Newspaper Transcripts
Some Selected Reports from The Burniston's Northern Luminary
Wednesday 31st January 1849
The LUMINARY is Published every fourth Wednesday by Mr. JOHN BURNISTON, Jun. the Proprietor, at his residence, in Burniston's Yard, opposite the George and Dragon Inn, Briggate, KNARESBOROUGH, Yorkshire *** It cannot be sent by Post as other Newspapers, it being Unstamped, but a single Postage Stamp will frank it to any part of the United Kingdom.
PRICE TWO PENCE. (No.2. Vol.1
January 31, 1849.
THE LUMINARY
"Ours are the plans of fair delightful peace,
Unwarped by party rage to live like brothers."
THE GAS MONOPOLY.
Of all the evils which infest our local interests there is perhaps none greater than the present enormous price of gas; and as we have pledged ourselves to protect the interests of our fellow-townsmen we feel it our duty to approach the ruling powers of the gas-house and modestly ask them for a slight reduction in their scale of charges, feeling assured that they may well afford to comply with our requestt now that the price of coal is considerably lower since the introduction of local railways.
We beg to remind the company that eight shillings and fourpence for a thousand cubic feet of gas is an imposition which will not be long endured by an enlightened public when coals are selling at less than 10s per ton; therefore, if they look forward to their own interests they will do well to lower their charges or the public perchance may cease to be their customers and leave them to dispose of their articls [sic] as best they can.
The price of gas has been reduced in other places with great advantage, not only to customers, but to companies themselves, and if it is found that the demand can be so much increased as to benefit companies by reducing charges, why not try the experiment in Knaresborough ? We know not of any place where such a boon is more needed, and we know not of any company who are better able than ours to bend before the pressure of the times, Gas making has been a very profitable business for many years past, but the time has now arrived when dealers in gas, in common with dealers in everything else, must submit to prices calculated to square with the interests of the community.
We hope the gas company will take our friendly hint, and once endeavour to act upon a more liberal scale; otherwise the LUMINARY will shine upon them with facts and figures untill [sic] the desired end shall be accomplished.
EARLY CLOSING OF SHOPS.
One of the greatest steps towards the intellectual improvement of the human family, would in our opinion be the early closing of shops, and as we know that our good old town contains at least, a few of these public spirited individuals who, are favourable to this much needed reform, we begin the work of agitation with a good spirit scarcely doubting that in a short time our efforts to put down the baneful system of night shopping will be crowned with success.
To a very numerous family of shopmen and apprentices night shopping is productive of serious mischief. It fosters ignorance and superstition, whilst at the same time, it lays the groundwork of disease, and is of no real benefit to tradesmen themselves. With the exception of market days, what is sold after the hour of eight o'clock in the evening in nine cases out of ten, will not in reality yield more profit than the coast of artificial light, especially when gas is selling at 8s. 4d per thousand cubic feet, therefore it is obvious to all that the system of early closing would prove of no disadvantage whatever to shopkeepers, while it would confer an invaluable boon to a host of shopmen and apprentices by offording them leisure to read, to take an evening's walk, and thus improve their health and intellects. Let the tradesmen of Knaresborough take the matter into serious consideration, and begin the good work immediately.
THE HARROGATE GAS NUISANCE.
The powers that be have not been slow in opening a persecution against a few individuals whose consciences forbid them paying for the "street winkers;" but whether the Commissioners and gasmen will eventually gain by the point is not for us to tell it will doubtless turn the tide of affairs against them as the next election of Commissioners. The so called "street winkers," which were a disgrace to the town, and a laughing stock to the visitors, have disappeared since these doings, and who will fret the loss of a few "sparks" which at best were only a kind of cross between a rushlight and a farthing candle, and for which the public were charged more then 10s per 1000 feet with the most unblushing effrontery. How long will the ratepayers of Harrogate suffer themselves to be thus ridden ?
GOLDBRO - The noble scion of the house of Harewood, who has recently taken up his abode in this village, on Monday, the 8 inst, treated the villagers to an excellent dinner, after which they were regaled with ale and punch. The fragments were next day divided amongst the poor, who will long remember such an unexpected Godsend. The rustics enjoyed the treat exceedingly, and all passed off pleasantly.
