Cheshire Observer

I FRODSHAM LORDSHIP. I PARISH COUNCIL.—A meeting was held oil Monday evening, Mr. J. Ocklfstono being in the chair. The Footpaths (Jomiriitt-ee re- ported that Mr. had pVomised to put the Townfiekls- lane footpath into better condition on the un-doretanding that his pro- posed work should not be taken as a precedent, and it was dccidcd to accept the offer. A let- ter was read from the Frod-ram Parochial Com- mittee stating that the report re the combined fire brigade had been submitted for l-heir ob- servation. The Chairman, in referring to the recent farm fire at Haltou Lodge, said that a steam fire engine was very necessary, and ought to have immediate attention. A Jetter was read from Mr. cod ward, the chairman of the Kingslcy Paii;i Council, elating that "aa a first step they had appointed five pertxme to discuss the matter with the lx>rd ulip represen- tatives. Mr. T. B. Garter said his idea was the purchase of a slllH t'team engine rather than joining with Frodtsiiam in the use of their hose pipee alltl sundry appliances. The Chair- man, referring to the decease of the late Mr. Alfred Thomas. said that this was the first I time the Council had lest a member by death. Mr. Thomas was one of the orig-inal members of the Council, and had taken very great in- terest in the improvements of the two town- ships, and he proposed a vote of condolence to Mrs. Thomas. Mr. T. B. Carter endorsed all tho kindly remarks of the Chairman, and seconded the proposition, which was passed in silence. Mr. John Dofcson was unanimotisly appointed vice-chairman. A letter was read from Mm Thomas thanking the Council for all the enquiries, and for the beautiful wreath which had been sent in memory of Mr. Thomaa.

HIS MAJESTY AND (;HES1 ER RACES.— I Prime Old Cl10:-hire Cheese, largest and choicest selection in the country, including the Gold Medal Dairy, as supplied to His Majesty the King, now on sale at Me-sers. Thompson, Son and Clemenc;. Oheesefactors, 10, North- gate-st.rect (John Griffith), Eaetgatc-strcet, 16, Forests, street, and branches*

LAWN MOWERS, GARDEN ROLLERS, GARDEN TOOLS, PEA GUARDS, &c. LAWN MOWEUS AT STORES PRICES FOR CASH. (A discount of 3s. in the pound allowed). STORRAR'S SUCCESSORS MANUFACTURING IRONMONGERS, 109 & 111, FOREGATE STREET, CHESTER. t=HE v r: C, \'1 N.>>' I .(,} SUN RI" F FIRE OFFICE. ><; ¡', "^Q /1\ <? The Oldest Insurance 0§ice ?ED ..1' ??i'?J. FLTNDS IN HAND, £2,>13,:32.3. Insurances effected against the following risks :— FIRE. PERSONAL ACCIDENT, SICKNESS Axn DISEASE, FIDELITY GUARANTEE, BURGLARY. WORKMEN'S COMPENSATION An EMPLOYERS' LIABILITY, INCLUDING ACCIDENTS TO DOMESTIC SERVANTS. I LOCAL AGENTS: — CHESTER Messrs. CHEERS & HOPLEY, 6, Northgate-stroet. „ Messrs. W. DENSON & SON Northgate. MALPAS Mr. THOMAS MULLOCK, Cuddington Heath. ELLESMERK PORT Mr. R. B. BLAYNEY.

