Northern Times.
Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1857-12-16 00:00:00

THE NORTHERN TIMES.---LIVERPOOL, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 1857.

NORTHUMBULAND AND DURHAM DI3rRICT
BANK,

-by British and Irish Magnetic Telegraph,

NEWCASTLE, TUESDAY EvE;vniG.

A sp:cial meeting of the shareholders of this bank gas
held at one o'clock this afternoon, in the Bank Buildings,
and by adjournment at Tomlinson's Hotel, at which there
was a very large attendance cf sharehclders. F. Ridley
Esq., M.P., chairman of the bank, occupied the chair
The reporters having entered the room,
Mr. Ogden read a report. After alluding to the changes
which had taken place in the directorate, he said—The
calamity which has overtaken this establishment must b;
referred in a great measure to losses sustained by the
Bank, and still more to the circumstance that many of the
securities were not of a nature to be readily convertible.
The directors are entitled to say that, as they candidly
did, that the difficulties arising from this cause have been
struggled with, and considerable amounts have been
realised from what otherwise would have been a total loss,
and they are now enabled to announce, that after allowance
had been made for the high rate of interest charged, Mr.
Jonathan Richardson has undertaken the payment of
nearly the whole of t'lis debt. (Applause.) And consider-
ing the respectability and resources of the partners whose
liability thereto remains unaffected, the shareholders may
reasonably consider the accounts as satisfactorily arranged.
The payments, from the magnitude of the engagement?,
will unavoidably extend over a somewhat lengthened period.
The anraunt will bear interest at 5 per cent per annuls.
With the concurrence of a considerable number of prin-
cipal shareholders, the directors have announced a call of
£5 per share, and leave it with this meeting to confirm
that measure. With reference to the affairs, it is extremely
difficult to arrive at a definite conclusion, the result
depending on the value cf the assets, of which a certain
opinion cannot at once be formed. So far as the directors
can form a judgment, though calls are absolutely necessary
in order to meet the present demands, a small portion of

the capital may in the end be preserved. A further
examination of the accounts has the full attention of the
board, and they invite the appointment of a committee of
shareholders to assist them in their deliberations.
(Applause.)
On the motion of Mr. John Grey, of Dilston, and
seconded by Mr. W. F. Blackett, the report was unani—
mo►mely agreed to and carried.
Mr. Mackreth, of York, moved that a committee of nye
shareholders be appointed le confer with, and assist the
directors in the investigation and management of the
Bank—that they be empowered to obtain such professional
and other aid as may be necessary, with power to add to
the number, and that proper allowances be made them ;

and, that they report to a meeting of the shareholders to
be convened within three months; that three of their num-
ber form a quorum, and that if any vacancy should arise,
the Committee•be empowered to fill up the same.
Mr. Allbusett seconded the motion, which was carried.

Mr. Grey announced that a Bank had been started en
private grounds by private individuals, and that three-
fourths of whatever profit they might make, should be set
aside to-form a fund, to be divided among the 6uffcring
stareholdets in the Old District Bank. (Loud applause.)
Mr. Bennington then moved that the call of per
share made on the .28th of November be conferred, which
was carried.
Iha chairman said the resolution would now stand in this
way : —"That a call of £5 par share be made payable in
fourteen days;" which was adopted. Votes for thanks to
the New Bankers, to the Chairman, and the Town. Clerk of
Newcastle, closed the proceedings, which were orderly
through Att.—From Me Newcastle Chronicle.

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

ELEOTI&N OF MERSEY DOCKS AND

HARBOUR• BOARD.

