The Chester Courant and Advertiser for North Wales

LOCAL GOVERNMENT JOTTINGS. — + The General Purposes Committee of the Prest- wich Board of Guardians reported at the late meeting having considered an application by the clerk for remuneration for services rendered in negotiating loans of £85,560 in connection with the Booth Hail estate. The committee, while re-cognising the ability with which the clerk had a man god the loans, and admitting that oxtra labour and responsibility had been in- ourred, disapproved of the making of any grant, but was prepared to advance the clerk's salary from JB350 to -0380 per annum. A case illustrative of the depreciation of species was mentioned ait the late meeting of the Holywell Board of Guardians, when the relieving officer referred to a ohi'd having been transferred from the Hawarden Union to Holy- well Workhouse, one of whose parents waa in the County Asylum. The Chairman remarked that it was the consequence of a marriage that ought never to have been allowed. The mother was silly, the father was sillier, and the child was siUiest of all. He (the ohairman) believed that the Vicar of their parish refused to marry them, but they managed it elsewhere. The poor child would be a charge on the Union as long as it lived. It is on record that Mr. John Philip Jones, one of the new Flintshire justices, was for some years in the Flintshire Constabulary. From policeman be became county court bailiff for Holywell, Mold and Flint, a position he held for some yeais, till his retirement. Since then he became a member of the Holywell Urban Council, of which he is chairman. He qualified. as a magistrate in virtue of holding the latter position, but has never taken his seat on the bench, as it is said he does not believe in "one year ma.gistratos' thai being the period to ,Ô,ioh the Holywell Urban Council only elect their chairman under any circumstances. At the lecent meeting of the Wrexham Board of Guardians, it was stated that the medical øffioor for Rhos had prescribed half-a pint of whisky for an outdoor pauper, a.nd tho Relief Committee recommended that this be not likrved. The Rev. E. K. Jones proposed that in future no alcoholic liquor be supplied to per- sons receiving outdoor relief. This was duly seconded, and from the discussion which followed it appeared that. the case referred to was that of a poor woman seventy-two years of kage, who was Buffering from bronchitis. Happily a majority, on the Board wpre not of the way of thinking of the Rev. E. K. Jones, and the poor woman got her whisky by fifteen votes to six. Even t.hen, however, the rev. gentleman could not rest without a parting shot.. to the effcot that it would be a preoedent for "a lot- of applica- tions for whisky allowances as medicine." A rather strange story is reported in connec- tion with the Brighton Workhouse. It appears that; two years ago a man who was known to be in receipt of a small w ekiy allowance ap- plied for admission to that institution. 'Com- munications were opened up through a London solicitor with the man's friends and relatives. with a view to saving him from entering the house, but. they refused to have anything to do will him beyond contributing a weekly allow- ance towards maintaining him in the infirmary, to which he had been removed While there, a ooloured man in the next bed recognised the man as an o'd master, who was at. one time a wealthy planter in the West Indies. Shortly before his death the man made a will. and in connection with this documeht inquiries have wen made at Brighton. The man's estate has own proved at nearly B4 000. chiefly the pro- ceeds of a life policy, the premiums on which zero regularly paid by a brother of the testator.

LITERARY NOTICES. 1 NEW BOOKS. CRICKETER'S DIARY AND COM- P ANiON" (Published by Messrs. Geo. G. lsu.ssey, Ltd.. London).—This is a delightful waiatcoat pocket edition, bound in leather, with 9116 edges. It contains a mine of information which every enthusiast of the summer pastime will tind most useful. Within its covers will be found tho laws of cricket, all notable scores, batting and bowling averages and all county results for last year, besides many other interest- ing items. "SPAKE MOMENTS RECITER" (By Walter E. Manning. London Messrs. C. W. Bradley and Co., 3d.).—We have received the third volume of this work by Mr. Manning, who claims to be the author of one thousand poems for recitation. While a few of the poems go with a swing, irany contain fa-Its of rhyme and metre. The poems, no doubt, will be found interesting. THE JANUARY MAGAZINES. (First Notice.) Good old "BIaokwood a," despite its weight of over ninety yeans, begins a new volume with ail the buoyancy of youth, and with the sagacity of the veteran "Maga" throughout its career has had the reputation of 1-eing a fearless ex- poser of sham and hypocrisy, while its con- ductor have had the privilege of producing much of what remains a peimanenit possession of our literature. The present number lives up to tiwfl reputation. "The Joint in the Har- h'$' is a war sketch by a writes- w'ho has a singular faculty for bringing out the lurid and dramatic aspect of warfare wirh thTiUing toroo. The navai man and the politician wiil read "The Growth of the Cruiser with pleasure, as an app;ioation of the lessons of naval history to oui present needs. The author of "On the Heels o' De Wet" continues his racy story, "With a car to the German Manoeuvres." "The For- eign Office of the First Two Georges," by Basil WiiiiamH. author of the last published volume of the 'Times' History of the War in South Africa." is an aiticie of hislorioal value. Dr. Louis Robinson in "China and Oba.racber' gives the results of his investigations on the firmness of chaiacter as expressed by the shape of the chin. It may be news to many, by the way, that It is possible to cultivate a firmly-set ohin by tho exorcise of particular muscles Some chaiactoirsUoaily quaint impressions of Chicago are given by Mr. Charles Whiblcy; the late Earl of Lytton himself once a contributor to "Backwoods." is the subject of an article throwing fresh light on that interesting peraoa- ality; the ever-welcome "Musings Without Mothod" are as orisp as of yore, and a pungent criticism of the situation brought about by the Education Bill and the House of Loids gives the finishing touch to the number. b.)oöu" mtoroerf irm notes on the mysterious sense of scent as it is possessed by many animals is the subject of an excellent article in the Janu- ary number of "Pearson's." It is contributed by Mr. Owen Jonm. & Pubiio School and Uni- versity man, who has learnt his Nature lore by foliowing for many years the calling of game- keeper. i u, is no exaggeration to say that half bhe fox«?s living at, the end of a hunting season owo everything to the merciful absenco of their scent The older foxes know as well KS Cl.o huntsmen that on scent their fate depends entirely. In ordeT to obliterate their tmil, when hard pressed, they aro cunning enough to take every opportunity of running tihrouh herds of oattie or flooks of sheepi One of the finest runs in my country took place on a day so apparently unfavourable for scent that scarcely anyone canto to the me>ivt. There had been sieet and snow the day before. In the evaning it melted fast; then came a slight fiost. The morning saw everything iced with a hard crust of snow, though the ground be- jr,a-,b was soft enough to allow safe hunting. But the scent that day—it was burning. in toxioating On some promising days I have known scent to be so bad that hourids, within a dozen yards of a fox, looked ready to swear them was no fox within a hundred miles.

