Cheshire Observer

I QUOITING. I ————— A ————— NORTHERN LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP. OXTON v. NESS HOLT. The competition for the championship of the Northern Quoiting League is now at a very interesting stage. Two dubs, Neston and Ox- ton, are at, present bracketed at the head of the table, and the last-named had a particularly tough obstacle to ovorcomo in Ness Hok, who visited them at their prettily-siuaied ground on Saturday. In several of the game5. exoellent pitching was displayed; but Oxton kept "he lead all through, and won by 54 shots. The [ deciding tie between Neston and Oxton will be played on a neutral ground, to be fixed this week by the League Oommittee. Scores: Oxton T. Howard 19, W. Cooper 14, F. Burden 14, W. Johnston 23, J. Bandies 25, G. Cole 25, H. Smith 25, R. Smith 25, G. Bowen 25, S. Hignett 12, W. Randies 25, handicap 45, total 277 Nesn Helt: W. Cartmel 25, E Davidson 25, J. Oxton 25, W. Venables 25, T. Davies 7, John Jones 22 R. Pritchard 13, Joteph Jones 20, H. Williams 15, C. Jones 25, G. Millett 21, handicap scr., total 223.

TRY THIS TO-DAY. I A Simple Cure for All Forms of Nerve and Bodily Weakness. Costs a few Ponce. Tho following are amongst the many thousands of wvll-knowii and influential people all over the country who arc daily testifying to the unique merits of Dr. Oassell's Tablct-s as a cure for weakness, loss of flesh, and nerve, stomach and kidney troubles. Dr. Rainsay Colics, J.P., Ll-.D., 48, Prinoes Sq., Bayswater, writes, "a safe and reliable remedy for nerve acnd bodily weakness." Major-Gen. Sir John Campbell, C.B., 4, Park Place, London, sa.ys "remarkably effecti ve." Lady Briggs, 5, CJhailes-street, London, says ''meet efficacious." Madame Clara Novelio Da vies, 143, Sutherland Avenue, London, the famous Welsh prima- donna, writes "safe, pleasant a.nd effective for nerve and digestive troubles." Dr. Boiwood, Ph.D., 74, Micklegate, York, says "a reaDy trustworthy household remedy." Dr. Cassell's Tablets, the family doctor now in thousand; of British homes, can be obtained for 10d., Is. lgd. and 2s. 9d., of all ebemist.s.

CAMBRIAN RAILWAYS.—The report of the directory of the Cambrian Railways Company for the half-year ended the 30th of June, 1!1œ, shews that the receipts were £ 141,594, and the expenditure £ 94,751, as compared with 9142,12t and £ 95,090 in the corresponding period of 1907. The balance of the net revenue enables the com- pany to pay the full interest on the "A" and B debentures, and at the rate of 2 per cent. per annum on the "C" debentures, the balance of the latter being carried forward, and the directors hope that the pronts of the current half-year will enable them to pay the balance of interest on the C debentures and also a dividend on the D debentures. CATTLE KILLED IN THUNDERSTORM. A terrific thunderstorm swept over mid-Cheshire on Friday night, and for the space of half an hour the lightning was exceptionally vivid. A bull and a heifer belonging to Air. Richard Rutter. farmer. Blakeden, near Winsford, were grazing in a field when they were both struck by a flash of lightning and killed instantly. A large oak tree in Moss-lane, which is a short distance away, was also sliattered. Over North Cheshire the storm broke in the early morning. It was remarkably short and sharp, but did considerable damage to cut and growing crops of corn. At the farm of Mr. Fowles. at Hatton, near Warrington, four dairy cows grazing in a field were killed by the lightning. The rainfall in the Chester district I for 24 hours ending Sunday night was OX.