'The members.of the Allied Associations sending in lists
to the Chamber ,not having been sufficient ,to justify the
Council in forming a combined list, in the terms of the
second report of the Committee on this subject, the Council
itself, in accordance with the same report, has prepared,
.and now publishes, the subjoined list of twenty-four namee
The list, ho wever, is recommended to the members of the
Chamber, and the electors generally, oaly as indicating
the names of gentlemen who, in the opinion of the Council,
araeminently qualified to occupy seats at Cie Provisional
Boxrd, and not with any design to abridge the utmost
freedom of choice, on the part of the electors, in the
selection of the eighteen members who, with three nomi-
nees of the Conservancy Commicsioners, will constitute
the new Board. The names are as follows.:—

Messrs. John klkin, T. D. Anderson, Thos. Boucb,
Ralph Brocklebank, F. A. Clint, Kenneth Dov6e, Eyre
Evans, John Farnworth, T. B. Forwood, Robertson
Gladstone, S. R. Graves, Joseph Hubback, W. Inman,
Ge 3. lichdall, John Laird, W. .J. Ramport, Harold
Littledale, J. Mondel, R. Rankin, W. Rathbone, Junr.,
J. K. Routhwaite, Jae. Smith, J. A- Tobin,.and Charles
Turner. .

THE THONIOND ESTATES.—An ilea of the competition
that still rules in the land market may ba learnt from the
plain tact that the highest priced lot of the Thomond es-
tates realised 40 years' purchase, and that the entire estates
averaged 25 }ears' purchase, on the Ordnance traluatior.
It is stated that the ttnants in most instances bought their
own interests, and thus became owners in tee.

'LIZ NANA BAH n —The Mofussilite gives us, from a
" forthcoming ( wernment Cazette," to be issued at Agra,
we -suppose, the following description of Nana Sahib :
" The Nana is 42 years of age, hair black, complexion
light wheat coloured, large eyes, and flat round face. He
is understood now to wear a -beard; height about 5 feet
8 inches ; he wears his hair very short (or, at least, did
so), leaving only as much as a skull cap could cover; he
is full in person and of powerful frame ; he has not the
Mahratta hooked nos© with broad _nostrils, but a straight,
we]l•shaped one. fie has a servant with a cut ear, who
never leaves his side."

HYDROPUOBIA —A very important paper on canine mad-
ness has been read at the Flanders Agricultural Society,
and printed, in which it is clearly shown that this malady
is so rare that it need exci e no anxiety, the affliction mis-
taken for it being caused by an impression on the mind
caused too often by the false alarms spread abroad by the
public papers. The author strongly recommends a prac-
tice, which, in Prussia, is enforced by law—namely, that
when any person is bitten by a suspected rabid dog, the
master of the dog shall be bound to chain him up, and is
not allowed to kill him. By this means the dog usually
recovers, and the mind of the bitten person is relieved from
a dangerous anxiety.
IMPORTANT IMPROVEMENT IN THE CAS Mama—Not-
withstanding the amount of ingenuity which has been
exercised in rendering effective tne ordinary gas meter, it
is well known to be liable to several defects. Not only is
it susceptible of bring tampered with, so as to indicate
either fur or against the consumer, but is, independently
of this, liable to become a false register, solely through
imperfections in its construction. Its ability to measure
correctly depends chiefly upon the water within it always
keeping at precisely the same level. If the water be
carried off, by evaporation, below a certain point, then
the company are losers, but this is generally pretty well
guarded against ; on the other hand, if too much water be
put in to commence with, or if, from the meter being in a
cold damp place, condensed water runs down the feed pipe
into the meter, the measure is against the consumer.
Fortunately these contingencies can now be altogether
avoided. A. meter has been patented by Messrs. Crosley
and Goldsmith, which, by an ingenious but simple ar-
rangement, keeps the water at one invariable level. It
would occupy too much space to describe the details of the
contrivance, but we may remark that there are two reser-
voirs, one for the purpose of supply, and a smaller one, in
communication with the measuring drum, which is kept at
its uniform level by A minute quantity of water being
raised (at each revolution of the drum) in a curved pipe,
and passed from the supply reservoir to the level reservoir,
Any surplus in which immediateij escapes by an overflow
pisc. We have seen the meter in op:ration, and consider
it an instrument decidedly superior to tii;" ordinary one,
which t if; fast supplanting in various towns.--,Aranchater
Examiner.