úesúíre JEFTCAF. $ We extremely regret to intimate that, owing to business claims, Mr. w. Fergusson Irvine, who has edited the "Cheshire Sheaf" with signa| success for a number of years past, feels compelle to suspend publication temporarily. The break, however, we are glad to state, is not likely to be of long duration, and we trust the editor may be enabled to resume his congenial labours before very many months are over. Correspondents who have collected tutorial suitable for insertion in this column, therefore, are requested to forward it to Mr. Fergusson Irvine for publication when this feature of the "Courant" is revived shortly.

WIRRAL GUARDIANS. t Mr. T. Davies presided over the fortnightly meeting of this hard at Clatterbridge an Wednesday. The IJhapel in which the meeting was held had been decorated by the officers, and bore a seasonable appearance, M also did the rooms in the Workhouse. The number of jnmatos was reported to be 188, against 180 year, including 29 males and 29 females infirmary. During the past fortnight rtilief had been given to 105 vagrants, cornPated with 115 at this time last year. The Board Pd a vate of thanks to a num- ber of ladies and gentlemen who had forwarded Christmas gifts for distribution, in the insti- tution, and it. w mentioned that the inmates desired to add ir thanks to the donors and also to Mr. ""I% for presiding at their Christ- n-tas dinner. Mr. Earle filO,, the adoption of the minutes of the 1« inance Committee, and stated that the cheques for paytn<>nt amounted to £ 1,349. 9s. 10d of which «l22 was for out-reIief and £ 1,000 to the contract^. for fixing tho plant for the supply of eieetjj0 [[ght to the workhouse.—It was reported t^ (Ij16 works of extensions and alterat ions to tl^ house should, according to the contract, be fill¡bed on January 1st. Judging by the present appearance of the works the members agreed thwt the contractors would be some months ;\ter. It was re"go"itd that the clerk write to the architects, askj^ them to urge the contractors to proceed mofe rapidiy w;th t'lie work. If they did not do so tllG penalty clstuscs would I strictly e-nforc^ Some diseu %on aroSie upon the question of the county ra and education rates being in- cduded in the jjqqj. rate, to which several guar- dians objected tSpcoially as the demand notes wem l^dod poor ratc." It was deciQe-d upon the matter tha.t the-clerk be instructed to the overseers, asking them to have details for the rate in red ink, so as to call the attention of the ratepayers to the fact that the chief items were in respect of county and <Mi,0ation rates, and not poor ratoe.

PREVENTING CONSUMPTION. 1 THE CHESTER ASSOCIATION. ADVICE TO THE PUBLIC. The first ttmuaj meeting in connection with the Chester Association for the Prevention and Cure of umption was held in the- associa- tion's dispet^j-y The result of the first year's work was ordered very satisfactory, as over 520 patients passed through the books, each having reOaived medicine, advice and othei assistant. A report was road fiom the hon. dispensing tiliysician (Dr. Duff), in the course of which he :—"The dispensary at 43, Queen- stroci, was open-ed about thirteen months ago I have beem informed by those who are compe- tent to fO% an opinion by their work among those that lire ill and the poor, that it has done good work ajnong that class of the community in which a 4011 assistance and advice is especially required. Oonsumption is a. protracted disease, lasting in r4any l--a.5œ for years, a calamity which brings IOI¡g with it many other hardships. If the patient is the bread-winner of the family, his P'Oflged incapacity for work brings all the attend^ evils of extreme poverty. Tihe miombors qj fjyj family being destitute and suffering from the want of food and clothing, fat! an easy prey to the infection to which they aiv exposed Several such oases have come un- der our orva.tion during the past year. It is our invarikbig rule, after the death of any mem- ber of a family, or where a person is suffering from the disease, to recommend the medical ex- amination of the other members of the family, and in SOtne of the oases that we have examined some members were found to be suffering from the disea^ and by suah means we were able to secure the early efficient treatment of these ^patients in hospitals or sanatoria, where the disease has been arrested. Some of them have been ena^kd to return to their former pursuits. This matter makes us realise the importance of ea.rly treatment and notifying to the public health authorities every case of consumption, as cxpericnce teaches us that generally several cases of th-ø disease are found in the same house- hold, es which have not been previously sus- pected, and probably the house itself is infected. The pub-icoug-ht to be taught that consumption, ,ic ot as well ks being an infectious disease, is a most insidiotig disease, that patients may be attend- ing to their usual duties thinking thai they are only suffering from a slight vat-ack of indiges- tion, or from an ordinary cold, when they are in reality differing from consumption; also that in oases of arrested consumption, where the patients and their friends think the patients are cured, such is not the case, as the disease is only latent in tho syStem, and any indiscretion, especially in the of fresh air and good food, on the part of the pa.tients may cause a renewal of all the symptoms, even in a worse form than for- merly; or it may pass to another organ. line latter result is more especially the case m chil- dren, who are more susceptible to the disease than adults. In children the disease may pass from the lymphatic glands to the brain, a form of thi diocase which is a frequent cause of death in young children. Over 500 patients have attended at the dispensary, and among these were caujes of the various forms of consumption. In sotno cases the disease was too far advanced to do more than to ameliorate the sufferings of the patient, and this can be done in all cases; other cases were in a more favourable condition for successful treatment, and these, as far as possible, were sent to sanatoria, hospitals, and convalescent homes, where in most cases they were benefited by the treatment. Some of the worst cases were visited at their own homes by district and other lady visitors, who in the necessitous cases relieved as far as they could their wants. A marked feature of the dis- pensary is the large number of children that are brought suffering from one form or another of chest affection, and many of these are found to have a latent form of consumption, illustrating the extreme frequency of the disease in children. It should he clearly understood that the dis- pensary is uot, like an ordinary institution, merely for the treatment of individual patients, but it is more of a oentre to which consumptive patients, and patients with chronic colds or pers:stenfc ill-health, should be oent for special advioe as to what is beet to be done in their case. The oommunity should be told that the dispensary is for the purpose of spreading in-! formation as to the best means of prevention aad treatment; the value of fresh air in homes; to answer questions regarding consumption, and to give advice in any case as to what is best for the patient. At the close votes of thanks were accorded the hon. treasurers (Mr. J. R. Thomson and Mr. W. L. Davies) and the hon. secretary (Mr. G. W. Haswell).