SIR JOSEPH RADCLIFFE, of Rudding Park, has in a most liberal manner supplied the poor of Follifoot with coals, and other necessaries, during the late trying season, by which he has deservedly earned their good wishes.
TRAVELLING THIEVES - A few nights ago, two strangers made several attempts to purloin articles from different shops in this town, and they were eventually successful in stealing a piece of meat from the shop of Mr. Joseph Fawcet, but the delinquents fell into the hands of the police and were transmitted to the Riding cage.
THUNDER STORM - A terrific storm of thunder and lightning passed over this town, during the night of Sunday week.
AGRICULTURE.
POTATOES - We perceive that a few of the knowing agriculturalists of this district, have been trying the experiment of setting their potatoes during the present month, in hopes that they may gather the crops before the occurrence of the atmospheric blights which generally take place in the month of August. We approve of the plan, which in our opinion will prove successful, if properly carried out.
THE SEASON - The weather during the month has been everything that could be reasonably desired by the husbandman. The recent frosts were favourable to the carting of manure, and the subsequent fine weather has afforded ample opportunity for the progress of the plough and other out-door employment. The young wheat looks well.
PUBLIC ACCOMMODATION.
The Royal UNION, to Leeds, every morning; from the Crown Inn; returns in the evening.
The Royal MAIL, to Leeds, every day at half-past four p.m. from the Elephant and Castle Inn; returns about half past nine a.m. W. Randal, pro.
An Opposition coach to and from Leeds, at the same hours as above. Littlewood and Co. proprietors.
EAST AND WEST YORKSHIRE RAILWAY.
Trains leave Knaresborough for York, on week days at 8.15 a.m., 1.15 p.m., and 6.15 p.m. On Sundays at 9.15 a.m. and 6.20 p.m. Trains arrive from York on week days at 7.45 a.m., 12.45 p.m., and 6. -5 [?] p.m. Sundays at 8.45 a.m. and 6.15 p.m.
Towlson's Omnibus runs to Harrogate, in connection with the trains. The fares are reasonable.
MARRIAGES.
Jan.28. At the Superintendent registrars Office in this town, Mr. Thomas Swale, of Star-beck, to Miss Eliza Hardisty, of the same place.
Jan.20, at the same place, Mr John King, of Cowthorpe, to Miss Mary Ann Houseman, of Spofforth.
Same day, and place, Mr. William Smith, of Spofforth, to Miss Mary Ann Wilks, of Follifoot.
December 30. Mr. Thos. Wilson, rag and bone merchant, of this town, aged 70, to Miss Mary Snowdon, of the same place, aged 17.
On Christmas Day, at Goldsbro', by the Rev. T.A. Attwood, Mr John Walker, blacksmith, of that village, to Miss Mary Newsam, of Flaxby.
DEATHS.
January 20. At Follifoot, Mrs Grace Lawson late of Goldsbro' near this town.
Jan. 25. Mrs Mary Hoult, relict of the late Mr J Hoult, tailor, of Windsor Lane, in this town.
Jan 13. Margaret, wife of Mr Thomas Smith, tailor, of Cheapside, in this town, aged 66.
Same day, aged 48, John Howgate, Esq, land surveyor, of this town.
Jan.15. Jean, wife of Mr Daniel Malcolm, gardener, to Sir Charles Slingsby, of Scriven-Park. 81
Jan 7. Aged 73, Mrs Sarah Martin of Kirkgate, in this town.
Same day, aged 59, Ann, wife of Mr T. Darby, wire-worker, of Cheapside, in this town.
RAMBLES IN THE COUNTRY.
No.2, A VISIT TO THE ABBEY.
It was early one gloomy morning in December we left our pent up dormitory in Briggate, to enjoy the pleasures of a ramble in the country, and being admirers of the romantic we strayed down the Abbey road to give mind and body a breathing pause.
