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The Farnworth Observer.

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Some Selected Reports from The Farnworth Observer



Saturday, October 15, 1864.




MR. GLADSTONE AT BOLTON.

On Tuesday evening Mr. Gladstone paid a short visit to Bolton, when on his way from Balmoral to Farnworth. Great preparations had been made for the right hon. gentlemen's reception, and most cordial was the greeting he received from all classes. The town wore quite a holiday aspect, the principal thoroughfares being thronged with people, and flags displayed from most of the tradesmen's shops and public buildings. The right hon. gentleman, who arrived at the railway station from the north at 20 minutes to 5 o'clock, was received on the platform by the Mayor (Mr Richard Harwood), Lieut.-Colonel Gray, M.P. ; Mr. T. Barnes, M.P.; Mr. Alfred Barnes (Chairman of Farnworth Local Board), and other gentlemen. The interior of the station was decorated with flags and banners, and on alighting Mr. Gladstone was heartily cheered by a large number of spectators, the cheering being renewed as he left the station, and entering a carriage drove off in the direction of the Free Library. On entering and leaving the library he was again loudly cheered. He was received there by Councillor W.W. Cannon, chairman uf the library and museum committee, by whom he was shown over the building. This institution was opened in 1843 by the Lord Bishop of Manchester, and its shelves contain 21,000 volumes, whilst the total issues of the past year were not less than 46,761. From the library the party proceeded to the Market Hall, which is unquestionably one of the finest structures of the kind in the kingdom, having heen erected at a cost (including approaches) of about �90,000. The market was tastefully ornamented with arches and evergreens, and with the exception of the centre aisle, every part of it was filled to overflowing. Mr. Gladstone was here received by Councillor P. Skelton, chairman of the markets' committee, and the hon. gentleman's appearance in the centre aisle was the signal for an outburst of cheering which continued for some time, and was taken up by the crowds of people outside. At the Temperance Hall, whither Mr. Gladstone next proceeded for the purpose of receiving addresses, there was also a large assemblage, the spacious hall being completely filled long before the hour for which the proceedings had been fixed. The Mayor took the chair, and was supported; amongst others:: by Sir J.P. Kay-Shuttleworth, Bart., the High Sheriff; Mr. Robert Heywood, Lieut.-Colonel Gray, M.P. ;Mr. T. Barnes, M.P.; Mr. A. Barnes, Mr. T. Bazley, M.P. ; Mr. E. Ashworth, Mr. Peter Martin, the Marquis de Rothwell, the Vicar of Bolton, the Rev. H. Powell.
The Mayor said that very few words of his were wanted on that occasion. He would only say that that was a proud day for Bolton, for they were honoured by tho presence of one whose name was a household word, and whose deeds had made him famous throughout the length and breadth of the land (cheers). He begged to call upon the Town-clerk to read the address of the corporation.
Mr. R.G. Hinnell then read the address, of which the following is a copy :-

To the Right Honourable William Ewart Gladstone, M.P , Chancellor of the Exchequer.
Right Honourable Sir,- We, the Mayor, aldermen, and burgesses of the borough of Bolton, in the county of Lancaster, desire to express the deep gratification which your visit to this town affords to all classes of its inhabitants, and the great regret felt on their part that your stay amongst them is unavoidably for so short a period. In common with many of our fellow-countrymen of all shades of political opinion, we admire you as a statesman possessing rare and distinguished abilities, and as a minister occupying in the Government of this country a high position, and adorning that Government with such gifts of oratory and financial ability as have rarely been equalled; and we are glad that the town of Bolton has the honour of being visited by so illustrious a man. The opening of the Park at Farnworth, which is the occasion affording us the privilege of your presence, has our warmest sympathy; and it gives us much pleasure to add that through the liberal provision of that government, whose finances you so ably control, this borough is undertaking the formation of a park for the free use of its inhabitants, and we doubt not that the present and future generations of our town, whilst enjoying the benefit thus conferred upon them, will regard with gratitude the parliament which at your instigation has furnished that means for such healthful recreation. In conclusion, we rejoice in giving you a hearty welcome on this your first public visit to Bolton, and venture to express the hope that the time is not far distant when we shall be favoured with a longer stay than that which you are now enabled to make amongst us. Given under the common seal of the borough of Bolton, at a meeting of the council of the said borough, held on the 6th day of October, 1864.
"RICHARD HARWOOD, Mayor."

This address having been handed to Mr. Gladstone by the Mayor, the following working-men's address was read by Mr. T. Grimshaw, and presented to the right hon gentleman by Mr. David Holt, secretary of the Bolton Operative Spinners Society :-

"To the Right Honourable W.E. Gladstone, M.P., Chancellor of the Exchequer.
"Right Hon. Sir, - We, the working classes of the borough of Bolton, in public meeting assembled, rejoice that we have this opportunity of tendering our grateful and heartfelt thanks to you for your services to our Country, particularly in a financial point of view. We think that you have conferred a great blessing upon your countrymen, especially the working classes. Allow us, sir, humbly to inform you that the working classes of late have advanced in education and knowledge; we now reverence and obey law, love order and peace. We hope and trust that we have manifested these virtues by our peaceable conduct in passing through a long period of unparalleled privation and suffering; we, therefore, hope that the time will soon come when our rulers and governors will give to us the privilege of becoming men amongst men. Finally, may the Giver of every good and perfect gift long bless you with health and strength, long spare your useful life, and may your great and extraordinary talents long continue to be employed in promoting the happiness and prosperity of our native country."

