The Liverpool Standard and General Commercial Advertiser.
Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1846-12-22 00:00:00

STATE OF TRADE

MANCIIESTER.—The market has this week been again in a
very agitated state, in consequence of the speculations which
have recently taken place in the Liverpool cotton market. It
is now supposed that the price of the raw material has at length
reached the highest point at which it will be possible for manu-
facturers to make their goods to sell at anything like cost price.
It is now understood that, as a sort of check upon the further
advance of the raw material, not only has short time been
resorted to in some localities in good earnest, but that some
manufacturers have resolved to close their mills a together.
This latter step should not be take❑ upon light grounds, because
great distress must inevitably follow to the inhabitants in the
neighbourhood. The best way of giving a healthy tone to the
market is the general adoption of short time for a lengthened.
period. The very intimation of the likelihood of this la ter step
being adopted has hnd the effect of causing the holders of gcods
to be more firm in their demands for an advance in price, and in
some descriptions of goods an advance of a shilling per piece
has been conceded. We have heard of some extensive lots of
goods, which had been bought for export, being again brought
into the market, and sold at advanced rates, the owners pre-
ferring realising a profit at home to incurring the risk attendant
upon export. Twist is also dearer, with an upward tendency.
LEans.—The woollen trade of this town and district is in
much the same state as it has been in for the last month or
more, and no improvement is looked for till at least after the
Christmas holydays. The same caution which we have previ-
ously pointed out as characterising the merchants in their deal-
ings, and the manufacturers in the amount of work which they
do, is still manifested. There is nothing like a stagnation of
trade, and prices of goods that were sold, are not lower than
they were when trade was brisker.
BRADFORD.—The disposition to buy wool is checked by the
staplers seeking an advance on late prices, which the spinners
are not willing to submit to, and the business done during the
week has been limited, The yarn branch of the trade continues
very depressed. The recent excited state of- the cotton market
appears to have extended itself to warps which are extensively
used here, and higher prices are sought, but the advance cannot
at present be realized. The demand for pieces, though not ani-
mated, is about an average for this season of the year. The
state of both the worsted and cotton markets indicates that
there is no chance of continuing to make goods so low as here-
tofore ; and the manufacturers fully expect to realize better
prices on the opening of the new year, which, we hope, will
commence with many extensive purchases.
Elunnsasviatn.—We have had another very quiet market
this week, and very little business done either in the halls or
warehouses. There have been some small orders given our for
fancy goods, and a few of the manufacturers are pretty well oc-
cupied for the German and Continental markets. Prices con-
tinue firm, and stocks moderate.
ROCIIPAI.E.—The flannel market has been much the same as
last week, both as regards demand and prices. There is but
little business doing in wool, prices remaining firm.
ITALIFAX.—AIthoup.,II there have been a few more merchants
here this week, than for the last two market weeks, the amount
of business t:ansacted is exceedingly limited, and the trade con-
tinues very dull. The staplers have obtained a small advance
on long Wool, and the Yarn trade remains very much depresse
Short wools, of some descriptions, seem to be rather giving way,
but not much is doing.

CARNE'S DROGHEDA ALE.—The celebrity of Irish ale•
is now acknowledged, but, like other drinks, they differ in
qtvlity. The importation alluded to by Messrs. Peter
Metge and Co., in their advertisement, is, we are told,
excellent, and well suited to Christmas festivities.

a't'e last night received for review a plate of Mr. M'Na-
mara's London Oysters. They are fine, and well fed, and
prove the advanced position in which Liverpool now stands
for shell-fish. A few years ago it would have been im-
possible to have got anything equal to them.

Loral ant, Vrobtartal flelus.

Mr. W. Jackson has been appointed Consul at]Liver-
pool for the republic of Chili.
William Gale, Esq ,of Lightborn House, near Ulvers-
ton, is High Sheriff for this county for the ensuing year.
A ralged school has been instituted in the boy's school
of St. Barth domew's Church, Naylor-street.
An " E onornic Conveyance Company," similar to the
lane in this town, his been started in Birmingham.
An Irishman, the other day, pledged 'a sovereign with a
pawnbroker in this town for 13s. !
WELSH Cnuncn.—We understand that the Welsh
•' Plygain" is to be celebrated at St. David's Church a
couide of hours before sunrise. on Christmas morning.
Several s imples of East India rice were exhibited for
sale on Tuesday last at the Corn Exchange, thus intro-
ducing quite a new feature in the market.
The extraordinary machine at Aigburth will be thrown
open fur the inspection of the public the second week in
January.
Last week, Mr. Thomas Bottle got his release from
Lancaster Castle, after having been confined there, as a
debtor, fifteen years and two months. •
John Whittaker, Esq., of Hurst, Ashton-under-Lyne,
and Robert Platt, Esq., of Stalybridge, have qualified as
magistrates for this county.
The Birkenhead Dock Commissioners are, it is said,
going to admit reporters to their meetings. The same
body are making application to government for the
sreetion of a custom-house at Birkenhead.