THE "OBSERVER'S" WELCOME. ♦— M?. ?ALFUUirS MESSAGE. -4- The advent of the "Obsoiver'" in the Crowe and Nantwich district has had an enthusiastic weloome froOm all classf's of the communi ty, many letters of congratulation having reached us from various parts of the county. That its career is viewed with sympathetic interest in high quarters is also evident. We have plea- sure in publishing a few of the letters of oon- gratulation. The leader of the Unionist party in the House of Commons, the Right Hon. Arthur James Balfour, writes:- 4, Carlton Gardens, Pall Mall, S.W.. August 5th, 1908. To the Editor "Crcwû and Narrtwioh Observer." Dear Sir,—I hear with great satisfaction that you propose to start a new Unionist paper to meet the public needs of Crewe and Nantwich. I wish every success to this effort to extend a knowl.edge of those constitutional principles which you have so long and so powerfully advo- cated in Cliester.-I remain, yours faithfully, ARTHUR JAMES BALFOUR. FROM THE DUKE OF WESTMINSTER, His Grace the Duke of Westminster has favoured us with the following letter:—"I un- derstand that the new Unionist weekly paper for the Crewe and Nantwich district is to be published on the. 27th August. You have my warm sympathy and liearty good wishes in this venture. I trust the paper will meet with success, and that it will be the means of instilling tru.e Unionist principles into the district where it is iLlCd; for if the people of this land fall away from these principles, then assuredly we can no longer hope- to maintain our position as the greatest Empire the world has ever seen." MR. HARRY BARNSTON. I Mr. Harry Barnston, the prospective Union- ist candidate for the Eddisbury division, wishes us good hick in the followIn,, Ictt-er:- Crewe Hill, Farndon, 26t.h Aug., 1908. Dear Sir,—I greatly rejoice to know tha.t a new Unionist pupea* is being started in Ciowe and Nantwioh, and for the outlying districts in that neighbourhood. This has been a long-felt want. While we all rejoioo in the victories which in the bye-elections our party are win- ning, wo want to have our views in all parts of the country expressed. This now will be the ease in our own district, and I heartily wish the itl-w venture every success.—Yours, HARRY BARNSTON. The Editor "Crewe and Nantwich Observer." m. MR. JAMES BINNEY. I ? I We nave p?«aaure ni publishing the following It?tca- from MT. James Binney, the prosper ive Unionist candida. for the Crewe Div?ion:— Pampisford Hall, nr Cambridge. August 22nd, 1908. Dear Sir,—-I have much pleasure in taking tilis opportunity of welcoming you to Crewe, and feel that it will be a great. advantage to the town aad neighbourhood in general to have the assistance of a newspaper expressing the ideas and wishes of the people in Crewe. Hitherto one- has only heard one view expressed, but in these times of progress we must endea- vour to adapt ourselves to the situation, and hear both sides of the loading questions of the day, which I shall have the pleasure of dis- cussing in your columns more fully on future occasions.—I am, yours faithfully, JAMES BINNEY. I The Eeiitor "Crewe Observer."

POINTS. The latest convert to Tarifl' Reform is Sir H. R. Fairfax-Lucy, who, in a letter to the Press, on Thursday, resigns his membership of the Unionist Free Trade Club. Sir Henry has been brought to this decision by realising the necessity for a closer organisation of the Empire and her Colonies, by the conviction that Fiscal Reform will help to cement the ties of Empire, and will give relief to the growing burden of rates and taxes without the necessity of looking about for "hen-roosts to rob.

