother at New Rhos- robin, where he attended school. At the dinner hour he went into the Wheatsheaf goods yard, and by some means got underneath a moving wagon, the wheels of which went over the lower part of the body, killing him instantly. DEATH IN SOUTH AFRICA.-Intelligence has been received at Wrexham to the effect that Mr. William Charles Bayley has succumbed to enteric. fever in South Africa. Mr. Bayley was for some years editor of the Wrexham Advertiser," and on resigning his position he went. to South Africa, where he had a prosperous career. Miss Jones, a young lady of Worthen- bury, near Wrexham, went out to Cape Colony only a short time since to become Mr. Bayley's wife.

TARVIN. CHOIR TRIP.-The members of St. Andrew's Cfiuroh choir had their annual excursion on Wed- nesday, choosing Blackpool as their destination. Leaving Mouldsworth Station (Cheshire Lines) at 7 a.m., the party journeyed to Manchester Central and crossed from thence to Victoria Station and on to Blackpool, arriving there in good time. The day was spent in visiting the various places of interest and amusement. The weather throughout was delightfully. fine. Home was reached shortly before midnight. DEATH OF MR. JAMES LLOYD, JUN.— The death of Mr. James Lloyd, Shey-lane, took place on Friday morning at the age of 39 years. Deceased about two years ago was engaged picking fruit, when he fell down a tree and re- ceived injuries from which he never fully recovered, and died as stated, dropsy being the immediate cause of death. The funeral took place at Tarvin Church on Sunday afternoon. The chief mourners were Mr. James Lloyd (father), Messrs. Sam and T. Lloyd (brothers), Misses Martha and Lizzie Lloyd (sisters) Mr. D. Fleet and Mr. W. Wright (brothers-in-law), Miss S. Wright (nieoe), Mr. H. Fleet (nephew), Mr. George Lea and Mr. W. Lea, and others. The deceased having been a member of the Hope of Tarvin Tent of the Independent Order of Rechabites, about twenty members of that Order attended as a deputation.

I HAWARDEN. BOARD OF GUARDIANS.—The fortnightly meeting of this Board was held on Thursday afternoon at Broughton Workhouse, under the presidency of Mr. W. Fryer.—A letter was received from Mr. R. Knowles (grocer, Chester), a contractor with the Board, pointing out that in consequence of the recently imposed duty on sugar he was now obliged to pay id. per pound over and above the contract price. He there- fore asked the Board to allow him the extra money.-Mr. Williams said most of the unions, including Chester, had allowed their con- tractors the increased money for sugar in consequence of the tax, and he gave notice of his intention to move at the next meeting that Mr. Knowles's request be acceded to.- The Local Government Board wrote approving of the vaccination contract which the guardians bad entered into with Dr. Fraser, of Buckley, for the Buckley (Mold) district. At the same time they drew attention to the fact that the Vaccination Act of 1867 required the guardians to give notico by printed circulars posted in the district of any alteration in the vaccination district, or otherwise in the local arrangements for vaccination one month prior to the date of the alteration taking effect.

MOLD. PROPERTY SALE.-A.t the Star Hotel on Wednesday, Mr. J. E. Davies offered for sale the Llanarmon Sheep Walk, known as Pot Hole Mountain." The lot was eagerly com- peted for, and was finsilly purchased by Miss Hughes, The Smithy, Nerquis, for R260. The venaor s solicitor was Mr. Hugh G. Roberts, of Mold. DEATH OF THE OLDEST INHABITANT. 1 he funeral obsequies took place on Monday at Abersyohan, South Wales, of Mrs. Elizabeth Williams, of 11, High-street, Mold, who had attained the venerable age of 91 years. The deceased lady was the mother of the late Mr. David Williams, a few years ago a prominent figure in the town of Mold, and widely known as the occupier of Blomfield Hall and th6 ownef of the Alyn Tin Plate Works, Maesydre. The deceased lady was Mold's oldest inhabitant. RE I URN OF A WOUNDED YEOMAN — On Tuesday evening, a large crowd assembled at the railway station to welcome Trooper Ernest Cartwrigbt on his return home frony South Africa. Trooper Cartwright was escorted home by a band which played" Home, sweet' home," Auld lang syne," and other appropri- ate airs. He joined the 29th Company Imperial Yeomanry and sailed for South Africa in January this year. He was one of the few Moldavians who remained with the company until its return this week, and was the only Mold man wounded in action. THE LATE MR. JOHNSON. THE BANK. We understand that about £50. has been sub- scribed towards the erectionj of a marble memorial to be placed over the grave of the late Mr. Johnson (formerly manager of the National Provincial Bank) in Mold Cemetery. The memorial will be supplied by Mr. Hackman, monumental mason, Chester street. It will be of anchor design of a chaste and beautiful character, and along with it will be supplied marble curbing to go around the top of the grave. Tti- inscription will be worked in imperishable letters, a process which is accomplished by ineaus of drilling holes in the indentations cut in the ordinary way with a chisel and then filling in the letters with lead.

