Wrexham and Denbighshire Advertiser and Cheshire Shropshire and North Wales Register

J OUR LADIES' COLUMN. I I BY ONE OF THEMSELVES. I — HOUSE Tnoum.ES.-RESULTS OF THE FROST.- I VROZEN PIPES-MEANING OF THE WORD HOUSEKEEPER."—MARUIAOK AS A PR ;¡O.-ARTISTIC COSTU AN? MATF;^IA^_ LIBERTY SILKS.- AV,ES OF Co¡'OUR. FORM AND -vnr..Ur,, THE CHEMIRST- -?O??-?..c.? TO THE  TRUTH" <??.?:??- -TRUTH'S' DOLL SHOW. —ISRAEL ? ??"r.-THE ALBERTHALL^- GRA?n CHOKUS S?GI?.-SPECTACLE IN THB FROST AT MIDNIGHT.—THE SERPENTINE. ? The few bright hours that are given to us just now after Che gloom and misery of    reveal to those who care for the clean and dainty aspect of their houses the ravages WhlCh fOgmost smoke and frost have wrought on our cherished belongings, and I fear it is vain y as yd now we will renew everything thac a be renewed, ?nd sweep and clean and S??"' refurbish, and so get rid of all traces of the dafis when we coald not see across the rooms. y reason of absolutely palpable almost sohd. b fo"-for it may not all be over, and we may even yet have more dark days in store for us. F or one thing I feel thankful when considering how m nch I reall! must do to make my home decently j habitable; we have no water pipes to men1' no waterdepredations to make good,and throughout the terrible time we have never bad any snore- comings hi our water supply to add to our miseries. I rather pride myself on tt.h, tor as soon as ever the frost came I Inspec e a pipes myself—found that very few were eXldoed to the outside atmosphere, and those 1 "?d'm- mediately well covered up; and day and mght for the entire time of the duration of the frost, I had a full sized duplex lamp burning in each lavatorv so that the atmosphere of even small outside chambers was always warm enough to prevent anything like freezing. 1 was accused of extravagance in oil and of giving the servants extra lamps to attend to, but I cai- ,j culated that several gallons of kerosine oil would not cost as much as the repair of one split water pipe, to say nothing of the mischiet done by a deluge of water on celhngs and carpets, and as for the servants' trouble, I filled j: the lamps twice in the twenty-four hours nwself, and at last got my housemaid to see that 1 had got good sense on my side, and that probably I was doing my best to save her from much un- necessary trouble in the future. Why yesterday only I saw my neighbour's dining-room ceiling saturated with water, and her man servant was sweeping a deluge out of the front door. I looked on with compassion, and did not know which proverb to quote when I entered my own dry and warm abode—" forewarned is to be fore- armed," or stitch in time saves nine," which, though a crude and unrythmical saying, is a very true one, and is as applicable to a house as to a garment, which latter I very often find to be the case. Leave a hook or a nail out of the place where it ought to be, and most cer- tainly very soon many hooks and many nails will have to be put in to repair the mischief caused by neglect. I have often thought lately that the real meaning of the word "house- keeper" is by no means restricted to the pro- vision of food and general household comforts, but it is extended to all sorts of collateral mat- ters—a judicious and proper supply of fuel, a knowledge of the best means of ventilation with necessary warmth, supervision of the water sup- ply, drainage, dust collection, an d general clean- liness of a house, also due attention to the ways and means of accomplishing all that is needed in these respects, with the economical and proper way of paying for the proper work and materials they render necessary. Who shall say that mai-i-iage when a woman is responsible for the management and conduct of a house is not a sufficient and worthy profession for her to undertake, with duties enough to content a very active and aspiring mind, if performed in- telligently and well. The enterprise and good taste of a certain artistic tradesman has greatly assisted to revolu- tionise and to improve the so-called "artistic" style of dressing which was largely adopted a few years ago by ladies who first wore clinging draperies, and soft materials of subdued colours, often very unbecoming and ugly, ill-selected, inharmonious, and very frequently far more grotesque than lovely. I suppose this phase of costume was a reaction from the stiffened, puffed, and furbelowed fashions which pre- ceded it; and this artistic, quiet, pleasing style- has continued to be popular, with certain modifications, ever since. So very acceptable are the soft well dyed fabrics now to be had almost everywhere, that they are ordinarily called by the name of the inventor, and we hear not of '"greenery-yellowy" and Grosvenor Gallery" costumes, but of "Liberty silks," "Liberty cashmeres," and even "Liberty colours," and these are the outcome of an endeavour to develope such views in matters of cosl mne as have long been held by artists and those who realise that the lines of the human ligure are in themselves beautiful, and ought not to be disguised by unnaturally inflated skirts, attenuated waists, and winged erections on the shoulders, which have no relation at all to the wearer's real proportions. Dressmakers resisted these changes for a long time, so that the inventors of the soft artistic fabrics began dress- making on own behalf, but now I think most modistes realise the elegance of soft drapery, and gowns which follow the lines of the ligure without appearing as though they were moulded on to the body. At first nearly all these lovely soft materials were brought from the East, and there was an outcry about not sup- porting our own English manufacturers. Now, however, I know that the products of Eastern looms are so well reproduced here that they are scarcely distinguishable, and I am told the Spitallields weavers are well employed again in weaving exquisite silks for English wear, and this revival of an important industry is greatly owing to the efforts of the British Silk Association, which had an ex- hibition in London last year, and to the interest excited by the loom which we all saw at work in the rooms of East India