Cheshire Observer

THE PIQUETBERG FIGHT. LANCERS TO THE RESCUE. Piquetberg Road, Monday. The following are details of the fight at Twenty- four Streams last Wednesday. About thirty men of the District Mounted Troops occupied an im- provised fort, a barn on Mr. Wiggins's farm, guarding the approach to Piquetberg Road. Maritz led the enemy, who numbered about 200. The attack was well executed. The Boers sud- denly appeared on the crest of a low hill, and then started galloping in a solid body. Before they were within effective range they dispersed and dismounted. They wormed their way under cover of fences and dongas to the stable, where they seized the horses, and then hotly attacked the fort, firing from the gables and windows of out- houses within a few yards of the loopholes, into which they poured such constant streams of bullets that the defenders were at times unable to reply. Meantime Trooper Rigby had ridden for assist- ance, and a body of the 16th Lancers, under Major Kirkpatrick, appeared from Piquetberg Road. Maritz detached, a party to detain the re- lief force, but after some fighting the commando fled. We had eight casualties, and the enemy nine. According to the latest account Captain Bellew was dashingly leading the squadron when he was shot in the groin. He bled to death, in spite of all efforts to staunch the haemorrhage. His loss is deeply felt in the regiment. MacGregor's store, a strong stone building, commanding the eastern entrance to the Grey Pass, and garrisoned by local Afrikanders, under Captain Hersfeld, was unsuccessfully attacked. The Boers entered Porteville twice, but found little, owing to the horses having been with- drawn. About twenty men joined the commando in the Porteville district. The raid is useful, in so far as it has had the effect of classifying rebels and loyalists.

SCHEEPERS BANISHED. I Pretoria, Monday. A further list of twelve Boer leaders captured since September 15 is published. Under Lord Kitchener's Proclamation they are condemned to perpetual banishment from South Africa. The most conspicuous name in the list is that of Commandant Scheepers, the principal leader of the Cape invasion. A proclamation has been issued empowering the Governor of Cape Colony to establish health boards in towns and areas where municipalities do not exist.

REPORTED DEATH OF DE WET. A COMMANDANT CAPTURED. Durban, Saturday. In military circles the recent inactivity of De Wet has produced an impression that he is in- capacitated through illness or wounds. Indeed, itt many quarters there exists a belief that the famous guerilla leader is dead. Although this is quite unconfirmed, yet, owing to the persist- ence of reports to that effect, it is impossible to entirely ignore the following facts which have come to my knowledge. In a letter written from Pretoria to a resident here some two months ago the writer refers to the fact at a prominent Boer—a mutual ac- quaintance of the writer and the person to whom the letter was addressed-had recently surrendered, alleging as his reason, not the hardships of the campaign, but the terrible suffering which the Boers when wounded had to endure in consequence of the absence of doctors. "De Wet, for example," he said, "suffered most terrible agony before he died. He was wounded in the shoulder by a splinter from a shell, and the wound became gan- grened, owing to its being dressed with dirty ragB. Other evidence confirming this was received re- cently from the Komati Valley, where five Boers, who were captured at different places and at different times, when questioned, all declared that De Wet was dead, though it is only fair to add that they nearly ail differed as to the manner in which his death had come about, some declaring that it was from enteric fever, and others from wounds; while no two of them gave the same version. Another prisoner captured in the Orange River Colony declared that De Wet had left the country. On the other hand, the following facts tend to prove that De Wet is alive and well. The Revs. Messrs. Botha and Murray, in the course of their recent mission, interviewed both Steyn and De Wet, and on their return stated that they spoke to De Wet in person, and found him in good health. Field-Cornet Piet De Villiers, who was recently captured in the north-east of the Orange River Colony through driving his Cape cart into our lines, in ignorance of the fact that we had occu- pied the place, when interrogated, stated that he had breakfasted the same morning with De Wet. The above facts are entirely contradictory, but, teeing that the Boers woult^ most likely hide the fact of De Wet's death, and in view of his recent strange inactivity, it seems worth while to place on record the evidence for and against his death.— Reuter's Special Service. Fourteen prisoners, captured by Major Holmes's column at Reitvlei, have arrived at Kroonstad. Among them are Commandant Marais, whose laager was captured on the 1st inst., and a Free State artilleryman. The company of mounted infantry which effected these captures had one man slightly wounded.

MAJOR F. C. MINSHULL FORD, I D.S.U. Major Francis Charles Minshull Ford, D.S.O., of the South African Constabulary, who was killed in an action fought at Moolmeisjesfontein. on Thursday, had only lately completed his thirty- first year. He was the eldest son of the late Capt. John Randle Minshull Ford, of Llwyngwern, near Machvnlleth, Montgomeryshire, formerly a cap- tain in the 8th (the King's) Regiment, and en- tered the Highland Light Infantry as a second lieutenant on February 20, 1892, obtaining his lieutenancy on June 6, 1894, and being appointed to the Reserve of Officers on October 13, 1897. He had served as a captain with Bethune's Mounted Infantry, and had only lately been ap- pointed to the South African Constabulary. Major Minshull Ford was nominated a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order in the Honours "Gazette" of April 19 last.

A PLUCKY OFFICER. GALLANTRY AND DEVOTION. When thirty-five scouts were returning to camp from Observation Hill a few days ago, says a Reuter's message dated Standerton, Sept. 23, they found themselves within the horns of half a moon of some 300 Boers. Trooper Farrell's horse was shot under him, and Lieutenant Brad- ford, turning in his saddle for a parting shot at the enemy, noticed him go down, then saw him struggle to his feet, shaken and white. The officer nromntlv nulled round to nick him un. the nearest Boers being less than 200 yards off." The few seconds lost in mounting brought the enemy close up, and though the little horse struggled gamely under the double weight, it was too late. A bullet cut through the tunic of Trooper Earrell and pur- sued its course through Lieutenant Bradford's thigh. A swerve, and down, and before either man could rise, the Boers were round them, and in a great state of excitement. "Verdomde Engelschmen, you thought to catch us, but we've caught you. The Boers can shoot, can't they? What shall we do with them?" These were a few of the remarks shouted by the Boers. One swung his revolver round and said, "Oh, you are an officer, eh?" and then helped himself to rings, watch, gaiters, cigarette case and field glasses. Tunics were also taken, and boots, but the latter were afterwards returned. Inquiries were then made as to Lieutenant Bradford's hurts. The last-mentioned Boer helped him to his legs, and he was allowed to hobble awav with Trooper Far- reH's assistance. <

I BRAVERY IN THE RANKS. I I FOUR NEW V.C.'s. I — J A. it 1 It was announced in Friday s ttazecte that the King has been pleased to confer the Victoria Cross on Sergeant H. Hampton, 2nd Battalion Liverpool Regiment; Private H. G. Crandon, 18th Hussars Private C. Kennedy, 2nd Battalion Highland Light Infantry, ana Private E. Durrant, 2nd Battalion Rifle Brigade. In all four cases the acts of gallantry were per- formed in South Africa. Sergeant Hampton at Van Wyk's Vlei held an important position against heavy odds, and when compelled to retire, although wounded in the head, helped a comrade who was unable to walk until the man was again hit and apparently killed. Sergeant Hampton himself received a second wound. Private Crandon at Springbok Laagte on July 4 last rode back to the assistance of a wounded comrade, gave up his horse to him, and had to run 1,100 yards on foot under fire. Private Kennedy at DewetsdorR on November 22,1900, carried a comrade who was bleeding to death three-quarters of a mile under a very hot fire. The next day he was dangerously wounded in an attempt, for which he volun- teered, to carry a message across an open space where it was almost certain death to venture. Private Durrant carried a wounded man who was dazed, and exposed himself to the enemy's fire 200 yards to shelter.