The right hon. gentleman on rising was loudly cheered. He spoke as follows: I will not at all affect to underrate the spectacle which I have witnessed to-day in the town of Bolton; I must, however, state that it was on my part entirely unexpected. I felt fully persuaded, when I had the honour of receiving the invitation of the municipal body, that I should be kindly welcomed among you; and, more over, I will venture to say, that I felt a confidence, sustained by the happy experience of members of the Government in every part of the country, that the general indications of the public in this place would be of the nature that tends to show that they rely upon those by whom the laws are made and administered. (Cheers.) It is undoubtedly a sight that might excite astonishment in some portions of the world, when the thousands and tens of thousands that form the teeming populations of these great towns are prepared, as we have seen to-day, and as has been seen on other occasions by other and worthier men, to tender, as it were, each one for himself, his personal welcome to those who are engaged in carrying on the government of the country, when they visit particular portions of the community. (Cheers.) But it is a sight full of meaning, and be assured that I do not construe these indications on your part in any narrow or any selfish sense . I know very well that I am receiving, in these testimonies of your confidence, the rewards due rather to the labours of others. I know that it is those who were pioneers in the field of useful legislation to whom your gratitude is mainly due. I do not consider myself to be other than one of the humblest, among all the labourers in that cause, and not one of the earliest among them. I claim at your hands no credit whatever, than such as is due to secondary abilities, and a secondary part, but yet a part taken in a useful process. (Hear, hear.) We have seen during our lifetime an alteration brought about in relation of classes in this country, such as it must make the heart of every man leap within his breast to think upon. We have seen mistrust and alienation gradually fading away like mist before the rising sun, and we have seen throughout all parts of the country, and throughout all classes of the community, sentiments of mutual confidence, respect, and esteem, taking the place of that alienation and estrangement. (Cheers.) Believe me, I can appreciate that generosity of the English character which has been so signally exhibited by the masses of the people of this country, and with which they have shown themselves so ready to appreciate the efforts of the legislature on your behalf. (Cheers) The changes, indeed, which we have seen in the last twenty or twenty-five years, especially in the field of economical legislation, are changes of a character so marked that, perhaps, we cannot expect any precisely similar instance to occur. It is not often that it is given to those who are called upon to bear a part in public affairs, to be enabled by their puny efforts, under the direction of an all-wise Providence, to do good which is upon the whole so extensive and so unmixed as the good which has been done in England within your recollection, by the liberation of industry, of capital, and of skill. (Applause.) In general, where we see parties violently at issue, and principles, keenly contested, the conditions of human life do not permit us to hope anything better than this - that in the solution of these controversies at least a balance of good may be effected. (Hear, hear.) But here we have seen changes carried into effect which have conferred good alike upon those by whom they were opposed - (hear, hear) - and, moreover, we have seen this, that although these changes referred in their primary aspect to material and commercial interests, yet that they have proved to be fraught with a profound moral and social character. In increasing the wealth of the nation they have warmed the heart of the nation. In disposing of arguments which seemed to separate man from man, they have disposed of jealousies which separated class from class- (hear, hear) - and while acts of parliament took their place upon the register of the statute books, those acts of parliament were not to be judged only by the formal terms in which they were conceived, but they were angels of mercy, ministers of peace restorers of union and concord in every corner of the land. (Cheers.) In profoundly thanking you for the remarkable manifestation of which I may have in one sense been made the object to-day, I wish to assure you that I do not forget that that manifestation has reference to myself, merely as one among the men who are regarded as symbols of a caste of practical improvement; and that many who now alive, many with whom I am associated in the Government, many with whom I am associated in Parliament, men to whom Lancashire gave birth, and whose exertions she animated and encouraged, are the persons to whom your commendations and your confidence are mainly due. It is impossible for me not to refer to that short experience I have had of this town, and to mention the great gratification with which I have witnessed the growth of institutions amongst you, all of which bear testimony to the great truth that "man does not live by bread alone" but that he has a mind, that he has a rational and immortal part. that he is born for the future more than for the present, and that all real improvement which takes place amongst us is invariably attended by the indication that it looks towards the future, and that it enables us and prepares us to meet the future. I rejoice to find that the excellent act of parliament which was passed at the instance of .Mr. Ewart, for the formation of public libraries, having been adopted at an early period in this borough, has been appreciated by the whole mass of the community, and has produced, as I am informed, all the effects that its benevolent and enlightened promoter could possibly have desired for it. I am also exceedingly glad to find that the working men themselves have founded a society, not in separation from, but in union with, those by whom they are employed, which aims at those same purposes of mental improvement and of rational recreation which are contemplated by the public library. Long may institutions of this kind flourish and multiply as now, not merely by the separate efforts of a class, but by the united and combined efforts, and with the concentrated good will of the entire community. (Cheers )- [An interruption was here called by a call for water for a fainting woman in the body of the room, and Mr. Gladstone having handed a glass from the table before him, proceeded.] - I see but too plainly the inconvenience under which many of you must labour, and I will be mindful of it in the few remarks that I have to make. (Cries of "Go on."). It is impossible for me to come among you at this period without referring for one moment to the present and recent condition of the town. I hear, and of course I hear with pain, that throughout the district of South Lancashire, and perhaps especially in a town which hitherto has not had to encounter the extremest severity of the recent scarcity, the pressure is now very sharply felt. It was to us - I am speaking of my colleagues in the Government, and myself - it was to us a matter of extreme satisfaction that when through the exertion, skill, and influence of Mr. Cobden (cheers) the treaty of commerce with France was negotiated, one immediate effect of that treaty was to minister not only to the general cause of commercial improvement, but, in a remarkable manner, to the special and temporary, but still pressing, wants of the country. At the very moment when, through the calamitous war that rages in America the great portion of our trade had been cut off, the result of that measure was to open a market which came in lieu of the market that we had lost. (Applause.) There were many places which might be mentioned, some of them particularly connected with the iron trade, where at that period the same amount of business was carried on immediately after the falling away of the American trade as had been carried on before, the difference being simply this, that a demand from France has come in and taken the place of a demand from America. It was exceedingly pleasant to think that through the circumstances and arrangements of trade in which Bolton has a special interest, Bolton was one of the places which in connection, particularly with Bradford, appeared to derive a special benefit from the treaty of commerce with France. The time of pressure appears to have come upon you. It is very easy for those who are outside the circle - it is very easy for those who do not themselves feel the pinch of difficulties to be preachers of the manner and temper in which difficulties ought to be met and borne. But still this I will venture to say, without fear of being thought to flatter, that the Lancashire community has shown during years, during winters of extreme suffering and affliction, that it wants no preaching from extraneous persons upon that subject (applause). Certainly it is satisfactory to think that there is at least one marked and favourable difference between the season when the cotton famine was in what may be called its agony and the present season. I am afraid we must admit that there is a recurrence of another extension of distress; but that distress is of a different character; that distress is not attended with the same gloomy prospects. When the cotton famine first began to bear upon Lancashire it was absolutely impossible to know at what point its calamitous results would cease. You knew that the principal source of supply was stopped. You did not know in what degree other countries of the world would prove themselves able to minister to your wants. But now, after a time, it has been found that, although nothing will, as yet, enable England to dispense with the American supply, yet still the powers of other countries have been developed to a very considerable extent, and very large supplies have been obtained from sources that previously had hardly been reckoned upon or dreamed of in the enumeration of your means. In point of fact, we may now - and this is the difference to which I refer - we may now, I trust, with some confidence, venture to say, so far as it becomes a frail being like a man to give opinions in such a matter - that the knot of the problem is in the main untied, and means do exist in the world which will secure the future prosperity of the cotton industry of this country, and which will probably tend to place it upon a firmer base than it could ever be said to possess while it was dependant almost entirely upon the productions of America, and those productions themselves due to a state of society and to a description of labour which in this country we look upon as being unnatural and contrary to Christianity (cheers). Therefore it is a great point that in the distress which may now be suffered, your brethren of the working class, and such among you as belong to that class, and not you only, but all those who form the other classes of the community, and whose interests are completely identified with yours, when the pinch comes, or if it be now felt, may console themselves with the reflection that they may confidently hope that the calamity is a temporary calamity, and that the inconveniences which they are now enduring are inconveniences attendant upon a state of transition and upon a process of return from a condition of things which was unnatural and exceptional to a state which will be durable, sound, and healthy (applause). It is not possible to escape from disruption so violent as that which the cotton industry has undergone, without under going great inconveniences by the way. It is not possible for a man to throw off a virulent disease, without finding that the return to health itself is a rough and uneasy road, and upon the way to the recovery of health much even of secondary suffering is to be encountered. If the effect of circumstances has been, as we know it has, to multiply five or six fold the price of the raw material of your industry, that is a state of things which cannot be permanent. Your industry could not permanently subsist in connection with it. But the return, the lowering and depression of prices must occur before you arrive at a thoroughly natural condition, is a process which must involve risks and inconveniences and a pressure very different indeed from the pressure some parts of Lancashire had to undergo some two years ago, but at the same time amounting in themselves to very serious evils. Only let us be thankful those evils are, as it were, gilded by confident hope. I speak in the presence of those who are far better able to judge than myself, and who can correct me if I am .wrong; but I do trust that, looking forward to a future not very remote - perhaps distant only by a very few years - years so few that they might almost be numbered in months we shall see the vast and gigantic system of enterprise on which the fortunes of South Lancashire principally depend, again restored to the whole extent of its operations, and not only so, but carrying on those operations with a certainty and stability such as in the former circumstances they never were able thoroughly to attain (applause). I have now little to do except to assure you that the reception, which I have had at your hands this day will be to me an additional incentive to walk with as much firmness and integrity as I may in the path of public duty (cheers). I am quite sure that that is a sentiment which I need not profess to utter as one peculiar to myself. It is happily the sentiment which pervades, I believe the minds of the legislature of this country. Our discharge of our duties is very imperfect. In many things it is open to criticism. The concerns of this vast empire are of so mighty and so complicated a character, that to handle them as they ought to be handled altogether transcends and exceeds human strength. It is not possible, therefore, that there should be much in the proceedings of parliaments and of governments that will invite criticism and remark. Some things we do which we may be mistaken in doing. We may omit what we may be wrong in omitting. But I would beg you to observe this, that whatever be the faults and whatever be the virtues of the legislature of this country they are faults and virtues which it possesses and exhibits in common with the masses of the nation (applause). If Parliament at a given time shows extraordinary energy in the work of legislative improvement, it is became there pervades the popular mind and temper a determined desire for improvement such as sympathises with and sustains and even requires those exertions on the part of Parliament. But if, upon the other hand, there comes a time when Parliament shows less eagerness in the promotion of useful reforms, depend upon it the cause of any comparative inaction is to be found not so much within those four walls as in the temper of the nation itself (applause). And this is a great consolation to those who might be inclined to a sentiment of impatience when they find that efforts at improvement are canvassed at a greater jealousy than in other times, and that, in point of fact, as sometimes happens, that anyone who proposes an ameliorating law becomes, by that very fact itself, a sort of object of suspicion (laughter). When that happens, depend upon it that it is due to something in the state of the country. And what is our state with regard to these things ? Our state is this. Notwithstanding the vast extent of our public affairs, I do not believe that twenty-five or thirty years of more effective and beneficial legislation are to be found in the history of any country than the last twenty-five or thirty years of English legislation (cheers;). After a hard day's work a man is apt to get tired; and depend upon it is not a mere figure of speech when I say just in the same way a class, and a parliament, and a people may get tired. There is a certain relaxation and a remission of what I may call the muscles of the mind after hard work has been done. Grievances have been removed, unwise laws have been mitigated or repealed, improvements have been sown broadcast through the land, and now I admit, and I would be the first to affirm and contend, that this is no reason at all why other improvements should not be prosecuted with a similar zeal (hear, hear). On the contrary, were we perfect beings, it would be a reason why still greater zeal should be shown in accomplishing whatever may yet remain to be done; but as it is, depend upon it, it is a fact that the country itself has been disposed to take breath for a little, and to exact a less strict account from the representatives of the people with regard to their legislative labours. If there be any who think that there is still a pressure for great improvements - and I certainly am one who believes that much may yet remain to be done - (cheers) - let them also bear this in mind that we live in a state of things in which that conviction once taking hold of the mind of the people, and the class of which it is composed, will be fairly answered in the conduct of the House of the Legislature (cheers). When I speak of what remains to be done, I don't mean to say that we stand now as we stood 30 years ago. On the contrary, crying grievances, gross evils, have with great prudence, wisdom, and circumspection, but at the same time with great firmness and decision, been removed. The improvements that are before us are therefore, in many respects of a very different character from the improvements that lie behind us. Yet there are improvements to be made - there are adjustments which all institutions will require. The progress of education, progress of good and sound moral habits in the community, the increasing confidence which unites all classes together - all these things point to gradual enlargements of the privileges possessed by the people; and sure we may be that as the necessity and occasion for such changes are felt, a disposition - a just and equitable, and a liberal disposition - to concede such changes will be felt amongst us (cheers). I trust we never shall live again to see a time bearing the smallest resemblance to the great political crisis which marked the commencement of the reign of William the 4th - a crisis which is known us the crisis of the Reform Bill (hear, bear.) The triumph which was then achieved was not only in itself a great advantage to the country, but I think it was a pledge that all other improvements would be attained by processes less critical and violent (cheers). I hope the time is coming when more and more among us all social and all political questions will be disposed of, not by violent action but by friendly persuasion by the close contact of mind with mind - by the constant diffusion of information - by keeping the people well apprised of all the legislature is doing and intending for them: and that therefore there will be a gradual substitution of what we may call moral force in the settling of political controversies for those dangerous manifestations which have often been the only means of remedy available in other times for the removal and the cure of grievances (applause). I cannot touch upon a question of this kind without, in one single word, performing an act of justice to those who were so early the effective promoters of the measures that were gradually adopted by parliament for what is called the emancipation of the press in this country (cheers). The penny press of this country has now been in operation for a certain number of years. There were those who were led to anticipate that the organ would be a dangerous organ - that it would minister food to bad passions - that it would tend to create jealousies in the country. We have now had a pretty large experience, and it is no more that justice to the gentlemen by whom that press is conducted - it is no more than justice to them, without the smallest reproach to others who conduct a press of a somewhat different character - to say, that everyone of those sinister anticipations have been signally disappointed, and that the organs of public opinion, copies of which are sold at so cheap a rate as to find their way almost into the house of every man - have been second to none in their regard for moral principles, in their respect for personal rights, in their fidelity to the duty that they have undertaken, and, lastly, let me add - for it is a vital element in the case - in attachment to the laws and in loyalty to the throne (cheers). And that press, in my opinion, has proved to be not only a means of conveying innocent and useful information to the masses of the population, but it has been a powerful political engine, contributing to the stability of our institutions, conveying home to the mind of the working man a sense of his interest in them, and in point of fact entitled in the highest sense to the honourable designation of a thoroughly conservative power (loud cheering). I trust we may venture to look forward to a continuance and an increase of those feelings of mutual regard which now happily unite together the several portions of this community; and I trust also that it may be the happy privilege of the people of this country to be governed in future generations, as they are governed in the present age, by a Sovereign whose affection for her people, whose knowledge of the principles of the constitution, whose fidelity and attachment to those principles, and whose exhibition of every personal virtue and quality of excellence may make her a model for imitation, as well as an object, which she happily is, of the dearest and the warmest attachment to all classes of the community. The right hon. gentleman resumed his seat amidst much applause.
Lieutenant-Colonel Gray proposed, and Mr. Barnes M.P:, seconded, a vote of thanks to the Mayor, which was acknowledged, and the meeting terminated.
A vast crowd of people awaited the conclusion of the proceedings in front of the halls, and cheered the right. hon. gentleman as he left in the carriage of Mr. Alfred Barnes.



