Cheshire Observer

CHESTER STEAM LAUNDRY. VICTORIA ROAD (CLOSE BY THE NORTHGATK STATION). All the arrangements ,ire,on the most approved modern system for Washing, Ironing, Drying, Packing, &c., and the management most efficient. W. H. LIPSH AM, Secretary & General Manager Chester Steam Laundry Co., Ltd ) ^a* Inspection is specallv invited on any day excepting Mondays" and Saturdays. TELEPHONE 68. Ev \\s & CO. WINE & SPIRIT MERCHANTS, THE EASTGATE, CHESTER. WTNRS tV- SPIRITS OF FTXKST QUALITY. FINDLATER'S NOURISHING STOUT. HEINEKEN'S LAGER BEER. BASS' PALE ALE. PRICE LIST OK APPLICATION.

CHESTER COUNTY COURT. THURSDAY.—Before His Honour Sir Horatio Lloyd. SAUGHALL DITCH DISPUTE.—The case was mentioned in which Mr H. D. Trelawny, of Shotwick Park, recently sued several persons for damages for trespass over the site of an alleged ditch at Saughall. which was claimed by a widow named Mrs. Sadler as her property. Mr. Trelawny claimed an injunction as well as damages, but a uryfter a two I?tys' hearing and a visit to the tocus in quo, found a verdict for defendants with costs against Mr. Trelawny, There was a cross- acticn on the list, in which Mrs. Sadler claimed damages from Mr. Trelawny for trespass in regard to the same bit of land, and in which she asked for a deIaration timt the property was hers and an injunction restraining Mr. Trelawny from tres- -F -6 was anii(,unce d thztt a passing in the future, is was announced that a settlement had been arrived at, Mrs. Sadler to have £"2 damages, a. declaration of ownership, and an injunction, the costs against Mr. Trelawny to be on scale C." includic g counsel's feed for pre- paration of claim.

HUNTING. I -.0- NORTH CHESHIRE. I DINNER TO KEEPERS AND EARTH I STOPPERS. The annual dinner tv the keepers and earth stoppers was given or Saturday at the Bear Hotel, Middlewich, and on Monday at the White Barn Hoiel, Cuddington. More than 150 sat down to dinner on the c »o days, after being paid their usual fees. Mr. ti M. Wilson, the master, presided on both day assisted by Mr. Hewitt, of Kelsall. and Mr. T. Oubberly, the huntsman. After dinner there was x short speech from the master, who asked all present to help him in the corn insr season to try and keep the foxes above ground, otherwise to stop well all earths and other places. Without this was done it wm im- possible for any ma-?r to shew sport. The remainder of the afteruoon on each occasion was spent in the eujoyuivor of a long pipe and -t moderate supply of ivi,ky punch, etc. This is the first time the master of this hunt has pre. i Bided at these meeting"- for many years. It is Mr. Wilson's intention fco be always present, if possible, so long as I-, .,s master.

WYXNSTAT HUNTSMAN. George Sharpe, the popular Wynnstay huntsman, after twenty years' service, has, it is stated, resigned, leaving Ruabon for Bosworth, headquarters of the Pytchley pack.

AUCTION SALES. I ■ -J*. VALUE OF PROPERTY AT MIDDLEWICH. rv, ix" i i ■» *■ va n eunecuay lUS.i,M. tuanah and Koot>rfc*, Chester, auctioneers, submitted to public auction, E* the White Bear Hotel, Middlewich, a valuable freehold estate, known is the Cross-Lanes Farm., with six ccttages and gA.dens and 821 acres of ex- cellent -land, Situated tr. the townships of Loose led Rudheath, :l the parishes of Middlewich and Daveuham. The Crc,-oi-Lanes Farm, containing in the whole 68a. 2r, lip., was first offered, the bid- ding starting at £ 2,CC0. but rapidly rose to E3,500, fit which figure Mr. Joh i Ford, Cranage, Middle- wich. was declared the buyer. The six cottages, garden and fioid. containing' in the whole 7a. ir. 7p., was, after keen competition, knocked down to Mr. Dovenpoir, Wimsboldsley, Middle- wich, for £750. and a valuable accommodation | field, near the church, eventually fell to the bid of Air. Maddceks, Higher Farm, Bayley, at £380. The attendance was a large and influential one, and the bidding mo-i spirited, the sale being a great success. Mr. H. S. Whalley, of Chester, the surveyor, wr.il > Mr. James J. Booth, 33, John Will;ani-trF-t, I-luddersfield, acted as *o;ic:tor to the vendors

The Arm y Service Corps ttog?enta.1 Sports, held at Manchester on Sat iii d.\ ^y, patron- ?Pnf ?iorGeneraJ L V. Swame, C.B., CM.G. At t'A,I!r ??'?itural Show on Saturday,  R?b? Ve,b„«i:. M.Pf?r!y swept the boards in the heavy: ?.or.? section He was the winner of the first prize in the class for mares most likelv to breed a foal witfi Lily of the Valley, and was nt-cond in the (;h:" for a m,1re or gelding for ■draught or agrieu'turai purposes. Mr. Yerburgh wag deservedly first in th; colt or filly class, with a foal by Combination, a youngster full of promise. Premier honours were also secured by the member for Chaster in the class for mares to breed a foal for draught or agricultural purposes. In the heifer under three years' cla-56 he was awarded the second place. PHONOGRAPH AT THg TMFIRMARY.— Mr. William H. Tw ycross, of Stafford, on Tuesday afternoon I gave a very entertaining exhibition of the phono- graph in the wards of the General Infirmary for the patients' amusement. Bacon, cheese and lavl are still advancing in price, and higher, prices must be obtained by the trade. A prominent provision merchant was heard to say that then? was no pleasure in selling at such high prices and that if provisions went much dearer they had better be left in America.

VOLCANIC CATASTROPHE. I AVALANCHE OF FIRE, LAVA & ASHES. I A TOWN BURIED. I THOUSANDS PERISH. I The town of St. Pierre, in the French West Indian island of Martinique, oontaining a popu- lation of nearly 26,000, was totally destroyed on Thursday morning by a sudden eruption of Mount Pelee, a normally quiescent volcano 5,000 feet high, which overhangs the town, and which lately had been shewing signs of activity A gigantic train of fire, supposed to be molten lava and ashes, fell on the town and set it on fire. Nobody seems to have escaped save a few con- nected with the shipping in the harbour, which was all destroyed except the British ship Roddam. which, running the gauntlet, steamed outwards and escaped, sustaining much damage and losing a score of the crew killed and injured. "i 'h crew of the Roddam stato the disaster was "like a glinipse of hell, beggaring language." The total loss of life in Martinique is now esti- mated at 40,000—including the Governor. Very great consternation prevails in Paris. This volcanic visitation of the West Indies may prove far more terrible than is at present known. It is officially announced that the dread volcano of La Soufriere, in the British island of St. Vincent, was—as seen from the sea-in eruption on Wednesday, and the results are likeiy to prove most serious. Tht.1 Colonial Office on Saturday received the follow- ing from Sir F. Hodgson, Governor of Barbadoes :— Soufriere, St. Vincent erupted violently yesterday. Loud reports resembling artillery fire were heard at Barbadoes at three o'cloc k in afternoon. At five- in the evening darkness and thunder, accom- panied by a strong downpour of dust, continued till night time. I 40,000 PERSONS PERISH. It is now possible to form a fairly accurate estimate of the extent of the disaster which has befallen the French colony of Martinique in general, and its commercial capital, St. Pierre, in particular. Every telegram received shews that the catastrophe has been in no way exaggerated, and that to all intent3 and purposes St. Pierre has been annihilated, _1- J.1- 1 I Willi me vasx. majority or its mnaoitants. some estimates place the number of the dead as high as 40,000, but the exact truth probably will never be known. One telegram states that about 5,000 fugitives are collected on the hills around St. Pierre, but there is nothing to show whether these unfortunate people, who are being removed as quickly as possible, formed part of the population of that town, or had tied from their homes in the adjoining country. The bodies of the dead am being cremated. The stories told by eye- witnesses vary in details, but all agree in describing the terrible suddenness with which the avalanche of fire, lava, ashes, and stones overwhelmed the un- happy town. In five minutes, or less, the destruc- tion was wrought, so that there was no chance of flight, even had any secure place of refuge been available. Little doubt exists that the Governor of the Colony, M. Mouttet, and many of his officials perished, together with numerous representatives of French mercantile firms. A similar fate overtook the whale of the shipping in the harbour, which is said to have contained nearly a score of vessels, with the exception of the British steamer Roddam, and the safety of this boat appears to have been entirely due to the heroism of her commander, Captain Freeman. While three-fourths of his officers and crew lav around him dead or badly injured by the storm of flame that descended from the volcano, he, alone and unaided, steered his vessel out of the zone of danger, remaining at his post in spite of the serious burns he had himself sustained. With great promptitude the French Government is bestirring itself to render assistance to the stricken island, and a special messenger had left Brest with a first instal- ment of £ 20,(MX) for the aid of the sufferers. The American Government had also ordered two war vessels to proceed to Martinique to ascertain what help can be given. A bill authorising the President to afford this succour has been submitted to Congress and has passed the Senate. I COMPLETELY IN RUINS. I I STREETS STREWN WITH BODIES. I The King has sent a thousand pounds to Paris for the relief of the sufferers by the Martinique disaster. A letter of profound sympathy, accom- panied by ten thousand marks, has been sent by the German Emperor to President Loubet, and the Czar has telegraphed his sympathy, as well as that of the Czarina. The Italian Chamber on Monday voted a message of sympathy. Relief parties who have landed at St. Pierre report that the city is completely in ruins, and the streets strewn with bodies, no living thing being seen, and no water procurable. Subterranean rumblings- were still heard, and in the northern part of the Island the land was in a state of constant move- ment, the sea for a mile from the shore being covered with wreckage. The British administrator of Dominica. hears from Martinique that new craters are open in many directions, rivers aro overflowing their banks, and almost total darkness continues. The Governor of Barbados has sent food and medical help to the island. I ST. VINCENT ERUPTION. I I CRITICAL SITUATION. I I VEILED BY TIRE. I I A Central News telegram, dated New York, Thursday, says: -"The Journal's correspondent at Fort de France cables that crowds of distraught men, women and children block the streets, and every public place is filled with refugees. The sight of men crying and women in hysterics has become so common as to pass unnoticed. It is doubtful whether St. Pierre will ever be rebuilt. The situation at St. Vincent is veiled behind a wall of fire. An entire tribe of Caribs has been exterminated. There is intense suffering throughout the island. The streams are polluted with lava and people are dying of thirst. The oiffcers of the French vessel Suchet have endeavoured to approach the coast near Mount Pelee to ascertain whether another violent eruption is probable, but they are unable to get near the shore. Local scientists argue that the destruction of St. Pierre was too swift and too sudden to have been brought about by the agency of fire alone. They attribute the devastation to some unknown electric phe- nomena, the fire being only a supplementary agent. The Fort de France correspondent of the "World" says that the eruption of La Sou- friere at St. Vincent was vastly more extensive than the eruption at Martinique. During Thurs- day and Friday last the sea off the north coast of St. Vincent was a veritable boiling cauldron. Many of those who fled from the district for safety were killed by lightning. North of Kings- town there is no drinking water, all the stream-, being fouled by the outpourings of the volcano. Canoes. each containing two casks of drinking water, are being sent to the north of the s land, where numbers of refugees are collected. The sea is very rough, and the work is attended with great difficulty.