TO ADVERTISERS. A I cert isement s intended i OBSERVER mutt rsst;'i t'ii IJ.HIJRVER OJi3 noc later than 11 o'clock eich Friday. Under no cirjinn-tkaiices whatever c tl ice insert after that hour. 0

I CONTRIBUTORY PENSIONS. The more Air. Asqmth's scheme of non- contributory old-age pensions is studied, the more obnoxious it becomes. It has offended the great body of opinion in the many large friendly societies, whose con- stitution and work offered a rough basis for a commencement of the Government plan. It has outraged the feelings of every sound financier, who cannot see where the requisite money is to come from, unless out of the pocket of the oppressed taxpayer directly. Of the desirability of national pensions there are no two opinions. Every- body is agreed as to their excellence, the sole difficulty being the expense. There is, however, a great and a growing belief in the country that a contributory scheme should have been adopted, partly on financial grounds, and partly because it is held, and rightly held, that a pension would be appreciated better, if the pensioner had been compelled to make some contribution towards it. Things that are got for nothing are lightly regarded, and the boon of a free pension at a certain age is obviously inimical to thrift and prudence. Mr. Asquith appears to have dismissed the system of contributory pensions in Germany without sufficient examination. He stated, in his Budget speech, that in Germany in 1907, not more than 126,000 persons out of a population of fifty-two millions, were in receipt of old-age pensions. The Premier, however, omitted the im- portant explanation that, in addition to old- age pensions pure and simple, Germany has a system of infirmity pensions, which are on a higher scale, and regardless of any age limit. It ought to have been stated, therefore, that, besides the old-age pensions enumer- ated, Germany had in the same year as many as 837,000 infirmity pensions. In Germany the old-age pension is paid to ap- plicants over seventy years of age, the same limit as Mr. Asquith proposes, whether the person is past work or not, whereas the infirmity pension can be claimed at any age, provided the applicant is unable to earn a third of his usual wages. A German, on reaching the age limit, is free to choose either an old-a-,e or an infirmity pension, but he cannot have both. The reason why the infirmity pensioners so largely outnumber the old-age pensioners is that the latter are more highly paid. The popularity of old-age pensions in Germany is naturally declining year by year, and it will occasion no surprise if they eventually die out, in preference to the more desirable infirmity pensions. But the comparative unpopularity of old-age pensions in Germany ought not to be used as an argument against a contributory scheme. Neither was Mr. Asquith warranted in his statement that, if acontributory scheme were introduced into this country, no benefits could be given until the expiry of twenty years or more. In Germany the benefits of the old-age pensions scheme came into actual operation immediately the under- taking was sanctioned. I

THE IlUfjH v. CATHOLIC VOTE. An inter26tillg- sequel to the split of me Irjh and the purely Catholic vote at recent bye- olcctiong "1S furnished at the mectin; of the United Ilish League* of Groat. Britain, in Lon- don, on Satuidsy. A resolution was passed, condemning the action of an organisation which had advised Irishmen to vo.e for the Tory candidate. At Both Manchester a.iui Wolver- hampton, tho ;Lt-, statoe. the- Libera: cu.n- diclato was an open and avowed supporter of Irish self-government, while "tlio Unionist can- didate was an open and avowed supporter of tho policy of coercion in Ireland." The advioe given by the CSaiholic f<d- -mtions to support the Unionist candidate ac-c-ordingly is denounced by tho Irish League as "amounting to a recommen- dation to tiuem to turn their backs upon Ireland, to forgot altogether and to betray her cause. The Catholics who voted for the Unionist can- didate at three ejections, we know, were influ- onctxl by a regard for their schools, which arc exto gra.vo risks at the hands of the present CovrMnment, while tho Unionists may be trusted to safeguard the interests of Volun- tary schools of all classes. In reply to this argument tho Irish League protect that the Irish party always have defended! the CaiWio schools. In the past this is no doubt true, but the Nationalists cannot profess that in return- ing an avowed supporter of the policy of the present Government, they would bo acting in

A I THE KING'S VISIT TO CHESTER. This picture shews the King's arrival on Wednesday at the County Stand. His Majesty has just left the motor-car, and is crossing tho CiLy Walls, accompanied by the Duke of West- minster. We are indebted to the proprietors of tho "Daily Despatoh" for permission to repro- duce this interesting photograph. defunct' of the Catholic schools. The education ori is has iceuJtcd in a coalition bci we ell the Irish and the English Catholics, as epporxd tG the United Irish League, and the lcsult will be interesting. It means a very serious split in the Iiish vote in ail English constituencies, and it. deprives the Nationalists of one-JiaJf of their power io eway the balance.

