Cheshire Observer

MARTINIQUE. PEOPLE MAD WITH FEAR. [IRKUTSK'S SPECIAL CABLE.] Paris, Friday. The inhabitants of Fort de France, mad with fear, no v.- think only of fight. Hundreds are embarking on ships and boats, and many throw themselves into the sea. It is believed fresh cataclysms have occurred. Many persons have lost the ir reason.

CRUELTY TO A MARE. f [SPECIAL TELEGRAM.] I At Wnitchurc-h Petty Sessions, to-day, Joseph and William Bradsha-x, Heath-lane. Whitchurch. farmers, were charged with cruelty to a mare. by working her while in aLC unfit state. George Lang- fcrd, in the Bradsha:.v":> employment, was also charged with working the mare.—P.S. Taylor and P.C. Jones said the mare was in great pain, and totally unfit for work. Th?y had never seen a WGrSl' case.-The Bradshaws were fined 2s. 6d. and co;to, and Langford 5<1 and costs.

ALLEGED SWINDLING. I BUCKLEY FIRi.rS CUSTOMER. i Yestarday (Friday), before the Alold justice- Waiter Adams, of 6, Croslet-street, Old Ker.1-road. I/ondcn, a man of respectable appearance, wa., charged in custody with obtaining earthenware goods, valuc-d at £24 7s by false pretences, from Messrs. Isaac and William Powell, EwJoe. Pot- teries, Ew'oe. Isaac Powell said that in January his firm re- ceived a communication from prisoner, statin" that he had been recommended by a friend to do business with them. He wrote on paper with a bni-.it.ad, Yi, hich stated that he was a wholesa^ deader, established in 1820. On the 12th April after further correspondence, they despatched goods to tee prisoner to the value of JE24 7s. He (witness) subsequpntly went to London and got into communication with the police there. He found the accused was the. occupier of two rooms in a small house, and that the goods were deposited in his bacK-yard. Accused now said, "I told him not to send them, as i VaS Dot in poeit,oti to take them." A remand was granted until Monday, when Mr. «• H. Cnurton, of Chester, will appear to prose- cute.

I DEATH OF A WREXHAM YEOMAN. News reached Wrexham on Tuesday by means of a telegram from the War Office that Trooper L. Perkins, son of a well-known Wrexham tradesman, residing at Rhosddu, Wrexham, had succumbed at Elandsfontein, in South Africa, from enteric fever. The deceased formerly belonged to the Denbigh- shire Imperial eomanry, and fourteen months ago went out w:th the 29th Company of ImperiV Yeomanry, He was 23 years old.

CHESHIRE BRIGADE AT SALISBURY I PLAIN. Last week end the Cheshire Volunteer Infantry Brigade, consisting of the 1st, 3rd, 4th, and 5th Volunteer Battalions Cheshire Regiment and a Bearer Company went into camp at Perham Down, Salisbury Plain. Formerly the Bearer Company was made up of sections from the various battalions, but now it is supplied entirely by the 2nd V.B. Cheshire Regiment, and is commanded by Brigade-Surgeon Lieut.-Col. King. The company paraded at Chester Drill Hall at half-past nine on Sunday morning, and proceeded by train to Perham Down. Colonel A. E. Ommanney is the Brigadier-General, with Captain Johnson-Houghton, 1st V.B as aide- de-camp, Captain and Adjutant Thomas, 2nd V.B., brigade-major; Major Edwards, 2nd V.B., supply and transport officer; Sergeant.-Major Dent, 4th V.B., brigade sergeant-major and Sergeant-Major Mellor, 2nd V.B., brigade clerk. The total strength of the brigade is 2,888, made up as follows1st V.B. (Colonel Blood), 501 all ranks; 3rd V.B. (Colonel Mothersiili, 707 4th V.B (Colonel Pearson), 812 5th V.B. (Colonel Sir W. Shackerley, Bart), 818; Bearer Company: 41 and staff nine. The 2nd V.B. are not in camp, as they go to Salis- bury Plain with the 30th Brigade later in the year. THE WEEK'S WORK. I [FROM OUR CORRESPONDENT.] I The Camp, Thursday evening. The Bearer Company travelled. from Chester in a saloon which was attached to the train contain- ing the first party of the 1st Cheshire Battalion. After a long, but comfortable, journey, we ar- rived at Ludgershall at 6.10 p.m. The- company had only just commenced their march to camp when a very severe hailstorm pelted down upon them; in fact it was about the worst storm most of the men had been in, being intensely cold, but tho colonel had foreseen the approaching storm, and had ordered the men to unpack their great coats, and so prevented them from getting wet through. On arriving at camp, we found the ad- vance party had everything in readiness, and we were quickly settled down. On Monday the company commenced their duties, which consisted of hospital and field work, the men not on actual hospital duty being exer- cised in drill and lectured to. Tuesday was a field day. It was supposed that there would be an attack on the camp by the troops from Park House camp, but this was frustrated. The men were out from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., the Bearer Com- pany taking up the position of a ield hospital. Wednesday was a quiet day, so far as the Bearer Company was concerned, drill and lectures being the order of the day. The several battalions (1st, 3rd, 4th and 5th) were engaged in skirmishing tactics. On Thursday the Brigadier-General made his inspection in field tactics of the 3rd Battalion, and made his annual inspection of the 5th Bat- talion, the Bearer Company being engaged in hos- pital duties, etc. The camp has been almost entirely free from accidents or severe sickness, the cases treated in- side the hospital consisting mostly of colic, gastric catarrh, influenza and chilis. At the time of writing, there does not happen to be even one patient in the hospital. The strength of the Bearer Company is 41 N.C. officers and men, un- der the command-of Brigade-Surgeon. Lieut.-Col. H. W. King, M.D., Surg.-Capt. Averill (5th V.B. Cheshire Regiment, acting adjutant), and Surg.- Capt. Sidebottom (of the 4th Battalion). Staff- Sergt. G. C. Jones has had to combine the duties of both sergeant-major and quartermaster-sergeant, and has ably carried out the work. Sergt. H. Leithead is in charge of the hospital, and Sergt. D. E. Hignett is orderly room sergeant. The strength of the brigade in camp is about 3,000.

"THE WORST WOMAN IN MOLD." I On Tuesday morning Mr. P. Tatton Davies- Cooke presided at the Mold fortnightly Petty Sessions. It transpired-that the majority of cases were the outcome of an epidemic of neighbours' quarrels. As a rule these cases are but of average interest, though one deserves special mention. Ann Thomas, a widow, hailing from Little Alyn-terrace, described by the police as "the worst woman in Mold," was summoned for smashing the windows of a neighbour (Ellen Hannen), who at a previous court had given evidence against her. Defendant had during the morning been seen within the precincts of the court, but failed to answer to her name when called. Subsequently Acting-Sergeant Jones, the officer in charge of the court, was informed that she had got drunk, had returned home, and was engaged demolishing the windows of another neighbour. Two officers were despatched post haste in pursuit, and shortly afterwards the pro- ceedings of the court were interrupted by a series df demoniacal shrieks, from outside, accom- panied by the derisive cheers and laughter of a crowd of spectators. Upon returning to court Sergeant Jones explained that Mrs. Thomas, who was mad drunk," had been discovered by the police officers engaged in her work of destruction. Sheviolentlyresisted apprehension, and having been handcuffed, she was placed in a handcart and carried to the police-station. She was not in a fit state to appear in court, and had been placed in the cells. Under the circumstances the case was adjourned until the following day. A calm was found to have succeeded the storm when on Wednesday morning, partially subdued and perfectly sober, Ann Thomas was placed in the dock to answer for her escapade. Mr. J. B. Marston, who appeared to prosecute, stated that three charges of malicious injury would be preferred. In addition to the offence committed on the 14th inst., she would be charged with two offences committed while Tuesday's Court was sitting. After apprehending defendant, who was found secreted in the house of a person named Kinsey, inspection was made of the premises damaged by her. Sixteen panes of glass had been broken in the windows of the house occu- pied by Mrs. Charlotte Thomas, and in Mrs. Hannen's house 23 panes were smashed and the wood and lead work were also demolished. The damage committed on Tuesday amounted to JE2 16s. One witness, James Doyle, said that on the Tuesday there was a crowd of 150 persons watch- ing the accused. They seemed to enjoy it, and it was in fact more like a pantomime than any- thing else. He remonstrated with the defendant, and she retaliated by striking him down.—De- fendant, who denied the offence of the 14th inst. but admitted those of the previous day, was sent to gaol for 30 days with hard labour—10 days for each offence.

