Cheshire Observer

MEAT WARRANTY CONFERENCE. A ? MR SADLER'S APPOINTMENT. A joint committee of the oheehire Uxiamoer of Agriculture and the Cheshire Milk Pro- ducers' Association met at Crewe on Monday to consider the appointment of a delegate to represent Cheshire on the Meat Warranty Con- ference, when Mr. Jamee Sadler, eecretary of the Milk Producers' Association) was unani- mously elected.—The first meeting of the com- mitfceo was arranged to be held in London on Thursday, 19th inst., to consider what policy to pursue. The committee having decided on the line of action, will proceed without delay to mako an arrangement with the Butchers' Federation. We understand that the meetings prior to the conference, as well as the con- ference itself, will be held in camera.

COUNTY COUNCIL ELECTION. T The vaoanoy cauae d in the Davenham division of Cheshire by the well-merited elevation of Colonel France Hayhurst to aldernianic rank in all probability will be filled by Mr. Hubert M. Wilson, of the Hermitage, Holmes Chapel. There is reason to believe that Mr. Wilson will be allowed a walk-over. In any event, it is difficult to see how the Radicals successfully could oppose a man who so admirably is fitted to succeed the Colonel on the county body. Mr. Wilson has a considerable stake in Cheshire, and may be relied upon to promote the useful work of the party of economy on the Council. Per- sonally he is one of the best known men in the county from his prominent identification with the Cheshire Hunt, of which he is acting Master. He is deeply interested, as a landowner should be, in the agricultural industry of Ch esh ire, and there are few more familiar figures than his in the judging rings at the local agricultural shows. He is also a popular officer of the Cheshire Yeomanry, and, with youth on his side, he will <5nter, we trust, upon a long and ieeful career in the administration of county affaire.

CONNAH'S QUAY ASSESSMENT. —— A —— GUARDIANS AND THE APPEAL CASES. At Holywell Board of Guardians on Friday the Clerk, on the instruction of the Assessment Committee of the Holywell Union, applied for sanction to appear as respondent in appeal cases against the ratable value of properties at Connah's Quay at a special sestsion on the 26th inst. Mr. Reney (Connah's Quay) opposed any re- presentation other than by the Clerk. The inhabitants of Connah's Quay, he said, felt the imposition of rates very heavily they were 50 per cent. higher now than a few years ago. Three years ago trade was booming, new the men of Conna.h's Quay were looking for work elsewhere, and it was difficult to get a tenant when a shop became empty. Only the other day some 60 ratepayers were summoned for rates—they had not money to buy bread let alone pay rent and rates. He himself had people Lirjig in houses who had not paid him rent for months, because they could not get the money.—The Clerk: The rates are based on the rent.—Mr. Reney They pay no rent at all. He hoped that some arrangement would be made to settle the valuations which were being appealed against. The Chairman (Mr. J. Prince) said Connah's Quay had been re-valued at a very inopportune time, as things were very bad. Five or six yoars ago everything was booming, and any price oould be got for a shop; but to-day an empty shop could not be let for half the rent. The Clerk explained that the Asseesment Commfttee had considered the matter, and it was probable some cases might be settled. If the parties were not satisfied the appeals might be carried further. After further discussion the necessary sanc- tion was given to the application of the Assess- ment Committee. ■ I

BISHOP AND ROMANISM. I .—— CATHOLIC PRIESTS REPLY. I The Rev. Farhor Hayes, proaohirig before a crowded congregation at St. Werburgh's Roman Catholic Church, Chester, on Sunday delivered a reply to the charges of the Bi&ixrp of Chester against Romanism. !u lordship, the preacher stated, in d?ivcring hie visitation charge, must h&ve b&en t1unlung of the rhyme about the fifth of November and the Gunpowder Plot. and bad kept the anniversary of the great frast in a suitable and fitting manner Dealing with the Bishop's reference to the Euchansiic Con- gress, Fr. Hayes said it was rather laughable to hear him approve of the Premier's prohibi- tion in a country in which li-is lorcfenip de- clared religious toleration and liberty were broadly developed. When a Catholic bishop called his priests together, he had little time to devote to misrepresentation of the doctrines of thoso who did not profess tho Catholic faith. He spoke rather of the spirit of piuyer, solf- sacrifice and self-denial w-hi, !i ought to per- meate the work of their lives, and in the gen- tleness, pity and charity which ought to animate them in their work among the pooi. On the subject of tho reunion of Christendom, the rev. father referred to the Bishop's statement that the Lambeth Conference exhibited a great de- aim for reunion, both within and without its own fold, and said it was rather a pity the re- ttiion was required within, for the Scripture told them that "a housa divided against itself shall fall." It was strange that the Bishop should speak of the Cafthoiio Church as an out- aide obstacle to reunion, when the Catholic Church claimed in the world 300 miilions of eouls, by far tho majority of all Christians. There was a lack of logic in the Bishop's de- sire for reunion, and a.t the same time to bann those who had the tendency to unite with the Giuroh of Rome. Coming to his lordship's re- marks on the Church of Rome and oivil allegi- ance, in reference to tho reigns of Kings John and Henry III., Fr. Hayes urged that the atti- tude of Catholics was, that while whole-hearted spiritual allegiance was due to the Roman Pon- tiff, they were perfectly free to use their own independent judgment in matters temporaJ. He reminded the Bishop tint it was in the reign of King John that the Cwtholic Archbishop of Canterbury, Stephen Langton, and the Catholic barons of England wrested from the King that groat charter which was the foundation of both English and American constitutional freedom. Passing to the charge that the Roman Church was an oneiny to the progress of civilisation, he reminded his hearers of the story of Pope Gregory in the skive market of Rome; of the mission of St. Augustine; and asked who eent out the missionaries from Landisfarne in the east and the Isle of Iona in the west, to Christianiso the pagan Saxons of Northumbria and Borniooa, and the sister kingdoms of the still divided heptarchy? He also mentioned the great discoveries whioh had helped materially the progress of the world, made by prominent Catholics, adding that his lordship could not quote from tho Bible had it not boon preserved and handed down to him by the priests of the Catholic Church. Referring to the Inquisition, his lordship, the preacher stated, should have remembered that it behoved people who lived in glass houses not to throw stones, and he doubted if the Church to which the Bishop be- longed could lift its hands unstained by human blood. The rev. father contended that the In- quisition was carried on by the army of secular power, and that the abuses in oonnection with it were always condemned by the Catholic Church and its head. There were received in one year in refuge in Rome, 300 of those who fled far safety to the Pope from the Inquisitorial tribunal. After referring to Catholic martyr- doms, he alluded to tho civil and religious dis- abilities long in existence against Catholics. He concluded by saying they forgave the Bishop of Chester his misrepresentation of Catholic doctrine, but at th? same time there were no Engliahmen or women but who would remem- ber in tho words of their great writer: Who steals my purse steals trash; 'tia some- thing, nothing; 'Twas mine, 'tis his, a.nd has been slave to thousands; But he that filches from me my good name Robe me of that whioh not enriches him And makes me poor indeed.