ADVICE TO MOTHES !-Are. you broken of your rest by a sick child suffering with the • o- teeth? Go at once to a chemiat IT get TSb^tt of Mrs. WINSLOW'S SOOTHING SYRUP, which has been used over 50 years by millions of mothers or dren while" teething with perfecttJUOOJJ. B is pleasant to taste, produces na u q little by relieving the child from pain, £ n „ tl cherub awakes as bright a u 'fj 11 soothes the child, it softens the gums, 7 pain, relieves wind, regulates the bowels, is the beet known remedy for dysentery and diarrhoea, whether arising from teething or other causes. Sold by Chemist* everywhere at 1* lid per bottle.

MR. SAMUEL SMITH. -—t SUDDEN DEATH AT CALCUTTA. A STRENUOUS CAREER. Reut-cr'o correspondent at Calcutta reports the sudden death of the Right Hon. Samuel Smith, late M.P. for Flintshire and formerly of the firm of Smith, Edwards, and Co., cotton brokers, of Liverpool. About a month ago, in company with Mr. Leif Jones, M.P., Mr. Smith left Liverpool for India, ostensibly to attend the Indian Congress, though doubtless prompted also by a desire to escape the rigours of an English winter. His death i-a attributed to heart failure. After attending tho Indian National Conference on Friday, Mr. Smith, who was apparently enjoying good health, was taken ill, and died suddenly from heart failure at mid- night. At the conclusion of the Indian National Congress on Saturday Mr. Surandranath Banerjea expressed the sorrow of the assembly at tOO death of Mr. Samuel Smith, his words being read in solemn service. Mr. Samuel Smith was the eldest son of James Smith, farmer and magistrate, of South Carleton, Borgue, Kirkcudbrightshire, and was born in 1836. His gras^isther was a Presby- terian minister, and it was intended that the grandson should follow the same calling. To this end, after finishing his course at Borgue Academy, he went to Edinburgh University. However, he abandoned the idea of entering the ministry and was sent to Liverpool to serve an appenticeship to Logan and Co., cotton brokers, of that town, about 1854. He proved himself remarkably efficient, and became a capable judge of cotton texture, a good financier, and generally a shrewd man of business. At the outbreak of the Confederate rebellion he had so far won the oonfidenoc of the trade that the Manchester Chamber of Commerce requested him to visit India to inquire into the possibility of growing cotton there on a large scale. His report was favourable and resulted in prompt measures being taken to develop the Indian cotton trade, whereby the stress of the cotton famine in Lan- cashire arising out of the war was in some measure relieved. In 1864 Mr. Smith married Melville, daughter of the Rev. John Christison, D.D., of Biggar, Lancashire. In the same year he commenced business on his own account as a cotton broker in Liverpool, in conjunction with his brother, Mr. James Smith, and Mr. E. E. Edwards, the style of the firm being Smith, Edwards, and Co. About the same time he also became a partner in the firm of Finlay and Co., of Glasgow, who were establishing a Liverpool branch of their cotton business. His undertakings were speedily sucoessful, and as he was a man of frugal habits he amassed considerable wealth. In 1876-7 he was president of the Liverpool Chamber of Commerce. Keen in business and careful in spending. Mr. Smith was nevertheless a man of large benevolence and gave liberally and often lavishly to objects of public and private charity which appealed to his sympathies. All his life he was deeply interested in religious and mis- sionary work. When a young man he was an active helper in the ragged schools in Liverpool, and later such movements as Mrs. Birt'e homes, the Society for tho Prevention of Cruelty to Children, and the crusade against vivisection commanded hia energetic support. He shewed especial interest in social reform and on ques- tions of temperance and education was regarded as an authority. ° When he left for India six weeks ago he was in comparatively good health. He travelled overland to Marseides, from where he sailed to India, arriving at Bombay on the 7th Decem- bar. His friends in Liverpool received commu- nications from him at Port Said, Aden and Bombay, and in none of these was there any suggestion of failing health. On Friday, the 21st iMh, a. cablegram from him was received in Liverpool intimat.ing his safe arrival at Calcutta. No further communication was re- ooived, and the next tidings to hand was the sorrowful message we now record announcing his sudden death. On Sunday evening a cablegram, confirming this mcesage, was received at Mr. Smith's Prince's Park rosidenocv It was at once com- municated to the Rev. James Burns, M.A., minister of Trinity Presbyterian Church, Belvi- dcro-road at whioh Mr. Smith was an older and a regular worshipper. At the close of the even- ing service Mr. Burns announced the sad now, and said he had refrained from making the sorrowful intimation until tho congregation dis- persed. as he was fully aware of the distress which the shocking news would occasion among those who knew and loved their late esteemed elder. PUBLIC SERVICE. In 1&78 Mr. Smith entered the Liverpool Town Counoil as member for Castle-street Ward, and in 1832 be was m-elected Although an ardent Liberal in Imperial politios, he resolutely N)- fused to rooog-niso pol4ical ties in connection with municipal matters, and devoted his ener- gies chiofly to sooial questions, especially to whatever he considered likely to promote the batter health of the community and to reduce the death-nate, whioh at this period waa in many dis-trjots of the town vory alarming. In December, 1882, he became for the firat time a mom-bar of Parliament. At that time Liverpool was a three-cornered constituency. Conserva- tives at that time had long been in the majority, and though, at the general election, under the voting conditions which then existed, a Liberal could ba returned for one of the seats, no one supposed the party could succeed at & bye- olectioii On Lord Sandon's accession to the peerage, the Liberals contested the seat with Mr. Smith as their candidate, but he was only adopted after several others had declined to oome forward to fight what they looked upon as a forlorn hope. His opponent waa Mr. A. B. Forwood, whose popularity was such that his friends regarded his election as assured. But influences were bought to beair on the contest which were destined to upset these sanguine calculations. Mr. Smith's benevolenoe, which bad up to this time been little talked of, now booame widely known, and from every Roman Catholic altar appeals were mado to support Mr. Smith. while among