THE FARNWORTH OBSERVER may be obtained in Manchester, early on the day of publication, from WILLIAM E. LIFE, General Newspaper and Advertising Agent, No. 13, John Dalton-street, Manchester, by whom orders and advertisements for this paper are received.


NOTICES TO CORRESPONDENTS.

Anything intended for insertion in the OBSERVER must be accompanied by the name and address of the writer, not necessarily for publication, but as a guarantee of good faith. Letters addressed to the Editor should be received not later than Thursday morning.
Letters requiring to be re-written, or very materially improved; before they are fit for publication, are invariably rejected. To us, it seems absurd that anyone should aspire to be a teacher of others, who is himself so ignorant as to be unable to spell correctly the simplest words in the English language.



THE OBSERVER.
FARNWORTH.
SATURDAY OCTOBER 15th, 1864.
CELEBRATION OF THE OPENING OF THE PARK.

LAST Wednesday was a day that will be long remembered by the people of this district. The occasion and the manner of the celebration observed that day, are both calculated to make it memorable in the annals of Farnworth. It is always with a somewhat pensive emotion, that thoughtful minds look back upon any season of festivity that has just passed away; and the retrospect generally calls into exercise a severity of judgment that was by no means awakened by the anticipation. The mind that was excited has again relaxed, the joy has given place to a proportionate depression, and we begin to look with a keen eye upon everything that had for the time afforded us pleasure; we dwell discontentedly upon any matter which was not exactly to our mind, but which, during the festivity, passed unheeded; we are sarcastic upon ourselves and upon others; we have a savage satisfaction in asking "cui bono ? -what is the good of it ?" - and in demonstrating that the gain is by no means equal to the cost. This sort of feeling will be very natural to many of our readers, now that the great occasion to which we have been all looking forward for many weeks, and for which such preparations were made has come, and has again passed away. Now, we are not prepared to maintain, that everything connected with the opening of our Public Park was the best possible, and exactly what it ought to have been; but we do hold, that taking the celebration altogether, it was an event creditable in the highest degree to the people of Farnworth, and to which they may look back with blended emotions of satisfaction, of pleasure, and of pride.
For one thing, the occurrence of a holiday and a public pageant in which all classes of the community equally shared, is a matter of no small importance. In this busy, bustling age, and especially in this hard-working county, holidays are not so frequent as is desirable for the best interests of society. Different ranks do not meet and mingle as often and as freely as high considerations lead us to desire. Almost the only place in which the "rich and poor meet together" and are reminded of their common "brotherhood, is the graveyard. Standing aloof from each other they lose that mutual sympathy which ought to unite the children of the Eternal Father, and forget that in all important respects their interests are identical. The common calamity in which all Lancashire has been involved has tended to bridge the gulf which was yawning and widening between the rich and poor, and has developed a hearty helpfulness on the part of the rich, find a respect and confidence on the part of the poor, which augur the best results for years to come. Such an occasion as that of Wednesday continues and confirms this good work. United as all classes have been by the presence of a common calamity, they have also been united by the attraction of a common joy. We could have wished that the Park had been opened at a time when trade was more flourishing, and the prospects of our people more promising. We hope, however, that the morning of prosperity has begun to dawn, and we feel assured, that what occurred this week will not weaken but strengthen that spirit of wise liberality toward the unemployed, which has already been so largely displayed by the wealthy amongst us.
The existence of a healthy public spirit is essential for the rapid progress and high prosperity of any town. The cultivation of this spirit in our own neighbourhood has been one special aim of the "OBSERVER" from its very origin. Our local position renders this more difficult here that in most places. Our close proximity to large cities is unfavourable to our progress as a town. Interest that would otherwise have been centred on home was, attracted toward them; money that would otherwise have promoted the advantage of our own shopkeepers was diverted into other channels; and the place which was in point of population and importance entitled to the status of a town was permitted to creep along in the character of a village. This state of things has happily, to some extent, come to an end; and the celebration of this week will hasten its utter extinction. The arrangement of the procession, the decoration of our streets, the illumination at night, all of which are fully described in our columns to-day, displayed a degree of spirit, of liberality and of good taste, for which we never gave our fellow-townsmen credit. The public spirit thus displayed has been thereby strengthened, and will manifest itself in other directions. Under the wise and careful superintendence of our Local Board, Our streets are already sewered, and will soon be paved and flagged; the good taste of our shopkeepers will speedily modernise our shop architecture, and before long Farnworth will present an appearance, and assume a place, that will enable our tradesmen to sustain the rivalry of neighbouring towns, and will justify the honest pride which most of us feel in our own town.
Even were the demonstration of Wednesday last to produce no future advantage, all the time and effort. and money were well expended, in expressing the readiness and heartiness with which the public appreciate the munificence of Mr. BARNES. But future advantage will come out of it, both in this locality and elsewhere. Such gifts as that received at Farnworth are very far from common; they ought to be more frequent. As is better understood in our day than ever before, and as was well expounded by Mr. GLADSTONE - Prosperity has its duties as well as its rights; and surely the men who have acquired fortunes by manufactures do owe something to the industrious and peaceful communities by whose help their wealth has been gained, and by whose care it is protected. It is but seldom, however, that our millionaires seem to feel this. Where in Lancashire do we find those monuments of private beneficence bestowed for the public benefit which adorn some of the cities of Italy. No traveller through Italy could carry in his memory the various monuments of beauty or utility which he has beheld - churches, bridges, colleges, markets, aqueducts - and which have been reared as the gifts of wealthy men to their fellow citizens; but anyone can enumerate on his ten fingers, every such gift bestowed in England for the past hundred years, that at all approximates in value to the Public Park. May we not hope that the celebration of Mr. BARNES'S gift, honoured - so heartily and unanimously by its recipients, lauded by the eloquent tongue of Mr. GLADSTONE, recorded and commended by the public press in every corner of the land, may stimulate some to "go and do likewise'?" May we not hope that it may lead to the bestowment of other gifts equally beneficial to the community in our own locality ? Mr. BARNES is not the only man who has made a fortune in Farnworth. A park is not the only public institution of which Farnworth has felt the want. Why have we no Public Hall ? Why have we no place in which a Mechanics Institution or a Literary or Philosophical Society can find decent shelter. Is it not strange that up to this time Farnworth does not posses a single Drinking Fountain ? We rejoice to learn that the finger-post at Moses-gate will soon give place to a Fountain, to be reared by the widow of a wealthy gentleman recently removed from our midst. The site is admirable, worthy of a noble structure, and we have no doubt that the structure will be worthy of the site. But there are three other places that we would like to see equally adorned. There is the junction of Market-street, Manchester-road, and Long-causeway - there is the Worsley Toll-bar - and the Dixon Green gate of the Park. Each of these would be an admirable site for such an edifice; and were some of our wealthier inhabitants to erect suitable structures upon them, they would be conferring an ornament upon the town, a benefit upon the public, and an honour upon themselves.
We only indicate some modes in which public spirit may, we do not prescribe the way in which it must display itself. But we are confident that just as the public spirit of Farnworth was more fully displayed this week than ever before, so is it stronger than ever before; and more certain to produce results for the good of the community. Farnworth has ceased to be a mere village, it has become a well-known town. And we trust its inhabitants will all strive together to make as great an improvement in its social, intellectual, moral, and spiritual character, as there will soon be in its outward circumstances and its sanitary condition.



