Welsh Newspapers
Search 15 million Welsh newspaper articles
14 articles on this Page
CHESTER TOWN COUNCIL. I
CHESTER TOWN COUNCIL. I The monthly meeting of the Town Council I was held on Wednesday, the Mayor (Alderman H. T. Brown) presiding. NATIONAL STATUE OF KING ALFRED. I The Town-Clerk read a letter from the Mayor of Winchester with reference to the national commemoration of Kins; Alfred the Great. The letter pointed out that the ceremony of unveiling the colossal statue had been fixed for September. There still remained the sum of £ 1,500 to be collected to meet the outlay already incurred, and if the majority of his brother mayors would undertake to collect a sum of say L5 each, the amount required would be obtained. The Mayor said he would be glad to con- < tribute his quota if the other members of the Council felt inclined to put their names on the subscription list. AN INTERESTING GIFT. A letter was read from Mr. W. Vernon presenting an old plan of the city. It was a tac-simile of that which was destroyed when the Council Chamber was burned, and was the first known plan of the city. rhe Mayor said he had not the least hesita- tion in moving that the kind gift of Mr. Vernon be accepted with thanks, and that it be hung in the Town HalL The Sheriff seconded the motion, which was carried. UNIVERSITY EXTENSION IN LIVERPOOL. LOCAL REPRESENTATION. A letter was read from the Society 'or University Extension in Liverpool and district, requesting the Corporation to elect their representative on the council of the society for the session 1901-2. The Mayor moved the re-appointment of Dr. Stolterfoth. Mr. J. Gooddie Holmes seconded, and the motion was carried. Alderman Stolterfoth explained that any university extension lecture they had had in Chester had been connected with Oxford or Cambridge. Liverpool were now trying to carry out university extension from their own centre. At present he did not think there was an open- ing in Chester for Liverpool University Exten- sion, because the committee carried out Oxford and Cambridge lectures, and it would be for them to consider whether, when the time came, they would join the Liverpool University. He had great pleasure in accepting the appoint- ment. SUGGESTED POLICE TRIP. The Town Clerk said a letter had been received from the Corporation workmen addressed to the Mayor, expressing their sincere thanks for the kindness shewn to them by the Town Council im providing them with a trip ticket and a holiday. Mr. Rae said he happened to be in Blackpool on the day the Corporation workmen were there, and he knew that they thoroughly enjoyed themselves, and were grateful to the Council. He threw out the suggestion to the Watch Committee that the police might have a similar holiday. He did not think there would be any difficulty about it. The police were hardworking servants, and they deserved a holiday. The Mayor said he had no doubt the Watch Committee would consider the recommendation. Mr. Gooddie Holmes was quite sure they would consider it if it was the wish of the CounciL 4 tie Mayor said he could see difficulties in the .ay. However, the Watch Committee would bear the suggestion in mind. On the motion of Mr. Holmes, seconded by Alderman Dickson, the recommendation of the Watch Committee, that an allowance of 19s. 4d. per week be paid out of the Police Pension Fund to P.S. George Clutton, resigned after 23 years' service, was carried. NEW FIRE ESCAPE. I iiir. L-tooodia Holmes moved the adoption of the recommendation of the Watch Committee that they be authorised to purchase a new fire escape. A considerable port^pn of the present fire escape was in a very bad state, being parti- ally rotten, and it was, in fact, unsafe. The escape had now been in Chester for some 24 years, and he was not sure whether it was new when it arrived here. The Watch Committee knew it was a very antique and unwieldly instrument. It could not be moved about with- out difficulty. Although in Chester antiquities of all kinds were appreciated and were objects of interest, yet he did not think a fire escape was one of those things that they should pre- serve. (Laughter.) It was used to save the lives of citizens, and it was absutely necessary they should have a new one, wlch would be up to date. The cost would be about £ 90. Alderman Dickson seconded. The Mayor asked if the fire escape and ladder arrangements were the only means of escape from fires in Chester. The reply was in the affirmative. Alderman Churton asked if the present fire escape had ever been used at a fire. He did not know anyone who had been rescued from fire by it. He did not object to the spending of X90, but the question was whether a fire escape was necessary in Chester which did not contain very high buildings, and whether something less costly and more useful might be better. Mr. Holmes said the fire escape was 65 feet high. There were a number of buildings in nester wnicn might require an escape of that description. As far as the present fire escape was concerned, it might as well go into the museum. It took five or six men to move it about, and if they had one which would be up- to-date and could be moved about more easily it would be an advantage. Alderman Churton said he was quite willing to leave the matter in the hands of the com- mittee. Mr. Lamb said it was absolutely necessary to have a fire escape to reach some of the high buildings which he named. The recommendation was adopted. PIERROTS AND SUSPENSION BRIDGE. Mr. Egerton Gilbert asked whether,the atten- tion of the Watch Committee had been given to the increased traffic over the Suspension Bridge. Since the Pierrots had gone to the other side of the river the traffic had largely increased, and there was an element of danger to the public. He was told that on one evening recently a very large crowd congregated on the bridge. He knew that at certain times in the past the bridge had been closed on such nights as those of the Regatta or when the river was illuminated. It seemed to him this was a matter which should receive the attention of the Watch Committee or some other committee, Mr. Gooddie Holmes said they would be very pleased to take a little extra precaution. There was a man there at the present time to prevent people from congregating on the bridge. He did not know whether Mr. Gtlbert was aware that this bridge did not belong to the Corpora- tion, and that it was private property. He believed it was closed one day in the year. Evtey precaution would be taken. Wanswer to the Mayor, it was explained that a civilian was in charge of the bridge. LIGHTING. On the motion of Mr. B. C. Roberts, the Council adopted the recommendation of the Lighting Committee, which was to the effect that the committee be authorised to have the necessary distributing main laid for in- candescent public and private lighting in Stocks-lane at an estimated cost of RZO9. A further recommendation that the committee be authorised to purchase eight enclosed arc lamps for the sum of 252, was also passed on the motion of Mr. Roberts. THE MARKET. I TENANTS WANT EARLY CLOSING. Mr. Henry Dodd asked the chairman of the Improvement Committee what was the reason of the committee's refusing the applica- tion of the tenants of the market hall to close the hall at four o'clock on Wednesdays. The request, he explained, was sent to the Improvement Committee, and was signed by every tenant in the Market Hall. Wednesday was the day which had been generally adopted for the closing of shops, and  he wished to know why the request of the J I memorialists was not acceded to. Alderman Jones said so far as he undrstood I the decision of the Improvement Committee was to the effect that the tenants of the Market Hall were at perfect liberty to close their shops at any time if they thought fit on Wednesdays. The committee had no wish to interfere with the individual liberty of the tenants in any shape or form, and they (the tenants) could as individuals, or by combination, arrangfe to carry out what they requested. The committee, acting under the legal advice of the town clerk, had determined they could not close the public market on Wednesdays at four o'clock. Mr. Dodd said he would like to propose that the matter be referred back to the committee for their further consideration. The Sheriff did not think any useful purpose would be served by doing this. The Town Clerk, at the request of the Mayor, said ever since he could remember Wednesdays and Saturdays had been market days. The Council had been asked as against the public and the frequenters of that market to close it on a market day at four o'clock. Market rights were perhaps easily lost, and as he had the I responsibility of advising the committee he had t given it as his opinion that the public market ought not to be closed as against the public on a market day at an earlier hour than it usually did. Of course there was nothing to prevent occupiers of shops in the market from either combining or individually closing their shops at any hour they thought proper, but it was not within the province of the committee to close the public market on a market day. (Hear, hear.) Mr. D. L. Hewitt seconded Mr. Dodd's pro- position. It was not an ordinary case, he explained, for everyone of the stallholders had agreed to close at four on Wednesdays, and the majority of shops, banks, &c., closed upon that day. They had the unanimous voice of the stallholders, and in reply they said to them I You may close your stalls and shops, but we leave the market open." Fancy the stall- holders leaving their goods to be preyed upon by that section of the public which would certainly make it a rendezvous under such circumstances. "I Mr. Gooddie Holmes queried whether the public had not a right to go into the market at any time. He did not think they could close the streets in the city, and it appeared to him that the market was a thoroughfare open to the public generally. If that were so he did not see any necessity to refer the matter back to the committee. The Mayor: I gather from the Town Clerk that this is a public market, and on market days it should be open. Mr. J. Jones (Boughton) said even if the stalls were closed it would be a convenience in many ways to the public to have the market open. For instance, it might be