On Tuesday morning, the body of a full-grown still-
born male child was found in the hedge of a garden at the
Prince's-park. It had no covering, and was merely laid
upon a piece of cloth.
On Tuesday. Thomas Donelly, a labourer, employed at
the north docks, was engaged, with others, in removing
some earth. when a large mass gave way, and covered
him. He was got out shortly afterwards quite dead.
MUNIFICENCE.—The late Mr. Dillon, of Mulberry-
street, has left £5BO to the Liverpool Charities, and
Messrs. John and Henry Holmes have presented to the
Northern Hospital the liberal sum of £lOOO.
A few days since two men were killed at the Station
coalpit, Charley, in consequence of the breaking of the
-chain attached to the bucket, as they were descending
the pit.
Mr. Cobden, it is said, will be opposed in his seat for
Stockport at the next general election. The Conservative
Trade,men's and Operatives' Society having resolved on
starting a candidate 2oncurring with their views.
On Monday, John Henry Grit.,dy was committed to
take bi.. trial on a charge of fraudulently obtaining £5
from Mrs. Farnworth, publican. Cleveland-square. The
prisoner had written a note in the name of a gentleman
named Walker, and so obtained the money.
The drapers of Birmingham have announced their in-
tention of closing their establishments on Saturday the
26th inst. At Manchester we perceive a similar course is
to be adopted. We should be glad to see it followed in
Liverpool. .

CHARITABLE SOCIETY.—A fancy bazaar
will be held next w,ek, in aid of this excellent society, for
alleviating the distress of the poor at this inclement
season. An advertisement elsewhere gives all necessary
particulars.
The stealing of hollies, laurels, and other evergreens
from suburban tesidences, for the decoration of churches,
is usually every prevalent at this time of the year. Par-
ties cannot be too cautious as to the persons from whom
they purchase such articles.
A commercial letter gives the following as the exports
to Great Britain and Ireland from New York, from the
Ist to the 28th November, inclusive t-77,800 barrels
flour, and 276,400 hu.hels of wheat, mostly to Liverpool ;
312,600 bushels Indian corn, and 6,032 bushels Indian
meal, to Ireland.
THE WEATHER AT PRESTON.—During last week we
have had a continued severe frost, the river and the canal
being both frozen over, to the the great detriment of
shipping, &c. It is now nine years since the river Ribble
was frozen before. All the time of the frost it was
crowded with hundreds of skaters. .

NA' AVERTREE.—At a meeting of the ratepayers of this
township, on the 7th instant, it was resolved that the pro-
♦isions of the 3d and 4th William IV., cap. 90, for lighting
and watching parishes, should be adopted by the township,
and Mr. Samuel Holme, Mr. W. Coward, and Mr. H.
Davies were elected inspectors under the act.
CRUELTY TO ANIXIALS.-011 Thursday Paul Dailey
was fined ten shillwgs and costs for abusing his ass. Mr.
Rushton said the only way of reaching the humanity of
donkey drivers was through the pocket. If the defendant
were again brought up, he would fine hint the price of his
ass.

THE HONORARY AIAGISTRATES.—OH Friday, the
business at the Police-court was delayed upwards of an
hour for want of a second magistrate. One of the officers
of the court was despatched in search of a stray justice of
the peace, and at length found one. It would be well if
the gentlemen who are so fond of railing at the old magis-
tracy would themselves attend better to their duties.
On Monday night a very numerous meeting of the mill
hands of the districts about Oldham, was held at the
Town-hall at the latter place, for the purpose of consider-
ing the present crisis in the cotton trade. The meeting
was called for the purpose of hearing Mr. Charles Hind-
ley, the free-trade member for Ashton-under-Lyme, on
the subject of the present state of manufactures.
THE SHORTEST DAY.—Yesterday, the 21st, (St. Tho-
mas's day,) was not this year the shortest day, but the
22nd. Upon the 21st the sun rose at 6 minutes past 8,
and set at 51 minutes past 3—to-day at seven minutes
past 8, and sets at 51 minutes past 3 ; consequently the
22nd is one minute shorter than the 21st. The winter
quarter also commences this year to-day.