LIVERPOOL POLICE SCANDAL. A STRANGE STORY. ALLEGED CONSPIRACY. At Liverpool Assizes, on Friday, Mr. Justice Wills and a special jury commenced the hearing" of a remarkable action by William Patrick Welsh an ex-detective-sergeant of the city police forced against his late superior officers for conspiracy and false imprisonment. The defendants were Edwin bperrin, chief clerk, and third in command of the 1P torce; Thomas btrettell, chief detective-superin- tendent; and Robert Duckworth, detective-inspec- tor, lal3 immediate superior. The case, as outlined by Mr. Taylor for plaintiff was or an extraordinary nature, the plaintiff allowing that at the instance of the defendants ne had obtained certain perquisites from ships' stewards and others, and that ultimately, by way of preventing disclosure, the defendants sough- to obtain his retirement from the police force, and that they attempted this by representing to the Lhief Constable, that he was suffering from dfl- lusions, and was not in a mental condition to con- tinue his police duties. The plaintiff had, in fact, been confined for a few davs in the InnatiV w-arrl of a Liverpool workhouse, but the surgeons de- clmed to certify for his detention, and he was liberated. On Saturday plaintiff was subjected to a long but repeated his statements as to havmg obtained corn, cigars and other things from the docks, and also spirits from bonded vaults. He had not thought of using the letters which he had in his possession until Duckworth to;d him he was a thief. Asked as to why he did not report to the head constable the fact that superior officers had written these letters to him, the plaintiff stated that if he had done so it would have meant his ruin in the force. The reasons he suggested for the defendants' entering into a conspiracy against him were the discovery bv them of his being in possession of letters asking 1- r.im to get goods. Plaintiff was still under cross- examination when the court adjourned. On Mon- day the plaintiff was severely questioned by Mr. M-Cail as to his honesty in answering interroga- J tions from the Head Constable, who asked him to report all complaints which he had against any officer, and he admitted that in his report he never mentioned Mr. Strettell. He, however, per- sisted in his charges as to obtaining goods from the docks and other places for StretteU and Sperrin. Evidence having been called as to the medical examinations which resulted in Welsh being discharged from the padded room in which he had been detained, Mr. M'Call, for the defence, suggested that the very serious charge which had been brought forward was founded upon the mor- bid imaginings of a man who believed that every member of the force was against him. Captain Nott Bower, called for the defence, said he ac- cepted responsibility for all the proceedings which. led to Welsh's arrest. His examinatjon had not concluded when the court adjourned. On Tuesday all three defendants gave evidence, and deii,d in toto all the allegations made against them. On Wednesday evidence was given by police officers to the effect that Welsh was constantly complaining of tyranny on the part of his superior officers and other members of the force, one of his greatest grievances being that he was perse- cuted on account of being an Irishman and a Roman Catholic. Chief-Inspector Robertson, In- spector Pogue and other police officials testified that these suspicions and charges were absolutely without foundation. CHESTER CHIEF CONSTABLE'S I EVIDENCE. Mr. John Henry Laybourne, Chief Constable of Chester, said he was formerly a member of I the Liverpool detective force, and from 1893 to 1897 was under Inspector Stret.tell. He had re- cently been ill in bed, but on Monday he read in the newspaper plaintiff's assertion that he had never received money to get corn from the Corix, Exchange for Mrs. Nott-Bower. j Mr. M'Call: Did you yesterday morning send; a telegram to Captain Nott-Bower?—Yes. In consequence of that telegram you are here as a. witness?—Yes. Witness then stated that one morning he brought the reports and a.letter down to Inspector Stret- tell. Strettell opened the letter, and then said to witness, "See if Welsh is in." I called Welsh, witness added, and he came in. Mr. Strettell said, "I have a letter from Mrs. Nott-Bower ask- ing me to get her some corn sweepings. Go down to the Corn Exchange and get a sack, and send it to her house by parcel delivery." He then took out his purse and gave Welsh 10s. What for?-The corn. I then, at Strettell's request, answered the letter to Mrs. Nott-Bower, saying the corn had been ordered. Cross-examined, witness said the incident in question took place some time between 1893 and 1897, but he could not recall the exact date. He remembered saying to Mr. StretteU when he was answering Mrs. Nott-Bower's letter, "What a very large hand Mrs. Bower writes; it is a peculiar thing Captain Nott-Bower writes the same- hand." Tho bonded warehouseman whom plaintiff called "Jack" denied in evidence ever having given Welsh bottles of spirits out of bond. Alder- man Maxwell, chairman of the Watch Committee, testified that when Welsh was before the com- mittee he said he had no charges to make, and withdrew his allegations. Evidence was also given by Drs. Dawson and Lowndes, police surgeons, that they separately examined Welsh, and came to the conclusion that he was suffering from mental delusions, and Dr. Dawson said he certified that Welsh was a dangerous lunatic, and should be, put under care and control. Dr. Wiglesworth, who also examined Welsh, said he concurred in the opinion that plaintiff was suffering from mental j disorder of a dangerous kind, but it was quite un- iustiSable to nut him in a padded room. THE VERDICT. I The trial concluded at the Liverpool Assize.9 on Thursday. The jury found a verdict for the defendants on the charge of conspiracy and for the plaintiff on that of false imprisonment, and after a second retirement they assessed damages for the plaintiff at £ 200. Mr. McCall asked for judgment for the defendants with costs on the finding of the jury with regard to conspiracy The judge directed that the question of costs should be argued before him yesterday (Friday), and srranted a stay of execution for three weeks.