local Nonconformist he was looked upon as another Gladstone. The result of this enthusiasm was that he was elected by a majority of 309 votes on a total poll of 36,087. Mr Smith now retired from the firm of James Finlay and Co., and devoted his attention to L 14 Imperial questicns, whioh un to this. t,imp. hAA but a secondary interest for him. Fi-om Novem- ber, 1885. to March, 1886, lie was out. of Parlia- ment. When the first election took place, in 1885 after the Redistribution of S^ate Bill, by which Liveipool was divided into nine single- member constituencies. Mr. Smith became the Liberal candidate for Aberaromby Division in opposition to Mr. W. F Lawrence. Mr. Pa.r- nell's management of the Irish Voters in Liver- pool, as elsewhere, took little note of the per- sonal virtues which were so much tihought of in 1882 and Mr. Smith was left in a minority of 807 votes. M.P. FOR FLINTSHIRE. He felt his defeat keenly, and again went on a visit to India, but during his abeenoe in Ma o:), 1886, he was elected as Parliamentary representative for Flintshire to fill the vacancy occasioned by the elevation of Lord Richard Grtsvenor (L.) to the House of Lords. His J opponent was Mr. P. P. Pennant, and the I figures were—Smith, 4,248; Pennant, 2,738. In July of the same year he was returned I un=-p- o ed. In 1892 he was opposed by Sir R. C nliffe (U.) and returned with a. majority of 1,452. In 1895 h-Bopporent was Ocl nel Ri -hard L. Howard, and Mr. Smith's majority dwindled to 451. In 1900 Colonel H. Howard challenged t e seat, and Mr. Smith's majority was 606. S me few years ago while suffering from ill- health he decided to give up his Parliamentary duties, but his friends prevailed upon him to continue to occupy the position to which he had been elected. He finally consented to do so on condition that he was allcwed to resign at the next general election. By then, however, his l-ealth hid greatly improved. He, however, st od to his decisit n much to his subsequent reg et when he found himself unable to pertici- £ ate as a member of the house in the great iberai triumph. A PURITAN. A writer in the "Popular Guide to the House of Commons of 1900" (published as a "Pall M il Gazette 'extra') made a somewhat severely critical and unkind reference to Mr. Smith. He stated:—"He is well known for his active interest in many works of philanthropy. In particular, be is an authority on the boarding1- out < f pauper children, and he took a promin- ent part in the crusade for the protection of women. In his capacity of President of the I Purity Society it has been his fate to study mo'e impure literature than any other man in Engliiud. Frcm time to time he affords the I House of Commons the benefit of his experience, and on one occasion he embarked on the stormy se a of draLc criticism, though he boasts he has never been in a theatre in his life. In short he is a crank and full of oddities. lie is opposed to gambling, but the firm which he fc-u: dad speculate freely in ''futures." Un- kind n-tare his handicapped his enthusiasm by giving him a very piping and querulous voice. He is 64 and a laige subscriber to Noncon- formity of every kind." DISCIPLE OF PEACE. Uiii-il a comparatively recent period Mr. Smith had been a consistent disciple of peaoe, but his experience of Continental methods led him to change his views on this matter, much to the surprise of many of his friends. In a letter which he wrote to the "Times" in February. 1902, he ,aid: -No one can travel on the Con- tinent nowadays without becoming painfully aware of the universality of the ill-will borne to England. It perhaps roaches its most acute form in Germany, but it is encountered every- where. Envy at our prosperity and vast Empire has much to do with it. Our Colonies and possessions embrace all tbe tem- perate zone, and only by dispossessing us can rival nations found Colonies suited to a Euro- pean raoei. We can hardly doubt that one or more nations have this as their settled policy should any reasonable opportunity offer itself." Dealing with conscription as it exists on the Continent, he said he had reluctantly come to the conclusion that a. small measuro of univcr- sal service in the Militia or Volunteer force for home defence was necessary, and he proposed that each able-bodied man at twenty years of age should elect to serve in one of those branches of the Army, and be liable for five years in ease of emergency to be called out solely for home defence. He considered that the discipline and drill which would thus be enforced would make the men better workmen and more reliable in aftor life, and more able to meet their foreign competitor in industrial pursuits. "This con- clusion," he wrote, "I have been driven to in spite of much bias against it. I have never spoken or written in favour of armaments. Per- haps my well-known love of peace may give weight to my words with some who are little moved by 'service members' or jingo appeals." The deceased gentleman took an active part. in the agitation against the Congo atrocities. MISCELLANEOUS BENEVOLENCE. In leligious matteis Mr. Smith was very broad-minded, and ga.ve ready assistance to any deserving causo, from whatever sect it came He was a member of tho Presbyterian body. For many years he was the chief financial sup- porter of the Liverpool Young Men's Christian Association, and was up to the time of his death the veteran president of that institution He was a benevolent nupportetr of many other deserving causes in Liverpool. The Gordon Smith Institute for Seamen in Paradise-stneet, he built as a memorial to his only son, Mr. Jiames Gordon Smith, secretary of the Navy League, in 1898, at a cost of over E7,000, and it has proved so beneficial in many ways to the sai'.ora trading to our port, carrying on as it does a work the value of which to "Jack ashore" cannot be over-estimated. Mr. Smith, who was a magistrate for Liverpool and Kirkcudbright, was made a member of the Privy Council on the occasion of the King's birthday last month. He frequently wrote on social subjects, and was a contributor to the pages of the "Fortnightly Review" and the "Nineteenth Century," and also to "The Times" on the bimetallic question. Hji ohiof publications were a volume entitled "The Credibility of the Christian Religion" and one of miscellaneous essays, both of which found many admirers. His wife, who had been an enthusiastic par- tioipant in her husband's labours, political and philanthropic, passed away in March, 1893 Her death, followed by that of their only son five years later, had such an effect on Mr. Smith e health that he was compelled to spend much of his time abroad.