House," Regent-street, about the same time. But however lovely may be the fabric of an artistically-made gown, it fails to be beautiful if the colour chosen be not harmonious with the complexion and individuality of the wearer. I have just been scanning a table of colour harmonies in a little brochure called Form and Colour," emanating from this same emporium of beautiful fabrics, which also gives some charming sketches of costumes of different periods, which are drawn with great care, and would be of considerable assistance to any lady who wished to direct the construction of her own or her child's dress, either for ordinary wear or when desiring a fancy costume. Whilst reading what this modern little guide tells us as to the selection of colours, I am reminded of the works of thcold French chemist, Prof. Chevreul, someof which i studied longago,before these matters were much considered in questions of personal adorn. ment. I remember that in Chevreul's book on the "Laws of Contrast of Colour," he tells us that brunettes should not wear blue, as "blue imparts orange, and they have alreadv too much orange in their complexion." All'Chev- reul's strictures were based of course on a profound knowledge of chemistry, and were applied scientifically to the improvement of the public manufacturing institutions over which he presided, such as the Gobelin tapestry works, and others. This remarkable man was born in Paris in 1786, and died at a very advanced age only a few years ago. He continued his researches on colour almost to the last, and has left us the result in a form which can be understood by all who can read his language, and indeed many of his writings have been translated into English, and form the basis of such familiar treatises as we I' all know about the nature of colours, and about those which are most becoming to various indi- viduals, Let those who possess red or auburn ¡ hair, blue eyes, and a bright colour avoid wear- ing pale green, bright red, lavender and all pinks approaching violet, but they may adopt cream, white, rich blue-green, pale yellow and green so advises the adapter of Chevreul. Black hair, blue or black eyes, and pale skin, suggest yellow, pink, white and some shades of blueVout pale greens should be avoided. There are many hints as to combinations in colour to be got out of Chevreul's books, but such artistes as are employed by Liberty, Stevens, or Goodyear have doubtless studied the matter and can give advice to be relied on by purchasers. I think we all find out by experience which is our own special colour, and it is generaHy acknowledged that pale Mue belongs to the blonde, and various shades of red, to the brunette. When the natural colour of a woman s complexion begins to fade, and perhaps the hair may be assuming asilvery tint, nothing is so becoming in cap or bonnet as ribbon, velvet, or soft feathers of a rosy pink hue. I am quite sure of this, and the handsome black gown, whieh I consider moat suitable to those no longer young, I allows well for this relief in the colour of a pretty head dress. As it is not often possible to wear pink in one's bonnet out of doors, a rich I deep red of the carmine or cardinal shade may be becomingly mixed with black lace to contrast with the grey hair. I am very sorry to find that I have offended our contemporary y??, and that he has so far lost his temper ? to accuse me of writing on the 10th J G H pernicious nonsense about the voys which I saw In the London hospitals at Christmas time, and which came there through*! the Truth distribution. I wrote about what I saw, not about what I was told, and I am very glad to kn now through the great distributor himself thafc over and above the mechanical toys, the huge ponies and elephants, which I thought best suited for a "Royat ,LL Il.<t. nursery, we whole object of the iTUtti dis- tribution of toys is to give to every child in tob, hospitals and workhouses a box of soldiers, a Noah's Ark, or a tiny dolly for his or hoc very own." I should not have thought it from what I saw, and I confess I did not enquire at tttfg time, for the little ones seemed more bewildered than pleased with the amusements provided for them. What I saw at the exhibition of Itoys in the Grosvenor Gallery before they- were distributed was this: Dolls elaborately: dressed in costumes of various periods, and countries, costly emies of popular actresses, "Sweet !girl graduates, with their golden hair," wonderfully land expensively arrayed "Princesses,' or courtly dames, with I fashionably cut garments, and cloaks heavy with gold embroidery, holding ostrich feather fans or muns, and wearing satin dresses covered with: rIch rtace, doJls dressed after MiUais picture of i U Bubbles," a Parsee Lady with flowing robes, pantomime fairies, mournful widows, clashing, Toreadors and a thousand other conceits, besides home-made toys of most elaborate construction were all on view before Christmas at the Gros- venor and I O&w no collection of atmple. Inexpen give ? SOY& poua- ?<MM which MproMS? luxuries and appliancejfq'ifltettlHcrfSWnI imagine to the most favoured recipient; a model or a gymnasium, a group of ladies taking after* noon tea," and hundreds of other devices, con- tributed to make the show wonderful and most attractive to those who left their cards at the- doors of the Grosvenor Gallery and walked in to I inspect this astonishing display of skilled and patient and elaborate work, which I fear, how. ever was greatly loston the poorlittle sufferers in the hospitals and workhouses, for whom these articles were, I presume, intended. I venture to think, from my own experience, that if the intention of this huge collection of toys be to please the poor children who are ultimately to possess them, and as variety of design is of but little consequence with this view, a very large number of ordinary fairly modelled speaking or squeaking dolls might be provided and dressed carefully in suitable well made. ordinary garments, which should take off and on, as those of a real child of any age with perhaps a small supplementary supply of clothing and night gear, packed in a little box _t to be given with each cloll. jiow aengntea