THE YEOMANRY CAMP. j COLD AND WET WEATHER. j [FROM OUR OWN REPORTER.] i The Eclrl of Chester's Imperial Yeomanry Cavalry Regiment went under canvas at Oakmere on Tuesday afternoon, for their annual fourteen days' training. It has been their lot to experience some trying weather. The first night they were in camp two degrees of frost were registered, and if some of the yeomen thought longingly of the com- fort of their feather beds at home who could blame them. The following night—Wednesday—the clerk of the weather, to vary the monotony, caused rain to fall heavily, and the downpour continued intermittently throughout Thursday. Neverthe- less, the men are making the best of matters, and are entering on their duties with a cheerfulness which does them infinite credit. Time was when the Roodee, Chester, was the scene of the annual encampment, and when the horses were lodged in the stables of the various hostels in the city. Two years ago a change was made, and for the first time the regiment underwent their training under canvas at Altear. The regiment are camping on the same ground they occupied last year—on the fringe of Delamère Forest, twelve miles from the citv—and it is as suitable a piece of ground as could be found in the county. The site is about fifty acres in extent, but in all some- thing like 300 to 400 acres can be placed under contribution, and, as it is an undulating country, it is most valuable for reconnaissance, scouting, mounted and dismounted service. A week ago an advance party entered into occupation of the ground and ereoted the tents, two lines for each squadron, canteens, hospital, orderly room, officers' mess, and so on. The subsoil of the camping ground is sandy and dry the water of the Oakmere is available for the horses; while the men are supplied from the Vyrnwy service pipes of the Liverpool Corporation, which pass near the camp. The regiment has increased considerably in strengfh, the parade slate shewing that there were 25 officers and 450 men in camp. The patriotic spirit called forth by the war probably accounts in a large measure for this growth in the regiment, and it is highly gratifying to find ci vilians so willingly coming forward, often at inconvenience to themselves, to make themselves efficient for the defence of their country. It may be said that there is an obligation on the part of some farmers to do service, but there are many others who are volun- teers. Colonel the Earl of Harrington is in com- mand, with Lieutenant-Colonel Tomkinson, who was absent on ieave owing to his Parliamentary 1 duties until Thursday. The particulars with regard to the various squadrons are as followA Squadron (Tatton): About 85 strong, officers, Major the Hon. Alan de Tatton Egerton. M.P.. Major Birlev, Lieutenant Phillips, Lieutenant Egerton, Second Lieutenant A. Holland; B Squadron (Eaton) About 95 strong, officers, Major Lord Arthur Grosvenor, Captain the Duke of Weitmlllster, Lieutenants Swetenham, Barnston and Barbour Major George Wyndham is absent on leave through Parliamentary duties C Squadron (Arley) About 120 strong, officeIT., Captain H. M. Wilson, Lieutenants Verdin, Glazebrook and Massey; i D Squadron About 130 strong, officers, Major Brocklehurst, Captain Sir Philip Grey- i Egerton. Lieuts. Legh, Lees-Milne, and Tomkin- son. Captain Neil Haig is the adjutant, and Surgeon-Captain J. E. Phillips has charge of the hospital arrangements, while the hon. chaplain is the Re C. H. Prodgers, and the veterinarv. and the veter i narv surgeon is Lieut. R. C. Edwards. Mention should also be made of Buller, the bull-terrier who accom- pained Lord Arthur Grosvenor's Company of Imperial Yeomanry in South Africa, and who struts about the camp with all the dignity of an old campaigner. Major the Hnn: Alan de Tatton Egerton is president of the Officers' Mess Com- mittee, and the members are Capt. Wilson and Lieut. Swetenham Major Birley is president of the Canteen Committee, with 2nd Lieut. Lees- Milne and 2nd Lieut. Holland as members; Lieut. Verdin is president of the Sports and Entertain- ments Committee, and the members are Lieuts. Tomkinson and Phillips and Sergt.-Major Dye is president of the Sergeants' Mess Committee, the memhers being Sergt.-Major Hopper and Sergt. AIJwœd. The men are being supplied bv degrees with khaki uniforms, which it must be admitted arc not very becoming, and slouch hats. Thev are armed with the i-ee-Enfield, and as one of the lessons of the Boer war they do not cari v swords hut. ;t <. moot point whether this is a. step in the right ■ direction, as in a charge they would be practically helpless without either swords or lances. To all intents and purposes the Yeomanry are now mounted infantry. The men receive Gs. 8d a day, and from this 4s. (id. is deducted for food, which Is supplied by Mr. Baker, Tattenhall. An allowance of £5 is made for each horse, and each animal receives 121b. of hay and 1211). of corn each day. Revedlee is sounded at 5.30, and by 0 o'clock the yeomen are expected to be attending to their horses. The latter remain outdoors all the time. In front of each line of tents is secured a stout rope, and to this the horses are tethered, while a short "hobble" attached to the near hind leg and a peg serves to prevent the animals from becoming restive. Though some I ot the animals naturally objected to this treat- ment, it is surprising how soon they become accustomed to the restraint. The regi- ment paraded on Wednesday morning in drill order, and on Thursday, when the drill was a little later owing to the rain, they paraded for dismounted service. Unfortunately, on Wednesday one horse broke its leg and had to be destroyed, and on Thursday two troopers met with accidents. The drill that has been arranged for the training is decidedly of a useful character, and a good feature is that in the afternoon lectures will be given on squadron arrangements, mining work, advance and rear guards, reconnaissauce, &c. On Sunday morning there will be the customary church parade, and given fine weather there should be a large attendance of the general public. Monday morning next will be devoted to outpost duty on Tuesday the regiment will be exercised in the protection of troops on the march and the inspection by Col. Courtenay will take place on Monday and Tuesday week; the dismissal being fixed for Wednesday week. An excellent programme of sports and entertain- ments has been arranged, and there should hardly be a dull mon.ent in camp. Football and cricket matches will be played by teams representing various squadrons, and cricket matches have been bed with Tattenhall and Hartford. The officers will also meet teams representing Hooton Park Club and Liverpool at polo. The sports and tournament will be held on Saturday. On Sunday the Rev. Mr. Prodgers will lecture on his travels abroad, and on Bank Holiday a Yeomanry fete will be held in Oulton Park. while for Wednesday a sing-song camp fire has been arranged. On Thurs- day evening an enjoyable smoking concert, promoted by Lieut. Harry Barnston, was given in the canteen, and this example will be followed by Major Brocklehurst and Captain Wilson. The officers' dinner has been fixed for next Friday, and on the following Sunday there will be a display of the American biograph. It will he seen from this that life in camp has its enjoyable, as well as its business side, and all that is needed to ensure success in both re.3pects is fine weather.

OPERATIVE BAKKRS' WAGES.— The agitation by the operati ve bakers of Chester for higher wages | and shorter hours is now amicably settled, the IlwtSter bakers having liberally conceded to their I demands. MAJOR-GENERAL SWAI.VE. All ranks in the North-Western District will part with Major- General Swaine with feelings of regret. General Swaine was long enough in Berlin as Military Attache to become imbued with German ideas of army administration. At Chester it has been his aim to relegate authority as far as possible; in fact, to do in a small way what Mr. Brodrick is anxious, by means of his Army Corps system, to carry out on a much larger scale. In the North-Western District the best results have ensued from decentralisation. Whether like bene- fits are to be looked for elsewhere when the Army Corps system is finally launched remains to be seen. But General Swaine has undoubtedly led J the way in the direction of a change which has long been needed, and is shortly to be made applicable to the whole of the United Kingdom.—"The World."

WELSH INDUSTRIES ASSOCIATION. ) EXHIBITION AT GROSVENOR HOUSE. I The annual exhibition-sale of Welsh industries was opened on Thursday by Lady Grosvenor. The exhibition was held, by the kindness of the Duke of Westminster, at Grosvenor House. Lady Grosvenor, who wore a cream silk voile gown, trimmed with black lace, and a brown tulle hat with a cluster of lilies of the valley on the brim, was accompanied by Lady Lettice Grosvenor, dressed in pale blue cloth, with a pink chiffon hat with white ostrich feathers. The object of the association, which has been started only four years, is the development and encouragement of Welsh industries, and the improvement of the textile fabrics of Wales, and it is hoped to attain this end by providing the makers with good patterns, and by helping the cottage workers to find a better market for their goods. Mills and hand-looms are included in the scope of the association, and it is hoped to do something towards preventing the country people from crowding into the towns. Various branches have been formed all over the country, depots for the sale of goods have been established, and classes and village workshops, where handicrafts can be learned and practised, are encouraged. Lady Lettice Grosvenor is president of the Flintshire branch, and was selling at her stall Welsh homespuns, adaptable for either ladies' tailor-made gowns or for men's suits. Mrs. Corn- wallis-West, president for Denbighshire, was un- able to preside at her stall, but Lady Dundonald, one of the vice-presidents, was there for part of the afternoon. Others interested in the associa- tion are Mrs. Oliver Ormerod, of Pickhill, Wrex- ham, Mrs. Drew, Mary Dowager Lady Hanmer, Miss Antonia Williams, Lady Powis, Lady Pen- rhyn and many other ladies. Lorfi Aberdare is president of the Finance Committee, and Lord Kenyon is one of the members.