For Black or Tan or Glace Boots or Sboee, I for Athletic Shoes of all description*, for quality. for style, for reasonable priced, you cannot do better than Hewitt's, Abbey Gateway. Fifty year* good reputation.

I CHESHIRE MURDERER'S LETTER. I A PATHETIC APPEAL. | The Over Parish Ohurch, Winsford, was packed to overflowing on Sunday night, when tho Rev. W. H. Stables (vicar), based his ser- mon on a pathetic letter which he had recei ved from James Phipps, on whom the death sen- tence in connection with tho Winsford child murder was carried cut at Knutsford Gaol on Thursday week. The Vicar, who took for his text, "l'hou shait not delay," explained that Phipps died with a penitent heart, and was most anxious to make amends. If ho sinned greatly he also suffered greatly during the few weeks he was awaiting death act the gallows. I The letter which he (tba vicar) had received was evidence of the young man s sorrow and desire to produce good. Before reading it, however, he first read a letter from the chap- lain of the gaol, whioh was as follows: "Thank God it is all over. James died not only repentant, but full of sure and certain hope. He displayed Christian bravery at the last. I was with him for nearly an hour this morning before the exc-oution,, and it. cheered me to see his confidence. It is an awful thing to see young lives go down, and it is an awful lesson to the careless and indolent." The Vicar went on to &ay that Phipp3 was formerly connected with the parish church, be- ing a member of one of the football clubs and the Bible class. The little good which accrued to him at that time came out on top in the great crisis of his life. This was his letter, written on prison paper, with many mistakes in the spelling, but all tho more valuable for that because it proved its genuineness:—"To those who were my friends and companions. My dear lads—Just a few lines to you, hoping you will lead a different life to what I have been leading these last few years. I hope you will attend to your church regularly and be- come a communicant and a guild member, and not be the same as me-att,nd one or two ser- vices and then turn away. I used to say 'I will not go to church this Sunday.' But the next never came, and so I kept going down and down, that I could not get back again. If I had had the presence of mind to look at that book of prayers which the Vicar gave to mo it would havo brought me back again. I know now what the love of God: means, and what a real comfort religion is. I still look back with pleasure to all innocent amusements, especially the games like football. Health and strength are precious things, lads, but goodness is more precious. I am sum that God loves manliness and courage, but what he loves beSot is moral courage, which is able to stand against the temptations of the world. And now, my dear lads. good-bye, and God bless you.— Your affectionate friend and comrade, James Phipps." Tho preacher urged bis congregation, and especially the young people, to accept the message which the Letter contained, and ob- ountal n-,d an d o b served that Phipps told him during the course of an interview on the previous Sunday that if he had only followed the good advice given him five years ago he would not have been in that position. The congregation were deeply touched by the sermon, and the reading of the letter was fol- lowed by weeping