LOCAL & GENERAL NOTES. I + I The* King Las come e4i'J gone, and' we are left to cherish happy memories of our gracious Sovereign. It has bocn Chester s high privi- lege to leeeivo many Royal vi-its in its long history, but never has there Ixen one which evoked mono joyous expressions of loyaiiy. The citizens have a particularly warm affection for King Edward, who, as his Majesty was pleased to reca,!J. was directly associated with the old oily a-s Earl of Chester prior to his ascending tho Til rone. It was only natural, therefore, that Chester people shotiid eagerly seize this opportunity ot welcoming him as King. II ] C. L .] How honoure d C'evtrir.ns have been in having this visit from his Majesty may be> gathered fioni the annouiK-eme'iit publifhod'ihis week to thu effect, that the, King, having promised to go to Bristol and Leeds, and in consequence of his many engagements will be unable to visit Manchester for the. put pose of opening tlx Royal Infirmary. Chester p;-op!e ow-e their good for- tune toO tho influence at. hospitality of the I Duke and Duchess of Westminster, who had the honour of entertaining his Majesty. 1, 1 1 'l 1 e Unhappily, the weather It as been a sotr.ee of bitter disappointment, drenching laill falling at (very inopportune moment. Jupiter Pluvius was, in fact, in his most vexatious mood. Just when everything was locking its gayest for j the reception of the King, on Tuesday evening, a violent, thunderstorm bioke over the city, and wek-cm" was spoiled, and the street ypieiacie was a dismal failure. Most of the thousands of people who came out to see the King—and many came from far outside tho city—saw nothing but tho closed carriage, and deep was their disappointment. His Majesty, however, with characteristic thought.fulness, giaeioustly consenteel at the suggestion of the Mayor, to alter his departure plans and leturn through Chesiter, a concession which has won tihe liearis of the citizens, and the one fervent v,i-ll that, follow:=¡ him to his capital ftoni loved Chester is "Long live King j The inclusion of Hawardoii in the E-ON-al visit was an unexpected p'easur? for our FJintshire neighbours, who vied with Chostev people in the w-ainV.h of their greeting. The hopo was ch-eiidled that tho King might find it possible to pay a ca'l at Chester Infirmary, but his full pio.gr:unnie gave, him no. opportunity of granting this favour, am1 Col. Evans-Lloyd received an intimation of his Majesty's regret that lie was unable to vioit the institution. Thanks to the pivsenc? of the King, the | Chester Races have proved a I eco; d euccess, and this notwithstanding most unpropitious weather. The meeting has taken a leap fotward in popu- larity this year, the attendance and r(leeillt-. being in excess of those for any previous lnk-ot- ing. This is most gratifying, not. only to tho Raoe Company, but to the citizens generally, for, of couise. the city exchequer will benefit proportionately. Mindful of this municipal sharing of the profits, one of the sporting Press I this week published the following legend: — "Chester rates are, in a manner of speakincr, next, to nothing, because, like those of Don- caster, they are helped cut immensely by the IOU'HUOS fioiii the races. The amusoel Chester ratepayer will devoutly wir-ih that the sporting prophet on this occasion was a true prophet. As wmal. the meeting was excellently man- pircel, and in this respect particularly won the high praise* of loth patrons and Press. The "Spoiling Life" pays this deserved tribute: — "The police arrangements here aro excel lent,, and the admirable manner in which the. huge, good natured crowd was mruiagcd reflects great credit on thosei responsible for them." The im- provements in the Paddock were a great boon, th; advantages of the parade ring being much appiexiated. Tho spOIt. was of a brisk and en- teitaining character, ihe races for the Vase and Uw LJup. ol course, being pne-eminenUy inter- esting. It was nuwt unfortunate thai the Cup race should be run in a heavy shower of pain, but. it wa's a very pretty spectacle, the drawback notwithstanding. The classic eveoit was won in c?vti' fashion by l?o?d Derby's Glacis. For- j tunc did no tihia time favour the Duke of?V?st- minster's colours, though Oaw loK. by only a 1 head in the Stamford