THE ARMY. — ▼ SHROPSHIRE YEOMANRY. — Lieutenant (temporary Captain in the Army, Lieutenant, retired pay), Cecil U. Corbet, saya Tuesday's Gazette," is seconded while holding the appoint- ment of staff-captain for Territorial Artillery. Dated May tith, 1908. CHESHIRE MILITIA.—Tuesday's "London Gazette" givesaligt of Militia units, which having completed the prescribed period of annual train- ing, are transferred as units of the Army Reserve, and the officers named having assented to be transferred, are appointed officers of the Special Reserve of officers from the dates stated; retaining the rank and seniority which they held while in the Militia. The list includes the foUowin? :— 3rd Battalion the Cheshire Reginient, dated"'June 21st, 1908: Major George R. Hennessy, Captain and Brevet-Major Wiiham V. Maul, Captain and Honorary-Major Austin S. Cooper. BRIGADE ORDERS.-By Lieut.-Colonel F. J. Bonnalie, oonunanding 3rd Welsh Brigade Royal Field Artillery, for the week ending Saturday, September 5th, 1908. Chester, Wed- nooday, August 26th, 1908. 1. Drill and Paxtades: Drills will take place every Tueuday and Thursday until further orders, commencing on Tuesday, September 1st, 7.30 p.m., at the Drill Hall. Dress, plain clothes. 2. Volunteer Long-Service Medals: All members of the 1st and 2nd Cheshire Battorieu who, on the 31et March last, completed years' service in the Volunteer Force, and were otherwise qualified for the Volunteer Long-Service Medal, are re- quested to attend at the hearquarter office as early as possible. The oiffcer commanding the 3rd Flintshire Battery will submit nominal rolls, together with the individual applications, to this office with as little delay as possible. 3. Detail for the ensuing week —Orderly sergeant, Sergeant H. Boulton ,(Signed) W. Whitley, Ca-ptain and Hon. Major, for Adjutant 3rd Welsh Brigade R.F.A. TERRITORIAL ROYAL ARMY MEDICAL CORPS (Welsh Border Mounted Brigade Field Ambulanoe).—Headquarters, St. Michael's Hall, Chester. Orders by Lieut.-Colonel G. W. Side- botbam, V.D., commanding, for the week end- ing September 5th, 1908. 1. Par-ade on Mon- day 31st. inst., at St. Michael's Hall, at 7.30 p.m., for drill and lecture. 2. Parade on Wed- nesday, at 7.30 p.m., for company drill, etc. A large attendance is requested. Dress, drill order. 3. Recruits A few vacancies still exist- in the above corps, members wifthinsr to join should apply early at St. Michael's Hall. Orderly N.C. ofifcer for the week. Sergeant C. Wilson.—(Signed) A. G. Hamilton, Captain W.B.M.B.F.A.

EMIGRATION TO THE COLONIES.-Con- sideralile attention is now being directed to AUrltralia. and New Zealand, also to Southern Rhodesia, where the Government is offering, atwistod packages and exceptional facilities to I large and small capitalists-fspecially agricul- turists. Canada having taken wtope to prevent "undesirables" landing, is paving the way for a large influx of suitable emigrants during the coming season. Readers can secure further reliable information and advice in tiiis diicct, "ii on application to Wright's Travel and Emigra- tion Offices, Watergate-street, Chester, where Holiday Tours by hvnd or wa can also be satis- factorily arranged. For Black or Tan or Glace Boots or Shoes, for Athletic Shoee of all descriptions, for quality, for style, for reasonable pricee, yon cannot do better than Hewitt's, Abbey Gateway. Mifq LWV good feguftwa, 1 ..z..l. 06"11

I NANTWICH GUARDIANS. A RESIGNATION OF MR. WOODWARD. The fortnightly meeting of the Nantwich Board of Guardians waa held on Saturday. Mr. W. J. Dutton (chairman) presided. The Clork read a letter from Mr. John Wood- ward, relieving officer and registrar for the Bunbury district, tendering his resignation and requesting that the same take effect at the end of the present half-year ending Michaelmas. "r am conscious of the fact," wrote Mr. Wood- ward, "that after 34* years' service without a break I cannot continue to fulfil the duties with the same regularity as formerly." He expressed his thanks to the Guardians for their kindness and. consideration, and aloo to the clerk and officers of the Nantwich Union for their uniform kindnet-s. I look back," ran the letter, "upon my 3443 years' service with pleasure and satis- faction, because of the happy relations that have always existed between uo." Mr. H. R. Dutton, senior guardian for the Bunbury district, 6aid it was with feelings of regret that lie rose to move that the Board accept Mr. Woodward's resignation. He be- lieved he was the oldest official connected with the Board, and he (Mr. Dutton) must have some knowledge as to how Mr. Woodward liad ful- filled his duties. He did not