OPENING
OF THE
FARNWORTH PARK
BY THE
RIGHT HONOURABLE
W. E. GLADSTONE,
CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER.

On Wednesday last the Park, which Mr.Thomas Barnes, M.P., four years ago expressed his intention to present to the inhabitants of Farnworth, was formally opened by the Right Honourable W. E. Gladstone, Chancellor of the Exchequer, and afterwards legally handed over to the keeping to the Local Board, for the benefit of the township for ever. The day had been looked forward to with mingled feelings of pleasure and anxiety - pleasure derived from the fact that Farnworth was that day to receive from one of her esteemed native-born sons such a valuable gift, and that the town was to be honoured by the presence of the greatest statesman and orator the world possesses; and anxiety that the weather, on which so much of the pleasure depended, might be such as would be conducive to a proper realisation of the days enjoyment. In this respect, the day was everything that could be desired. The weather - perhaps a little chilly in the early part of day - was beautifully fine, and tended not a little to enhance the comfort and convenience of all parties.
It will doubtless be remembered by many that it was on the 10th of December, 1860, that Mr. Barnes first publicly intimated his intention - to devote the Birch Hall estate for the purpose of a Park, which he meant to present to the inhabitants of his native town. On that occasion 1,300 people were assembled at a banquet given by Mr. Barnes, in one of the large rooms connected with the Dixon-green mill, to celebrate the majority of his only son, Mr. James Richardson Barnes. To give some idea of the feelings and motives which moved and prompted Mr. Barnes to do an act of such importance to the health and happiness of the township, we quote the words which he used on that occasion :
"I have looked," said Mr. Barnes, "with considerable interest on the building of mills and cottages. I have seen the price of land rising from three farthings to something like twopence and three pence per yard. The question has often occurred to me, shall not we have a single place in which the people can enjoy a breath of air. I have looked upon the children running about the roads and streets endangered by the carts and vehicles passing. It has occurred to me, what a blessed thing it would be if these little creatures could skip and play without being in danger from these carts and horses; and seeing that there is considerable prospect before long of cottages and factories being built on every square inch of land, I have made up my mind and I wish to declare it in connection with my son coming of age, and also out of respect and reverence to his grandfather, to set aside a large portion of the Birch Hall estate, and lay it out and dedicate it to the public, and present it to the township of Farnworth. Of course it must be under certain conditions, so as to secure the property and privileges of this land in perpetuity to the people of Farnworth."
Inasmuch as our impression of to-day will be read throughout the entire county, we may just repeat that the Park is situate in the very centre of the township of Farnworth. It is composed of what for ages has been known as the Birch Hall estate, which Mr. Barnes some years ago bought from the late Mr. Lomas. The Park itself contains eleven acres, two roods, and a few perches of rich arable land, and 4427 yards of leasehold, held for 999 years, and for which a chief rent of one penny per yard has to be paid to the Executors of the late Mr. Samuel Heywood, and is worth at the present time about �12,000 or �13,000; but owing to extensive building operations in the town, and the rapid increase in the price of building land, the monetary value of the gift cannot be properly estimated. The Park is separated from the Manchester road on the east side by a boundary wall ; on the north by Birch Hall, the residence of Mr. Cannon, and by Messrs. Wallwork and Sussum's Mill; on the west side by the Grammar School, the house of Mr. Whittan, and a number of cottages belonging to Messrs. T. Barnes & Co., and occupied by the mill hands; on the south side by Wellington-street, the Farnworth and Kersley gas works, and a number of cottages. On entering the Park from the Manchester road asphalted footpaths lead right and left up a gently elevated grass plot. The paths meet again, and open on to a long walk which leads to the terrace situate at the western extremity, and from which may be seen the whole of the Park, and, on a clear day, the country for miles beyond. On the south side of the Park is a beautiful valley, in the west end of which is an artistically formed lake, crossed by two bridges, and with fowls, including two handsome swans presented by W. Hargreaves, Esq., of Darley Hall, floating on its surface. There is also a miniature island, formed by Mr. Galloway, the park-keeper, upon which there is erected a hut for the convenience of the fowls. An artificial crocodile is represented as endeavouring to land from the water in order to devour an affrighted animal at the waters edge. From a rocky base in the centre of the lake, a fountain had been constructed for this occasion by Mr. Leach, which was in full play. A number of seats are fixed around the lake; and the Park is becoming ornamented by gifts of various sorts from residents and others.
As it may be wondered why the Park has not been opened at an earlier period, we may state that the delay has been caused by the want of some local authority to receive it in the name of the township. On the formation of the Local Board twelve months since, the question was soon mooted, and it was found that the Park could legally be received by the Board under the 74th section of the Public Health Act. After considerable discussion upon the subject, the Local Board finally accepted the park in the name of the township at a meeting held on Friday evening, July 1st. Since that time active preparations have been going on for its formal opening. At first Mr. Barnes was desirous to have the thing done in a very quiet and unostentatious manner; the members of the Board as well as other influential residents were of a different opinion, and it was thought that such an occasion as the presentation of a public park should be accompanied by a demonstration of a more marked and striking character. Feeling that that was the general opinion, Mr. Barnes yielded to this mode of celebrating the opening; hence the grandeur of the ceremony on Wednesday last, towards the success of which all ranks and classes have most cheerfully and cordially united.
Very shortly after the 10th December, 1860, Mr. Barnes placed the Birch Hall estate in the hands of Mr. Henderson, landscape gardener, of Birkenhead, who laid out the ground as it at present appears. For more than three years the Park has been opened to the public, and its benefits became deeply appreciated by all classes of the community. For three successive seasons open-air concerts have been given weekly during the summer months by the band of the 27th L. R. V. , under the leadership of Mr. James Richardson Barnes, which have been largely attended, especially by the working classes of the population. The Park is not yet completed. It is intended at some period to form a principal entrance on the Manchester road, but this has been delayed owing to a contemplated raising of the road at that point. The proceedings in connection with the opening ceremony were a complete success. There was nothing to mar the arrangements. The inhabitants had entered with spirit into all the plans of the Local Board and sought to carry out their wishes. There was a general holiday in Farnworth and for miles round. Visitors from all parts of the county came flocking into the neighbourhood at an early hour. The railways brought thousands from Bolton, Manchester, and other places; and it is not too much to say that there were not fewer than 100,000 people in Farnworth on that day.

But before proceeding to enlarge on the festivities of Wednesday last, we propose to give one or two things which will doubtless be read with the greatest interest, commencing with


A BRIEF HISTORY OF FARNWORTH.

