Cheshire Observer

HAWARDEN CHURCH. I ♦ MEMORIALS AND IMPROVEMENTS. I The adjourned Hawarden vestry meeting was held in the library at Hawarden Rectory, on Tues- day evening, the Rev. Stephen E. Gladstone (rector) presiding. Messrs. Toller and John Wil- lox teburchwardens), and Messrs. Thomas Wright, Jarvis, Edw. Griffith (Sandycroft) and G. Shall- croft (sidesmen), all consented to continue in office, and were re-elected. The vestry discussed various improvements at the parish church. The Rector announced that the new window which is to be put in the main chancel, and will be given by Dean Wickham, of Lincoln, in memory of his marriage, had not yet been placed, owing chiefly to the very cold winds. It would be very unde- sirably he said, to break one of the main walls in the church while it was so cold. Mr. Douglas, of Chester, the architect, hoped to get the work done between Sunday and Sunday, so as not to interfere with the Sunday services. It may be mentioned here that the window is to be designed by Mr. Holiday, a well-known London artist. The Rector also explained that the chapel, which is to be a memorial of Mr. and Mrs. Gladstone, is nearly finished. The groined roof is still in- complete, and the altar tomb, which is entrusted to Sir William Richmond, will not be finished for some time. The Rector expressed the opinion that the chapel will be very beautiful, and a great addition to the church. It will be seen, and it will have its windows, which will admit light into both the chancel and the nave. It was considered that now the Shotton new church, which has cost over 97,000, is nearly completed, it is desirable to turn their attention to several needed renova- tions at the parish church. The old lead in the roof of the Whitley chancel requires replacing by slate; in two parts of the church the old vaults have caused considerable settlement, which will have to be built up; the floors of the church are in some places trodden to pieces; the steps at the main entrance are badly worn; a new lightning conductor is wanted, and the church would be better for a complete cleaning down. Some dis- cussion took place regarding the organ, and it was mentioned that Messrs. Young, of Man- chester, now have the instrument in hand. It was announced that Mr. Henry Gladstone had per- sonally given L5, and the trustees of the Hawarden estate L20, towards the expenses up to last Easter. —A vote of thanks was passed to Mr. Henry Gladstone and the trustees, on the motion of Mr. Wright.—On the motion of the Rector, cordial thanks were accorded to the churchwardens and sidesmen. A similar compliment was paid to the Rector.

CANON SCOTT ON EDUCATION. I THE VOLUNTARY SCHOOLS. I THE EDUCATION BILL. I The Rev. Canon Cooper Scott con- tinued his remarks on "Elementary Educa- tion" in his sermon, on Sunday evening, at St. John's Church, Chester. Speaking of the condition of affairs at the time of the passing of the Educa- tion Act of 1870, he said the great increase of the population in our large towns had outgrown the powers of voluntary effort to meet the demand for education. It had done what it could; but it could not longer meet the increasing demand of the people. It became evident to all that the Government must interpose to provide for the deficiency. Some of the very best intellects and the greatest experts in educational matters were employed in devising a scheme which would best meet the wants of the nation in this respect. This work was not done hurriedly, but very caref ully and deliberately. Those who had undertaken to form a scheme were convinced that the work which was done by the Voluntary schools was so efficient in its character, so widely extended and so valu- able in its influence, that it could not be dispensed with, and to have interfered with it would have thrown back the cause which they had at heart. It was, therefore, deliberately determined to make use of the existing machinery, and to encourage Voluntary schools to continue their work. In all schools there was a deficiency of money. In the case of Board schools, that deficiency was made good by the simple process of levying a rate. In the Voluntary schools, the deficiency had to be provided by contributions, collections in the churches and chapels, by tea parties and concerts, and so on. Of course the competition, where, board and Voluntary schools existed side by side, was a severe strain upon the Voluntary schools. Other important changes were made. His Majesty's inspectors ceased to make an examina- tion of the children in religious knowledge, and i the Church of England appointed diocesan in- spectors for that purpose. The attendance of the ohildren at school was made compulsory, and this rendered more schools necessary. It was with a feeling of rel i e f if not tn h? ?eksfs a r y It was with a ulness, that they saw provided what voluntary effort could not provide. On the whole, the feeling was one of thankfulness, He never did like to hear those board schools spoken of slightingly, as though they were antag- I onistic to religious teaching. He believed, him- self, that a very large number of board school teachers would prefer to have some religious teach- ing in the schools to which they were attached. At the time of the passing of the Act, he happened to be in charge of a large and very poor parish in the south of London, and saw those great schools growing up around it. He knew many of the teachers who were employed in the board schools, and they felt keenly any reflection upon the re- ligious teaching given. It was true there was one clause in the Bill which forbade strictly Church teaching. Children who had been baptised in the Church of England were placed at some consider- able disadvantage, and something like a grievance was felt then, and was felt still, upon that particu- lar point. Mr. Chamberlain told them, at Bir- mingham, that the board which thought to remove all religious teaching were met by a widespread outcry. Mr. Chamberlain was evidently surprised, but wholesomely impressed by the opposition to what was regarded as a Godless school. When they disregarded the cultivation of moral life, they were doing a grievous inj ury to the world. Ho was amazed when he heard really religious men advocating a secular education only. Turning to the history of their Voluntary schools, the rev. gentleman said he remembered quite well that the general impression was that a few years would see the end of Voluntary schools, and that they would disappear into a national system of educa- tion. For some reason or other that had not been the case. He was surprised at the statistics which had been published. Church schools had, during the last generation, increased in accommodation from 1,365,000 places to 2,791,000 places, an in- crease of more than double; while the attendance of the children had increased from 844,000 to 1,893,000. The increase of children attending Church schools alone was more than a million. Taking the money side, it was found that during the past 30 years the Church had expended upon schools and training colleges more than £ 28,000,000. It was really astounding. He was sure that Voluntary schools which did not belong to the Church of England could shew a similar increase. He was at a loss to say how the great increase had come about. It might mean that people had a certain amount of attachment for the schools in which they were educated. Then they might hope that in many cases the parents had valued the distinctive religious teaching. They had seen the passing of a Free Education Act. It was not a very especial benefit to the schools themselves. It had possibly not resulted in a greater value being placed upon education. Mr. Chamberlain had confessed that although lie was in favour of a merely secular education, he found that most poop.e disagreed with mm. He was prepared to welcome the work of the Voluntary schools, and even go further and em- body them in a general system of national educa- tion They were doing the work of secular educa- tion with great efficiency. The machinery was in full working order. Why, then, should they throw back the cause of education indefinitely. Why should they paralyse the work while making that great change, and why should they dis- courage those who were interested in the secular education of the people as well as the religious welfare? They were commonsense questions, and they were not surprised that no commonsense answers had been given. What, then, was it pro- posed to do with our educational system at the present time ? It was proposed to place all schools under one controlling body; also to provide for the maintenance of school teachers, but to leave to the managers of the schools the duty of keeping the bu Id nt-s in repair. The country thus had the use of all Voluntary schools for nothing. The obliga- tion to keep the schools in repair would be a very serious one indeed, and would cause a great deal of anxietv. There was the conscience clause, which forbade the managers to allow any religious instruction to which parents objected. In places where there was only one school, ana all cnuaren had to attend it it would certainly, he thought, become necessary to exercise the very greatest care in such matters. In a town, of course, it would cause very little difficulty, because parents could select a school. How was it that as mana- gers of Voluntary schools they were willing to accept such an arrangement? He supposed it was because they valued the education of the people, and the presence of religious teaching. He thought that those who had denied themselves I time and money would have some further ac- knowledgment than they had received as yet. They had not been working for their own personal credit, or for the advancement of their own inter- ests, but for the welfare of the commun, t

Grateful and Comforting. EPPS'S COCOA Prepared from the finest selected Cocoa with the natural oil preserved. It is far and away the most nutritions beverage you can take EPPS'S COCOA For breakfast and supper.