Two-year-old Plate. But some of the minor prizes nc-niain at Cheater; Mr. J. J. C'owap's Ciick Clack, who gained a surprise victory on Tue-day, repeated that per- formance on Thursday afternoon by canying a Earl of Chester's Welte r handicap. The races presented a. remarkable collection of coincidencce. The following letter, sig-ned "J. W. F. appeared in Tuesday's "Ccurant" "Who of your numerous readers are super- stitious? Here are some facts for them to cogi- tate over. The Chester Cup is to be run for on tho 13th inst. For the thirteenth conseev.it ive year the same well-known local firm of silversmiths (Messrs. Lowe and Sons) are supplying tho cup. Incidentally, for the purposes of selec- tion, thirteen cups were submitted. For the Chester Vase, also suppllie-d by the same firm, the va«es 6tibinitted numbered thirteen, while the plates on the plinths of both trophies weigh 13oz. 13d wts." "Let me conclude," says the writer, "by giving you my own experience of the mystic number. In A Derby sweep we had to draw for numbers first. I drew No. 13, and of the horses Bend Or. I I would ronind your readers that Kubio was 13 on the card, while Doait Swift drew 13 in tho draw." The sequel to this letter was the fol- lowing telegram to this office from Glastonbury —"Please wire before 12.30 horse's name num- ber thirteen en card in Chester Oup." But this was not all; similar requests reached us by telephone throughout the morning. Those who were present on the course on Wednes- day probably noted a further association wit.h the number 13; there were just 13 runners in the Cup race, but, be it noted, they did not include Sintram, which was No. 13 on the card. One improvement which the racegoers duly noted and appreciated was in the "Courant Official Card." For the first time this was printed in book form, and proved most con- venient and popular. It. may be mentioned, by the way, that his Majesty was on Wednesday nnd Thursday handed a special race card of nent design in cream and gold, bound by a bow cf Royal blue bebe ribbon. Cheater Catholics have noted with very deep regret the death of their bishop, the Right Rev. Dr. Allen. His demise has come as a great shock to Roman Catholics, more particularly <10'. the bishop was practically in the prime of his life. The ancient city and Cheshire are within the diocese of Shrewsbury, and Dr. Allen has frequently visited these parts in the discharge of his important ministerial duties. He was beloved by his large flock, and his kindness of heart, geniality, and good humour will remain a pleasant memory. Dr. Allen was a nrost capable priest, an eloquent preacher, and a wise ruler, and within the remembrance of local adherents of the faith he has. been one of the most respected and popular bishops of the diocese. One effect of the King's visit lias been the revival of the perennial question m" to the right." of th. public to the u.-e of the (stalls in tho hii-toric Rows. As the Rows form such convenient, points of vantage in the viewing of a street spectacle, there were probably some people who felt inelignant at the action of pro- perty owners and tenants in the Rows in barri- cading the st.all" on Tuesday. The Corporation .-strongly contend that the stalls are public, and on Tuesday morning the Town Clerk called upon several owners and inJonllcd them that they had no right to enclose. The warning, however, had little, if any, effect; for the number of stalk- which were enclosed during the King's arrival, especially in Eastgate-street and Bridge-street, was- noticeably larger than is usual on these occasions'. In some instances level platforms were constructed to afford a better "iew of the street, the arrangement being made chiefly for the benefit of friends and customers of the owners. The stalls, however, were not reserved exclu- sively for p'-ivilcgeel spectators. They were, of course, chiefly c-onsidereel, but we understand that as many of the public as could possibly be accommodated in addition were also permitted access. 