a J little girl always is to be able to dress and un- dress her dolly, to change its clothes, to put it to bed quite properly, and so on. I fancy some such gifts as these would be more desirable for a little sufferer in one of our hospitals, or work- houses, than any of these elaborate productions which Truth tells us are really not meant for the Christmas inmates of the wards, but to delight the eves if not the hands of future patients. The magnificent" toys" which I saw in the Grosvenor certainly excited the admiration of the gazing crowd, but upon them was unmistakably incribed "Noli me tangere." I may be wrong, I do not claim infallibility for my- self, and I hope I do not usually express my opinions regardless of grammar of which Truth accuses me in this case. Had my angry friend Truths whom l usually acimire so much, quoted me fairly, without leaving out 20 words of my sentence, I do not think the care- less slip in the use of one word would have been observed, and I may add that my ignorance might have been corrected and my feelings spared had a more gracious method been taken to put me right, and to inform mv Editor and mv readers that I had misunderstood the "whole object" of the Truth distribution of I toys. I do not wilfully distort facts," and had my error been courteously pointed out to me I would gladly have corrected it in my next 1 column, and have meekly taken the rebuke. But if be as Truth says it is, why encourage such ex- tensive gifts of very elaborate toj's and ex- pensively dressed dolls which no children can possibly plav with ? and why not rather multiply the number of simple and inexpensive articles —dolls, for instance, which say Papa" and "Go away" quite intelligibly by pulling a string. I have now several by me which cost me 7d. at Christmas time, and which give infinite de- light to every child who enters my house. I think I must send one or two to Truth next year if he will accept them, dressed as T think they should be. I am sorry to have trodden on Truth's favourite corn. I recollect that a few years ago he quoted Penelope as a worthy and reliable authority in certain matters, but then I agreed with him, and now I can only humblv beg pardon for not quite doing so, and for having pointed out what I consider to be an error of judgment in connection with one of his many kindly efforts on behalf of suffering, helpless, and down-trodden humanity. The Royal Choral Society performed Handel's orato rio of "Israel in Egypt" in the Albert Hall the other evening, and I was the happy possessor of a box into which I took four friends. It was a great treat to hear the mass of chorus singers producing their wonderful musical sounds, almost as one stupendous well-trained voice, so perfect was their harmony, and we had for the very few solos which this oratorio gives us, the great delight of listening to Mr. Edward Lloyd's incomparable tenor, while Miss Anna Williams, Miss Kate Flinn, and Madame Sviatlovsky, a Russian or a Polish lady, tcck parts suited to their voices. Undoubtedly, Israel in Egjypt" is to the ordinary listener one of Handel's least interesting oratorios, but the crowded galleries and well-filled stalls and boxes suggested that an appreciative public is to be found, and brought to this great hall to hear food music. It ws something to hear four hundred tenors and basses perform the double chorus of The Lord is a Man of War," and when Mr. Lloyd sang The enemy said I will pursue," I felt that all the Jews in the place, of whom I saw many, might well rise up with en- thusiasm as they heard the history of their own people in all their vicissitudes, and their subse- quent triumph, thus musically described by the great German composer, Handel. I suppose that in no other building in London, besides the Crystal Palace, could such a mass of trained musical talent be gathered together or such choruses be heard. The night was one just before the great frost, which has imprisoned us for nearly seven weeks, finally broke up, and as we drove through the Park and crossed the bridge which spans the Serpentine I begged to stop the horses for a few moments just to take note of a sight which deserves to be chronicled as one which the oldest of our party had never seen before, and I hope we may never see again. I could have fancied myself a spectator of some mysterious rites in the kingdom of ice-huge fires burning on a solid crystal foundation, dsirl- aiiti weird figures gliding noiselessly about, with only the hollow sound of I their iron shod feet, as they swiftly and grace- fully skimmed the frozen water. Little brightly I lighted booths, where baked potatoes, roasted I, chestnuts, hot coffee, slices of cake and bread and jam, with many long sticks of peppermint, for the refreshment of the skaters were sold for a few pence, added a cheerful element to the scene. It was past eleven o'clock at night, the air was still, though bitterly cold. A pale silvery moon shone in the deep blue sky above, and the torches carried by numerous men and boys on the ice contributed to the picturesque spectacle, as we viewed it from the bridge so that I could hardly realise that I was in prosaic workaday London, close upon midnight, with hundreds of other human beings flitting by in odd and strange looking wraps, or that I had just been listening beneath the enormous dome hard by to a fine musical recital of all the plagues and penalties which descended on the perse- cutors of the unhappy Jews in the time of Moses. London, Thursday. PENELOPE. TO CORRESPONDENTS. I A. B., PRESTON.—After receiving your letter I of enquiry I wrote to a very competent musical friend, who tells me that the young lady who desires to have her voice tested as a singer should apply to the Royal College of Music, Tenterden- st., London, W. They have there many scholar- ships, and arrange periodical local examinations all over the country, so that her voice can be tried in Preston. NATIONAL READING UNION.—I can only inform my friend, who writes to tell me that she i9 starting a branch of this excellent society at Leicester, that on August 2nd last I wrote a Borne. what lengthy account of its objects and aims and I stated how very thoroughly I sympathised with them. I cannot repeat, myself, and I advise her to get the Leicester Chronicle of that date ift order to see what I then said. J. E. A., BIRMINGHAM.