BANK HOLIDAY. I After the remarkable weather we have Been experiencing recently, it was a matter of delight to the holiday-makers on Monday that they were able to pursue their pleasure-seeking in genial sunshine. It was by no means certain in the early morning that this happy state of things was going to prevail, and many doubtless deemed discretion the better part of valour and stayed within easy reach of the friendly shelter of their own homes. Those who ventured forth were rewarded for their temerity. The roads were in oapital order for cycling, albeit the wind was a. little high and a little cold. Chester was once more the destination of many hundreds of ex- cursionists, but there were fewer than on many previous Whitsun Bank Holidays. The steamers and the smaller boats on the river were extensively patronised. The privilege of viewing Eaton was taken advantage of by large numbers of visitors. For Cestrians who wished a day's outing there was a host of attributions, including racing at Hooton and Wrexham, and that ever popular fixture, the Oulton Park Fete. OULTON PARK FETE. I YEOMANRY TOURNAMENT. I I The Oulton Park Fete is growing in popularity each year. This was clearly demonstrated by the large crowds of people who arrived there in brakes, on cycles and otherwise on Monday, notwithstand- ing the unsettled weather. And it is not to be wondered at, for where is there a more ideal place for a fete than Sir Philip B. Grey-Egerton's stately park? It would be hard indeed to find more picturesque surroundings. One may ramble at will along the eight velvety walks which lead to a common centre, through the well-kept gardens, by the side of the lake, or beneath the shade of the giant trees in the Park. There are very few restrictions at Oulton on such occasions; the visitor enjoys a sense of freedom and to this may be traced some- thing of the popularity of the Oulton fete. More- 'er! the gathering is always excellently managed, thanks to Sir Philip's courteous agent, Mr. Douglass, and the committee. This year there was combined with the Primrose League fete a military tourna- ment under the auspices of the Earl of Chester a Imperial Yeomanry, and thus was provided a host of attractions which proved irresistible to local holiday makers. The weather, as to which much anxiety was evinced, proved delight- ful. The military tournament took place opposite the terrace, and the various competitions and displays were watched with keen interest by a large gathering of people. They were viewed from the terrace by a distinguished company. Among those present were Captain the Duke of Westminster, the Duchess of Westminster, Capt. Sir Philip B. Grey-Egerton, Bart., and Lady Grey-Egerton, Colonel the Earl of Harrington, Lieut.-Colonel J. Tomkinson, M.P., Mrs. and Miss Tomkinson, Major the Hon. de Tattori Egerton, Captain Noil Haig, Mr. J. L. Birkett, Mr. Christopher Kay, Mr. W. H. Verdin, Mrs. and Miss Verdin, Lieut. H. Barnston, Lieut. Barbour, Lieut. Lees-Milne, Lieut. Tomkinson, Lieut. Massey, Lieut. Phillips, the Rev. Dr. Payne and Mrs. Payne, the Rev. C. H. Prodgers (chaplain), Mr. T. A. Egerton, the Rev. F. Farrar, Mr. George Garfit, the Rev. and Mrs. Gubbins, Mr. and Mrs. Douglass, Mrs. Dods, Mrs. R. Edwards, the Rev. E. \V. Evans, etc. A feature of the afternoon's sports was a polo match between the officers of the Earl of Chester's Imperial Yeomanry and Hooton Park. This was played opposite the terrace and was watched with the keenest interest by thousands of on- lookers, to many of whom it was quite a novelty. The teams were:-Yeomanry Officers: The Earl of Harrington (captain), Captain the Duke of Westminster, Captain Neil Haig, Lieut. Phillips. Hooton Park: Messrs. Tyrer (captain), Midwood, Heap and Watson. The game was fast and exciting. Lieut. Lees-Milne was one of the Yeomanry team until the arrival of the Duke of Westminster from Hooton Park. Goals were scored for the officers by the Earl of Harrington, the Duke of Westminster, Captain Neil Haig (three), and Lieut. Phillips (two); and for Hooton by Watson (four), Heap (two), and Mid- wood (two). Result: Hooton, 8; Yeomanry, 7. The military events were concluded after the polo match. They were judged by the Colonel Commanding, who was assisted by Captain Sir Philip Grey-Egerton, Lieut. Barnston, the chaplain, and other officers. A committee of officers had made the arrangements, which were all that could be desired. Contestants were plentiful and the sport keen. The results were briefly as follows:—Heads and posts: Corporal Astall, Arley Squadron, 1; Trooper Salmon, Eaton Squadron, 2; Sergeant Jones, Arley Squadron, 3. Tent-pegging: Sergeant Jones, 1; Corporal Astell, 2; Trumpet-Major Yarwood, 3, all Arley Squadron. Lemon-cutting: Sergeant Wright, Tatton Squadron, 1; Sergeant Jones, 2; Trooper Salmon, 3. Victoria Cross: Corporal Astall, 1; Sergeant Jones, 2; Trooper McGregor, Forest Troop, 3. Bending competition: Trooper Barnard, Arley Squadron, 1; Quartermaster Pownall, Tatton Squadron, 2. A musical drill by sixteen Yeomanry on horse- back was a very pleasing spectacle in the afternoon. Sergt.-Major Hopper directed the various figures which the troopers formed, and the regimental band, under Mr. Clement, ably acoompamed. By special request, this pretty drill was repeated in the evening. The preparations for the Yeomanry competitions were made under the direction of Quartermaster Lewis, who has just been deservedly promoted to the rank of regimental quartermaster-sergeant. The usual committee, with Mr. J. Lewis, Cote j Brook, as hon. secretary, carried out the foot and bicycle races, which were held in a separate en- closure. There was an excellent card, and the various events passed off smoothly and satisfac- torily, due in a large measure to the splendid arrangements, which had been supervised by Mr. Douglass. Results:-loo yards handicap-First heat: J. Booth, 6 yards, 1; T. Thompson, 4, 2. Second heat: J. W. Weedall, 6, 1; Thomas White, 5, 2. Third heat: Thomas Owen, 11, 1; H. Barnes, 12, 2. Final: T. Thompson, 1; J. W. Weedall, 2; Thomas White, 3. Quarter-mile handicap (open)—First heat: F. Hodkinson, 25 yards, 1; T. Owen, 45, 2; C. Oakes, 10, 3. Second heat: J. Booth, 25, 1; Thomas White, 30, 2; B. Birtwistle, 20, 3. Final: F. Hodkinson, 1; B. Birtwistte, 2; J. Booth, 3. Mile Bicycle—First heat: F. Vernon, 120 yards, 1; E. Curzon, 50, 2; Geo. Pritchard, 80, 3. Second heat: J. Davies, 120, 1; Thos. Dunning, 10, 2; W. Har- rison, 80, 3. Final: F. Vernon, 1; E. Curzon, 2; Thos. Dunning, 3. FRODSHAM ATHLETIC SPORTS. o Un W hIt-Monday afternoon the f rodsham Athletic Club held their second May festival. The weather happily kept fine throughout the afternoon, and, although the wind was bitterly cold, the sun shone out brilliantly at intervals and the whole of the events were gone through without interruption. There must have been nearly a thousand people present during the afternoon, and it is anticipated that the athletic club will gain some few pounds at least by their venture. The judges were Messrs. E. G. Steward, C. E. Linaker, and F. W. Spencer starter, Mr. James Tudor; while Messrs. Webb, Rodgers, Maddock, Aitken, and Tudor were the handicappers. The promoters are to be heartily congratulated on their earnest endeavours, in trying against undoubtedly great odds to continue in possession of the athletic field even at a high rent, and so secure to the town a means of recreation for young and old alike. The results of the most important events were as follows :—440 yards flat race (open) 1, J. Matthews (Runcorn), silver-plated tea service; 2, E. Powell (Chester), silver-plated biscuit jar 3, W. Fenton, silver-plated match-box. One mile bicycle race (local) 1, G. Linaker, English lever silver watch; 2, S. Meadowcroft, case of carvers; 3, E. Jones, silver-plated jam dish. Two mile bicycle race (open) 1, S. Clutton (Wrexham), case of cutlery; 2, T. Ridgway (Saltney), handbag; 3, J. Morrey (Altrincham), silver-plated cruet. 100 yards flat race (open): 1, E. Powell (Chester), marble clock 2, J. Jones (Winsford), luncheon cruet; 3 F. Cartwright (Helsby), silver-plated jam dish.— The prizes were presented to the winners by Mrs. F. Boston, in the unavoidable absence of Mrs. J. Ockleston. The Preston Brook Brass Band was in attendance, and dancing was indulged in during Ihe evening. I NEST ON- CRICKET CLUB SPORTS. The annual i sports meeting promoted by the Neston and District Cricket Club was held on Monday on the cricket ground at Parkgate. Although the weather was fine there was a bitterly cold wind blowing across the field, and probably it was due to this drawback that the attendance of visitors was not so numerous as was anticipated. However, locally the sports were well patronised, and the programme, which, as will be seen, was of a,varied and interesting character, afforded much enjoyment to the spectators. The competitors in the cycle races described as mile and two miles on the programme, resolved these events into slow rides and one-lap races, a much to be decried state of affairs. The most amusing event was the donkey race, the cricketers having the greatest difficulty in steering, and, in some cases, riding their mounts along the track. During the afternoon the 1st Flintshire Royal Engineers Volunteer Prize Band rendered a selection of music. The principal sports officials were Messrs. J. Ward Dale, N.C.U., F. C. O'Connell and J. G. Lee, judges marksmen, Messrs. R. Barnett and T. J. Gleave; starter, Mr. R. Smethurst, West Cheshire Harriers; honorary treasurer, Mr. R. L. Price and honorary secretary, Mr. T. J. Gleave. At the conclusion of the racing the prizes were handed to the winners by Mrs. A. A. Miller, the wife of the club president. Results:— 120 Yards Flat—Heat winners: H. R. Band, West Cheshire Harriers, 9|- yards; W. Disbury, Sutton H, 11 yards W. Lamb, Eccles H, 9yards; Jos. Woodward, Neston, 104 yards; B. J. Kehoe, West Cheshire H, 12 yards. Final: 1, Kehoe 2' Band 3, Disbury. 