THE ISMAY. FAMILY. ;— In connection with the Morgan shipping com- bine and the question of the incorporation therein of the White Star Line, naturally the domestic house of Ismay is very much to the front. The late Mr. Thomas Ismay, founder of the company, was often termed the Napoleon of shipping. His widow, who has come forward so prominently in connection with the combine, was married to him in 1858. One of the daughters married Mr. G. Drage, M.P. for Derby, who defeated Sir William Harcourt on a memorable oocasion. Mr. James H. Ismay, an elder son. married Lady Margaret Seymour, daughter of the Marquis of Hertford, and in 1892 was ad- mitted a partner to Ismay, Imrie and Co., of which his brother, Mr. Bruce Ismay, is also a partner. Lady Margaret Ismay died a few months ago, to the deep regret of Cheshire society. The Ismay family is not a mushroom one. It has been settled in this country for many centuries. The name is of Norman origin, the ancient form being "Ymaison." A Mistress Ismay, wife of John de Ayketon, the earliest known progenitor of the family, is mentioned in a document of the reign of Edward I., dated 1292. Mrs. Ismay, widow of the Napdleon of shipping, is a handsome lady of middfe height, dark hair, features striking and elegantly formed. From her residence at Dawpool she frequently gives evidence of the deep interest she continues to take in all matters, business or social, in which her late husband was concerned. The members of the family now actively associated with the White Star Line are the eldest brothers, Mr. James Bruce Ismay (chair- man of the company) and Mr. James H. Ismay. So far, Mr. Bruce Ismay, who is the partner u.ost concerned in the company's administrative aftairs, has not taken any part in public life. political or social. His father was a very retiring man, extremely adverse to publicity, and, it is to be believed, unwilling to be the recipient of personal honours and titles, and Mr. Bruce Ismay appears to be following in his steps. Cricket and golf at Dawpool are Mr. Bruce Ismay's chief pleasures out of office hours. His principal place of residence is a large estate in the Midlands, which he has recently purchased. Mr. Bruce Ismay is a good-looking man of forty, youthful- looking, dark-haired, clean shaven, save for a trim, curled moustache, tall, and well-built. He was educated at Harrow, and, after a journey round the world, he settled down to study the. White Star business both iL the Liverpool and New York offices of the Line. In addition to his White Star interests, Mr. Bruce Ismay is a director of the Liverpool, London, and Globe Insurance Company, the Sea Insurance Company, the Asiatic Steam Navigation Company, and the Liverpool and London Steamship Protection Association. The home of the Ismays is the imposing mansion of Dawpool, Thurstas- ton. T Mr. T. H. Ismay was a home-loving man. and Dawpool was therefore magnificently fitted up by him with a view to that "slippered com- fort" which he earned so well after forty years of strenuous business life. Large sums were spent in forming a road for convenience of approach to Dawpool and in building up and fitting the mansion. Many rare and valuable works of art are housed at Dawpool, including a portrait of Mr. Ismay by Millais. The archi- tect of Dawpool was Mr. Norman Shaw, who has also designed the splendid new Liverpool oiffces of the White Star Line.

CHESTER TRADES COUNCIL. THE GRAIN DUTY OPPOSED. The Chester Trades and Labour Council have passed the following resolution, and forwarded a copy to Mr. Yorburgho M.P. That this meeting, composed of your constituents, requests you to use every effort to secure the withdrawal of the proposed bread tax, on the following grounds: 1. That the tax is a departure from the principles of Free Trade, and is a return to the methods of protection. 2. That this departure from the accepted national policy has not been before the electors, and that the members of all political parties in the House of Commons should refuse to sanction such a grave step without first submitting the matter in a constitutional way to the electors. 3. That the tax will involve a burden of double the amount estimated by the Chancellor of the Exchequer, that a gift of at least a million and a quarter sterling will be made to the agricultural interest (without yield- ing a penny of extra revenue to the Chancellor of the Exchequer) as a result of the rise in the price of home-grown grain, that the tax will be on the necessaries of life instead of upon luxuries, and that the burden of it will fall with greatest weight on the poorest members of the oom- munity, whose diet is largely, and in some cases almost exclusively, made up of bread."

WOMEN EMIGRANTS. I WANTED FOR SOUTH AFRICA. I The Press Association states that the South African Expansion Committee, with offices at the Imperial Institute, has been formed for the pur- pose of assisting women, especially those who have been educated, who are desirous of emigrating to South Africa. The committee has sub-committees for every territory in South Africa, which are in touch with local committees on the spot. The society has the personal support of Lords Milner and Wolseley and Mr. Chamberlain. The first- named, in a letter to a member of the committee, says: "If anything I can say can be of assistance to your South African Expansion Committee, I shall be very happy. In helping respectable and competent women to come out you will be doing South Africa great service." At the annual meeting of the United British Women's Emigra- tion Association Mr. Chamberlain moved—"That in view of the pressing demand for competent and responsible women throughout South Africa, this meeting recommends great expansion of its work, and that a special fund should be raised for South African emigration." Writing on the sam& sub- ject, Lord Wolsoley says: "As soon as the present guerilla war is extinguished, the surest solution of our troubles in that part of the Empire would be a good system of emigration. English women of all olasses are sadly wanted. I am glad to find I the matter is in such good hands." It is antici- pated that there will shortly be a demand for dressmakers, shop-assistants, laundresses, florists, clerks, technical teachers, and mothers' helps. The climate is healthy and invigorating, and salaries range from about JSSO. Emigrants will go out in small parties in charge of an experienced woman to Capetown, Durban, or Beira for Rhodesia, where on arrival they will find a comfortable and moderate hostel, and where permits will be obtained and their journeys arranged. As help- less, unpractical women would be worse than use- less in South Africa, several of the technical schools, including Gloucester, Liverpool and Leeds, have opened a special course for intending emi- grants, which includes hygiene, sick nursing, cook- ing, special colonial dressmaking, dairy work, poultry-keeping, housewifery, etc. It is specially recommended that the training should be of six months' or longer duration. University College (South Wales) and the Dorchester, East Sussex, and Newcastle schools all give instruction 111 domestic science. It is feared that the country is still too unsettled for the immigration of large numbers of women, but when peace arrives there will, it is expected, be many openings for educated women.

CHURCH BUILDING SOCIETY.-In the 84th annual report of the Incorporated Church Building Society the following general summary is given of the operations of the society since its formation in 1818 :—Total number of applications for aid, 10,429. Grants made, 8,600 viz, in aid of the erection of 2,365 additional churches and chapels, and of rebuilding, enlarging, or otherwise improving the accommodation in 6,235 existing churches and chapels. By these means more than two million additional seats were proposed to be obtained, of which about three-fourths were to be set apart for the free use of the parishioners. Sum voted by the society towards these works Sl. 021,630, or (excluding grants cancelled, £ 126,947), 98A683. Estimated amount of further expenditure on the part of the public, £ 15,281,884.

GRESFORD. WORKMEN'S CLUB AND INSTITUTE.— The balance sheet for the past year in connection with this excellent institution has just been issued. The total receipts were C60 5,9 Id., and after paying all expenses a credit balance amounting to JB6 14s. 6d. is left.

FARNDON. LOYAL ORDER OF ANCIENT SHEPHERDS. 1 He Shepherds held their anniversary on Whit Monday. The members assembled at their lodge- room (the National School) about 11 o'clock, and after parading the village attended divine service at the parish church. The Rector conducted the service and read extracts from the Archbishop of Canterbury's address to workingmen. Dinner was served in a tent on ground kindly lent by Mr. George Harding. The Rev. L. E. Owen presided, and, though only recovering from ill- ness, was quite equal to the occasion, and moved the various toasts in his usual felicitous manner. The evening was spent in dancing on Mr. Harding's lawn, the music being provided by the Farndon and Holt Brass Band.

I ROSSETT. SUDDEN DEATH.—We regret to record the death of Mr. John Morris Jones, of Marford, at the age of 54 years. Mr. Jones, who was lately employed in Liverpool, was quite recently at Rossett apparently in his usual good health. He was, however,- attacked last week with acute bronchitis to which he suddenly succumbed. The interment took place at Gresford Church on Monday, the body having been brought. from Liverpool the previous week. At deceased's late residence a .short service was conducted by the Rev. J. Meredith, after which the mournful procession proceeded to Gres- ford. At the church the coffin was met by the vicar of Gresford (the Rev. E. A. Fishbourne), who conducted the service. A large number of beautiful wreaths were placed upon the grave. Deceased leaves a widow and three daughters for whom much sympathy is felt.