—For cellular cloth clothing, and all information about the material, write to Archer Johnson, Cellular Clothing Co., 124, London Wall, E.C. L. N. P.—The "Society for Promoting the Employment of Women," of which I am one of the Committee, still exists at 22, Berners-st., Oxford-st., London. Write to the secretary for all information. I never heard of the "Emergency Society," though I know Miss Jessie Boucherett slightly. Probably you can also hear of that in Berners-st. For all such details as you require as to the number of women on the Medical Register, &c., you should apply to the offices of the General Medical Council, Oxford-st. As I am not writing on these matters just now myself, I cannot under- take to supply you with all the details you want, which would entail saiiie research and trouble. I think it a pity that you should attempt to write on the subject, until vou have gained all possible information from reliable and available sources. I advise you to possess your- self of the English Woman's Year Book and Directory for 1890 or 1891, published by Hatchard, Piccadilly. I think it contains all you want to know. I have only the copy for 1888, but that I find very useful. "SAFETY," Birmingham, has my best thanks for a pair of "Ice creepers" to fasten on my boots when I walk in slippery places, but I trust now that the frost has gone the danger is over for the present. LILLY, Birmingham.—I have heard of "lazy tongs," as you call them, to assist people who cannot rise from their chairs to reach things at a distance, but. I have not a notion where to get them. Write to Cremer's Toy Warehouse, or enquire at a surgical instrument makers, and if you succeed let me know. I should like a pair myself. CHILDREN'S CONVALESCENT HOME, Slianklin.- I fear I may have entailed some unnecessary trouble on Miss Lawrence, Clapham Park, by relying on information received from Shanklin. I stated some weeks ago that she was interested in a small paying Home for in.wisl children there. I find that such is not the am. No case is required or allowed to pay, but the patients are necessarily few. Dr. Dabbs, of Shanklin, writes to tell me of a small Surgical Home for diseases of children about to open there in which he is interested. The children must be poor children, requiring surgical treat- ment, between the ages of three and fourteen years. This useful charity is entirely dependent on the generosity of a lady, and of course no charge is made for any patient who may be taken into the hospital. Beyond their railway fares, all are to be received and treated entirely free.

j He—"Ilove you passionately, my darling She Ah, that remark has the genuine engagement ring Teacher: Thomas, 1 saw you laugh just now. What air. you laughing about 2" Tommy:" I was just thinking about something." Teacher: You have no business thinking during school hours. Don't let it occur again." A story is told of an old lady who refused to be comforted by her pastor's assurance that when he left her ahe would have a better pastor as his successor. Na, na," she said, I liave seen fourteen changes in the ministers since I attended the kirk, and every ane has been waur than anither." Mrs. Greyneck Mr. Greyneck, you make your- self intensely distasteful to rue. There is not a thing that I say from morning till night that you do not contradicr." Mr. Qreyaftck "I know it;, I kaow it. Little did my dear mother think how much trouble she was preparing for me when she brought me un to tell the truth.

COAL AND IRON. I PBOF?OR FosMB.-The Mining Journal lor Saturday contains a portrait of Dr. C. Le Neve Foster, Her Majesty's Inspector of Metalliferous Mines for North Wales, who has just been appointed Professor at the Royal School of Miner, in succession to the late Sir Warrington W. Smyth. The portrait in accompanied by a sketch of the life of Dr. Foster, which shows how highly qualified he is to occupy the post which has been offered to and accepted by him. BARROW, Monday.—Prices are again lower this morning for hematites. Business is doing in warrants at. 52ti 5d, but mixed Bessemer numbers are quoted at 53s 6d per ton f.o.b. The fall is accounted for not only by the lessened demand, but by the accumulation of stocks and the reduced consumption by makers of steel. It is believed, however, that prices will not drop further at present, and that a steadier market will result. Forty-seven furnaces are now in blast compared with 56 in the corresponding week of last year. Steel makers are busy at those works which I an runnina. but one of the large concerns in the district is standing idle. Shipbuilders are very bURY. Iron ore easier at lis 6d. Coal and coke steady. Shipping only moderately employed. MlDDLESBBOOGH, Tuesday.—Better feeling. Larger deliveries reported and increased inquineP, with buyers offering more for pig iron. They will readily give 42i1 3d for prompt f.o.b. deliveries of No 3 Cleveland, but merchants raised quotations to ..23 6d. More inquiry for forward delivery, and buyers would give 42* 9d up to the end of March, but with prospects improving sellers will not take that. Middlesbrough warrants 42s 3d cash, but no transactions. Heavier deliveries of No 4 foundry and grey forge to Scotland, where it is expected industrial operations will shortly be fully resumed, and selleis ask 41s 9d and 41 reo spectively for these qualities of mixed numbers. East coast hematites 54s 6d at works. Steel railil £417s 6d at works. Iron angles a little stronger, 25 12s 6J less usual discount, being quoted. I WOLVEBHAMPION, Wednesday.—On 'change there was a slightly better tone, and the open weather was remarked upun with satisfaction. The recent re- duction on the bank rate has also assisted business, lrig iron was rather more active, and prices were maintained at about 40.. for cinder sorfcs, 45s to 47s 6d for part mines, 70s upwards for hot blast all mine, and 978 6d for all mine cold blast. Marked bars re- main at 98. hoops 27 10-1 and gas tube strip £6 15s.