remember there being at any time tho slightest friction bewn Mr. Woodward and the Board or the Local Government Board as to his work. Conse- quently he was titire they all wished him well. Ho had well-merited his wish to retire into private life after working and serving for 342 years. He knew Mr. Woodward wished to retire before the winter months, as he did not feel strong enough last winter to do his duty as well as he wished. He moved that the Board accept tho resignation and also that they adver- tise for a successor. The Chairman of the District Coni-mittce re- marked that he wished to associate himself with what Mr. Dutton had said. Ho liad known Mr. Woodward for a good many years, and at all times he had found him to be a capable and zealotis oific-er. He had been sympathetic to ail those under his care, and yet he possessed eminently a characteristic that all as guardians and relieving oflfioers should aim to possess—he had not let his heart rule his licad. He hoped he would live long and happily in hit; retirement. Mr. J. Willett expressed his appreciation of Mr. Woodward's services. The Chairman associated himself with what. had been said by the previous speakers, who, he thought, had prior claim to speak rather than as chairman of the Board. Mr. E. Young, in proposing that the matter be referred to the Finane Committee. said he iioped the time would not be far distant when other officers would be put on for the relief and distress in their district. The time would soon be when paupers would be reoeiving old age pensions from other officers, and it was just possible that some arrangement could be made whereby they would not have more officers on their hands in a year or two's time than they needed. (Hear. hear.) Mr. Parton thought it was always understood that whenever the office becajno vacant some thought was to be given as to salary. He thought it ought to be referred to the Finanoo Committee. The Chairman agreed. He thought they might reconsider the question of registration and relief districts, which had been referred to on a few occasions. Mr. Dutton thought it best, to go into the matter carkfully.it was ultimately resolved to refer the matter to the Finance Committee. TENDERS I In reply to the Board's request for tenders for a disinfecting chamber, there were five &pp!;ca- tions:-J. Hayward. A £ ar»h-Lanc, Nantwich, £ 120; F. Matthews. B92. 28.; Cox and V&u?ban. £ 97: Joseph Poc<i 128, H06pit.a.I.&ect. ;6%: J Peak and Son, WiUaston, S105. 58, It was prop0t?<i by Mr. Loring, seconck:d by Mr. Parton, and resolved, that Mr. Matthowe's tender of j693. 2s. be accepted. Mr. Dutton proposed that the Board forthwith purchase the disinfectant apparatus for the cvurn of £ 115, which included delivery and fixing at the workhouse. Now they had accepted Air. Matthews's tender it was a total of £208. 2s., against their approximat.ing estimate of £ 200.— I Carried. NURSES' RATIONS. I Dr. E. C. Bailey repoited on the committee's j investigation into the complain S3 made about the nurses' rations. The contra itteo were of opinion, he said, that the bnoad was of poor < quality, being rather sour. Same of the butter was very good, and Eorrk, veiy poor. The bacon and cbees? wore veiy good. After careful con- cf -jptll i on thlt sideration the committee, were of opinion that although there was some foundation for nurses' <omplaints, such complaints were ex- aggerated, and recommended t.hat, a better qua'itv of bread be supplied arid that a higher quality of cheese shou'd be provided for the price paid, tho pifS'-nt samples being rathrv poor. They airgo recommcndcd that butter be issued to the nursing staff thrice weekly, in- stead of twice, and that they 00 allowed addi- tional eggs instead of cJioese, but they (ould not let them liavo ham and fruit in lieu of half the meat rations.—Carried. HOUSE OOMMITTEE. I Air. Hincs (chairman of the House Commit- I te?) reporU-d that the number of inmates was I 309, compared with 332 last year. Treated in hospital during the past for. night: 51 males. 