THE LATE MR. P. WEEKS. PROMINENT RAILWAY OFFICIAL. I THE FUNERAL. On Saturday afternoon the funeral took place at Chester of Mr. F. Weeks, a prominent local railway official, of Chester, whose death we reported last week. Deceased, who was a native of Sandown, Isle of Wight, commenced his railway career on the Isie of Wight Railway. He went to Holywell in 1875 as booking cierk, there be- g nning his thirty-three years' connection with the L. and N. W. Railway Company. While stationmaster at Llangefni he was presented by numerous friends with an illuminated address and purse of gold. Mr. Weeks was of a genial and kindly disposition, and was exceedingly popular throughout the extensive district covered by him in his official capacity. Mrs. Weeks has received the following letter from the London .and North-Western Railway Company:— Malame.-I should like to inform you that Sir Frederick Harrison, the general manager, and Mr. F. Rees, the chief goods manager, have both expressed their regret at the death of your hiusband. who was considered a good and faithful official of the company.—(Signed) L. A. P. Warner. The cause of Mr. Weeks's death at. the age of 50 years was heart failure. It appears that on Monday, October 26th. he manifested signs of having contracted a chill, which developed into pleurisy. He passed away a fortnight later, as stated, from heart failure. His medical attend- ants were Dr. Giffin, Dr. Evans and Dr. Taylor. The funeral was attended by many of de- ceased's acquaintances and a number of residents from Boughton. The chief mourners were Mrs. Weeks (widow), Mr. T. G. Weeks, J. F. Weeks, and W. H. Weeks (sons) Cissie and Eva Weeks (daughters), Mr. W. H. Weeks, Mr. O. Weeks, and Mr. A. Weeks (brothers), Mrs. W. Weeks and Mrs. O. Weeks (sisters-in-law), Miss Weeks, Sheffield (nieoe), Master W. F. Weeks (nephew), Mrs. and Miss Gresty (mother and sister-in- law), Mr., Mrs. and T. B. Gresty, and Mr. and Mrs. W. Gresty (brothers and sisters-in-law and niece), Mrs. Hirst (niece), Mr. M. Blochwitz (cousin), Miss Tyler, Mr. illey, Mr. and Mrs. Murdo, and Mr. J. Young. The service in St. Paul's Church, of which deceased was a warden, was very impressive. As voluntaries the organist, Mr. R. Thomas, played "0 rest in the Lord," "I know that my Redeemer liveth," etc. The hymns were "Peace, perfect peace," "Now the labourer's task is o'er," and "Thy will be done." The Vicar, the Rev. F. Edwards, the Rev. T. E. Evans, and the Rev. J. H. Williams were the officiating dlergy. The Dead March in "Saul" was played as the cortege left the church. The Vicar performed the last rites at the graveside. The sidesmen of St. Paul's officiated as pall bearers. A crowd of sympathetic people reverently followed the hearse to the graveside as a last token of respect to one who had been a highly esteemed citizen. Among those present at the graveside and at St. Paul's Church were Mr. John Guy (deceased's fellow-warden) and the following sidet;men :-Messrs. W. Johnson, E. J. Mus- prat, T. J. Ritches, J. E. Leeming, W. Whit- tingham, T. Carter, C. Owen, and Lloyd Williams; also Mr. C. J. Harrison (ex-sides- man). Others present were Mr. E. Jackson, Mr. J. H. Cooke, Mr. Thomas (sec. to the local branoh of the A.R.A.S.), Mr. D. Robertson, Mr. Puddington, Mr. Hull, Mr. Alec. Smith, Mr. W. Fleet, Mr; E. Chapman, Mr. E. L. Cragg, etc. Wreaths were sent by:—" His sorrowing wife and children," Mr. and Mrs. Henry Weeks and family, Mrs. W. Weeks and family, Mrs. C. Weeks and family, Mr. and Mrs. O. Weeks, Mr. and MrR. Alf. Weeks, Violet, Elsie and Ellie, nieces at Bembridge; Mrs. and Miss Gresty (Mother and Maggie), Mr. and Mrs. T. B. Gresty, MÍEs Tyler (Edie), the Nurses, Alice and friends, Bembridge; Mr. and Mrs. Tilley and family; Mr. and Mra. Murdo and family, Clergy and Church Officials of St. Paul's, Vicarage Work Party, Dr. Giffen, Mr. and Mr. R. Thomas and family, Mr. and Mrs. Fleet and family, Mr. and Mrs. Riches, L. and N. W. Railway Cartage Dept., Messrs. A. G. Daviee and B. W. Dutton, Mr. and Mrs. J. G. Frost. members of the District Traffic Superintend ent's Office, L. and N.-W., Chester; Mr. and Mrs. L. Roberts, Mr. Jno. Roberts and mem- bers of the Senior Sunday School Class, Merer8. Frank Lloyd and Son (Wrexham), Mrs. and Miss Griffiths (Rhudllan). a few friends on Tarvin-road (an exceptionally large harp, which stood upright, about 4ft. 6in.); and Mr. and Mrs. Cooper and Little Molly (his godchild).

LOCAL WILLS.—The following wills have be?n provoed: -Mrs. Helene Margarette Stoohr, of Elm BUlk, Alderley Edge, left EVJ,681 gross and £40,480 nett.—Serg.-Lieut.-Col George Okell, of Woodbank, Swanlow, Over Winsford, late 3rd V.B. Cheshire Regiment, medical officer for the district of the Northwich Union., and l('Cturer and examiner to the St. John Am- J. 'woo Association a former Mayor of Over, gixxse, the nett personalty being

I COMMERCIAL TRAVELLERS AT I CHESTER. I e—— I BENEFIT SOCIETY ADVANTAGES. I On Saturday night a meeting of commercial travellers was held in the Talbot Hotel, New- gate-street, Chester, when the advantages to be derived from membership in tlio United Kingdom Commercial Travellers' Benefit Society ware expounded by Mr. H. G. King, hon. secretary of the society. Tbsro was a fair attendance. Mr. Tunna, of Oolwyn Bay, presided in the absence of the Mayor (Aid. R. C. Da,vies), who was indisposed. The Chairman expressed regret that the Mayor was unable to bo with them, adding that his Worship had contracted a chill, and his medical adviser considered it would be inad- visable for him to venture out-of-doors. They had other disappointments, also, Mr. Fred Coysh, of London (secretary to the U.K. Com- mercial Travellers' Association), having wired fiom Belfast: "Hearty greetings and success to the Chester branch to-night." Mr. John Griffiths, solicitor, was unavoidably detained. Mr. Skelton, Dublin, oomplimcnted the Chester travellers on the formation of their society, remarking that they had succeeded in bringing together more members than other societies had done in so short a. time. They had in the ir midst an cxcellcii-t society, not con- nected with the U.K. Commercial Travellers' Association, and the relations between the two branches woro of a friendly and amicable char- acter. He pointed out that a United Kingdom Society could do work tliat no purely local association could do, the U.K. being a national <k"OCiatioll, held a position which no associa- tion not national could hold. Speaking of the general or social woi k of the association, lie said he. meant not only social in the sense of bringing men together for recreation and mutual friendship, but social in the sense of tlie raising of the character of the commercial body and of the promotion of a higher standard of respzet for tho.=e ideals whioh should be aimed at by men aspiring to be the ambassa- dors of the commercial life of the country. (Hear, hear.) Dwelling on the work accom- plished by tho organisation, ho said the week- end ticket was a. concession gained by them. This privilege had not been confined to mem- bers of the association, but was obtained for commercial travellers generally. Ho touched also on the egii work of t4? association, and mentioned what they 1vere prepared to do in the way of legally assisting members. Their membership was 12,000, and it extended through- out the country. Mr. Webb, chairman of the Birkenhead branch of the U.K.C.T.A., gave a brief account of the results of tho movement in Birkenhead, stating that they had 100 members and a com- mittee of something like 24. He considered it was to tho interests of commercial travellers to rally round each other and h?ip along one another. (Hear, hear.) In Birkenhead they promoted a football match, the proceeds of which were devoted to charities, and raised about E24. He suggested that they should do something like this in Chester. They also held flom fimo to time whist drives, etc. Mr. Martin, of Birkenhead, having endorsed the remarks of Mr. Webb in a happy speech, Mr. H. G. King outlined at some length the aims and objects of the U.K. Commercial Travellers' Benefit Society. Tracing the latter from its formation in 1902, ho said it had b?en registered under the Friendly Societies' Aot, and had met with much success. It was com- menced with the object of enabling members of the United Kingdom Commercial Travel- lers' Association to secure the advantages of a sick benefit society, to provide against a rainy day. Ever since its formation it had paid its way, and had enabled members to secure sick pay according to the shares taken out, ranging from 10s. to E3 per week. After having passed tho doctor a man was at liberty to apply for shares, from one to six, and lie paid according to the number of shares taken out. The man- agement system was on-) of centralisation, but the organisation and the basis of the society was the distribution of the work over the vari- ous places where the associations existed. Fifty-three branches wore allied with them, and there remained only about six to join. In the U.K.C.T.A. there were 12,000 members, and 2,400 of these were members of the Benefit Society. The membership, moreover, was jn- croasing annually, and so far this year they had an increase of 400 members. (AppLau9?.| Un- like other friendly societies, they had no re- serve. They made all members participants in the profits of tho year, and when the age of 65 was icached the member drew the full amount. It was wonderful the amount of money mem- bers were saving through the society. The fact that in six years they had paid over 210,0"0 to sick members was surely an indication of necessity of tho society. Ho empha- sised the thoroughly sound nature of the se- curity.