PRESENTATION TO MR. JOHN LAIRD, AT I
BIRKENREAD.

le
A public meeting was held in the Town-hall, Birker;:aelta, half.
past four o'clock last evening, for the purpo,7,t of prO nting to Mr
John Laird the magnificent testimorLit which has been purchased
by a number of the inhabitall.Gs of the town and neighbourhood, to
signify their appree.atlon of the services he has conferred upon
Birkenhead. :although the evening was singularly inclement, the
Town-haii was crowded at the appointed limo. On the platform
were Mr. Rae, vice-chairman of the Birkenhead Committ e ; Rev. Mr,
Knox, Mr. Richard Bryans, Mr. Golborne, and reveral other gent'e-
men ; while the court was filled by a number of the leading reoidents
of Wrkenhead, including many of the Town Commissioners. Several

ladies were also present.
The testimonial, which has been already described in our paper,
and which consisted of a service of silver plate, was p!aced upon a
table in front of the platform, and excited universal admiration.
When Mr. Laird entered, he was received with a loud burst of

applause.
Mr. Rae then moved that Mr. Richard Bryans tike the chair,
which woe seconded by Mr. Golborne, and carried unanimously.
Mr. Bryand accordingly toak the chair.
The Cuairman then rose. He said—Ladies and Gentlemen, the
hour has now arrived when our proceedingsehould commence, and I
cannot but rej aims at the large attendance here to-day, for it is a proof,
if such were necessary, of the anxiety and readiness of this community
to show marked respect to a most distinguished member of it; and to
that gentleman, with your permission, I shall now address myself.
(Hear, hear ) M-. Laird, the occasion which calls us togsther to-day
is, indeed, a most gratifying one, not only to myself, but to those also
with whom I am associated, and for this reason, that we are met to
do honour to whom honour is due." (Cheers.) It i 3 my duty to
state to you, sir, that the m .ny eminent services which you have for
a lengthened period rendered to this township naturally became the
subject of both private and public conversaton, and a general desire
was expressed that those services should be suitably rewarded. (Hear,
hear.) The result was, that a committee was formed, subscriptions
wore received, and an amount collected which enab e I us to purchase
the several pieces of plate which aro now presented to your view.
(Cheers.) They consist of a centre piece, two claret jags, two ice-
pails or wipe-coolers, and a salve all in silver, and upon it is the
following inscription :—" Presented to John Laird, Esq., by the
inhabitants and others interested in the welfare of Birkenhead, in
kick• owledgment of the energy, public spirit, and great ability with
which, for many years, in defiance of obstacles, opposition, and
discouragemmits, he has promoted the interests, enlarged the pros-
perity, and vindicated the rights of the township.—Dec, 15, 1857."
(Cheers.) In years to come, sir, this inscription will he read by your
caildren, and I hope your children's children—(heir, hear)—and iu
reading it they will be remlndad of the deservedly high estimation is
which you are held by your fellovatownsmen. (Cheers.) Were Ito
gratify myself, sir, I might dilate at some length upon those services
just alluded to—l might refer to your labours as a member of
our township Board of Commisaiohere, of which you are now the
respected chairman—l might refer also to your untiring exertions,
sour inelemiteble energy and perseverance, and the great ability with
which you have, session alter session, watched and conducted through
parliament bilis connected with our socks, our township, and cur
railway. (Cheers.) But believing, were Ito do so, it would be
distasteful to you, and well knowing from your character and
feelings that you naturally shrink from anything like adulation or
praise, I shall deny myself that pleasure, at least to the length that I
would wish. (Hear, hoar.) I cannot, however, help alluding to
the many y 3 Ts in which the name of Laird has been connected and
associated with that of Birkenhead. I believe I am correct in stating
that so far back as the year 1024 year tether., the late Mr. William
Laird, made a purchase cf land on the banks of Wallasey Pool,
whereon to erect buildings for his own business purposes. it is
well known, air, that with him originated the idea of having docks
upon this side te the wate and this idea was never lost sight of by you.
(Cheers.) Years rolled over, and, if I am not mistaken, a meeting was
held at Sour own residence, on the 19 h July, 1843, for the purpose
of obtaining parliamentary powers tor the construction of (locos
at Birkenhead ; and it is a singular coincidence, worthy of
remark, that on that very day in the following year, namely, on the
19th of July, 1844, the royal assent was g van to a bill for that
purpose. (Cheers.) Amongst other benefits, sir, which this town-
ship ens derived from year residence in it, I cannot help a' so alluding
to toe extensive premises which yea have had bu It for the purposes
of shipbuilding between Church-street and he river, where a large
number of men are emsloye —I am told between eight hundred end
a thousand—who, but for the amino, ment you are able to give them,
would have to seek for it elsewhere. I believe Ido not exaggerate,
sir, when I say that these premises ore the largest of the kind hi this
kingdom ; and, if so, I may say in the world—(hear. hear)—where