AGRICULTURE. I WHITCHUBCH CHEESE FAIEt.-On Tuesday there were pitched nearly 35 tons. Only one lot realised under 50. The majority sold at from 553} to 653, the highest price being 738 6d. L'ist week 14 steamers landed live stock and fresh meat at Liverpool from American ports, bringing a collective supply of 3,887 cattle and 22,570 quatters of beef, which, compared with the pievious week's arrivalp, show an increase of 1,560 cattle and 12,245 quarters of beef. AGRICULTURAL SEED TRADE, LONEON, Wednesday. —Messrs John Shaw and Sons, seed merchants, report more inquiry for farm seeds; heavy German puichases of American red strengthen value, whilst English red offers lees freely Alsyke white and trefoil are firm imported Italian is held for 2s more money tareg steady; hemp still tends upwards canary is hardening; rape again higher. Peas dearer. Haricots uuchanged.

OSWESTRY DISTRICT ENTIRE SHIRE I HORSE ASSOCIATION. On Wednesday afternoon a meeting was held at the Queen's Hotel, under the presidency of Lord Harlech. when there were also prest-nt Messrs T. B. Owen, Pentreheylin Elias Griffith, Chirk R. Brown, Ruyton; R. Jones, Whitehall; J. Richards, Llynclys Rogers, Woolston H. W. Jones, Trefonen Hall R. Thomas, The Buildings, Baschurch W. B. Oswell, Eardiston G. W. Edwards, Woolston Ward, Pentrekendrick, The Lodge W. Humphreys, Evenal; E. Ward, Crickheath J. Edwards, Penybryn Whit- field, New Crickett Hughes, Pentreshaunel T. Jones, Bergbill: and G. A. Moody, Secretary. From the balance sheet which was adopted by the meeting, it appeared that the receipts in donations and sub- scriptions with some other items came to 2396 lOa 7d and the expenditure left a balance in the bank of 270 13* 5d, and in the hands of the treasurer 29 3s, al- together £ 7916s 5d. Mr Win. Humphreys, (Evenal), said they were very much indepted to the gentlemen who had taken so much trouble to select a horse for the association, the one selected being Col. Platt's "Carbon," which was stated to be one of the best horses in the Kingdom. A vote of thanks to Lord Harlech for presiding closed the proceedings.

I FARMING AND THE CORN TRADB. I The Mas k Lane Express of Monday says:— Thaw began in earnest on Wednesday, and before the end of the week the Thames could no longer be mistaken for the Neva. The famous frost of 18901 has become a thing of the past, and February now seems likely to fill quite the average number of "dykes." We need, however, something more than the surface moisture born of thaw. The Eubsoil is very dry, springs and streams are very low, and unless we have a plentiful rainfall during the next two months vegetation will start badly for the spring. Wheat we believe to have suffered exceedingly little injury in this country, but it baa been other- wise abroad, and much damage has been done to the lightly sown autumn grain of Spain, Italy, and the more poorly farmed areas of France.

CORN AVERAGES. The following is an official statement showing the quan- tities sold and the average price of British corn, imperial messuie, as received from the inspectors and officers of Excise, confoiniably to the Act of the 45th and 46tb Vict., caD. u. in the week ended Jan. 24. 1891:— Quantities Sold. Average Price. Qrs. Bus. a. d. Wheat 106,196 0 32 11 Barley. 140,911 6 28 6 Oats 21,301 5 18 0 Comparative statement for the corresponding week in each year from 181 to 1890: Wheat. Average Barley Average Oats. Average. Qrs. B. s. d. Qrs. B. s. d. Qr'. B. s. d. 18S7.48,455 6 35 5 105,467 4 2t.: 7 12,045 1 17 1 1888.. 62,941 6 30 10 78,299 6 30 10 9,618 7 15 10 18S9 59314 2 30 1 108,073 7 26 7 8,733 5 16 3 1690.73,997 7 30 1 107,449 4 32 2 16,553 2 IS 7