120 Yards Scholars' Handicap: 1, William Henry Williams, Parkgpte, 14 yards start; 2, Edgar Gray, Neston, 2) yards; 3, Charles Metcalf, Neston, 20 yards. Mile Novice Bicycle—First heat: 1, W. J. Morris, Alsager. 85 yards start; 2, F. Barnes, Chester, 75 yards. Second heat: 1, P. Jones, Chester, 75 yards 2, William Hazlehurst, Thurst- aston, 110 yards. Third heat: 1, J. W. Burrows, St. Helens, 75 yards; 2, Lee Mealor, Ness, 100 yards. Final: 1, Hazlehurst; 2, P. Jones; 3, W. J. Morris. 300 Yards Steeplechase First heat: 1, Alfred Maudsley, Sefton A. and C.C., 5 yards 2, H. C. Brown, West Cheshire H. Second heat: 1, W. Disbury, Sutton H., 5 yards 2, E. Allen, Formby, 12 yards. Final: 1, Disbury; 2, Brown; 3, Maudsley. 100 Yards Sack Race 1, A. Maudsley, Sefton A. and C.C. 2, F. Harrop, Salford H.; 3, W. H. Welch, Sefton. Quarter Mile Flat-First heat 1, B. J. Kehoe, West Cheshire H., 32 yards; 2, H. R Band, West Cheshire H., 29 yards; 3, W. Parkinson, Bootle, 33 yards. Second heat: 1, G. T. Cummings, Earles- town H., 30 yards; 2, C. A. Mason, Liverpool, 30 yards; 3, J. Sims, Winnington Park, 30 yards. Final: 1, Kehoe 2, Parkinson; 3, Band. 120 Yards Hurdles (ten flights of 3ft. 6in.)—First Heat: 1, T. C. Murphy. Lichfield, owes 2; 2, T. J. Gleave, Neston and District C.C., owes" Second Heat: 1, F. Harrop, Salford H., owes 3; 2, H. S. Woodward, Eastham, scratch. Final: 1, Murphy 2, Harrop 3, Gleave. Mile Bicycle-First heat: 1, B. Hughes, East- ham, 185 yards; 2, F. Barnes, Chester, 175 yards. Second heat: 1, C. Evans, Chester, 150 yards; 2, W. Booth, L.R.C., 190 yards Third heat: 1, Thos. Hulme, Middlewich, 180 yards; 2, R. H. Hill, Rochdale, 165 yards. Final: 1, Evans; 2, Hill; 3, Hulme. Mile Flat: 1, A. Hancock, West Cheshire n., 130 yards; 2, G. A. Ashworth, Manchester A.C., 135 yards; 3, Frank Britton, West Cheshire H., 135 yards. Two Miles Bicycle: 1, W. Booth, L.R.C.C., 285 yards 2. J M'Clusky, Wrexham, 275 yards 3, R. H. Hill, Rochdale, 245 yards. Quarter-mile Obstacle 1, F. Harrop, Salford H., 20 yards; 2. R. Mellor, Huddersfield, 15 yards 3, T. C. Murphy, Lichfield, 40 yards. Quarter-mile Donkey Race for "The Parkgate Stakes" (confined to members of the Neston and District C.C.): 1, Mr. A. Priestman's Icen 2, Mr. J. I. N. Price's Pony; 3, Mr. J. M. Housden's ?-Monevsi3inner. I v ROSSETT. I A large number of excursionists came in irom Liverpool and district during the morning. At the Cocoa-rooms the members of the Stanley Park Christian Association and the Liverpool Wesleyan Mission assembled, while the Richmond Mission, from Liverpool, visited the Trevor Arms Hotel, Marford. An unusual number of motor cars and cyclists passed through, the roads being in splendid condition for them. Amateur photographers and ansrlers were also very much in evidence. I GRESFORD. -1 I Gresford, with its historic church and beautiful I I surroundings, is undoubtedly growing in favour as a holiday resort. Among the parties who stayed during Monday at the Plough Hotel were the I members of the Granville Cricket Ulub trom Liverpool, the Everton Valley Presbyterian Church Guild party and the Rev. Musgrave Brown's party from St. Clement's Church, Liverpool; while at the Griffin" were the Watchmakers Association from Whittle, together with a party from All Saints' Church, Liverpool. During the evening a number of villagers enjoyed dancing upon the green to the strains of the Rliosrobin Brass Band. HAWARDEN. I FRIENDLY SOCIETIES' DEMONSTRATION. I Hawarden Park was thronged with visitors on Monday on the occasion of the friendly societies' anniversary demonstration. Probably never since the days—days now relegated to the chamber of forgetfulness—when thousands of excursionists from all parts of the North of England were attracted to Hawarden on Bank Holidays and other occasions by the magnetic personality of Mr. Gladstone, has the quaint, picturesque village been so besieged by holiday makers as it was on this occasion. It was almost feared that with the passing away of the great statesman Hawarden, the favourite holiday resort, would inevitably sink into obscurity. True, many of the old glories of Hawarden have irrevocably gone, but its prestige is not lost, and one could not but think that the merry crowds of "trappers" who thronged the park on Monday strikingly reflected the holiday scenes that were familiar during Mr. Gladstone's lifetime. By a strange coincidence, Monday was the anniversary of the venerable statesman's death. Though he has been laid to his final rest, the spirit still haunts the quaint and old-world village. Visitors to the church inspected the various objects which awakened memories of him. In the chancel there is the Gladstone pew, and here also the visitor was shewn the very Prayer-book he used. Close to Mr. Gladstone's seat is the shining eagle of brass upon whose extended wings, sup- ported on the usual pedestal, rests the Bible whose lessons he was accustomed to read. A cross, let into one of the pew desks, indicates the spot where Archbishop Benson feil down n: fatal faint, and a brass tablet affixed to an adjacent column records this fact. One cannot go a yard or converse with any without having a tribute to the famous figure which will ever haunt the quiet and lovely spot. The fete was favoured with fine, sunny weather, though the temperature was cold and a. boisterous wind was blowing. At ten o'clock the members of the Pride of Wales Lodge of Shepherds, numbering about 170, and the mem- bers of the Loyal Dee Lodge of Druids, to the number of about 150, assembled in the village, wearing the .picturesque regalia of the Orders, and walked in procession to the church, headed respectively by the Buckley Town Band and the Hawarden Volunteer Band, where they attended divine service. The service was conducted by the rector (the Rev. S. E. Gladstone). The pro- eessions were afterwards re-formed, and the mem- bers marched to Ewloe. On their return to Hawarden the Shepherds proceeded to the Gymnasium and the Druids to the Girls' School, where dinner was partaken of. At the Shepherds' dinner P.M. Daniel Jones presided, and after the loyal toasts had been honoured the "Army and Navy" was proposed by Bro. Wm. Bellis and responded to by Bro. C. Williams, of the Hawarden Volunteers; "The District and Lodge" was proposed by Bro. E. Peers and re- responded to by Bro. John Davies; and "Th3 Medical Officer" was proposed by Bro. William Shaw and responded to by Bro. John Dutton, in the absence of the medical officer (Dr. Burling- ham). The annual statement of accounts was presented, from which it was seen that the lodge had paid away in sick benefits the sum of £ 493 9s. 9d. for 172 sick members, and L39 10s. in fi-inerat benefits f-or members and their wives and children. The number of members on the books was 436, in addition to which there were 12 hon. members and 76 juvenile members. At the Druids dinner Dr. Burlingham presided, and the visitors included the Rev. Mr. Cane, Mr. A. Lyon, and Mr. T. Wright (chairman of the Parish Council). The toast of "The Visitors" was drunk. The statement of accounts shewed that on the sick and funeral fund the total receipts during the year ending 31st December ???6t) ?n? 14s". ?-' and the expenditure Ll Os. Od., shewmg ? b? alance of expenditure over receipts of E66 5s. 9,d. This re yuced Sthe? amount of the fund from '?1.797 Is M at the beginning of the year to £1,730 15s. 5d. at 31st December last. The number of members is 555. The proceedings in the park commenced at three clock, and an excellent programme had been arranged. Dancing: was freely indulged in to the strains of the Buckley and Hawarden baLds, Considerable interest was centred during the afternoon in the cricket match between Hawarden and Brymbo, which resulted in a victory for the former eleven by 77 to 44 runs This was their first fixture of the season. An enjoyable entertainment by the Hoole Amateur Minstrels under a large marquee claimed a large share of patronage. Mr. R. Thomas (Chester)  as accompanist, and opened the entertain- ^CInf 313rt0 ?-"Coronation Prize MMa arcch h^'(Go^dffrey). A capital series of athletic I PO, rts was witnes3ed, Perhaps the most interest- inS attract' was the choral competition. Two cboir nS,, bfen arranged, but the NorthoD ^Tall P' u ? (COIlducted by Mr. Harper) was tho only one that put in an appearance to romn f j. prize of three guineas for the cDo? n mfl ?'°'? °khoir% ^Th,e test piece ? "The &?p?art? an Heroes "and the adjudicators (Messrs. T pfrv! Ir and ?- ?- ?'?- of Liverpool) con- siered their rcndenng to be worthy of the Pr?e, which was accordingly awarded to them. The competition of rn 'xe? ;ngvoice, choirs was of an interestin character. The competing choirs were those of Ewloe, Northop Hall, Queen's Ferry and 1 Jl Wedgewood Choir, Crewe. The test piece was "O OSe A!mighty power," and the nrize of ?'?s was awarded to the Crewe choIr, The fonowing- ar& the details of the athletic sp?orts: ?100 yards flat race: 1, J. E. Williams; 2, ?. Jones; 3, Henry Hughes. Three-legged f1 ■ S. Birts; 2, T. CatheraH.Kickin? the fo?tall (boys): 1, W. Griffiths; 2, George Evans frcfchV* f'ftbaj' (men) F. Roberts. Tortoise b ic,y.l? r?w? 7in' A word of praise is due tD Mr. J- Wilcock for h? is general secretarial arrangements of the whole day's proceedings,