FLINTSHIRE POLICE COMMITTEE. [BY OUR OWN REPORTER.] I A meeting of the Flintshire Standing Joint I Committee was held at Mold on Thursday, Mr. R. Llevr. Jones (Rhyl) presiding over a small attend- ance. 'r ELECTION OF CHAIRMAN. I ivir. K. l-ilew. Jones was unanimously re-elected I chairman for the ensuing year. THE CLERK OF THE PEACE. I Air. H. J. Koberts asked whether the C'erk of the Peace had found a residence in Mold or dis- trict yet, as he understood that when Mr. Bromiey was appointed to that office, there was a definite understanding that he should reside in Mold. Dr. Humphrey Williams and Mr. Astbury sup- ported the remarks of Mr. Roberts, stating that it was clearly understood that Mr. Bromley would take up his residence in Mold. The Clerk explained that he had not yet been able to find a suitable house in Mold or neigh- bourhood, and had continued to live at Rhyl. He had been advised that it was not necessary for him to reside in Mold, but if the committee thought it was he would bow to their decision. CHIEF CONSTABLE'S REPORT. ?. I- ? the Ohiet Constable (Major Webber) submitted his report, which shewed that during the quarter ending 31st March there were 24 indictable offences reported, for which 17 persons were ap- prehended, six persons proceeded against by sum- mons, and one case was undetected. Of the 23 persons proceeded against 22 were dealt with sum- marily, and one committed or bailed for trial. In the corresponding quarter last year the_number of offences committed was 20, and the number of persons proceeded against *19. Four were dis- charged, 14 were summarily convicted, and one was committed for trial, while one case was un- detected. During the last quarter there were also 203 persons proceeded against for non-indictable offences, of whom 164 were convicted, 23 dis- charged, and in 13 cases the charges were with- drawn. Of the 164 persons convicted, seven were for assaults, 25 under the Elementary Education Acts, 64 for drunkenness, and three for offences under the Poor Law and Vagrancy Acts. In the corresponding quarter last year 196 persons were proceeded -against, 29 discharged and 157 con- victed, while in 10 cases the charges were with- drawn. Four fully-licensed houses were proceeded against during the quarter and convicted. The new police station at Prestatyn had been formally handed over to him. His estimates for pay and contingencies for the months of July. August and September shewed a total of £ 1,550. His estimate of the total approximate amount required fcr police purposes during the quarter ending 31st March, 1903, was £ 5,600. On account of the visit of the Prince and Princess of Wales to Rhyl, ho was obliged to make special police arrangements for that day. The total cost amounted to c'bout JB85. Mr. R. Jones observed that the amounts of the fines imposed upon licensed houses appeared to bo disproportionate. Three free houses were fined respectively 60s. and costs, 100 s. and costs, and 40s. and costs, while oii9 tied house was fined the sma'l amount of 10s. and costs. He asked for rn ex- planation of this. The Chief Constable replied that he was not in a position to make an explanation, as it Nas a magisterial affair. Colonel Messham pointed out that the offences for which the houses were fined were of a different t character, one being Sunday opening, another selling to drunken persons, and another for adul- teration of spirits. THE ROYAL VIRTT. I n COST OF POLIO; AliUAJfGEMEXTS. I JJr. Humphrey Williams asked if the Chief Con- stable expected to receive a cheque from the Rhyl authorities for the sum expended in the police arrangements on the occasion of tho Koval visit to that town. Mr. John Jones (Prestatyn): I propose wo 8sk the Rhyl Council for a cheque. The Chairman pointed out that the hospital which their Royal Highnesses opened was not merely a local one. It would benefit a very large area, including the whole of Flintshire, and it only happened that it was situated at Rü.d. Surely the county of. Flint would not grudge to I pay its share of cost in the protection and ° ccn- vemence ot the Frmce and Princess of Wales in any part of the county they might visit. He hoped they would not regard this matter from a parochial point of view, but rather from a county, if not an Imperial, point of view. (Hear, h.^ar.) Tho police arrangements were exceIlentlv earned out, and ho thought the Chief Constable and his subordinate officers were to be congratulated upon the excellent way that everything passed off. On the occasion of the Royal visit in 1894 the cost of the police arrangements was JB118 6s. 5d., and the county paid it without anv hesitation. Colonel Messham said the Prince of W7a!es him- self expressed great satisfaction at the police and military arrangements at Rhyl. He did not think any would grudge the payment by the county of that very small item. The Prince had con- ferred a great benefit to Rhyl and the whole of Flintshire by coming to open a hospital which would be an immense benefit to suffering chil- dren, not only in Flintshire, but far and wide in England. Mr. J. Philip Jones I take it his Royal High- ness' visit to Rhyl was a visit to Flintshire, and Flintshire is honoured even by his visit to Rhyl. I think that the bill presented is very moderate, and I propose that the county should pay this L35. Colonel Messham seconded the motion, and it was carried. OCCASIONAL LICENCES. I Dr. Williams asked if there were means by which the public could be informed when occa- sional licences were going to be applied for to the magistrates. < The Chief Constable said there was nothing in his instructions on that point. Dr. Williams asked if notice was not given that as occasional licence was going to be applied for. The Clerk said applications were sent in to the magistrates' clerk, who thereupon summoned the magistrates to a special sessions. Mr. E. H. Wain did not think magistrates ever granted a licence without inquiring if the police had objection to it. They never acted blindly, and always tried to obtain the exact knowledge of the case from the police. I The Chief Constable said at least fifty per cent, I of the applications were opposed by the polÍcr. Dr. Williams: Certain things have happened that want inquiring into. I SUPERVISION OF DRINKING CLUBS. Notice had been given by Mr. Thomas Lindop of the following motion:—"That in view of the alarming increase of drinking clubs in the country, and especially in Wales, this committee do respectfully memorialise 'his Majesty's Govern- ment to introduce into Parliament a Bill making the formation of such clubs illegal, or for placing them under the existing licensing laws applicable to public-houses." The Chairman pointed out that a Bill was now before Parliament for the purpose of registering all clubs, and he suggested that Mr. Lindop should move a resolution in support of that Bill. Mr. Lindop accordingly withdrew his motion. and substituted a resolution supporting the Bill.- This was carried. I PROTECTION OF PROPERTY. Mr. J. Pnilip Jones moved that the Chief Con- stable be asked to take steps to prevent malicious and wilful damage being done to unoccupied property. He contended that it was as much tho duty of the police to protect property that hud been damaged as to protect property that had been stolen. The object of his motion was to pro- tect property generally. People seemed to think they were at liberty to destroy premises, and con- side-able damage had been done. to emptv houses, of which the police took no notice. He knew of houses that had been completely gutted by deore- r dations. Shutters were taken down and windows broken; the houses were entered, and the stairs carried away. Mr. J. T. Reney seconded the mot;oii. Mr. Prince (Connah's Quay) thought it was the duty of the owners to look after the property. He strongly opposed the motion. Dr. Williams concurred with Mr. Prince. Whatj, had the police got to do with unoccupied houses? He understood that everybody knew he had the j right of requisitioning the assistance of the police i in protecting his property. Property owners should take a little more interest in their property. After further discussion, the motion was put to the meeting and carried. MAGISTRATES' ROOM AT CONNAH'S I QUAY. I An application was received by the owner of the magistrates' room at Connah's Quay for increased rent, and on the motion of Mr. Prince, it was agreed to increase the annual rental from £ S to. £lQ

MUSICAL SUCCESS.—Miss Sarah Woolley, of Lower Bridge-street, has passed her juuior examination of the National College of Music with honours. RETIRED TEACHERS' HOMES ASSOCIATION.—In the year 18H8 Mr. Sneyd Kynnersley, H.M.I., brought forward a scheme for providing homes for teachers who have spent their lives in the work of educating the young, and who have been employed j for not less than 20 years in Church schools in the diocese of Chester. An association for attaining this object was formed, and the teachers of Birken- head and Chester districts, set to work to raise the necessary funds. Birkenhead nobly led the way, and raised £ 450 by means of a bazaar. The teachers of Chester and district have, by their own dona- tions, and by soliciting help from their friends and well wishers, raised the funds to a little over £600. The association has recently purchased two houses in the Ermine-road, Chester one is occupied by I the first beneficiary (Mr. Wni. Johnson, late of St. Paul's School, Chester); tAe second is let for the present to a tenant to provide the necessary funds for maintenance, rates, taxes,. &c. A sum of about £70 is needed in order to free the houses of debt, and it is necessary to establish a sustentation fund of about k500 before the second house can he made available. The teachers of Chester and district hope to raise the necessary funds by means of a bazaar, which will be held in the Town Hall, Chester, on May 30th and 31st next. It will be opened on Friday at two o'clock by Mr. Robt. Yerburgh, M.P., and on Saturday at two p m, by the Mayoress (Mrs. James Frost). Judging from the interest which is being taken in the matter the effort should prove a great success.