ROYAL ADELPHI THEATRE.—The attraction at this
Theatre during the past week has been the performance
of a drama called " Hop o'my Thumb," from the pen of
Albert Smith, in which the leading character is supported
by the General Tom 'Thumb himself. The piece is full of
humourous sallies ; and the little general's acting is lively
and clever. We observe that he has been engaged for
another week.
SATURDAY EVENING CONCERTS.—The bill of fare
provided by the committee during the past week has been
a plenteous one. On Monday night Mr. J. L. Hatton
gave a very superior vocal entertainment; Braham and
his family occupied the Hall on Tuesday, Thursday and
Friday,—the veteran singer for the last time; and on
Saturday evening NI r.William Rowlanson gave the national
melodies of Scotland in very excellent style.
An investigation has taken place at Wrexham relative
to the death of a widow named Somerville. The medical
gentlemen stated their opinion that the cause of death was
"Disease of the heart accelerated by exposure to extreme
cold." The jury considered there was much blame at-
tached to Jonathan Owens, the relieving officer, in not at-
tending to the necessary wants of the deceased on Sunday
night when called in.

DOBSON'S PATENT ILLUMINATED NUMBERS FOR
STREET DOORS.—We regard this as a most useful inven-
tion, and, at the same time cheering and ornamental.
Were it generally adopted, it would save much time, at
present spent in groping your way at night to a friend's
house , and much trouble to other people at whose door
you knock to ask where your friend's house is. The light
also serves to illuminate the lobby.
The influx of Irish paupers here continues. It is
really alarming, the many applications that are made at
the parish offices every day. O❑ Tuesday last, out of 40
applications for relief on that morning, 37 were from
Irish people. About £25 daily has been distributed to
Irish strangers arriving. Their appearance on the streets
is frightful ; undoubtedly they must be in the most
wretched and abject poverty.
STRANGERS' FRIEND SOCIETY.—This society has an
unusually large number of applicants for relief at the pre-
sent inclement season, and, in order to render its means
in some measure equal to the demands made upon them,
a few ladies and gentlemen have sent in donations. But
the number of contributions ought to be larger if the
society is to be rendered as efficient as it ought to be in
such trying times as the present.

GENERAL Tom THUMII.—Our readers will perceive
that the little General is now holding his morning levees,
and that he is accompanied by the Infant Cecilia, or Ma-
libran in miniature, four years old, who has wonderful
vocal powers and great musical genius. In the course of
each levee the infant will sing a variety of popular songs,
and the general will appear in all his perf,rmanees and
costumes. No doubt as the Christmas holidays are now
arrived most of our juveniles will patronize the levees.
THE DRAMA IN MANCHESTER.—An unsuccessful sea-
son at the Manchester Theatre Royal was brought to a
somewhat abrupt close on Monday evening. The Guar-
dian of 'Wednesday says " It is quite clear that unless a
larger measure of support be accorded to the manager
than he has latterly experienced, Manchester must incur
the reproach of having failed duly to encourage the most
liberal and skilful attempts to maintain the dramatic art
that have ever been made here ; and must endure the pri-
vation of having the most elegant and commodious theatre
in England a tenantless and deserted edifice."
DEATH FROM LOCK JAW.—A few days since, a❑ in-
quest was bell at the Hare and Hounds public-house,
West Derby, on the body of Thomas Williams, a labourer,
who resided in Back-lane. On Saturday night, the 28th
alt., the deceased quarrelled with a man mined Blundell,
and while aiming a blow at him (being in liquor) he fell
to the ground, and was immediately afterwards taken
home. It was found he had a cut on the thumb, which
he stated had been occasioned by falling on some mugs.
The Round became worse, and deceased died on Tuesday
from lock jaw. A verdict was returned to the effect that
the deceased died of te'anus, occasioned by the accident.
THE PACKET•SHIP' SARAH SANDS.—The splendid new
packet-ship Sarah Sands, built of iron, and with auxiliary
screw power, has been tried twice in the dock, and will,
in a few days, go into the river; after which, if the ma-
chinery is all right, she will be sent to sea for two or three
days' cruise. She is fitted up with unusual splendour,
even for a packet-ship, and has room for about one thou-
sand tons of goods, besides her coals. She will be at once
placed on the station, and expected to sail about the 15th
of next month. The Sarah Sands was built by Messrs.
James Hodgson, engines by Bury, Curtis, and Kennedy,
on Mr. Grantham's direct action principle, who also de-
signed and superintended the ship, with the assistance of
her experienced commander, Captain W. C. Thompson.
On Monday, Terrence M'Ginnes, Ann Bryan, and
John Bryan, were brought up, charged on suspicion with
having stolen two timepieces, a quantity of tea, raisins,
cheese, and other articles. The properly was found in a
depot for thieves, in a cellar in Addison-street, and on the
removal of the goods to the Central Police-office, many
parties were enabled to identify their own property. The
house where this wholesale system of plunder had been
carried on was kept by a person named Catherine Board-
man, but it did not appear that she was at all aware of
what was going on, although she bad observed the female
prisoners going in and out of the cellar several times with
things apparently concealed under their clothes. She
stated that they rented a cellar and a room from her, and
had occupied the premises for several months. The pri-
soners, who said nothing in their defence, were all com-
mitted for trial at the sessions,