To MOTI{ERs.-Mrs. WinsJow's Soothing Syrup baI0bS,?el°Ver^ty y?? by millions of Mothers for ?eirchMren whi? teethinc- with 00681 It will relieve tho poor sufferer immediately. It is pleasant to taste it produces natural qmet sleep, by relieving the child from pain, and the little cherub wakes up as bright as a button." Of s.11 Chemists, Is. ljd. per bottle NEW YORK'S COAL FAMINE —In connection with ths pending colliers' strike Mr. Hanna says that the minimum demand of the miners is a five per CL icrease in wag-es, He thinks that civil if/' :3" 0311 d? o nothing to end the strike until the operators and the miners agree to arbitra- !? ? ? ?? ?"? is confident that there is no sympathetic stnke among the soft coal miners. ? 's/?e to face with a coal famine. ?s?.'? ?f f anthracite coal in hand will not 1 last fttwo weeks. A WELIifi VENDF.TTA.-Two young farm labourers named John and Thomas Williams, of Llangoed in Anglesey, were brought up before the Menai Bridge magistrates on Saturday charg-ed with the unlawful wounding of a man named William Jones the previous night. The accused said there had been a family feud between them and Jones for nine years, and that the reason they attacked him was because he told them when returning home from a fair that their father was a wicked old man. Thomas Williams was sent to prison for two months with hard labour, and his brother John for one month-