RUINTING. I —— a CHESHIRE HOUNDS. I LADY URSULA GROSVENOR IN THE I FIELD. The Cheshire Hounds met cm. Friday at Peckforton Gap, and found several foxes on the hills, one of which they hunted nearly to Cawley's Hill, and back through the Wood. He then went down the hill into the open,and was hunted with a poor scent to within a couple of fields of Peckforton Wood. Scent was afterwards lost. Several foxes were disturbed ou Raw Head, but they managed to elude their pursuers by getting to ground. Hounds were then taken off the Hills to draw Orton's Wood, which is well looked after by Mrs. Tinley, of Tattenhall. Here the field was met by the Duchess of Westminster and party from Eaton, one of the most noticeable members being Lady Ursula Groevenor, mounted on a very smart pony. Hounds soon hunted one of a couple of brace of foxes found in the Wood towards Tat- tenhall Station. Here he turned before reach- ing the railway to the right, and was hunted at a nice pace and by a small field up to the road near Gregory's Wood. Here Mr. Wiloon had hounds stopped from going on to the Hills. From Handley the field again had a nice 20 minutes' run past Mr. Cooke's Farm at Clayley Hall in the direction of Golbourne. Crossing the brook Reynard turned for the Whitchurch railway, hounds being stopped close to the Saighton and Tattenhall-road at dusk. The hunted fox no doubt went into Crow's Nest, which Was but three fields away. There was quite a large gathering when the Hounds met on Saturday at Wistaston, including- Mr. H. M. Wilson (acting master), the Duchess of Westminster, the Marquis of Cholmondeley, Lady Lettice Cholmondeley, General A. Williams, Mr. J. Tcmkinson, Mr. R. Brockle- bank, Baron Von. Sohroder, Mr. A. Knowlee, Mr. J. Baskerviile Glegg, and others. It was an ideal meet. A fox was found in Wistaston Gorse, which tried hard to make a point for some time, but he was headed by tho foot people, and returning to cover was killed. It is a great pity that when people come to see the sport they should run about shouting every time the fox shews himself. They not only spoil the sport for themselves, but for others as well. Hounds found again at Poole, and after a ringing hunt of about thirty minutes the fox was killed. The day was finished by hunting a fox between Aston and Tall Trees, but dark- ness ooming on hounds had to give him up. The meet of the Cheshire Hounds at Com- bermere Abbey on Tuesday was associated with a good hunt. The acting Master was Mr. H. B. Poole, and the field included the Duchess of Westminster and Lady Crichton. The meet on Wednesday was at Bradfield Groen, with Mr. Wilson acting as Master. Though there was some misfortune during the early part of the day through hounds getting up to their foxes in cover, they were seen to advantage in a good fifty-five minutes' hunt towards evening. BLMCAP.. BLIXECAP. I SIR W. W. WYNN'S HOUNDS. I I RECORD CUB-HUNTING. I We are favoured by Sir Watkin Wynn with the following information respecting his hounds. During the past cub-hunting .season hounds were out 35 days and killed 42 brace of foxes, marking to ground ten braoe. The 42 brace of cubs killed equals the cub-hunting re- oord of these hounds which was established twelve years ago and until now has never been equalled. The Master informs us that they found foxet) plentiful everywhere, and very little mange. Scent has been fair. Regular hunting has now commenced and we hope the I promise of good sport will bo abundantly realisod. There are fifty couple of first-rate hounds in kennel. The huntsman is the trusty Walter Morgan, while the first whip is George Sharpe, and the second whip Jack Goddard. A large company assembled at the meet of these hounds on Saturday at Shavington Hall, the residence of Captain Heywood-Lonsdale. Among those present were Colonel Rivers Bulkeley (who was in charge of operations), Miei Bulkeley, Mr. Rivers Bulkeley, junr., Captain and the Hon. Mrs. Heywood-Lonsdale, Sir Walter-Corbet (Acton Reynald), Lord Hugh-, Grosvenor, Mr. and Mrs. R. C. Donaldson- Hudson (Cheswardine House), Colonel Macke- son (Hodnet), Miss Godsal (15coad), Mr. Thoms, Mr. Hope Nelson, Mr. James Nelson, Captain Lambert, Mr. Black (The Cit?el), Mr. C. W. Clifford (The Red House, Market Drayton), Mrs. Rasbotham, Mrs. Cholmondeley, Dr.. Gwynn, Mr. C. Dugdale (Torrick), Miss Dug-' dale, Mr. Dugdale, junr., Mr. Kynaston, Mr. Wood, Mrs. Wilson, Mrs. Mainwaring, Mr. Reginald Corbet (Adderley), Miss Cor- bet, Mr. Jones (Moss Fields), Mr. Peter Winser (Adderley), Miss Winser, Mr. Poole (Marbury), and many others. On making a start at the lower end of Shavington Woods, hounds got away with a fox that led them nicely across the Park at Shavington to Wilkes- ley Lodge. Here the fugitive jumped the high enclosure wall, and then ran alongside for a little distance, when he swung right-handed, making his course by way of the Bow Hills and Dog Kennel Wood-in the North Staffordshire countr,y-acroos the Bank House Farm, thence over Mr. Jones's farm at Attenlcy, and after skirting Mr. Chesworth's fields was eventually lost hard by Pepper Hill Docks at Spoonley. A chase of a full hour followed, though some- what slow in consequence of catchy Gcent. Unfortunately Sir Walter Corbet met with rather a nasty accident during the first run, his horse stumbling at a blind fence. As a re- sult Sir Walter sustained a severe kick on the head when his horse was endeavouring to rise. He was, however, able to proceed home by motor-car after being professionally attended. SIR W. W. WYNN'S HOUNDS I MEET ON Saturday, November 21, Iscoed .at 10.45 Monday, November 23, Marchwiel .at 10.45 Tuesday, November 24, Prescott .at 10.30 Friday, November 27, Aldersey at 10.45 Saturday, November 28, Broughall .at 10.30}