I THE YEOMANKY PAY. I I ACTION OF WAR OFFICE. I IThe attention ot the Secretary ot State for I I War has been called to the large number of I cases in which delay has taken place in settling the claims of members of the Imperial Yeomanry who have returned from South Africa. Owing to the great dispersal of the troops and the rapid movements ot columns many companies have been sent to the base and em- barked for home without the necessary papers, and in other cases the duties which should have been carried out by the officer commanding the companies before the discharge of their men have not been performed. In consequence the War Office have had to deal with a mass of cases in which the simplest proofs of identifica- tion were wanting, and in the great majority references have been necessary to South Africa to obtain an exact account. Cases of attempted fraud have to be guarded against. Two days ago a private claiming £ 40 was found to have only 4d. due to him. To meet the existing difficulty in the promptest manner, the following arrangements have been made:— 1. The office at St. George's Barracks has been furnished with considerable additional staff, so that all arrears of payment will be dealt with immediately. 2. Men who produce their discharge certificates, or other official proof of identification, will be immediately settled up with if their accounts are in possession of the paymaster. 3. If the accounts have not been received, or are, as is very frequently the case, in such a condition as to afford no information as to the exact financialstate of the applicant, he will be given, as heretofore on producing his parchment, his war and discharge gratuities, and either pay up to sixty-one days or, it he can produce good documentary evidi-nee, an amount up to four-fifths of the sum claimed. 4. It is requested that all Yeomen whose accounts have not been settled up and wtiose addresses have not been yet notified should at once either attend personally or forward their names, addresses, the amount of their claim, and any documentary evidence in support thereof, under registered cover to the Chief Paymaster, Imperial Yeomanry, St. George's Barracks, London. The fees tor postage and registration and for any previous application it notified will be ref unded. It is essential that satisfactory proofs of identification be sullmltted before any payment can be made, and therefore the discharge certificate must be produced, or in the event of its absence equivalent certificates from the officer commanding the company must be obtained. 5. Any case not dealt with within a fortnight ot this date should be brought personally to the notice of the Secretary of State. (The above articles appeared in our last Saturday Keening Edition.)

WHAT MARTIAL LAW MEANS. The martial law regulations for the Cape Peninsula have been published. Briefly, they provide that the ordinary law of the Colony shall hold good so far as possible, but they impose the following restrictions :-Persons are prohibited from entering or leaving the district, either by sea or land, without a permit. The circulation of newspapers, pamphlets, and periodicals containing seditious articles is pro- hibited. Dealing in contraband goods is not permitted. Unauthorised persons are not allowed to keep firearms, ammunition, or explosives, and letters and telegrams will be subject to censorship. The regulations will be administered by the civil authorities.

SCOTLAND AND THE WAR. SACRIFICES AND LOYALTY. J The "Aberdeen Daily Journal" on Tuesday pub- lished a letter from Mr. Brodrick in reply to an Aberdeen correspondent who had called his atten- tion, when at Balmoral recently, to the fact that no nowspaper in Scotland had given any counten- ance to the clamour in the London Press as to the conduct of the war. The correspondent had also pointed out that Scotland had lost three times as many men in South Africa as England, and over twice as many as Ireland. Mr. Brodrick's reply was as follows:—"War Office, Oct. 18, 1901. Dear sir,—I am desired by Mr. Brodrick to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of October 13, whioh he would have answered before had not his time in Scotland been very fully occupied. Mr. Brodrick thoroughly appreciates the terms in which you refer to the feeling in Scotland of the Press to- wards the Government and to the absence of cry- ing out over a. task which, though arduous and difficult, can better be met by patience and cheer- fulness than by lamentation. Nobody can help ap- preciating the spirit shewn in Scotland, which is so closely connected with South Africa by the numbers of gallant men it has sent out to fight throughout the war and the numbers of useful colonists it has sent there, and, indeed, to all parts of the Empire.—I am, etc., J. Hanbury-Williams, Lieutenant-Colonel, Private Secretary." r

RUSSIA AND CHINA. MANCHURIA CONVENTION. OUTLINE OF THE CLAUSES. The "Standard's" special correspondent at Shanghai, in a despatch dated Monday night, says I have just received a summary of the new Manchurian Convention, about which M. Lessar, the Russian Minister, and Li Hung Chang have been negotiating. It is in four sections. In the first section, Russia agrees to return, to China the three Manchurian Provinces of' Sheng- King or Liao-tung, in which Mukden is situated; Kirin, the Central Province; and Hei-lung-Kiang, North of the Sungari River. In the territory which Russia is to restore is included the Shan- haikuan-Niuchwang Railway, China agreeing to rely exclusively on Russia for the protection of this line. In the second section, Russia agrees to withdraw her troops from the Province of Sheng-King (Liao-tung) during the current year. In the third section, Russia agrees to withdraw her troops from the two other Provinces, Kirin and Hei-lung-Kiang, gradually within the next two years. In the fourth section, China agrees to employ Russian officers to drill the Manchu troops of Tseng-chi, the Tartar General of Mukden. According to my information, this Russo-Chinest Convention is so favourable to China that it is probable another agreement is in I existence which is still kept secret. I CHINESE EMPEROR. I A CHANGE OF SUCCESSOR. I High officials at Pekin have received news, which is believed to be authentic, that a new heir to tie Throne will be appointed when the Dowager-Empress meets Prince Ching at Kai- feng, where there will be a general discussion of the affairs of the Empire. The present heir has proved dissipated and uncontrollable, and, moreover, his father's position, as a banished prince, would make his succession contrary to Chinese tradition. The candidate of the Empress is said to be Lun Peitze, a nephew of Tuan. Lun, who is reported to be weak in intellect, participated in the Boxer aggressions, and personally led the attack on the French cathedral. The Reform party disapprove of his selection, and suggest that the Powers should oppose it, if the Empress persists in furthering the nomination.

THE GyPSY SINO Ea.Those of our readers L who like i;enetttional reading-and who does not P-.iihouid not fail to read the opening chapters of our new serial story The Gypsy Singer," which commences in our columns to-day (Saturday). The novel i is from the talented pen of Mrs. George Corbett, a writer of wide repute, and it will be both sensational and attractive. We can therefore commend it to the notice of our readers. TIME TJRIES ALL. For over 50 years Hewitt's Boots have stood the teet of time, and are still unsurpassed %n d unequalled. Abbey Gateway and next to Music Hall. VALUABLK X>IBCOVBBT POA THE HAIR.-If your hair is turning grey or white or falling off use the MBXICAN HAIR RENBWER, for it will positively restore, in every oase, grey or white hair to its original colour. It makee the hair charmingly beautiful, aa well as promoting the growth. Price 3a. 6d. per bottle.

( THE IMPERIAL FORCES." I EARL ROBERTS'S TRIBUTE. THE NAVY AND LADYSMITH. The Lord Mayor of London on Saturday even- ing entertained at a banquet at the Mansion House the winners of the Elcho Shield, the National Challenge Trophy, and the China Cup, which were shot for at the July meeting of the National Rifle Association at Bisley, and the winners-the 2nd Volunteer Battalion Royal Fusiliers (City of London Regiment)—of the Volunteer Ambulance Shield. Earl Roberts was the principal guest, and re- plying to the toast of the Imperial forces, said it was the first occasion since he had become Com- mander-in-Chief that he had been called upon to respond for the King's Army, or, as the Lord Mayor had put it in the more comprehensive formula, of "The Imperial Forces of the Crown." It was indeed a very comprehensive formula. The Lord Mayor had first of all mentioned the Navy, which all admitted was the first force we looked to, and stood first in our estimation. He had never had the pleasure, he might say the intense excitement, which it must be, of taking part in a naval battle, but he had often served with naval men on land. His lordship referred to Sir William Peel's naval brigade during the Mutiny, and the great assistance given by the Navy in South Africa. He was quite sure, he said, that they as soldiers would never forget the aid given by the heavy guns, which, owing to the ingenuity of Captain Scott, were hastily provided with travelling carriages, and owing to the intelligent energy and determination of Captain Lambton were brought up to Ladysmith just in time to take part in the siege. (Cheers.) It was those guns, added to the armament of the Ladysmith garrison, he declared, which so materially enabled Sir George White to hold out for those number of days until he was relieved by Sir Redvers Buller. (Hear, hear.) In regard to the Army, he could only repeat the Lord Mayor's remarks, and he was sure everyone of those present who had been in South Africa would bear him out, that on no occasion had the King's troops behaved with greater valour, with greater determination, or with greater cheerfulness. (Cheers.) His lordship doubted really if they were ever more severely tried than they had been continuously during the last two years. (Hear, hear.) He himself, while in Africa, had never heard a man grumble at any task put to him. Whatever a man was called upon to do he did it in a soldier- like manner, and his lordship declared that he felt proud that he was associated for eleven months in South Africa with the splendid fellows forming the troops of the King's Army there. (Cheers.) His lordship paid a high tribute to the Colonial soldiers, and affirmed that they had shewn in South Africa an extraordinary amount of intelligence, perseverance and determination, but, like the British soldier, he had never heard from them a murmur. We were most. deeply indebted to our Colonial friends for their help, and also to the Volunteers at home. Referring to the City Imperial Volunteers, Lord Roberts, describing his personal knowledge of the move- ments of that regiment, said: "I wished them good-bye at Pretoria when the war was over, or so far as I knew when I thought the war was over. We had then got hold of the capitals, and I then thought we could spare the City Imperial Volunteers. They had done some excellent work; I knew the demand for them at home, and I allowed them to go." Proceeding with his eulogium of the Volunteers, Lord Roberts de- clared that they shewed the same fine soldier- like spirit as the soldiers of the line. (Cheers.) He was sure every one of our soldiers would declare that the Volunteers were of the greatest possible assistance to the Army in South Africa. The trophies they were depositing with the Lord Mayor were the outcome of the great Volunteer movement, which had done undoubtedly more than anything else to improve our rifle shooting. However good our soldiers might be, unless they could shoot they were really of little use as fight- ing machines, and, therefore, his lordship could not tell them how he prized the aid which the Volunteers gave in improving rifle shooting. He thanked the Volunteers most heartily.