Before we saw the beauties of the country, we beheld a vast amount of misery and wretchedness. In passing down the street we met a pretty considerable current of individuals which has emerg'd from the "padding kens" setting our on their daily profession of begging - real and sham poverty stricken wretches, composed of wooden legged sailors, women in rags hung down with children, organ grinders, tingalaries, violin players, tinkers, and venders of lucifer matches, all going out to seek their daily bread, and wending their way to the humane and charitable.
Mingled with this stream of homeless wanderers we observed a few individuals going forth not to beg, but to earn a precarious subsistence by the sweat of their brow, whilst others less fortunate, who were not acquainted with the pursuits of agriculture, stood twisting their thumbs in their respective doorways not knowing where to look for any honest employment, whereby they may pick up a scanty putting on, for themselves and their families.
The first time we travelled down Briggate, things wore a different aspect. In those days work was plentiful, and the voice of looms plainly told us that the linen trade afforded employment of hundreds of our fellow townsmen, but industry subsequently took her flight. In the absence of railways and navigable rivers, dame fortune forsook us, nobody would send us the raw material by the expensive mode of land carriage, and thus the trade of this once flourishing town, was allowed to decay under the reign of neglect.
But enough of this, since we are at last favored with railways, let us hope for a revival of trade and better doings.
Instead of proceeding over March-Bridge, we marched towards the Abbey, and after penetrating a thicket of cottages (some of which has their windows glazed with paper and old hats instead of glass), amid the clamorous uproar of a large concourse of children, amusing themselves by throwing a dead cat at each other; we found ourselves in a dangerous looking path - one in which timidity might tremble. There we saw wooden ordnance pointed at us from the battlement of Fort-Montague, whilst a Knights Templar armed with a sword of stone, stood as if to prevent us from invading upon the sacred rights of St.Robert, and his Chapel. On the other hand the swoollen current of the ling coloured Nidd confined to the narrow limits of our path, whilst the huge masses of limestone rock, which towered far above our heads, threatened every step to reduce our mortal frame to powder. Proceeding however, we found ourselves in less dangerous ground - not so closely pressed between the rocks and rivers, but more at liberty, in the midst of near little plots of cultivated ground, with the grumbling torrents and the rugged cliffs at a more respectable distance.
By this time however, the fruits of the earth were gathered, and the many rare and curious plants which abound in this locality were giving indications of winters sleep.
The sweet flowers of spring had departed; and
"No mark of vegetable life was seen,
Save the dark leaves of some rude evergreen,
No bird to bird repeats his tuneful call,
Save the lone Redbrest on the moss green wall."
Yes ! we heard the warbling of Robin ? and we presently realized what the old woman say of him, "that he is the harbinger of foul weather," for scarcely had we reached the site of the Abbey, ere' the wind blew a complete hurricane, and the sleet peltered our ears most unmercifully. But we heeded not the storm. Although Old Winter snarled and seemed ready to bite us, we knew that spring would return again, we saw the chiel carefully wrapped up in the roots and bulbs of the sleeping plants.
The Abbey was founded in 1218, by Richard Plantagenet, brother to Henry the 3rd, and according to tradition, the Order of the Trinity was instituted by the Holy Saint Robert, about a year before his death. The rule of the Monks was that of Saint Austin, they wore white robes, with a red and blue cross on their breasts; their revenues were divided into three parts; one for their support and maintenance; another to relieve the poor, and the third to redeem such Christians as were, or should be taken captives by the infidels. At this time their was but one Order of this kind in England, and the brethren were styled Robertines or Trinitarians. The Monks of Knaresbro' were pretty wealthy, the Priory being well endowed with lands, by King John, and one of the Percy's. The Church, and Convent, and other contiguous buildings, were it is supposed destroyed at the dissolution of religious houses in the reign of King Henry the 8th, tradition says that the tower of the church contained 12 bells, and that, upon the destruction of the place, they were parcelled out as follows, viz:- four to the parishioners of Knarebro', four to the inhabitants of Spofforth, and four to the village of Kirby-Malzeard. How our Kirby friends contrived to get their quoto of music we know not, their seems to be a mistery [sic] about which we are quite unable to unravel. There still remains one tombstone about a foot in thickness, bearing a "cross moline", and an inscription which however at present is illegible.