a wet after- noon, or they might wish to get out of the sun. It was a nice, pleasant walk around the market. (Laughter.) The Mayor said it seemed perfectly useless to refer it back, as they must be guided by the legal advice of the Town Clerk. Mr. Holmes said they might as well close Eastgate-street. Four voted in favour of the motion, which was lost. I THE SEWAGE SCHEME. I I ESTIMATE £ 43,000—CONTRACT 155,000.1 1 DISCREPANCY EXPLAINED. I ALDERMAN CHURTON'S OBJECTION. The Town Clerk explained that a meeting of the Sewering Committee was held on the 15th July, and the following resolutions were passed:—" That it be recommended to the Council that the committee be authorised to arrange and conclude a contract for the works, the cost, according to the lowest tender, being £ 55,881, and to have the works carried out, and that for those purposes all necessary incidental powers and duties be delegated to the com- mittee." Mr. John Jones (Boughton Ward) moved that the Council adopt the recommendation. In doing so he said the difference between the original estimate and the contract figures was due to Local Government Board alterations, also to an extension in regard to rural districts which they proposed to include in the sewerage scheme. Mr. W. Vernon seconded. Alderman Churton commented upon the enormous expenditure. Very little was said about it, but if it had been a £ 5 note every- body would have been making a speech about it. He really sympathised with the committee in having to come before the Council that day with sueh an enormous expenditure. He took objection to the minute of the Sewering Com- mittee, which had only just been handed to him. They were asked to authorise that expenditure without any preliminary notice being sent to them. So far as he understood there was an application made to borrow a sum of money— £ 40,000 or £ 42,000. Mr. J. Jones: £ 43,000. Alderman Churton said he would like to know what the Local Government Board order was for. He should object to any further expenditure without any application being made to the Local Government Board. The com- mittee ought to point out the difficulties connected with the matter, and suggest in what way the money was going to be found. Tho money would have to be borrowed from somewhere, and if it was to be borrowed they would have to get the sanction of the Local Government Board to do so, and they should get their sanction before they accepted the tenders or commenced the work. The Town Clerk The order is the usual sanc- tion for the loan of £ 43,000. Alderman Churton: I think you will have to go again. The Town Clerk: We shall have te go again, but we eannot put the cart before the horse. The Council must say whether they will apply or not. Alderman Churton: Nothing is said about applying to the Local Government Board here (meaning the agenda), and I think it should have been. Continuing, he said he never more begrudged the expenditure of a large amount of money for public works than he did this. He attributed it very largely to the employment of a gentleman like Major Tulloch, which was simply done with a view of propitiating the Local Government Board. He did not know any other town which was called upon to spend so much money on similar work. He would not say the scheme was useless, but it was enor- mous, and it would not end with that expendi- ture. He said when the scheme was first discussed that it would cost nearly X60,000, but nobody would believe him. He did not think the addition/of the sewage of a few rural dis- tricts would make anything like the difference suggested. He would like to see the tenders, and he felt as a member ef that Council he had a right to do. They were called upon at a moment's notice to authorise the expenditure. and he objected to the committee's having all the powers delegated to them. It took all the power out of the hands of the Council them- selves. Mr. John Jones said the matter had been before the town and before the Council for several years, and that was the oirty course they J could adopt-to ask the Council to conclude the contract, and he could assure the Council they did not want to throw any money away. They had very unfavourable land to work upon, but it was the only position they had, and the only outlet they had for their sewage. They bad come to the conclusion that there was nothing' for them to do but to go on with the work and make a good job of it. He for one objected to cutting anything down, so that it would not be a good job, and there was nothing like facing the music to commence with, and having every- thing of the best quality. Alderman Churton spoke about the engineet. He thought they had got an engineer of very great experience, and a man well capable of carrying out the work, and tbey had a gentleman whose contract was the lowest and a firm which was carrying out an enormous lot of work in different parts of England at the present time. The Town Clerk read the order from the Local Government Board, dated the 13th December, 1900, sanctioning the loan of R41,,300 for carry- ing out the permanent work, and also sanction- ing the borrowing of £ 1,700 for the construction of machinery in connection with the same works. Alderman Churton: I don't suggest that everything is not in due order, except that it is not on the agenda paper. The Town Clerk Excuse me, Mr. Churton. Alderman Churtou: Perhapa I was wrong in saying that it was not on the agenda, but the Council have not received any information as to the application that was going to be made. Continuing, he said he thought the proper thing for the committee to do was, finding the enormous difference between the amended scheme and the original one, to go with the amended application for permission to increase the borrowing power from X43,000 to the amount required, and upon that application the Local Government Board would deal with the matter, and if they authorised the loan it would be plain sailing. He moved an amendment that fresh application be made to the Local Government Board to sanction the amended scheme, and to borrow the money that would be required to carry on the scheme. Mr. John Jones We are not asking you to accept the tender. Alderman Churton: But you are taking a matter involving £ 60,000 into a small com- mittee which is held in private, and I don't think it is the right thing. On principle I object to it. Mr. Vernon said the last clause in the re- commendation was and that for those purposes all necessary incidental powers and duties be delegated to the committee." Alderman Churton said they were going to delegate the use of 956,000 to the committee, and he objected to it. Alderman Jones asked the Town Clerk whether in view of the increased amount for the estimate, application to the Local Govern- ment Board would not follow as a matter of course. The Town Clerk Certainly. Alderman Churton Why is it not so stated in this application ? It is not so stated. You practically authorise the committee to go to the bank and draw the money, and go on with the work. That is the effect. Mr. R. Lamb said he was sorry that he was not quite in accord with the Sewering Committee on that matter. He thought the application to the Local Government Board to ratify a further loan was a wrong procedure. The proper procedure was to refer it back to committee to confer with the engineer they had employed, and see whether there were not things which they could take out of that work, and thus reduce the expendi- ture to something like the first approximate estimate. He (Mr. Lamb) wanted to know | what the extensions were that were required by the Local Government Board, and he moved an amendment to the effect that the matter be referred back to the committee for them to confer with the engineer on the subjet.  Alderman Churn said he would withdraw,l his amendment and second that of Mr. Lamb's. He thought there was a great deal of wisdom in what he had said. Alderman Dickson asked if the advising engineers of the Local Government Board had approved of their engineer's scheme upon which the tenders had been obtained. The Town Clerk Undoubtedly. Mr. Churton talks of amended schemes. There is no amended scheme as far as I know except the amendments made by the Board themselves, and they have made amendments, and those amendments have involved the additional expenditure. Mr. Lamb said he had the greatest possible confidence in Major Tulloch's ability in con- nection with the formulating of a scheme to deal with the sewage of this or any other town. That confidence had been shaken by his approximate estimate which differed in amount so materially from the contracts they had received. That was his reason for wishing it to be referred back. Mr. D. L. Hewitt asked the chairman of the committee whether he and the committee had not already conferred with Major Tulloch upon the vast discrepancy. Surely Mr. Lamb as a member of the committee ought to know. Was anything being kept back which the Council ought to know ? Mr. J. Jones said the sewage scheme was now one-fifth larger than that for which Major Tulloch had estimated. As he had already explained, that was due to the taking in of rural districts to a greater extent than was contemplated when the estimate was given. It was a very simple matter. The Mayor: In fact Major Tulloch's original estimate and the tenders are not upon the same basis-Major Tulloch's estimate was for a smaller scheme. I understand the Town Clerk tells us that the tenders have been obtained upon estimates and specifications approved by the Local Government Board. Mr. Lamb Will you tell me the date of the presentation of these plans to the Council ? The Town Clerk said the plans came before the Sewering Committee on the 30th May, and read a minute recording that fact, and instruc- tions to obtain tenders. Mr. Lamb said he referred to the plans passed by the Council and at the inquiry. Were not these plans formed and prepared with the possible extension of boundary at the time ? There had been no deduction or addition to those plans. Mr. J. Jones There has been an addition. Mr. Lamb I want to know where the addition has taken place and ia what particular. The Town Clerk said the plans were originally submitted to the Council, of course prior to the Local Government Board inquiry, and