TRAGIC DEATH AT MOLD. f FOUND ON HIS SON'S GRAVE. I THE INQUEST. I A painful sensation was created in Mold on Saturday morning by the news that Robert Burn Moore, a journeyman baker, employed by Mr. J. D. Rowlands and residing in Conway-street, had been found lying dead in the Mold Cemetery on the grave of his son, who died two and a half years ago. Numerous and conflicting theories were bruited abroad upon the tragic event, and the result of the inquest was awaited with painful curiosity. The inquest, which was held at the Town Hall on Monday evening, was presided over by the county coroner (ivlr. F. Lieweilyn Jones), Mr. T. S. Adams, auctioneer, being the foreman of the jury. Maggie Moore, daughter of the deceased, gave evidence of identification. a She last saw him alive on the previous Monday. She was unaware that he had threatened to take his life or that he was in the habit of taking laudanum. About three years ago deceased buried a -son, and de- ceased used often to go to the Cemetery. She did not know that deceased suffered from pains in the head. John Davies, caretaker at the Mold Cemetery, said that at 9.15 a.m. on the previous Saturday he saw deceased stretched out on the grave of his son. Thinking he was asleep, he called out to him. He then discovered that he was dead. The features were composed, and there were no signs of a struggle. Deceased's hat was placed on one side as if he had put it there. He had not seen deceased about that morning, but he knew he was in the habit of visiting the Cemetery three or four times a week. He had heard that de- ceased took laudanum, but he saw no bottles about. Robert Griffiths, of Gladstone-street, gave cor- roborative evidence. Donald McAllister, a youth employed in the same bakehouse as deceased, said that at eight o'clock on Friday morning he went at the request of deceased and purchased two pennyworth of laudanum from the shop of Mr. Felix, the chemist. At 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. he procured similar doses from the establishment of Mr. Daniel Hughes. He did not see the deceased take it, and he had never been on a similar errand before, nor had he seen anyone else go. He did not see the deceased get any drink. He was a quiet man, and there was nothing peculiar about him. Peter Hughes, in the same employment, said deceased complained of pains in the head, but witness did not suggest that he should send for laudanum. He had seen deceased send the last witness for one dose of laudanum. Deceased had often complained of pains in the head, but wit- ness had never heard him threaten to take his life. He spoke a great deal of his boy who died. A daughter of the licensee of the Victoria Hotel, Chester-street, said the deceased called at the hotel about six o'clock on Friday evening. He was served with a small glass of whisky, and that was all he had. He was quite sober, and she did not see him take anything out of a bottle. He appeared as if he was just returning from the bakehouse. Sergeant Edward Jones stated that about 9.30 a.m. on Saturday he accompanied Superintendent Ivor Davies to the Cemetery and found the body of the deceased. Witness thought deceased had died in his sleep, as the features were quite com- posed. He searched the body and found some things, including lid. and a silver watch, ibut no bottles. He made a thorough search in the Cemetery and on the road and fields, but could not find any trace of them. Dr. Edwards said he examined the body. There were no external marks of violence, and the face was composed and there were no appearances of any struggle or commo- tion.—By the Coroner: If the deceased took 2ozs. of laudanum together he would sleep heavily, and, lying down in a cold place, circula- tion would be stopped. The deceased had been under his attendance for pains in the head and neuralgia of the right arm. He,was quite con- vinced the deceased had not taken any irritant poison, and death was quite consistent with an overdose of laudanum. The Coroner said from the medical evidence it was perfectly clear deceased had taken a Quantity of laudanum, and that, with exposure to tuantity it no doubt caused his death. The only question was whether the deceased took his own life. On the whole, he thought the deceased never intended to take his life. Nobody seemed to notice anything peculiar about his habits, and during the day he carried out his work as usual, and it seemed to negative suicide. The jury returned a verdict that deceased died from an overdose of laudanum, accelerated by exposure, but there was not sufficient evidence to show he contemplated suicide. «.

CHRISTMAS CARDS.—Messrs. Raphael Tuck and Sons, the well-known fine art publishers, are always among the first harbingers of Christmas with their seasonable cards, calendars, and other artistic novelties. It may seem early days yet* to think of Christmas greetings. but it is by no means premature for the large number of English people who have friends abroad, and above all for those of us who intend sending suitable gifts to our gallant soldier boys who are still supporting the rigours of guerilla warfare in South Africa. Every year Messrs. Tuck make a speciality of one dominant style of card, and this season the keynote is the NAW Reign." The New Reign collection of Christmas cards, calendars and art novelties is probably the prettiest series that has yet emanated from Raphael House," and is appropriately hellded by a Royal Christmas Panel, an elegant facsimile reproduc- tion of the 1900 card sent last Christmae to her late Majesty, Queen Victoria, and pronounced by her to be beautiful." ?ome conception of the enormous output of Messrs. Tuck maybe ? formed from the statement that their army of I artists has this season produced over 1,100 sets of cards printed in colours, and 400 sets in black and white, carbon, and monochrome pro- cesses, the whole representing a total of no fewer than 3.000 distinct designs. The toy books and other art novelties have been pro- duced on a similarly lavish scale, and the best commendation which we can bestow on the; sample collection submitted to us is to state that it well maintains the high standard of artistic excellence uphold by this firm for many years past. I