BUCKLEY. —— CHORAL SOCIETY.—The Buckley Choral Class, under the leadership of Mr. Wilfrid Jones which is he!d under the auspices of the Mold School Board, gave, their third annual per- formance to a crowded and enthusiastic audience on Wednesday night in the Central Hall, the oratorio being "Judas Maccabaeus." The previous festivals were rendered in a huge marquee, but this year two performances have been given, the former taking place in January. The artists were Messrs. Maldwyn Humphries, Emilyn Davies, Miss Florrie Williams, and Miss Fiorrie Jones, the orchestra leader being Mr. Haseldene. ST. MATTHEW'S CHURCH RENOVATIOX —A specially-convened vestry meeting of St. Matthew's Parish Church, held on Thursday night last week, the Rev. Harry Drew presiding, requested the vicar and churchwardens to apply for a faculty for the erection of the peal of bells and clock, and for the removing of the font end its replacement by a new one, which is being erected by old scholars to the memory of the late schoolmaster, Mr. Tyson, at a cost of E110. The dedication services of the font, the new baptistry, the memorial erected to the memory of the late Mrs. W. E. Gladstone (the gift of Mrs. Drew), the porch, and bells are provisionally arranged to take place on Juiy 30 next. FATALITY AT ELM COLLIERY.—Mr. Llewellyn Jones, coroner, held an inquest at Hawarden on Saturday on the body of Joseph Roberts, 19 years of age, who lived at Ledsham Houses with his grandmother. It appeared from the evidence of Thomas Hill, of Buckley, and Latham Catherall, New Brighton, both of whom worked in the Elm Colliery with deceased, that. on the previous morning, when deceased was handing the former some rails across a tub, two large stones fell from the roof. One of the stones caught deceased in the back, and he died about a quarter of an hour afterwards. The stones, according to Hill, seemed to have slipped over the prop. Both witnesses stated in reply to Mr. Matthews, colliery inspector, that the place was well timbered and appeared safe. A verdict of "Accidentally killed" was returned. ROWDYISM AT MOLD.—Our Mold corre- spondent writes-The evening visits to Mold on Saturdays and Bank Holidays of the Buckley larrikins has for years past been a cause of dis- quietude to the peaceable denizens of Chester- road and Pcntre Hill, Mold. Not very long ago a party of home-returning rovsterers amused them- selves by overturning the boundary wall of the primitive Methodist Uhapel. The Primitive Methodists of Mold, be it. said, are a struggling denomination, who rely for their very existence upon the physical exertions and self-denial of a faithful few. The miscreants fortunately were discovered, and were compelled to make good the result of their wanton destructiveness. 'Tis to be regretted the matter was not made the subject of police court proceedings, and that a period of de- tention with hard labour was not the result. At midnight on Whit Monday one of a party of re- turning Buckleyites varied the harmony by resort- ing to the use of firearms near Fair View, with which to decide a friendly (?) argument, and evi- dences of their amiable deliberations remain on an adjacent bill-posting station in the form of shot and blood splashes. We are left to conjecture what form the next outrage on the public peace will assume, and what, loss to life and limb may be the consequence.

Mackintoshes. Large variety of patterns. Guaranteed. Various styles, 14/11, 18/11, 21/11, 24/11, 27/6, Ass. Guaranteed for 12 months. Any coat not satisfactorily waterproof raplaced.- Bradley's, Foregate-street. Chester. Printed and published for and on behalf of the CfcwiJia and North Wales Newspaper Company, Limited, by JAMES ALBERT BIRCHALL, at the Cheshire Observer Office, 8, Bridge-street. Ù\ thP. City of Chester. Way 24.. im

LORD PAUNCEFOTE. I [REUTEB'S SPBCIAL CABLE.] Washington, Friday. Lord Pauncefote's condi tion shewed only a alight improvement yesterday. He is still very weak.

THEFT AT WHITCHURCH. I FOUR MONTHS' IMPRISONMENT. I Edward H. Ridings, a respectably-dressed in- surance agent, was changed on remand at Whit- church Police Court, to-day, with stealing an opera glass, a tobacco pouch. pince-nez and other articles, from Alfred Ladds, a fellow-lodger; a si'- v(,.r watch from Mra. Parry, Whitchurch; and a pair of spectacles and a fccarf pin from Mrs. Kelly, his late landlady. He was apprehended at Man- eke ster last Saturday by Sergeant Taylor. H" I was sentenced in all to four months' hard labour. —————— «.

DOG v SOW. I REMARKABLE CASE AT WHITCHURCH. I [SPECIAL TELEGBAM.] I A: \i?i:cnurch Petty Se.?Ions. to-day, Ohari&s B;:cwn. iarraier Wh?aii, was summoned for ?tting- his dog at a sow belonging to Thomas H?xlev. wich ,n+ont to be cruel. The evidence shewed that the pig had been bitten in two places and blad profusely, her recovery at on, time being doubtful. Complainant's father said defendant admitted having set his dog at the pig. Mr. Senior, veterinary surgeon, Wem, gave evidence. The Bench decided that action should ha ro been taken in the County Court.

CHESTER GOLF CLUB. I SPRING MEETING. I The following elub p-ri-,e was played for on Satur- I de.)" ? Gross. H'cap. Nett. S-??——-—— 92 20 72 H& B. xolier 87 6 81 Dr. S'\Vetenham 102 20 82 R.  ?'??'?- 96 10 86 C. H. BusbeII. 110 24 ? T.G.?rost 95 8 87 R.?.?ha,nd 90 2 88 -J. B. ^'1! 105 16 ? iWv t,. Wninnery 90 scr. 90 IV. D. 'ife 97 7 90 P. 101 11 90 C. B. ToMer. 103 12 ? 91 Dr. Harrison 108 15 93 G. NNr. Have-; 96 2 94 ?. uwen.H3 17 95 R.James .118 ? 20 ? 98 The following bogey competition was played on Whit-Monday :— H. B. Toller. 4 down R. W. Shand. 7 R. T. Richardson 7 O. Okell 7 T. G. Frost 7 J. T. Dickson 7 T. S. C.-)ruber 8 Dr. Harrlsoll 9 J. M. Frost 10 Rev. J. D. Best 11

FOREBODINGS OF DEATH. LAST PATHETIC LETTERS FROM ST. PIERRE. Pa.thetio letters have been received in France which were written at St. Pierre on May 3, the day when the volcano first began to show signs of vioient disturbance. These letters, were brought to France bv the steamer St. German, which, leaving St. Pierre on the 4th inst., arrived at Bordeaux on Sunday. One of these letters, written by M. Roger Portel to his. Orother, says:— What has to-morrow in store for us? A Bow of ava, a ram of stones, a blast of suffocating ga.s. some overwhelming cataclysm? Nobodv now. rne excursion which we had arranged .tor to-morrow with the co-operation of the Gymnastic Society is put off. I embrace you, my dear brother, a iicl va3r last thought will be of you if I am to die. Do not distress yourself too much for us. Having described the experiences of the towns- People, M. Portel proceeds: I am suffering from a. reeling of oppression and from a burning sensation. Are we all going to die of stiffoc, T, 'o n The priests kept the churches open last night, and while the volcano J belched from its two craters a column of smoke I ana a co.umn ot tire, the laitmui prayed, con- fessed, communicated, listened to the exhorta- ticiis cf their pastors, alarmed by the rumbling o; the volcano. Ae.r letter, quotsd bv the "Daily Tele-  from q-uo? ted ? bv t? ho ?n-;?i? ?T t says: I 3.m surprised at my own calmness; I am quiet\v aY.aitm? events, troubled only by the dust, wh:ch penetrates everywhere, although everything is closed. Many people have lost edvuesrty, thheinagd; s, but around me all is calm. Mamma is not at all anxious. Edith alone is so far !!ervous. If death awaits us we shall all go off together "I a. large crowd. Will it be from fire or suffocation? It will be as God wills. Our last thought "»* M be of you. The writer of another letter dated St. Pierre, May 4, says: — We are in the hands of God. Let us hope that we e net to meet with the fate of Pom- peii and Herculaneum, and that my letter, in spite of its unformed style, may not create as much sensation as that of Pliny the Younger.