ships are built destined to navigate every sea, and to carry com-
merce and civilisation, as well as the name of Birkenhead, to
the remotest parts of the globe. (Load cheers.) But, sir, I
shall not enlarge upon such topics, for the reams I have aireasy
assigned ; and it is now my pleasing duty to turn to the more
immediate oteect of our assembling here to day, which is to request,
in the name of tee subscribers, your acceptance of this testimonial.
(Cheers.) I hare now to hind you this illurninatel vellum, got up
in the nnedneval style, u, on which is written the inscription already
referred to. Upon it are also your own coat of arms, the arms of
Birkenhead, and then follow the names of the committee, and of tee
various subscribers, who so cheerfully contribute I to this good werk.
(Cheers.) That you may lung live, sr, to maiataia the ansh tine
honourable position which you now hold amongst us, is the sincere
and earnest wish of myself, and of all those who now surround you
upon this most interesting occasion. (Applause.)
Mr. Laird, on rising, was received with enthushmtic applause. He
sad: Mr. Cheiresen, Ladies and gentlemen, I need not say 'that I
feel grateful to lov. for the very hands -me testimonial with watch you
hawse,- st nosy presented me, It is mach mo e gratifying to me to
receive it from the fact, that it has hems subccribed for, by, I am
informed, frorn-700 to 800 perms, of all classes, and a 1 partiee in
this teen and neialibourbood, (Hear, hear.) The inscription wheel
is embodied in-this vellum, attributes a great deal too much credit to
my individual exertions. (Hear, hear.) For lead not the inhabitants,
generally. and the Town Commissioners, in the various important
matters which came us der our consideration supported me most
vigorously, especially during the last two or .three years. The affairs
of this township, add the prospect of Birkenhead world not
have neon se prominent as they now are. It is to the uuited
efforts of the various parties connected with this township, to which,
•ff it is. now in a better position, you must ateribute its beineeo to-day.
If that support is continued, and the -inhabitants and parties
enterestecein the prosperity of the place steadily assist us, the Com-
missioners, in demanding what we ire fairly entitled to, namely, the
carrying out of the deck works without further delay, we may soon
hope to see what we all looked for realised, and the permanent
prosperity of Bin enticed placed upon a firm basis. Yourecindnesteto
me, and tea coati ence wallah has been played in me generally by the
inhabitants of the township, will be en inducement to farther
exertions on my part, and so long as nay services can lie thcagnt of
any value to the township, so long as my health and strength are
preserved, I shall have the utmost pleasure in siding.you, to the
best of my ability, in securing for Birkenhead all the aivautages her
beat ,riends could wish her. (Cheers.) M Brans has alluded to
one point which, perhaps, I may be allowed to srenare upon,
as it may be an answer to many parties who state, and
are, indeed, very fond of stating, that I have a per-
sonal interest in .attending to the interests of Birkenhead.
I say.l have personal interests, and very strong personal interests.
Those interests are tense—that I ha a been its business here for the
last thirty years. and that I look upon it, though not my native place,
I look upon it as my personal Mania, at least I hope it wet be to.
(Cheers.) My family have all been brought up here, and they are all
interested in and welded to the place. (Cheers.) Hut there is
another snit a stronger reason which-Mr. Bryans has had the kind-
ness to allude to—it is that my fath r was the first person who
originated the idea of dock works on this side of the water. (Cheers )
He brought forward plans in 1827. He brought forward p aria again,
and submitted them to the Liverpool authorities in 1•€36, and I have
no hesitation in saying, for those plans are still extant—that with all
the improvements and alterations which have been made. there have
been, and this is the opinion expressed to me repeatedly by com-
petent persons, very few batter planniessigned for the purpose -I
have then a family meson as well as a personal reason for endeavour-
ing to see great works carried out on this side of the water. (Hear,
hear.) You may suppose it would be a great gratification not only to
me, but to every member of my family, if we could sec tees° docks
fully developed, and then Birkerthaadeerculd be what she ought to
be. (Cheers.) If these plans had been adopted by the Liverpool
people In 1836, Birkenhead would now ben large place, and mileone
of money would have, been saved to the commerce of •the country.
,(Hear, hear.) I beg again to thank yet,. for your kindness, and to
assure you that my family as well as myself. will always remember
the proceedings of this day with pride and great satisfaction. (Ap.
pietism)
Mr. Laird propose a vote of thanks to the chairman and
committee, whom he personally thanked for the great trouble they
had taken, and expressed his high sense et the judgment he hid
shown in the selection of the testimonial.
Rev. Mr. Knox seconded the motion, ;which was catried by
acclamation.
The Caairman acknowledged the compliment on behalf of the
committee and himself, declaring that it was a labour mf love to
them.
The proceedings closed with three cheerefer Mr. Laird.