DEATH OF HON. H. HOLBROOK I A STRIKING PERSONALITY. I It is with unfeigned regret that we to-day an- nounce the decease, at the ripe age of eighty-one years, of the Hon. Henry Holbrook, who during a strenuous life reflected lustre upon his native county of Chester. The deceased gentleman had not enjoyed the best of health for some years past, and eventually succumbed on Sunday to an attack of heart disease and dropsy. He was the son of Samuel and Elizabeth Holbrook, of Bradwall, near Sandbach, and first saw the light at North- wioh on July 11th, 1820. Having received an education at Witton Grammar School, he com- menced his business career as a merchant at Liver- pool. In 1854 ho went to the Crimea as a con- tractor, and many were the tales he used to regale his acquaintances with of the scenes he had wit- nessed during the struggle before the fall of Sebastopool. After some years' residence at Odessa, Mr. Holbrook removed to New Westmin- ster, British Columbia, where he sot up in busi- ness as a gentleman genoral-merchant. On the formation of a municipal council in that com- munity, Mr. Holbrook manifested an interest in public affairs, and was chosen as the seoond Mayor of the city. So well did he discharge the duties of the chief magistracy that he was re-elected to the honourable position on four successive occasions. Mr. Holbrook was elected to the first Legislative Council that sat in British Columbia, and was also a member of the Legislature after the union of British Columbia and Vancouver Island. He laboured strenuously in behalf of the admission of the colony into the Canadian Confederation, and when that event was finally consummated in 1871 he was appointed to the local Government as Chief Commander of Lands and Works and Presi- dent of the Executive Council. These offices he continued to fill up to the resignation of the Administration in November, 1872. Thereafter he was leader of the Opposition up to his defeat at the polls, 1875. He was for several years chairman of the Salmon Canneries Association, New West- minster, and while in that position secured from the Government a fish hatchery. Mr. Holbrook manifested the deepest interest in all that concerned British Columbia. lie was a truly loyal Canadian, and he strongly resented the merest semblance of interference on the part of the United States. For instance, during the Klondyke rush he exposed in our columns the false statements appearing in the Yankee press with regard to the condition of the mucli-talked-about region The United States, it will be remembered, unofficially offered to assist the Canadian Government in pre- serving order, but, as Mr. Holbrook was quick to point out, the Canadians wanted no support to maintain law and order. In a private letter on the subject he said the object of the United btates was to enable prospectors from California to get hold of the best claims, but he contended that if they would look after their own country it would be far better than interfering with Canada. He explained that when he was an officer of the Crown in British Columbia he had to fight against the same kind of thing. His experience was that the United States caved in when a little firmness was shewn, as was the case of the intended Fenian raid in January, 1872. When the American-Irish saw that the Government of Canada was prepared for them, they did not come over from Port Townsend but dispersed. He was a subscribing member of the National Sea Protection Association, and a member of the United Empire Trade League. London. In politics he was a Conservative, and he was a staunch Churchman. Mr. Holbrook was unmarried. For more than a score of years past the late Mr. Holbrook had resided in retirement at Talbot House, Parkgate, and was always rightly regarded as the staunch friend of the fishermen of the Deo estuary. He was more or less continuously during that period a member of the River Dee Fishery Board, and more than once he represented the interests of the Dee upon the Lancashire and Western Sea Fisheries Committee, where he stood up manfully against heavy odds in the cause of our local fishermen. His experience in Canada made him an undoubted authority upon salmon culture, and to those who were in the habit of attending the meetings of the Dee Fishery Board the name of Mr. Holbrook and the Frazer River, British Columbia, were inseparable. The stories he used to tell of the miraculous drafts of salmon experienced on the Frazer often raised an incredu- lous smile at the Board meetings, but we have every reason to believe that the conditions, so far as he represented them, were by no means exaggerated. In point of fact, upon one occasion he produced a photograph, proving his assertions up to the hilt, for a paddle steamer was actually stopped in her passage up stream by a shoal of salmon that completely clogged the paddle- floats. In the death of the late Mr. Holbrook tho Dee fishermen have indeed lost a trusted friend. For some years Mr. Holbrook had annually given a prize for competition at Witton' School for the best essay on colonial resources. The deceased will also be widely mourned among the Craft of Cheshire, for he was the oldest living Past Provincial Grand Officer of Cheshire Freemasonry, having been P.G.S of Works from 1854 to 1856. He was also the oldest Knight Templar in Lancashire. On the occasion of his eightieth birthday, the late Mr. Holbrook was presented with a solid silver salver by the members of the Dee Lodge of Freemasons (No. 1,576, Parkgate), of which he was an esteemed member. I THE FUNERAL The interment) took place at 6andbach Jrarish Church yesterday (Friday The cortege left the' residence about 9.40 for Parkgate Station. The blinds of the houses at Parkgate and throughout the district were closely drawn, and there were many sympathetic onlookers as the mournful pro- cession slowly made its way to the station. The principal mourners at Parkgate were Miss McEachan j Mis?Beynon (niece) Mrs. Kirkwood, Mr. Arthur 1, -Staiiistreet, Mr. L. Price, Mr. A. Jamieson, Mr. H. Stringer, and the following members of the Dee Lodge Mr. Samuel Lee. W.M., F. Goodwin, I.G., and J. Johnson Floral tributes were sent by Miss Beynon, Miss McEachan, Misses L. and N. Stanistreet, Miss Thomson, Mr. Lee, Miss Lydia Roberts, Mr. and Mrs. W. Gamon, Mrs. Cowan, Miss E. Kirkpatrick, Mr. and Mrs. D. C. Pugh, the Dee Lodge, Mr. and Mrs. R. L.Price. the Dee Lodge, Mr. and ?N lrs. R. L. P r:lce.

I HAWARDEN GUARDIANS. » I The fortnightly meeting of the Hawarden Board of Guardians was held at Broughton Workhouse on Thursday. I FINANCES. I The Clerk stated that the treasurer had re- ceived E4 lis. 6d. from the collector. There was I a balance in hand of EI,289, and the amount re- quired was £ 117 13s, and JB2 14a. 3d. asked for by I the School Attendance Committee. I MASTER'S REPORT. I iho LVIaster reported 76 inmates during the fort- night, as against the same number in the corre- sponding period last year. The number of vagrants during the fortnight was 21. The Master also reported that Lady Olivia Fitzpatrick visited the house on Monday, and kindly brought the old people tea, sugar and tobacco.—The best thanks of the Boar were accorded the visitors, on the motion of Mr. John Jones, seconded by Mr. J. Wright. M SEALAND OVERSEERS. The Clerk lntormed tho bealand representatives, who were present, that their district was in a most unsatisfactory state. (Hear, hear and laughter.)— Mr. H. Hassall said the assistant overseers had been appointed, but he did not know where they were. (Laughter.)—Mr. W. Shepherd then moved that the two appointments, namely, those of Messrs. Littler and H. H. Carrier, be confirmed by the Board.—This was done. The Registrar-General wrote that he had re- ceived the resignation of Colonel Evans-Lloyd of the registrarship ot the Chester district, which would take effect in August next. He was now prepared to receive applications. He would not approve of the office's being in the same place as 'the clerk to the guardians' office.The Clerk (Mr. H. Goodman Poberts) contended that the office should be offered to the clerk. Tho guardians must provide another office for the purpooe.-It was decided that the whole of the Board form a committee, to meat before the next fortnightly meeting. I ANNUAL APPOINTMENTS. _r ?  1 -1 A letter irom cae vjainsoorougii noaru or Guardians suggesting that all officials should be engaged for one year only in the future was read. zi,rd not to comider the, The Clerk asked the Board not to consider the matter as they would never be able to get any self- respecting and competent officer of the guardians to accept twelve months' eng-agements.-Mr Wilcox moved that the letter be thrown under the table. (Laughter.)-No aetion was taken. DATES OF THE MEETINGS. The date of the usual fortnightly meeting I occurring on the 2fkh June, it was agreed on the motion of the Chairman to hold the meeting on the 25th June. The Chairman proposed that after the last meet- ing in June the meetings be hold on alternate Fridays, commencing on July 11. Thursday was a very awkward day for the clerk. It was not for his own convenience that he moved 141iis. The Board were losing a large amount of money because the Board meetings coincided with the magistrates' meetings either at Broughton, Hawarden, or Caergwrle. If they asked themselves what was the most convenient day for the majority of the Board he thought they would find it to be Friday. After some discussion it was decided, on the I motion of Mr. John Jones, not to alter the date. VACCINATION FEES. I I. I The Clerk read the report ot the Vaccination Committee. They recommended that the Is. 6d. now paid in respect of children (Class A) be reduced to Is. in an urban district but that it remain the same for a rural district. For primary vaccina- tions and successful re-vaccinations they recom- mended 5s. in an urban district and 5s. (jd. in a rural district, when the vaccinator attended at anyone's residence, and 2s. Gd. where the applicant attended at the vaccinating station. Mr. A. Wright moved that the committee's report be adopted. Mr. E, Sidney Taylor protested against the fixing of what were practically the minimum fees the Local Government Board allowed. They were not dealing liberally and he questioned if they were dealing with justice. The committee's report was adopted.

A DOUBLE IX NATURE.—A remarkable double in nature can be seen at the foot of a mountain near Rhos, a few miles from Wrexham. Viewed at a distance both spots seem the very counterpart of each other, even to the arrangement of trees, rocks, and shrubs. A stream flows down a narrow incline in both places, and the immediate surroundings are marvellously alike, having seemingly been fashioned by man for the purpose of enhancing the resemblance.

i- THE VACANT REGISTRARSHIP. TO THE EDITOB. Sir,—I was somewhat surprised to read in your columns of the application by Mr. Turnock, the clerk to the Guardians, for the post of registrar. He complains of the work in his office being consider- ably increased since his securing his present position. This being the case is sufficient proof that he has just as much to do as he can do justice to. Why seek more work, or is the additional E200 the tempting bait ? Would it not have been advis- able to state that, with the additional. work in bis office, the remuneration also has been increased ? It is cheerful to note the promise that, providing this registrarship be handed over as desired, Mr. Turnock will refrain from making any further call upon the already overburdened ratepayers by way of future applications for increase of his already princely salary, which I believe figures out as— Clerk to the Chester Union, £ 180; clerk to the Assessment Committee, £100; clerk to the Rural District Council, £100; clerk to the School Attend- ance Committee, S30 along with other little pick- ings, such as returning officer at elections, &c., thrown in. It is decidedly funny how nicely these litle affairs are worked—these remunerative appoint- ments annexed. Here is a man in receipt of at least £8 or C9 per week groaning about the work he has to do, and wanting more work or money. As a working rate- payer, I do not see why these posts should all be held by one man when there are others equally suitable, and who are not overburdened with work, capable of doing justice to the position of registrar without neglecting other duties. It would be sinful to increase the duties of Mr. Turnock in his office which, by his own admission, are now sufficiently onerous. Where are the Labour representatives that they have nothing to say about these enormous salaries paid at the Town Hall and the Union? Did they say it all on the posters when seeking election, when they solemnly declared their intention of alleviating the sufferings of the taxpayer to their utmost; they profess to love fair labour and fair wages, but watch how calmly they sit down while the givers of all good positions dole out the rates to one another Much comment has been made on the C2,000 Coronation grant, but here is an individual asking for a perpetual grant to keep him from asking for more.—I am, sir, yours faithfully. A RATEPAYER. I