Temptation invited us to prolong our visit in this vale of loveliness and Grimbald Crag gave us a familiar not, the old Cliffe no doubt wishing to figure in our sketch, but our appetite told us it was breakfast time, and instead of pacing over the haunts of Daniel Clark, and Eugene Aram, we hastened up the Flat, and after partaking of a hearty breakfast, we resumed our Editorial labors.
Corespondence. [sic]
To the Editor of the Northern Luminary
Sir, - It is beyond dispute, allowed that bottling Sulphur Water and sending it to different parts; is highly injurious to the lodging-house keepers and tradesmen of Harrogate, through keeping whole families away, which would otherwise visit us, and if people knew of the amazing quantity of bottled last season at one place they would not be surprised at the effect it has on Visitors in a numerical point of view. Let us take a peep at the two main depots for this bottling system and see how far they tend to the public weal. It is granted that all the inhabitants have equal rights to bottle have they the chance ? is it not notorious that all Visitors of respectability subscribe to the old Sulphur Well rooms ? and is it not notorious that though it being considered the sanctum sanctorum of Holy Water, that they are solicited for orders and imagine they get the best water there, which upon this consideration they order there. Where then is the chance of the housekeepers to gain any benefit ? if they get any it must be after the Lions are fed then they come in for the refuse if they come in for anything. It may be said that the money is applied to improving the place ! do the improvements produce benefits equal to their cost. What great improvement was there in nicknaming the paltry streets, calling them squares ! and parks, square with only two sides and sometimes only one, and parks without wood, water, or deer, although the christening of them was dear enough. Does the immortal tablets, lately erected beside the tap of the old Sulphur Well deserve the name of an improvement, certainly in the same ratio as the naming of the streets, in short the money was thrown away. To what improvements foes the money got for bottling water by the Victoria Company go to improving their yearly dividends, how much the people get of this they may easily tell without having recourse to the figures - these parties have great influence through having the baths, and they use it well for the good of the public. If this nefarious system must be tolerated have a central Depot established by the inhabitants at large, and let no private individual, or Company bottle water, appoint proper people to manage it, and let the proceeds go towards liquidating the taxation, or poor-rates of the place, for by the absence of Visitors, caused by sending the water away, the people are losers, and they undoubtedly have a right to the profits arising from the cause that keeps them away ! Surely the rental of the Well and other incomes are sufficient for the improvement at any rate, it is as much as the twenty-one sages ought to have power to squander after the proofs they have given of their immaculate talent ! The time is approaching when there will be Commissioners to choose, let the people choose such as will stand by their rights, and let the first question be put to them be will you vote for the abolition of the monopoly carried on at present in the bottling of Sulphur Water ? there is no need of begging it is their right and they deserve to be robbed if they have not the manhood to protect their rights. There are other matters to dwell upon at another time, at present I conclude hoping no personal offence will be taken, I aim at no individual but at all who are engaged in this unjust and nefarious traffic.
I am, Sir, yours, etc.
"A VOICE FROM THE WELL."
District Intelligence.
ALDBOROUGH.
IMPORTANT ANTIQUARIAN DISCOVERY.
The antiquarians are we presume going to convert the Black Swan by degrees into a Roman temple, if they do not turn Tommy Summerton himself into a Roman general. Mr. H.E. Smith, of York, has discovered in the garden of the said inn, one of the finest tessellated Roman pavements hitherto met with in Britain, being 12 feet square and entirely perfect. This room must have been last occupied 1000 years ago. Andrew Lawson, Esq, is going to erect a building over the same, so that it may be long preserved for the gratification of the curious.
RIPON.