DISTRICT PROVIDENT SOCIETY.—The distress caused
by the high price of potatoes, and the destitution conse-
quent upon the sickness that prevailed during the autumn,
have compelled the committee u-f this society to appeal to
the public for immediate assistance. Several, as it will be
perceived by the advertisement elsewhere, have properly
and liberally responded to the appeal; but more, very
much more, ought to be done to place the society in a
position to render efficient relief at this inclement and
almost unparalleled season, and we trust the public will
not be unmindful of its claims.
BIRKENHEAD Docxs.—One of the gates to the new
Bridge-end Dock was, the other day, put up at the south
end of the dock. The new bridge to connect Birkenhead
and Seacombe has also been commenced, and will be
completed very shortly. The gates for the bridge are the
largest i❑ the world, being upwards of seventy feet wide.
There are already erected fourteen or fiiteen sluices in the
Bridge-end Dock wall, adjoining the great float to the
river side, which will give a scouring power, when in
operation by the agency of steam, equal to 9,000 men.
The completion of this bridge is required by the commis-
sioners of woods and forests, previous to the docks being
opened, which will necessarily delay its opening until
March or April nest. The building of the bridge is, we
understand, part of the payment given to government for
the grant of land for graving docks.—Journal.
DISTRESSING SHIPWRECK.—The barque Hope of Li-
verpool, 559 tons. Jones, master, from Camarine's Bay
for Liverpool, laden with guano, struck on a bank off
Morris-castle, between Wexford and Wicklow, when the
crew, 26 in number, left the barque and landed. They
remained ashore two nights, but boarded her again on the
9th of December. Finding, however, that site was not
seaworthy, they took to their boats; 16 seamen in the
long-boat, and the remainder, including the captain and
officers, in the gig. The latter party were soon after seen
alongside of a schooner ; but the crew in the long-boat,
not being so fortunate, continued drifting before a very
strong northerly wind, with heavy snow squalls, without
either provisions or water, until Sunday last, when the
boat came ashore about four miles east of Newquay, on
the north coast of Cornwall, It was then found that ten
of her crew had died of cold and hunger. The six sur-
vivors were taken to the coast guard station.
FOREIGNERS' MlSSlON.—Through the instrumentality
of the Rev. Joseph Baylee, of Birkenhead, a " Liverpool
Foreigners' Mission" has been tatablished, the object of
which is to provide religious instruction for all foreigners
visiting this port. The Seamen's Church, where divi:,e
service will be conducted in the German and English
language, has been rented for the mission, and will be
opened on the 27th ult. The Rev. D. J. Hirsch is the
minister. A second German missionary has been ap-
pointed to visit the ships and the dwellings of the poor,
and a reformed Italian priest has been engaged for the
poor Italians residing here. An Italian and German
school will be opened in a few weeks. Towards this ob-
ject the Christian Knowledge Society has given £35 worth
of Prayer Books and Testaments, in German. Italian. arid
foreign languages ; the British and Foreign Bible Society
has given £lO worth of Bibles and Testaments ; and the
Religious Tract Society £lO worth of tracts.
SMUGGLING Ex ritAORDIN A RY.—On Thursday night,
Syreen, a custom house officer, apprehended a woman
named Eliza Smith, a passenger on board an American
vessel, on suspicion of having smuggled tobacco in her
possession. Upon examining her dress, 17 lbs. of tobacco
were found concealed under it ; but the most remarkable
of the expedients which had been resorted to for the pur-
pose of deceiving the lynx-eyed deputies of the customs,
was chat of giving to the contraband weed the semblance
of a loaf. A quantity of cut tobacco had been pressed
into a tin, over which a thin layer of dough was spread,
which, being baked, had the appearance to the eye of a
veritable loaf. The quantity of tobacco which the woman
had contrived to secrete in this and other modes, amounted
to no less than 70 lbs. She was brought before Mr.
Rushton on Friday, and remanded to Tuesday, in order
to allow of a communication with the Commissioners of
Excise.