On this subject we need not say a great deal. There is nothing remarkable in the history of the township worth recording until a few years ago. We may, however, briefly state that the township is supposed to have originally derived its name from the growth of ferns in the district. The fern leaf forms part of the Hulton coat of arms; and we find that the first mention of the township is in the history of the Hulton family, who settled here in 1311. The name again occurs in Adams Index Villans, a rare work published in 1680. The place at this time was a wild uncultivated waste. Very little of the land was enclosed, and the people were extremely poor. In a work published by a man named Ramsbottom in 1787, the boundaries of the township are given, and some statistics with reference to other matters. This writer says that Birch House, now the residence of Mr. Hayman, was formerly occupied by Ramsbottom himself as a tenant of Sir Robert Walmsley, of Booths. The most interesting details, however, connected with the township commence with the present century. According to the best records the Holland School was the first place for religious instruction. The old Independent Chapel was built in 1809; and the new Congregational Church in 1850. The Wesleyan Chapel in Market-street, in 1830; enlarged in 1844; and the new chapel in Vicarage-road was opened in 1861. The Parish Church was opened in 1826; the Primitive Methodist in 1860; Albert-road Congregational, 1863; Independent (now Wesleyan) School at New Bury, 1830; St. Gregory's Catholic Chapel, 1853. For many years after the introduction of the present century, there was not a building of any kind upon the Heywood estate. Leigh House was the first, and was approached by carriage drive coming into the Manchester Road, where Mr. Boardman's beerhouse now stands. The population was then very small, and the trade of the district confined solely to handloom weaving, ruining operations, and farming. The inhabitants lived on the plainest food, and dressed after the same manner. The first manufacturing was done by hand, the late Mr. J.R. Barnes being the first to commence. He was followed by the late Mr. William Barton and Mr. John Devenport, each of them employing a few handloom weavers. There were also a few of that class called "Putters out," men who came from Stand and neighbourhood, to give out a few warps and bundles of weft to be woven in the district. With this exception, there was no commerce of any kind. In the remarks we subjoin respecting the history of the Barnes family, a good deal may be gathered as to the growth of manufacturing industry in Farnworth. Suffice it to say that next to the late Mr. J. R. Barnes, the firm of Messrs. Joseph and Robert Lord contributed most to the establishment of a local cotton trade than any other individuals. They commenced the manufacture of cotton goods at an early period of the present century,. and continued to do a first-class trade until their retirement from the business.a few years ago. The construction of the Manchester and Bolton Railway, and its passage through Farnworth has been another important element towards promoting our local prosperity. It was opened in 1838, and bas been the means of increasing our trade, multiplying our population, and tending not a little to our greatness as a community. At the present moment there are from 20 to 30 mills in Farnworth and immediate vicinity; also foundries, spindle shops and other workshops. As an illustration of the rapid increase of material wealth within the district, we may state that the assessment of the township in 1821 was �2,769; whereas it is now �25,000. Various social improvements have also taken place in the district; and the intelligence of the township, especially that of the working classes, seems rapidly on the improve. The population in 1821 was 2.044, with 344 houses, and 378 families. In 1831, the population had increased to 3,006. In 1861 it was - males, 4,110, females, 4,611; total, 8,721. There were 1,720 houses and 1,952 families, with 30 uninhabited houses, and 21 in course of erection. Since the census of 1861 the workhouse, with several hundred inmates has been brought into the township; in addition to which building has been going on very rapidly - far exceeding any previous increase in the same period; so that the population is now about 12.000. We now return to notice the proceedings connected with the opening of the Park, on Wednesday last, and adds additional lustre to the town, and represents an important period in our local history. We proceed first with a



BRIEF HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE BARNES FAMILY.