1 If there really is an encroachment upon public rights in the Rows, it must be admitted that no strong feeling on the matter eeeme to have been manifested by the citizens at large. When public rjobts are infringed, we usually find that the people are not slow to vindicate them, but in the present instance no attempt, so far as can be ascertaiiicel was matle to remove the barriers. Private interests in the Rows have always been more or lev-s jealously protected, but winie some owners take their stand upon the c'ann to absolute ownership, others arc dis- posed to compromise. For a, long time there has been negotiation between the Corporation and a committee of the owners with a view to arriving at some modus vivondi. but the present portion of affairs is apparently a matter of dispute. The Corporation con rend that an understanding was recently maelc that the owners would in future waive their claim to barricade the .-talis. On the other hand, we arc aw-nred there is no such understanding, and that the ¡;dtkment of thc qucstioll remain", in I abeyance. It must be admitted that the owners arc able to urge some weighty arguments in support of their claim. In byegonc days it was a common practice of owners to let the stalls to trades- people from other towns for the elisplay of their goods at the statutory fairs. On the other hand, it is raid that in remoter times the Corporation had tho letting of the stalls. Many years ago the Corporation came in conflict with a trades- man m Watergate Row who railed in his stall. They threatened to break down the railing if he did noL remove it. but, although the owner refused to vidd. the threat was not carried out. Another point in favour of the owners is that the Corporation permitted the Liberal Club to actually remove a portion of a stall in Watergate How in forming an entrance to the premises. If the stalls are public, official sanction must here have been given to a flagrant encroachment. Private claims arc further advaneeel by the fact j that the roofs of the shops on tho street level form tho floors of the stalls. I Iki spite of the eliligent researches of learned antiquariea the origin of the Rows is still unknown, and we have nothing but conflicting theories on the point. One theory which cer- tainly deserves consideration is that buildings originally stood on the pro:*nt vacant spaccs. It has some foundation in the position occupied by a tobacconist's shop in Eactgato-row, and by the evidence of an old engraving which shews that a building formerly stood on the site of tho utal 1 in front of Messrs. Bollands' prem-ses. The final"settlement of this vexed question will perhaps be delayed until the Corporation pro- mote their next Improvement Bill in Parlia- ment. Our Radical eonte-nipoiary last week, comment- ing upon Mr. Ycrburgh's epeceh at Be»ughtc*n, sought, from an ..xtract four ycais old, to dis- credit the late? member for OhestN, by trying to ehew that he Is now a Protectionist and in I favour of tho taxation of the people's food. No one ought to know better than our oontempor- ary that such a lino of argument is not only I disingenuous, but absolutely fa lse. Mr. Yer- butgh and the Unionist party, following the lead of Mr. Balfour, have not the slightest in- tention of being Piotectionist in their policy, nor have they any intention of being parties to any increase in tli3 price of focel. This lias been stated over and over again by tho leadels of the party, but, of course, the Radicals are keen in their misrepresentation of the Unionist policy, which aims at making the foreigner pay something for placing his manufactured goods in this country. To shew the advantage of making the foreigner pay, it is necessary only to recall that, sineo the passing of the Patents Act by the present Government an enormous sum of money has been spent in this country whieh otherwise would ha.ve gone abroad. The Germans now aro establishing works in various parts of Cheshire and elsewhere In England, in order to save having to pay the duty, and this means- that the money which would have been spent abroad iy sp:nl here. The- difference between Protection and obta in- ing J'üH'IJ\12 from the foreigner for the privilege of selling Lis manufactured goods in this coun- try is "wide as the Po's asunder," as any financial authority will vouch. Mr. Yerburgh admittedly has modified his views since the Colonial Conference took place, and after ascei- taining th vinvs of tb Canadian Premier, Sir Wilfrid Laurier. In doing so, Mr. Yerbargh has acted in company with