I FRODSHAM. METHODIST FREE CHURCH.—The annual services) on behalf of the Sunday school were con- ducted on Sunday morning and evening by Mr. W. A. Gdbey, of Ashton-in-Makerfield. The singing of the special music by the choir and scholars was very effective, Mr. Peter Earlam accompanying on the organ. The offertories amounted in the aggre- gate to JB16. LIVERPOOL PICNIC TO OVERTON HILLS. —On Saturday Messrs. J. C. Plumpton and Co., American merchants, of Liverpool, held their initial picnic, when their staff and friends, num- bering 130, journeyed by rail to Frodsham, and thence to Overton Hills. The weather being fine a most enjoyable day was spent. After lunch a lengthy programme of sports was gone through, which created much excitement and amusement. Prizes were distributed to the successful com- petitors. The party left by the 9.15, after a most successful day. HARVEST.—Farmers in this neighbourhood are busy with their hay crops. The general com- plaint is that the yield is a very poor one on the average, the clover root in particular, being con- sidered the worst for years. The hay in the marsh lands is said to be greatly inferior to the upland production, some farmers even going so far as to assert that it will in some oases not be worth the trouble and expense of carting up. The prevailing expectation is that hay and clover will be very dear later on. Straw will also, in the opinion of most farmers, be extraordinarily scarce, the dry weather having caused a too premature growth of the heads, and a consequent shortness of stalk. Root crops are also said to bt suffering from lack of moisture, turnips perhaps looking the worst- Late potatoes are in great need of moisture. CHOIR TRIP.—The members of the Parish, Iron and Frodsham Bridge Mission Church choirs held their annual excursion on Wednesday. Join- ing the vicar's parochial trip to Blackpool, the party, including the vicar (the Rev. H. B. Blogg. M.A.), Mr. T. D. Timmins (churchwarden), Mr- F. W. Spencer and Mr. E. G. Steward (sidesmen), Mr. C. E. Linaker (ex-warden), Messrs. C. II. Hibbertt, H. Tiley and P. Jones (organists of the respective churches), reached the favourite watering-place soon after nine, thus allowing a fuH day s enjoyment. Dinner was provided at the Palatine Hotel, after which the Vicar, in his usual speech, expressed his pleasure at again seeing the members of the choirs assembled in such large numbers. The day was pleasantly spent either oil the pier, boating, or in the Tower and Winter Gardens. The party entrained at 8.20, and after an exceedingly good run Frodsham was reached soon after ten.

LATEST MAKKBTH ANI) FAM^- r LIVERPOOL CORN. FpinAT.—Wheat. moderate trade, id. dearer; No. 1 Californian, 5s. 9d. 5a. 9Jd. No. 1 Northern Spring, old, 58. 6d to 5s. Sid.; No. 2 Kansas, 5s. 5d. to 5a. 6a. Beans, firmer; Saidi, 29s. to 29s. 3d Fell" 6a. Id. Oats, quiet; white, 3a. to 3s 5d.: Mftiz0; quiet, turn dearer; old mixed, 4s. 4d. to 4s. » new, 4B. 2Jd. Flour, unchanged. LONDON Coax, FRiD&T.-Wbeat and flour qlaiot and unchanged. Barley firm. Oats 3d dearer- Maize 6d. dearer. Other articles without in value. American quotations of wheat and c | came higher. I i CHBSTBR CATTLB, THURSDAY.—An unns??n?v J i small fair, and a me?ro attendance of bnyeri Business was on a very limited scale, and confired, almost entirely, to milking stock of tbe bett class. So far as the day's trade could shew, pricOS 1 were about the same as at last fair. Only a <?. pens of sheep on offer and none wanted. Prices Milch cows. El5 to £ 21: calvers, A14 to R19; ) barrens, ZIO to 913; heifers, ?9 te 914; at?'" j R6 to £10; and bullocks. JElO to £12. ^^—-> Printed andpnMiahed for and on behalf of theC?"??? and North Wales NewsDMer Company, LimttMO. ? JAKES ALBERT B1BCHALL, at theC?M?  (MBoe.8, Brid?e?tr9et.iBth<.C<tyof Chester. iwy is. MO?

CRICKET. (See also vaae 2.) MOLD AGAIN NO-BALLED. I SENSATIONAL INCIOBNTS. The spectators at the cricket match at Old I Trafford on Thursday, when Lancashire and Somersetshire were opponents, had plenty of ex- citement. The match promised to be interesting even before a ball had been bowled, but it proved sensational ere the game had been in progress many minutes, and altogether the events of the day may be described as of a history-making char- acter so far as county cricket is concerned. The sensation of the day was the attitude of Phillips, the umpire, towards Mold. It was in Mold's second over that the fun began. His first ball passed safely, but the second and third were chal- passe d safeFlyh, illips, and in that over the Lancashire lenged by Phillips, and in that over the Lancashire fast bowler, amid great interruption, sent down eleven balls. In all Mold was no-balled by Phillips on 15 occasions. The action of the umpire has occasioned much adverse criticism, and he is not likely to forget the by no means pleasant recep- tion he received from the spectators at the con- clusion of the day's play. So hostile did the crowd become that it was deemed advisable to draft ex- tra police on to the ground, but the spectators for the most part satisfied themselves with hooting at the umpire and backing up their favourite with encouraging cheers every time he commenced an over.