Very little is known of Mr. Barnes's family previous to the birth of his father, the late James Rothwell Barnes, Esq. who may be said to be the founder of the house. The following brief sketch, however, which has been compiled from a collection of papers and memoranda kindly placed at our disposal, will doubtless be read with interest, and may, we believe, be relied upon as correct. We find that the late James Rothwell Barnes was born in Bank-street, Bolton, in the year 1786. His father, George Barnes, was the youngest son of a farmer and small landed proprietor residing in the neighbourhood of Holcombe, in the parish of Bury. This George was early bound apprentice to a peruke maker in Bolton, where he was a fellow workman with Arkwright, the man who a few years later so greatly distinguished himself in connection with the cotton manufacture of this county. He married a Jane Kay, whose father was a small farmer and weaver in the village of Horwich, near Bolton, and who is spoken of as being a very good man. The local history of that neighbourhood informs us that he, along with four others, planned and built the Independent Chapel at that place, of which the Rev. Mr. Wilsden is now pastor. It appears that his daughter Jane had been once married previous to her union with George Barnes. Her first husband's name was Haslam, and by him she had one daughter, Anne Haslam, who died of consumption at the age of 19. George Barnes died in a few years after his marriage with Mrs Haslam, leaving her a widow for the second time, and with one child - the late James Rothwell Barnes, and he only two years of age. Unassisted by relatives or friends, Mrs Barnes bravely contended with the difficulties of her position, and endeavoured as far as her humble means would allow to support and educate her son, of whom she was doatingly fond. Before the lad was more than a few years old, Mrs Barnes left her house in Bank-street, Bolton, owing to her marriage for the third time with one Robert Tonge, who kept the Old Golden Lion Inn near to the Lower-mill at Moses-gate, to which house she at once removed. This Robert Tonge is said to have been very kind to his step-son, and to have gratified many of his boyish desires. It is said that when the lad was nine years of age, whilst "swimming boats " with a companion, he accidentally fell into a pond of water near to the house, and upon the site of the present mill, and that his step-father was the means of rescuing him. When taken out of the water, it was supposed that he was dead; but his mother would have every means used to revive him, and after great exertion and much anxious perseverance, the efforts to restore animation were successful. Previous to this painful event. the lad was fat and rosy-looking; but ever afterwards, weak and delicate. Very shortly after this Mrs. Tonge was again left a widow, and compelled to struggle alone. About this time, young Barnes was sent to the old school at the bottom of Dixon-green, where he was roughly initiated in the rudiments of knowledge as imparted in that building more than half a century ago. He was subsequently removed to the school at Little Lever, then taught by the learned Dr. Hewitt. It is generally granted, however, that the late Mr. James Rothwell Barnes did not owe much to school instruction; what he afterwards became was chiefly the result of his own exertions; he was, in every sense of the word, a self-made man. He was early taught that he had himself to depend upon for his future life, and that if he rose it must be by his own exertions or not at all. In his youth he was too delicate to attend school regularly, and when about fourteen years of age, symptoms of consumption began to manifest themselves; and he was advised to go and follow the plough, which he did, and in a few weeks he became stronger. Much of his time was spent in reading. He was well acquainted with Milton and Shakespeare and many prose works of a standard character. He had an excellent memory, and used it well. It was often remarked that he could remember almost everything he read or heard with the greatest correctness; and would be deeply absorbed in his reading though surrounded with the company of others. At seventeen years of age he appears to have suspected or discovered that his mother's business was a losing one. Finding this to be the case, he took the whole responsibility upon himself, and quickly restored his mother's finances. Before young Barnes was eighteen years of age, we find that he joined the local militia which was then being formed; and so great was his natural talent and indomitable perseverance that he was very shortly afterwards raised to the position of captain, when his companionship was courted by the oldest officers, by all of whom he was highly respected and esteemed. He returned to his mother at the Golden Lion, and continued with her until his marriage, at the age of twenty-three years, with Elizabeth Taylor, daughter of Roger Taylor, butcher and farmer, of Ringley. Thinking hiss mother's business not sufficiently remunerative, he began in a small way as a manufacturer of coarse goods. This not answering, he returned to his mother's business; but it appears that both he and his mother were tired of the life of innkeeping, for we find that they shortly afterwards sold the business and left the house. He recommenced as a manufacturer; his whole capital being confined to the possession of a few hundreds of pounds which he raised from his family connections. The first year he took stock; the total profit he made was �117; the second year, �106; the third year �104; out of which he had to maintain a wife and family of four children. The next three years were a source of considerable loss, for at the end or that time he found himself just �300 poorer than he was when he first started business. At that time he walked to Manchester three times per week to his warehouse in Macdonald-lane, Blue Boar Court. He would only spend 4d. upon his dinner, would sit in the office without fire on the coldest day in winter, and then return on foot to Farnworth, after which he would work in the mill till eleven or twelve o'clock in the evening. For many years he laboured hard and with little success; he had great difficulty in making progress, and so much was he dispirited that if any one had offered him �100 a year he would have taken it with the greatest readiness. Indeed, at this time he had very serious thoughts about giving up the business as unprofitable. Having a stock of about twenty or thirty pieces on hand. Mr. Barnes was pacing to and fro in his warehouse in the greatest dejection, and in deep study as to what he should really do, when in came a Mr. Plummer, of the firm of Messrs. Parsons, Hurles, and Co., of Bristol, who, after asking the price of the cloth, paid down the money for the entire lot. This appears to have been the turning point in his history, for that night he determined to go ahead in spite of all his discouragements. The motto Mr. Barnes acted upon, both at this time and throughout his whole life, 'live upon less than you get - however little that may be." Business seemed to occupy his greatest attention; for whatever he undertook besides, that seems never to have been neglected. Be had a warping mill, and gave out work to about 50 hand-loom weavers. Business prospering a little, a warehouse-six windows long, eight yards wide, and two storeys high-was erected. This building is still standing, the lower room is used as a store, the upper one being filled with apparatus for finishing cloth. Mr. Barnes put fourteen looms in the bottom room, and used the other as a warehouse and warping-room. All this time Mr. Barnes resided in a cottage near the Golden Lion, and on the site of the present mill; adjoining his residence being the cottage occupied by the late Robert Lawton, who was his servant-in-waiting when captain in the militia, and also his first workman as a manufacturer. At the end of a year or two after taking stock, Mr. Barnes found that business did not answer his expectation; there was too much expense for the work done. In order to remedy this state of things, the fourteen looms were removed and substituted by twenty one others. After this he seems to have made steady and onward progress. and increased prosperity followed. In 1828, he built the loom shop which stands at the northeast end of the lower mill. Here he laid down 192 looms, and a fourteen horse power steam engine. In 1834 he began to build the five story mill, and in a few years after that he erected the east end of the spinning mill over the boilers. This cost him much labour, thought, and anxiety. Certain portions of the former building had to be altered to economize the carrying on of the business, and the present plan of the works was the result. About this time his health seems to have suffered, and as the result of medical advice he went to Paris, and returned at about the end of a month much improved. The mill at Dixon-green was built in 1834. In February, 1835, a very sad and trying event took place. His youngest son, James, fell down the hoist from the top story of the mill to the ground, and was killed on the spot. This was a severe blow to Mr. Barnes. It seemed to paralize all his efforts, and for some time afterwards he could do nothing. The shock affected his health; inflammation of the lungs set in. All that money or medical skill could accomplish was tried, and after a long and severe affliction he was again restored. We may here state that Mr. Barnes had seven children; four sons- George, Thomas, James, and one that died when only a few weeks old. He had three daughters - Jane, Mary, and Sarah. George Barnes, the eldest son, who was most highly esteemed for many excellent qualities by the numerous work people employed at the Farnworth cotton mills, as well as by the inhabitants of the neighbourhood generally, died in 1844, at the age of 35 years, from the effects of what at first sight appeared a very trivial accident. So great was the esteem in which he was held, that on the occasion or his interment, that business was generally suspended in the neighbourhood, the shops all being closed. His son, Mr. Alfred Barnes, of Green-bank, is a magistrate of the county, and the Chairman of the Farnworth. Local Board. James was unfortunately killed as we have already seen; and Thomas, the present Liberal member for the borough of Bolton, and the generous donor of the Park we have this week received, is the only son now living. Jane the wife of James Haslam, Esq., of Eccles old road, Manchester, is still living. Sarah died on the 16th of June, 1836, at the age of fifteen years. Mary, the wife of Mr. Thomas Paterson, of Moses-gate, died in about three years afterwards. In the year 1840 James Rothwell Barnes, left the house now occupied by Mr. Paterson to reside at Summerfield, near Bolton. Here he was taken very ill, and in 1845 had a serious attack of chest complaint, which confined him to his house for a period of seven months. In 1846 Mr. Barnes removed to Darley-hall, at which place he remained until he died in the year 1849, aged 63 years ; his wife also dying in the following year. Great was the sorrow manifested at his somewhat premature removal. Mr. Barnes was most highly esteemed amongst a large circle of acquaintances. His remains were interred at the Old Independent chapel; all places of business being closed during the funeral out of respect. From Darley-hall the road to the chapel was lined with people, many of whom were in tears. We would say, as was then said, all honour to the man who thus succeeded in overcoming the difficulties which his earlier history was surrounded, and acquiring so much wealth and influence by his own hard and honest industry. On the Sunday following his interment, Rev. Joseph Dyson, the venerable pastor of the congregation, preached his funeral sermon, from the words (Psalm xxx.vi.37) "Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright, for the end of that man is peace." The chapel was crowded; even the very aisles were filled, And the majority of the congregation attired in deep mourning. !n religion Mr. Barnes was no bigot. It is said that he had the greatest repugnance to one sect seeking to glorify itself at the expense of another. His immediate predecessors were all Church people; and he and his family worshipped at the "chapel" at Little Lever, now known as St. Matthew's Church. His ancestors; on the maternal side, however, were staunch Dissenters; hence his union with the Independent body at Farnworth, who at the time were just engaged in the erection of the old Independent chapel, which sect, it is said, he joined after much thought upon the subject. After this, he became a warm supporter of the cause of Independency in Farnworth and neighbourhood; and it is not too much to say that it has been mainly owing to his influence and that of his family that. the body now occupies so important a position. One of the latest acts of his eventful as well as useful life was to give �1000 towards the present Congregational Church. This was at a time like the present, when trade was exceedingly dull and money scarce. He accompanied the noble gift by the significant words, that "His money had been fast taking to itself wings, but that he would secure �1000 towards this object." In politics, Mr. Barnes was a Liberal. He did not, however, take a very active part in any of the leading questions of the day. He took a deep interest in the affairs of the township of Farnworth. His knowledge of turnpike trust affairs was so extensive and correct, and his judgment so good, that he came to have great weight in the meeting of the commissioners. He was on the Moses-gate trust and Irlam's-o'th'-Height and Pendleton district. His connection with these roads led him to London, in support of an application to Parliament for an act empowering them to put on a bar at Kersley Moor. and to collect tolls there to pay off the debts incurred in making Stoneclough embankment. He displayed considerable ability in this business. He represented the trustees of the road, and consequently had to be examined before a Committee of the House of Commons. His examination lasted two days, and with such success that they obtained their Act, notwithstanding the formidable opposition of the bleachers, and others of Bolton and neighbourhood. In this work, which was arduous and painful to him, for he was very unwell at the time, he was assisting many persons of a helpless class, chiefly females or orphans, whose money was lent on mortgage of the tolls, and who would have lost some portion of it if he had not succeeded. Very many years before death Mr. Barnes was made a magistrate of the county, and afterwards a Director of the Manchester and Bolton Railway Company, of which he was a most active promoter. In both these offices he obtained for himself great respect and influence. The former he continued to attend to as long as his health would permit; and the latter office he filled to the day of his death. From being an unknown and untried director of a small company, he became the principal director of one of the largest in the kingdom. So highly was he esteemed by his fellow-directors, that he was strongly urged to be the chairman, and, had he not given the most positive refusal. he would most certainly have been elected. Such is, in brief, the life and character of the individual who has been mainly instrumental in making Farnworth what we now find it to be. Thomas Barnes, second and only son now living of the late James Rothwall Barnes, was born September 9, 1812, in the cottage already spoken of as on the site of the old mill. After attending for a short time an old dame school, he was transferred to Mr. Wilson's commercial school at Bolton. Owinr to the death of this gentleman, he was removed to a private school taught by Mr. Cover, who was an Independent minister at Bolton, and one of the first missionaries to the South Sea Islands. After completing his education, Mr. Barnes was taken into his father's mill, where he passed through the ordinary routine for acquiring a correct knowledge of the spinning and manufacturing business. He was married in 1834 to his first wife, Sarah Richardson, daughter of William Richardson, of Lilly Hill, Stand, who had one child, which died at the age of seven or eight weeks. Mrs. Sarah Barnes also died in 1836. Mr. Barnes was married to his present wife, Anne Richardson, sister to his first wife, some little time after this. They only had one child, the present James Richardson Barnes, who was born on the 8th December, 1839, and on Thursday last was married to Miss Ellen Cheetham, of Staleybridge, under such favourable auspices. Naturally of a shrewd and intelligent mind, Mr. Thomas Barnes at a very early period of his life became a useful member of society. Following the example of his father, he associated himself with the Independent body in this neighbourhood, becoming a teacher in the Sabbath school at the age of 18 years, and afterwards sustaining the office of superintendent (which his father had held before him) for a long series of years. Indeed, when in 1852, Mr. Barnes was elected one of the members for the borough of Bolton by such an overwhelming majority, the distinguished honour so unexpectedly conferred, found Mr. Barnes the teacher of the senior female class as well as superintendent of the Farnworth Independent Sabbath School, of which he has ever proved himself a warm supporter. The cause of Independency found in Mr. Barnes a true friend. His hand and heart were ever ready to help in any movement which had for its object the promotion of its welfare and prosperity. He is, however, no narrow., minded sectarian, as many liberal contributions to other denominations could abundantly testify. As a member of Parliament Mr. Barnes's means of usefulness were very materially increased. He has devoted a considerable amount of his time and talent to the promotion of many Christian and philanthropic movements. At the present moment he is a director of the London Missionary Society, to the funds of which he has been one of the largest contributors. In the question of education, Mr. Barnes has ever taken the deepest interest. As the friend and warm admirer of a voluntary system, Mr. Barnes has become a representative man, and on more than One occasion has addressed the House on that phase of the subject. Mr. Barnes's liberality has been very great towards the Chapel Building Fund in connection with the Bi-Centenary movement in 1862, Mr. Barnes contributed �1000. To the erection of the Congregational church in Market-street, Farnworth, he contributed �500 ; and a few years ago subscribed �500 towards the erection of the New Congregational church St. George's-road, Bolton. When about two years ago, the distress amongst the working classes was beginning to assume a serious aspect, Mr. Barnes contributed �500 to the Bolton Relief Fund; and the same amount was given by the firm of which he is principal member, to that raised in Farnworth. We might go on to enumerate many pleasing acts of liberality on his part, but all of which seem to dwindle into insignificance when compared to the presentation of a Park worth about �12,000 or �13,000. This is beyond doubt the crowning act of his munificence. Shortly after his father's death Mr. Barnes was made a director of the Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway Company, of which he was subsequently elected chairman, which he only abandoned through the pressure of other and more important duties. In politics, Mr. Barnes has ever been what is termed an advanced Liberal. As already stated, he was returned member for the borough of Bolton in the Liberal interest for the first time in 1852. He continued to represent the town until the general election of 1857, when he lost his seat, Colonel Gray, the Conservative candidate, being returned in his stead along with Mr. Crook. On the retirement of the latter gentleman in 1861, Mr. Barnes was elected without opposition, and still continues to sit for the borough. In Parliament he has always voted for the abolition of church-rates, the reduction of the Franchise, and many other measures of a liberal tendency. Many years ago he was placed in the commission of the peace for the county; and soon after his election as a member he was made a deputy-lieutenant of the county of Lancaster. About the year 1855, Mr. Barnes purchased a considerable estate in Denbighshire, North Wales, which he has very greatly improved, rebuilding many of the houses and out-buildings. On this estate he has also erected a splendid mansion for himself, at which he mostly resides during the Parliamentary vacation. Since his residence in Wales, Mr. Barnes has been a magistrate for the county of Denbighshire. He has also been elected a director of the Welsh Provincial Welsh Insurance Company, and he is now chairman of the Board. Not only has Mr. Barnes considerably improved the dwellings and out-buildings of his numerous tenantry, but he has also built for their use a neat and commodious chapel, in which divine service is regularly held. But we must now bring this sketch to a close, after having briefly narrated some of the more prominent features in connection with the life and character of Mr. Barnes.