they did not at that time contemplate the taking of the rural sewage. That was to say they did not contemplate any extension for it. The matter then came before the public inquiry, and from that time the Local Government Board had had the plans and sent for their (the Council's) engineer to consult with their engineer, and suggested modifications, alterations and enlarge- ments of those plans. That to a considerable extent, he understood, accounted for the con- siderable increase in the figures. Mr. Lamb: It is not satisfactory at all. Alderman Churton That alteration has not been sanctioned by this Council. Mr. Lamb submitted that there had been no addition or deduction at all from those plans which were originally passed by the Council. There had been no practical deviation from those plans so far as the Local Government Board requirements were concerned. As re- garded materials having advanced since the approximate estimate was made, he did not believe it for a moment. Alderman Churton said as to this matter there ought not to be any doubt. Two things had been placed before them. In the first place it had been stated that there had been no amendment of the scheme since it had come before the Council and the inquiry, while the chairman of the committee had stated that the size of the scheme had been increased by one- fifth which had practically caused the difference between £ 43,000 and £ 55,000. He wanted to know which statement was correct. If there had been an addition it was a very distinct amendment. The Town Clerk said there had been no amendment except that which hAd been made at the suggestion of the Local Government Board, practically by the Local Government Board themselves. He understood that Alderman Churton's amendment was to re- submit the scheme for the sanction of the Local Government Board as the tenders had been invited for the carrying out of a scheme which had been sanctioned by the Local Government Board. Alderman J. Jones: I take it that these alterations which have been practically imposed upon the Council by the Local Government Board, have been reported t. the Council in due form. The Town Clerk: Yes. Alderman Churton I don't think so. The Mayor They have been reported to the Council by the minutes of the committee. Alderman Churton said he did not think the minutes of the committee had disclosed such an extension or alteration. He had no recollection of anything of the kind coming before the Council, and he did not think the Council had been consulted upon the matter at all since the Local Government Board inquiry, except that they had passed certain minor things. A SCENE. ALDERMAN CHURTON AND MR. J. JONES. Mr. J. Jones, the chairman of the committee, said the committee, as Alderman Churton knew very well, had to go to the Local Government Board and be guided by them. Mr. Jones, who was somewhat inaudible, was understood to allude to Mr. Churton's being paid to oppose the scheme. Alderman Churton warmly retorted: u have made an offensive statement which is abso- lutely untrue. Mr. Jones said he was sorry if what he had said was offensive. Alderman Churton I do protest against Mr. Jones's making a statement just now which is absolutely false. Mr. Jones I beg your pardon, sir —— Alderman Churton Yes; you made an offen- sive statement which you frequently do. You said I was paid to come here and make a state- ment against the scheme. Mr. Jones: At one time. Alderman Churton: You said I was paid to come here and make a statement against the scheme. It is utterly unworthy of you. You ought to know better, and I tell you to your face it is a lie. Mr. Jones I say that at one time you were paid to oppose the scheme. Alderman Churton I say I was not paid to oppose the scheme. I shall have to bring you up for it. It is not the first time you have made statements and apologised for them. You say I was employed Mr. Jones asked Mr. Churton if he was not employed by the Rural District Council to do certain work ? Alderman Churton again warmly replied that he was not employed to oppose the scheme. The Mayor: Will you address the chairman, Mr. Churton ? Alderman Churton: I venture to appeal to you to protect every member of thfe Council who gets up here to express his views on behalf of the ratepayers. It is a wrong principle and a wrong thing to suggest for a moment that when a person gets up he is guidted by impure motives. I have not imputed wrong motives to the committee or to the chairman, and he has no right to impute wrong motives to me and to make an offensive state- ment against me-a statement which is abso- lutely untrue. It has occurred in this Council previously. I assure you I don't come here because I happen to be employed by the District Council—not cdfinected with this scheme at all. I come here because I feel that this town is being involved in an absolutely useless expenditure to an enormous amount. Mr. J. Jones I beg to contradict you. You know perfectly well that you have been em- ployed by an outside district council to oppose this scheme. Alderman Churton: I have not, sir, and I shall take care to make you prove your words. You are making a mostoffensive and slanderous statement. The Mayor: I understand that Mr. Jones has made a remark and has offered to withdraw that remark if it is offensive to Mr. Churton. Mr. Jones If the alderman will tell me any remark which he considers offensive I will undertake to withdraw it. What I said was that the alderman was paid to oppose this scheme. I don't say this scheme now before Ii this Council and which we are discussing, but that he was a paid servant representing a par- ticular body opposing our scheme going to Parliament. He was not only opposing that here, but also in the House of Commons, and he knows it perfectly well, because I happened to meet him there. Alderman Churton: You are talking abso- lute rot. You never went to Parliament. The Mayor: He does not wish to reflect upon your conduct. Alderman Churton He does wish to reflect. Mr. J. Jones said he should be very sorry to say a word against Alderman Churton, but he thought he (Alderman Churton) had been a little carried away by the extension of the borough and one thing and another, and he had really forgotten himself. Mr. J. F. Lowo said it was a very large out- lay, and asked if the engineer was to be paid five per cent. commission upon that £ 55,000. The Mayor Oh yes. Mr. Lowe: That has not been provided for, and Mr. Churton is quite right. For the amendment, which was that the matter be referred back to the committee, 19 voted, and it was carried. Mr. Jones said he might say that that was all they asked them to do. Alderman Dickson suggested that when it next came before the Council a short history of the whole thing by the chairman, given seriatim, might be presented. It would clear the air and the sewage gas—(laughter)—out of it. LIFE ON CANAL BOATS. I THE EFFECT ON CHILDREN. I At a recent meeting of the School Attend- ance Committee the following letter was read from Mr. Robert Lloyd:—I am desired to send you the following resolution, which was passed unanimously by the council of the Cheshire District Union of Teachers (repre- senting 700 Cheshire teachers) at its last meeting, June 15th:—"That in view of the fact that life on canal boats is detrimental to the moral, mental, and physical development of children of tender age, it is desirable that the families of canal boatmen should have homes on shore and their children be brought under the effective operation of the compulsory clauses of the Elementary Education Act." It was moved by Mr. Wm. Carr, seconded by Mr. G. W. Haswell, and resolved, That Mr. Lloyd be informed that the committee's sympathies are with the resolution, and they will endeavour to bring about the reform suggested; and that it be recommended to the Council to adopt the resolution and forward a copy to the M.P. for the city of Chester and the secretary of the Board of Education." Mr. Roger Jackson, chairman of the committee, moved the adoption of the minutes with the ex- ception of the portion relating to canal boat children. He explained that a short time ago the magistrates held a special meeting for the purpose ot considering the question, and had passed a resolution to the same effect, which had been en- dorsed by him, representing the School Attendance Committee, and sent to the Board of Education, who had acknowledged the receipt of it and promised to do their best in the matter. If they adopted the recommendation of the committee they would be ignoring the magistrates' resolu- tion. He thought it advisable to leave it until a more opportune time, when the attention of the House of Commons could with advantage be drawn to-the matter. Mr. Ferguson thought it would be far better if the Council confirmed the minutes as they stood. The resolution came from a wide circle of teachers in the surrounding district, and if anyone was en- titled to speak, surely the opinion of the teachers ought not to be set at nought. He moved that the whole minutes be confirmed, and that a copy of the resolution be sent' to the member for the city, who always got the ear of the House, and was able effectually to present any petition which they sent to him. He hoped his motion would be passed unanimously by the Council, as it would be in the interests of the unfortunate children. Mr. Roger Jackson said he wished for time for the member for the city to bring it forward in the House of Commons. There was in the present state of affairs no chance of its being brought for- ward. The Mayor said that to put it in order he seconded Mr. Jackson's resolution. The subject of canal boat children had by no means been lost sight of either by the magistrates, the School At- tendance Committee or the Council. The Council in November, 1900, accepted a recommendation which came to them from the School Attendance Committee, and the School Attendance Committee in their turn accepted a recommendation from the Bench of magistrates, which was to the effect that the magistrates were of opinion that the present system of providing for the education of canal boat children was most unsatisfactory, and not con- ducive to the benefit or advancement of such children; so long as the canal boat was the chil- dren's only home it was