I PEACE PROSPECTS. I A SIGNIFICANT MESSAGE. I The "Daily Telegraph" says:-One encouraging fact emerges from the mystery in which Pretoria at this moment is naturally shrouded—that is that the unique assembly of representative Boer worthies at Vereeniging came to some sort of a conclusion on Saturday last. According to our war corres- pondent ten delegates whom he managed to identify as compromising members of the so-called Boer Government" and the leading commandants, arri ved at Pretoria on Sunday. This could not have happened If the curious improvised parliament within our lines had not agreed upon the mandate given to the delegates. It is equally obvious that the grip of the censor has not been relaxed, but rather has been tightened upon all messages. Otherwise our correspondent, when telegraphing to us on Tuesday, would have informed us of the im- portant news which he learned on Sunday and which we publish to-day. This admitted evidence lends importance to the private telegram sent by Mr. Bennet Burleigh to a relative to be communi- cated to us. Though it consists of the single word "returning" there is ample ground for inferring that it was more pregnant with meaning even than his namesake's nod We take it to convey that Mr. Burleigh, debarred by the censorship from cabling his own views on the question, has taken this method of intimating his conviction that peace is sufficiently assured to justify his hopes of an immediate return to England. We do not put the inference higher than that, ana we nave ?h.en LU public entirely into our confidence. We may, how- p", though it is hardly necessary, for Mr. Burleigh's ??p.t .ti. for devotion to duty is too well known, to state he is the very last man in the world to dream of quitting a task while there was yet work to be done. All* the world will rejoice with us if this optimistic view should prove correct. Our doubts have always lain in the direction that the Boers might make preposterous counter pro- posals, and that the Government might find itself involved in haggling negotiations in which the Boers are past masters, and in which English srentlemen, we are thankful to say, are but in- different players. If the terms are satisfactory to Lord Milner they can include nothing which will Drove later on the hindrance to the work of developing and reorganising our new provinces as an inteerral part of the British empire. MESSAGES FROM SOUTH AFRICA. I COLONIAL AND WAR OFFICES llUiSY. I HOPEFUL INDICATIONS. A meeting of Cabinet Ministers was summoned for yesterdav (Friday), and it is understood that the Council is the direct outcome of South African news. The subject is one upon which. for obvious reasons, official information is not available, but it is definitely known that some at least of the Ministers left London in the expectation of being recalled before the expiration of the Whitsuntide recess because of the anticipated proposals of the Boer delegates. When Mr. Balfour arrived in London from Windsor on Wednesday the expected tidings had not arrived, but it is understood that during Thursday both the diplomatic and military representatives of the Imperial Government at Pretoria sent cablegrams to their respective head- quarters, Lord Milner to the Colonial Office and Lord Kitchener to the War Office. The purport of their communications can only be surmised. It is, however, significant that both departments were rendered suddenly and exceptionally busy, and that late in the afternoon the members of the Cabinet wre summoned by telegraph to meet on Friday. The circumstances give some justification for a feeling of hope regarding the present situation. Had the Boers met the British Government with impossible proposals the Prime Minister would hardly have deemed it necessary to bring his colleagues back so hastily from their short holiday in the country. It is much more probable that the enemy has sought to obtain some modifica- tion of the terms which our Government are known to require, or else some assurance which is not altogether too unreasonable to admit of considera- tion, and in that case an early Council of Ministers would be imperative in the interests of rapid negotiation. It is an open secret that among those likelv to be well informed there is still existent the hope that at least the foundations of peace will have been surely laid in time to make the occasion of the Coronation one of double rejoicing.

A STORY OF THE WAR. I UNRECORDED CAPTURE OF A LONG TOM. I If there is one military art that the Boers acquired more quickly than another it was that of removing cannon from a place of insecurity in the sh<)rt,fit possible time. They stood a British assault out to the finish at Elandslaagte, and sacrificed two field-pieces as the price of their temerity. Never again; and it was months before we heard of the capture of Boer g-uns in an open and stand-up fight. No matter the weight, no matter the calibre, the Boers seemed to know by instinct rhe exact psychological moment, and up came the limber teams, whether horses, mules, oxen, or men, and the guns were saved. Now. great military prestige and morale would appear to attach to the capture and loss of guns in battle. In the estimation of the modern mind their possession seemed to rank with the captured chariots in a Roman triumph. It is the humble opinion of the writer (says a corre- spondent in the "Pall Mall Gazette") that during this war in South Africa more lives have been spent in the attempts to capture and defend artillery than have ever been sacrificed through the accuracy of aftillery fire. But doubtless guns have served their purpose. It is good in war to have something besides human life with which to tally the losses and the gains; something more civilised than the Dyaks' show of heads, or the Redskins' collection of top-knots. Well, we have met the gr..at General who could shew by hi3 statf diary that he had captured the little Free State hamlet of Vrede seven- teen times in one month. We are familiar with his keenness to excel in the game of war, and we appreciate the caution with which he was wont to temper his success. This great General was ambitious. It was that solid kind of ambition which, based upon a mighty fulcrum of caution, takes long to develop; consequently the great General, as well as the nation, was hardly used a few months ago, when his ambition was "nipped in the bud" by his being caught by the age limit and placed in [hat secure little nook on the shelf which so often has proved the taxpayers' cheapest investment. But to this blighted ambition. The great general felt that the safe road to success would be in the capture of Boer cannon—six-inch "Long Toms" fcr choice—and he told his pocket corre- spondent so. It happened that the fates seemed propiticus to his schemes. The army which the great general commanded was called upon to work through an area of mountain fortresses, and there opposing the advance was a "Long Tom," a real, black-powder-burning, six-inch-sheil-fliuging "Long Tom." The general rubbed his hands with glee, and made the big gun's presence an excuse to halt his army for a week. Reconnaissance, my boy—reconnaissance," he would say, when his chief of staff tried to goad him into action, "reconnaissance is the secret of successful soldiering!" And his army sat down and reconnoitred for a week. Then came the order—the order which his army had been pant- ing for. The gun was to be taken by a night attack after the position had been sufficiently reconnoitred. Slowly but surely the attacking column hauled itself up the steep breast of the hill. Semicircles of glinting bayonets narrowed round the summit 'of the conical kopje. The rim of the moon ri.-ing above the tip of a neighbouring height gave just light enough to allow the men to correct their distance. It was an exciting moment. Up to this there had been no challenge, no indication that the kopje was held. Yet at sundown the enemy had been working at "Long Tom's" em- placement. Another fifteen feet, and yet no challenge. "Now, men!" and with a mighty cheer the British infantry hurled themselves upon the sandbags of the epaulement. The cheer died away. expired in a sickly wail. The gunpit was empty, the platform deserted! No. not quite deserted; there, posted on the parapet, gleaming- in the strengthening moon- light, was something. A little toy cannon on wheels fa-hioned from the case of a Mauser cart- riage. Nor did the pleasantry of the Boer gunners pud bpre. Attached to the toy was a irdgaieni ci document. It was a copy of the General s order dated three days back, propound- ing the attack, and in the corner some wit from "Long Tom's" orew had written "Coming events cast their shadows before them!" In the morning "Long Tom" barked com- placently from a neighbouring hill. I

I WHITCHURCH. POLICE STOP A MARRIAGE.-At Whit- church Police Court on Tuesday, before Mr. W. Ledsham, Lewis Victor Ellson was charged with deserting the Lancashire Regiment, and was remanded to await an escort.-Ellson, it may he renle-bered, was apprehended by P.S. Taylor in Whitchurch on May 4th. The escort duly reached Shrewsbury, but when at Wellington Station, en route for Aldershot, Ellson managed to slip the escort, and nothing more was seen of turn until Monday. On the after- noon of that day P.C. Andrews had been taking a prisoner from Whitchurch to Shrewsbury, and having completed his business went into a public-house, where he saw Ellson. He at once took him into custody, and they reached Whit- church at 6-20. Ellson is a native of Northwich. He had procured a licence for his marriage with a widow, and but for the intervention of the police the marriage would have taken place before this.