THE STREET DECORATIONS.

The decorations in the streets were not carried out on any grand scale. They were light and beautiful, rather than substantial and gorgeous. There seemed to have been considerable unanimity of feeling respecting them, for we find that neighbour joined with neighbour in their erection. The Local Board had very generously proffered to erect poles gratuitously for street decorations, and Mr. Tyrer, of Manchester, undertook to decorate these at a cheap rate, in addition to the performance of other work entrusted to him by the Board. The expense of these street decorations was in some cases borne by individuals opposite whose doors they were erected, and in others subscriptions were made to defray the cost. Commencing, then, at the Local Board, and following the order of the procession, we proceed to notice the decorations more in detail. At the Local Board was a very neat and gay street decoration, under which Gladstone would enter as he came up Darley-street from Peel-street. Another was erected at the top of Darley-street, and formed a pleasing approach to the head-quarters of the meeting. The porch over the door of the Horse Shoe beerhouse, kept by Mr. James Boardman, was most beautifully decorated; a miniature flower-garden being erected thereon. Mr. Crowther's shop was decorated with a number of flags, baton of flowers, roses, &c. A street decoration was erected opposite Mr Esdale's shop in Market-street, neatly decorated with evergreens, &c., and bearing the words "Honour to Barnes's family. Above Darley-hall wall in Dial-post brow, below the residence of Mr. Barton, was a most pleasing decoration. It consisted of an arch with the words "Health to Gladstone." batons of flags, wreaths of flowers, a Prince of Wales feather on either side, and the words "Success to the Park" underneath. The entrance to the Park from Manchester-road was done by Mr. Leach. It had in coloured letter, on pink ground, the words in large characters, " Welcome Gladstone," with shields; and other devices filling up the sides. At Birch Hall there was a street decoration, and opposite Mr. John Hindley's house at Moses-gate. At the house of Mr. Gregory, surgeon, was a handsome piece of crimson silk with a large "V" at the top, and "G and B" underneath, surrounded by banners and flower designs. At Moses-gate, Mr. Hayhurst had erected an arch of beautiful design, surrounded by flags and flowers in various colours. This arch bore the words, in excellent taste, " Welcome to Farnworth." Altogether this was a neat and chaste piece of work. Messrs. N. and W. Crowther had effected a neat decoration in front of their house, with a number of flags of different shapes and colours. Turning up Egerton-street there was a neat street decoration of rather superior construction. A little further on, and between the houses of Mr. James Mosley, cigar dealer, and Mr. Edwin Whittaker, and reaching to Mr. Richard Burford's, was another handsome decoration, the cost of which had been defrayed by the gentlemen named. The cloth suspended across the street containing the words " Welcome Gladstone," was very chastely done. In the window of Mr. Whittaker's house, as the procession passed, was a small beam engine in motion.. There were general street decorations in Egerton-street of the kind before-named. At the shop of William Owen, a piece of calico containing the words "Success to the giver," in illuminated letters, surrounded by a border of roses, was very beautiful. Passing on to Dixon-green, we find the entrance to Green-bank most admirably decorated. It consisted of a shield over the entrances representing the Farnworth coat of arms - the rampant lion, the stag's head, and the fern leaf, with batons of flags and streamers, representing England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. This, in our own judgment, was the neatest thing out; and we are glad to learn that it was the work of our own townsman Mr. Leach. At the door of the new mill there was a square ornamental Porch, at the top of which were the words, "They that look after other's good, their own will follow." Coming down into Albert-road, there was a street decoration in Wellington-street. A neat and splendid arch was erected over the gate-way of Mr. Samuel Bennett, ornamented with drapery and roses, and bearing the words, "Success to the donor," "Welcome Gladstone." The letters " V.R." were also neatly executed in artificial roses. At the end of Bridgewater�street there was a street decoration; another at the top of Albert-road, and a third one at the west end of Longcauseway, One of the neatest street decorations was opposite the residence of the Messrs. Prestwich. There was a street decoration at the end of Longcauseway; and the "big lamp" was also decorated and surmounted by a monster flag erected at a tremendous height, and containing the rampant and passant lions. At the entrance to Kersley was a street decoration, another opposite the New Jerusalem Church the gate entrance to which was also very chastely decorated with a number of roses, &c. From a street decoration at the end of Halshaw lane, we now pass on to the Kersley toll-gate, which we find somewhat "nobby." An arch was erected over each gate-way, decorated with a profusion of evergreens, festoons, flowers, &c. "Success to the Park" on the left, and "Welcome Gladstone" on the right were suspended over the archway, altogether forming a splendid ornamentation. Over the top of the road to St.Stephen's Church Sunday School at Kersley Moor, was erected an arch bearing the words just given, worked out in flowers of artificial construction, Leaving here and coming down to Higher Market-street, the first thing which met our attention was a neat street decoration opposite to the shop of Mr. Watkinson, chemist. "Thanks to the donor" and "Welcome Gladstone " being its principal features. At the shop of Mr Matthew Crook was a garland of festoons and flowers encircling the window, together with a miniature wind mill over the door. Surrounding the wall of the Congregational Church was an array of streamers and devices, having a very gay and animating appearance. The last of the street decorations was erected at the end of Vicarage-road. Of course we have said nothing of flags and banners, and various devices erected by private individuals. Every shop, and almost every cottage displayed some kind of flag on the occasion; and there were large flags erected on an the principal mills, workshops, public buildings, &c. The entrance of the Farnworth and Kersley Gas Yard was decorated with evergreens. In the centre, over the gates was a coat of arms of the Royal Family, surmounted by a Prince's plume and two banners; on each side were two flags. At the entrance to the cottages in the Park, occupied by Mr. Brooks, was erected a small temporary arch, covered with evergreens; over the centre was a crown and garlands, made of flowers, and it was further enlivened by a display of banners.



DECORATIONS IN THE PARK.