46 fenaal'-s, as against 50 males and 56 females I for -he corresponding period. Casual, 253, against 175 for last yoar. I VAGRANCY. Mr. G. Lewis, in giving the report of the Fann and Labour Conuinttee. said (hey h;id received a communication from the I nt. *r- County Committee on Vagrancy. After con- sideration it, was recommended by his conunit- to3 that the Board should be prepared to adopt the ion of the InU r-Courrty Com- mittee' as a. temporary measure, provided all Unions in the county of Oh<"ster join in the scheme.. Tha scheme, to be workable, must lie universal, and at the end of one year's working t matter be again considered, and that ihe Botrd bo at liheitj' to decide whether to con- tiniie ILS par,icipatioii in the scheme or not. lVIr. gua Nixon supported the committee's recommendation lie thought, it was a. good thing for bona-tide workingmedi who w'e in search of work. "1 think," continued Air. Nixon, "it is better to have help fiom tlii-s scheme, because it is giving tramps a better opportunity of liaving a mid-dav meaJ. (Laugh- ter.) of broad and two ounces of cheese at a specified time and in a specified station—wiiy, gentlemen, it is much bettor to have a bicad station than a police station— (laughter)—and therefore I am very much in favour of giving this scheme a trial. There are above 80 per cent, of the workingmen out of work to-day that were not this time last year—(laughter)—because there is a groat dc- prcssion of trade. There is not sufficient woi k for bona-ftdo workingmen. You look at the building trade. I saw a. clerk out of this liouse this morning, turned out of work b.cause women's laboul- is cheaper now. A woman is doing his work. he is thrown out of employ- liuni, and henc; he comes for relief. I sym- pathise with the working men—painters, caipen teis and all kinds of mechanics—who are turned out of work and have nothing to do. This scheme, then, will be one of the means of help- ing them, <«peciaily the inid-day meal. And another thing, it will do away with so much begging. If we can get the help from the I police, and every other county will come into line with us, it will ensure the success of the j schemes and be to the benefit of the workers. I hop? it will prove successful in Cheshire. (Hear, h.tir.) The committee's recommendation was adop- ted. BLACK SCAB IN POTATOES. Mr. Lewis said the Farm and Labour Com- mittee, having considered the question of disease in the potato crop, recommended that no potatoes be grown in the workhouse land during the next two years. Mr. Win. Emberton asked if it was intended to grow no potatoes whatever. He would also like to know whethfr any effort was being put forward for the prevention, of the disease, it appeared to him to be. a very drastio moasuro, and if some scientific methods could be a.dopted it would b? loss costly than ceasing to grow potatoes altogether. Tho Chailman said the oommittee had given earnest consideration to the matter. It had Wen going on for over two yea re, a.nd they had taken the advice of the Board of Agriculture, and had also consulted the Principal of the Agricultural College. Hclmes Chapel. It was thought by some members of the committee t- 40LI" i l.t bNl o', that it should be five years, but the oommitte9 thought if it were tried for two years they could ask for fun extension of the term if the ravages of the disease had not been combated in the meant i me. Tho Alasler said they had tried lime and than sulphur. A member said there were scores of things they could grow on th? land. It did not fol- low that they could not grow anything vise because potatoes were a failure. The commi ttee's leeommendation was .vclopied.

COUNTY BYE-ELECTION. THE FIGHT AT CREWE. DR. HODGSON'S SEAT. It is very many years since there was so keen a tigJlt in a County Council ejection in Crowe as the one taking place this week to decide who shall represent the West Ward on the Cheshire governing authority. The vacaiie-v arizleo in consequence of the promotion of Dr. Hodgson to be a county alderman, and the doctor haa represented the ward uninterruptedly ever since he entered the County Council. The Radicals are endeavouring to retain the seat with Dr. Wilson, a local practitioner and a friend of Dr. I Hodgson. while the Unionists are trying to win it with Councillor J. H. Kettell, one of Crewe's best-known public men. The contest, though short, has proved a merry one, and the I greatest interest prevails as to what will be the result of the electien to-day (Saturday), which is the day fixed for the poll. Councillor Kettell's first public meeting was held on Monday evening in the Ramabottom- etreet Schoolroom, and he had an extremely cordial reception from a large audience. Mr. H. S. K. Feltham presided, and the candidate was supported by Councillor J. Knott and Councillor D. Froggatt. and Mr. E. Nixon. Councillor Kettell, who met with a very hearty reception, begun his address by declar- ing that he was a Tory Democrat. (Applause.) If Dr. Wilson had been allowed to go unopposed it would have been a case of the individual and not the people, ruling—"which practically meatt; (added the speaker) Dr. Hodgson, McNeill and Co." (Laughter.) Formanyyearg the West Ward had had no opportunity of reg-isterin their votes in a County Council