CHURCH CONSECRATION AT SAUGHALL. The Lord Bishop of Chester on Wednesday consecrated the church of All Saints' at Saughalk which is intended to be a chapel of ease to the old parish church of Shotwick. The building was erected five years ago, but it has not been thought necessary to consecrate it until now The site, which is close to the village school, was kindly given by Mr. Trelawny, and it is satisfactory to learn that, with the excoption of about X100, the building has been paid for. The interior of the church is not remarkable for its beauty, but the additional provision is greatly appreciated by the church people of the parish, many of whom have found it inconvenient to attend the churches at Shotwick and Sealand, which are somewhat remote from a considerable portion of the parish. The usual form ot consecration was gone through on Wednesday. the Bishop was attended by the Rev. Dr. Cogswell, who carried the pastoral staff, and the Registrar (Mr. R. Farmer) and the clergy present included the Ven. Archdeacon Barber, the Revs. U. D. White (vicar of the parish), J. F. Howson, W. Bidlake, R. J. Fairclough, T. H. May, L. C. A. Edgeworth, &c., and auiong the congregation was the Rav. the Hon. C. F. Oioss, the lotmer incumbent, who took a prominent part in the movement which led to the erection ot the church. During the service, which was of an impressive character, the Registrar, at the direction of the Bisnop, read the sentence of consecration. The hymns sung were All people that on earth do dwell," Come, Holy uhost," "O Word ot God above," and "W e t-xay Thee, Heavenly Father. The Bishop preached the sermon, taking as his text "Speak unto the children of Israel, that they go forward," Exodus xiv., 15, and "VYhosoever goeth onward and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God," the second Epistle of John 1. (revised edition). The two texts reminded them, his lordship said, that they might go onward or lorward in two different ways and with two differ- ent kinds of spirit. One would take them right, and the other would take them very far wrong. He asked them to think first of all of the mis- taken way of going onward or forward. In the old version of the Bible they would find the passage translated "Whosoever transgresseth," and that gave the sense very well. They could go forward in the wrong spirit hastily, --the more haste the less speed," wilfully and wrong- headedly, with a stubborn conviction that they knew best, and were in the right, and with a wrong conception altogether of what the object was that they ought to aim at. Take, for example, illustrations from the different departments in life in which they were in various ways interested. With respect to our Empire, they might go for- ward in an ambitious, over-reaching spirit, con- stantly trying to annex new territories, believing that might was right, trusting to our own strong arm. That policy might succeed for a time, 'and we might become a very amazing Empire, but that way of going forward would sooner or j later lead to a fatal reverse, which would carry its own decay and downfall with it. That would not be a true response to the message of God that we should go forward. Then again, some present were interested in home policy, and were anxious there should be reform and progress at home. How careful they should be to see that their policy was in the right direction! If they tore up their rights and pressed forward with move- ments that were not in harmony with the history and temperament of the people, and had not upon them the stamp of continuity, then their going forward would be on the wrong lines. Then again. in their church life, in i their religious life, they might go forward following the religious fashions of the day in this direction or that; they might go forward without proper study and proper author- ity, and for a time all might seem bright and promising, but sooner or later they might find that there was a re-action, and that reform would be required. There was a going forward which was in a very real sense a going backward, which was courting failure, which proceeded from a wrong motive and spirit, and which was not guided by sound doctrine, and which would land them where they would feel themselves sadly out of place. He urged them to remember the difference between true and false development. They in that parish had gone forward, and that church, which it had been his great privilege to consecrate, was a sign and token of their self-denying, united and earnest endeavours to provide for that populous part of the parish. For a considerable time that church, and the services therein, had been carried on simply under licence. It was supposed that before long they would be in a position to enlarge the church, and that the consecration had better be deferred until then, but experience had shewn that they had gone as far as they were likely to be able to go for some time. They would still, however, progress in the equipment of the church. They had a place of worship, which though by no means complete, and by no means all they could desire it to be, was large enough for the present body of worshippers, and was certainly not unworthy of the high purpose for which it had been built. He thought they had very frequently gone forward in the wrong direction, when they had with the best possible intentions divided parishes; prema- turely cut them up into small portions, and separated what might have been much better worked from, the mother Church. On that occa- sion, however, they were not proposing to separate, for that building was to be a chapel of ease for that populous part of the parish. Uudoubtedly that part of the parish was a long way off Shot- wick Church, that characteristic old church which he was sure they would love and stand by, and for funerals and weddings it might be inconvenient for some people, whose history was not bound up with the old church, to go so far. Therefore he thought they were moving in the right direction in asking him to do what he had so gladly done that day. His lordship afterwards consecrated the church- yar d. PUBLIC LUNCHEON. Subsequently a public luncheon was held in the Town Hall, Saughall. The Vicar presided, and there were present in addition to the Bishop and the other clergy who had participated in the morning's ceremony, Mr. and the Hon. Mrs. Trelawny, Messrs. R. T. Richardson, Knott, Kellock, John Ball, j Maddocks, senr., Maddocks, junr., Mark Vickers, Lancellotte, &c. Apologies for absence were received from the Dean of Chester, Canon Feilden, the Rev. Stephen Gladstone, the High Sheriff (Mr. Thomas Brocklebank), &c. The latter sent the welcome contribution to the building fund of jElO. The toast of The King was given from the chair, and loyally honoured. The Rev. G. D. White said credit was due to them for what they had done with regard to the erection of the church. Credit was due in the first place to Mrs. Trelawny, because when Mr. Cross arrived there ten years ago, the sum of J6300 or so was awaiting him in Mrs. Trelawny's hands. It ws due in a large measure to Mr. and Mrs. Trelawny that they had their church to-day. (Applause.) Everybody, not only the rich, but the working-classes as well, had done' his or her very best to reduce the debt on the church while he (the vicar) had been there. They had always been helped by Mr. Trelawny in every possible way, and by Mr. Kellock, who was a wise and steady influence in the parish. They must not forget Mr. Samuel, who did all he could for the mother church, and Mr. Knott, who had been so keen, and filled with enthusiasm and had stirred them up to do their best to reduce the debt. He also thanked his wardens, Mr. Maddock and Mr. Lancellotte, and the Nonconformists of the parish for their never-failing kindness. (Ap- plause.) Mr. Trelawny, in responding, eaid he did not think the occasion was one for speeches, but be wished 'to thank the Bishop and Archdeacon and other clergy for coming there to help them to consecrate that church. They began the church in debt; Mr. Cross could not stand being without the church any longer, and was obliged to begin it. It had been a very anxious time for Mr. White, and he had done all he could for the church. (Hear, hear.) He con- cluded by thanking the Bishop for the great kindness he always shewed to them on any occasion when they went to him as regarded Church matters. Mr. Knott, as a churchman and householder of Saughall, rejoiced to take part in that day's proceedings. When he came there to live some eighteen or twenty years ago he found that church people in Saughall, simply from the way in which their church was placed, were practi- cally debarred from worshipping in their own parish, and so naturally they wandered to the neighbouring parish. He also found that a great many parishioners stopped at home. He thought if the event they were celebrating that day bad occurred some years ago, that state of things would have been very much modified. However, he was glad to know that the right thing bad been done at last, and he congratulated the Hon Mrs. Trelawny, their good vicar and others, that they had at last realised what they had so long worked hard for. (Applause.) The Bishop differed from Mr. Trelawny with regard to the speechmaking. He was not at all sure that it was bad to have some speeches after a service such as they had had that day in order that the laity might have an oppor- tunity cf speaking. Bishops in these days. did not get as many opportunities of hearing other people speak as -they did in primitive times. Mr. Trelawny they knew inherited episcopal blood and, therefore, in all probability, he was a great theologian. (Laughter and applause.) There was nothing that gave them greater pleasure than to hear the laity express their views, even when they differed from them. Mr. White had told them what a long list of kind and helpful and loyal supporters he had, beginning with the name of one, who so thoroughly, as they knew deserved the tribute of his gratitude, Mrs. Trelawny. (Applause.) Nearly thirteen years ago when he paid his first visit to Shotwick there were difficulties with regard to church accommodation in Saughall, and it was a matter of thankfulness how these difficulties had been surmouattd. His lordship concluded by thanking them for giving him that opportunity of coming there to assist them in that patriotic and national, as well as ecclesiastical work. (Applause.) Mr. Kellock proposed the health of Mr. and Mrs. Trelawny, remarking that Mr. Trelawny was the generous donor of the land on which the Church stood, and Mrs. Trelawny opened the subscription list for the building. There was still a debt of about iClOo on the church, and he had no doubt it would be reduced to nil in the next twelve months. Mr. and Mrs. Trelawny had done much for the parish, and as long as they had such an able vicar as Mr. White the Bishop need have no fear that in future there would be a church in Saughall which would be an ornament and benetit to the parish and diocese. (Applause.) Alluding to the generosity Mr. and Mrs. Trelawny bad shewn, not only towards the church, but towards everybody in the parish, he said there were times w hen they had not met with that sympathy they ought to have done. He believed, however, that now they had come upon calmer times, and that peace was now prevailing in Saughall, and that in future they would not be troubled by the Charity Commissioners, and would not have any more trouble in connection with the schools. (Hear, hear.) v Mr. Trelawny briefly responded. The Chairman proposed the health of the Rev. the Hon. C. F. Cross. Mr. Cross, in replying, said the occasion was of great interest tive years ago when they opened that little church, and it was a matter for thankfulness that it had been consecrated that day. Let them hope that the church would be the means of helping them forward in the right, true path. That little ehurch was only a fraction, only a step towards something nobler and more worthy. If it was possible to complete the church he hoped they might be present at the consecration of a I larger building. (Applause ) » Mr. Mark Vickers took that opportunity of I saying that too much could not be said with reference to the kindness and benevolence Mr. and Mrs. Trelawny in giving them Lie opportunity of meeting in such a beautiful place as that building. He quite endorsed every- thing that had been said about Mr. and Airs. Trelawny. (Applause.) The Bishop remarked that they ought not to I break up without conveying their very best wishes to the vicar and churchwardens. He was sure they would accord them all that was best in their sympathetic appreciation. (Applause.)