GOOD,,IF TRUD.—Weleirn that as Lord Palmerston was
going down to the House, two days ago, he was met by one
of the peripatetic newsvendors, who was bellowing out,
" Capture of Nana Sahib," &c ' &c, His lordship is said
to have asked the man how he dared to deceive the public
so. "My lord,'" said the shrevAl outsider of literature, " I
follow my business as you follow yours."
CURDLING SUS STUFF.—A retired cheesemonger, who '
bated any allusion to the business that had enriched him,
once remarked to Charles Lamb, in the course of a discus-
sion on the Pcor Law—" You must bear in mind, sir, that
I have got rid of all that stuff which you poets call the
milk of human kindness.'" Lamb looked at him steadily,
and gave his acquiescence in these words—" Yes, Sir, I
am aware of it ; you turned it all into cheese several year,
ago."
HORRIBLE TREATMENT Or A CHILD, AT NANTWICII.—
A little girl, aged seven years, died last Monday, at Nant-
wich under very suspicious circumstances, strong evidence
showing that most cruel treatment had been practised
towards the child. The deceased was named Kate Hickin,
and was an illegitimate daughter of Ann Hickin. She was
put into the care of David and Mary Wright,living in
Pratchart's Row, Hospital street, Nantwich, some months
ago, and by these people she seems to have been shock-
ingly abused. An inquest was opened on Tuesday ; and
several witnesses were examined and stated, that they had
seen Mary Wright beat her severely, and there were sores
on her person. The child had not sufficient food, and
picked dirty bread from the channel and eat it. She was
scarcely clothed ; had no bed to lie on ; but slept on a
box, or on straw and shavings. The inbuest was adjourned.
—Chester Chronicle.
HARD SWEARING BY A rGAMEREEPER.—At Chesterfield,
on Saturday, Mr. John Hutton, farmer and innkeeper, was
charged by Stephen Wilson, gamekeeper to Mr. Hallowes,
of Bolsover, with unlawfully using a dog and gun, on the
27th ult., on Mrs. Charlesworth's lands, between Bolsover
and Oxcroft. Wilson swore positively to the identity of
Hutton. In cross-examination he admitted having after-
wards gone to Hutton and asked him " What are you
going to do about this job ?" but denied asking Hutton if
it could not be made up by a little money. There was a
man, named Coup, present, but not so near to Hutton as
to see who it was. Coup did name another as the person.
Witness, in a case against another person, admitted that
the case was dismissed, as the magistrates would not
believe his (Wilson's) evidence. For the defence, William
Coup was called ; and he stated that he believed the
person was not Hutton, another he named to Wilson.
sa he could not
4.,
Wilson said he should call him as !L witness • ' but he told
Wilson he could be of no use to hi.l
swear it was Hutton. Other witnesses proved the
Hutton was three miles distant from the place where
Wilson said he saw him at the time, and that he had
neither dog nor gun with him. The magistrates dismissed
t case, and allowed the costs of Hutton and his witnesses,
I £l. It was intimated that Wilson would bo indicted for
.
perjury.