TEA AND CONCERT. I On Wednesday afternoon the annual tea, in con- nection with the St. John-street Welsh Presby- terian Church, was held in the schoolroom. About 230 sat down, and their wants were attended to by a number of ladies under the superintendence of Mrs. R. W. Dodd. The following presided at the tables:—Miss Knowles, Miss Roderick, Mrs. R. J. Davies, Mrs. Owen Griffith, Mrs. Josiah Wil- liams, Mrs. David Hughes, Mrs. William Parry, Mrs. Edward Davies, Mrs. T. Hughes, Mrs. Mills, Mrs. H. D. Williams, Miss Gwladys Davies, Miss Roberts (Abbey-square), Miss Dodd, Miss Jones (Panton-street), and Miss Jones (Short-place). After tea, a concert was held in the chapel. The Mayor presided, and was accompanied on the platform by Dr. Roberts, the Rev. J. Pryce Davies and Mr. Evan Williams. An excellent programme was gone th rough before a good audience. Miss Katie Jones (Cerrig v-Druidion), who possesses a rare voice of great sweetness, proved herself a great favourite, and was encored several times. Mr. J. Halton Morris has a rich tenor voice, and was heard to advantage in the songs allotted to him. Dr. Lloyd Roberts gave two violin solos with great taste, to the accompaniment of Mrs. Mills.—At the conclusion Dr. Roberts proposed a vote of thanks to the Mayor, the artists, especially Miss Jones and Mr. Williams, also the tea makers, the ticket sellers and the collectors.—-Mr. R. J. Davies seconded, and the motion was carried with accla- mation. Much praise is due to Messrs. Evan Wil- liams and Bagshaw, who were responsible for the concert. The following was the programme:- Organ recital, "Festive March in D," Mr. H. D. Williams song, "0 na byddai 'n haf o hyd," Miss Katie Jones-, address, "Music," the Chairman; quartette, "The Village Blacksmith," Miss Ellis, Messrs. Williams, Davies and Jones; song, "The Last Watch," Mr. J. Halton Morris violin solo, "La Serenata," Dr. Lloyd Roberts; recit. and aria, "Open unto me the gates," "I will extol thee," Miss Katie Jones; chorus, "Dyddian dyn sydd fel glaswelltyn," St. John-street Choir: duet, "Howell and Blodwyn," Mr. J. Halton Morris and Miss Katie Jones; organ recital, "Grand Solemn March in E flat," Mr. H. D. Williams; song, "T. Bugail," Mr. J. Halton Morris; song, "Liam y Cariadau," Miss Katie Jones; violin solo, "Lost Chord," Dr. Lloyd Roberts; quar- tette, "Ti wyddost both ddywed fy nghalon," Miss Ellis, Messrs. Williams, Davies and Jones; song, "0 tyr'd yn ol fy ngheneth wen," Mr. J. Halton Morris; song, "Ever so far away," Miss Katie Jones; chorus, "Pwy yw y rhai hyn," St. John-street Choir, led by Mr. R. W. Dodd.

PARKGATE. THE "WOLF" AND THE LAMB.-Some un- scrupubus individual, with a weakness for lamb, visited he meat safe connected with Sunset House, ,?ark-'?,e, a few nights ago, and purloined a cooked leg of lamb. Judging by the fact that a choice oottle of sauce vanished the same evening from a well-known school, the thief was evidently a persoi of fastidious tastes, even if he had a wolfish ippetite.

BARROW. SCHOOL ANNIVERSARY.-Anniversary ser- vices in connection with the Wesleyan Sabbath School were held on Sunday, when the sermons were preached by the Rev. T. H. Bailey, of Frod- sham. The choir rendered special hymns, and at the evening service Miss Hodge and Miss Houl- brook sang stflos. Miss Hitchen presided at the organ, and Miss Aggie Woodcock accompanied on the violin. Collections on behalf of the school funds were taken.

BUCKLEY. ORANGEISM.—A meeting of Orangemen was held at the lodge-room of No. 697, Prince Llewellyn, District Group No. 10, on Saturday, the occasion being a presentation to Bro. Shaw of a Bible and Edward VII. Prayer-book for good services rendered to the lodge. Bro. J. Hughes, in the absence of the W.M., Bro. Watson, occu- pied the chair, and Bro. Haywood the vice-chair.— The Chairman, in making the presentation on behalf of the lodge, referred to the useful ser- vices rendered to the Order by Bro. Shaw. Bro. Catherall endorsed the words of the Chairman, and trusted that he might long continue among them a true and worthy Orange.-nan.-Bro. Shaw suit- ably returned thanks.—Twenty-three new mem- bers were proposed for the next lodge night.- It was also proposed to open new lodges in the dis- trict. The following officers were duly elected for the Pioneer Lodge:—Bro. Watson, W.M.; Bro. J. Hughes, D.M.; Bro. J. Rowlands, secretary; and Bro. W. Lamb, treasurer; committee, Bros. Jones, Hopwood, Hughes, Price, J. Wright, Thompson and Catherall (chairman of committee). -4»

MOLD. MUSICAL FESTIVAL.-At the Bethesda Cliapel, New-street, on Monday, the annual children's festival in connection with the Calvinistic Methodist Sunday Schools of Mold and district was held. The Rev. J. Ivor Jones (Mynyddisa) pre- sided at the afternoon meeting, and Mr. Thomas Parry in the evening. Mr. W. Rogers (Leeswood) and Mr. R. Goodwin (Cilcain) were the conductors, and the accompanists were Miss Cissie Arthur (Mold) and Master Willie Morris (Buckley.) AN INTERESTING APPOINTMENT.-Con- siderable interest has beeen centred in the appoint- ment of Mr. R. Stewart Kelly as clerk to the Mold Urban District Council to which reference is made in another column. Mr. Kelly is the eldest son of the late Mr. Thomas Thelwell Kelly, clerk of the peace and clerk of the County Council for Flint- shire. Mr. Kelly is the Under Sheriff of Flint- shire for the present year and is also clerk to the Lieutenancy for Flintshire. It will be remembered that on the 10th December last Mr. Kelly was espoused to Miss Collinge, only daughter of Mr. James Collinge, of Kinnerton Lodge, near Chester. It is gratifying to note that Mr. Kelly enters upon his new duties accompanied by the good wishes of his fellow-townsmen, and the Mold Urban Council are to be congratulated on their selection.

MALPAS. CHORAL FESTIVAL.—A choral festival, associated with the rural deanery of Malpas, was held on Wednesday evening, in the parish church. The united choirs, numbering upwards of 200 voices, were from Malpas, Aldford, Bunbury, Bickerton, Burwardslcy, Cholmondeley, Tatten- hall and Farndon. They were entertained at tea in the Jubilee Hall. The clergy present at the festival service included the Rev. Canon Rovds (rural dean), the Rev. the Hon, A. R. Parker (Malpas), the Revs. J. L. Vincent (Marbury), C L. Arnold (Tattenhall), E. F. Gorst (Cholmon- j deley), J. M. Hall (Bickerton), Morris Jones (Til- ston), Archdeacon A. Goldwyer Lewis (Aldford), L. Armitstead (Malpas) and J. T. Vale (Bunburv)! The prayers were intoned by the Rev. L. Armit- stead, the two lessons being read by the Rev. the Hon. A. R. Parker. The sermon was preached by the Rev. J. L. Vincent. The musical portion ur- j the service was under the conductorship of Mr. J. Scorali, organist at Aldford, who, though unfortu- nately totally blind, most skilfully wielded the baton. The anthem was from Gounod, "Send out Thy Light," and was executed with telling effect. The offertory, taken at the close, amounted to J65 Os. 3d. Mr. H. Edwardes, organist and choir- master, Malpas, presided at the organ.