WHAT "THE WORLD" SAYS. I The weather was cold and stormy on Upper Dee- side last week, and very unfavourable for shoot- ing, so the intended deer drives in the Royal forests could not take place. The King drove on Wednesday, after luncheon, to Invercauld House, where he drank tea with Mr. and Mrs. Neumann. On Thursday his Majesty left Balmoral at half- past twelve in an open carriage-and-pair for Mar Lodge, where he lunched with the Duke and Duchess of Fife, returning to the Castle at six o'clock. Queen Alexandra bad intended to have some salmon-fishing on the Dee during her stay at Balmoral, but the river has not been in ply. There is a general movement from Deeside this I week. Sir Dighton Probyn, Keeper of the Privy Purse, is leaving Birkhall House, after a stay of more than two months, ana, alter spending a tew days in town, will proceed to Sandringham. Sir Francis and Lady Knollys are expected at their residence in St. James's Palace from Abergeldie Mains, where they have been staying for a month. Lord and Lady Clanwilliam have left Abergeldie Castle, and before the end of the week the Duke and Duchess of Fife will have left Mar Lodge. Sir Arthur Ellis, who succeeded Sir Spencer Ponsonby-Fane as Controller of Accounts in the Lord Chamberlain's Department, was staying at Balmoral last week, and it is understood that he was summoned to Court in connection with the changes in the Levee and Drawing Room regula- tions which are to be carried out next season. It is probable that in future the number of Levees and Drawing Rooms which are to be held every season will be announced in February. The num- bers both of presentations and of persons attend- ing at Court will be limited. Private persons will not be expected to appear at Court more fre- quently than once in three years. The necessity for such alterations as are proposed has long been recognised by all official people. Lord and Lady Iveagh have arrived at Elveden Hall, near Thetford, for the shooting season, and it is rumoured that they will be visited there during the winter by both the King and the Duke of Cornwall. Elveden was the old seat of the Newtons, which was sold in 1862 to the late Maharajah Duleep Singh, after whose death the property was purchased by Lord Iveagh. The place has been greatly improved by Lord and Lady Iveagh. The soil at Elveden is very poor, so the whole estate has been converted into a vast game preserve, and the shooting is conducted on scientific principles. The Maharajah spent an enormous sum of money on this place, and hie wish to convert the inside of the house into an I Indian palace proved very costly. Baron Schroder has had very good sport at Glenfeshie, Inverness-shire, during the past season. Upwards of a hundred stags have been killed, besides about two thousand six hundred grouse and other game. Glenfeshie, which com- prises nearly forty thousand acres, is one of the best "all-round" shootings in Scotland, and the scenery about the lodge is very beautiful. The greater part of Glenfeshie belongs to Sir George Macpherson Grant, but nearly one-third of the ground is on the property of The Mackintosh, and the rent of the whole place is three thousand three hundred pounds a season. The Anglesey Hunt week is to be revived this year. The steeplechases are to take place on Wednesday, November 6th, over Sir Richard Williams Bulkeley's Baron Hill estate. Sir Hugh Ellis-Nanney is to be the Comptroller of the Hunt week, and Mrs. Platt, of Gorddinog, is to be the lady patroness.

CORONATION liOBES. Dissatisfaction was rife among manufacturers and prominent members of the wholesale distri- buting drapery houses in the city on Monday, says the "Daily Telegraph," at the news which has leaked out that an order for 4,000 yards of the costliest silk velvet in crimson, for the robes of peers or peeresses at the Coronation, has been given in Lyons. It is not that English manufac- turers have shewn any lack of enterprise in the matter, for on the earliest possible occasion an official pattern of the correct shade of crimson was obtained from the Earl Marshal, and lengths of the finest fabric that can be produced are wait- ing upon the counters of their makers'for the de- mands which it was naturally expected would follow at once upon the expression of Queen Alexandra's wishes upon the subject. The proper shade of crimson is a deep and rich one, with the least tint of purple in it, and it involves very delicate and careful dyeing to ob- tain precisely the tone desired. For lining, a white corded silk must be employed, and here again our own looms might well have looked for preference. In the all-important matter of price the English velvets compare favourably with those of foreign make, but with moderately good ermine it is estimated that each robe will cost from 2120 to JB180. There are "silk finished" velveteens, and another material, known in the trade as "shah velvets," which at a distance would be difficult to distinguish from the real velvets at 16s. to 18s. a yard. An expert, however, points out that the robes will have to be worn for several hours, and that creases and crushing would immediately be- tray the imitation of the, real and sumptuous material, while robe-malfers themselves express the opinion that it wiU be impossible to obtain the sweeping and dignified folds desirable in anything save the best qualities of velvet. Meantime, some few great ladies and leaders of fashion have been giving their orders direct to the English silk weavers for the brocades or satins they will wear at the great ceremony. One thoughtful young countess is having her dress woven at Bedford Leigh, in Lancashire, where, together with Rochdale and Middleton, some very choice materials are turned out. In another, and less costly direction, there is evidence that English products are coming into brisk demand, and that it is for pretty and useful silk shirt blouses. It is satis, factory to learn, on the highest authority in the trade, that no other descriptions of light thin silks are equal to the surahs of Manchester and Maccles- field for making up the daintily tucked and trimmed blouses now so widely worn, and indica- tions point to a continued and extending call for the charming wares of this description throughout the coming spring.

GUESTS FOR THE CORONATION.—Not the least striking feature of the Coronation bf King Edward next year will be the presence of many representatives of distant and unfamiliar lands. Uganda, it has been arranged, will send its Katikiro, or Prime Minister. He will be one of the most interesting of the visitors on that occasion. Not long ago, when the cathedral at Mengo was begun, he set the example to the people of digging and carrying the clay to the brick-kilns. He is shortly to publish a book he has written on the spirit-worship of Uganda. The Ameer of Afghanistan, it is stated, will be represented by his brother. Tlue NEW COIN GS.- ID a letter to Lord Avebury, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, through his private secretary, nays that in the new coinage it has not been thought desirable to alter the design of the gold coins, but with regard to the rest of the coinage the Treasury is considering the advisability of making a change so that their respective values will be marked upon each coin. This suggestion was recently made to Sir Michael Hicks-Beach by a number of representative commercial men, who pointed out the desirability of having the value I of each coin marked upon it in plain letters similar to those to be found on the penny. Don't be persuaded to buy cheap ready-made goods. They aie dear at any price. Have your i. TAILORING done byW. BALMFORD, 67, Brook- street, Chester. All garments cut and made on the premises by competent woikmwi.