THE CHESHIRE YEOMANRY. I I SPORTS AT THE CAMP. I INTERESTING COMPETITIONS. I rFROM OuFt OWN REPORTER.1 I The Cheshire Yeomanry encampment this year will be chiefly remembered for the wretched weather which has been experienced. It was hoped that the second week under canvas would be associated with more genial climatic conditions than those which prevailed last week; but alas for such hopes! It is true there has been some sun- shine, but if one day was fine and the troopers cherished thoughts of an agreeable change, the morrow was sure to be miserably wet. The heavy rains have considerably hampered the carrying-out of the comprehensive scheme of work which had been arranged. Much has perforce been left un- done, but much also has been accomplished, and it is with the latter that we have to deal. Tues- day and Wednesday were both charming days, and the regiment were busy from morn till eve. Saturday afternoon, during which for several hours the sun shone brilliantly, was set apart for deciding the preliminary events of the annual tournament, which has always been associated with the annual training, and never fails to excite the keenest interest among the Yeomanry and their friends. The various competitions took place within a roped enclosure, prepared under the direction of Quartermaster Lewis, on the Chester side of the camp. The spectators lined the ropes or took up a position on a conveniently situated "kopje." A number of distinguished visitors, including the Duchess of Westminster, Lord and Lady Delamere, Mrs. and Miss Tomkinson, etc., were accommodated with seats on a lurry. The officers present included Colonel the Earl of Harrington, Lieut.-Colonel Tomkinson, Major Lord Arthur Grosvenor, Capt. Sir Philip Grey-Egerton, Captain the Duke of Westminster, Captain H. M. Wilson, M.F.H., Captain Neil Haig (adjutant), Lieut. Harry Barnston, Lieut. Phillips, Lieut. R. N. H. Verdin, Lieut. Legh, Lieut. Lees-Mi'ne, Lieut. Barbour, etc. In addition there were Colonel. Courtenay, of Chester, Mr. J. L. Birkett, Mr. Burder, Mr. Earle, the Hon. Leicester Warren, Mr. H. Hewitt, the Rev. Dr. Payne and many others. Colonel the Earl of Harrington judged all the events except the officers'. "Heads and posts" was the first competition, and was carried out under the new regulations. The troopers who took part gave a good exhibition, and finally Sergeant Jones, Arley Squadron, with 16 points, Trumpet-Major Yar- wood, Arley Squadron, with 15 points, and Corp!. Astall, with 12 points, were selected as the three best. A tent-pegging contest ensued. Trumpet- Major Yarwood was first with 18 points; Trooper J. C. Salmon, Eaton Squadron, second with 16 points; and Sergt.-Major Jones third with 15 Doints. L A feature of the afternoon's tournament was the officers' tent-pegging competition. After a trial round, Colonel Earl Harrington led off, took the first peg and carried it. Returning, he lifted the second peg, but did not carry it. This splendid exhibition of skill by the veteran Colonel-Com- mandant of the regiment evoked great enthusi- asm. He touched the first peg and carried the second. Major Lord Arthur Grosvenor struck short of the first peg, and a few inches beyond the second. Captain the Duke of Westminster, going at a fast pace, did not strike the first peg, and narrowly missed the second. Lieut. Phillips missed the first and carried the second. Lieut. Verdin, riding at a slow and cautious pace, missed the first and struck the second, but did not lift it. Lieut. Legh just pulled up the second peg, while Lieut. Lees-Milne and Lieut. Tomkinson struck unsuccessfully at both. Captain Neil Haig missed the first and carried the second peg. In this competition Colonel Courtenav, chief staff officer at Chester, headquarters of the North- Western Division, acted as judge, and made the following awards:—Colonel the Earl of Harring- ton, 10 points; Lieut.-Colonel Tomkinson, 8 points; Lieut. Phillips and Capt. Neil Haig, 6 points each. Lieut.-Colonel Tomkinson remarked that it was twenty years since he had taken part in a tent-pegging competition. A "Victoria Cross" contest was next held. The troopers were required to gallop down the arena, pick up dummies on to their saddle-bows while under fire, and gallop with them out of danger. Troopers Morton and A. Beckett, both of the Forest Troop, were first and second respectively, while Trooper Amaler, of Arley Squadron, was third. A new and distinctly pleasing feature of the afternoon's programme was a musical drill, which had been successfully per- formed at the Agricultural Hall, and which had been introduced to the Cheshire troopers for the first time this year. Accompanied by the band, the selected Yeomen took up their positions and, under the direction of Sergt.-Major Hopper, gave an excellent display on horseback. In cutting various figures they controlled their steeds with splendid skill, and wound up with a charge down the arena. A word of commendation is due to the band, who were under the conductorship of Mr. Jos. Clement. They played during the sports, and now and again would break into song while performing some piece of coon-like character. One of the items on their programme was "The Cheshire Yeo- men's Call" (Clement), dedicated to Colonel Piers Egerton Warburton, who for many years com- manded the Arley regiment. SUNDAY'S SERVICE. Another ot those heavy snowers to wnicn the Yeomanry are becoming inured prevented the holding in the camp of the customary church parade, which is generally joined in by many cycling visitors. There was, however, a celebra- tion of. the Holy Communion in the hospital tent, the chaplain of the regiment, the Rev. Charles Prodgers, vicar of Elvaston, officiating. There was a voluntary service in the evening in the troopers' dining-room. Nearly all the regiment attended, and the chaplain again officiated at what proved to be a most hearty service. Mr. Prodgers preached an appropriate sermon, which was followed with deep interest by his military auditors. The discourse was based on the "send- ing of a embassage for peace" mentioned in the Gospel of St. Luke, who records how one king at war with another, sits down and decides to enter into negotiations and send an embassage. The preacher alluded to the negotiations now in pro- gress in South Africa, and touched upon the terrors of war and the strong desire of those who had experienced such terrors to obtain peace. Still more terrible, he said, was the war now in progress-the war in progress even in that camp. As chaplain of the regiment, it was his duty to point out the terrors of the war of sin against which it was necessary to fight. It was neces- sary to desire peace, and having desired it, an ambassador must be sent. Our ambassador was the Mediator, Jesus Christ. While men had their health and intellect was the right time to sue for peace. On Monday afternoon the camp was practically deserted, the regiment riding to Oulton Park, the seat of Captain Sir Philip Grey-Egerton, where the military tournament proper was held in con- junction with the annual Primrose League Fete. A record of the various competitions will be found reported in another column of this issue. I On Tuesday morning there was drill trom eignt o'clock till one o'clock.' under Colonel the Earl of Harrington. The regiment turned out again at 2.30, and were engaged till five o'clock in skir- mishing and rifle drill. The camping ground lends itself splendidly to extended movements, and the attack against an imaginary enemy was ably car- ried out. Several miles of country were covered, and the manoeuvres were of a very practical description. The men practise shooting with the Morris tube in camp, and excellent progress in marksmanship is recorded., Wednesday was another long field day. The morning was spent in squadron and regimental drill. Each squadron leader drilled the regiment in turn. The afternoon was spent in skirmishing and rifle drill. The field movements were entered into with intelligence and enthusiasm. Colonel Courtenay, of Chester, was present in an un- official capacity, and made some interesting suggestions. On Thursday the regiment were prisoners to Jupiter Pluvius. In other words, the steady and heavy fall of rain, which was truly described by a trooper as "worse than ever," was solely responsible for the cancelling of the regimental orders for the day. It was most unfortunate, for a very important scheme of outposts t had been I arranged. With a view to carrying out this plan the camp was earlier astir than usual, and the disappointment was keen among the ranK ana file when the rain compelled abandonment. The camp presented a sorry spectacle in the after- noon. As one approached there was so little activity that the little canvas town seemed deserted The tents, no longer "snow-white," were saturated; the horses stood dejectedly at their posts; here and there were muddy pools of water; above was a leaden sky with not a silver streak or patch of blue to relieve the gloom. The soldiers, with characteristic resource, made the best of it. Some curled themselves up in their rugs and slept, while many devised various methods of spending the hours of ease. Lectures on reoonnaissance and outpost duty were given by the squadron commanders, and for this pur- pose the marquees were utilised. The scheme of mimic warfare was postponed until Friday. SHAM FIGHT SCHEME. The general idea was sketched as follows: I "A hostile force (blue, that has landed in the estuary of the Dee has seized Chester, and the Cheshire Brigade of Volunteers (red) have been obliged to retreat to Northwioh, leaving the Cheshire Imperial Yeomanry as a rearguard to watch the enemy's advanced guard that bpwe seized Eddisbury Hill. The officer commanding the Brigade directs the oiffcer commanding the Cheshire Imperial Yeomanry to throw out a line of outposts to watch over and check the enemy's advance." The special idea was outlined as fd!ows Throw out a line of outposts from the bridge over the railway at Winsford Junction to the cross-roads between Sidebottom Farm and Forest Farm. If the enemy does not advance I-o -,i will be ordered to concentrate at Plover's Mo S3. 'A' Squadron, under Major the Hon. A. d" Tatton Egerton, will watch the country between a line drawn perpendicular, east to west, between Winsford Junction and Massey Lodge. 'B' Squadron, under Major Lfjrd Arthur Gro.svenor, will be responsible for the country between lines drawn, east to west, between Massey Lodge and Folley Farm. 'C' Squadron, under Captain H. M. Wilson, will be responsible for lines drawn perpendicular, east to west, between Folley Farm and the cross-roads between Sidebottom Farm and Forest Farm. D' Squadron, under Major Brocklebank, will patrol the country between the line of outposts at Eddis- bury Hill, and will try to obtain accurate in- formation concerning the strength and position of the enemy, who are supposed to be in a position at Eddisbury Hill; and if driven back, will fall back by the Abbey Arms to the cross- roads near Oaimere Hall." THE SOCIAL SIDE. I There is no lack of entertainment at the Uak- mere Camp. When the day's work is over, the horses groomed and fed and the evening meal partaken of, the troopers are free to enjoy them- selves as their fancy dictates. The social side of the camp has been more developed this year than ever. Cricket, football, and other outdoor games have been enjoyed when the weather permitted. On Wednesday evening Eaton Squadron repre- sentatives beat an eleven of the Arley Squadron in a cricket match. The officers have played polo in an adjoining field, while many troopers have put in considerable time in the tent-pegging enclosure, doubtless with a view to securing prizes on a future day. Tent-pegging is not so easy as it seems, dash and brilliancy in execution requiring much practice. Some troopers have evinced a desire to perfect themselves in the use of the sword and bayonet. On Wednesday even- ing our representative witnessed a few interesting side shows, including a contest between "sword (mounted) and bayonet (dismounted)," and a single-sticks affray. The same evening there was a I SING-SONG CAMP FIRE. which was a great success. Materials for a huge bonfire wore conveyed to the top of a little hill in the camp, and was lighted at night-fall. The lfames, gleaming fitfully in the Forest, attracted many visitors, who gathered round with the regiment. Numerous songs were rendered, Capt. Sir jL-miip Grey-Egerton, among others, singing one, for which he was loudly applauded. Thus a couple of hours were spent in merry-making. Many indoor entertainments have been en- joyed. On Tuesday evening the officers gave a dance at their mess, which had been tastefully decorated for the occasion. Among the ladies present were the Duchess of Westminster, Lady Grey-Egerton, Lady Delamere, Mrs. Tomkinson, the Misses Kearsley, Miss Swetenham, Mrs. Legh, etc. The music was supplied by the regimental band. On Thursday evening the men enjoyed another capital concert given by the officers, and last (Friday) night there was to be another concert. In addition to these there have been many impromptu entertainments, which have added brightness to the camp life. On Thursday a visit to the camp was antici- pated from the Lord Lieutenant of the County (Earl Egerton of Tatton). and an escort, under Lieut. Phillips, went to Hartford Station to meet the train. His lordship, however, did not arrive, probably on account of the disagreeable weather. Lord Chesham also is expected to visit the camp. The Cheshire Hounds, while on exercise, have once or twice called at the camp. The officers' dinner, invitations to which have been extended, as usual, to officers who have previously served in the regiment, was to have come off last (Friday) evening. To-day (Saturday) there are to be more sports at Oakmere. Ot Sunday, weather permitting, there will be a morning church parade, and on Monday and Tuesday Colonel Courtenay will inspect the regiment. On the first-named day he will inspect each squadron separately in the morning and the regiment in the afternoon. On the latter day the men will do a line of outposts and attack a position. The health of the regiment and the horses continues excellent. Regret is expressed that Sergeant- Major Cooper is detained at home; through ill- ness. Sergeant-Major Dye is thi4 time the regimental sergeant-major, and is capably dis- charging the manifold duties of the position. Most of the horses have got quite uSed to the picketing arrangement, but one or two last week stampeded and wended their homeward way. One of these animals which exhibited a decided preference for their own comfortable stables, be- longs to Captain Sir Philip B. Grey-Egerton, Bart., while a peregrinating companion, hailing from Chester, made a bolt for the city. The latter may not have followed the turnpike road in its anxiety to reach its domicile, but it arrived, and that to the astonishment of its rider's family.