many other Union- iats, who also weie influenced by the sttLcni-jltv made at the Co-louial Con ference. The Radicals should be the last to throw stones at anybody for a dtango of opinion, for they havCl in their party at the present moment two glaring ex- amples of men who have changed not only ill one detai! c>f policy, but their whole political complexion, namely, Mr. C'lnuchill and Mr. George White lev, who, formeily a. Toiv mem- ber for Cheshire, is now the Radical whip. At the May meeting of tho Cheshire County Licensing Confirmation Committee, at Cieweonj Thursday, Alderman C. II. Booth, of Dukin- field, was appointed chaiiman, in place of the late Mr. John Thompson. The appointment will find approval in all quarteis, not alone all ac- count of Mr. Booth's well-known competence to fill this important position, but aIm as a guarantee that the wise policy and administra- tion of tho Licensing Act, 1904, so abiy insti- tuted by his pietieeesror, will be continued. It shoulti bo remembered that the committee act as Quarter Sessions, and it is important that they should proceeei in harmony with views so neprateelly expressed by the body which they rcpre-sent-. Mr. H. C. Yates, who was appointed to tho v icc-dw.i 1', for many ye1us has acted as vioe-cbairmaii of the County Quarter Sessions, and it is appropriate that he should take- this imps riant position in connection with county licensing affaiiu. The Act of 1904 is doing ex- cellent work in Cheshiro as well as in other pans 01 the. country, and might be left undis- turlxd with advantage to the public. II' 1 1. r Wo publish to-day an interesting so l ution of the mystery attending the alleged exhibition of a card, inviting- people to enter a certain Lon- don wine store and sign a petition against the Licensing Bill, also to lake away a sample bottlo of stout. The proprietor of this eten\\ Mi*. Groon, writes a manly, straightfonvard loiter, which, however, does not bear out Mr. Walker's allegation, for the card, it. appears, never was displayed in his window. Mr. Gicen admits iJiat he lias made a mistake in having the card exhibited anywhere, and as a conse- quence ire has made no use of the petition. This, however, doe» not he-Ip >Jr. Walker, the Temperance agent, out of his littlc That official alleged tha.t in the windows of "some public-houses and wine stores" this card was exhibited, lie has not pioved its exhibi- tion in even one such window, and we arc still waiting for his proof. Until he gives such pioof, we shall be obliged to accept his pub- lished statements in matters with a very largo grain of alt. Mr. Walker at one period professed to have a great deal of further evi- dence up his sleeve, but he is taking an un- conscionablci time in produejng it.

CHESTER RACES.—For choice York, Cumberland and Irish Hams, of superior quality, try Thompson, Son and Clemenee. Provision Merchants, 10, Northgate-street, Eas.tgato-stroet, and branches. MINSTREL CONCERT.—On Saturday night an exee'lent entertainment was given by ivIr. Edgar Wilson's Juvenile Magpie Minstrels in the Temperances Hall, George-street. There was a goodly number present, and tho items were all well received. The following was the first. part of the entertainment:—Opening chorus, "To 'Arms," the Magpies; humorous recitation, •jimmy the Nurse," Master John Alblae; song, "The Lads in Navy Blue" (in costume, JVIr>i E. Iiebbington; comic song, "They all have a male but me." Mr. W. R.:m- dclls; song, "Home again, my Cherry Blossom" (in evos-tume). Miss D. Miles; comic song, "Gags," Master C. Williams; song, "Don't go back to Carolina," Mr. R. Smith; comio song, Mr. (A Mack; rong, "Honey Boy," Mists Co A JlÙv. comic song, "n.rbody Stalker. In the second part a comical sketch entitled "Lodgings To-let" was ?ivcn. the cha:a?t?rs being taken a? foHows:— Mrs. Fizzy (a deaf old landlady), Miss C. AJb?as Moses (general knock-about), Master C. Wil- liams; Pompey and Zeke (two lodgers), M to. C. Mack a.nd Mr. W. Ran dells; P.O. 2584 (of the Newtown Police Force), Mr. R. Smith. A fea- tuiv of the concert wac) "By tlie Zuyder Zee" by Master John AIbla., which was given by special request. The entertainment also in- cluded a clog dance by the brothois Will mack, and a club, bar-bell and muscular display by Mr. J. Gregg. Mr. N. Bebbington acted as 8,C- companist. HIS MAJESTY ND CHESTER RACES.- Prime Old Cheshire Cheese, largest and choicest selection in the oomti-y, including tlie Gold Medal Dairy, as suppflied to His Majesty the King, now on sale at Meters. Thompson, Sen and Clemenee, Clieesefactcrs, 10, North- gate-sfcroet (John Griffith), Eastgate-etrcet, 16 ,For,egut"treet, and branch