elec- tion, either for or against the policy pursued not by the Liberal party but by the clique that ruled the Liberal party. He understood his friend, Dr. Wilson, spoke very kindly of him. That ni I-lit be to suit his own purpose, or it might not; it might be what he honestly thought. He (the speaker) was going to hit out straightforwardly, not at Dr. Wilson person- ally, but at his public life; he would be the last to indulge in personalities, and he hoped no one who worked for him would resort to them. "A DIRTY INSINUATION." At the beginning of the contest Dr. Wilson wrote to him expressing the hope that nothing would transpire that would make the election other than a model fight. "To my surprise," he continued, "the first thing I see is what I Shl111 describe ill my own language as a dirty ins,inuation--a poster issued not by his own hand perhaps, but by the party that is cup- porting him. I understand, from information, that has come to me that it has been toaken practically as an insult to the intelligence of the people of the West Ward. (Applause.) They are men who have known me, known my public career, known my occupation, and knew that I would be the last to encourage drunken- ness or do anything whereby people would lead lees sober lives. (Applause.) Dr. Wilson has, I understand, denounced that pester. He is sorry that it has been issued. But when people throw mud there is a certain amount that sticks, and I feel it is Dr. Wilson's bounden duty to dissociate from that ugly bill by posting an- other bill disowning it. (Applause.) I am not going to accept Dr. Wilson's mild denunciation of their action and then accept thoir support. I know he is a man, and I have no doubt after this public request he will do that. It is the only honourable course he can take. I don't want to make things uncomfortable for him, but I think a matter of this eort should be firmly dealt with. Our trade take it as an insult." He did not hesitate to say that no body of men tried to obey the laws of the land in a greater degree than did publicans. (Applatuse.) THE TRADE AND TEMPERANCE. I No body of men tried to discourage drunken- !ness, no body of men abhorred d'unlwnncœ more than did publicans, because the drunkard was a danger to him, and he hated him. They were simply caterers for a pubFe demand. If the public did not want thci- commodities they would not be selling them. Anyone of tem- perance view who cared to do so could use his houre to obtain a cup of tea -cr food, and with that he was no different, TO rest of ?'ii, -?st of publicans. When one had tried to do all he could 10 assist the Temperanoe party, even the bigoted teetotal party—(hear, lxvar)-to do all he could to encourage habits which temperanco people were advocating, to be attacked in that manner was nothing short of scurrilous. (Ap- plause.) It hurt his feelings very much. Re- ferring to the comments concerning- publicans passed at a Free Church Conference at South- port, Councillor Kettell declared that there was not a man connected with the licensing trade but what was a Christian man, trying to uphold Christianity. People who made such remarks as those he had referred to were not fit to be leaders of Christianity. They in the trade made no show of their religion, and what was astonishing to him was that the people who were anxious to pull the trade to pieces, did not approach the trade and say, "Let us walk hand in hand towards the great object we all want to serve." (Applause.) That would be a true Christian spirit, but they had not not it in them. Of all the things the trade di-dik^d most hypocrisy stood first, and he hoped Iiis words would go home to certain people who j assumed to be something they were not. TIe wou!d be ffirry to gain a bingle vote by mis- representation—(hear, hear)-,and the last thing he would do would be to go to other places of worship than his own with a view to catching votes. (Applauee.) Of all the things a man oould do that was the most despicable. (licar, hear.) COMMONSENSE IN EDUCATION. Turning; to the work of ,J0 County Council, Mr. Kettell said that in ma tiers of odvT&ilc.n he believed m the best poaribks education Lxvng given to children. It would be a scandalous shame if every child did not get a fair chsnce in life, an d if they did not give them a fair chanc-e in life by giving thüHIhe b-jft educa- tion an injustice was done to the rising generation. (Hear, hear.) But they should not go mad over education. He beliovod one of t.he grandest things they could do was to see that their children were properly developed in a physical sense. (Hear, Of what earthly use was a wonderful child uic-rit-illylf his health and