COUNTY POLICE COUKT. I SATURDAY.-Before Messrs. B. C. Roberts (chairman), J. W. Maefie, R. P. Whalley and R. Wallace. BICYCLE THEFT AT CAPENHURST.— John Downey, 18, farm labourer, was charged with stealing a bicycle, with a cape and a lamp, the property of James Lee, of School Farm, Capenhurst. Supt. Sutherland informed the bench that prisoner went to Mr. Lee's farm on the 4th inst. and asked for work. Mr. Lee took him on for a few days as a farm hand, and he worked two days. On the morning of the 7th he left without giving notice, and Mr. Lee afterwards missed his bicycle, which he had placed on the previous night in a wash-house. On the bicycle waa a lamp and a cape. The same morning, about 6.40, prisoner was seen at Shotwick by a man named Wilcox with the bicycle. He told Wilcox that the bicycle was his own, and that he had had it at Great Sutton where he had previously worked. At his re- quest Wilcox assisted him to mount, but he was not able to ride very far, and fell off. He left the bicycle by the roadside. An officer who went in search of the prisoner found the bicycle lying on the Parkgate-road about two miles from complainant's house, and the lamp and cape were found by other people some dis- tance away. Mr. Lee traced the prisoner to Flintshire, and found him somewhere near Mold. When charged with the theft he said, "I am guilty," but did not explain why he had taken the bicycle.—Evidence in support of these particulars was given, and the Chairman said that in view of prisoner's previous char- acter the bench would bind him over for six months in his own rescognisances to appear for judgment. ( AN UNWELCOME CUSTOMER.—Arthur Grimes, Whitby, was charged with being drunk on licensed premises at Whitby on Saturday. P.C. Todd deposed that while in Station-road he saw defendant staggering in a very drunken state. He went into the Bull's Head Hotel, and witness followed and found that the bar- man was refusing to serve him and ordering him out.—Defendant was fined 5s. and ocets or seven days. CELEBRATING GUY FAWKES.—Arnold Catheral, a youth of sixteen, was summoned for setting off fireworks in the street at Elles- rnero Port. P.C. Todd deposed to seeing de- fendant lighting fireworks and throwing them about the street. He said he did not think he was doing any harm.—Defendant was ordered to pay the costs (4s. 6d.). AN UNHAPPY MARRIAGE.-Sarah Eliza- beth Gough, 127, Westminster-road, Hoole, sum- moned her husband, Walter Gough, for alleged desertion. Complainant said they were married about three years ago, and had been living at 61, Talbot-stroet. He deserted her a week last Sunday. They had a "tiff" in the evening, during which defendant struck her and threat- ened to split open her head with a poker. He took a few things that belonged to him and left the house that evening. He had given her no money on the previous Saturday, and she had not a penny. She afterwards went to Wrexham, and on the following Tuesday evening, during her absence, defendant returned to the house. On her return she met him, and he told her that he was going to leave the next morning, which he did. He told her she could sell up the home. Defendant had threatened her every since they had been married, and her life had been made very unhappy.—Cross-examined by Mr. R. T. Morgan, who appeared for defendant, she denied that her hueband had paid her 23a. 6d. on the Saturday night. She was not a teetotaler, but she had not been running her husband into debt. He told her to pawn the things because he had drunk the money.—Eliza Jone Gordon, residing at 127, Westminster-road, said com- plainant came to her on the Wednesday after- noon with her two children, and she took her in. She had been staying with her ever since. Witness had not seen the d-cfendant.-For the defence Mr Morgan said the case was a very regrettable one, especially as the parties had been married only a short time. Where there was a hope of reconciliation being permanent, it was desirable to bring the parties together, but in this case defendant absolutely refused to live I with his wife, for the sufficient reason that on the Sunday he found he had not a change of underclothing. He was perhaps unwise in losing his temper, and he told his wife that he waa going home. He returned, however, and found that she had gone away in a temper to Wrexham, and the house was locked up. the elder girl was in the entry, and there was no food. On the Saturday before he had given her 23s. 6d., and she took the high-handed course of ordering the sale of the furniture, which he had provided at considerable trouble. He did not authorise her to pawn anything, and he would like it to be distinctly understood that he had not deserted her.—After defendant had given evidence, the Bench decided to make an order upon him for the payment of 12s. 6d. per week, I and granted the wife the custody of the I children. Defendant was also ordered to pay the costs.

