The Liverpool Standard and General Commercial Advertiser.
Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1848-07-25 00:00:00

Mtstritt Reltls.

On Friday week Samuel H. Thompson, Esq., of Thing-
wall Hall, qualified as a magistrate for this county.
The newly-enclosed market-place, heretofore the bowl-
ing-green, has been opened at Southport.
Several fields of barley were cut near Doncaster last
week, and afield of oats near Warrington.
The splendid new Roman Catholic Church, recently
erected in Salford, Manchester, is to be dedicated on the
9th of Augnst next, on which occasion Bishop Wiseman
will preach.
Barnett, the principal witness in the late charge of
murder against Lord Leigh, at Warwick, died about
fifteen miles from Manchester, on Sunday, of " habitual
intoxication."

THE POTATOE BLIGHT.—We are sorry to find that the
potatoe blight of 1845 has indubitably made its appear-
ance. It has not only made its appearance in the
South, Hampshire, Devonshire, &c.. In this neighbour-
hood, also, it is evidently visible. At Warrington and Wal-
lasey, there are manifest symptoms of it, but how far the
progress may extend is as yet a problem, and we hope for
the best. In many parts of Ireland the desease has'
disappeared.
A Match at Quoits took place on Wednesday, on the
grounds belonging to Mr. E. Fare, the Brockhole's Arms
Inn, Skippool, betwixt some Liverpool gentlemen and
some Poulton gentlemen. The prize contested for was a
handsome polished pair of quoits, which were soon car-
ried off by the former, being professors of the art, and
members of the Caledenian Club ; the Poultoniss not
having the slightest chance, being only amateurs. After
the contest was over, a most excellent dinner was pre-
pared, got up by Mrs. Fare in a most creditable manner,
when about 30 guests partook of it, and to which, of
course, ample justice was done. After the cloth was
removed, Mr. James Sykes, of the firm of Messrs.
Gardner and Sykes, Liverpool, was called to the chair,
which he ably filled, to the satisfaction of all present.
CAUTION.—INTIMIDATION AND THREATENING LET-
TERS TO LADIES.—About the 6th of this month, a married
lady of Manchester, who was at one of the marine bathing
places on the Lancashire coast, was somewhat startled by
observing that all her movements were watched, and her-
self followed everywhere, by a tall man, about six feet
high, with sandy hair, red whiskers, and slightly round
shouldered, who was respectably dressed. After noticing
him following her about during one day, she found, to
her surprise, on entering the breakfast room the follow-
ing morning, that he was stationed outside the house, as
if awaiting her leaving it. In order to elude what she
considered his impertinence, she directed that the carriage
should take her up at the back door ; and she then pro-
ceeded for a drive, but had not gone far, when she saw
the man hovering about, staring at her. As she had a
person with her, he did not accost her; but this annoy-
ance continuing, when she wished to take a walk, she
took care to have a gentleman with her. Still the tall
man with the red whiskers was seen hanging about, fol-
lowing her everywhere, and apparently seeking an oppor-
tunity to speak with her. This annoyed her so much,
that she wrote to her husband, who was detained in Man-
chester by business, but who went over immediately, and
gave information to the police superintendent stationed
at the place. But the mysterious obtruder had disap-
peared, and the lady returned home to Manchester. But
on the following day she received a letter, bearing the
post marks of Fleetwood, Preston, and Manchester, all
dated the 11th, complaining that the lady had baffled h
`attempts to see her, and declaring his determination to
dodge" her everywhere, unless she sent him £2O, for
money he wanted, and must have. He said he should
come and reside, No. 13, street, Manchester, and
desired her to send the money there. There were various
offensive inuendoes in the letter, and threats to write
next to the lady's relatives ; and it was evident that the
writer, or some confederate, knew the family. The letter
is written in a small female hand, but is evidently the
composition of a course, brutal fellow. The lady's hus-
band at once laid the letter before Mr. Beswick, chief
superintendent of police, who found, on visiting the street
named, that it only contained one house, and that occu-
pied by respectable ladies. The matter would be strange
enough if it rested here ' • but on the lady mentioning the
circumstances to several of her own friends, she learned,
to her astonishment, that three other ladies in her own
circle of acquaintance, had received similar threatening
letters, in the same handmiting, and all demanding
money.

CORRESPONDENCE.

SCRIPTURAL EDUCATION.

TO THE CHRISTIAN PUBLIC OF LIVERPOOL.

MY DEAR FRIENDS,—St. Simons' Church has been
repeatedly before you during the last ten years. lam
now constrained to address you on behalf of my schools.
We have been obliged to quit the rooms, where for
nearly three years our schools have assembled in numbers
amounting to 500 children, and as I dare not break up
such schools, I have taken a large and convenient house
at a rent of £6O per annum for their accommodation.
This step increases our expenses £35 per annum ; besides
the cost of moving, re-fitting, &c. &c., will be nearly £5O,
for which sum I appeal to you.
I cannot appeal to my congregation, they are poor
people ; they have agreed to contribute towards the
working of the schools. In the new parish of St. Simons
there are 2416 children, of these 1375 are infants and
workers ; 639 are at different schools, and 410 are playing
in the streets.