DESTITUTION IN THE HIGHLANDS.—We notice that

a cotrtsnondent has a letter in the Liverpool Standard,
in which he ren.arlis—" It would be highly important to
call a public meeting, to lay the case of the poor High-
landers, before the public." We could wish this were
done in such towns as Liverpool, where numerous Scots-
men congregate, and where Providence has given to many
of this class the privilege of wealth. We entreat, by all
holy sanctions, the generous attention of our countrymen
in England, to the distress of their afflicted brethren on
the sea-girt islands of the country they love as patriots,
and by whose venerable name they rejoice to distinguish
themselves. In the present inclement season there is a
voice pleading for hu,ran misery, which the Christian
cannot disregard—which mere humanity cannot be deaf
to. The situation of the poor Highlanders may be ima-
gined under such circumstances ;—it belongs to those who
have the means, to ameliorate their sufferings.—Edin-
bnrgh Post.

WEST DERBY GUARDIANS.—Letters from the Poor-
law Commissioners were read ; the first transmitting the
requisite papers for the completion of the appointment of
Dr. Christie to the rural division of West Derby ; and the
second on the case of a poor woman who was removed
from Toxteth-park to the Fever-house, and who, as stated
in a former report, died almost immediately after her re-
moval. It appears that the removal of the poor woman,
owing to the want of a suitable conveyance or some such
difficulty, was deferred eighteen or twenty hours after the
medical officer had issued his order. The Commissioners
object to the plea of difficulty, and add, that the delay
having been suffered to occur, the precaution ought to
have been taken of consulting a medical man as to whether
she were then in a condition to be removed. They con-
clude with requesting the observations of the guardians on
these points. The report book of the master of the
Workhouse showed a considerable increase of the inmates
of the house since the middle of October. The increase
during the two months since elapsed had been about 110,
averaging eleven per week. The number in the house on
Saturday was 424. The day for the weekly meeting of
the guardians was changed from Tuesday to Wednesday,
subject to the sanction of the Commissioners.

ROBBERY AT PRESTON.—A SI➢IPLETON.—A robbery
took place on Wednesday evening last, at Preston, under
the following circumstances, from which it will be seen
that the victim must be one of the veriest simpletons.
About seven o'clock, a person from Leyland was proceed-
ing to the railway station, on his return home, when he
was accosted in Fishergate by a female, who claimed his
protection from " that man behind," who had for some
time followed and " insulted " her. After walking a short
distance with her intended dupe, they got into a friendly
conversation, the insulting party following quietly behind
them. The latter now saw a quarrel commencing be-
tween the other two, when he went up to them, observing
" Oh, you are sweethearting a little," to which the un-
fortunate protector replied, " No, but this woman has
robbed me of seven sovereigns;" immediately on which
the woman made off, followed by the man who she said
had been insulting her. It turned nut that the parties
were well-known bad characters in the town. The silly,
and too confiding victim, immediately gave information
to the police, and from the description given of the
parties, the authorities had no difficulty in apprehending
them. The house was searched, when £l9 was found
secreted, and several articles of wearing apparel, quite
unsuited for the use of the prisoners. *They were brought
before the magistrates on Thursday, and committed for
trial.

THE SHORT TIME QUESTION.—For some time past
much jealousy has existed amongst the mill-owners about
Ashton-under-Line, as to who should be the first to com-
mence the adoption of the short-time principle, as being
advocated by Chailes Hindley, Esq., M. P., and other
gentlemen, in consequence of the high price of cotton and
the depression of the cotton trade. At length, however,
the matter has been taken up by the master spinners of
the Mossley district, who held a meeting at the Bull's
Head Inn, Mossley, on Thursday. The chair was
taken by George Braman, Esq., of Grove House, and
the following resolution was unanimously adopted :
" That the mills in the Mossley district commence on
Thursday, December 17, to work at the rate of eight
hours per day, or forty-six hours per week, and that they
be entirely closed from Dec. 24 to January 4, 1847, and
that they then commence again at the rate of forty-six
hours per week." In consequence of the above resolu-
tion, all the mills in Mossley and the neighbourhood com-
menced on Thursday to work on short time—viz., eight
hours per day. It may be remembered that the Mosslev
district is one of considerable importance, as it now
numbers at least sixteen firms, all of which, excepting a
portion of one, are engaged in spinning only. What is
more important is the fact that most of the large firms in
Ashton and Staleybridge are intending to stop eight or
nine days at Christmas, with an intention to work short
time afterwards.