I HUNTING. I NORTH CHESHIRE. Horns Mill, Dunham, was the fixture on Satur- day. Dunham Gorse held a. brace and half of foxes. Some time was spent before hounds could make them leave cover. At last a brace were made to quit. A third one could not be persuaded to go, so he was left for some other day. The Willows was tried to see if there were any more mangey foxes, but there was no response. The Barn House was also blank. A little gorse near Mouldsworth held a brace. One was mangey and was killed; the other was hunted a few fields to ground in a drain. Several of the Ashton Hayes covers were visited, but no foxes could be found. I Hounds were then taken home after a rather un- satisfactory day. BLUECAP. SOUTH CHESHIRE. I Quite worthy to rank with achievements in the regular season were two runs which were asso- ciated with the cubbing experiences of the South Cheshire Hounds on Saturday. On a burning scent, at the outset of the morning, hounds fairly raced a fox from Wrenbury Mosses across to Baddiley, and, maintaining the pace past the willow beds and Baddiley Gorse, they rolled him over close by Baddiley Hall as he was shaping a course for his old quarters. Dipping again into the Baddiley country, hounds settled down to run at a fine pace, and when they had finally stopped they had arrived just on the outskirts of Dorfold Park. Later an old fox which had dwelt in fancied security in a drain hard by the railway at Sound Heath afforded a sterling forty minutes' gallop in an extensive ring. At the start hounds ran him round by Sound over the railway nearly to Wrenbury Hall. The field was of rather for- midable proportions, and Mr. Corbet, with a view of restricting it to reasonable limits, proposes to meet at an earlier hour during the remaining cubbing engagements. When the South Cheshire hounds met at Broomhall on Tuesday, a dense fog prevailed, but I in due time the misgivings occasioned thereby were dispelled. Mr. Corbet, adhered to his deter- mination to hunt early, and was at the coverside at seven o'clock. The hounds at once got to work among an excellent lot of cubs. The hue and cry raised early scared away several cubs, and later the hounds drove a fox into the open, at once sctthng down to run him hard past the Rookery. Away for Devil's Nest the fox made his point with the hounds racing him, and then turning sharp back he was hunted, the pace meanwhile falling away, back to Broomhall. From Hallacoole sub- sequently the hounds ran at a nice hunting pace across to Brook's Mill, and there turning richt- handed they carried a line back past the cover for Devil's Nest. A sharp right-handed turn, how- ever, quickly changed the scene of events, the fox taking his pursuers back to Brook's Mill, and ridding himsel of attention for the time being by going to ground in a main earth. It was a very nice forty minutes' gallon. I SIR W. WYNN'S HOUNDS. I I The weather on Saturday morning was scarcely promising, for rain had fallen during the night, and again threatened. Fortunately it held off, and the sun made its welcome appearance. A somewhat strong wind prevailed, but altogether hunting took place under conditions favourable and pleasant. The meet was at Bettisfield Park, the residence of Mr. Edward Behrens, who was out for the first time since his serious accident last season, and among those also present were Messrs. Oliver, Walter, and Richard Behrens, Sir Wyndham Hanmer, Mrs. Wright, Messrs. John and Nugent Howard and the Misses Howard, Mr. Crawshaw Bailey, Miss Godsal, Miss Cotton, Mr. S. H. and Miss Sandbach, Mr. A. Mawson, Mr. Wilkinson, and others. Foxes have not been over plentiful in the Bettisfield country the last four or five years, but there was no cause for complaint on Saturday. In the big wood there were two brace of healthy-looking cubs. Scent at the outset was not keen, nevertheless the youngsters got a lair rousing up in cover for quite an hour, then one broke over the Avenue Farm, but quickly returned and was pulled down in the wood. Soon after they settled on another, and woo dh.i_ m through the Springs and out towards ths Old Lane Coppice. Short of this, however, he doubled back, and a few minutes later was lost. Another was started directly from the same oover, and scent having by this time improved, hounds gave tongue merrily. Taking at last to the open, they raced the quarry until he was marked to ground. Some time was occupied in digging him out, and before he could well get clear of the cover hounds ran into him. He was brought out into the open and broken up. Then a move was made to the Fenns, where the next two hours were spent with three or four cubs. At Bryn-y-pys, the residence of Mr. Edmund Peel, there was on Monday by far the largest field of the present cubbing season, including Mr. Edmund Peel and the Misses Peel, the Hon. G. R. C. Ormsby-Gore, M.P., Mr. Frank Cotton and Miss Cotton, etc. Fog delayed a start for an hour, but when it lifted a glorious day fol- lowed. There was a fox in the Castle Wood, but scent was bad, and only a short time elapsed before he war. killed. The Darlands was next tried, and at the far end were a brace of foxes. After some woodland hunting one broke and ran in the direction of Bangor Racecourse, but changing his course hounds raced him up the hill as if the Cloy was his point. With Campbell's Gorse on the right the hunt proceeded slowly up for Millbrook, in which locality scent gave out. A return was made to Campbell's Gorse, but foxes were absent. In an adjoining spinney a brace of healthy-looking cubs were disturbed, and one of them was killed at Tyrypeni. Hollowood's Wood was a failure, and although there was A line of a fox in Howes Wood no sport worth chronicling resulted. THE CHESHIRE BEAGLES. I On Saturday these hounds met at Bunbury Locks. There was a fair attendance, including Mr. Alfred Bliin (master), Mr. Percy Roberts (whip), Mr. George Stuart, Mrs. Blain (driving), Miss Blain, Miss E. Blain, Mr. G. W. Morrison, Mr. T. H. Wood, the Misses Holland (Gresford), Mr. W. Landon, Mr. E. Bateson, Mr. H. Howell Evans, Mr. J. Turbett, Messrs. Buckley, Gunton, etc. The morning was beautifully fine, and we were looking forward to a good day's sport over this fine grass country to make up for a blank day we experienced over some unpreserved lands in the neighbourhood of Frodsham on the pre- vious Tuesday. However, in hunting you never know your luck, and, as the countryman remarked to his friend, "Them places as is the most likely is often more unlikely than them as is the most unlikeliest." So it proved to-day, for we drew over some miles of ground where hares are usually plentiful without finding, and we began to fear that we were in for a blank day. About this time we met our good friend Mr. John Shore, of Woodworth Green, who gave us the welcome news that he had seen a hare going into his meadow. But when we drew the field we found that she had wisely passed on elsewhere. We continued our search, and presently heard Bun- bury Church clock strike two in the distance, reminding us of the lines— Bad luck to the country, the dock has struok two, We had found ne'er a fox in the gorses we drew, When each heart felt & thrill At the sound "Tally-ho I" Once more a view holloa from old Oulton Lowe. After drawing for another hour, we had given up all hopes, and most of the field had left us and gone home, when suddenly there was a view holloa in the next field, belonging to Mr. John Robinson (Gosland Green). We found that Parker, a boy from Bunbury village, had fortu- nately spied a travelling hare running along the fence in the fieid that he was crossing. Away hounds went down to the Wardle brook, and turning left-handed, crossed the fields to Birds- lane. After going along it for some distance they turned into the fields again and streamed away for Wardle Hall. We were quickly reduced to following their cry. Straight on they went between the Hall and the cover to close by Mr. Barker's farm, where they hunted slowly through a field of cattle, enabling us to catch up to them again. Turning right-handed, they checked in the lane leading to Mr. Richard Boffey's. A boy perched on the top of a gate, who had been yelling himself hoarse for the last three minutes, said that the hare had crossed the lane. At first hounds did not hit it off, but presently old Bell- man spoke and the rest of the pack flew to his well-known note. Away they went again, and, crossing the- brook hiinted along. the meadows making the vale ring with their glad beneath, A little further on they left the meadows music. and seemed to be heading straight for Burland, but the hare had evidently turned in the direction of home, for some men commenced holloaing on the Haughton side of Wardle Hall. Almost at the same moment hounds swung round right- handed and fairly raced to close by Mr. Boffey's farm buildings, where a cart road bounded by some small crofts caused a check. But a cast beyond the enclosures set matters right. A couple of fields further on a large mob of heifers had foiled and stained the ground, and our now beaten hare began to dodge and twist about, never going straight for more than fifty yards at a time. Hounds now shewed to great advantage, working out some very cunning doubles. Mar- shall and Treasure, two trusty hounds, especially put in some capital work. Soon afterwards, as thev hunted across Mr. John Shore s farm with a failing scent, a whistle from Vickers, the game- keeper, in a field ahead, told us that she was not far in front, and directly afterwards we saw her upon the further side of a fallow field. Glory caught sight of her going through the fence, and at the end of another ten minutes hounds ran her in view. Although beaten, she was a stout hare, and irsde a brave spurt, unsighting the hounds round an angle in the hedgerow. But in a field further on they killed in a spinney upon Mr. John Shore's farm, after a magnificent run of one hour and forty minutes, which more than compensated for the delay in finding. After the mask and pads had been taken off, the hare was given to the hounds, and right well they deserved their worry. Hares in many places are still in the covers, and although we were so long in finding last Saturday, I venture to predict that we shall not be long in doing so upon the next occasion that we meet in the neighbourhood. On Tuesday we met at Dunham-o -th -Hill. There was a good attendance, including, in addition to the master and whip, Mr. N. Came, Mr. G. Stuart. Mr. 3. Arkle. Mr. Rodewald, Mrs. Powell (driving), Mr. H. Smith, Miss Sibyl Smith, Mr. Eric J. Dickson, Miss Muriel Mortimer. Mr. F. Mortimer, Mr. Wm. Mortimer, Mr. Greenhowe, Mr. Stuart (Frodsham), Mr. B. Rigby. Mr. James Turbetrt, and a few strangers whom I did not know. After a little time a hare was found, and, although scent was rather catchy at first, it rapidly improved and hounds began to press her. At the end of fifty- five minutes they viewed her several times, and at last. when hounds were right uOOn her. she saved her scut bv going to ground in a drain. We then ascended .Alvanley Hill to draw for a fresh hare, leaving Howarth and a few others to trv and get our old hare out (\f the drain. A small terrier was brought from Dunham smithy and put in at the end where she had entered. She immediately bolted into Mr. W. Mortimer's arms at the other opening. She was kept until the evening, and being none the worse for her adventures, was set at liberty in the neighbour- hood where we found her. In the meantime we bad found a strong hare upon the hili side, and she afforded us a capital run of one hour and twenty minutes, being eventually lost upon the railway, when hounds were sent home for the day. LEVERET.