THE CHURCHES. + CHESTER CATHEDRAL. SEBVIOK LIST FOB WKKK COMMENCING JAN. 2. WKDNKSDAT, JANUARY iiMU.—Mornitifr, r.45; Matins and Holy Communion. 10.16: Litany, hymn 4. Evening. 4 15: Service, Foster in A anthem, "All kings shall fall down (Bovce). THURSDAY, JANUARY 3KD. —Morning, o: Holy Com- munion. 10.15: Garrett in F; anthem, From the rising "(Ouseley). Evening, 4.15 Service, Girrett inF; anthem, "The morning stars" (Stainer). FRIDAY, JANUARY ITH —Morning, 7.45: Matins and Holy Communion. 10.15: Litany, hymn 120 Evenintr, 4 15: Service, Walmisley in 0; anthem, "God so loved the world" Stainer). SATURDAY, JANUARY ,TH -Morning, 80: Holy Com- munion. 11.1.15: Service, Reay in F anthem, "Behoid the Lord" (Thorne). Evening, 4.15: Service, Reay in F; anthem, When Jesus our Lord" (Mendelssohn). SUNDAY, JANUARY 6TH (Festival of the Epiphaiiyl- Morning, &0 Litany and Holy Communion. (Collection for Oxford Mission to Calcutta.) in.3 •: Processional hymn; Service, Harwood in A flat; introit; anthem, Lo star-led chiefs" (Crotch); choral celebration, Harwood in A flat.; preacher, the Canon in Residence. (Collection for Oxford Mission to Calcutta ) Evening, 3.30: Processional hymn, 76 Service, Harwood in A flat.; anthem, I desired wisdom" (Stainer); carol, "Eata Eareodel" ("Carol of the Star ") (Noble). Ii. SO Service, processional hymn, 77 hymns 79. 220, 4St5; preacher, the Bev. T. J, Evans, M.A.

On Friday the Bisuop of Chester licensed the following to curacies:—The Rev. H. W. Comber, M.A., to St. Oswald's, Chester; the Rev. A. E. Grimes, B.A., to St. John's, Dukinfield; the Rev. C. H. Turner Kirby, M.A., to Halton; the Rev. D. H. Pierce, B.A., to St. Bridget'a-with-St. Martin's, Chester; the Rev. V. M. Pooiey, B.A., to Holy Trinity, Chester; the Rev. W. Stewart, B.A., to St. Mary's- without-the-Walls, Chester; the Rev. A. E. Wykes, B.A., to Holy Trinity, Chester. His Lordship also licensed the Rev. J. R. Fuller, M.A., to the chaplaincy of the Chester Diocesan House of Mercy, and the -.c-v. Jacob Politeyan, B.A., organising secretary for the North- western District of the London Society for Pro- moting Christianity among the Jews, to officiate in the diooese. 8ALTNEY FERRY NEW CHURCH. By the gift of a piece of ground for the site of the church. Mr. William Gladstone, thexyoung squire of Hawarden, has given the scheme both timely and valuable help. The value of the ground, situate on the Saltney Ferry side of the railway bridge, is estimated at upwards of;CI80 It goes without saying that the churchpeople are exceedingly pleased at the receipt of such a generous Christmas gift. INSURANCE OF THE CATHEDRAL. It is said that much disquietude has been caused by the revelation, since the fire at Selby Abbey, of the inadequate insurance of numerous cathedra's and large churches. Cestrians will be int<>r.sted to know that the authorities of CJbocvcr Cathedral take wise precautions both by iiiiui anoe and by other arrangements against the risk of fire in the sacred edifice. Some years ago the insurance of the Cathedral was substantially increased, and the amount to which the fabrio itself is protected is 264,800 In ad- dition there aire two separate insurances for £1600 and :62W. The building is furnished with fire appliances. I

NEW CANADIAN TARIFF.—The tariff resolutions introduced into the Canadian Parlia- ment on November 29 affecting the rates of duty leviable on various articles imported into the Dominion of Canada are published as a supple- ment to the Board of Trade Journal." The present proposals, which came into force on November 30, provide for the application of three tariffs, viz., a British preferential, an intermediate, or a general tariff, instead of a British preferential and general tariff as pre- viously in force. Under the British preferential tariff preferential treatment is accorded goods the produce or manufacture of the same countries M under the old tariff, but on a some- what modified basis, viz., a duty varying with the article, but lower than under the general tariff, is imposed on certain articles, instead of a similar percentage reduction of the general rate of duty being allowed on all articles (with few exceptions as to alcoholic liquors, tobacco, woollens, oordage, glass, ohinaware, etc.). The surtax of 33 1-3 per cent. of the duty on goods of any foreign country which treats Canadian goods lees favourably than those from other oountries is continued. Provision is also made, as under the old tariff, for the imposition of special duties in certain cases. It may be added that the classification of the articles under the proposed tariff is much the same as under the previous tariff, but many of the rates of duty -particularly as regards the British preferential I tariff rates—have undergone alteration.

NO^I^SEI^S-^NO W mid 'yi^Vahte is V the

TRAINS SNOWED UP. + DRIFTS IN SCOTLAND. A snowstorm of the greatest, severity swept over Scotland and tho North of England dur- ing Thursday, and it continued on the Borders and in other parts throughout Friday. The effect in Scotland was to block the railway effect in Scotland was to block the railway traffio in several places and to disorganise it over a great area. The Midland and North British route from London to Edinburgh was bl,, cked in at least two places north of Cat lisle. The express that had left London at 7.15 the previous night had three carriages derailed near Riccarton, south of Hawick. Paosengers were transferred to the remainder of the train, and the driver dashed on through the storm. He did not get far. At Belses, just north of Hawick, the train was brought to a standstill by a huge snowdrift. No trains got through between Edinburgh and Carlisle ail Friday. In Esst Fife, also, a train was snowed up on Thursday night, and the passengers 6pent a miserable night in a railway station waiting- room. Round about Hawick eight trains were snowed up. INCIDENTS IN DENBIGHSHIRE. Snow fell for twelve hours and was driven by a high wind in Denbighshire. All upland roads vvu re on Friday liitut bio- ked and th ht-iii-es e t. completely buried. Pontddu and the Denbigh- shire farms cn the Berwyn mountains are isolated, and Penycae is almost unapproachable from the cuL.r world. The highway between Ru'tbon and Acrcifair is blocked, a.nd for half a mile is under twelve feet of snow. Mr. Ben Jones, a Cefn tradesman, became firmly em- bedded with a conveyance in the drift, and when releasing himself disoovertd there was a girl near him also imprisoned in the snow. He rescued her, and convoyed her to Ruabcn. She was alm-G6t frozen to death. A resident of Cefn Mawr named Beesley dropped down dead dur- ing the blizzard. KILLED BY A MOTOR-TRAIN. Coming from behind a goods train with the intention of crossing the line William Morris J nee. of T; aWbfyndd, a porter-shunter at Trevor Stati, n. near Ruabon, on the Great Western Railway, was o:tught by a motor train from Llangollen and killed. There was a heavy snowstorm at the iime, and the falling flakes not only obscured his vision but also deadened the sound of the approaching train. WAVERLEY ROUTE RE-OPENED. Thj Waverley route from Carlisle to Edin- bi:r.-ii \'1:1. n; .pened o Saturday for iraffle, after having been blocked by snow for thirty hours. The usual traffio between Newcastle and Carlisle was resumed.