I WHITCHURCH. SENTENCED FOR ARSON.—At the Salop Assizes on Tuesday, Joseph Crewe (23), labourer, was indicted for, on August 16, at Whitchurch, feloniously setting fire to a stack of hay, the property of William Grice Burgess. Mr. Graham prosecuted and Mr. Bosanquet do- fended.—The evidence was to the effect that prisoner was seen coming from towards the stack, and that soon afterwards the fire was seen. Next day prisoner went into the police station, and practically admitted that he had set the stack on fire, because he had a supposed grudge against Mr. Burgess.—Superintendent Lucas said the man was one who was easily overcome by drink.—Prisoner, in the box, denied that he made the statement attributed to him at the police station.—Mr. Boeanquet, for the de- fence, said this youth was one of those half- witted men of weak intellect likely bo commit offences without knowing what they were doing. He did not deny that the act was done, but he submitted that it was not intentionally or maliciously done.—His Lordship said drunk- enness was no defence, but all the evidenoe pointed to the fact that prisoner was sober.— Sentenced to twelve moat& hard labour.

CHESTER VICAR'S PREFERMENT 9 HIS SUCCESSOR APPOINTED. Tho Bishop of Chester has appointed the i Rev. F. E Hicks, M.A., to the benefice of St. Augustine"s, Brinksway, Stockport. Mr. Hicks was ordaiaod deacon and priest in tho years 1896 and 1897 respcctiveily by tho Bishop of Chester, being licensed to tho a&sistant curacy of St. John Baptist Chester. He afterwards held the chaplaincy of the Akbar Reformatory Ship, and has been vioar of St. Michael's with St. Olave's, Chester, since 1903. Tho nett an- nual va.!ue of the living of Brinksway is about £2W. I His lordship has also appointed the Rev. William Tweedie, B.A to succeed Mr. Hicks as vioar of St. Michael's with St. Olave's, Chester. Mr. Tweedie was ordained deacon and priest in the years 1888 and 1889 respec- tively by the Bishop of Chester. He was suc- cessively assista-nt curate of St. Mary's, Bir- kenhead, St. Luke's, Lower Tranmere, Holy Trinity, Birkenhead, and sin{} 1900 has been senior curate of St. Peter's, Birkenhead. The nctt annual vailue of tho living of St. Michael's with St. Olave's, Chester, is about E220.

SAUGHALL KENNEL'S SUCCESS- I At the Altcar Club coursing, on Friday, Club Cup was won by Mr. Fawcett's Facc t Foe, a second %,?at?cn greyhound, who, like j1., sire, the Waterloo winner, Father Fiint, did but moderately as a puppy. I The greyhound is trained at Saughall by Mr-^ I Wright, along with Mr. Fawcett's other aiiiall

I FAMOUS TWINS. ] J Their remarkable cure by VENO'S LIGHTNING COUGH CUIZ]G* I Mm. Gautrey, 7, The Gas Works, Lit? "I b b' Ju6 h?mpton, writes: "My two b?bLea, twins itist one year old, have latelv been quite Ctlrc--A of & stubborn whooping cough by V4Dr?o?10 Lightning Cough Cure. They suffered months, and th-ey also had bronchitis, a were very sick and unable to take rnU'T nourishment. My doctor did them no and I tried many advertised remedies to 110 effect, but after the nr?t three doses of ^en°,g Lightning Cough Cure I noticed an intprc ment, and now they are quite cured."  Veno's Lightning Cough Cure is the ost reliable nm10dy for coughs and colds, broo, chitis, asthma, catarrh, children's coughs, *j? all chesr and lung trcubies. Price, 9d., 15. and 2s. 9d.. of all chemists.

VETERAN ENGINE-DRIVER.—'vVi^ Da.vi<?, of Ashbourne, who has jn?t ie Ij fromthea?Ytoeof thoNo:'t!iStaSorc's?!? ?? Railway Company, is believed to have bo^ ? jj Raiiwa.y Company, is bcitfv?d to h:w  ? p old"" driver working upan any raj'wa-y Ji f. United Kingdom. He mt?rcd the comP'^fi wr v'c'it 1858, and for many years hAd j.pC. m th? driver of the tmin5 on the AsJibout'n?.?..? CHESHIRE PIGS FOR ARGEN1INP'(jf J. CHESHIRE PIG? FOR ARGENTl? ?,<. On? of the mcut important consignn*6?' ?t? j Ho?kahirc pigs of recent years tho Argentina Rcpub?M !and??l in Bu{'na:; f' th? other day, and C'{)niskd of Pcel I l?jir,60 Peel Coquette, Pe<4 Edie, and CounteM Agl|S- tw>, all big winnN3 at t? ic?ding sl'Ovvf?, afl ?lec'tG d fiom Mr. J. Jefferson's fine ilcrdof Berkshire pigs at Peel Hall, Tarv2n. .d Coquette won at !he Royai Shaw 't i castle. j

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Mr. Haldane has announced that a new depart- ment has been constituted at the War Office to look after the affairs of the Territorial Army. Lord Lucas is the head of the department, and will represent the Territorial Force on the Army Council. Working in conjunction with General Mackinnon he will complete the organisation of the force.