I FRODSHAM. SALE OF WORK.—A most successful exhi- bition and sale of work done by the girls of the Church-street National School during the past year, was held in the schoolroom, on Thursday after- noon, prior to breaking-up for the usual Whitsun- tide holidays. The articles embraced all kinds of fancy and useful needlework. PAROCHIAL AFFAIRS.—A meeting of the. Frcdsham Lordship Parochial Committee took place in the boys' schoolroom on Wednesday even- ing, Mr. A. Tiley presiding.—The Clerk drew the attention of the committee to. Mr. George Edwards's complaints at the District Council meeting, to the effect that certain rights of the- public at and near to Synagogue Well, Frodsharri,, had been interfered with by the owners of the- adjoining estate (the Misses Wright, of Castle Park) that a pipe had been put in the well too take away the water; that there was an encroach- of land by the erection, of a, fence; and tlmt a public footpath had been closed leading frccxt Howey-lane to the. well.—After a full inquiry,, it was agreed that in no instance had the right of the public been interfered with by the action, of the owners of the adjoining estate.—The inspector was instructed to communicate with the owners of Hillside Cottages, with a view to proricScsr a suitable supply of water.—A letter was read from Mr. W. Guest, suggesting that some system should be arranged whereby the cottages in the Top-lane, Five Crosses, could be sewered. and the inspector was instructed to get out all esti- mate of cost. A

I HAWARDEN. COOKERY LECTURES.-A series of practical lectures on cookery have been given at the gym- nasium this week, from Tuesday to Friday, by Mrs. C. F. Pitcher (first-class diplomee, Principal of the Streatham School of Cookery). The first lecture, on Tuesday afternoon, was opened by Mrs. Stephen Gladstone, who incidentally remarked that the late Mrs. Gladstone took a great interest in the subject, and that she had inaugurated cooking leotures 25 years ago for the benefit of the, villagers. A special feature of the lectures has been the use of gas stoves solely for cooking pur- posea, and several stoves have been exhibited. THE INSTITUTE.—The annual meeting was held on Thursday. Mr. T. S. Barnett presided. The annual statement of accounts was read by the hon. secretary, Mr. H. Diokinson. The total income amounted to JE158 2s. 9d., and the ex- penditure to E168, leaving a nett deficit of E9 17s. 3d. for the past year. On the proposition of Mr. W. Morris the accounts were passed. The president (the Right Hon. -Herbert J. Gladstone, M.P.) was re-elected, as also were the vice- presidents. Mr. T. S. Barrett was re-elected hon. treasurer, and Mr. H. Dickinson and Mr. J. H. Worley joint hon. secretaries. Dr. Roberts, and Messrs. T. Haswell. E. Evans, A. Potter, D. Jones, J. Hampson, T. H. Gibson, J. Fl. Wright, J. Durham, H. Coleclough and C. Rowlands were elected as the new council.

LATEST MARKETS & FAIRS. (See also page 3.) LIVERPOOL Co UN, FRIDAY. Wheat quiet, trae,6, at about Tuesday's prices, to the turn easier. No. 1 Northern Dulutft, 6s. 4d. No 2 Kansas. 6s. 4d. to 6s. 5d. Beans, Saidi, 31s. fid. to 31s. 90.. Pias, 6s. IOcr. Oats, white, 3s. 2d. to 3s. 4d. lkliize quiet, the turn easier, new mixed, 5s. 7fd. to 5s. 8d.; old, 5a. Std. to 5s. 9d. Flour unchanged. LONDON CORN, FRIDAY. Wheat, flouil and barley steady. Oats tirm and turn dearer.. Maize 3d. dearer since Wednesday. Other articles, unchanged, American quotations of wheat and; corn came lower. CHESTKR CATTLE, TITUB-,DAY. -Good suppliea of cattle at to-day's fair and an irr.prov:xl trade at high prices in sympathy with the continued rise ia the fat stock markets. Sellers had litele difficulty in clearing their best lots and only the poorest cattle were short of purchasers l"'rices -Milch cows, E14 to £22; ealvers, kl.3 to S-M barrens, £9 to £ 13 heifers, S8 to -915 stirks, £' to 211. NANTWICH CHEESE, THURSDAY. The first Nantwich bi-monthly cheese fair was held on Thurs- day, the pitch being about twe/ve tons. Buyers were present from Manchester, Xochdale, Warring- ton, Bradford, Huddersfield, Crewe, and other centres. Best lots found a. ready sale at prices ranging from 55s. to 60s per ewt. medium qualities made from 48s. to 54s. Most of the lots were cleared by eleven o'clock. Printed and published lor and on behalf of the and North Wales Newspaper Company, Limited, by JAMES, ALBERT BIRCIIALL, at the Cheshire Observer Office, 8, Bridge-stroetj in ths City of Chester. May 17, 1902.

HELSBY. (See ako page 3). DEATH OF 4 HITELEY.—We deeply regret to record the of Mrs. Whiteley, which took p:ace at her re; ence, Oakcliffe, early on Thursday morning, at the advanced age of 32, from an attack of bronchitis. Mrs. Whiteley's kindly disposition and practical sympathy gaiued tle arftícn of all closes. The body was con- veyed by train to NoV:>gl)am yesterday (Friday) morning for interment.

DISTRICT COUNCILS. I (See also page 7.) MALPAS RURAL. ) RESIGNATION OF THE CHAIRMAN. t AN UNFORTUNATE INCIDENT. At a meeting on Wednesday, under the presi- dency of Mr. E. Langley, a full Council occupied a considerable time in discussing a letter from the ohairman, Mr. S. H. Sandbach, relative to a resolution passed at the last meeting of the Council anent the hire of a steam roller. It will be remembered that the surveyor reported he had, on the instructions of the chairman, engaged a steam roller for a period of fifteen days to roll the roads in the Hamptdn district. The chair- man was absent, but wrote a letter confirming this, and stating that he had acted in conjunction with' Mr. George Lewis. The action was re- sented by the Council, inasmuch as they believed no such urgency existed and that it was outside the power of any individual to act unless powers had been delegated to him. As to the wisdom of employing the roller they were agreed, but the matter should have been brought before them for sanction before the order was given, as the cost, it was estimated, would be £ 50. A resolution which was passed confirming the order also contained the words "whilst not approving of the action of the chairman." These words the chairman viewed as a vote of censure. The following letter was read from Mr. Sandbach:- "Cherry Hill, 22nd April, 1902. Dear Sir,—I beg to thank the District Council for doing me the honour of unanimously electing me again as chairman, but I am sorry they should have thought it necessary to pass a vote of censure on me. I do not deny that technically I acted ultra vires in telling the surveyor to got a steam roller without the sanction of the Council, but the circumstances were exceptional. When I received the two letters about the road I knew there was cause for complaint, as I had been up the road a few days before. And nobody can deny that it is a most unusual thing to lay such a long and thick length of metal at this time of the year unless it is to be rolled. The surveyor told me he could not get the heavy roller we had used on Cross-a-hill. I did not, however, act upon my own responsibility, as I consulted Mr. Lewis, who I knew was opposed to steam rolling, and he agreed with me that the matter was urgent, and that as there was not another meet- ing of the Council for some time I had better tell the surveyor to get a roller. I also saw Mr. Dod, who thoroughly approved, and when I spoke about it to Colonel Barnston and Messrs. Done and Morgan they approved. Un- fortunately I was absent from the Council meet- ing through having to attend the funeral of a relative, and Mr. Lewis was also unable to attend. I have now been chairman of the Council for many years, and would not presume to remain so if I thought I had not the confidence of the members, and even if a small number of them think that I greatly exceeded my duty,' I am not fit for it. In justice, therefore, to myself, I must respectfully decline to be chairman unless the resolution on my conduct is rescinded. Of course, I shall not attend the next meeting of the Council, and the members will be perfectly free to take what action they think fit, so please read this letter.—Yours faithfully, (signed) S. H. SANDBACH." Mr. George Lewis explained his action in the matter. He was opposed to incurring the cost of a steam roller, but the case was an exceptional one and it was apparent that the road would not have set unless a roller had been used. They had, he knew, acted outside their powers, but when the matter was mentioned they were under the impression that they could not get a roller under at least six week's time. They therefore agreed to order a roller, fully anticipating that a meeting of the Council would be held in the interim, when the Council's sanction could be obtained or withheld. They might have called a special meeting, of course, and in fact they ought to have done, as the roller was available very much quicker than they had expected it to be. He was quite prepared to take his full share of the responsibility, but he wished to express his regret that the circumstance had arisen. As both Mr. Sandbach and he were unavoidably absent, he did not think Mr. Hobson should have -made use of such words as were attributed to him in regard to them at the last meeting. He characterised them as a stab in the back. It was unjustifiable attack upon them for doing what they thought was in the best interests of the Board. Mr. Hobson could not. think that because ho ventured to express his opinion in public meeting that it was an unfair attack. He could not sea but a very awkward state of things would result if they were to have their expressions of opinion characterised as "a stab in the back." He thought Mr. Lewis ought to withdraw those words. Mr. Lewis: I shall withdraw nothing that I have said. Mr. Hobson did not intend to take up the humuie position, but he wished to make it clear that his vote was not one of a "vote of censure." He did not wish Mr. Sandbach to infer that at all. He held that -no p all. He held that no right of priority existed. They had ordered the putting on of the stones, and he could not conceive but that they must have known the resulting condition months before. He ventured to say that if the letters of Dr. Jordison and Mr. Farquhar had not been received no steam roller would have been ordered. Mr. Morgan said it was quite true that Mr. Sandbach mentioned the matter to him, but he did not know that he had been consulted in the matter. What he understood from Mr. Sand- bach was that ho had ordered a steam roller to be employed. The road was in a very bad state, as they might have expected it to be. He simply wished to make it clear that so far as he was concerned he did not express an opinion. Personally, he was in favour of rolling the roads throughout the district as the effectual, and in the long run most economical, way of dealing with them. There were two things he wished to see—equality of representation and freedom of speech in their discussions. The matter to which Mr. Sandbach had taken exception was not a personal one at all, and was never intended as such. It was an executive one, and he cer- tainly thought Mr. Sandbach would have been able to distinguish between the two. Colonel Barnston said he had, like Mr. Morgan, been told that a roller had been ordered. What his reply to that may have been he did not quite remember; probably he said it was a very good thing, but he had not been consulted as to the ordering of it. Mr. Dod also said Mr. Sandbach had mentioned to him the fact of his ordering the roller. He went further than what the others appeared to have done, for he told Mr. Sandbach that he quite approved of the action. He deemed the case one of necessity. He believed Mr. Sand- bach's action was in the best interests of the community, and he upheld the action. Mr. Vernon, as secondor of Mr. Done's motion at the last meeting, said he passed over the road before the rolling, and if he had seen it before the last meeting he certainly should not have consented to a steam roller's having been used. Racking had been put on, and the road was settling down into a good road. Replying to the Chairman, the Surveyor said he was prevented from putting racking on before by orders of the Council. Mr. Reeves believed the chairman had done all in the best interests of the Council, and he thought the action of the Council at the last meeting was not right. He begged to move that the resolution be rescinded. The Chairman pointed out that the rolling had been done, but if the preface to the resolu- tion, "whilst not approving of the chairman's action," was what Mr. Reeves meant, he might give notice to move at the next meeting that they be expunged from the minutes. Mr. Reeves agreed, and gave notice. The Surveyor stated that the road contained 2,480 lineal yards, which had been repaired at a cost of B419 18s. 4d, or roughly JE2 per lineal yard. It was decided to give the employes a free holiday on Coronation day. HA WARDEN RURAL. A JO ".1 TT meeting 01 tne Jtiawarcten Kurai District Council was held under tho presidency of Mr. W. Fryer on Thursday. HA WARDEN STATION ROAD. rrn. r-< 1 -1 11 e A ne Cleric react the surveyor s report, which stated that it would cost 214 Is. 3d. to make a tootpath on the road leading to Hawarden Station. A six-inch drain would also be required. The total cost, including other small items, would be about £ 25. As it had not been provided for in this year's estimates, he suggested that the matter be deferred, as it would interfere with other important improvements. The surveyor's report was adopted. HIGHER FERRY LANE. I TlIe Clerk reported, ill reference to the Higher Ferry-lane case, that. the defendants, being a company, could not plead at the Assizes if a true bill was found by the Grand Jury. He had there- fore applied for and obtained a writ certiorari, so that if a true bill was found the case would be heard in London. It was a troublesome and expensive matter, but the Council had no option but to enfore the obligation and undertake the work themselves.—The action of the clerk was agreed to. _n