LOCAL NEWS. —— «. Mr. Herbert Lewis has been appointed on the Select Committee on the question of providing a weekly rest day for the police. The Right Hon. H. and Mrs. Gladstone have left 11, Downing-street, for 28, Ok! Queen-street, Westminster, which they have taken for the season. The Hon. Thomas Price, Premier of South Australia, on Tuesday, visited an aunt who lues at Meliden, near Rhyl. The old lady had not seen her nephew since he was 1-1 years of age. Tho Bishop of St. Asaph was the guest of Mr. and Mrs. W ynne Corric at Park Hall over Sunday, and preached at Holy Trinity Church, Oswestry, on Sunday morning and evening. Mr. Wynne Corrio read the !■ %-on.s at both BCrv cca A meeting in support of the practical or co- partnership housing movement was held at Grcssveirer House, oil Tuesday, under the presi- dency of S.r John Brunuer, Bart., M.P.. who took the chau- in the unavoidable absence of Lord Stratheoiia. The Prince and Princess of Wales honoured tho Earl and Counters Beauchainp with their company at dinner on Tuesday night ill Belgrave-square. Others present included tho Lord C-hancellor and Lady I.oreburn, tho Marquess and Marchioness of Salisbury, tho Marquess of Northampton, tho Marquesw of Ormonde, and Lord Fitzmaurico. The lion. Mrs. J. Lowthcr, the Countess of Shaftesbarv, alJd Commander Godfrey Farssett were in attendance on the Prince and Princess of Wales. Katharine Duchess of Westminster and Lady Helen Grosverior arrived at 2, South street on Saturday from Comber mere Abbey, for the season. Lady Crewe, who has been in Switzerland for the winter on account of ill-health, has returned to England much improved, and on Saturday arrived at Crewe HaJ. The Duehcfos of Westminster, at the annual meeting of the National Health Society to be held at CJrosvenor House on June 3, will present the certificates to successful candidates. Tins Earl cf DOLby will preside and Lord Alverstoni will speak. We regret to announce that Major Logan, win was severely wounded on May 1 near Mesek lamiya, in the Soudan, died of his wounds oil Saturday. The gallant officer was a nephew ol Mrs. Logan, who formerly lived at Upton Lawn aud now resides near Llanymjnech. His. mother was staying with Mrs. Stewart at Stanley- place, Chester, when the news of his untimely end arrived. The Duke of Westminster phiyeel in the open- ing match of the polo season at llurlingham on Monday. The match was between llurlingham and Freebooters, and the result was six goals all. According to one account of the game ''ou.e of the first to show to special advantage was t.ho Duke of Westminster, who all the way through hit the ball with force and precision, and was a prolific goal-scorer" (for llurlingham). Mr. and Mrs. Yerbutgh, after their round of visits to the ward meetings at Chester last wsek. left the city on Saturday morning to attend a luncheon at the Town Hall, Blackburn, given bj Sir Harry and Lady Hornby to Lord Kinnaird oi the occasion of his laying the foundation stone ui the new building of the Y.M.C. A. Mr. and Mrs Yerburgh returned to Chester on Monday for till races, being the guests of the Hon. Cecil T. anc Mrs. Parker, at Eccleston. Invitations from the Duke of Westminster President of the Imperial South African Asso ciation, to dinner at the Hotel Cecil on Thursr day. the 21st inst., have been accepted by th< Duke of Argyll, the Duke d Marlborough Viscount Milner, tlie Earl of Plymouth, Lor( Harris. Lord Robert Cecil, M.P., "Vicexnii* Morpeth, M.P., Sir Gilbert Parker, M.P., SÚ Julius Wei-tiliei-, Sir Robert Finlav, K.C., Sill Godfrey Lagdcn, Mr. Jufrtice Yintcent (Rhodesia), Mr. Justice Dove Wilson (Natal), and most of the .Aaent-.s-General for the Colonics PRESENT AT IO-N TO THE REV. A. H. FISH.—Our readers will observe from our adver. tising columns that this important function will take place at the Grosvenor Museum on Thursday evening at 8 o'clock, when a large attendance ia anticipated. SMALL HOLDINGS IN FLINTSHIRE.