physique were ruined. (Hear, hear.) He held it to be essential for education authorities to pay rrm),re attention to outdoor recreation, so that the children, instead of cramming their head", with so much should have healthy exer- cise to develop their muscles, and make them into men and women fit to hold their own in the world. He was ifraid, judging from the aver- age "youngster," that our race was not improv- ing in the matter of phyisique. It was a sub- ject. which should be looked into with some determination. The health of the children was of paramount importance. He did not know whether is wa6 altogether an advantage to have very big schools. He would not say he was an advocate of small schools, but in the csiso of big schools it was necessary there should be constant, and regular examination of the child- ren by medical men. (Hear, hear.) If they seni Dr. Wikon to support Dr. Hodgson they might just as well send another Dr. Hodgson. From what he knew of Dr. Wilson, that gentleman would not dare to go against either Dr. Hodgson or AM. M(Nei]). "I do not believe," he d"da, that, those gentlemen represent true Liberal principles, and while I do not wish to become personal I could trot, you out a few of their .ction-s which would not reflect to their credit. But if you do not watch the way public men conduct themselvcti it is not for me to trot the, things out at a public meeting. The Liberal clique we have in the town misrepresent the views of the people who have sent them. They have become an autocratic party they are not. a Liberal party, and that is why I feel the I people of the West. Ward should send somebody who better understands their feelings, some- body who would even dare to say something which might not. meet with the approval of Dr. Hodgson and his clique." (Applause.) I A SPENDTHRIFT. I "I should not think \ou have had a greater spendthrift on the County Council than Dr, Hodgn, His party always profess to he against tho landed class, always profess to be upholders of the poor and downtrodden people, but when t-hoy get into power wlxit is the result of their work? Wo wanted a new school, and the site should be in One we. Where should it be.? An ideal spot was Berkeley Towers, with seventy acres of land, and they could ha.ve bought it for about. £ 12,000. But what do we Jiad1 These ^oqjple, who profeae to be agamst landed proprietors, go and gnre a Liberal land- I lord £ 7,000 or ES,000 for twelve acres. Why do they try to mislead tie people? Why do they come forward and toll you they are against the landlords and all for the workingman and then, when they got the chance put public money into a rich man's pocket? (Laughter and applause.")

To UM. Edwa.r4 VIl. qm5?D-c, U.R B. the Ar'     BoL?ND'S  WEDD?Q made <????ftT€? cakes, ALL SIZES STOCJC READY ior IMMEDIATE DESPATCH, SPECIALLY PACKED for ABROAD. RECEPTIONS, DE JEUNERS and BAN QUE rr S CATERED Foil. is. no- Men-tr by Return 4 lost. Cholc6 Selected FAUCS CAKES, 3!6.k?7-perboA, sent carriage paid on i-eceipt of remittance. HOLLAND'S, CHESTER.

WHITCHURCH. THE LATE AIR. WILKIN,ON.The remains of the late Mr. John Wilkinton were interred in the Whitchurch Cemetery on Monday afternoon, in the presence of a largo congroga- tion of mourners. The service at tho parish church and at the graveside was conducted by the Reve. E. Voale and S. W. Bird, and at the church Mr. W. E. Rogers (organ:<st) played "O re«t in the Lord" and the Dead March in "Saul" as a move wao made for the. cemetery. The mo-irners attending included several of the local Freemasons and deputation from the local branch of Oddfellows, AS well ati the full choir, with which the deoea.'ied had had a connection extending over fifty years. The floral tributes were numerous. A.

ALY ANLEY. OBITUARY.—We regret to record the death of Alarshal Fletcher, son of Mr. Samuel Fletober, of Abbotts dough, wliose death took place on Friday in last wook after a few weeks' illness. Gnat sympathy is felt throughout the parish for the family, as deceased was a very kind and strwiy young man. He was a member of the church choir, also a. member of the Reading-room, and will be very much missed by his many friends. The interment took place on Monday at Aivaniey Chit;eh. and was a.t- tended by a large number of relatives and frionds, among whom were the following Mr. S. Fletcher (father), A. Fletcher, J. Fletcher, T. Fletcher and H. Fletcher (brothers) M. Fletcher and Al. Fiotcher (.«:eis). The coffin was covered with beautiful wreaths, including oue each .€n<: by the Bible class, the Reading- room and the choir, and many others by rela- tives and friends. The deceased was only 25 years of age.