SELECT VESTRY.

t7e tdritightly meeting of the vestry was held at 10 o'clock
yeriterdav, in the Board•roo.n of the Workhouse. Mr. Churchwarden
Woodruff occupied the chair, and the other members present were
Messrs. Bairstow, Crellin, Jackson, Denton, Cropper, Luff, Syers, W.
Jones, °Wen, Riche rdson, Cooke, Chesney, John Jones, Hand, Gibson,
Syrcd, Hughes, Smith, Mellor, Williams, and Shand.

WORKHOUSE COMMITTEE.
The proceedings of this committee were read, from which it
appeared that the number of inmate; on the 9th inst. was 2,457 ;
number of sick cases 644, including 49 fever end 27 itch; and the
number of vagrants relieved during the week was 220 males, 107
females, and 30 children—in all M 7.
The proceedings were confirmed.
INDUSTRIAL SCHOOLS' COMMITTEE.
It appeated from the proceedings of this Committee, that the
number of children in the schools on the 7th inst. was 1,03 i ; the
number of sick cases was 40, including three itch cases. The
proceedings contained the following minute :—" Read a letter from
the Rev. Richard Doyle, the Roman Catholic clergyman attending
the schools, claiming the Committees' protection against the insults
and injuries which he alleges to have received from the Rev. Mr.
Holmes ; and the latter, together with Mr. and Mrs. Coates and Mrs.
Lyrae, Infirmary nurse, having been questioned with reference to the
circumstances alluded to in the Rev. Mr. Doyle',s letter, it w. s moved
by Mr. Overseer Owen, and. seconded by 311.Willimas, that Mr.
Doyle be communicated with by the Vestry C erk, to say t at the
Committee are at all times ready to protect him wh le legally in the
discharge of his duties from any insult offered to him by any and
every officer of the schools ; that they have enquired from Mr. Holmes,
who states that he is not con.cioue of having by act or word insulted
him; anl that therefore the Committee call upon Mr. Doyle to
substantiate the allegation he had made again t the chaplain, which
they consider of a serious nature, demanding a most searching
investigation. It was moved as an amendment by Mr.Whitty, and
seconded by Mr. Chesney, that the following words be added to the
foregoing resolution—' and that the Committee are willing to afford
Mr. Doyle every oep rtunity he mar desire to establish the truth of
his allegations.' The votes being taken on the amendment, it was
foot by a majority of two, and the oiigioal resolution was carried. It
was also resolves that the consideration of the matters alluded to in
Mr. Doyle's letter, and also reported on the head master and
cheplain's journals, be deferred until the next day of meeting."
Mr. William Jones, in moving the confirmation of the proceediugs ,
suggested that the circumstances which led to the Rev. Mr. Boyle's
letter should be st tted to the Board.
The Chairman thought AS the qincstion was still under investlga ion
it would be fi ting•to postpone the whole until the next day.
Mr. Denton also thought it advisable the whole subject should be
entered upon together.
Mr. Jones remarked that the consideration of Mr. Doyle's letter
had been postpone& but that the circumstances preceding it were
not likely to come before the Board again.
The Chairman said it was quite a question for the Board to decide,
but he th ought it would be more prudent not to open up the question
that day, as they were not prepared to go fully into it.
Several members expressed a similar opinion.
Mr. Jones said he had no wish to press his suggestion, if the
Board thought proper to pats the proceedings of the Comm:ttee in
their present shape.
The proceedings were then confirmed without further discussion.