ST. BARN ABAS' SCHOOLS.—On Thursday evening
last, the half-yearly examination of the infants attending
these schools, took place in the presence of the Bey. T.
Nolan, many members of St. Barnabas' congregation,
and a large number of the parents of the children. The
room, which was very tastefully decorated with ever-
greens, and several beautiful flags, bearing appropriate
scriptural mottoes, was densely crowded. Miss Colgan,
the clever and active mistress, conducted the examina-
tion, and certainly proved to all present, by eliciting ready
and correct answers from her young pupils, that she had
spared neither time nor pains in instructing their youth-
ful minds in the various branches of their education.
Some pleasing and instructive pieces also were recited in
excellent style, which called forth the approval of those
assembled. At the conclusion of the examination, the
Bev. T. Nolan addressed the meeting, and remarked how
much he had been gratified with what he had witnessed
that evening, there being a manifest improvement over
the previous half yeariy examination. He highly and de-
servedly complimented Miss Colgan and her two assis-
tants, for their exertions, and thanked them on behalf of
himself and his co-trustees. He also took the oppor-
tunity of soliciting the cooperation of the parents in the
good work by urging upon them the necessity of regularity
in attendance and cleanliness, and he was glad to compli-
ment them upon the latter point that evening, the children
having a remarkably clean appearance. The children
then concluded by singing " God Save the Queen ;" after
which, they had each a bun given to them. The meeting
then separated, highly gratified with the evening's pro-
ceedings. The number of infants in daily attendance is
about 240. The examination of the boys and girls was
conducted by Mr. Nolan, during the four previous suc-
cessive days, and was very satisfactory.
THE BROTHERS TEVENDECS GRAND CONCERTS.—
We shall be pardoned for re-directing the attention of the
admirers of classical music to the announcement of the
first concert of our young townsmen in this country, and
soliciting for them the liberal patronage of the public.
We have seen the programme, which is marked by exqui-
site taste; and we are convinced that the performances
will be of a very superior character. Indeed, we are satis-
fied that the talents and acquirements of these young men
would justify a vastly higher pretension than they have
vet put forward ; and we hope the utmost will be done to
induce them to settle in Liverpool. The concert, we have
much satisfaction in believing , will be attended by the
Mk' of Liverpool and the vicinity.

THE LIVERPOOL HEBREW PHILANTHROPIC SOCIETY.
—On Wednesday evening last, the anniversary of this
society was celebrated by a public dinner at the Royal
AFsembly-rooms' Great George-street. Mr. Edward S.
Samuel occupied the chair, and Mr. Frederick Jackson
the vice-chair. About sixty-three gentlemen sat down.
To the right and left of the chairman we noticed the Rev.
Dr. Raphael, of Birmingham, Thomas Thornely, Esq ,
M.P., James Aikin, Eyre Evans, Thomas Bolton, Tindal
Atkinson, John Hamilton Parr, Esqrs., and several of
the Jewish persuasion. There was a numerous attendance
of handsome and fashionably-attired ladies, as spectators,
in the gallery. Most of the gentlemen named delivered
addresses, but the speech of the evening was that of the
Rev. Dr. Raphael, who spoke long and eloquently in reply
to the toast of " The land we live in," The continued
prosperity of the society was drunk amid great enthusiasm.
EXTREME DESTITUTION AT DUCKENFIELD —On Fri-
day, a coroner's inquest was held at Duckenfield on the
body of a poor man's child named Pagett. The Rev
John Leeson said :—I art; minister of the New St.
George's District, Stalvbi idge. I visited the house of Pa-
gett or Friday last, in consequence of an application from
Pagett himself the day previously. He represented him-
self as being in great distress, and that he had a child
dying. When I went into the house, I found Pagett sit-
sing on a stone before the fire with the child in his arms.
I enquired if that was the only room they had, and if the
shavings were the only bed they were possessed of. All
the covering they had was a piece of old woollen carpet,
which lay on the top of the shavings. There was not any
article of furniture in the place. He told me he had no
food for his child excepting a little bread in a cup with
water. I asked if he had applied for relief since the day
before, or sent for a surgeon. He replied that his wife
had gone off to find some relief. I have seen hundreds
of cases, but I never saw one of greater destitution."—
The relieving officer was severely censured for neglect of
duty. The verdict was—" Died from bowel complaint,
aggravated by cold."
HIGHWAY BOARD, THURSDAY.—There were twelve
members present. Mr. Higgins handed in a bill from
Mr. Deane, the law-clerk, all of which was regular except
a charge of 2s. per folio for drawing out parliamentary no-
tices,—the usual charge being, he said, Is. He complained
of the great expense unnecessarily gone to by the Board
on the Water Bill, amounting in all to £2,693. The
Chairman said the parishioners ordered them to go to
parliament : he thought the money was well laid out.
Mr. Deane said the real charge for drawing up the papers
was 2s. a folio, and he had no objection to refer it to Mr.
Lloyd. Finally the bill was ordered to be paid. It was
stated that the tower at the Green-lane Waterworks had
now attained its full height, and that the boilers were
nearly fixed, &c. Out of doors, the work had been sus-
pended by the frost. A committee was appointed to in-
spect the works. A letter from Mr. Johnson was read,
claiming £3OO for the use of land in Hardman-street.
This it was agreed to resist. Mr. Deane said he had
received notice from the North-Western Railway of their
intention to apply for powers to take certain streets in
their line, to enlarge their Lime-street station. It was
agreed that the Board should remain neutral on the sub-
ject.