Markets. I WltKXHAM.—THURSDAY. Red wheat old 751bs. 0s Oil to Os Od Ditto new. 5* Od to 5s 31 Oats old (per bnshel of 45Ibs} Os Od to 0, Od Ditto new 2: 10J to 3s 6d Seed do O. Od to 09 Od Malting barley per 701ba). 4s 6d to 4 lOJ Grinding do. (per 64Ibs). 38 9J to 4s 0; Potatoes (per 901bs.) 3s 0d to 0; O. Butter (per lb.) of 16 0..). Is 3d to Is 4d Beef (per lb.). 01 7d to 0a 9 Mutton (per b. Oil 5d to 011 9 Pork (pox lb.). O. 7d to 0s 9 Veal (per tb.). Us 7d to 0- 9 Lamb (per lb.) Oa Ud to 0 ou Fowl (per coupte). 3a OJ to 4; 6d Ducks 4" 01 to 5* Od Turkey?, Cocks (per couple) 16s Od to 00s Oil Ditto, Hens to ) a 6d to Os 8d Geese (per lb.) Os 9d to Is 10d, w o Us 10d, Egg a 11 to 12 for a Shilling. MOID. WEDNESDAY".—^Wheat, new lis Od to lis 6J barley 9.1 6d to ¡ 10;: Od barley, grinding Os to Os Od; oats, 0s Od to 69 6d cats, new Os Od to Os Od Potatoes. 7" to 7 i 6d ppr hamper. Fresh butter. 11 41,1 to Is 5J per lb eggs, 10 for Is. RUTHIN. MONDAY.-The supply of farm produce was only moderate. Visitors were scarce. Prices were unchanged with the exception of those for eggs from last week. Eggs 15 and 16 for a shilling. DENBIGH. If" WEDNESDAY.—The market was a very slow one and interrupted by showers of rain. There was a marked fluctuation in the prices quoted. Fowls, 33 3d to 4s, and ducks, 4s to 4s 9d per couple. Eg$a much cheaper at 15 for a shilling, and butter cheap at Is 3d per lb. There was a decrease in the number of visitors present. CHlChTKK. CORN, Saturday.-t limited supply of wheat, there being few farmers present at market to-day. There is no quot ible change to note in the value uf wheat, end last Saturday's prices are repeated, viz., 58 4d per 75ibs. for prime red qualities. No tarley dfering prices unchanged. Oats and beans each steady in value. Indian 8corn is the turn easier to purchase on the week's priceg. Whobt, whitfj oer 7Blbs 5a 4il to ot 0J Ditto, red 53 3i to 5, 4 i Barney, malting, per 601bs 4s Od to 4s Id Barley, grinding, per 641b 33 Od to 33 6d Oats, per 46lbs 2s 8d to 33 01 Beans, per 861b 51 Od to 0* 01 Ditto, Egyptian, ner 4801bs 30s Od to OJ 01 CREWE. CATTLE, Monday.—There was a good supply of fat and store stock. Beef made 6d to nd per lb mufc ton, 8d to 9d lambs, Od to 9Jd veal, Od to 8d pork, 0s Ud to 9s 6d per t-core. Barren cows fetched from LiO to X13; incalf c iws and heifers from S16 to j £ 23 new milch cows from jE14 to £ '23 stirks..ES to jM store pigs, 183 to 49a each i aeon p;gs, 8s 9d per score. Thare was a good attendance of buyers. OSWESTRY. White wheat (per 75Ibs.), 5s Od to 5s 4c red whest new. 4i 10J to 5. 2J oats. new (per measure) 12-10,1 to 13 3L Malting oarley (per measure), 17s6d to 20s td; grindirc ditto, Os Od: potatoes, (per measure), 3s Od to 31 Od butter (per lb.), Is 3d to Is 5J beef 7d to 9d mutton 8q to 9!11 veal, 8d to 9 5; lanab, Od to Os Od pork. 6d to 8d; fowl* (per couple) 4s Od to 5J 0d: ducki 5 0<1 to 6a Oil eggs 10 to 12 for a shilling geese, 0 < O. to Os Od each: turkeys each Oi Od to 0* Od. SHREWSBURY. CORN, Saturday.—This market was thinly attended and business was restricted. Wheat moved slowly at barely last week's prices. Barley was easier and difficult to sell. QuotatIons White Wheat, per 751bll, ".m 5. 0.1 ? ? s M New ditto o4* ? to 0s Od £ edditt° ? i? i ? ? ? ? C?J New ditto 0; .d Barley, (malting} per 7Ulba ? ? 0< ? ? !2v1i WBarley <(%grinding) ditto 4s Sod J to 3d Uats  re. 22)lb ? OJ t? S ?a's(new) „ Igs 01 to 158 Od page i 31 6d to 1 0? Be?ns.netSiOtbo t?, o< to Oh 0 Beans (new) „ 143 01 to 15) Od ELLESMERK. TIESDAY.—Wliite wheat 51 to 5i 4,1; red 5,0,t to5- 211^1 timley 4^4,1 to 4s 10 t; oatH. 0" 01 to 3S 61; .:gg". 12 to 13 or a shilling: butter, Is 2,1 to Is 31 per lV 07 01 to 3, 6.1 per couple; tiucks 41 6J to 5 0d per couple. WHITCHURCH. FRIPAY.—Wheat, 4s 9J;to 5 2: pet 7f tbs. barley 4* 9 o 4s 101 per 701bs oats, 3s 0,1 In 3.t. 6.1 per5ùlbs.It"" 7 to 11 for » shilling: butter, Is Id to Is 5d per dish rf 16«y fowls, 3. 6\! to 4i. 6,1 per coupie ducks, 0a 0 to 0i 0J per couple geese, Cd to Od per lb turkeys, Od to I!d per lb: r.<t:»t« e«- 3s 3d to 31 6d per measure; bflei. Sill t. SJ.1. per lb- mutton, 7d. t 9Jd veal. 7d to j'l. Iftmti Od to Od pork 6it to 7d per lb.