1JNCE. ANTI-iSAlOlvlNG LEAG UK -A movement in ttie right direction, inaugurated sorriatimeigo by Airs. i'ai t<- k i;tc.>, b the Anti-Smoking League for boys under sixteen. The league, which already has a considerable number oi members at luce, Etton, Tiiornton, Dunham, Helsby and Manley, is open to any who would like to join, and parent- schoolmasters and others would do weil to direct t-ttu-tit,ui to it. Through the kind- nefS ot Airs. Piuk- "i ates a very :!u <;ee.>f ul fete was held in the grounds of luce Hall. Various games and sp rts were enjoyed throughout the. atternoou alJJ e enHlg-, inc.uding a ciicKet match, Itiee v. ileliby, the visitors being defeated after a spirited contest. J'e: was provided in the garden, tne weather oeiu: perfect. Airs. Park- Yates, the ltev. F. G. and Airs. Slater, Mr. C. E. Linaker, Atiss Longlaud, Mr. R. Hermon (Alan ley), and others heiped to a!llu,e tlie, guests. AtLer tea some c5 new members were enrolled. Before breaking up the boys were presented with packets jf chocolate and sweets, and three rousing cheers for Airs. Park-Yates brought the festivities to a conclusion.

FUUIJ S11 A JVi. JOIN 1 VvAlER COAIA11TTEE.—A meeting of this committee was held in the oV('t:iot'Cr'f. office on i-riday. There were present Air. J Iilidgo (in the chair), Aloesrs. C. E. Linaker, i'. Jones. J. Andrews, J. Oekieston, F. Aladdock, u. Hodgcrd, J. 11. Oavietj and P. Booth, with Metisr*. JOIKIS and -Aston (collectors), Adcaero. Rodgerw and W'iJeon v. ngimvrs), and G. b. Aohton (clerk to the ivuiieorii Rural Council) The engineers inatle several reports, inciudim one with reference to an alleged infringemnt oi the Council's bye-jaws. It was resolved that the action taken by the engineers be upheld, and that the engineers' rq:on OIl the matter b. received and adopted. It was ako resolved that copies of the regulations be sent to the pluniben- in the district, it being reported that certain o. them were making JOUIUS not. in accordance witl the regulations. A discussion took place on thi tenders received for the proposed now pumps etc., at the waterworks, one councillor exprossinj. ulie opinion that it was hardly fair to ellgag( an engineer to overlook the work whose iin. were also tending for the work. It was resolve- to adjourn the matter for a month, and All Timmin."I was to be requested to report on th tenders, etc., received. Aiessrs. Kydd and Jvyd<. appealed against, the charge tuade against lheL for water, and it was retoived that this matte; dhuid over for a month, the clerk to get out som, particulars in the meantime. PAROCHIAL COl\nlIvrE.A meeting was held on Friday, Mr. C. h. Linaker in tht chair. The inspector reported that he had re oeived a complaint itbout the emission of black smoke from the jam works chimney. He thought there were good grounds for the com- plaint. as he liad seen much black c-moke coniinj. from the chimney himself. Air. Jones said li, thought it wart chiefly owing to having a nev, man ai fireman. Air. R. Rodgers asked for in formation with reference to the promised im- provements to the footpath near JfiEd PoirvnV property in Church-ritrcet, and the surveyor promised to do womething immediately. It was retsolved unanimously that the clerk write tc Air. Baxter, the representative cn the County Council. and ask him to use his influence Towards getting something done to the footpaths on the south side of Alain-street. They were ill a dis graceful condit ion, and unfit to walk CM in wet weather. If the County Council we"e not go in; to asphalt the footpaths, they might at leas: put some metal on them, a6 they were in a worse condition than any footpaths out in the country. Air. J. G. Da vies jusked a question on the Church-street p'-anis. He wanted to know whether C l urc h -stre(,t p'ar it; the Rural Council could give power to anyone tc encroach on a public highway, aVvo, if the plam were rejected or pro[X*sed to be rejected, what were the grounds of objection.—Several councillors joined in the discussion, and on Afr. Davies pressing for an answer, the Clerk said, with regard to the latter question, lie did not think it was right for him to answer it. As tc the first question, it had always been contender that once a highway, always a highway, but he was not going to go into the matter as to whether the place undeT difeussion was a high- way or not.—Mr. Davies subsequently proposed a resolution, but found no aeoonder. •