BRUTALIIY AND AVARICE.—A disgusting occurrence
has transpired in the village of Horwich, between Bolton
and Chorley. It appears that for some years past a
farmer, named John Heaton, had resided at a lonely farm
near the village. He is known as being extremely avari-
cious. His wife had had a paralytic stroke, and had been
in bed helpless for upwards of two years. The husband
was so penurious that he provided no person to attend
her, and he left her without food for days, in a condition
too shocking to be described. A woman who called upon
her on Friday found her dead and cold. The husband
bad gone to bed the previous night, without knowing or
caring whether she was dead or alive. No assistance was
called in after her death, and portions of her body were
eaten away by a half-starved cat ! The villagers talked
the matter over, and the circumstance reached the ears of
the coroner. The inquiry concluded on Friday, when the
following verdict was returned :—`' We believe that the
death of the deceased has been accelerated through want
of proper medical aid, and care and attention on the part
of her husband, John Heaton." This was a verdict of
manslaughter, and Heaton was taken into custody. The
inhuman husband has been twice convicted of cruelty to
animals.

SELECT VESTRY.—Several members made bitter com-
plaints of the rapidily increasing charge to this parish oc-
casioned by the immigration of poor Irish in a state of
destitution. The relief paid last week was £l6 more than
in the corresponding week of last year ; this week it was
£l2B 18s. 2d., in excess of the same week in 1845. The
increase was attributed to the numbers of poor Irish,
many of whom, one member said, were sent over to Li-
verpool for no other purpose than to be relieved. The
proportions of this week's relief were, to resident Irish
poor, £75 ' • to casual Irish poor, £25; to resident English
paupers, £lB, and that very morning (Tuesday) out of 40
applicants for relief, no less than 39 were Irish. If this
state of things continued the rates must be doubled. Mr.
Ferguson suggested that these facts should be represented
to the Government, who would probably do something.
The rev. chairman replied that the Government would,
no doubt, feel much obliged to the vestry for the infor-
mation, but their answer would be, they had enough, and
too much, on their hands of Ireland, to pay attention to
the Irish grievances of that ward. A voluminous report
was read from Mr. Weightman, upon the extensive alter-
ations and additions to the workhouse. The patients in
the fever hospital were reported to be 102. Mr. Steins
was elected a vestryman in the place of Mr. W. P.
Bushby resigned.
INQUESTS HELD BEFORE MR. CURRY, ON SATURDAY.
—On view of the body of Hugh Henry Waggett, a boy,
aged 11 years. lie complained of a pain in his head, and
said a policeman ,had struck him with his hand, a week
before, while he was w heeling a barrow on the footpath.
A surgeon was called to him on Thursday, but lie died
next day. A post mortem examination showed that he
had died from an abscess in the brain, the result of natural
causes. Verdict accordingly.—On the body of Alexander
Smith, aged 13. Deceased fell from a cart in Little How-
ard-street, on Saturday week, and one of the bales of cot-
ton, with which it was loaded, fell upon his head. He
was taken to the hospital, where he died on Friday last.
Verdict, " concussion of the brain."— On the body of
Elizabeth King, aged nine months. Verdict, died from
suffocation by the bed clothes.—On the body of Susan
Quin, aged 56. Deceased left Ireland by the steamer
Rover, on Wednesday, and while on the passage to this
port, became suddenly ill, and died in a few minutes.
On post mortem examination, lit appeared she had died
from congestion of the lungs, the result of natural
causes. Verdict accordingly.--On the body of
Thomas Lee, aged 76. Deceased, who lived in Rirnmer-
street, was found, on Friday night, by a police-officer,
lying groaning in Lancelot's-hey. He was taken to the
main bridewell for safety, and attended to. A surgeon
was also called, but the deceased did not rally, and died on
the following morning. From the evidence, the jury re-
turned a verdict, that death was caused by exposure to
cold.—On the body of Patrick Moffat, Oriel-street, ten
months old, who was taken out of bed in a dying state, on
Tuesday, and expired soon after, from a disease of the
bowels. Verdict, " Natural death".—On the body of
William Wheeler, Pellew-street, aged 70. Deceased, it
appeared, died from apoplexy.—On the body of Margaret
Unwin, a child eleven months old, living in Lambert-
street. Deceased was left, three weeks ago, with her bro-
ther, two and a-half years old, in a kitchen, when her
clothes took fire, and she was so much burnt, that she
died on Thursday last. Verdict, death from fire ; but how
her clothes became ignited, no evidence.