To LADIES Banner's|Female Pills clear all ob- structions. Post fcet",2 9d.-Ba.uDer. 56, Botder-street, Liverpool. 1-.0

ANNUAL MEETING. The 6fty-6fth annual meeting of n,» PrnOri r t the North and South Wa!e. Bank Lim ? raj in the Law A?oc:at!on Roo? c?T'?' ?? poo! on TUfsdar. Mr Wm. Ni? c.i(????. I?.? V*1^ Pref,d'ng' the ™*void*ble absence r) 1Ír i;tofu Hoe, the chairman. ZtOlqa The report having beeD read by 1rr Me Jones, the Liverpool manager, the Chaïrrn"itIt. moving the adoption of the report J? !fcon,ni».* -In rising to move the resolution I wou!à i8J4 press my great regret that our chai'?? (Mr cannot be with us to-day. He fnif- S*1 here, but caught a chill on Saturday  he;o!Je allowed to leave hia room. It w&a' only ¡aat' thatHeatnedthia. so that yo?? r fy ■*«« any short.comm?a on my part. m p"- wou!d 6r*t refer to the o?n;?.. t'A'rapn in: port that the addition, to thec???" ? -h.? posed at our last meeting have b?n T"8 Pa. the capital and reserve now aaionn^l' .ter!inK. The new shares w? ??? ->0O-u6ft the 8h.rehotder., showing that ??? ?° 'p? held. In 1870 the s?rehc-der.n?-??: ?  they numbered .609. and DoW they gives a good basis for a steady and u. ness. (Applau.e.) Assca?din?"?''?'? in common with other banks, joined ? ?' •»*». to the Bank of England as against loss in -V'Jara,lt<* tion of Messrs. Baring's estate 'quid,. ?100.000. These guarantee. 1??' <- 4 and we are told by the best ^uthorit.es 'M ?betngltqmdated most aatM?etorilv ?'?'? doubt that the action of the Bank of F a serious crisis, and the ommerci? .?'????rtM of gratitude to the ChMee!Iur .7 ?"J'??t I ?- ? .1. "U .ltl ana Air ?aderaate. the governor  ?. ?c-tuef E^iand. (Applause.) W. he?U« will be very Small, Mdtr?t S '?''???. WI e "-ery sma, an. trust the ..¡naretlct endorse the action of the directors ??'"?nt  applause.) Referring to the balance' ?' ;1I1Q notice that our deposit 9ho? '?? ?10.000 which may be explained by h a::C't ,nl, many d our depositors haJve tak-n ?i?- ? '? late fn ,n the Jlrices of good S. *< '? late fall in ttie prices of good stockg. "lid by "71:nerova deposit,irF,, who the also shareboidell. an(i -a  doubt, drew on the Bank ti) Prr)vi d e their ace,,i the new issue Referring agaia t.( "? ??"' ?"?e r.t 0 U "cene you will be glad tonotice that our n-" ?'?'"? year's working are larger than a? '?-? £101 .-80 tL t h t' ,'> 11\18 "Par. Bay. ?101 780, so that we have ?e???' ?. off Cll,411 from premises account ? ? '° '"? ward a balance of £ 20,309, or an ¡ncra¡¡?.d°r. the balance of the previous year (.< ?"? connection with this I ?ouid state t?'?* ? on the new shares will require ?T) o?? ?"letm on tl.le. new sbarR "1 require £15. i(j :leu /e-. as gainst ?5,542 paid lasc year.m?.?? ?? to keep a larger ba lance in hand As rL. to eep a arger ba ar:ce In hand. A rarri.. '11 duction of premises account it has be™ '? ?' n ?' careful estimate and our property i. fn ? ? amOUH at which It st?d. in 0L b„W :h* hear.) Our financial p081hon is a* ??"- ever it waq, if not Stronger. Oar ?.. ? and at call and other min?d:at?y ??h'" mtU amount to two and threequLer about 4U per cent. of our liabilities ?'<'?' I to these one and a half miMio 'f ?"?? bankers' bil:s, which form a p?on .?'?  exchange, our bank holds a very st5rong  indeed. (Applause.) We have agijn to? by death of two importi? ?a?hJ? ? clients, Mr Ihma8 M.-n.hfn..oMt'?? 1011 Mr David Davie.. of Lbnainam. both of art old and .teadf?t fri.nds. as well as valued (Hear, hear.) We have a!.o lost t? ,f.?°?- managers, Mr Walter Hwb* Carnarv ??? Thomas Henry Jones, of Wrexham, who  highly esteemed by the directors, and diJr  will be difficult to fill. I fear that I ha A ,P fulfilled my duty, and no doubt our ?le?n? would have given you a much better acco^rT^ doings, but I rely on your good nature, ?d ?. following resolution That t?a rport ?  be i adopted, printed, and circulated aminggi the pro. prietors." Mr R. Nicholson, J.P., in seconding the union, said he considered that the statement that hiu ieen made was a very satisfactory one, aod chM the futora prospects of the bank were better :aaa they i?t  for many years. Their reserve fund was auw^iuoooo as against 1:250,000, which was the dgure it hou1 M; last year. This had undoubtedly aJdeJ. -j us strength, the prestige, and the poiition jf the awc.. (Applause.) Their total liabilities were £ 25 000 *» than they were in the previous year, and yet they taA added to the credit of their assets £ 232,000. That the directors felt that the bank was in a mucii better position this year than last year was evidens in rbe fact that the amount they had deducted Oil account i the bank buildings was £ 11,000 as compared wtt something like Z,700 on the previous occasion. Nt.s- withstanding that it still left a balance it £ 2tUQ9, which was about £8,000 more than the balance -viiieu they brought forward last year. (Applause., Lt TMa true that there had been a very slight increase in .be deposits, but they could scarcely expect the increase to go on at the rapid rate which was experience* in 1888 and 1889. when it went tip in roosd numbers to half a million pery ear. Their prt fits ilnrí the past year far exceeded anything that nau met been earned in the hietury of the bank from sd tlolit- mencement, (Applause.) From the statement 4 accounts which they had before them, they inignl weii come to the conclusion that their pnspects were brighter now than they had been for very many veanw (Applause.) So far as the dividend was concerned, in hoped that they would