SIR W. W. WYNN'S HOUNDS MKET OS Saturday, October 26, Sandford .at 930 Monday, October 28, Broxton at 100 Wednesday, October 30. Shelbrooke .at 10.0 Friday, November 1, Whittal .at 100 Saturday, November 2, Newbridge .at 10.0 1

UNSEASONABLE PHEASANTS. I IMPORTANT PROSECUTION. I At Mansion-House Poiioe Court, London, on Tuesday, Archibald William Liversidge, trading as H. Byrne and Co., of Leadenhall Market, at- tended before the Lord Mayor, at the instance of the Field Sports Protection and Encouragement Association, on a summons alleging that, being a person licensed to deal in game, he unlawfully and knowingly had in his shop twelve pheasants in the close season. He pleaded guilty. Mr. Bart- ley Denniss was counsel for the "defence. Mr. Charles Mathews, who, with Mr. Gur Stephen- son, appeared for the prosecution, said that for pheasants the close season was between February 1 and October 1. The association had been in- duced to take the present proceedings in conse- quence of a letter which had been handed them shewing that the prisoner's firm bad been willing to purchase grouse in the close season. In order to ascertain if the same course was being taken in regard to pheasants, a gamekeeper was brought. -1: I into communication, through the association, with I the firm, with the result that they purchased from him on September 28 six brace of pheasants, which had been sent from Norfolk two days pre- viously, and for which, after paving for the car- riage, they gave him jBl 12s. 8d. On the 29th they bought six more for 17s. The importance of the case rested on the fact that the prisoner's firm, who claimed to have the largest. outlet for pheasants in London, were thus attempting to corrupt the servants of game preservers, by holding out inducements to them, to take their masters' property and dispose of it for their own benefit.- Mr. Bartley Denniss said that Mr. Liversidge him- self, bad no personal knowledge of the transac- tions, which were undertaken by a new manager of his, in the first season of his employment, who was under the impression that, while it was not lawful for him to sell pheasants before October 1, there was no harm in buying them before that date for sale when the season began. As a re- sult of these proceedings the firm's game licence would be forfeited.—The Lord Mayor said it was common knowledge that Mr. Liversidge belonged. I to a highly-respected city family, and, so far as he was personally concerned, he accepted the ex- planation. He should impose the mitigated pen- alty of JB6 and £ 5 5s. ooste.

TRAFALGAR-DAY. I NELSON COLUMN DECORATED. I As Monday was the anniversary of the great victory won ninety-six years ago at Trafalgar over the combined French and Spanish Fleets under Villeneuve, the Nelson Column at Charmg-cross was again decorated in honour of the occasion. The Navy I League, which has carried out this work for some I years past with the object of keeping the memory of our great Naval hero ever fresh in the minds of the people, has this year adopted a simple but effective scheme of decoration. The Column it- self, as was the case twelve months ago, has been left entirely without ornament of any kind, the deoorations being confined to the plinth and base. The extensive use of laurel brightened with many flags is the main feature of the present design. This evergreen fittingly frames the four panels representing Nelson's battles, and droops in grace- ful festoons from the plinth to the lions, each of which holds a wreath in his jaw. Laurel also sur- rounds the base. At the corners cf the plinth are trophies of arms, while above the panels are placed shields bearing the crosses of St. George, St. Andrew and St. Patrick, and the Imperial Crown, with the five Stars of the Southern Cross. Round the base are ranged numerous British and Colonial flags, their colours being thrown up in strong re- lief against the grey background of stone and the green of the interlacing laurel. The wreaths and floral emblems sent from all parts of the Empire were very numerous, many being only placed in position on Monday morning. From an early hour there was an endless stream of people passing round the Column, gradually growing in numbers as the day wore on, in spite of dull and foggy weather. The decorations are to be left in their places until to-day (Wednesday). The members of the Royal Navy Club, 1765-85, on Monday dined at the Whitehall Rooms, Hotel Metropole, to commemorate the Battle of Trafal- gar. Admiral Sir Edward Hobart Seymour pre- sided, and the guest of the evening was Lieutenant- General Lord William Seymour. Covers were laid for one hundred and thirty-five.

THE ARMY AND VOLUNTEERS I In the 1st Cheshire and Carnarvonshire Volunteer Artillery, Capt. J. B. Hall is granted the honorary rank of major; Surgeon-Major E. J. Lloyd, M.D., to be tiurg eon-lieuteri ant- colonel., CAPTAIN TUBTON.—Friday night's London Gazette announced that Capt. R. D. Turton, of the Cheshire Regiment, is seconded for service as governor of a military prison. PROMOTION IN THK CHESHIBES. Sergt.- Major Foley, of the Cheshire Regiment, is gazetted quartermaster, with the honorary rank of lieutenant, vice Hon. Lieut. R. M'Kay, deceased. Lieut. J. F. A. St. Maur-Sbeil is appointed a second-lieutenant, from 4th Batt., vice G. V. Hornby, seeonded. CHESHIRE: VOLUNTEERS' DIFFICULTY.—The Northwich Company of the 3rd Volunteer Battalion Cheshire Regiment have, for the first time for over 20 years, found it necessary under peculiar circumstances to abandon the annual prize shooting, which has ranked as one of the most interesting events in Mid-Cheshire. The primary cause is an imperative order from the War Office to all 3rd Cheshire companies that under no circumstances must the public be appealed to for funds for Volunteer efforts. Without such aid local prize shooting is found impossible. Cheshire Volunteers are also seriously hampered by the closing of the Owley Wood range, under the War Office orders. MAXIM FOR THE EARL OF CHESTEX'S. Owing to the fact that the 2nd V. B. Cheshire Regiment forms part of the 30th Brigade for Home Defence they have received a khaki- coloured Maxim gun from the War Office. Of course it is only to be expected that the men are delighted with their new possession, and are eager to get to work on it. A class for non- commissioned officers will be formed for instruction in the mechanism of the gun. This class will be followed by classes for a section from each company. They hope to have it out for the first time on the 6t h of November, when they go for a route march. With the drag ropes the gun r?qmres a non commissioned officer and eight men to use it. If mules are used only two will be required. Th .ffieers hope that early in the year a range nearer than Altcar will be secured. Burton Point has been suggested as a possible site. The mtn are wished success with their 'new acquisition. 2ND (EARL OF CHESTER'S) VOLUNTEER BAT- TALION CHESHIRE REGIMENT. -Headquarters, Cheater, 23rd October, 1901. Regimental orders by Colonel T. J. Smith. V. D.. commanding. 1. Route March: The Headquarter Companies will parade in drill order (leggings to be worn) at 7-30 p.m. on Wednesday next, 30th inst., for route marching, cyclists, stretcher bearers, and band to attend. The maxim gun detachment will be furnished by E Company and commanded by Lieut. W. A. V. Churton. A strong mnster is requested. Refreshments at Pulford. 2. Arms and equipment: All rifles, bayonets, sight pro- tectors, oil bottles, und puilthroughs in possession of members must be returned to the Armoury at once—By order (signed), C. E. BROMLEY. captain, Acting-Adjutant, 2nd V.B. Cheshire Regiment.