CLEARING THE SNOW, « CORPORATION ACTIVITY. A HUGE TASK. FALL OF 6,000 TONS. Tho Surveyor's department of the Corporation was during the part week almost entirely a snow-clearing department. Most of the regular work had to be abandoned, and all hands have had to tuin to the task of restoring the cloaxiiiness of the streets. The first fall of snow was on Christmas night, and the huge undertaking of removing it began on Bank Holiday morning. Only 67 men turned out before breakfast, and the scavenging department was hampered all the day. It was impossible to tackle the streets with so small a number, and their labours were confined to clearing the public footpaths and brushing all the crossings. The effect of being behindhand the first day bar., lasted up to the present time. The second fail ron." before the tutjt had been dealt with, and it has not been possible to cope pioperly with tho work. The fiost on Thursday and Satur- day mornings added a fresh hindrance. How- ever, a fairly large gang of men turned out on Thursday, and the that operations were the sanding of all the footpaths in the town After- wards they wero set to clear the streets. The tramway track was salted throughout by Mr. Gardner a men, and the mow caused hardly any delay to the traffic. One of the difficulties the Corporation had to face was that of obtaining a sufficient number of carta. 1eleplione messages were sent to seventeen firms, such as builders, carters, ooal-dealeis, etc., and in most oases there was no response. The difficulty in the case of the coal-dealers was that in consequence of the state of the streets they had to put two horses to their vehicles. They were therefore able to lend spare carts. but these were useless without houses. At the present time there are forty carts in u.% in all parts of the city. The Corporation regular staff of 100 men is engaged, and about 200 extia men have been employed. On the unemployed list there are fifty labourers. Twenty of these applied for work at. the first opportunity. The remainder were notified that they could have work if they desired, and of those 30 only 15 appeared. Pre- ference has been given to men on the unem- ployed list, and they wiJI be kept on the longest. It is therefore unfortunate that so little re- sponse has been made to the Coiporation's en- doavour.9 to meet distress caused by lack of work. It is the duty of all householders and shop- keepeis to clean the pavements in the front of their premises. The Corporation orear the road- way, such footpaths as are not. fronted by occu- pied houses, and aJ footpaths in fiont of schools, churches, and doctors' houses. The privilege to the medical men is given by the Corpora-tion on the ground t.hat they are public servants in the sense that bhey attend to the ailments of the peoplo. Ratepayers are natu tally interested in the financial side of a snowsiorm. The "good old times" will no doubt seem less desirable when they realise that they will have to pay from two to three hundred pounds for the privilege of a snowy Christmas. On Saturday morning as much as £100 was paid out in wages alone to the extra men omp oyed, and too task is by no means over. The luxury is therefore an expen- sive one, and the frost increa^-ed the cost by hardening the snow and making its removal more difficult. No figuies are yet available as to the quantity of snow, but a. reliable estimate has been furnished to us by the Assist&nt City Surveyor (Mr. W. Matthews Jones). There are forty carts in use, and each cart ought to move fifteen loads in a day. Then fore two hundred load-s are moved each day, making 1,800 up to Saturday. It is estimated that double the quan- tity of snow remained on the streets. On this estimate, 5,400 cart loads of snow have fallen, the weight probably being considerably more than 6.000 tons. It is also no litt;e problem what to do with the enow when it has been carted off the streets. There are several tips in use, among them being the Cattle Market. Dee-lane, the Giwes, by the river wharf. Crane-st roe t, and Parkgate-road The hoaps of snow are salted, and in timo muoh of it disapp* ars. There still remains a great quantity of dirt, gathered up with the snow, and this has to be removed again In Hoole, twenty extra men have been em- ployed in addition to the staff of six. There are also about six carts. Tho Council clear the footways as well as the roads, and do not compel the residents to do the work as is the case in the oity. The expense is not regarded as a serious item in t-h" suburb

ROSSETT SEASONABLE OHARTTY -Mrs. Griffith. Bo sea wen hat1 heen distributing coal during the past week in Marford. j

KELSALL. BOXING DAY.-The snow which fell on Christmas night made it both difficult and disagreeable for pedestrians to get about, so that the day passed by very quietly. TEA PARTY".—On Thursday, the scholars attending the Presbyterian Sunday School were entertained at tea in the Schoolroom. After tea, prizes for regular attendance and good conduct were distributed. CHRISTMASTIDE. For the Christmas festival St. Philip's Church had been tastefully decorated by tho ladies of the congregation. This year there were only two services, a celebration of the "Holy Eucharist" at 8 a.m., and "morning prayer," followed by a second celebration at 10-30 a.m. The Rev. L. P. T. David officiated at both services.

GRESFORD FESTIVITIES.—A t-ucoe^-ful soiree took place at the new Schools on Thursday evening, the prcoecde being in aid of the building fund. The patroness was Lady Margaret Cholmonde- lev, and an influential oommittea had charge of the arrangements. The rcom presented a gay appearance, being decorated with bunting and greehouso plants. An efficient string band was in attrndanoe, and, despite the unfavour- able weather, there was a gcodly company present. Sapper was provided by a ladies oom- imttce. Dancing was enjoyed.—On Friday evening, in the tame building, there was a mbscription danoo, when a Rhyl orchestra sup- plied the music. Refreshments were contri- buted by a number of friends. It is hoped that the treasurer of the building fund will be able to report favourable as to the financial result of these festivities.

