I will not make many comparisons between the past and present, yet I think in many respects the present is better than the past. The tone of morality is higher, and the faction fights between the young men and boys of the Sandy Road, Market Place and Old Cross districts, linger only in memory. The town is healthier, the open drains, cesspools and piggeries have been removed with great advantage. We have better facilities for getting information. English papers daily, daily mail and excellent local newspapers.
Young people have better ways of spending their evenings.
Literary and Improvement Associations, etc. The raffling in private and public houses, and the widespread drinking facilities are changed for the better. The Sabbath is better observed, the cammag playing in the fields, pitch and toss and card playing in quiet nooks have given way to a healthier moral tone, and so far as I can see the future is still more hopeful.