quite impossible to properly educate them, and legislation to improve the existing arrangement was urgently needed. So far as the School Attendance Committee, the magistrates and the Council were concerned, they had done all in their power in bringing the matter to the notice of the proper authority. It was a large question, affecting not only the children, but the whole system of the canal population. It was a very difficult question, and one that required very considerable thought, and would require very delicate handling. It was all very well for the school teachers to pass a resolution recommending that the children should not be brought up on those boats, but provided with homes on shore so that they would be able to attend school. There was another side to the question. Whether teachers, magistrates or the Town Council, they were all agreed that the system of bringing up the children oia flats or canal boats was most detri- mental, and he might say that all interested in the social condition of the canal population would be only too glad to see any legislation which would put a stop to a system which was so detrimental to the social condition of those poor people. It was, he repeated, a very large question, and the voice of the magistrates and other authorities might in time have effect. He did not think that the voice of the teachers of elementary sohools would be of particular advantage or need guide them. They had already done all that lay in their power, and if they could not speak with effect the masters and mistresses could not do so. Alderman Churton said they were all in accord with the Mayor that it was desirable that the con- ditions of the children should be altered. The Mayor's speech was in favour of the resolution it was proposed to exclude being adopted. He did not see any reason why the District Union of Teachers should not be assisted in the course they suggested, and he ventured to think that the more they knocked at the door of the Board of Educa- tion the better, and the more they had interested in the proposed reform the better. The District Union of Teachers had given a foundation to the whole thing by suggesting what was the only remedy for curing that defect. He was entirely in sympathy with the resolution passed by the teachers, and which, if adopted, would at least do no harm. The Sheriff said as a resolution on the same lines had already been sent up, it would do no good to send another. Mr. Roger Jackson: We are as anxious as the schoolmasters that they should have homes on shore, and that they should be brought within the Act. We are doing all we can, and have made a great improvement within the last few months. But we have a lot of young men who are going to set the thing right in a few minutes. (Laughter.) Alderman Churton: That is all the better. Don't discourage them. t. The Mayor suggested that instead of excluding the recommendation, which was meant in good faith, its receipt should be acknowledged, coupled with an assurance that what was asked had already been done. It was no use sending the resolution again. Mr. Roger Jacksan It would be stultifying the magistrates' resolution. Alderman Churton: Don't you think it would strengthen our hands? The Mayor replied that he thought it woijld be weakening the case very much. Alderman Churton said he should stick to his guns and his resolution. Mr. Jackson: If he is going to do all the good let him do it. (Laughter.) The voting resulted in ten voting for the amend- ment and ten against it. The Mayor said it was the first time in his ex- perience of upwards of eighteen months that he had boen called upon to exercise his right to give tho casting vote. He voted on the first occasion, therefore he would support his own opinion and give his casting vote against the amendment, which was accordingly lost. THE NEW BATHS. I Alderman Churton moved the adoption of the minutes of the Boating and Baths Committee. He was, he said, not quite certain whether the date (the 21st August) provisionally fixed upon for the opening of the new baths could be adhered to. They could not do without the Mayor, who would be away, as would also others, August being the month for holidays. The Mayor: May we fix upon September? Alderman Churton replied that he thought so. Mr. J. Jones asked whether any programme was being arranged for the opening day, and mentioned that a gentleman would probably give & cup as a prize. Alderman Churton said the committee had every desire to do all they could in that way, and a dis- play worthy of the baths would be arranged for the opening. A COUNCILLOR'S BEREAVEMENT. I The Mayor said one of their members whom they respected very much, Mr. Reynolds, had within the last few days had a sad bereavement In losing his wife. He moved that the deep sym- pathy of the Council be conveyed to Mr. Reynolds. The Sheriff seconded, and it was unanimously passed. 0
[No title]
Whitbread's, or Ind-Coope's, Ale and Stout, in pint bottles, oan be bad in single dozens from H. Martin & Co., Foregate-street, Chester. TIME TRIES ALL. For over 50 years Hewitt's Boots have stood the test of time, and are still unsurpassed and unequalled. Abbey Gateway and next to Music Hall. BRADLEY'S sell All.fur Elastio FELT HATS, at 3/9, in any shape as comfortable as a cap, really 4/6 goodi;Foregate-street (corner of Seller-street, and 70. Brook-etraet. PIERROTS AND PIIITAws.-The Pierrots are having a curious experience of Llangollen. After the Urban Council bad warned them off" public property by refusing them the use of the Assembly Rooms for sacred concerts, the floodgates of criticism were opened, and for a fortnight has been lively and free. The Pierrots, in their performances on the banks of the Dee, make merriment nightly by references to the conscientious councillors, while some of the councillors, who are also preachers, anathematise the Pierrots from their pulpits. How can you be clowns six days of the week and saints on the seventh ?" ask councillors; How can you pose in broad farce at the council on Tuesdays and appear in your pulpitd on Sundays ?" retort the Pierrots. So the contention wages; and the crowds of excur- I sionists who are flocking to the town are highly entertained by the storm in the parochial tea-cup. To MOTHERS.—Mrs. Winslow's Soothing Syrup has been used over fifty years by miluena of mothers for their children while teething with perfect success. It will relieve the poor sufferer immediately. It is pleasant to taste; it produces natural quiet sleep, by relieving the child from pain, and the little cherub wakes up aa bright as a button." Of all Chemists, Is. 1. per bottle.
STANDING JOINT COMMITTEE.…
STANDING JOINT COMMITTEE. I On Saturday a meeting of the Cheshire Standing I Joint Committee was held at Chester Castle, Col- I France-Hayhurst (chairman) presiding. CHIEF CONSTABLE'S REPORT. I ihe report ot the Chief Constable (Colonel Hamersley) for the quarter ended 31st May set forth that the total number of persons apprehended and summoned was 2,781, of which number 22 were committed for trial, 2,191 summarily con- victed, 567 discharged, and one died. Of the num- ber summarily convicted 1,913 were fined, and of this number 209 were allowed time to pay. One hundred and fifty persons were sent to prison in default of payment of fine and costs, -15 of such after having been allowed time to pay. In com- parison with the corresponding quarter of 1900, there was an increase of 12 apprehended and 87 summoned, the former caused by more offences of vagrancy (sleeping out, etc.), and the latter by offences of vagrancy (gaming) and common assaults. When compared with the same period of 1806 there was a decrease of 18 apprehended, caused by fewer offences of vagrancy (begging), and an increase of 282 summoned, arising from prosecutions under the County Bye-laws and High- way Act. Thirty-one persons under 16 years of age were apprehended. No person under 16 years of age had during the past quarter been sent to prison in default of payment of fine and costs. Three hundred and eighty-one males and 91 females were proceeded against for drunkenness, being a decrease of 26 males and an increase of 11 females when compared with the same quarter of 1900, and a decrease of 93 males and 7 females when com- pared with May quarter of 1896. Fourteen licensed houses were proceeded against, 8 being convicted, no licenses endorsed, and 6 dismissed, as against 11 proceeded against, 6 convicted, no licenses en- dorsed, and 5 dismissed in May quarter, 1900, and 20 proceeded against, 9 convicted, one licence en- dorsed, and 11 dismissed in the same period of 1896. Referring to the resolution passed at the meeting of the General Purposes Committee of tho County Cocncil, held on the 19th October, 1900, and approved by the Council at its meeting on the 8th November, 1900, authorising the clerk to secure five beds in the Royal Victoria Homes _L n-J. _L _1 1" n.1 či1. DreliLry, ac an annual sum or LVV, lor tne re- ception of cases under the Inebriates Act from the county of Chester, the Chief Constable reported that three persons had now been sent to the homes from the following police divisions: -Nantwich, one female for one year; Altrincham, one female for three years; North Wirral, one female for three years. The under-mentioned members of the force had given notice that they desire to retire from the police, having completed a term of 25 years, which entitles them so to do under the pro- visions of the Police Act, 1890: —Chief Superin- tendent N. Large (Middlewich), aged 52 years, 28 years and 363 days' service, amount of annual pen- sion £ 160; Sergeant Crabb (Tarvin), aged 57 years, 26 years and 19 days' service, pension per annum £ 64 17s. 9d. PROVISION FOR INEBRIATES. MORE ACCOMMODATION WANTED. I ur. noagson, alluding to the provision tor tne reception of cases under the Inebriates Act, asked the Chief Constable whether there was a likeli- hood of further beds being necessary. The Chief Constable said there were five beds at this home, three of which were now occupied, and he thought there would probably be another case to go there from Altrincham on Monday. There were, unfortunately, twenty other persons in the county who were eligible to go to such a home. Therefore he thought it would be advis- able