RUBBING EASES PAIN. By instinct the hand flies to the part hurt, but to eliminate Aches and Pains a safe stimulating medium or lubricant it necessary, and its physical condition should facilitate the process of rubbing-. Such is ELLIMAN'S EMBROCATION. ELLIMAN'S for Rheumatism, Lumbago, ELLDfAN'S Sprains, Bruises, Fresh Cu, Sore Throat from Cold, ELLIMAN'S Cold at the Chest, Neuralgia from Cold, ELLI}(AN'¡" m Chilblains before Broken, ELLIMAN'S Corns when Painful, Cramp. Stiffness, I ELLIMAN'S Soreness of the Limbs after Cycling, Football, Rowing, Sec. < Bottles 8?jd., Is. lid., 2s, 9d., 4s. Elliman's, Sons & Co., Slough, England.

BOARDS OF GUARDIANS. I —— ?—— CHESTER. I I The fortnightly meeting of this Board was held I on Tuesday morning, Mr. T. Knowles presiding I over a good attendance. I I STANDING ORDERS. I Mr. II, Preston moved the appointment of a I committee to formulate standing orders for the proper conduct of the Board. He pointed out that all public bodies adopted standing orders, and it was only fair to the chairman that they should furnish him with the rules by which he could conduct the business. Standing orders would be a special advantage to new members, who would have more confidence in addressing the Board on being acquainted with the rules. Mr. S. Coppack seconded, and the motion was carried. The chairman, vice-chairman, Messrs. Butler, Minshull, H. B. Dutton, E. T. Hallmark, M. Ken- nedy, and H. Preston were appointed on the com- mittee. THE SUPERINTENDENT-REGISTRARSHIP. I The Clerk (Mr. W. Turnock) read a letter from the Registrar-General, stating for the information of the guardians that Colonel Evans-Lloyd had notified to him his resignation of the office of superintendent-registrar for the Chester Registra tion District, to take effeot on the 1st of August next, with a view to claim his pension to which his long services in that capacity entitled him, under the provisions of the Poor Law Officers' Superan- nuation Act. The Registrar-Genera! had received applications from the guardians of the Hawarden and Tarvin Unions that those unions might each be created a separate registration district. The Registrar-General therefore requested that no action might be taken to appoint a successor to Mr. Evans-Lloyd until he had dealt with the two applications referred to. It was accordingly decided to postpone action. THE COST OF VACCINATION. I STRONG REMARKS. I A PLEA FOR REFORM. I Mr. H. Crowder moved-"That in case of fur- ? ther smallpox scare within this union, the clerk I be empowered to immediately write to the Local Government Board for powers leading to the tem- porary re-establishment of suitable stations for the performance of vaccination." Mr. Crowder re- marked that during the recent smallpox scare Dr. Harrison performed 1,185 vaccinations at the homes of the people in the city, while in the sur- gery and elsewhere only 380 vaccinations were performed. This shewed that the people had mostly been vaccinated at their own homes, at very considerable cost to the union, and he thought it would be a great saving if the clerk was em- powered to take steps immediately in case a fur- ther scare occurred. Mr. Rowe Morris seconded the motion. Mr. M. Kennedy asked, for the benefit of the public, how many case's of smallpox had occurred at Chester during the recent scare. i The Clerk replied that he knew of only one case that had occurred in Chester. Mr. Kennedy (warmly): And we have spent nearly a thousand pounds on false pretences, or the next thing to it. I think it is an everlasting disgrace and shame. The Clerk reported the receipt of letters from the Rugby and Wellingborough Unions on the subject of vaccination. The Rugby Union sub- mitted a copy of a memorial forwarded by them to the President of the Local Government Board, in which they stated that the cost of the attendance of the public vaccinator at the homes of persons for the purpose of re-vaccinations at the cost of the rates was an unnecessary expense, and there was not any sufficient reason why persons desiring re-vaccination at the public expense should not either attend at the surgeries of the public vac- cinators or at some other appointed place for the purpose of vaccination and inspection, or them- selves defray the cost of the public vaccinator's journey to their own homes. (Hear, hear.) They therefore prayed that the Local Government Board would issue an order amending the Vaccination Order of 1898, by providing that the fees payable out of the rates for re-vaccinations at the homes of th9 persons vaccinated shall be the same as those for re-vaccinations elsewhere than at such homes, and that the public vaccinators shall be entitled to fees for their visits for persons re-vaccinated at their own homes. They further prayed the Board to undertake the gratuitous supply of lymph for primary and secondary vaccinations by private medical practitioners. The Wellingborough Union forwarded a copy of a resolution protesting against the control of vaccination officers having been taken out of the hands of boards of guardians. They also called attention to the enormous ex- penditure which the vaccination officers had it in their power to incur. They considered that as the control of the vaccination ofifcers had been taken away from the guardians, the Local Government Board should appoint those officers, and thus re- lease the guardians from any responsibility in the matter. In their opinion, it was desirable that any expenditure incurred in carrying out the Vac- cination Acts should be paid out of Imperial taxa- tion rather than out of the poor rate. Mr. W. Vernon moved as an amendment that the recommendation of the Rugby Union be adopted and forwarded to the Local Government Board. The Rev. E. C. Lowndes seconded. Mr. Crowder did not think that recommendation affected his resolution in any way. The Clerk informed the Board that during the scare Dr. Harrison had made 1,185 vaccinations. at the homes of the people, at a fee of 6s. for each case, and had made 380 vaccinations elsewhere, at 2s. 6d. for each case. Dr. Butt, during the same period, had vaccinated 263 persons at their homes, and 61 at other places. Mr. H. B. Dutton wished to know why tho guardians allowed a fee of 6s., when the minimum foe fixed by the Loca! Government Board was 5s. The Clerk explained that the guardians originally fixed the fee at "5s., but the Local Government Board increased it to 63. Mr. E. T. Hallmark wished to know whether those pe-ople who had practically made themselves outdoor paupers by being vaccinated at home at the cost of the rates were liable to be disenfran- chised. (Laughter and cries of "Oh, no.") Mr. Hallmark: Well, I think they ought to be. The amendment was then put to the meeting and carried. Mr. H. B. Dutton intimated his intention to move that representation be made to the Local Government Board of the enormous amount paid to the vaccination officers in 6s. fees during the scare, and recommending that the feG be reduced to 5s. Mr. Butler: I think a lot of people have taken advantage of this cheap vaccination, and the Local Government Board should know the number and the class of people who have taken advantage of the ratepayers.. I think they ought to be well ashamed of themselves. Mr. Rowe Morris: I am given to understand that there are plenty of people in a respectable position who have been vaccinated at a cost of 6s., and they can afford to pay as well as any gentleman around this table. Mr. Butler: I should like to ask the clerk to get a list of those people we paid 6s. for. The Clerk pointed out that every person had a perfect right to be vaccinated at the expense of the ratepayers. A Voice: It is a farce. Mr. Butler: It is high time this imposture was put an end to. The subject then dropped. I WIRRAL I The fortnightly meeting of this Board was held on Wednesday, at Clatterbridge Workhouse, Mr. W. Knowles presiding over a good attendance, including Mesdames Hodgson, Hampson and Dalglish, Miss Pritchard, the Rev. P. C. Robin, the Rev. S. Gamble Walker, Messrs. C. Morris, II, A. Latham, S. C. Woodward, J. G. Townsend, J. R. Thompson, H. Price, T. Davies. J. McLeavy, J. Grundy, W. W. Christian, J. C. Lloyd, R. Johnson, Earl, J. Christopherson, J. Delamore, R. Kitchen, W. Burkey, W. Briscoe, J. Evans, C. E. Hope, J. A. Milner, C. Hook, A. R. Phillips, J. Price, T. Strong, W. E. Sutton, Geo. Mullock, W. McNeill, with the clerk (Mr. J. E. S. Ollive) and relieving officer (Mr. Hignett).—It appeared from the minutes of the House Committee that the number of inmates in the house was reported to be 166, compared with 149 during the corre- sponding fortnight last year. This number in- cluded 23 male and 24 female patients in the infir- mary. The number of vagrants relieved during the fortnight was 59, against 49.—At a meeting of the Workhouse Drainage Committee Mr. Priest (engineer to the Board) submitted plans for purify- ing the workhouse sewage by the Stoddart system. The proposed works would cost some -CSOO.-It was stated that if the money was bor- rowed, with the consent of the Local Government Board, it would be necessary to obtain a piece of land for the effluent to run upon and filter through, and the committee suggested that they should not borrow the money to carry out the works, but pay for the proposed improvement out of the rates.—After some discussion, the matter was referred back to the committee for further consideration.-On the motion of Mr. Townsend, it was decided that if the amended scheme was approved by the Board, it be paid for out of the rates.—Payment was authorised to be made of accounts amounting to JS595 12s. lid., which in- cluded a sum of JB126 for vaccination7 fees to Dr. Yeom-111, ;6130 for vaccination fees to Dr. Pierce, and B110 for outdoor relief. I WHITCHURCH. I A meeting of the Whitchurch Hoard ot Uuarclians was held on Friday, the Chairman (Mr. R. P. Ethelston) presiding.-The Relieving Officer's re- port shewed that the out-relief during the fort- night was as follows:—6th week, 162 out-paupers relieved at a cost of JB14 9s. 2d. 7th week, 162 at JB15 10s. The corresponding period for last year was: 6th week, 182 at L16 5s. 8d.; 7th week, 181 at 915 9s.-Mr. W. H. Smith: A very healthy re- duction. (Hear, hear.)—The Master's books shewed that during the past fortnight there had been 84 inmates in the house, against 70 for the corresponding period of last year; and that 196 vagrants had befen relieved during the same period, against 129 last year.—The Master reported that a casual had been sentenced to ten days for tearing up his clothes.—Thomas Sheridan, aged 56 years, had died on the 14th inst.—The ofifcers asked leave to take their holidays at convenient times.—This was agreed to on the usual oonditions.-Tlie ques- f tion arose as to the best method of treating the inmates on Coronation Day, and the Master sug- gested that a "Christmas" dinner, with tobacco, sweets, tea, and sugar, etc., should be given to the inmates; he thought that a repetition of the Christmas programme would be generally appreci- ated.—It was pointed out that the children would have their tea in the town with the othef children, and it was therefore thought desirable that the dinner in the house should take place on the other day.—The suggestion was unanimously adopted, and on the Master's reporting that a new flag and pole were necessary (the other flag having come to grief), it was decided that a fresh one should we procured..