HUNDRED WRATHFUL WAITERS.—A babel o objurgatory remarks in many languages was heard at the Douglas Hotel, in Ens ten-road, on Saturday. It all arose out of an advertisement in a morning paper for two waiters at Bourne- mouth. Candidates were directed to apply at the betel mentioned at noon. They did. There were about 100 of them, mostly Germans, Italians, Swiss, French, and Austrians. One by one they were admitted to the room that the advertiser had temporarily engaged. A fee of 15s., it is stated, first had to be paid over by the applicants, representing, as they were told, the agent's fee. Then they received a letter of engagement," which they were to take with them and present to the proprietor of a Bournemouth hotel. After leaving, curiosity led several of the waiters to open their sealed letter of engage- ment. They were shocked to find inside what is alleged to have been simply a blank sheet of 1 notepaner. Some immediately went back to j inform those not yet engaged." Others ran to the Albanj-Bfcrebt Police Station. It was lucky they did so. When Detective-sergeant White arrived at the Douglas Hotel an in- furiated crowd of waiters was manifesting dangerous symptoms of a desire to wreck the furniture. One or two pictures are said to have been damaged, though the hotel authori- ties, of course, were in no way responsible. The arrest of the, agent." William Nieman, brought I comparative tranquility. pieman, described as a German and a waiter, of 20, Endell-street, Long Acre, was subsequently remanded, charged with robbing by means of a trick three of the waiters—Zeisberger, Kappman, and Freytag. Shewn the blank nbeet of paper, prisoner said, I am sorry I forgot to write the engage- ment." Wbitbread's, or Ind-Coope's, Ale and Stout, in pint bottles, ,.li he bad in single dozens from I ll. iCo., Chtsltr,

ANÆMIA Mrs. GERTRTTDE MORLEV, of Crown Street, Awsworth, Ilkeston, suf- fered from Anaemia from being eighteen years of age. Speaking of her condition, she says:—" I always felt tired and weary, worn- out, and miserable. I lost all power to digest my food, and became so emaciated that I could 3 only walk a few steps at a time, | holding on to the furniture to | support me. I began to take Bile § Beans, and the result has been 1 marvellous. In a few short months 1 they completely cured me. I am 1 now in the enjoyment of perfect | health, and the other day I walked i eight miles with ease I" K BILE BEANS cure Anaemia by n putting the digestive system and H liver into proper condition. This S being done, all the food taken is K turned into good rich blood and L opt jtj pure. Anasmia is thus rendered impossible. Of all Chemists, ljl j & 219 per box, or H Post Free from the Bile Bean Co I Po.t Free from ilie ■ J> cC- 120, London Wall, London E.C.

A CORPORATION SCANDAL. PUBLIG INQUIRY. An inquiry was opened at Leeds on Saturday concerning certain allegations on the subject of illegal trading and other irregularities which are preferred against some members of the City CounciL Correspondence read by the Town Clerk revealed a series of charges against several members of the Corporation.—Mr. W. J. Dixon, the first witness, alleged that he bad been refused an allotment on Burley estate, which, he maintained, had been improperly exploited;" that a member of the Council had dealt unfairly with him, and that the same member sanctioned sub-letting, and had received money illegally. The Tows Clerk replied seriatim to these charges, and the investigation of other charges was then proceeded with.—The inquiry was adjourned.—The inquiry was resumed on Monday at Leeds Town Hall The proceedings were thrown open to the press. Councillor Henry brought some charges of irregularities against Councillor Appleton with reference to the sale of some land acquired by the Corporation. Messrs. Sheldon owned the land, and it was alleged Mr. Appleton had shares in the company and voted on the question. Councillor Appleton gave a full explanation, admitting that he had twenty-five shares in the company and that he had voted, but he disclaim- ed any impure motives, and explained that the matter was settled by arbitration to the advantage of the Corporation. The charges by Mr. J. Dransfield were preferred at the Leeds Corporation inquiry on Tuesday aiternoon, Mr. H. E. Masser, solicitor, conducting the investi- gation. It was stated that in 166 cases receipts for sums of £2 and upwards had been given by the Corporation officials without stamps, and that the Excise officials bad the matter in hand. There was a further allegation that Councillor R. Boston, chairman of the Burley Estate Recreation Ground, had spent £1,462 19s. in « excess of the sum voted, also that R26 had been paid to Councillor Wilson as mayor's auditor, and that no member of the Corporation ought to receive Euch payment. This point was con- tested by the Town Clerk. Councillor Boston explained that the excess was due to the ftttt that the work could not be carried out other- wise. Other explanations followed, and the inquiry was again adjourned. —

TH E CECIL-BAIN ROMANCE. I A QUIET WEDDING. Lieutenant Richard William Francis Cecil was quietly married to Miss Bain in Edinburgh ehprCy before noon on Monday, the ceremony taiung .place in Morningside Parish Church, in the preaence^bf about a dozen persons. Lieutenant Cecil and Misa Bain were aooompanied to the church by. the father and mother of the bride, driving there in an ordinary cab. Although the exact place of worship was kept a secret, about a score of peopie presented themselves for admission, but there seemo to havo been some difficulty in obtaining entrance, and during the progress of the ceremony, which only lasted seven minutes, they were, much to ttfeir evident disgust, excluded. The Rev. R. H. Fishor, minister of Momingside. was the officiating clergy- man, and the order of service waa that commonly adopted by ministers of the Church of Scotland. The absence of any Congregation and the lack of any choral service gave an almost gloomy aspect to the wedding. Lieutenant Cecil was unattende d, and Miss Bain had no bridesmaids. She was given away by her father, and there being no protest or incident, the parties afterwards signed the mar- riage certificate, which was furnished them by Mr. Forrest, session clerk. The young lieuteIltnt was dressed in a blue sergo jacket suit, while the lady wore a costume of electric blue, with hat to match. Afterwards the wedding breakfast Wall served in the house of Mr. Martin, Chamberfaan- road. The company numbered about twenty ladies and gentlemen. The Rev. R. IL Fisher pro- posed the health of the newly-married pair, ex- pressing the hope that they would have many years of quiet happiness. The toast was cordially pledged. Mr. Cecil responded in a word. Mr. liain, the bride's father, afterwards expressed on behalf of himself and Mrs. Bain their warm ap- preciation of and gratitude for the kindness which had been extended to them, the assistance which had been provided them at a trying time, and the sympathy which the Press and the public had abundantly manifested. A scene of extraordinary enthusiasm was witnessed at the Waverley station in the afternoon when Lieutenant and Mrs. Oecit left for York. The newly-married pair were discovered in a reserved compartment, and im- mediately a crowd, which numbered in its ranka all sorts and conditions of men and women, col- lected and enthusiastically cheered. The youthful element shouted for a speech, but Lieutenant Cecil declined. Thereupon, with one accord, the crowd started up "For toe's a jolly good fellow." This was followed later on by repealed shouts of "Sootland for ever." The bride smiled and waved her hand to the crowd, but the lieutenant appeared unconcerned. As the train steamed out of the station the cheers were renewed. Detectives travelled with the train. ARRIVAL IN LONDON. Lieutenant and Mrs. Cecil arrived at Iiingro- cross Station, at 6.35 on Tuesday evening in the second part of the Scotch express from York. A large number of people had assembled at the station to witness the arrival, and when the young pair alighted from the train they were heartily cheered. This was repeated when they drove away in & four-wheeled cab to Brown's Hotel, Albermarle-street. Lieutenant Cecil was asked whether he purposed surrendering himself on the charge of contempt of Courts and he replied that he had decided not to take the initiative, but would leave the matter entirely in the hands of the Lord Chancellor. Several of the bystanders congratulated him on his marriage, and both he and his wife expressed their thanks for the good wishes that were being showered upon them. CHANCERY PROCEEDINGS. The Press Association understands that on Monday an application was made to the Lord Chief J ustice, sitting in chambers at the Royal Courts of Justice, London, respecting the Cecil- Bain marriage. The proceedinge were, of course, private and what form the application took, or by whom it was made has not tran- spired. At the rising of the court for luncheon a representative of the Press Association applied to Lord Alverstone to grant permission for the publication of what had taken ptaca, and his lordship replied, Certainly not." The Chancery writ granted in London for the arrest of Lieut. Cecil for disobeying the orders of the court and for keeping company with Miss Bain expired at half-past ten on Monday morning. Lieut. Cecil is grandson of the late Sir Win. Cunliffe Brooks and son of Lady Frances Cecil, and Miss Jessie Bain is the daughter of lb. Bain, stockbroker, Belfast. LADY CECIL AND THE MARRIAGB, The Press Association is authoritatively in- formed that Lady Cecil will take farther proceed- ings against Lieutenant Cecil for his marriage with Miss Bain. It is expected that Lieutenant Oecil will throw himself upon the mercy of the Chanoery Court, aud probably make application to the ChanoeUor for a guin towards maintenance until he reaches the age of twenty-one. I The same correspondent is authorised tostaie that Lady Cecil b* not acted with any vindfcBve spirit. »

I TIME TRIES ALL. For over 50 yean Hewitts Boots have stood the test of time, ud are sou unsurpassed and unequalled. Abbey Gateway ad next to Musi; Hall.