FACT FOR NATURALISTS - A would-be motherly sort of hen, belonging to Mr Peacock, of Haddockstones, near Ripon, sat for some time on bad eggs, and in order to eject her from the place the eggs were taken from her, and a good dip in the pond given to cool her. Now it happened that a cat had kittened in the same neighbourhood, and whether the hen thought that puss did not look sufficiently well to her family, or what other cause we leave for naturalists to decide, but she took it in her head to attend to them herself, and adopted them as her own (we do not mean she gave them suck) covering them with her wings as chickens and if any one came near save their natural parent she would defend them with as much courage as the Duke of Wellington used to do a fort, but unfortunately as her adopted family grew up they became (like too many others) ungrateful, they began to spit at her and showed her other marks of disrespect that we believe by this time, they must have parted by mutual consent.
SERIOUS RAILWAY ACCIDENT - One evening at the beginning of the present man, a man and two horses who were employed shifting ballast waggons on the Leeds and Thirsk railway, at Monkton Moor, were unfortunately run over by a train of carriages. The horses were killed, and the poor man escaped with life, minus an arm and leg !
KNARESBOROUGH.
FLOODS - KNARESBRO - Jan.15 - The weather has been extremely wild and tempestuous in this district during the past week, and on Saturday night in particular there was a regular outpouring of the skies throughout Netherdale. On Sunday morning the river Nidd overflowed its banks and paid some unwelcome visits to the dwelling of those who verge upon its stream in this town. At Ribston, Cattal, Moor Monkton, and other places, through which this river passes the lowlands were completely inundated and at Skip Bridge, the highway was for some time rendered impassable for foot passengers. We have heard of no serious damage, but had such a flood occurred in June, instead of January, the consequences would have been disastrous.
THE POLICE IN THE SHAMBLES - Since our last, the police have seized a quantity of bad meat which was exposed for sale in the public market by John Carliss and Robert Nelson, two North Riding butchers. The parties were heavily fined and the meat was publically burnt, by order of the magistrates, it being totally unfit for human food.
SHEEP STEALING - This offence is still rife in this vicinity. Mr Thomas Lund, at Plumpton, had a sheep slaughtered and stolen from a field near this town, and we have heard of some other offences of a similar nature.
THE CHURCH YARD - The mandate issued by the Churchwardens some time ago, against the committal of depredations in the Church yard seems to be totally disregarded and the work of destruction amongst the tombstones is carried on as brisk as ever by a party of juveniles who are pleased to convert our final resting place into a public play ground. Now we don't like to see tombstones trampled over and otherwise disfigured by a set [?] of stupid children, and we should like to see the Churchwardens use stringent measures to abate the nuisance which is a most grievous one in the eye of every feeling individual. We hope our notice will not be overlooked.
KNARESBRO' FAIR - The first annual fair, commonly called the "Twentieth day fair" was held in this town on Wednesday the 17 inst, and there was a pretty good show of horned cattle, and a large assortment of inferior horses. But on this occasion the trade in cattle and horseflesh was by no means brisk, and the farmers tell us they never attended a worse mar[ket] for business.
CHRISTMAS BEEF.- The week before Christmas, as usual, all the butchers, (save Rob Nelson and his kind) were endeavouring to vie with each other in exhibiting the primest beef. Butcher Corkes procured a fine heifer from Kirby Hall, at an enormous cost, and was cock-sure of the prize. But when the show day arrived the Kirby animal was nowhere. Butcher Ridsdale, of Kirby Overblow, bore away the laurels of the market most triumphantly.
ROGUISH SWEEPS - A batch of the sooty fraternity named Richard Harrison, George Munro, William Topham, Thomas Taylor, and Thomas Greensides, were placed in the dock of our Court House, on Wednesday fortnight, on a charge of stealing a quantity of hay from a stack belonging to Mr Clayton, solicitor, of Wetherby, but as the evidence was not sufficient to convict them the prisoners, who were all strangers, were dismissed with a recommendation to leave the vicinity.
THIEVES AT FOLLIFOOT - A few nights ago, some daring rogues paid a visit to Follifoot, and selected a couple of fine fat ducks from the stock of Mrs Wm. Atkinson; as there was no green peas at hand, the villains made more free then welcome with a store of potatoes belonging to Mr Richard Teale. We wish the rascals had been under the necessity of having their ducks and potatoes cooked with PEELER'S sauce.