THE STATE OF THE COUNTRY•

• - IHE UNEMPLOYED AT LEICESTER.
The resolutions of the meeting of ratepayers in favour of outdoor
relief during the present di, tress, was brought before a special
meeting of the board of guardians on Friday night. '1 hirty out of
thirty-five guardians were present, and the subject was discussed
with great earnestness. Mr. Al& R. Harris moved a resolution in favor
of suspending the workhouse test, for the .pr ssnt ; to which the
vice-chairman of the board (Mr. W. Scott) moved that the labour
test is just, and that it would be impossible at the present juncture
to suspend it. The amendment was carried by a majority of 25 to 4.
The result was ordered tie be communicated to the mayor, as
chairman of the meeting of ratepayers. Oa Saturday. a nisei ing of
operatives was held, at which the final resolution of the board was
read. Some dizsatisfaction was expressed at its tenor, but it was
allowed that the undertaking of the guardians to take care of the
goods of persons entering the house did away with One great
objection. An operative, named Chawner, addressed the meeting,
using very violent lanenage towards the guardians end the mayor and
magistrates, and concluded by urging the unenakloyed to as-emble on
Sunday morning and march to St. Mary's rharch, and occupy it
b:fore the congregation came, adding, if anything could shame
them, that would." A number of those present held up their hands
to signify their intention of doing so. Serious fears had bean
entertained of a breach of the peace, and large b3dies of police were
kept in reserve, but the meeting dispersed in an orderly manner.
DISTRESS IN MIDDLETON.
The silk trade at Middleton, Tonge, Chadderton, Failsworth, and
vicinities, is in a very depressed state, and tha operatives, on an
average, have cot half employment, whilst upwards of cue-half of
them in the above-named dis.ri is are without any kind of work.
Dietre.s is more general than it WM a fortnight ago. The committee
for the relief of she destitute families in both Middleton and Tonge
hive given meal and other kinds of provisions, and money continues
to be drawn from the sink and burial societies, which had been
contributed for members in case of sickness anTdeath.e 'there are,
however, rather better pie ipeefs, and in some Cases silk win !ers
have had rather more work this week. Hopes are entertained that
the silk trade is about to revive after Christmas. The trade he
cotton mills remains dull, and hands on an avenge hare not more
than three or four days' work per week, and many families are
entiroly without employment.
IIIE STATE OF TRADE IN WAKEFIELD.
Owing to the pressure of the times and the state of the money
market, the Wakefield Lccal Board of Health hate considered it
necessary to stop, for twelve months, most of the public works,
sewering, Itvelline, paying, and channelling of many streets which
are sadly in want of repair. At a late meeting of the Board, Mr. 3.
K. Sanderson said the money market wait in such a state that it was
found utterly impossible to raise the necessary fonds for these
improvements. In fact, during the last seven or eight w _eks' the
number of suanmonsea issued by the Board's collector am mnted to
no less than 620; and it woa'd be seea from tale that men), people
were p asitieely unable to pay their rates.

THE UNEMPLOYED AT NEWTON HEATH.
The present lark of work has produced its consequences of want
and distress amongst the operatives of Newton Heath, who have
borne their sufferings with exemplary patience. '1 he rector of the
parish instituted a canvass amongst the employers, and his appeal
was liberally responded to by those gentlemen; and, to their creait
be it stated, that an express injunction was laid upon him by some of
them, that-their hands should not be relieved out of their subscrip-
tions, hat that applicants for aid, being their workmen, should be
referred to them, that they might discharge their acknowledged dal
of assisting them. A vast number of poor hand-loom weavers,
operatives, and 1 ibonrers out of work have been assisted from toe
funds in the hands of the rector. Eoup and bread, or meal and bread,
have for more than four weeks been doled out three times a week to
those in distress. The first week averaged 110 families each time;
the second week, lie; the third weak, 180; the fourth week, 160
families wore recipients. The rector will gladly receive subscriptions
from parties interested in the district towards toe continuance of this
relief.