I RAILWAYMEN AT CHESTER. » PROBLEM OF COMPLETE ORGANISA- TION. Under the auspices of the Amalgamated Society of Railway Servants a meeting was held in the Town Hall, Chester, on Sunday, Mr. Phipps, of Ormskirk, presiding over a large audience, which included many ladies. The Chairman, who was well received, said although the society had been in existence so long, yet it was necessary to call upon working- men to organise for the purpose of raising themselves industrially. Speaking of the agita- tion for a reduction in working hours on the railway, he said that railway servants had the sympathy of the travelling public, who would unanimously vote in favour of an eight-hours' day for railway men. The safety of the public on the railway was guaranteed at a terrible sacrifice to railwaymen, ten of whom were killed every week and 250 injured. On the other hand only one in ten million passengers were inj ured. As a matter of fact people who travelled in a train were often safer than th-ey would be by their own fireside. He emphasised the fact that the society included all grades of railway servants, and spoke in favour of State-owned railways. If the railways were nationalised, it would mean a universal eight-hours' day for all rail- way servants. Mr. T. Triplett (Birkenhead) moved the fol- lowing resolution:—"That this meeting of all grades of railway workers is of opinion that it is absolutely necessary under the present condi- tions of the railway service to shew a united front to tho railway companies, and hopes that the rank and file of every kindred society will consider their position and resolve on the one solution of the problem of complete organisa- tion this is amalgamation. It further calls upon all non-unionists to join our society at onoe, and assist us to uplift all classes of workers." He held that it was absolutely necessary at the present time for all railway workers, irrespective of grade, to consider their position, and to consider the position that was being adopted by the various railway com- panies. The latter were combining for their own interests throughout the breadth of Eng- land, Scotland and Wales, with the object of getting more dividend, to shew a united front to labour, and to crush it. It behoved th-e railwaymen, therefore, to realise their position and amalgamate. In speaking in support of the resolution, which was carried unanimously, Mr. A. Bel- lamy (Stockport) said the old method adopted by the railwaymen to obtain their desires was to strike, but this had never been a really suc- cesisful weapon. It was a two-edged sword, and a strike always meant that the employer hit the employe through his wife and children. Railwaymen were now going to try another method, namely, the conciliation board. This method, although new to railwaymen, had been tried with great succ-eas in other trades. Con- ciliation boards had done offectiv, work in various trades, and he was convinced that con- ciliation boards thoroughly established would be an effective means of adjusting the differ- ences between the employe and the railway director. In conclusion, Mr. Bellamy said it would be better if the railways were owned by the State. They would then have improved conditions, and thav would receive improved pay-

Christmas Fruits. AU new season's at Debao I and Sheaff's. The finest quality, and masm. able prices. -=-W!Yó.P -¡¡;  I T. G. BURRELL'S II FOR BEDROOM, DINING AND DRAWING-ROOM FURNITURE   I BEDSTEADS, BEDDING, j || CARPETS & LINOLEUM, | AT LOWEST PRICES 1 I || I AND OF BEST QUALITY. | II 57, FOREGATE ST., CHESTER. jj