I SAUGHAIJTJ. CONFERENCE.-On Whit-Monday the village experienced a large influx of visitors to attend a conference organised by the North Wales and Cheshire division of the Churches of Christ." In the afternoon they assembled in the Grove Chapel, under the presidency of Mr. Thomas Davies, of Mollington. Reports from the various churches shewed, in many instances, gratifying progress. The chief feature of the meeting was a paper by Mr. James Flisher, of Manchester, on "The Church's Ministry to the Young." The subject was ably dealt with, and an interesting discussion followed. The afternoon meeting was succeeded by a tea in the Town Hall, permission to use the building having been given by Mr. Trelawny. Over 150 sat down to tea. Owing to the number of friends, it was necessary to hold the evening meeting in the Town Hall, which necessitated the removal of the tea tables, &c., at very short notice. The meeting was presided over by Mr. J. Jones, of Egremont, and was addressed by several speakers, including Mr. J. Flisher, of Manchester, and Mr. Bartley Ellis, of Wigan. Advantage was taken of the occasion to present a handsome chair, with a suit- ably inscribed silver plate affixed, to Mr. Thomas Davies. as a mark of esteem, and in grateful recognition of many years' service as secretary of the association.

THE DUCHESS AND THE SCHOOL I CHILDREN. +. — During her stay at Halkyn Castle at the end of last week the Duchess of Westminster paid a highly-appreciated surprise visit to the National Schools in Halkyn village, which were enlarged shortly before his death by the late Duke of Westminster at a cost of some P,2,000, and distri- buted the certificates gained by the scholars at the recent diocesan scripture examination. The children sang some part songs. The Duchess promised in future to give prizes to those of the children who gained honours certificates. Her Grace also examined the needlework of the children and bought up all the articles of clothing which they had made and presented them to those who had worked them. A warm vote of thanks was accorded the Duchess on the proposition of the Headmaster (Mr. John Jones). PRESENTATION TO THE DUCHESS. About 000 guests assembled at Ruthin Castle on Wednesday afternoon, in response to the in- vitation of the Lord Lieutenant of Denbighshire and Mrs. Cornwallis-West, to meet the Duke and Duchess of Westminster. The Duke, unfortu- nately, was unable to be present, owing to his Yeomanry duties. The Mayor of Ruthin (Dr. J. Medwyn Hughes), on behalf of the Corporation and subscribers, presented the Duchess with an illuminated address and photographic album as a wedding gift, which she graciously received. The beautiful grounds were thrown open, and the large assembly were entertained at tea, while the band of the G Company of the 1st V.B. Royal Welsh Fusiliers played selections of music. The catering arrangements were in the hands of Messrs. Baker and Sons, Chester.

DEATH OF MR. H. R. BOWERS. I We regret to state that on Tuesday evening Mr. H. R. Bowers died at his residence, 19, Hoole- road, after a lengthy illness. Deceased had been in indifferent health for some time. Mr. Bowers, who was 80 years of age, was one of the oldest Freemen in the city, having been admitted to the Freedom in 1842. For many years he took a prominent part in public affairs. In 1878, when the late Mr. F. A. Dickson was elected an alderman, Mr. Bowers was appointed to represent St. John's Ward in his place. He was not re-elected on November 1st, 1881, but in the following month he was returned for Trinity Ward in the place of Mr. T. J. Mason deceased. Mr. Bowers represented Trinity Ward in the Council until the 19th January, 1898, when he was appointed an alderman in the place of the late Mr. T. Q. Roberts. He was not however, re-elected to the aldermanic rank on the 9th November of the same year. He filled the ancient office of Sheriff in 1881, and was made a justice of the peace for the city on June 6th, 1888. Mr. Bowers carried on for many years the business of a brick and tile manufacturer at Ruabon. He became a Liberal-Unionist on the introduction of Mr. Gladstone's ill-fated Home Rule Bill, and was a staunch Wesleyan, being a valued supporter, and until recently a regular attendant at the St. John- street Chapel. Mr. Bowers leaves a widow and a grown-up family. TOWN COUNCIL'S SYMPATHY. At Wednesday's meeting of the Town Council the Mayor moved—"That the members of this Council deeply regret to record the death of Mr. Henry Richard Bowers, justice of the peace, Sheriff in 1881, and for a period of 20 years a valued member of the Council, and express to Mrs. Bowers and family the sincere sympathy of the Council in their bereavement."—The Sheriff seconded, and the motion was carried, the mem- bers all standing. MAGISTERIAL REFERENCE. At the Chester City Police Uourt on Thursday morning, Mr. J. R. Thomson (who presided) said he desired to mention, and he did so with very great regret, the loss which the magistrates of the city had sustained by the death of their colleague, Mr. H. R. Bowers. Mr. Bowers was placed on the commission of the peace in June, 1888, and as long as health enabled him to do so he was a most regular and painstaking occupant of the Bench. He (Mr. Thomson) had the privilege during the first few years of his being a magistrate to sit regularly with Mr. Bowers upon the Bench, and therefore no one was better able than he to express the admiration which he enter- tained for the painstaking manner in which Mr. Bowers desired in this department, as in every other department of his life, to do his duty in an honourable, conscientious and straightforward manner. Mr. Bowers was a useful member of the City Council, and for some time he occupied the honourable position of alderman of the city. These duties he had to lay aside owing to his health giving way, but the memory of his connection with the public life of the city would be cherished, and certainly he merited the respect which he received from his brethren of the Council, from his brethren of the magistracy, and from the citizens generally.

A HAWARDEN WORTHY. I FIFTY YEARS A BELLRINGER. I On Sunday Mr. Thomas Wright celebrated his fiftieth year of service as one of the bellringers at Hawarden Parish Church. For thirty years he has been foreman. This is a truly noteworthy record, considering that he has performed these duties almost without a break for such a length of time and with such ability and zeal. Mr. Wright has always taken a leading part in all public events. He has been a foremost and willing helper in any special efforts made for the good of the community, and it may truly be said that no man in Hawarden is more highly esteemed than Mr. Wright by the residents, one and all. Mr. Wright. in addition to being one of the school managers, is chairman of the Parish Council, which office he has now held for over three years. He was also one of the first to join the local company of Volunteers on its formation and only retired a few years ago as sergeant after serving for over 29 years. On leaving, he was presented by the officers and members of the company with an illuminated address and a handsome silver- mounted walking-stick suitably engraved. Mr. Wright has no fewer than three nephews who have fought in the present war in South Africa, and two of them are still out, Sergt. Catherall and Private Macfarlane, the latter being with the New Zealand contingent. Mr. Wright's other nephew, Corporal E. Wright, came home with the first Hawarden Service Company twelve months ago after meritorious and arduous service during the early part of the campaign. Mr. Wright's father, and his father before him, served on the estate under Mr. Gladstone and Sir Stephen Glynne for over 60 years.. His aunt, Mrs. Hughes, familiarly known as "Lady Margaret," was well known by the late Mr. Gladstone, from whom she received the "title." She was, as is probably well known, the local carrier to Chester for a great number of years, and died only a few years ago at a great age. Mr. Wright was always esteemed by Mr. Gladstone and the members of his family, and regularly presided at the ringing of the church bells on Mr. Gladstone's birthday and that of the late Mrs. Gladstone. This custom was inaugurated on Mr. Gladstone's 70th birthday, Sunday, December 29th, 1879. the same day as the Tay Bridge disaster. On the occasion of Mr. Gladstone's death in May, 1898, Mr. Wright was one of those privileged to escort the body! to the church from the Castle, and was also present at the funeral at Westminster Abbey. Mr. Wright was a member of the choir when a boy of eight, and remembers when the church was burned in 1857. He was one of the first to arrive on the spot, and assisted in the efforts made to arrest the progress of the conflagration, which, however, proved so disastrous. It was believed to be the work of an incendiary, but the culprit was unfor- tunately never discovered. Several surplices were found pushed into the wood pipes of the organ and half burnt. In former years the organ stood in a gallery at the west end of the church, the choir also being located there as was the custom at that time. Mr. Wright has assisted in the household duties at the Castle on special days for over 40 years, and relates an incident which took place there at a servants' ball some years ago. It was given on Mrs. Gladstone's birthday (January 6th). Just before 12 (midnight) Mr. Wright rose and asked the company to drink the health of Mrs. Gladstone, which they did accordingly. A few minutes after 12 he again asked those present to drink the health of Mr. Herbert and wished him many happy returns of the dav. One of the servants remarked that he had made a mistake as it was Mrs. Gladstone's birthday, not Mr. Herbert's. Mr. Wright, however, pointed out that it was after 12 and therefore January 7th, which is Mr. Herbert Gladstone's birthday. Mr. Wright is by occupation a draper and tailor. He is now 65 years of age and has always enjoyed robust health. May he con- tinue in that happy state for many a year to come and pursue his beneficent and zealous labours among his many friends in Hawarden