WILL OF* MRS. FRANCES E. HEY- WOOD-LONSDALE. The executors of the will, dated 7th April, 1902, | of Mrs. Frances Elizabeth Heywood-Lonsdale, of Cloverley, Whitchurch, Salop, who died on the 14th April last. aged 59 years, daughter of Mr Dean Neilson, of Hundhill, Pontefract, and widow of Mr. Arthur Pemberton Heywood-Lonsdale, are the testatrix's son, Captain Henry Heywood Heywood- Lonsdale, of Shavington, Market Drayton, and her nephew, Mr. Henry Walter Fell, of Shavington Grange, to the latter of whom the testatrix bequeathed 93,000, to her said son Henry Sl,000, to her son John Pemberton Hey- wood Heywood-Lonsdale P,4,000, to her daughter Anna Maria Lloyd her household effects, horses, and carriages, to her son-in-law Arthur Henry Lloyd and her grand-daughter Gwynedd Margaret Lloyd £ 1,000 each, to her brothers William and Daniel Neilson and her sister Katherine Helen Neilson zCI,000 each; and the testatrix appointed the trust funds settled on her marriage in 1863 to her said sons Henry and John, and she appointed a sum of £ 20,000 under the will made in 1884 of her aunt Anna Maria Heywood to her said son John and her daughter, Anna Maria Lloyd, and the testatrix, whose estate has been valued at P,81,287 13s. 8d., left the residue of her property in trust for her said two children.

CHARGE AGAINST A CHESTER FARMER. On Friday, at the Eddisbury Occasional Court, Northwich, Edward Davies Owen, alias H. Owen, farmer, of Ashton, near Chester, was charged under a warrant that on the 24th March he did falsely pretend by means of an advertisement inserted in Poultry that he was carrying on the business of a poultry farmer at the Mid-Cheshire Poultry Farm, Ashton, and that at such place he then had for sale 12 buff Orpington chickens with mother, which he was then in a position to deliver to any intending purchaser, when in fact he was not in a position to deliver the fowl, and that by means of this false pretence he obtained 10s. from P. A. Hope, of Bank Quay, Warrington. Mr. J. E. iletcner prosecuted tor the police, and said he only intended to offer sufficient evidence to justify a remand. Supt. Nield said he apprehended the prisoner at Ashton, and read the charge over to him. Prisoner's answer was that he had received the money, and that during the season he had sent away over 2,000 chickens. The superintendent pro- duced a big bundle which he stated contained complaints from all over the country, including London, Yorkshire, Birming- ham, Pontypridd, and other places. Witness added that prisoner's method was to advertise in "Poultry" that he had chickens, &c., for sale, and on receiving the money he had failed to despatch the fowl. In the case under notice he advertised twelve Orping- ton chickens and mother, and in reply to the advertisement, Mr. Hope forwarded a 10s. postal order, and had up to the present never received the birds. Prisoner was remanded until May 28th in his own recognisances of U:),5, and another surety of C25.

