Northern Times.
Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1860-01-02 00:00:00

NORTHERN DAILY TIMES.

TOXTETH LITERARY ASSOCIATION.

The'first annual soiree of this association was held on
Friday evening last, in Hope-hall, Hope-street. The
hail; 'which was beautifully decorated with evergreens,
banners, streamers, &c.. was crowded, and a large pro-
portion of those present being of the fair sex tended to
improve and heighten the effect of the scene. Mr. F. A.
Latham, presided, 'who, in the- course of his remarks,
-strongly defended-such societies from the aspersions cast
upon them. He reviewed the career of the. association,
and congratulated the members on the success that had
attended their efforts, being no less than the doubling
of their members during the first year ; he conchided by
calling on all to. aid the spread of knowledge and co-
operate in the progress of. intellectual, and educational;
appliances. (Cheers.)
Mr. George Lightbound :read an admirable paper on
" William (.lewper," in which he . reviewed Cowper's
poetry, and gave numerous quotations from different
pieces : he also gave a brief sketch of the poet's
Mr. Henry Ellis read a humorous paper on " Love,"
giviug examples of platonic, pathetic, poetic, patriotic
and affectionate love, and also exposed such love as love
of dress, love of self, Sze.
Mij. 11. M. -Latham, jun., read a paper on "Eloquence,"
describing' the past, and contrasting that with, the
present.
Mr. C. W. Luce read a paper on "Single Blessed-
ness," which he stated was almost an inevitable neces-
sity in the present state of the middle class of society.
(Hear, hear.) He treated the subject humorouslY and
many of the hits were highly relished, and ;the paper
was much applauded.
Mr.
.Edward George ably personated the " Quack
Doctor" in a recitative address, dispensing pills and
drugs 'to' the audience, and sat down amidst roars 'Of
laughter.

Sr:l3:-• IT. Grindly delivered an address. en "The
Season,"--merry festive' Christmas, time past in times
of good Queen -Bess.', and present, in this- age of pro-
gress—the old year fast receding iri the distance—the
loss that we had sustained to science by the- death of
Brunel and Stephenson ;. to history and literature, by
the lamented death of Macaulay—the volunteer move-
ment—spread of literary societies, and the early closing
movement, when he urged the ladies to help the move-
meat by never shopping. after 7 o'clock. Yet, whilst
social, moral, and intellectual progress goes on, the
new year reminds us of the future, the end of one year,
of the end of time, and the threshold of eternity, and
bid all to

Look up, look up, for high above you
Shimmers t 4 golden land;
Look up, for eyes that love yoU
Smile from that-sinless strand.

Messes. Thwaite, Winter, Robinson; and others took
part in a humourous disklegue, exemplifying the pro-
verb "It never rains but it pours," which excited loud
applause and much laughter.
The whole concluded in a right loyal manner, by the
singing of the National Anthem: During the evening
the refreshment room was thrown open, and refreshments
of the most recherche description were plentifully distri-
buted by the excellent, caterer, 'Mrs. Milburne. The
proceedings were of the most successful character, and
reflected great credit on all concerned. •

FORGERY.--A successful forgery was practised on
the Torquay Bank, a few- days ago. A "respectable"
man who was stopping at the Union Hotel, gave the
"boots" an acceptance on Messrs. White way and Ball,
to get cashelfor him at the bank, for the sum of £49.
He was asked from whom he 'got the bill, and replied
from Mr. Davy, (the name of Mr. Davey was appended
to the bill, but was misspelt Davy) who was at the
Union Hotel. The bill, wl:cla was overdid, was cashed,
but has since turned out to be a forgery, As coon as
he got the money the gentleman .0 made track," and
has not since been heard of The police are after hiruf
and it is to lielieped he may be brought-to justice. He
practised the trick with success on two pari;"iks. The
Torquay Bank will be shy of "respectable Agen."—
Western Times,

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