not only he consented TUS would be thankful to remain as they were. The iii. crease in the value of their stock in the zoune -,i & year or two he had no doubt would more thanrmly repay them for waiting (Applause.) He Wail vel! to notice that the bank directors had been r-Itwgmi to contribute their names as guarantors to the extern oi E100,000 in connection with the liquidation 'ta establishment of Baring Brothers, inasmuch a itta assets valued by experts showed a snrpius ;t TMn three to four millions. Had all the banks retcuea to become guarantors it might have resulted in a Emu- pean calamity. (Applause.) They were not mr indebted to the directors of this bank for having :oms forward, but all of those who were connected m%U mercantile life were indebtsil to the directors u till Bank of England for the ready and handsome maimer in which they came forward to push aside, a it the cloud that was hanging over them. He iu,nt.; was as little as they could do to pass a vtiw ;i to the governor and directors of the Bank SnipaBu for the way in which they relieved them from w la- pending distress. The report with the statement of aceuontf, ivsa m. animously adopted. Mr Nicholson proposed that the best thank* ot en meeting be forwarded to Mr Lidderdaie, the gowernur. and to the directors of the Bank of Knland, ft r heir promptitude in coming to the assistance I,i Alews Baring Brothers and Co., which assumes has ieeu the cause of preventing a possible European latamnv. Mr R. W. Jones seconded the motion, and iaw w would be peculiarly appropriate for them to pass -aea a resolution. Mr Lidderdale received bis business education in Liverpool, and served his time a ne office of a Liverpool merchant. He subsequently neKt a position of trutt in the office of Messrs ftainbnim Brothers and Co. Uitimately he succeeded Mr Gair in the management of the New York nous* < that very old firm, and on hia return to Entfianii ia became resident partner in London, a position *mca he still occupied. Councillor E. Paull hoped that the action 'hat Jaá been taken by the bank in this instance wotJJd r.utne taken as a precedent for eimilar action in future. 3ft did not think in future that the shareholders would be willing to pledge their prot,eity for the purpow >1 bolstering up a failing or embarrassed house. itUsc. hear.) He did not think Met-erg Baring Brtorhere aotl Co. had received the condemnation they deeeryetL No doubt on the occasion now mentioned the .11- taken by the different banks was a prudent ilii1 sagacious step, but it must net be accepted precedent. The Chairman hoped that they would never called upon to do such a thing again. He tCoatct their action in this instance would meet with e approval. (Applause.) The resolution wae agreed to. Mr n. W. Jones moved the re-election 1 Yr Joseph Beauaire, and Mr W. Nicol all direotcrs c ;118 bank. Nothing had shaken the confidence that '■& proprietors had always had in them. Mr Given seconded the motion, which was :arn«e. and was afterwards acknowledized by Mr Beauaire. Dr. Robert Roberts. Portmadoc, proposed the thanks of the shareholders be wiven 'o directors of the bank for their services, and -.fast sum of C3,5OO be placed at their disposal as Uitf r muneratioll for the current year. Bertha p Ii flourishing condition of the bank they were itidehted tn a very great extent to their directors and to officers for the care they had taken. Mr John Jones, of Vnysfor, StcunJed ?e ?' and congratulated the difec?cra in t?a =tc'?"' results of their labors. The resolntion was passed unaritnousiy- On the motion of Mr Herbert W. HinJ. -as^ by Admiral Jones.Parry, Messrs Harmood Diflts and Son were reappointed auditors. Mr Edward Rae proposed a vote ;-if' managers and other c.moets of the bank. Ths"_? never been a year in which the result ui^eir had been more gratifying to the aharehu?er" during the past year. Two of the oidear.tbiesf .u? ?? ? faithf ut servants of the bank had died in ? :u of the year, and be was sure in expreaMn? tbr "oll pathy with the friends and rel*ti'ee. tht "??' and shareholders would feel the great loss they i sustained* ibmr H. .B. Price, J.P.. seconded the mi)tl.t)n after the chairman had added a few words A ;j¡;rzt. as to the conduct of the managers aLJ other was agreed to. Mr R. Meredith Jones, the Liverpool msrsw- turned thanks and expressed the hope tllt tna holders in the various district-* woald a=englilen jr hands by sending them fresh buiMeaa. On the motion of Councillor E. Paull. acua ded Dr. Laimbeer, Mr Wm. Nicol was w3flu'e ?r?-? fo* his services as oh airman.

A serious  r A aenoua  h' h k. \fur" ::et!i, A serious affray, in which kni^e* W^* g?r used, occured on Sunday night in the dociw»c3or- deaux between French and Gea 9lor. :i!ti'l of tho latter received such severe injuries^ had to be taken to the hospital, oue of W  in a very oritical condition. Is be A disastrous fire occurred 00 -='? -? '? ? Dudley and Wo!verb*mpt'n Bre?ui; '?< b ,nt brewery at Dudley. Tne fermenting ?. fire, and all the brigade were P?a'pt'y??0? ance. The building was gutted, and n8 ??j,/ each containing 2,100 gallons of ale. vr: ???,y destroyed. Twelve horses, which m stables underneath, were rescued J?t M ?re  The damage 8(pO B » Hames reached them. The damage "°? ? several thousand pounds. The nre ? nr0#e«i be caused through a gas jet igniting a THz MOUTH, THB NATURAL TMSTB. -4 w .XcfA- TEB MOOTH. THE NATURAL TM?. ? ?? TorH, &0. Pamphlet, pod,' 8:= Wre COLEMAN. F, C. SM &c., Regent-"00041 W" K?"'