SPECIMEN OF AN ELECTOR - On the night of the first polling day at Knaresborough, one Giles Ploughshare from the country, who had got half seas over after recording a plumper for Denison, roared out as he staggered along Cheapside, "Denison for Ivver, and noa munhoppully." Scarcely had he finished the sentence ere he fell and a dog coming by at the moment the animal commenced licking his mouth, when to the great amusement of the bystanders, he exclaimed "Whaes kissin me noo ! ha nivver cum ta Knaresbra' bud the lasses tak na doon, ye see its my munny ut duz it."
AUDACIOUS ROBBERY - A youth named Taylor, who resides at Crimple, has been robbed under the most extraordinary circumstances. A stranger made his appearance at Crimple, and as he pretended to belong to the York Waterworks Company and in want of a boy Taylor readily agreed to engage him with a salary of 20s per week. They left the place in company per the Church Fenton railway, and when they arrived at that station the artful dodger contrived to borrow his money (25s) But here the villainy did not end. They proceeded to York, and took up their quarters for the night at a public house. The scoundril next morning decamped with his watch and left him without a penny in the world.
THE GAMEKEEPER DISCOMFITED - Last Wednesday fortnight, a case of trespass in pursuit of game, which had occupied the attention of the magistrates on two previous sittings was brought forward before J. Williamson, Esq, and a bench of magistrates for a final hearing. The particulars of the case are briefly these : Simeon Cooke, gamekeeper to Sir Joseph Radcliffe, of Rudding Park, on being sworn deposed that in the month of August last, at the instigation of his master, he took the right of shooting over two fields belonging to, and in the present occupation, of Mr. Potter of Spofforth, for the value of a hare per year, which he paid in kind on the 2nd of Sept. Witness made this bargain with Mr Potter on the perfect understanding that Sir Joseph was to have exclusive right of shooting over the fields alluded to, but on a subsequent day another sportsman, Mr Sykes, appeared in the said fields with dog and gun, to the great annoyance of the gamekeeper, who now sought to fine him for the trespass. Dunwell, a watcher, was also present when the contract was entered into and he gave testimony to the same effect, but Mr Potter denied that he had given the exclusive right of shooting to Sir Joseph, and moreover he had given leave to Mr Sykes, and others. F. Oates, Esq, confirmed the latter evidence consequently the case was dismissed and the gamekeeper was ordered to pay costs, a decision which apparently gave satisfaction to all save the gamekeepers.
THE PARSON AND THE PUBLICAN - Mr John Lister, of Follifoot, generously gave his mite of five pounds towards building the new church, and the parish curate applauding his spirit, promised to christen his child in the new building ! John and party appeared with the infant at the time appointed, but the parson broke faith with the publican, he modestly told him that he would be under the necessity of going to mother church at Spofforth next day.
THE LOVE OF DRINK - A genuine disciple of Bacchus, who resides within one hundred miles of this town, and within half that distance of Farnhom [?], was recently ill, and in the receipt of 10s weekly from his club. But a circumstance transpired which placed him in a sore dilemma. A wedding was announced in the family, and there was the prospect of a glorious "tuck out." Now drink was debarred by the rules of the Old Fellows society, but our hero, who was a true sticker to the barrel, did not hesitate, tho' still ill he declared off the lodge so that he might once more enjoy the privilege of getting drunk at a cheap rate.
THE WEATHER - The New year came in attired in robes of white, there being at midnight a heavy fall of snow, which however did not long remain upon the ground. This was followed by frosty weather; the cold was intense, and at intervals the wind blew wild and tempestuous; but a fine time followed, until last Sunday, when winter again appeared and treated us to a little sleet, snow, and cold weather.
MELANCHOLY EVENT - Mr John Curry, butcher of Markington, is in the constant habit of attending our market, and on Sunday night last, feeling himself rather indisposed he sojourned for the night at his fathers residence in Knaresborough and the latter took upon himself the charge of carrying home his son's horse and cart; when sad to tell a melancholy fate awaited him. Being as it is supposed in liquor at the time, he fell from the cart and was killed, near the end of his journey.