to secure more beds. The Clerk explained that the County Council would consider at its next meeting the advisability of securing further beds at this home. He had already written to the secretary on the subject of additional accommodation. Dr. Hodgson was glad to learn that the ques- tion was going to be considered by the County Council. It was, he said, satisfactory to find that the question of inebriates was being dealt with in a practical way, and he hoped some good might result. He trusted the County Council would see their way to make further provision. It was no use of having an Act of Parliament available for dealing with these cases of inebriates unless there was accommodation for the county to use. He moved that the attention of the County Council be drawn to the fact that the accommodation that they provided had now become exhausted, and that it was probable that further accommodation would be required for the county in the immedi- ate future, and asking the County Council if they could see their way to provide further accommoda- tion by way of further beds at the home at Brentry. This was seconded and carried. PENSIONS AND RETIREMENTS. THE COUNTY'S DISADVANTAGE. The Chairman asked if Superintendent Large, of Middlewich, intended to retire entirely. The Chief Constable replied in the affirmative. Mr. J. Tomkinson, M.P.: What is his age? The Chief Constable: Fifty-two and a half years. The Chairman: He has 28 years and 363 days of service. Mr. H. C. Yates asked if it was not the time to consider the advisability of forming some reserve fund so as to induce these men to remain in the force. He had good reason for believeing that in four or five years several of the higher grade in rank would have the right to retire on pensions, and he was afraid it would leave the force with very young men at the head. It took some years to make a good policeman, and it was highly desirable to retain the good and ex- perienced men. He thought it was very lament- able to see Superintendent Large giving up. He was a comparatively young man and an excellent superintendent. He desired to know if there was a sub-committee that could take this matter in hand to see whether there were wayti and meall of inducing the experienced men to remain in the force. Captain Congreve did not think the Chief Constable had any reason to fear running short of men. If after 14 or 15 years of the training they received in that force they were not capable of taking the higher positions, they were not worth keeping. He thought there would be no difficulty in replacing those who wished to retire. It was a good thing the men retired when they were entitled to, because it gave the younger men a chance of promotion. Dr. Hodgson said this was a many-sided ques- tion. As many of them knew, the Pension Fund was likely to be seriously called upon in the future by a number of men's retiring from the force at an ago when they could better serve the county than they had been able to do at any previous portion of their service. It was rather a serious thing for the pension fund, which already shewed a deficit. The question they ought to face was whether they were not entirely at a disadvantage when they considered the borough police forces. The latter kept their men, if they wanted to keep them, by offering special induce- ments, aqd so their pension funds were relieved. They had not in the county such facilities for keeping the men as they had in the boroughs, and why should the county be in a worse position than the boroughs? The whole thing ought to be taken in hand by a oommittee. He suggested that the matter be referred to the Police Pensions Committee, and that they be asked to go into the matter and report to the Standing Joint Cofnmittee at a future meeting. The Clerk (Mr. Potts) suggested that one method might be the fixing of an age limit. Mr. Yates said the age limit was a method adopted in Manchester. The Chief Constable of Manchester was appointed on condition that he remained in the force until he was sixty years of age. They in Cheshire might adopt that system. Dr. Hodgson said there were many things to be considered. Mr. Yates: I move that the Police Pensions committee go into the matter and reconsider the question in all its bearings. Dr. Hodgson seconded, and it was carried. Alluding to the Chief Constable's report, the Chairman said he was sorry to again observe an increase in female drunkenness. A letter was received from Superintendent Large stating that he retired through failing health. The Chief Constable paid a compliment to Superintendent Large, who, he said, had a very strong sense of duty. The Chairman I know no man who is more conscientious or better than Superintendent Large. Referring to Sergeant Crabbe's retirement, the Chief Constable said Sergeant Crabbe had a lengthy service and had done his duty. Mr. Tomkinson, M.P., said he had known Sergeant Grabbe a long time, and he spoke highly of him. The pensions were unanimously granted. SEARCHING FOR MAGISTRATES. I rrn A SUNDAY DRIVE. I ine nev. G. Wolley-Dod, in presenting the accounts for the quarter, said there was only one to which the committee took exception. It was an account for 7s. 6d. for the hire of a conveyance on a Sunday to provide magistrates for the Over Petty Sessions on the Monday. The Chairman: In my own division we have cards sent out five or six days beforehand in- quiring whether magistrates are willing to attend. Mr. Tomkinson, M.P., said in the Eddisbury division they had a rota, and notices were sent reminding magistrates when it was their turn to attend. Thus an attendance of the required number of magistrates was secured. Mr. Booth: That is the rule at Ashton. It was stated that this, was also the practice at Wirral, Dukinfield and Hyde. Mr. Yates Our chairman won't have the rota in our division. (Laughter.) The Chairman: Is it to be paid under protest or not? Mr. Howard: Not to be paid at all. The voting was against the account being paid. Mr. Verdm said he was afraid it might go forth that the magistrates for the Over Petty Sessional Division were rather negligent in discharging their duty. That was by no means the case. It happened in a very curious fashion. He (Mr. Ver- din) was away on the Continent. One magistrate was away in South Africa fighting; his (Mr. Ver- din's) son was going through a school of musketry. Thus there were three magistrates whom a notice would not reach in time. The chairman of the Urban Council had not qualified because he too was away. He therefore hoped the idea would not obtain that the magistrates were negligent in the discharge of their duty. NOVEL LICENSING POINT I Tho following appeared on the agenda:—"To consider the advisability of obtaining special cases for the opinion of the High Court, in connection wih proceedings taken before the justices of the Wirral Petty Sessional Division by the police against Margaret Christina Hughes, as executrix of Margaret Hughes, the licensee of the Green Lodge Hotel, Hoylake. for permitting drunken- ness and permitting gambling on such licensed premises." Mr. Yate Lee, the chairman of the magistrates who sat upon the case, explained that it would be satisfactory to get an opinion about it, and he was not in favour I of going to the High Court, because it was per- fectly certain that the High Court would give a decision against them. He explained that the Bench had acted upon the advice of their clerk and dismissed the summons. Dr. Hodgson said he was glad that all magis- trates' clerks had not the same opinion as the one who advised the magistrates in that case. Cer- tainly if that was the law it was nonsense. If the law gave powers to executors to carry on the functions of the licensee up to the next transfer sessions, which might involve many weeks, in which they could do any mortal thing they liked without being called to account, it was wrong. It was important that the police should have authority in such cases. He could understand the magistrates' difficulty. If they could not take action in such a case it ought to be known imme- diately. Was the law going to give executors all the profits and relieve them of all responsi- bility? It was manifestly absurd. Alluding to a letter which had been received from Sir Horatio Lloyd, Dr. Hodgson said he was glad Sir Horatio advised that they should take the opinion of the High Court. Mr. Yate Lee said he wanted it threshed out. If there was the slightest chance of getting a favourable decision he was in favour of going to the High Court, because he thought the law was wrong. Mr. Beeley said one-half of the Licensing Acts were mostly nonsense. The question was whether such a difficulty would recur. Dr. Hodgson said it occurred almost every week in the county. That a person should come upon the scene and be able to do what he or she liked was a position that could not be tolerated. The Chairman said Sir Horatio Lloyd advised them to do what they proposed to do. It was eventually decided to go to the High Court.
IPICKPOCKET AT THE REGATTA.
I PICKPOCKET AT THE REGATTA. On Saturday, at the Chester Castle Petty Sessions, James Walker, from Manchester, was charged on remand with frequenting the Regatta with intent to commit a felony.—The city chief- constable (Mr. J. H. Lay bourne) repeated the evidence he gave at the first hearing of the case.—Walker pleaded guilty.—The Chairman (Mr. Trelawny, to Mr. Laybourne): I suppose yeu are conversant with this sort of thing ?-The Chief Constable Oh yes, I know most of their games.—Colonel Hamersley, Chief Constable of the county, said he had made inquiries at different places, and they found he had been at Glasgow in 1883, and was there sent to gaol for 14 days for attempting to pick pockets. He had also received three months with hard labour for larceny from the person at Halifax in 1890; twenty one days for frequenting at Liverpool in 1892; and bound over the same year for attempting to pick pockets in Birmingham. He had further been convicted at Bolton and Manchester for other offences. The reply of the prisoner when asked to give an account of himself was, You'll have to find out." He (the Chief Constable) thought that they had succeeded in finding out something.—The magistrates sentenced prisoner to three calendar months, hard labour.