PEACE PROSPECTS. 1 —— 0 —— MR. CHAMBERLAIN'S VIEWS. I HOPEFUL BUT NOT SANGUINE. An important speech was delivered by Mr. Joseph Chamberlain at the Town Hall, Bir- mingham on Friday. The right hon. gentleman opened with an appeal for Unionist solidarity, marked by some clever hits at Opposition leaders, whose "wholesome penitence" in be matter of Home Rule was "extremely flattering to Unionists." But he was afraid their repentance was still a little half-hearted. The Unionist alliance remained the one impregnable barrier to the disruption of the kingdom and the disintegra- tion of the Empire. It would be political suicide to grant an independent Parliament in Dublin to men who boasted openly of their disloyalty, and when they addressed Irish audiences in America during their money-seeking expeditions owned they were rebels. Lord Rosebery had become a Liberal Unionist, although he did not know it. Mr. Chamberlain referred to legisla- tion passed by the Government since it came into office, and challenged the Liberal party to shew so splendid a record. In the Education Bill now before Parliament they tried to grapple with the greatest problem of our time, and, as was to be expected, they were hotly opposed by the Opposition. There was also a certain amount of difference of opinion in their own ranks. If the Government had put this question aside they would have neglected a great national oppor- tunity. The Government would do its duty to the nation. If it ceased to be able to do that, or to be willing to do it, the sooner it ceased to be the Government the better. Subsequently the speaker came to the all-engrossing topic of the war-and peace—and the crowded hall hushed into absolute silence. He said: Gentlemen, I wish I could tell you that this great war was coming to an immediate end and peace was secured. As you know, the Boer leaders are meeting at this moment in the Transvaal, under the pro- tection of the British flag, and all the world, I imagine, is looking in anxiety and interest to their decision. I am hopeful, but I am not sanguine. I know that the majority of those who are still fighting in the field against us are a small. remnant of the nation. I know that the majority are convinced of the futility of continued resist- ance, and only desire to co-operate with us in I restoring the prosperity of their country. But again and again in the past these men have been led to their destruction by a. minority of irrecon- cilable persons, and I cannot be sure that even now the same minority may not lead' them to make absolutely impossible proposals which it will be- our duty to 'reject. (Hear, hear, and cheers.) One thing We may be, assured of. So long as this Government lasts THE MISTAKE OF MAJUBA will not be repeated. (A hurricane of oheers.) I read the other day, in a speech by Sir Edward Grey, that he was glad to know the Government had abandoned their policy of unconditional sur- render. The Government have never adopted a policy of unconditional surrender. On the contrary, they have always stated the general lines upon which they were willing to accept sur- render, and they shew that if we were willing to be generous in all matters of life and property to those who have fought against us, we have also stated from time to time what were our in- tentions with regard to the future government and settlement of the country. From those statements and intentions we will not swerve.. (Load cheers.) The details are matters of. course for further explanation. If it is desired, we are quite prepared to answer questions upon the sub- ject, but the main lines are settled so far as we are concerned. They are settled for all time. (Great cheering.) We think we interpret the opinion of this people when we say that, although we are not vindictive, although the idea of re- venge upon those who have opposed us does not enter into my head, yet we recognise that we are- trustees in this war as well as principals. (Hear, hear.) We owe something to those loyalists in South Africa who have suffered so much for the Empire. We owe something to those self- governing Colonies which have come to our aid in this conflict. (Loud cheers.) We are bound in honour to the Boers who have taken oaths of allegiance and have associated themselves with our dominion. (Hear, hear.) We owe something to ourselves; something to this people who has borne so many sacrifices with such cheerfulness; something to the men who have died for their country. (Loud cheers.) We owe it to all of these that their sacrifices shall not be in vain, and never again shall there be a chance of a. renewal of this conflict. I do not know whether paace is at hand. It is too early now to sum up the results of the war. But there are some so patent that they must strike every impartial observer. This war has tested the power andi the temper and the union of the Empire. (Cheers.) We have sent forth from these shores a force five times greater than we have ever sent before on any hostile expedition. Our soldiers have shewn themselves worthy of the traditions of the British. (Cheers.) They have exhibited a courage, a cheerful endurance, and a humanity—(cheers) —which have hardly been equalled by any other army in the world. (Cheers.) I AN UNPATRIOTIC OPPOSITION. I And our people have shewn a dignity under re- verses, a patience under unexpected delay, and. a patriotism which shews- they have not degen- erated in all these fifty years of peace and pros- perity. Why has the war been prolonged? For two reasons. (A Voice:. 'Pro-Boers.') Because the Boers hoped for foreign intervention-a hope which has been disappointed—and because the Opposition, factious, unpatriotic, have given en- couragement to the enemies of their own country. (Hear, hear.) They have either de- nounced the war, or, what I think is perhaps a meaner course, they have professed tD support the war while at the same, time doing everything in their power to weaken the hands of those who, for the time at any rate, are the executive of the nation. Again and again in the Boeir camps have been found the speeches of some of the leaders of the Opposition-the men who have slandered their own countrymen—('Shame')— and who have encouraged their foes. These men even now, while peace- is trembling in the balance, are pursuing the same policy.. The right han. gentleman's peroration was as fol- lows:—" At the present moment the Empire is being attacked on all sides, and in our isolation we must look to ourselves-(cheers)-we must draw closer our internal relations, the ties of sentiment, the ties of sympathy-yes, and the ties of interest. (Cheers.) If 'by adherence to economic pedantry, to old shibboleths, we are to lose- opportunities of closer union which are offered us by our Colonies, if we are to put aside occasions now within our grasp, if we do not take every chance in our power to keep British trade in British hands, I am certain that we shall deserve the disasters which will infallibly come upon us. (Cheers.) Home Rule and South Africa raise the same issues-whether the British Empire is to continue strong, powerful, and united, or whether it is to falt to pieces by dis- ruption or by tolerated secession. Let us raise our thoughts to the transcendent possibilities of a federation of the British race-(cheeirs)-to strengthen British influence and British power. The days are for great Empires and not for little States. The question for this generation is whether we are to be numbered among the great Empires or the little btates. JLhe realisa- tion of the highest ideal will, in my judgment at any rate, make for the peace and oivilisation. of the- world. (Hear, hear.) It is, I believe, the great object of that national party that we call the Unionist Alliance, it is the destiny to which we are summoned, and it is thi, result for which your sacrifices, are asked." (Tka above a*' cles appeared im our last Saturday Mvening E&ktim.)

BUTTER NOT KEEPING. (From The Field.") I write to ask your advice on the following sub- ject. I have been much troubled lately with my butter it is churned twice weekly, and very care- fully washed and all buttermilk pressed out. Never- theless, it is very good for twenty-four hours after churning, then becomes very cheesy tasted. The cows are now getting one peck of middlings (coarse) and chaff, besides what they get when turned out. I should be very much obliged if you can give me any idea of the cause of this nasty lfavour, as I have never had it before -BLOU.;TS. [The flavour in your butter is owing to the presence of an objectionable organism, which finds its way into the cream owing to some uncleanly habit in the cowhouse or the dairy. See that the milker washes his hands and the cow's udder before milking, and that his pail and strainer are absolutely pure, having been cleaned with boiling water or steam. Next turn out the dairy, remove every utensil into the open air, limewash the walls, scour the benches and lfoor, clean every utensil to perfection, leaving no corner untouched. Then bring in the cream, and you will certainly find that the butter is no longer what it was. If you can obtain a pint of butter- milk from some first-class dairy, add it to your cream to assist ripening. The inoculation will help to improve the flavour.-ED.]

I FOOTBALL. I ELLESMERE PORT SUSPENSIONS. I THE APPEAL. At a meeting of the Cheshire Football Associa- tion, held at Northwich on Thursday evening, the result of the appeal of the Ellesmere Port F.C. against the decisions and suspensions passed upon their players and officials by the Chester and District Football Association for their conduct in the final tie of the Chester Challenge Cup, was announced. The appeal was heard by a com- mission at Chester in April, and they confirmed the action of the local association with the ex- ception of the suspensions on Thos. Hesketh (cap- tain) and W. Clay. These two players were sus- pended by the District Football Association until 1st May, 1904, but the appeal oommission ordered the more drastic punishment that they be sus- pended sine die; also that Richard Jones and Charles Nicholas each have an extra month added to their suspensions on account of the delay in the commencement of the same caused by the appeal. As confirmed and approved by the county body, the suspensions are as follows -Thos. Pes- keth (captain) and W. Clay, sine die; W. Reynolds, until 1st January, 1903; Walter Evans andRichd. Jones, until 1st November, 1902; Charles Nioholas, until 1st October, 1902; Isaac Pendlebury, until 7tli April, 1902; Charles Price, until 25th March, 1902; and Thomas Catherall (chairman), until 1st May, 1902; J. Dean (secretary), until he appears before the Chester and District Football Associa- tion. It was also ordered that the deposit of £2, lodged by the Ellesmere Port F.C. on appeal, be forfeited, and all the players named will be de. barred from receiving medals. Much interest was evinced in Chester football circles in this appeal, and all will be glad the decisions of the Chester Football Association have been more than upheld. On no occasion since the Chester and District F.A. was instituted have any of the decisions been re- versed on appeal.