MR. W. CONGREVE'S WILL. I The will, with six codicils, has been proved of the late Mr. W. Congreve, of Congreve, Stafford, and Burton Hall, Wirral, who died on January 19th last. The gross amount of the estate is £ 40,821 18s. lOd. Testator appointed his son, Major Walter Norris Congreve, V.C., his brother, Walter Ralph Congreve, and his cousin, Colonel Bayly, his executors and trustees. He bequeathed to his wife such articles of plate and furniture as she might select, and £3,250, while he devised the residue of his plate, &c., to Major Congreve. to whom he also bequeathed his heredita- ments and farm land at Whiston, Penkridge, to- gether with his interest in a moiety of tithes at Wybunbury. The remainder of his estates he de- vised to his trustees, upon trust, to pay his wife J3500 per annum, and to set apart for each of his children, who should not at his death come into possession of the freehold family estates at Con- greve and Burton, £3,000 as soon as possible after his death, and £ 2,000 after the death of his wife. He bequeathed the residue of residuary trust funds to Major Congreve. In one of the codicils testator revoked the bequest of the residue of his plate, etc., to Major Congreve, and directed, sub- ject to the right of selection given to his wife, that some of his plate, paintings and pictures should be held as heirlooms on account of their historical or family value, and bequeathed the residue to Major Congreve. In another codicil, dated July, 1898, he revoked the bequest of the residue of the residuary trust funds to Major Congreve, and directed that his trustees -should stand possessed of it in trust for his wife, if she should survive him, and if she should pre- decease him, in trust for his children living at his death, except Major Congreve and any daughter who, being a spinster, should at the time of his death be a member of any sisterhood or home, or institution of any religious community. There are several minor bequests.

SPORTING. I SCEPTRE AGAINST THE WORLD. I In a letter in Thursday's "Sportsman Mr. Sievier, in order to silence those whom he sup- poses to be the detractors of Sceptre, issues the following challenge to the world: —"Sceptre shall run any horse at weight-for-age and sex for £ 10,000 over from one mile and a quarter to one mile and three-quarters, at the option of the acceptor of this challenge. To be run at the Newmarket Second July Meeting (the gracious permission of the stewards of the Jockey Club granted), or, failing this, at the Goodwood Meeting, or on any reasonable and true course between this date (July) and the middle of August. Two thousand pounds forfeit to be declared seven days before running. Failing ac- ceptance of the foregoing, he offers to run Sceptre against St. Maclou, under the same con- ditions, at even weights, except the 51b. Derby allowance to fillies.

KINGSLEY. A CHILD'S DEATH.—Mr. J. C. Bate has received the report of the death of Mary Hough, nine months old, daughter of Peter Hough, labourer, Kingsley. Death occurred on Tuesday, and it is supposed was caused by convulsions through teething. Dr. Selby saw the child on Monday. An inquest was held yesterday (Friday).

I MALPAS. SUNDAY SCHOOL SERMONS.—On Sunday special services were held in the Congregational Chapel, the preacher being the Rev. J. Stuck. Solos were sung by Mr. W. S. Porter, of Whit- church. In the afternoon there were recitations by the scholars, and in the evening an anthem by the choir. A solo-was rendered by Mr. Fred. Turtle. There was a good attendance, and the collections were up to the average. I —

I NESTON. CYCLE CLUB.-On Thursday evening a social gathering in connection with Neston and District Cycle Club took place at the Hooton Hotel. Owing to the persistent downpour of rain, the members were unable to cycle to the rendezvous, as had previously been arranged, and travelled by train. After a substantial repast, the cus- tomary loyal and patriotic toasts were proposed by Mr. F. Goodwin, who occupied the chair, and during the intervals songs were given by Miss B. Jellicoe, and Messrs. Ashley, Swallow and Mealor. PRESENTATIONS.—Miss C. M. Rooke, daughter of Mr. Rooke, stationmaster, Neston, was on Tuesday the recipient of several presenta- tions at the National School, Atherton, Lanca- shire. Miss Rooke served her apprenticeship at the National Schools, Neston, and secured a position at Atherton, where she had been two and a half years. She has now obtained a post under the West Ham (London) School Board, and will commence her new duties on Monday. Miss Rooke was presented with a drawing-room clock, with candlesticks to match; a blouse watch by the scholars; a picture by the headmistress; a table centre and cushion cover by the assistant teachers; vases and photo frames by the pupil teachers; two gold charms by two little scholars; a teapot by Mrs. Brown; and a hall brush stand and salt cellars by Mrs. and Miss Evans. The Rev. Mr. Potter, curate, expressed his regret at the severance of Miss Rooke's connection with the schools and also at the loss of her valuable assistance in the choir. He wished her every I success in her new appointment.

f LATEST MARKETS & FAIRS. ¡ (See also page 3.) LIVERPOOL CORN. FRIDAY. Wheat quiet, trade at about Id. under Friday. No. 2 Kansas, 6s. 3?d to 6s. 41(1. No. 1 Northern Duluth, 6s. 3id. "to 6s. 4d. No. 1 Northern Manitoba, 6s. 3d. to 6s. 4d. Beans, Saidi, 31s. to 31s. 3d. Peas, 6s. lOd. Oats, full prices, white, 3st 2d. to 3s. 4d. Maize, quiet, new mixed, 5s. 8d. old, 5s Sid. Flour unchanged LONDON CORN, FRIDAY. -NVIieat and flour Steady barley, oats and maize firm; other articles without quotable change in value. American quotations Wheat and corn come somewhat lower. CHESTER HoRSE, THURSDAY.—At this fair the show of horses was about the same as usual, and' there was a good enquiry. In the better classes, both for heavy and light horses, satisfactory prices were realised, sellers having no difficulty in finding purchasers for anything good. There was the usual- supply of inferior animals, ranging from a low figure up to more respectable prices. tluotations. may be stated as unchanged from last fair. CHESTER UATTLE, THURSDAY.—At this fair there were large supplies of store and dairy cattle and sheep and a fair attendance of buyers. The, scarcity of grass and other keep seriously affected the demand, but did not tead to reduce prices,, especially for choice lots which sold at high figures. Although much stock remained unsold at the close of the market sellers continued firm, and quotations, were well maintained. Prices :-Milch cows, C14 to 922 calvers, 913 to £ 30; barrens, £ 14 bullocks, £10 to C13; heifers, £ 8 to C14 atirfcs, to to E10 horned wethers, 22s. to 29s. white-faced wethers, 24s. to 30s couples, 24s. to 2,0,.1. CHESTER CHEESE, WEDNESDAY. — Tliere wa* an average attendance or buyers and a pitch of about 35 tons. The market opened with a fairly good inquiry for the best lots, which sold at from 55s. to 60s. and the medium at from 48s. to 54s. A good clearance was effected.

MOLD. (See also vaae 3). PROMOTION FOR A MOLD CURATE.— The Rev. Evan Jones. B.A., who for the last four and a half years has been senior curate of Mold, has been offered and has accepted the living of St. Mary's. LIanfaircareinion, rendered vacant by the death of the Rev. William Jones. THE SHEFFIELD TRAGEDY.-The news of the tragic death, on Tuesday at Sheffield, of Miss Edith Brookes, the parachutist, created a painful sensation in the Mold district. The parents of deceased and her sister, Miss Maude Brookes, one of the best known parachutists in the Kingdom, reside at the Royal Oak Inn, Llanarmon, and both sisters are stated to have visited Mold as recently as Saturday last. DEATH OF AN INDIAN MUTINY VETERAN.—On Monday the remains of Mr. William Henry West, were interred in St. Mary's Churchyard. At the age of 14 years the deceased enlisted in the Northumberland Fusiliers, and his 21 years of Army service included an experience in the Indian Mutiny. For 26 years he occupied the position of book-keeper to Messrs Henry Roberts and Sons, the County Stores* Deceased was a. remarkably well-read man and of more than average intelligence, and this fact in conjunction with his unvarying courtesy accounted for his widespread popularity.

