The Blackpool Herald. — 1886-12-31 (Blackpool, Lancashire, England)

HAPPY NEW YEAR." the Preesall salt mine will be re-opened. A -quantity of machinery has been placed at the top of the shaft, and steps are being taken for the laying of pipes across the Wyre, where the necessary buildings will be ezected for manufacturing purposes. By this means outward cargoes will be provided for vessels, and employment for a number of hands. During the year there have been several shipwrecks, including the stranding in January, on Pilling sands, of two vessels, when two men and a youth were drowned; the collision in November between a brig and a barque, when the crews were rescued by the Fleetwood lifeboat; and the loss of the Sir Robert Peel, wrecked on the beach. Last August Bank Holiday will long be remembered in Fleetwood. for on that day a distressing boat accident happened on the river, two young ladies being drowned, while several others narrowly escaped with their lives, being I rescued by the ferrymen. In February the crew of the smack Perseverance, which had been run down by a Barrow steamer, were rescued by the Belfast steamer, Thomas Dngdale. At the annual election of Commissioners in April, the old members— Messrs. W. Seed, Foster, Gibson, and Lofthouse were returned. At the School Board election, the successful candidates were the , Rev. F. R. Pearson, Messrs. T. M. Wearing I and Marginson (Church of England), Mr. J. Crookall (Roman Catholic), Rev. A. Bailey (Congregationalist), Mr. T. Fisher jun., (Primitive Methodist), and Mr. E. Porter (Wesleyan). Many breaches have been made in the ranks of the inhabitants during the past year, the following having joined the great majority :—Rev. J. Pearson (vicar), whose spirit winged its flight on April Bth ; Hugh Ascroft, at the age of 87; Richard Shaw, assistant master at the Testimonial School, who was drowned whilst bathing at Knott End; William Hudson, fish dealer; and Joseph Walaasley, property owner. Towards the close of the year a disastrous fire happened at the India Rubber Works, belonging to Mr. Harris Markus, a large amount of damage being done. With the closing scenes of the year might be mentioned the dispute over the Whitworth Institute, which promises to end in favour of Mr. W hitworth . 1886 has not been without its changes at Rossall School. In February the entire institution keenly felt the loss of Miss Ross, who was for many years Matron at the School. But a greater trouble than that hung over Rossall, for in July Mr. James announced his intention of accepting the Deanery of St. Asaph, which had been offered to him. At the annual prize distribution he was the recipient of many pleasing tokens of esteem and affection, and aui regretted his departure from the School. A. worthy successor to Mr. James has been found it. the person of the Rev. C. C. Tancock, MA., under whose guidance and care, coupled with that of the energetic bursar, Captain Robertson, the "Northern Church of England School" continues to justify its motto "Floreat Rossallia." Looking to the district, we find that at St. Annes christian zeal is in the ascendant, the Parish Chinch having been re-opened during the year, while the Baptist's have built for themselves a comely house of prayer. Of course the recent disaster completely overshadows all other events, but through all the gloom comes the cheering thought tha:t the fatherless and widows have been provided for. The courage of the St. Annes lifeboat will pass from generation to generation, while at the same time the glorious generosity of the British public may well be recounted. At Lytham, the inhabitants are also still mourning over their lost ones. while at the same time they are filled with pride at the glorious achievements of their courageous lif'boat crew. In some respects the past year has been an eventful one. The shocking murder is referred to above. The reports of the monthly meetings of the Commissioners were somewhat lively reading, until the grand climax was reached, and Mr. Barber completely cleared the decks. We do not mean to say that Mr. Barber was to blame for all the mischief, but sham he resigned matters have gone on quite smoothly. During the year Dr. Fisher resigned his post as Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Eason being appointed as his successor. The success of the promenade band fully justified the experiment, and should encourage the inhabi'ants to sti 1 greater energy in the future. As the year passes away, many in the t own sre urning over the death c f a: r. spect3c.l tOwLss as, Mr, Garlick, of Clifton-street.