FARNDON. DEATH FROM BURNS.—The inquest on too body of Mrs. Fanny Ince, aged 71, of High- street, Farudon, was held on Wednesday by Mr. J. C. Bate—Ellen Inoo. her sister-in-law, said deceased lived by herself. Witness called on her on Sunday afternoon, and after calling her several times she heard deceased say, "I am here in bed, burnt." She went up to her, and de- ceased said, "I was sitting on the fender wit,h my back to the fire, and got burnt. I ran out and screamed for help. and my brother and his wife came. I poured water over my put the fire, out It happened at two o clock, or about that time.Henry Edge said he heard a scream. He went to deceased's back window, and saw her pouring water over herself. He saw no smoke or fire, and he went back to his oou.ge.-Dr, Parker said be was called in to de- ceased. Ho did ail he could, but she died on Monday fiom shock.—A verdict to this effect was returned. 4

WREXHAM. MISSIONARY EXHIBITION.-On Friday afternoon the Mayor of Wrexham (Mr E. Hughes) performed the re-opening ceremony at the Missionary Exhibition at the Drill Hall, Wrexham. He was accompanied by members of the Town Council, but, owinc to the terrible snowstorm racing at the time of the opening the attendance suffered considerably Two interesting souvenirs were on sale at the exhibition. One was a litho- graph facsimile of the original copy of Bishop Heber's famous missionary hymn, "From Green- land's icy mountains," which was written in Wrexharr. Old Vicarage and first sung in Wrexham Parish Church on Whit-Sunday. lbl9, on the occasion of a sermon preached by the late Dr. Shipley. Dean of St. Asaph and vicar of Wrexham, on behalf of the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign Parts. The other was a letter from Dr. Griffith John, the well-known Welsh missionary, of China. An address from his fellow-countrymen and others to Dr. John was extensively signed at the exhibition. The address heartily congratulates Dr. John on the jubilee of his work as a missionary in China. It also acknowledges with deep gratitude his manifold works of faith and labours of love in the extension of Christ's kingdom among the Chinese. Satur- day's re-opening ceremony was performed by Mr. Talbot E. B. Wilson, of Sheffield, deputy chairman of the Board of Di'ectors of the .London Missionary Society. On Monday afternoon the reopening was performed by the Rev. Job Miles. of Aberystwyth, the chairman of the Union of Welsh Independents. The wintry weather that has prevailed throughout the holding of the exhibition has undoubtedly affected the atten- dance. but ita success is assured.

ELLESMERE PORT. SUDDEN DEATH.—We regret to announce the death of Mr. Joseph Dean, who passed away on the 27th instant. Mr. Dean, who was well known in the district and greatly respected, was out on Bank Holiday apparently in his usual health. Great sympathy is expressed for his family in their sudden loss. He had suffered at times from asthma and it is thought he must have died during a sudden attack. The inquest was held on Friday at the Institute by Mr. Bate, coroner. Miss Dean stated that her father went to bed as well as ever on the night of the 26th, and about four a. m. she heard a knock, and thought it was her father knocking her up as was his practice. She. however, heard a rattling in her father's throat, and before medical assistance arrived he had passed away. Dr. Finney, who arrived 10 minutes later, said he considered death was dne to heart failure brought on by cold, and hastened by the catarrh from which deceased had suffered. A verdict was returned accordingly. The foreman of the jury (Mr. Breckon) moved a resolution of sympathy with the family and the jury, mindful of the fact that the deceased had served on a large number of inquests in the village, decided to forego their fees and purchase a wreath, to which the coroner also subscribed. +

M\ LP AS CHURCH CLOCK'S NEW DIAL.—A new dial has just been fixed for the parish church clock in place of the old one, which was found to have become decayed and useless for repair. The passing of the old dial recalls some in- teresting records in the minutes of the church- wardens' meetings. In the year 1819 there appears this entry:—"Paid Richard Griffiths a man that gave information of the person that stole the dial plate out of the church yard E5. 5s. Paid William Griffith the constable of Overton for taking the man (that stole the dial plate) to Chester Castle JE2. 10s. lid. Paid the Constable of Oswestry on account of ditto £1. Paid ex- penses in addition 14s. Paid for Mr. Ellis s horse (by William Golbourne) attending on account of the dial 3s. Paid W illiam Fluett (attorney at law) 23. Os. 6d. Paid for a new South Dial 1;4. 19a." The total works out at L17. 12&. 5d. The cost of the proceedings was such as to suggest the want of economy on the part of the parish rulers, though it may have been that they thought nothing of the expense provided they oould teach "the man that stole the dial plate" to more fully appreciate the eighth commandment. One can also see in imagination the present day constable broadly smiling at the prospect, of taking a prisoner to Chester on similarly generous terms to those paid to the "Constable of Overton." The old plate which the prefvent one replaces was given in connection with the clock itself by Mr. Large in 1843. An Inscription on the dial plate recoivis lbi., gift. and that it was repainted and re-i!ed in 18 >9, and again when it was repaired, in 1893, by Messrs. Jones and Mercer, Malpas. The present plaio has an inscription recording the life history of the old one and that "there was a new d'a! mado for this cjock in 1906 by Thomas Geor-e Huxley, painted and gilded by Jones and Mercer; Captain R. W, Etlielston and John Tomlineon, churchwardens; Lawrence Armitetoad. Rector." The new plate is of selected oak, and constructed to allow of the free expansion and oontraction of the materials. I diameter is 6ft. 4in. and weight 6cwt. I

ECCLESTON. HOUSEHOLD DANCE.-The Hon. C. T. Parker'8 household dance took place in the schoolroom on Thursday. There were present the Hon. C. T. Parker, Mr. Gerald Parker, Mr. Arthur Parker, Major and Mrs. Radclitfe, &c. Dancing coii-imonced at nine o'clock, and was kept up with great spirit till two a.m. The room had been very prettily decorated for the occasion. Mr. Reginald Williams supplied the music, which gave every satisfaction. 4