KNARESBOROUGH MARKETS - The markets have been exceedingly dull since our last report, and bread stuffs have experienced another fall in price. We now have good flour at 1s 10d per stone, at which nobody grumbles but the growers.
At the Knaresbro' Christmas Sessions, there were 16 prisoners for trial, and 3 of the greatest rogues escaped punishment, owing, as we are informed, to the vagaries of a juryman. These were the two Browns, and Appleton, the notorious shoplifters, who stole 14 silk handkerchiefs from Mr Wilson's of Harrogate, and who were so cleverly captured by Young, the police officer in a few minutes after the robbery was committed.
Our late respected curate, the Rev Mr Bowen, has set out on a missionary expedition, with an intention, Providence willing, of preaching in Jerusalem on Easter Sunday.
VAGRANCY - At the Court House, on Wednesday last, a female named Donnovan, was charged by Joseph Young, the police officer, with an act of vagrancy. She stated that she came from London, and as that was the capital of the British Empire, she fancied she had a right to eat, drink, or beg, where she liked without being interrupted by the 'Peelers.' The bench were disposed to be lenient, and a constable was ordered to see her 'clear' the town. Woman : 'Then I will return and beg, in spite of all opposition, as I have nothing but charity to live on.' Magistrate : You stand committed for a month. Woman : I'll be d-----d if I care for that !
RAILWAY ECONOMY - The York and North Midland railway company, are it seems determined to squeeze money out of everything. They are now selling their time bills at one halfpenny each.
The Crimple Valley Viaduct, on the Leeds and Thirsk railway, was completed a fortnight since yesterday. In our next we intend to give --- interesting particulars respecting it.
COUNTY COURT - A court for the recovery of small debts, was held in our Court House, before R. Wharton, Esq, district judge, on Thursday last. The cases were as usual very numerous, but none of them excited any public interest.
HAREWOOD.
THE VICAR OF HAREWOOD - The Rev. Richard Hale, vicar of Harewood, has been charged before the Ecclesiastical Court, with irreverent and unseemly conduct in the pulpit, and also with quarrelling, chiding, and brawling, in the parish church of Harewood. The case came on for judgement on Thursday week, when the Worshipful Granville Harcourt Vernon, chancellor of the diocese, passed sentence as follows :- Suspension for six months, and to be condemned in the costs of the suits, and admonished to refrain from the practices which had been alleged against him.
HARROGATE.
THE FORCE OF FOLLY COULD NO FURTHER GO.- The last act of the Harrogate 'Improvement Commissioners,' bangs all precedent. Failing in procuring a 'canvas market house,' as well as in fixing 'weathercocks,' and growing weary of granting what they call 'donkey licences,' they have now expended somewhere about �6 of the public money in four huge books, for an old and faithful servant (the policeman) to sign twice a-day to show that he is on duty ! Verily, these local rulers are delivered of strange things at times, we next expect to see Horner's Yard filled with a family of windmills, and round-a-bouts, such as we see at fairs, for surely some of the gents are pregnant with monstrosities. We pity the poor hacknied ratepayers. They have to pay the piper.
TEMPEANCE [sic]- A meeting of the friends of total abstinence, presided over by Mr Jervis Crake, was held in the Victoria Room, Harrogate, on Wednesday evening last, when the assembly was most ably addressed by the chairman, and Messrs. Reynolds, and Oliver, of Knaresbro', The audience was respectable, and good order was maintained throughout the proceedings.
AGENTS FOR THE LUMINARY.
KNARESBRO', - The Booksellers; and Mrs. TAYLOR, Post Office - HARROGATE, Mr. PALLISER, Post Office; Mr WM. MORTON, Provision Dealer, West Park; and Mr. R. SMITH, Hair Dresser, Crescent Place.
Printed and Published by John Burniston Jun the Proprietor, at his residence in Burniston's Yard opposite the George and Dragon Inn, Briggate, Knaresborough, Yorkshire.
Wednesday, January 31, 1849.