CORONATION FESTIVITIES. (See also page 3.) MALPAS. A meeting of the committee was held on Satur- day, when returns from several of the collectors were. made. They totalled JES5. With this as a basis, the committee felt quite sanguine of raising tho £ 100 maximum. Sub-committees for cater- ing, decorating and sports were elected. The money was also roughly allocated to the various purposes. SHOCKLACH. Un riday evening ai public meeting was held in the schoolroom to consider how the Coronation should be celebrated. The Rev. George Mathias (vicar) presided. After a lengthy discussion, Mr. inggott, of Shocklach Hall, proposed that, as in 1897, on the occasion of the Jubilee of the late Queen, they should avail themselves of the kind offer of Mr. Robert Howard, Broughton Hall, to hold the rejoicings in his park, in conjunction with the parishes of Threapwood and Worthenbury, Mr. Howard had, in addition to throwing open his park, also subscribed JS10 to each parish, and he (Mr. Piggott) thought it would be more economical and would enable them to make a better show if they agreed to join their neighbours. —The proposition was seconded by Mr. Wilkin- son.—Mr. James Huxley thought as the parish of Shocklach was rather a large one, and the houses so scattered, it would be a great deal more con- venient if the festivities were held in the village; not out of any disrespect or ingratitude to Mr. Howard. On account of the distance from many of their homes to Broughton, they would not be able to participate in the proceedings.—Mr. Hux- ley's amendment was seconded by Mr. Wm. HouJ- brook and carried by four votes.—It was decided to hold the festivity the week following the Corona- tion. -11 NESTON AND PARKGATE. It has been decided that the celebration of the Coronation here shall practically follow the lines of the Jubilee celebration, the chief feature being a procession of the public bodies, Volunteers, friendly societies, school children, &c., headed by a band, and starting from the National Schools at 2 p.m. If per-mission can be obtained from the necessary authority the procession will walk to the racecourse, Parkgate, where a variety of amuse- ments, athletic sports, side shows, &c., will be pro- vided. The schoolchildren will be supplied with tea in the Town Hall and schools, and there will also be a treat for the old people. A huge bonfire will be fired at night. Mr. Joseph Conway has been appointed hon. secretary, to superintend the arrangements, and Messrs. H. T. Gill and T. J. G. Gleave have consented to arrange the athletic sports. It is suggested that the township of Ness should be allowed to participate on paying their proportion of the expenses, and Mr. Peinberton has offered to pay for the teas of the additional Ness children. I A- -I- FRODSHAM. meeting ot the various committees in con- nection with the proposed Coronation festivities in Frodsham took place on Wednesday evening, in the Town Hall, Mr. Henry Tiley presiding. It was definitely resolved, after some discussion relative to the merits of the Town Hall and Drill Hall as a tea room, to hold the old people's tea in the latter room, as it was thought that the whole of the people of 60 years and upwards-- estimated at about 360 approximately-could be accommodated at one sitting instead of two, which would have been necessary if the Town Hall had been chosen. It was resolved to invite the ladies of the parish, including the wives of the c?Wutteemcn, to Pres'^e at the tables for the old folks' ?' and that printed invitations be distribu- téd to the latter by the various canvassers. The committeemen and their wives will also be in- vited to partake of tea, with or after the old folk. With regard to the eligibility of the latter, it was to be understood that if a man was 60 years of age or upwards and his wife less than 60, or vice-versa, both would be invited, and that all people receiving outdoor relief, irrespective of age, will be eligible.—Mr. Steward reported that he had interviewed Mrs. Parker-Hoose, of Mersey Vlew, and had come to a most satisfactory ar- rangement for the providing of a good tea to 1,000 to 2,000 children of the parish up to 15 years of age. Mrs. Parker-Hoose would reserve the Mersey View field entirely and absolutely for the children, and would provide waitresses at the table to help the ladies and committeemen who were expected to be present to look after the young people.-The books of the canvassers shewed that up to the present about £ 112 had already been collected, but it was generally expected that con- siderably more would be forthcoming, as this sum was inadequate to meet the requirements. It was arranged that the school children should meet in front of the Town Hall at two o'clock on the second day, and after singing and having medals presented to them by the various teachers, form into procession and proceed up to Mersey View. The little ones would be taken in lurries. Con- siderable discussion took place with regard to a band. The Frodsham Volunteer Brass Band had been given the preference, and their estimate for the two days, from 1.30 to 8 p.m., was J620, in addition to refreshments. It was the unanimous feeling of the meeting that, considering the band was almost entirely supported by the inhabitants of Frodsham, a better spirit of patriotism was naturally expected from them, and that the esti- mate seemed rather large for the sum at the com- mittee's disposal. The question of fireworks was also considered, but as nothing definite could be settled, pending the agreement with the band, the matter was left in abeyance. It was resolved to approach the band. and ascertain whether they would agree to take £ 20 inclusive of refreshments. The question of the bonfires was left to the Sports Committee.

FLINT. (See also pane 3.) ODDFELLOWS' SPORTS.—These sports, held on Tuesday, were favoured with fine but cold weather. There was a capital entry, and the attendance numbered about 3,000. Results: Boys' race (150 yards): 1, D. J. Lloyd, Flint; 2, E. D. O'Niel, Flint; 3, R. J. Lloyd, Bagillt. Flat handicap (120 yards) 1. W. Walton, Shotton, 12 yards start; 2, J. Kelly, Sheffield, 7; 3, S. J. Newns, Chester, 11. Won easily by two yards. Pony race, distance about six furlongs: 1, Mr. R. Wright's Annie; 2, Mr. R. Horton's Good Scholar; 3, Mr. W. G. Roberts's Lady Nin. High jump: 1, J. Williams, Rhvl; 2, G. Hum- phries, Buckley; 3, T. Jones, Fiint. One mile bicyole handicap: 1, Robert Durham, Queen's Ferry, 50 yards start; 2, T. Ridgway, Chester, 20; 3, H. Pope, Mold, 105. 0200 yards dog handi- cap 1. E. Westhead's Maggie, 14g yards start; 2, W. Tatlow's Young Bill, 15; 3, E. Westhead's Barmaid, 20. Quarter-mile handicap: 1, J. Geestry, Flint, 40 yards start; 2. W. Peters, Connah's Quay, 37; 3, A. S. Hall, Chester, 25.

FRODSHAM. (See also page 3.) FRODSHAM VOLUNTEER ILL WITH ENTERIC.—Frodsham people will be sorry to hear that Private C. Hetfern, No. 7536, 2nd Cheshire Regiment, is dangerously ill with enteric at Wynberg, South Africa. The rest of the Volun- teers who left twelve months ago with him,* are expected back on Monday or Tuesday. ——————

THE WAR. I (See also page 7.) I FOUCHE SURPRISED. 1 [REUTEB'S SPECIAL CABLE.] Middelburg, Thursday. Lord Lovat surprised Fouche's laager at Staple- ford yesterday Two Boers were killed and four captured. All Fouche's personal kit was taken.

CITY POLICE COURT. (See also page 7.) YESTERDAY (FRIDAY).—Before Mr. R. L. Barker (presiding) and Dr. Stolterfoth. FRIGHTENING HER HUSBAND.—Annie Vincent, married woman, living at Commercial- row, was summoned for obscene language on the 15th inst. P.C. Dowson said defendant's hus- band jumped out of the window to get out of her way. A fine of 5s. and costs was imposed. INSULTING BEHAVIOUR.—Annie King, Ashton's Buildings, was fined 2s. 6d. and costs for insulting behaviour in Lower Bridge-street on the 17th inst. AN ABSENTEE SOLDIER.—Edward Curtis was charged with deserting from the Cheshire Regiment.—The Chief Constable said prisoner surrendered on the previous day, and was an absentee from Aldershot. The police had com- municated with the authorities at Aldershot, but an escort had not arrived.—Prisoner was ordered tc, be detained to await an escort. SEPARATION AFTER 22 YEARS.— Christopher Peterson, flatman, living at 4, Crook- street, was summoned by his wife, Elizabeth Peterson, for desertion, and a separation order was applied for. Mr. E. Brassev, on behalf of complainant, said the parties had been married about 22 years. Defendant, who worked away from home during the week, came home on Easter Monday and asked for his clothes. He took them and left the house, and had never returned since or provided his wife with any money. In consequence she was now practically destitute.—For the defendant, Mr. W. H. Churton denied the assertion, alleging that on Easter Monday his wife ordered him out of the house, and had refused to let him in the house on several other occasions. Complainant had t money of her own, and was the tenant of the house. Defendant was willing to make her an allowa,nce.-A separation order was granted, de- fendant being ordered to contribute 5s. a week towards his wife's maintenance.