I feel that I need add no more, but state my request,
as the times are very bad, I would only ask those who may
feel inclined to send me the small sum of two shillings
and sixpence (if by post, in stamps). Four hundred such
responses will produce the required amount.—l have the
honour to remain, your very grateful servant,
JOHN R. CONOR, M.A.
Minister of St. Simons.

109, Salisbury-square,
Liverpool.

STREET CRIES ON THE SABBATH-DAY.

TO THE EDITOR OF THE LIVERPOOL STANDARD.

you kindly inform me whether the crying
of herrings, water-tresses, &c., on the Lord's day, is by
law permitted ? I have been often pained very deeply,
when going down to the Sunday-school and to church,
by having my ears almost deafened by the above-men-
tioned cries. Surely this is not '• remembering the Sab-
bath-day to keep it 'holy." And does it not seem strange
that in such a town as Liverpool, with such a Mayor as
our present one, this Sabbath desecration cannot be pre-
vented ?—I remain, yours faithfully,

VERAX

TO THE EDITOR OF THE LIVERPOOL STANDAND.

SIR,—An article having appeared in your paper of
Tuesday last, the lSth instant, in which my name is
mixed up, having been taken from a paper called the
Vindicator, published in Boston, U.S., in January last,
in which my name and character are much maligned, it is
only left me to pronouce the said article to be unfounded
and false in every particular; and my attorney in New
York had already found that the vile sheet of "a day"
had been discontinued, and that the publishers were
worthless. _ _ _

Relying that you will see the justice of giving this a
place in the next publication of the STANDARD,
I am, yours respectfully,
J. HERDMAN.

86, Waterloo-road, Liverpool,
July 22d.

OPENING OF THE LIVERPOOL. CROSBY, AND

SOUTHPORT RAILWAY.