THE CHAPLAIN'S REPORT ON THE PRESTON HOUSE
or CORRECTION.—The report of the Rev, John Clay on
this important subject has just been published. It is a
document of great length, the 23rd handed in by the
writer, and exhibits great research and attention on his
part on the question of prison discipline. Ile announces
a still further decrease of crime, arising chiefly from the
system of discipline adopted in the House of Correction
there. The general decrease of commitments in the last
year was more than seven per cent. as compared with
those of the previous year, though the last had been less
favourable than the former with regard to employ and
wages. Time was when prisoners came out of gaol worse
than they went in. Now, happily, undtr the improved
discipline of the gaol, many of them were redemed from
the error of their ways, and rendered useful members of 1,
society. Mr. Clay supplies a variety of statistics, show-
ing
the gradual amendment produced, but we have not
room for details, and must therefore, refer thoSe inter-
ested to the report itself, which will no doubt be pub- '
lished in a separate form. The means adopted comprise
the separation of prisoners as a means of their reforma•
lion, religious instrnetion, and kindness, so far as it can
be consistently exercised, and also a strict enforcement as
regards the principal culprits, of the " silent system."
Many of these have, after leaving the gaol, voluntarily
acknowledged with gratitude the blessings they have de-
rived from the moral and physical training to which they
have been subjected; and we think the system should be
well weighed by,' our own authorities and the govern-
ment before a definite plan for our new gaol be decided
upon, as much, no doubt, depends upon the internal adap-
tation of the building for separation, or classification. Mr.
Clay strongly recommends the moi:eso successfully adopted
by Mr. Wright, of Manchester, a benevolent gentleman,
who by comparatively small private means, has done incal-
culable good, by finding employment for discharged pri-
soners who have determined to lead amended lives. On
this point, Mr. Clay remarks :—" A prisoner, before li-
beration, gives satisfactory evidence of his wish to lead an
honest life. Ile is recommended to the favourable notice
of Mr. Wright, or of the Prisoners' Relief Society. Sa-
tisfied of his sincerity, efforts are made to interest some
benevolent employer in his behalf, and a small sum of
money is assignee! for his support until some employ may
be found. The two things chiefly required in the recovery
ofia culprit to respectability, are, I trust, both attainable ;
the reformatory discipline of the prison, and the confi-
dence of employers in the effects of that discipline The
latter will not be wanting when the former is established."
It appears that a society, having a similar ohject, has been
established in Preston, and has been highly successful.
Mr. Clay dwells at some length on " public education"
of the right kind, as a strong preventative of crime, and he
thus concludes :—" The legislature may without much
difficulty provide for the improvement of prison discipline
nod for the reformation of offenders. May they be ena-
bled to frame, with the cordial concurrence of all parties.
wise and compreherkive measures for promoting sound
religious education. In proportion as that moves vigor-
ously forward, disorder and crime must recede. The po-
verty caused by ignorance and low sensuality will be di-
minished. The religious and well-informed workman will
shun, from inclination as well as from principle, the gro-
velling pleasures of the beer-shop ; and the appetite of the
younger operative for reading and amusement will revolt
from the literary garbage on which thousands are now
feeding." Mr. Clay deserves well of his country for his
exertions, and the pains he has taken to introduce a re-
formation in the treatment of prisoners, which is found to
be highly conducive to their redemption from evil ways,
and with it, to the security and advantage of society at
large.