IMPERIAL PARLIAMENT. (See also paqe 7.) SHIPPING QUESTIONS. LORD C. BERESFORD'S LETTER. BUDGET BILL. TRADES UNIONS AND PICKETING. In the House of Commons, on Wednesday, questions were asked about the shipping combine, and in regard to one which dealt with freights Mr. Balfour said he would take the earliest opportunity of moving the re-appointment of the Select Com- mittee on Shipping subsidies. In regard to the inquiry about British ships being British terri- tory, Mr. Balfour remarked that it would be a new departure in legislation to prevent private owners from disposing of their ships when Govern- ment had no lien upon them.—Mr. MacNeill de- sired to raise a breach of privilege in connection with the publication of Lord Charles Beresford's letter in reference to the Mediterranean Fleet, but the Speaker ruled it out of order.—Mr. Arnold- Forster asked leave to make a personal explana- tion, and after referring to the correspondence which had passed, he said that he had done no injustice consciously to Mr. Arnold White or any other person,-L-ord Charles Beresford also made an explanation, in the course of which he said that the only thing he regretted was that the Secretary to the Admiralty should by his action have been placed in the position in which he found himself. —Mr. J. Walton resumed the debate on the second reading of the Finance Bill, and, the Chan- cellor having replied to the criticisms of several members, the House divided, and the Bill was read a second time by 224 to 134.-Thó second reading of the Loan Bill was next submitted hv the Chancellor, whereupon Mr. Dillon submitted an amendment disapproving of the loan in the ab- sence of further information as to the manner in which the money was to be expended.—The Chan- cellor, in reply, said the Government did not know any more than hon. members as to the course the consultations between the Boers had taken, and he advised the public to be cautious about accept- ing the statements published.—The amendment was defeated by 232 to 109, and the second reading was carried by 224 to 102.—Mr. Beaumont moved that legislation is necessary to prevent workmen being placed by judge-made law in a position in- ferior to that intended by Parliament in 18-15." Mr. R. Bell seconded the motion, and said in the present state of the law workmen were not on an equality with employers.Mr. Renshaw moved an amendment declining to commit the House to fresh legislation until it was shewn that the existing law did not sufficiently protect workmen in the exer- cise of their legal rights.—Mr. Wolff secoxid,-d.- The Attorney-General supported the amendment. Both employers and workmen had the right to com- bine, but neither had the right to coerce, and he trusted the House would not consent to proposals which would tend to diminish the liberty at present enjoyed.—Various appeals having been made to the Government, Mr. Ritchie urged that before Governments should be called upon to appoint a Committee, a decision should be obtained from the House of Lords as to the state of the law.— Sir H. Campbell-Bannerman regretted the non- possumus attitude of thel Government.—The amendment was carried by 203 to 174, and the de-. bate was then adjourned, on the motion of Mr. Caldwell. WEST INDIES DISASTER. I In the House of Commons, on Thursday after- noon, Mr. Dillon asked what measures had been adopted by the Government for the relief of the people of Martinique and St. Vincent.—Mr. Bal- four said that with regard to St. Vincent the Lord Mayor of London had consented to open a relief fund. Grenada, Jamaica, West Indian Islands and Mauritius had already promised help in money or kind, and he had no doubt other colonies would be equally generous. The Government had authorised the expenditure of whatever sum might be necessary, and would be prepared to supple- ment it by an addition to the West Indies grant annually voted by the House. He acknowledged the sympathetic offer of the United States Government to share in the work of a.id and res- cue, and said the Governor of the Windward Islands was being consulted in reference to how the offer should be accepted. With regard to Martinique, Lord Lansdowne on May 12 telegraphed to cur Ambassador at Paris to say that it would give H.M. Government pleasure to afford assistance in sending provisions and medical comforts to the sufferers, and they were prepared to act at once. The French Government had accepted with grati- tude the offer.—Mr. Dillon asked whether the Governor of the; Windward Islandis had been authorised to spend public money to any extent he might think necessary, and whether that ex- penditure would apply both to Martinique and St. Vincent without distinction.—Mr. Balfour replied: Of course there must be a distinction, but the Government were prepared to give assistance by the loan of medical ofifcers and the loan of medical comforts to Martinique. The hon. member had correctly interpreted his reply in reference to the authority given to the Governor of the Windward Islands.—Mr. Dillon asked leave to move the ad- journment of the House in order to call attention to the refusal of the Government to take adequate steps to relieve the surviving inhabitants of Mar- tinique. Only 37 members rose in support of the hon. member, who" demanded a division. The! House divided, and the motio/n for adjournment was negatived by 124 to 54. Leave was conse-. quently refused. I

PRICKET. (See al:jo page 2.) HOOLE v. L. dc N.- W RY. STAFF. I The general manager of the London and North- Western Railway Company having offered a challenge cup for competition between the northern and southern divisions of that company, the staff of the district traffic superintendent at Chester recently-formed cricked club and Hoole C.C. on Weùnesday evening noel: on the latter club's ground. The feature of the game was T. Fenna's bowling. He was in fine form his analysis reads:- Four overs, two maidens, three runs, seven wickets. The oatting of Messrs. Hales and Burgess was very good, especially in the case of Hales, seeing that he was handicapped with a sprained knee. Morgan, wicket-keeper for the railwaymen, quite excelled himself. Hodge, for Hoole, bowled exceedingly well, performing the hat trick. Scores ;— L. & X.-W.R. L Hales run out L0 Morgan b Gardner 0 Fletcher (capt) u Davies b Gardner 8 'Yilltamc & b G?rdi?t 0 Fenna b Hodge 2 Bur g ex* b Huf?e 8 ;ib ,ge. f G,, ? Da vies b Richardson V Bonnet not out (} Roberts c Gardner b I Hodge i) Extr:? i Total, I HOOT-E. I Hodge c Hales b e ,I?r t s Laird b Fenna 0 GZ"rdner b Fenna 0 Richardson b 1'enna..? 0 Rhodes b Fenna. 0 Ditchburn b Robert. 2 t Stockton b Fenna. 0 Washington b Fenni f) Hague b Fenna 3 Davies b Roberts I Phillips not out 5 i Extras 2 { 0 Total 15

CONNAH S QUAY. (See also vaae 3.1 SHEPHERDRY.-An important meeting of the past masters of the Hawarden Castle Lodge of the Loyal Order of Ancient Shepherds was held at the Quay House. The President, Mr. William Moses, P.P.C.S., congratulated Bro. Coleclough on his convalescence, after a severe and protracted illness. Brc. Cromar, G. T. Pro. Cor. Sec., gave his views 0:1 the head of Order quarterly report for April, and the programme for tho Cardiff Annual Movable Committee next week. Dis- cussion took place as to the action to be taken by the Hawarden delegates at the Annual Movable Committee.

TARVIN. (See also page 3 ) UAiN XAI A. At the Public Hall on Wednesday evening a capital rendering of the sacred cantata "Esther the beautiful Queen" was given. The chorus, which was a strong one. was composed of members of the Tarvin and Kelsall tonic-sol-fa classes. The solos were taken by local members and were exceedingly well given, and the singing throughout was deserving of the greatest praise too the trainer and conductor, Mr. W. C. Jones. The Rev. T. J. Evans gave the connective reading, and Miss Shurrock acted as accompanist.