It has been a subject of regret in Liverpool for many
years that, notwithstanding the establishment of omni-
buses along what is called the North Shore,"to Bootle,
Waterloo; and Crosby, there was no direct or cheaply
available road, or conveyance, to Southport (a favourite
watering place), or in other words, the means of a sea-
shore ride between the Mersey and the Ribble. There is
no part of the coast of Lancashire more salubrious than
that between the two rivers named, or presenting finer sea-
side walks or rides; but distance, and the absence of good
roads prevented access. The land, or rather the sand,
for (to some distance inward), the soil, as an Irishman
would say, is but sand, was. though inviting for sea-
bathers and others who had the means of wfirking their
way to the beach, of no other value, saving to a few rab-
bits. So far as Crosbie. this has been greatly amended
since 1828, when " Crosbie Sea-Bank Cottages and Ho-
tel," just before erected, gave an impetus to builders and
speculators, and Waterloo, together with numerous rows
of houses, and an almost continuous succession of man- i
sions and villas sprang up along the shore, with forced
gardens, grounds, and pastures, northward from the town
to Great Crosbie, a distance of about six miles. Still
there was a want of conveyance further to the north ;
and we rejoice to anticipate that the Southport railway,
which was opened on Friday last, will redeem the ,
whole of the sea-coast hence to Southport, by (through
cheap and rapid conveyanc), inducing the building of
villas and cottages, and affording a delightful ride at all
times, to all classes, whether for residence or recreation:
Another advantage will be the cheap and rapid conveyance
to market of agricnitural produce.
The portion of the line as yet finished between Water-
loo and Southport, a distance of In miles, was opened on
Friday last, and a grand fete was given on the occasion.
Captain Simmons, the government inspector had previ-
ously gone over the line, and expressed his high approval
of the work, which was executed by Messrs. S. Holme
and WCorrnick, the contractors, and which, he expressed
himself, did them the greatest credit. At the station at
Waterloo, all was bustle and gayety,—music, flags, &.e.
The Odd Fellows from Southport, who had arrived by the
line, were present in their best attire, accompanied by
numerous females and children well-attired. About 150
ladies and gentlemen were specially invited to the opening
ride and a d6guner, by the contractors. There were
three locomotives—the Sefton, the Formby, and the
Blundell—and the carriages were handsome and commo-
dious. The line is but a single one, but we trust that its
success will ere long induce the addition of a second ; and
even the present line, by judicious working, will be of
great value to the vicinity, and, as a matter of health and
convenience, to the public of Liverpool and other towns.
At half-past two "The Formby," with a train of six-
teen carriages, started from Waterloo amid lusty cheers
from the persons assembled at the station.
" The journey (says a contemporary) was accomplished
in less than half an hour. There is not much along the
line to challenge attention. The country, being close to
the sea coast, is necessarily barren, and more sandhills
than houses are visible along the route. The usual a-
mount of rustic curiosity was displayed, and groups of
country people were to be seen at intervals gaping with
wonderment at the power and the progress of the fire-
horse. Everywhere numberless rabbits were visible cape-
ring away with characteristic timidity."
At Southport, the train was welcomed by a large con-
course of spectators.
Immediately afterwards, the directors and their friends
proceeded to the Assembly Rooms, where a splendid col-
lation, given by the contractors, and furnished by Mr.
Lynn, of the Waterloo Hotel in this town, had been pre-
pared. Covers were laid for 130.
Mr. Samuel HOLME ably presided; and amongst those
present were Rector Brooks, Messrs. James and Arthur
Holme, Mr. Alderman Chilton, Mr. Hugh Hornby, Mr.
Alderman Nicoll, Dr. Duncan, Mr. Alexander, Mr. Juhn
Smith, Mr. J. A. Tobin, Dr. Formby, Mr. Edward Moly-
neux, Mr. W. Stuart, Mr. Hawkshaw, &c., &c., together
with a large muster of Lancashire witches.
After the usual loyal toasts,
The CHAIRMAN, in proposing " the" toast of the day,
" Success to the Liverpool, Crosby, and Southport Rail-
way." said, in effect,—The remarkable county with which
we are connected has not only taken the lead in one of
the most important of our national manufactures, but in
pursuing her magnificent operations of commerce, she has
distanced the metropolis itself. Her ships, laden with the
productions of British industry, are found in every sea,
and the names of her merchants are familiar in every
clime and in every language spoken by civilised nations;
and it is matter of congratulation that the character of
the British merchant is identified, not more with enter-
prise than with integrity. But while the foreign com-
merce is pursued, the means of transit are not neglected,
and to Lancashire is principally owing the establishment
of those magnificent steamers which have reduced the
mighty Atlantic to a mere lake, and brought our Ameri-
can brethren within ten days' sail of our shores. To Lan-
cashire also is owing in the greater degree the establish-
ment of railways,—that wonderful means by which count-
less thousands can traverse the land with the speed of the
wind ; which have taught our engineers and our media-
nics to overcome the interposing obstacles of liature, which
enable us to economise time and to travel with ease and
comparative security. Added to the many iron links
which connect distant counties, which bring Perth into
proximity with Plymouth, and Glasgow with Dover and
Southampton, is that, of the opening of the railway we are
now met to commemorate. Those who do not give them-
selves the trouble to think, may imagine it to be one of
very little importance. But when we reflect that it will
open up to the manufacturing districts with their 2,000,000
of population, fifteen miles of the finest shore that can be
desired, and enable this teeming population to exchange
in an hour or two the murky atmosphere of Manchester,
and Stockport, and Bolton, for the salubrious breezes
which come in all their virgin purity from sweeping the
ocean—when we reflect that the necessities of commerce
have deprived the population of Liverpool of the shores of
the Mersey, and that here they can find a delightful sub-
stitute—when we remember that this shore, so delightful
to the residents and the visiters, is yet fraught with dan-
ger to the hardy and intrepid mariners, and that by means
of the electric telegraph his distress can be instantly known
in Liverpool, and this railway can supply the means of al-
most instant succour, surely it must be admitted, on the
score of health, .benevolence, and humanity, that such a
railway is most important, and was indeed required ; and
I hope that the directors, having a line unexampled in the
cheapness of its formation, will soon be able to connect it
with the station in Liverpool, and that, ere long, those
hills and fields which from time immemorial have been

inhabited only by hares and rabbits. will become the abode
of thousands of our race, induced thereto by the liberal
facilities which will be afforded them by the railway board,
and a corresponding liberality of the owners of the soil."
He concluded by a happy political allusion to the dis-
turbed state of Europe, and the institutions. of this coun-
try. The toast was enthusiastically drunk.
Mr. Alderman Nicol, ably responded. Amidst other
remarks he said he hoped to see the Liverpool merchants
take a ride to Southport with as great ease as to Woolton
or to Kirkdale in former days, and meet their families in
an evening upon the more healthful shore of Southport
and its neighbourhood. He concluded by a compliment
to the ladies, whose health was enthusiastically drunk,
and acknowledged on their behalf by Mr. Moss.
Several other toasts followed, which drew forth Mr.
Hugh Hornby, Mr. M`Cormick, Mr. James Holme, Mr.
Williams (engineer), and others, all of whom made elo-
quent and appropriate remarks. The toast of " The
Press" was responded to by Mr. Alexander, of the Mail,
and Mr. John Smith, of the Mercury-office. The occa.,
sion passed off with the greatest ee/cit, and no acci4gut
whatever occurred to war the pleaßrea of the day.