TARVIN. CYCLE ACCIDENT.—On Saturday after- noon, while returning from his work on a bicycle, Mr. G. A. Dodd sustained a dislocated sh ulder through his machine's skidding in the snow near Tattenhall Ko^d Station. He came on to Tarvint where Dr. Moreton put the bone into place. CHOIR SUPPER.—On Thursday evening the male members of the choir, together with the bellringers, were entertained at supper by the Vicar, the Rev. J. H. Wileeckson. The repast was served in the Parish Room. After the tbl( 8 were cleared the remainder of the evening was spent in music, etc. Mr. J. J. Barker presided at the pisoio. FUNERAL OF MRS. ELLWOOD.—The funeral of Mrs. M. Ellwood, wife of Mr. Henry Ellwood, of Ilorton Hall, took placc at St. Andrew's Church on Friday afternoon. The deceased was of a kindly disposition. Her ago was 69 years. She had been a sufferer for a long time. The mourners were Mr. Henry Ell- wood (widower), Messrs. Wiil .am, Harry, Har- gravc, Pe^cy, and Iio.ace Ellwood (sen*-), Mr. Oliver Eilwcod (brother-in-law), Mr. Jefferson (Peel Hiill, Mr. F. Steatcn, and others. »

INCE SUNDAY SCHOOL TREAT.-A treat to th scholars attending Ince Sunday School was given in the Schoolroom en Friday afternoon by Mrs. Park-Y.tes. The entertainment took the fo m of a magic lantern, specially procured lor the occasion, which, under the skilful man- agement of Mr. Siddall, The Cross, Chester, produced endless merriment for the 70 or 80 children assembled. Mr. S. Wellington (Beech House, Ince), during the afternoon, gave a lec- ture on his travels in Japan, illu-trated by 6lidrs, which proved both entertaining tind in. structive. Afterwards prizes were distributed. They comprised many c stly and valuable books, given by the Vicar (the Rev. F. Clifton- Smith) to the children who had obtained she greatest number of marks for regularity in attendance at Sunday Sohosl and good be- haviour throughout the year. They were dis- tributed by Mrs. Park-Yale*. The Vicar pro- posed a vote of thanks to Mrs. Park-Yates for her kindnecs in giving the children an after- noon's enjoyment. Mr. Wm. Brown, in the name cf teachers and -cholars, also thamked the Vicar for the many beautiful presents he hsd given the children, and said it spoke volumes for his generosity. The children on dispesing were each presented with a bag of two ts, an orange, and a bun. Among those present were the teachers. Miss Williams, Miss Green way, Miss A. Green way, Mi>s RoutJedg-e, Mi* Badman, Mr. Priestner and Mr. W. Bn wn. Others present were Mrs. Tupper, M • and Miss J. Wellington, Mrs. Mates, Mr. and Mrs. Crowder, Mrs. Houghton, Mies Houghton, etc. f

PONTBLYDDYN. PARISH CHURCH.— Christmas Day was observed in the above ehuroh with due solemnity. There were celebrations of the Holy Communion ut. eight and after the morning son-ice, when a good number were present. The a(-,rvioee in the morning and evening were fuliy choral, the officiating clergy being the Rev. 0. Davies, M.A Vioar, and the Rev. R. Jorises (eurs). Special hymns and carols were nicely and sweotly sung by the choir, who also gave a good rendition of the anthem "How boautiful upon the mountains," Mr. Morris presiding at the organ. Tho church was tastefully deoomted by plants, chrysanthemums, etc.. sent from Hartsheath through the kind permission of Mrs Carstai ns Jon (is. CHRISTMAS TREH—Oil Friday last., at the Schoolroom, Pontbiyddyn, an interesting event took place, whioh was quite a novelty in this distriot. At the kind invitation of Mr. and Mrs. Garstairs JOIKS, the Old Hall. Chester, and Hartsheatih Hall, in this parish, the members of the day and Sunday schools assembled to- gether to partake of an excellent tea, followed by a Christmas tree. Unfortunately the weather was singularly unpropitious, there being a heavy Sail of snow when the proceedings com- menced, but notwithstanding all this, the at. tendance was very large, and the spirits of those present were in nowise damped, but, on the oontra.ry, were highly enthusiastic. The tree oame from Hartsheath, and was of a good size and altogether weN adapted for such a puipose. Under the personal direction of Mrs. Carstairs Jones, it was beautifully decorated with all kinds of fancy things, while the room was strung around and across with a large number of small and many-hucd flags and banners, the whole effect producing a -iceno truly magnificent and cheering, and evoked expressions of adim;a- tion from everyone. On the conclusion of the tea, Mrs. Carstaiis Jones distributed presents to the teachors and sohoiais and a few of her friend* and official of the church. Thafc pre- sen's were very numerous and valuable, and in their natiiie were both ornamental and useful. They ware greatly appreciated by the recipi- ents, who, no doubt. wiU always took upon them as souvenirs of that luippy occasion. The piooeedings, which lasted a considerable time, were fuii of interest, enjoyment and animation, and will not soon be forgotten by those who participated in them. The Rev. O. Davw«- M A. (vioar), moved a hearty vote of thanks to Mr. and Mrs. Ciustairs Jones for their kind gienerosity on that day. They bad not, he sa.i witnessed such a pleasing novelty and event in that parish for many years, and it was truly fitting to close that year in such an enjoyabio manner They commenced the year with joj, caused hv a proxai^ of a porah bj friends That was now an accomplished tact, and proud they were of such a gift. Ever then their hearts were constantly some new and pleasant surpn^-s on jj j their friends, whose ^Tier^ity t«m* >n their parish, soemed of Pofltb'yddyn School, seconded tho motion, whi!e it was supported by Mr. Howl, ehuroh- warden. Mr. r.hiV.ips. headmaster of Lcc#- wood National Schools, all of whom spote m cx>xnplirr^Tit.a.ry UsmiiS of u of the ftquin* and his btMov-ed wife to j1" est* of the parish T!-o n.^on enthusiastically. Ia if" ,'e*>ply Jones said that his wife and him^lf graceful to them all t<h<«r kind word, and wishes. They felt thai thoy mward<d £ seeing ihem happy «nd *> f; gifts Thev would continue to do a I JK,V •- to advance the welfare of tie parkSui. A hi|, J ^joyab'e and successful troat was ternnnat^ with the National Anl-h^ni.

BROWNS BRONCHIAL IBKOWN'S BRONCHIAL TROCHES Cure Couah, OeM, a^-casss. end I flaensa. Cure >inv Irritation or Sor?npss of r] > Be i»ve the HI\.(' rair Co-i-ib -n i-n. Relieve 6ror>c!ntis, A si-H:t> and C-t-arrfc. Carry them about witii ;ou. Sold eviirvvrb r T-. 1M, BROWN'S BRONCHIAL TROCHES BROWN'S BRONCHIAL TROCHES