DISTRICT COUNCILS. I A T I HOOLE. I ANONYMOUS LETTERS CRITICISED. APPOINTMENT OF JUSTICES. A meeting of the Hoole Urban Council was held on Monday evening, Mr. K Wallace pre- siding. Tiio Chairman said the clerk (Mr. A. E. Caldecutt) was unavoidably absent through ill- i nofa. He was sure the members sympathised very much with him, and hoped he would re- cover. (Hear, hear.) Respecting the recent anonymous letters re I Hoole l'ost Office, etc., Mr. WaJton said the writing of anonymous letters to the Press did not further anyone C) interests, or do any good to the district. The Council, lie thought, would be very pleased on all occasions to deal with matters of this kind as quickly as possible, but they could not take very much notice of anony- mous letters. Everything would be done to keep the district in a thoroughly good sanitary con- dition, and in future if people had complaints to make their course was to write to the Council. (Hear, hear.) The Chairman said those people who wrote anonymous letters were not doing any good to the district. If they brought the matter before the Council they would do the best they could for them. That was for what they were ap- pointed. I Mr. Crowder said he would not condemn a man because he wrote to the Press, but if lie had anything to complain about, let him take the proper course, namely, write to the Council and see what they were prepared to do. They were not altogether asleep, as somebody would like to think they were. (Hear, hear, and laughter.) They knew what they were doing. He thought this gentleman who had written to the Press ought to have written to the Council, They had made every possible effort to have another post-office if it was necessary, but it had been declined, as they all knew. With regard to the other complaints, their inspector nad made every possible investigation about three weeks ago. MORE MAGISTRATES. It was reported that a letter had ) been written to the Lord Lieutenant pointing out that Hoole was not represented on the magisterial bench of the district, with the ex- ception of the chairman of the Council. The J' following letter was recei ved in reply: "Dear g;r>—In reply to your letter to the Duke of Westminster of the 20th October, his Grace sent in a list to the Lord Chancellor some time ago of gentlemen whom he recommended for ap- pointment to the bench in Cheshire. This list will no doubt be approved before long, and the nnme-s gazetted. Meanwhile his Grace sees no reason to write to the Lord Chancellor on the subject, as he is no doubt making inquiries as to the suitability of those recommended for magisterial work." Mr. Duck We will have to be satisfied until the names appear. A member That's more than I thought we should get; I thought we would only get an ac k n o w 1 e d g m c n t. MOTOR TRAFFIC. I The Deputy Clerk read a resolution passed at a recent conference in London, calling upon the Government to introduce fresh legislation for the better protection of the public from the abuse of motor traffic. It was intimated that a delegate from Hoole Council ought to be ap- pointed to attend future conferences. Mr. Duck suggested that the clerk should attend. Mr. Richmond eaid that whoever attended he should go at his own expense. The Chairman said this was a proper question to raise, but he thought if a gentleman was ap- pointed by the Council the Council would have to pay his expenses. Mr. Richmond thought many gentlemen would be willing to go at their own expense. (Laughter.) He moved that the delegate should not go at the Council's expense. Mr. Crowder seconded. Mr. Dobson said if they were at all in sym- pathy with this motor question they should be prepared to pay something. Mr. Richmond's motion was lost, as also was another proposal by Mr. Ball that the letter lie on the table. The Cierk was eventually appointed to repre- sent the Council on the Standing Committee elected at the conference, on the understanding that he is not to attend meetings in London without instructions from the Council. I HORTICULTURE. The Deputy Clerk reported the receipt of a communication from Mr. W. H. Hughes, corre- spondent to All Saints' and Westminster Schools, dated 29th October, anent instruction in horticulture. He desired to know the terms for allotments. Mr. Duck explained that this was being done from a purely educational point of view, and the ground waa asked for in order to teach horti- culture to boys who had a leaning that way. It was nti :ated that the Council had not the land at their disposal, and they could not give the desired lease. Mr. Richmond said in the event of the Council obtaining further allotments they might con- sider the application. A committee waa appointed to report to the rtrmn^il I .u. SEWAGE DISPOSAL. Mr. Walton said some months ago there was a proposal that the Chester Corporation should meet tho Hoole Council and come to some ar- rangement with regard to the sewage disposal of Hoole. It was about time this matter was settled, and Hoole should have proper repre- sentation on the Sewage Committee. It wasagreed to write the Chester Council on I the matter, and also request a joint survey of the sewers. I WIRRAL RURAL. I INSPECTION OF COWS. I A meeting of this Council was held on Mon- day at Birkenhead, the Chairman (Mr. T. Daviee) presiding. The Clerk (Mr. J. E. S. Ollive) reported that the Medical Officer (Dr. G. A. Kenyon) had written enclosing a bill for £2. 6s 6d. for ex- amination of a herd of cows at the medical officer's request. The Clerk said he had had a communication from Mr. Brocklebank respect- ing some milk which had been supplied to him, and which had been adversely reported upon by Sir Rubert Boyce. He (the clerk) re- ferred him to Dr. Vacher, who must in turn have referred him to Dr. Kenyon.—Dr. Ken- yon reported that on the 26th October he got Mr. Storrar, veterinary surgeon, to examine the stock of a certain farmer. One cow was found to be suffering from a disease of the udder, which the veterinary surgeon certified was of a tubercular character. They were in- formed that no milk had been sent out from this cow since its lac-t calving. He (Dr. Ken- yon) gave directions in accordance with the Dairy and Cowsheds Order. The farmer was most anxious to do everything he possibly could to safeguard the milk. At his request his own veterinary surgeon made the tuberculin test. A cow which could not pass the test was done away with. Other animals to which any sus- picion attached were put in separate shippons, and were to be got rid of as soon as possible. Mr. H. A. Latham (vice-chairman) wished to know what was meant by "getting rid of." Was it by cremation, or were the cows to be sold to somebody eLe, and so be a danger of infection. Dr. Kenyon said they had no power in the matter. The Chairman said the tubercular test was unreliable, and he entirely disagreed with it. Dr. Kenyon said he knew all about that. In this case it was done on the farmer's own sug- gestion. The Chairman, referring to the amount of the fee, said they had four or five first-class veterinary surgeons in the Hundred of Wirral who would como and examine their cows for half a oovereign. Dr. Kenyon said this was a special case of emergency. ivlr. C. E. ilope asked if tho fee came out of the rates. Dr. Kenycn said he engaged Mr. Storrar, and if the Council did not pay the bill he would have to pay it himself. Mr. Lyell (Heswall) did not think a Chester surgeon should receive four tinier tho charge J of a man in their own district. The Chairman said that members knew there were veterinary surgeons who came from their own districts who would not charge half guinea. It was decided to pa&s the account this time, but the ivledical Officer was requested to call in a local man in future, but not necessarily the one who usually attended the farmer's cattle. WILLASTON SEWERAGE. ihe Clerk reported that with respect to tho application for a further sum of B525 for Wil' lariton sewerage and sewage disposal, the Local CiOYeWHWcnt AioexrxJ 1>0- WiiJ* a copy of the Councils resolution authorising the application, detail^ of the itern6 of expendi- ture involving an extra £ 2-73 as coat of land, and other financial particulars. The Clerk said the engineer would supply th. 1 information asked for. Tho Rev. W. Postanoe, chairman of tha Willaslon Parish Council, wrote asking when the Local Government Board inquiry would be held at Wiliaston, and out of what money the cost of connecting with the main sewer would oorne. The Engineer (Mr. F. E. Priest) replied that certain property in Hadlow-road, WiJaston. wJiØ connected with old drains. These Souses wer,3 being disconnected with the old drain and con* nected with the new one at the cost of thø parish. Any new drains would be connected to the main sewer at the cost of the owners. of Mr. Postance, in his letter, further asked à the local representative on the District Council should give the Parish Council all information of what transpired at the meetings of the District Council regarding the affairs of the township. ■ Tho Chairman: Certainly not; I think it iii very bad policy. Mr. Latham said probably they at WillastoO had fteen Ii1 the newspapers that he gave hl3 f Parish Council a "monthly report" on District Council matters. Evidently they warned tho eamo ac Y\ lilaston. The Chairman: You are not obliged to a report. Mr. Latham Oh, no. j The matter then drooped. THORNTON HOUGH SEWERAGE. I It Via", decid{'d. on tho  Mr. I It viac, oi tlio p??,opi-I tI cn of I !I. A. Lathaiii, to apply for for tllo I compu?ry purchase of Mme land at Raby ? I oowçr¿ge works for Thornton HOJ.h. HIGHWAYS COMMITTEE. J At a meeting of the Highways Commit?" 1 which followed, the Clerk (Mr. W. H. Chm'toW | reported with reference to the recent appeai Quarter Sc?iorM against a provMicna.1 apP? tionm?nt m Heron-road, near We6? Kirby, th"? Mr. R. C. Vyner waa determined to i? further proceedings. He (the c'ierk) aak? £0 a re?oiution authorising him to take ail neo0*' sary step? in the interests of the committee OJ the hearing of the case in London. The cJJlP only involved points of law, and no (-vidence.. The Chairman moved a resolution to t-l)i3 effect. He hoped the clerk would engage th0 best counsel in the matter, because the colsV mittee thought they had won in a very f.al spirit. JJJ Mr. J R. Turton seconded, and it "Ao carried.

THE ARMY, —— ? COMMAND OF THE WELSH DIVISION. General Francis Lloyd accompanied the newly- elected Mayor of Oswestry, Mr. David Jones, to the Zion Welsh Calvinistic Methodist Church on Sunday morning, and at the subsequent reception in the Mayor's Parlour the General, responding to a vote of thanks, said it was his pleasure to inform the Mayor that he had just been called to high command. He had received an order which would take tffect on Januaay 26, to take up the command of the Welsh Territorial Division, and although he would have a good many masters to serve in the representatives of the twelve Welsh counties, as well as of four English ones, he should have but one aim in view, and that was to do the best he could in that situation. About the office he would shortly assume little was known, still it was one which could be made useful by strenuous exertion.