A WOMAN AND A BAG. ALLEGED THEFT. At Chester Castle Petty Sessions on Saturday, before Messrs. Horace D. Trelawny (chairman), B. C. Roberts, John Thompson, J. Pover and T. B. Richardson, Agnes Wilson, who belongs to London, was charged on. remand with stealings a Gladstone bag, the property of the London and North-Western Railway Company, valued at C5, on Friday, 9th May. Mr. J. Fenna prosecuted on behalf of the oompany. Ann Elizabeth Butcher, of the Young Women's Christian Association, Abergele-road, Colwyn- Bay, stated that on Friday, .9th inst., she was travelling from Glasgow to Colwyn Bay. She arrived at Chester Station at 4.32 p.m. She had as her luggage the Gladstone bag (produced). It contained articles of clothing. The bag and contents were of the value of J35. She had to change trains at Chester. She gave her bag to a porter, asking him to place it on a truck for the Colwyn Bay train. She afterwards missed the bag, and one of the company's servants found it with prisoner in a third-class carriage. George Birkett, Birkenhead, assistant fitter, in the employment of the L. and N.W. Railway Company, arrived at Chester on the 9th inst. at 4.32, on his way to Crewe. He saw the last wit- ness alight from the train. She placed the Gladstone bag on the platform and walked away. Witness saw prisoner on the platform in the com- pany of two men. The three of them got into compartment of the Birkenhead train. Prisoner came out of the compartment in a few moments and took the bag from the platform into th& compartment. He and others went to the com- partment and brought prisoner out, and found the bag under the seat. Prisoner struggled violently on being brought out of the compart- ment. Thomas Jones, ticket-collector, Chester, also gave evidence. Detective George James Throssell, said he saw Jones and the prisoner- in a waiting-room. Jones said "This woman has stolen the bag." Prisoner said that she did not steal it; a man stole it. Witness took prisoner to the Hoole. Police Station. In reply to the charge, prisoner usad foul language. She refused to give any address or any information about herself. Prisoner now pleaded "Not guilty." Prisoner was also charged with assaulting Inspector Charles Whalley on the same date. Mr. J. Fenna sald, that when prisoner was brought out of the compartment she struck Whalley a violent blow in the eye. There was no provocation.—This statement having been corroborated, the Bench sent prisoner to gaol for 14 days with hard labour in regard to the assault and committed her to the Quarter Sessions on the charge of alleged theft. Mr. Churton remarked: that the fourteen days' imprisonment would; not make much cliffereiiae; prisoner would only have a, little healthy exercise. (Laughter.)

PRESENTATION TO A, CHESTER JOURNALIST. —On Saturday morning Mr. Isaac Mellor, of- the Chester Guardiaiii" was presented by his oonfretes on the Chester press with a case of tobacco pipes-on the occasion of his leaving to take up a position of trust on the Eastbourne Gazette." (The above. articles appeared in our last Saturday Evening Edition.)

SUFFOCATED ON A BRICK-KILN.—Mr.. J. O. Bate held an inquest on Saturday at Thurstaston on. the body of John Catherail, brickmaker. Deceased was 58 years of age- and a native of Buckley.- Ernest Carr, railway porter, saw deceased on I hursday evening JiLe thought he was the worse for drink. Deceased said he was going down, t-& the brick-kilns to dry -his clothes.—Joseph Hallow, brickmaker, West Kirby, said he found deceased dead on a kiln early on Friday morning. The- kiln had been burning for three weeks, and was- very hot where deceased was. Smoke was issuing from the kiln. Witness did not think anyone couM live an hour where he found deceased.—The jury con- sidered deceased had been suffocated by the fumes' and returned a verdict of Accidental death." A CCHIOUS NORTHAMPTONSHIRE FAIR.—A corre- spondent writes :—A quaint custom, observed only once in 20 years, was followed in the Northampton- shire village of Corby on Monday. The inhabitants claim the right of holding a fair on Whit-Monday every 20 years, and of levying toll, upon every visitor. This claim is- based upon a charter-granted to Henry de Braybroc by Queen Elizabeth and con- firmed to the village-by Charles II. Whatever the legal rights of the inhabitants, they have rigorously prosecuted their claims at least for the last 60 years. At daybreak on Whit-Monday the fair was pro- claimed" with, considerable ceremonial, and rope barriers were stretched across the roads. Thence- forward toll was- enforced from every visitor. Thousands journeyed to the village "from the countryside during the day to witness the "chairing" which takes place immediately upon payment of toll. As soon as the visitor pays, who- ever it is, man, woman, or child, is put in a chair and carried shoulder high along the main street. Several specially constructed chair& were in use for a considerable- portion of the day. Formerly refusal to pay toll was punished by the person being slung across a pole (hence the name Pole Fair) and thus carried to the village stocks, in which he was fastened until he purchased: his liberty. The stocks as an ;nstitution are careftzuv preserved, and new ones the last ffiir, in new ones wre erected soon afterthe last fhir, in 1882. SeveEa.1 more or less willing prisoners were put in the stocks "to keep up the charter." The. village was, decorated, the villagers were all in. holiday clotoi&es, and photographers were present m. scores snaprshotting the scenes, of the day. THE LATK HOLY TRINITY PAKISH CLKRK.— funeral of the late Mr. W, Johnson, ex-choir- master of Holy Trinityish Church, took place on Saturday afternosn. From deceas<idfs late residence the coffin was carried to Holy Trinity Chuvch,' outside of which was a large number of people. The 'ihoir, with the aactor (the Rev.. L. M. Farsall) and the oucate (the Rev. T. W. Muady), met the cortege at the entrance and chanted the opening sentences of the burial, service as it Dmceeded up the central aisle;. The hymng" Now the labourer's task is o'er" and cs Os> the Resurrection morning:" were beautifully ren- dered, while the psalms were also sng. The organist (Mr. T. Pate) played the "DPad March" in Satrl. At the Cemetery, where the rector also officiated, the hymn "Peace, perfect peace" was sung. The principal mourners were Mrs. Johnson (widow), Miss Johnson axid' Miss Alice Johnson (daughter, Mr. and Mrs.. H. Johnson, Mr. and Mrs. A. Johnson, MT. and Mrs. Catherall, Mr. aud Mrs. Roberts.. Messrs. J. and T. Mottram, Mr. Hooson, Mr. and Mrs. G. Bucknall (Cheltenham), etc. Beautiful lfor-aj. tributes were sent by the following relatives 1—■ Harry and AM (sons), Maud, May, Annie and; Alice- (daughters), Mr. and Mrs. G. Bucknalt Buc k ria l i fson-m-law and daughter), Hug-h, Stanley, Dora, Elsie, Winnie and Baby Eva ((grandchildren), Mr. J. Boardman (son-in-law), Mr. T: B Mottram, Stafford (brother-in-law). The fol- lowing also sent wreaths, etc-The Revs. L. M. Farrall and T. W. Mundy, Mr. and Mrs. H. Johnson, Mrs., Miss and Mr. S. Marston Mr. and Mrs. J. Knight, Mr. and Mrs. Ted Marston Mr. and Mrs. Frank Lee, Mrs. Thomas and family, Miss Webster, Miss Godwin and Miss Willis (Stroud), the Misses Ainsworth, Mr. and Mrs. Speed, Miss Harris, Mr. Munge (Lichfield), Miss Brinsden (Manchester), Miss and Mr. S. Wilkinson, Mr, W. Wilkinson, etc. The choir of Holy Trinity Church sent a beautiful 3cr$i harp.