BAZAAR AT CHESTER COLLEGE.I
BAZAAR AT CHESTER COLLEGE. I I THE CHAPEL ORGAN. I The interior of the new Model School at Chester Training College presented a bright and artistic appearance on Friday afternoon, when a two days' bazaar in aid of the College Chapel Fund was opened by the Mayoress of Chester. Past members of the College will have realised how unequal the organ had always been to the re- quirements of the services of the chapel, and this all the more on account of its very unsuitable position. It is now proposed to enlarge the organ by the addition of several new s tops-espeol ally by the addition of an open diapason on the pedal organ-and to place it upon a gallery at the west end of the chapel. The present highly-valued screen will be preserved and utilised as a front. It is hoped that it may be possible to complete the work of enlargement and transference during the summer vacation of this year. The Rev. J. D. Best (principal of the College) introduced in suitable terms the Mayoress on Friday afternoon. The Mayoress said it gave her great pleasure to be present at the request of Mr. and Mrs. Best. She hoped that the efforts of those who had helped forward the bazaar would be amply repaid, and that the sale of work would meet with the great success it certainly deserved. (Applause.) The Rev. J. D. Best heartily thanked, on behalf of those connected with the bazaar, the Mayoress for her kindness in coming there that day to give her help for the praiseworthy object they had in view. He trusted that a good sale would be realised that day and the following day, hear) 6 of work would be continued. (Hear, hear.) The Mayor returned thanks for the kind way in which they had received the Mayoress that afternoon. It should be the desire of all present to do their utmost towards making the bazaar a great success, for Chester College was un- doubtedly of great usefulness. A great many of the old students, some of whom he understood were present in the room that afternoon, or at any rate in the immediate surroundings, could testuy to the..great benefit..thay had .received. (Applause.) Both he and the Mayoress had come to the bazaar that day with the earnest desire of assisting the object in view. (Hear, hear) The central hall of the Model School, which was fatted up to represent the "Sunny South," reflected the highest credit upon those who had decorated it. The bazaar was well worth a visit, not only for the excellent object for which it was held, but also on account of the magnificent decorations, which had a prettiness all their own. Uutside, fluttering pennants, and inside, electric illuminations, told of a special event, but they conveyed no idea of the skilful manner in which .t. "C"II_ C'to ine ouuny ooutii transformed the building. All nature seemed to combine to make this the bazaar of the year. Here was a Hasienda, there a lovely villa and quaint Moorish arches set in buildings of an Italian type. There were also graceful columns, clustering and trellised vines, and beneath them all a wealth of lovely goods which visitors could carry away as a memento (for a consideration). The various stalls were well and artistioally arranged, and the ladies in charge of them were very pressing and tempting in their offers. Stalls containing a wonderful variety of fancy and costly goods and articles of apparel were presided over by Mrs. H. T. Brown, Miss Jayne, and Miss Bridge; also by Mrs. James Frost, Mrs. Gibbons Frost, the Misses Frost, and Mrs. J. L. Bedford. The flower and plant stall, in charge of Mrs. illingworth, also attracted considerable attention, and a noticeable feature was tha china and pottery stall, presided over by the wives of two old students, viz., Mrs. Littlewood and Mrs. W. Jones. The tobacco Kiosh was looked after by Miss May Donne and Miss Bridge. Here all sorts of tobacco, Egyptian, Turkish, and other cigarettes, all the best brands of cigars, and pipes bearing the College arms, were to be pur- chased at reasonable prices. Miss Dobie super- intended the toys and sweets stall. Bright and interesting entertainments were given at the bazaar. Professor St. Clair, the well-known conjurer abd ventriloquist, opened his enchanted casket of necromantic and ventriloquial gems, while he gave selections from a number of refined illustrations of high-class prestidigitation with all the fantastic surprises which a complete know- ledge of the sciences enabled him to effect. The Unawa Pierrott Troupe from Manchester gave a capital programme of music, and many of the items caused roars of laughter. Amateur theatricals also proved enjoyable. Two mono- ]f^yes> entitled More haste, less speed," and The Viceroy's Wedding," were gone through in splendid fashion by Mrs. A. C. Preston; while two dialogues, called "A Fair Encounter," by Miss Long and Miss Hobgen, and "A Pair of Lunatics," by Miss Long and Mr. S. M»rston, were certainly very diverting. Mr. Frank Lloyd gave performances of "Chapeaugraphy, or many characters under one hat," and "Khan Tellum," the Oriental character reader, whose instantaneous delineations of char- acter are rather surprising, held receptions daily. Many felt disinclined to leave the bazaar without seeing Messrs. "Farrini" and "Phillippini" In their marvellous thoughtreading entertainment. Their problem play and character sketches caused considerable merriment. In the floral to, room refreshments were provided, and Mrs. Donne, iviiss Chapman, Miss Barclay, the Misses Taylor, Mrs. Ardern, Mrs. Dale, and Miss Arnutt were the caretakers. In the evening the tea-room was transformed into a Cafe Chantant, when the many well-known artists gave their splendid perform- ances. The Massa Band played on Fri- day. and selections on the pianola, and angelus were of a most enjoyable character. There were competitions every few minutes in con- nection with the electric fishpond, and table billiards and the new game of "ping-pong" were also participated in. In the College grounds the band of the 22nd Regimental District played sweet selections of music during the afternoon of each day and in the evening for dancing. Other attractions were provided in the shape of tennis, Morris tube shooting, cocoa-nut shies, etc. We should not omit to mention the names of Miss Harpur, Miss Haxton and Miss Wright, who helped to furnish the stalls. Mrs. Gibbons Frost opened the bazaar on Saturday afternoon. (The above articles appeared in our last Saturday Evening Edition.)
[No title]
LIBELLING AN ACTREss.-The London Sheriff's Court sat on Monday to assess the damages sustained by Miss Hettie Chattell, actress, through the publication of a libel upon her in the Daily Mail." The statement complained of was that Miss Chattell, who was 28 years of age, was the mother of a Gaiety actress, Miss Rosie Boote, now Marchioness of Headfort. The defendants had published an apology, but it was alleged that this was of a half-hearted character and insufficient. The jury awarded the plaintiff £ 2,500, and the foreman said they only wished it was a criminal offence to take away a person's character without giving the name of the informant." FLORILINE !-FOR Twit TBETH AND BREATH. Thoroughly cleanses the teeth from all parasites or impurities, hardens the gums, prevents tartar, stops decay, and gives to the teeth a peculiar pearly whiteness aud a delightful fraganoe to the breath. Price 2s. 6d. for the liquid, or la. per jar for the Floriline 'Powder,' of all Chemists and Ferlnmers.
DROWNED AT EASTHAM. I
DROWNED AT EASTHAM. I UNABLE TO SWIM. I At Eastham Ferry Hotel, Eastham, on Saturday morning, Mr. J. C. Bate (county coroner) held an inquest on the body of Richard John Mayers, 20 years of age, who resided at 68, Village-road, Higher Bebington, and was drowned in the river Mersey near the ferry while bathing there on the 9th of this month.—George Mayers, a labourer, living at 7, West-view, Rock Ferry, said deceased, who was his son, was pulled out of the river at Eastham at 3.30 p.m. the previous "day.- Joseph Tyron said deceased, who could not swim, went on Tuesday morning for a bathe. Witness warned him not to go till the tide got well up. At low water it was dangerous, as there was a possibility of getting into the channel. Deceased came back all right on the first occasion, but witness did not know he went a second time. About 1 a.m. he heard someone shouting, and when he arrived at the shore he heard that deceased had been drowned. Every effort was made to save him.—Evan Mitchell gave evidence to the effect that deceased went too far out in the river and lost his depth. Witness then called for assist- ance, which, however, was of no avail.—The jury returned a verdict to the effect that deceased was drowned while bathing.
HELSBY SEWERAGE SCHEME.