— The applications for allotments under the Small Holdings Act in Flintshire aro very numerous, and the County Council are now holding meetings at each of the petty sessional divisions in the county to test the merits of each applicant. ST. WERBCRGirS C-in'ROIl.-Speeid charity sermons preached at St. Wer- burgh's Roman Catholic Church. Grosvenor Park-road, on Sunday, by the Rev. Prior White. The* rev. gentleman is a well-known preacher in. the London district, and is canon regular of tho Lateral!. II? delivered instructive discourses on the life of St. Joseph at High Mass and, 1 iio owning service, at whioh large congregations attended. FORTUNATE RESCUE.—On Saturday after- noon, Mr. S. Ennion, assistant to the County Accountant, while cycling homo from Chester, saw a man drowning in a pit at Clifton, neai Runcorn. Mr. Ennion, with praiseworthy promptitude, immediately jumped in and succeeded in rescuing the drowning man, and after using artificial respiration for forty-five minutes, brought him round. The man was after- wards locked up all a charge of attempting to commit suicide, and was brought up before the Magistrates at Runcorn, oil Monday, and remanded. LOCAL INVENTION.-Application for patents rights has been made in roapeet of ilio following invention: 9544. Joseph Ellis Wil. liams, Greenbank House*. Chester. Imp:ove< safety lamp for use in mines or other where explosive gases are present.—Those par- It,ioulars have been supplied us by Messrs. Huglios and Young, patent agents, of 55 and 56, Chancery Lane, London, locally rcpresenUxl by C. W. Johnson, 2. Godsttli Chambers, Chester, who will give advice and assistance to our leaders on all matters relating to patents, dè- signs and trade- marks. CHESHIRE GOLF CIXB AT LAW.—Tho M:d-( ■lie.sliire Golf Club summoned Samuel (jaunt, a fanner, at Northwieh. on Tuesday for £ 1 damage to a field by tramping, carting, and depositing manure, stones, and rubbish upon it. The complainants said that- Messrs. Brunner, Mond and Co. purchased fifty acres of land, including the defendant's land, from the trustees of Lord Tollemache. Messrs. Brunner, Mond, and Co. leased the land to the golf club. and after this the defendant tried to obtain a letting from the firm. He was informed that the matter had passeel out- of their halHls to the golf club, who had laid out the ground under the direction of a professional. It was alleged that the de- fendant carted the rubbi.-h to the field and smashed the lock and chain on the gate. Tho farmer's case was that in an interview with Sir John Brunner he Nvts, told lie might continue to use seven acres of the land. He had formcrlv held sixteen acres, and contended that ho was still the tenant.—The niagistrates thought there had been a misunderstanding, especially on tlie part of Mr. Gaunt. Mr. Gaunt was lined h. and 2s. 6d. elamagcs, each side to pay ite own costs. GROSVENOR PARK BAPTIST SUNDAY SCHOOL. -The anniversary services were held on Sunday and Monday last. On Sunday morn- ing tho Rev. Woodtherpc Baker and in the evening the Rev. S. Parlow prcachcd sermons to large congregations. Mr. Andrew Storrar pvorRdocl at the aficrnoon gathering and prize distribution. Mr. John Owens gave a helpful add re ss> and Mrs. Owens kindly distributed tho prizes. Several scholars contributed eolos and recitations to the programme. On Monday a largo number of friends &-it down to an excel- lent toea at five and six o'clock-, followed by a oocial and concert, Mrs. Ernest Brasocy pro- sided, and in a few words expressed her pleasure at. being present. A most cnjoyablo programme was gone through, consisting of songa by Mias Lizzie Roberts. Miss Owen, Mr. Bert Wallace -titl i Mr. T. WTalton, recitations by Miss Derm Lunn, mandoline solo by Miss Daiey Moore, and violin 5010 by Miss Peers, nearly all of whÏcllli were encored. Mrs. Crane was the ablo accom- panist- On the proposition of Mr. W. W. eeconded by the Rev. J. J. Hargreaves, a votlt of thanks was heartily passed to Mrs. Brassej and the artists for their kind scrvioes. CHESTER RACES.—For choice York, Cumberland and Irish Hams, of euporior quality, try Thompson, Son and Clomcnoo, Provision Merchants, 10, N or th-gato eUrooti, Eastgiate-etrec t, and branches.