HELSBY SEWERAGE SCHEME. PROPOSED WORKS AT HAPSFORD. I SPIRITED OPPOSITION. 1 On Friday morning, at Helsby National School, Mr. A. G. Durnford, R.E., an inspector of the Local Government Board, held an inquiry into the application of the Rural District Council of Run- corn for sanction to borrow 28,000 for works of sewerage and sewage disposal for the township of Helsby. The inspector had also to inquire into the objection to the construction of a pumping station and filtering beds on a site at Hapsford, in the rural district of Chester. Mr. George F. Ashton (clerk to the Runoorn District Council), Mr. W. H. Radford, Nottingham (engineer of the scheme), and Mr. Diggle (surveyor to. the Run- corn District Council) were present in support of the application. The opponents to the scheme present were Messrs. W. H. Hunter and H. Con- greve (engineers of the Ship Canal Company), C. E. Linaker (representing the Marquis of Chol- mondeley), Mr. W. H. Churton, solicitor, Chester and Mr. F. E. Priest, engineer, of Liverpool (representing the parish of Hapsford), and Mr. W. Turnock (clerk to the Chester Rural District Council) also watched the proceedings on behalf of that body. Mr. Ashton stated that the population of Helsby was 1,572, and the assessable value £ 8,655. There were no loans under the Public Health Act. The area of the township was 1,320 acres. The present application was for a loan of £ 8,000 for thirty years. Two years ago an inquiry was held by Mr. Durnford in respect to a sewerage scheme for Helsby, and afterwards the Local Government Board notified the Rural Council that the scheme could not be accepted, as the Council proposed to pass the sewage through a screening chamber, and then into a brook without first subjecting it either to precipitation or filtration through land. Evidence was given at the inquiry that the present condition of that brook was not satisfactory, and me iocai government lioard advised that as the water was not tidal the effect of discharging sew- age therein would be to increase the nuisance which existed at that time.,Moreover, the Ship Canal Company objected to the discharge into the canal of unpurified sewage. The Local Govern- ment Board intimated that they would give con- sideration to a scheme which provided for the dis- charge of sewage into the brook after being filtered through an area of land properly prepared for the purpose. Mr. Radford, the engineer, pre- pared another scheme, and the Council made at- tempts to secure various sites for the purpose of purification works and a pumping station, but in no case would the landowners agree to sell the land unless the Council obtained compulsory powers. Eventually the Council agreed to pur- chase the necessary land in the township of Haps- ford, in the rural district of Chester, from Mr. Robert Dodd, for the sum of JE490 3s. 9d. Mr. Radford described the proposed scheme in detail. At present the sewage went into the nearest dyke or on to the marsh, and there was great necessity for a proper scheme of sewerage. Mr. Radford explained how the sewage would be Pb =ed and treated before being turned into the brook, and said this was a very costly scheme for a small village like Helsbv. Of the sites mentioned by the clerk only one site was suitable, and that belbnged to the Marquis of Cholmondeley, who was a great opponent of the scheme. From his (Mr. Radford's experience of the compulsory purchase of land, a determined and wealthy man like the Marquis of Cholmondeley could quite easily have made the land cost £ 2,000 to £ 3,000, which was a tremendous price to pay by a small village like Helsby. Therefore they had to select another site which was not so expensive, but wherever they chose a site there was bound to be opposition, and the site chosen was the most suitable one which could be obtained at a reasonable cost. He did not think there was a shilling wasted in the scheme, which was an efficient scheme, and the Council could not enter into any "cheap Jack" undertaking. If the scheme was managed properly it would be efficient and satisfactory, and there would be no nuisance. There would be no smell even fifty yards away. This was the experi- ence in regard to similar schemes in other parts of the country. Mr. Hunter questioned Mr. Radford with respect to the oil engines he proposed to use, and asked why gas engines were not to be used. Mr. Rad- ford said he would prefer gas engines if there were gas alongside the works, but he had always found the oil engines satisfactory. Gas engines would require more attention, and would necessitate the employment of an extra man. Mr. Hunter asked what would happen if both gas engines broke down at the same time. Mr. Radford said that for a day or two the sewage would go into the brook untreated like it had done for many years past. Mr. Hunter said under the scheme all the sew- age would be concentrated at one point, and it would be very serious to turn it into the brook, which was the only means which a tenant, who had hundreds of acres from the Ship Canal Com- pany, had of watering his cattle. It was also very essential that no sewage should flow into the Ship Canal. The Clerk said the outfall of the sewage works was two miles from the Ship Canal. Mr. W. H. Churton said he opposed the scheme for the Rural District Council of Chester, and nearly the whole of the inhabitants of Hapsford, on the ground that the Runcorn Council had no right to bring the sewage of Helsby into the neighbourhood of Hapsford. Mr. Radford said there was a site in Helsby equally as gobd as the Hapsford site, but' they could not get it without obtaining compulsory powers, and there was the possibility that they would not get it. The expense in addition would be very much greater. Mr. Churton said he understood the only ground they had for selecting a site at Hapsford was that of economy. They could get a site in their own district. Mr. Radford: We are not aware that there is a single site we can get in our own district. Mr. Churton said his main objection was that the people of Helsby had not made out any reason why they should go outside their own dis- trict for the purpose of constructing their sewer- age works, and were placing what must undoubted- ly be more or less a nuisance in the land of their neighbours. He submitted that there was no evi- dence that it was not perfectly possible to have outfall works within the township of Helsby. Scientific evidence was then given by Mr. Priest, engineer, as to the insufficient pumping arrange- ments in the scheme which, he contended, might in consequence seriously affect the brook in the Chester rural district, and might be the means of polluting the brook. At the close of the inquiry the Inspector inti- mated that the Local Government Board would intimate their decision upon the application in due course. He afterwards made a tour of the dis- trict, and inspected the site of the proposed purifi- cation works at Hapsford. (The above articles appeared in our last Saturday Evening Edition.)
A LLANDUDNO ARBITRATIONI CASE.
A LLANDUDNO ARBITRATION I CASE. On Monday night Mr. Fitzsimmons, of the Prince of Wales Hotel, Llandudno, received the award of Mr. T. Jones, Westminster, in an arbitration case between Lord Mostyn and himself. It was a case affecting what is known in Llandudno as the 75 years' renewable leases under the Mostyn estate. Some time ago Mr. Fitzsimmons bought the Montpelier Hotel and vaults on the corner of Mostyn-street and Gloddaeth-street, as well as the bottling stores in Ty Gwyn-road Forty years of the lease had run and when the property came into the possession of Mr. Fitzsimmons he applied to the Mostyn estate authorities for their terms for renewing the lease, and received the reply that they claimed £ 2,400. This figure Mr. Fitz- simmons considered exorbitant, and under a clause in the lease insisted upon an arbitration. The arbitration was held at the Queen Hotel, Chester, and lasted over two days, a subsequent sitting being held in London. Mr. F. Marshall (instructed by Messrs. Chamberlain and Johnson. Llandudno) represented Mr. Fitzsimmons, and Mr. Mullen represented Lord Mostyn. Mr. Farrington, Llandudno, was arbitrator for the former, and Mr. Wainwright, of Liverpool, for the latter. A number of experts were called on either side, who valued the land. apart from the buildings, at from 50s. to R30 per square yard. The decision of the umpire is that Mr. Fitzsimmons shall pay £ 1,800. The question of costs is a difficult one to decide, and the umpire has stated I a case for the parties to have the matter settled in the courts. —————— ——————
[No title]
VALUA,BLK DISCOVERY FOA THE HAIR.—If your hair is turning grey or white or falling off use the MEXICAN HAIR RKNKWBR, for it will positively restore, in every case, grey or white hair to its original colour. It makes the hair charmingly beautiful, as well as promoting the growth. Price 3a. 6d. per bottle.
DISTRICT COUNCILS.
DISTRICT COUNCILS. TARVIN A meeting of this Council was held at Crypt Chambers, Chester, on Saturday afternoon. Mr. R. O. Orton (chairman), presiding over & fair attendance of members. KELSALL ROAD WANTS REPATR. There was a letter from the Kelsall Parish Council requesting that Grub-lane, KelsalL should be drained and repaired. Mr. Piggott (surveyor), recommended that a six-inch drain pipe be placed in the lane in lieu of the gutter at present situated there, and to cover the road from side to side with ashes. The Chairman remarked that the road alluded to had been in want of repair for some little time past, and as there was no regular sewerage scheme for Kelsall he did not think there was anything else to be done but to adopt Mr. Piggott's suggestion. The road always seemed to be impassable owing to its narrow- ness. Mr. Piggott said the cost of draining and repairing the road in the way suggested would cost about 16 guineas. The clerk (Mr. H. Grant Bailey) said the Kelsall Parish Council were desirous that Grub-lane should be repaired in such a way as to make it Passable for vehicles. It was a public highway. It was resolved to act in accordance with Mr. Piggott s specifications.
CHESTER CASTLE PETTY SESSIONS.
CHESTER CASTLE PETTY SESSIONS. SATURDA Y.-Before Mr. Horace D. Trelawny (chairman), Mr. John Thompson and Colonel Miller. CRUELTY TO A HORSE.-William Holy- well, labourer, Crane-street, was summoned for cruelty to a horse at Upton on the 2nd inst. and Joseph Owen, his employer, a carter residing in Suffolk-street, for causing the animai to be ill-treated. P.C. Bee deposed to seeing the de- fendant Holywell driving the horse in question. an old grey gelding, which was drawing a load of sand m Upton-lane. It appeared to be very unwilling to draw its load up the hill, and when; it got to the top witness examined it and found underneath the collar on its near side two wounds. each the size of a shilling, very inflamed and painful, and discharging matter. On the off side was a cluster of wounds which were in a similar state. Holywell told witness that his employer had ordered him to work the horse that morn- ing. When witness made a subsequent inspectioDl of the animal in company with Inspector Blake- Jones, of the R.S.P.C.A., he found that black lead had been rubbed over the wounds with the object of concealing them, but Holywell said he was not responsible for that deception.—Inspector Jones having given corroborative evidence, the Bench fined Owen 10s. and costs and dismissed SHnoW lyweln l on payment of costs. A VIOLENT BOATMAN.-Henry Rowlands, canal boatman, was summoned for assaulting Walter P. Lowe, lock-keeper at Tarvin Lock, under the Shropshire Union Canal Company, oiL, the 5th July.-Mr. Pierson prosecuted on behalf of Lowe, and said the assault complained of was of a serious character, inasmuch as it was com- mitted upon the complainant when in the dis- charge of his duty. On the day in question a boat. came to the lock and defendant ran forward to attend-to the lock in the usual way. It was the duty of the lock-keeper to see that there was no waste of water, and, knowing there had been a considerable waste of water, he went to assume control of the lock. Defendant resented the lock- keeper s intervention, and used very bad language to him, which culminated in his assaulting Mr. Lowe.-Complainant, in giving evidence, said when he came to look after the lock defendant tried to wrench his hand from the paddle and then caught him by the leg. If complainant bad not caught the handrail of the gate he would wJ Defendant ne? Szed hhifm rhbwy tT he throat and knocked him against the gate several times.—Corroborative evidence was given by Fanny Lowe, complainant's daughter, and defendant was fined 20s. and costs, with the alternative of 14 days' hard labour.
PLEMSTALL YEOMEN.
PLEMSTALL YEOMEN. I WELCOME HOME BANQUET. Un Friday night four members of the 21st Company of Imperial Yeomen-Corporal W. Denson, Troopers A. Kelsall, F. Lloyd and W. Payne, all of Plemstall Parish- were entertained at a complimentary banquet in Mickle Trafford School. The genial rector of Plemstall, the Rev. W. S. Johns, presided, and among others present were Captain Dickson (1st Cheshire and Carnarvonshire Volunteer Artillery), Dr. Foster (Barrow) and Mr. Ballard. The gather- ing was of quite a parochial character, and thUg the guests of the evening were surrounded by friends who can best appreciate the self-sacrifice which these gallant men made in order to serve their Sovereign and their country in South Africa. The proceedings were as pleasant as they were memorable. The loyal toasts were submitted from the cnair and well received. The Chairman also proposed in eulogistic t<?ri»s the toast of the evening, that of the returned Xt.-i.>- men. He said they were present to perform a. pleasant duty which they owed to their guests their parish and their country. He himself had been a Volunteer at Oxford University, when the Volunteer movement was set on foot, and subse- quently received a commission from her Majesty. They all knew what a source of strength for de- fence the Volunteers had proved. When two years since the South African Republics, mistaking England's forbearance for timidity and her mag- nanimity for cowardice, had invaded British territory, a great wave of enthusiasm passed over the country. Rich and poor alike gave of their substance, and many did more than that, they came forward to offer themselves for military ser- vice in the cause of Britain in far off lands. It was to welcome such men as these that they were present that evening. (Applause.) Considering its population their pariah, was well represented, and it was interesting to note that their repre- sentatives belonged to families highly respected among them. Here, as elsewhere, not all who went forth had returned, and their deepest sym- pathy was felt for those who had lost a member of their family. He did not know that the 21st Company had taken part in any great engagement, but it was not only in great engagements that true merit was displayed. A soldier's highest merit was to do his duty and to be ever ready at duty's call; and this could be said of their in- vited guests and their comrades. The great hard- ship of a campaign consisted in weary marches, in the want of sufficient food and good water, in the exposure to wet and cold and burning heat. All this their friends had cheerfully endured. tAp- lause.) And so he bade them, in the name of the parishioners, a hearty welcome home. He trusted they would prosper in returning to peaceful pur- suits, only-the Chairman added playfully-they must not expect as mere civilians to be such favourites with the ladies—(laughter)—and they must cease to be absent-muided beggars." They might depend upon it, however, that for many a long day their names would be remembered in the. parish as of those who had come forward at. a great national crisis to give their services and risk their lives for their Sovereign and their father- land. (Loud applause.) Corporal Denson replied in a straightforward and suitable speech. Mr. H. Dodd then proposed "The Navy, Army and Reserve Forces," shewing the great impor- tance of the auxiliary forces, as fully proved by recent events. He did not believe that any other nation than Britain could have carried on such a war at such a distance. Captain Dickson responded in appropriate words- Mr. T. Payne, junr., proposed -The Visitors," and Dr. Foster (Barrow) returned thanks with very amusing remarks. Mr. Jones (Chester) also replied to the toast. Great credit is due to Mr. Jacobs, acting on behalf of the committee, for the admirable way in which all the arrangements were carried out. (The above articles appeared in our last Saturday Evening Edition.) o ——————
[No title]
Whitbread's, or Ind-Coope's, Ale and Stout, in pint bottles, can be had in single dozens from H. Martin & Co., Foregate-street. Chester. LIVERPOOL'S Ci LECTRIC CARS. Satisfaction was expressed at Friday's meeting of the Liverpool Tramways Committee with figures which shewed the electric carg to be carrying 300,000 passengers a day, or nearly one half of the entire population of the city. It is calculated that every adult is a passenger at least once a day, and that at the busiest hours of the day, one-third of the population are on wheels. On the longer routes there are now few pedestrians to be seen, and there is a grow- ing disinclination on the part of the population to walk at all. GRESFORD ROSE SHow.-The 22nd ex- hibition of cut roses and other flowers of the, Gresford Rose Club was held on Friday in the- grounds of Annetield, Gresford, by permission, of Mrs. Townshend. The entries numbered nearly 100 more than last year, while the quality was certainly in advance of anything seen at the show within recent years. The principal prize winners were:—W. T. Jolliffe, Miss Townshend, Mrs. F. James, J. T. Sykes. Dr. Mules, J. W. Randies, Mrs. Poly-Didier, Miss K. Hughes, T. H. Mason, W. Bowman, A. L. Duncan, A. Ashwortb, Miss A. F. Lowndes, Miss G. Howell Evans, S. Roberts, J. P. Robinson, R. Wright, A. H. Stokes Roberts, T. Williams, J. Davies, Mrs. Allsopp, Mrs. W. Martin, J. Humphreys, R. Wright, J. Jones, J. Witter, Mrs. Seaborne, Mrs. Shaw, Miss C. Manisty, and Mrs. Hill T. Williams, of Vicarage-lane, Gresford, won the first prize for the neatest and best kept cottage flower garden, while Mrs. A. H. Stokes Roberts was awarded the prize for the best single rose in the show. Mis. Poly- Didier was considered by the judges to imve arranged the best table decoration, and Miss K. Hughes gained the award for the best bouquet of wild flowers. Mrs. Townsbend distributed the prizes. HEWITT'S FOR BOOTS REPAIRING.— No matter where your Boots were bought, We can them repair; And when you think they're fit for naught We'll make them fit to wear. Fifty years' reputation for Durable Boots.