Here, as elsewhere, the decorations and adornments were very profuse, gay, beautiful, and animating. Standing on the terrace, at the western end of the park, and immediately in front of the pavilion, where a full view of the park presents itself, the sight was truly enchanting. At the Dixon-green entrance, on the north-western side of the park, there was a strongly constructed triumphal arch of Grecian structure and design. Over the centre, on the street side of the arch was a coat of arms representing a rampant lion On each side of which were two coloured figures; indicating Peace and Science. On the other side were two other figures, representing Music and Industry. Above these four figures floated a large union Jack, and around them four smaller banners. On each side of the arch fluttered two large coloured flags. Hoisted on the corners of Messrs. Walwork and Sassum's mill, which is a square building, were four union Jacks; and seventeen flags of different kinds lined the field stretching into the park, and adjoining the said mill. At the bottom of the long walk or asphalted plateau, and opposite to the pavilion, were two flags and two small streamers. The Farnworth and Kersley Gas Works, on the south side of the park, was very gaily dressed; the numerous union Jacks, flags, banners, banners, streamers, &c., had a very pleasing and striking effect upon the eye of the observer. The Queen-street, or south entrance to the park, near the gas work, and where ladies were admitted by there was erected a very neat archway of evergreens and flowers, over which was an elegant figure painting representing innocency at play. On the top of this archway were seven small flags of various colours. Along the wall, separating the park from Wellington-street, stationed at equal distances, there were sixteen coloured poles, partly and very neatly covered with evergreens; from the top of each there floated a variety of flags and banners. Stretched from pole to pole there were five mottoes, bearing the following important and significant words :- "The working man's pleasure;" "Welcome Gladstone:" "The rich and the poor meet together, and the Lord is the maker of them all;" "Health to the Donor;" and " Enjoyments for the people!' At the west end of the park, and over Mr. J. Hilton's foundry, floated another large banner. The whole of the decorations in the park, with the exception of the arch at the Dixon-green entrance, were executed by Mr. Joseph Leach, of Farnworth.



THE "MEET AND THE START."

At an early hour in the morning, and while yet dark, might be heard the booming of cannon, the strokes of the hammer, as the finishing touches were being put to the street decorations, and the tramp of anxious and early risers. Very soon after light began to dawn, country visitors were teeming in, on foot and by rail, from every quarter. The weather was remarkably fine, and bid fair for continuing so during the whole of the day. The belfry of St.John's sent forth a merry peal. Soon after the streets were all life and animation. Crowds were collecting together, all making their way towards the offices of the Local Board, Darley-street, which was the great centre of attraction, as the place of meeting. There was soon on duty a strong constabulary force for the purpose of preserving order during the day. This consisted of two inspectors - Mr. Read, of the Bolton division, and Mr. Bent, of the Manchester, seven sergeants, and about fifty constables. These were under the superintendence of Mr. Scott, of the Bolton division, and Mr. Milne, the superintendent of the Bury division of the county constabulary force; and we may say that the men executed their work in a manner which reflected credit upon them and their superintendents. So early as eight o'clock, Sunday school scholars as well as teachers might be seen wending their way to their respective schools, all appearing in the liveliest spirits, and in their best attire. At about nine o'clock, the school processions began to make their appearance on the ground appointed for that purpose in Darley-street. These were arranged in marching order by Mr. Inspector Read. Members of friendly societies met in Mr. Rigby's field, and were there arranged by Supt. Milne, of Bury; the carriages, as they arrived upon the ground appointed for them, being arranged by Supt. Scott. All these arrangements were carried out with order an regularity. The 4th company 27th L.R.V., with their band, arrived in good time, and formed a sort of barrier, to keep the place of meeting free from the crowd which thronged the entrance to the street. The entrance to Peel-street was protected in a similar way by the 76th L.R.V. The detachment of the Worsley troop of Yeomanry Cavalry arrived shortly after nine o'clock, and formed a guard of honour on the north side at the top of Darleystreet. The members of the Local Board met about nine o'clock, and transacted some business relative to the programme of the day's proceedings. As the time drew near for the procession to start, the crowd was enormous and very pressing - so much so, that the services of more than one of the mounted troopers had to be called into requisition to keep the passage to the Board clear for the arrival of visitors. About ten o'clock the greatest excitement prevailed owing to the momentarily expected arrival of the carriage containing Mr. and Mrs. Gladstone. At about twenty five minutes past ten o'clock, the carriage containing these distinguished visitors, together with Mr. Barnes and Mr. Alfred Barnes, came up Market-street, and as soon -as they were recognised immense cheers were given. The carriage passed down Peel-street, and on its way round to the Local Board Mr. Gladstone was greeted with an outburst of cheering from the Sunday school scholars and friendly societies, to which he repeatedly bowed his acknowledgements. On his arrival at the Local Board, Mr. Gladstone was received by the members, who also gave three hearty cheers, which were acknowledged by the same number of bows. Mr. Gladstone went into the office of the Local Board, where he entered into friendly conversation with several of the members. Sergeant-Major Bleackley, of the Bolton troop of the Duke of Lancaster's Own, and well mounted, was engaged to marshal the procession, which he did to the great satisfaction of all concerned. It was about a quarter to eleven o'clock when the procession began to form. At this time there was great crowding at the top of Darleystreet, and the police had great difficulty in keeping a clear passage. At length the order was given, and the advanced guard began to move. We will now proceed to notice.



THE PROCESSION.

Advanced guard- A detachment of 24 well mounted members of the Worsley troop of the Duke of Lancaster's Own, under the command of Lieut. Edward Heywood.
Rifle Volunteers-The 4th company of the 27th L.R.V., under the command of Capt. Whittam and Ensign Hardman; Lieutenant Whittam was absent through indisposition. The company was headed by the band of the regiment in full uniform. The band numbered 26, and the volunteers 76 ; total 102.
County and Borough Magistrates, &c.- Carriage, containing William Hargreaves, Esq., of Darley Hall ;John Hick, Esq., of Bolton, and Rev. J.S. Birley, of Halliwell. Carriage-Col. Gray, M.P., and M. Bully, Esq, cotton broker, Liverpool. Carriage - Robert Winder, Esq., clerk to the borough magistrates ; T.W. Heaton, Esq., and John Orton, Esq., of Bolton. Carriage- Peter Martin, Esq., Rivington, and John Cannron, Esq., Bolton. Carriage- Major Bailey, Thomas Lever Rushton, Esq., Solicitor, Bolton, and Mr. C. Briggs, jun. Carriage - Thomas R .Bridson, Esq., Bolton, and Rev. Edward Bolling.
Mayor and Corporation of Bolton, Members of Parliament, &c. Carriage, containing Alderman John Harwood, chairman of finance and general purposes committee; and J.R. Wolfendon, Esq., ex-mayor of Bolton. Carriage- Henry Ashworth, Esq., President of the Manchester Chamber of Commerce; and Thomas Bazley, Esq., M.P. for Manchester. Carriage- The Mayor of Bolton, Richard Harwood, Esq. ; the Rev. Henry Powell, Vicar of Bolton; Rev. R. Best, Congregational minister, Bolton; and R.G. Hinnell, Esq., Town Clerk of Bolton. Carriage- Rev. W.H. Davison, Congregational minister, Bolton: Aldermen Brown, Stockdale, and Ferguson. Carriage- Aldermen Henry, Dunderdale, and Heywood; and Charles Naylor, Esq., borough magistrate. Carriage- Councillors Best, Mason, Rawsthorn, and Kenyon. Carriage - Councillors Marshall, Latham, Howarth, and Salt. Carriage- Councillors Wilkinson, Openshaw, Charles Heaton, and D. Skinner Carriage- Councillors Thomas Bolton, Chairman of the Lighting and Scavenging Committee; Brandwood, Constantine, and Foster. Carriage- Councillors Redhead, Stothert, H.M. Richardson, and Mr. Harris, Chief Constable of Bolton. Carriage- Councillors Hope and Thirlwind, and Mr. Baylis, Borough Surveyor. Carriage- Councillors Rowland Hall, Jeremiah Marsden, Roger Haslam, and Gorse. Carriage- Councillors Pilling, Barlow and W.W. Cannon, Chairman of the Library, and Museum Committee, and John Gordon, Esq. Clerk of the Peace.
Guardians, Overseers, Gas Directors, Members of Local Board, and others. Carriage, containing Mr. Samuel Gee, Guardian for Kersley; Mr. Isaac and Mr. John Gee, Mr. John Crompton, Mr. William Walker, Manchester; Mr. Burchmore, Manchester, and Mr. John Jones, Manchester. Carriage- Overseers of Kersley. Messrs. James Topp, Robert Prestwich, John Partington, and John Johnson, Road Surveyor. Carriage- Thomas Andrews, Esq., Solicitor; C.H. Holden, Esq., Solicitor, Bolton; and Messrs. John Prestwich and Thomas Fallows, Overseers of Farnworth. Carriage- Mr. James Brearley, Assistant Overseer and Collector of Farnworth District; Mr. Edwin Hanksworth, Overseer, Little Lever. Carriage- William Pearson, Esq. Mayor of Salford, and Hugh Pearson, Esq., his brother. Carriage James Eckersly, Esq., Mosesgate; Charles Johnson, Esq., Townley's, Farnworth; and Thomas Russell, Esq., Southport. Carriage- Messrs. Robert Briercliffe, William Hayhurst, James Wilson, and R.A. Clarke, Members of the Local .Board. Carriage- S. Prestwich, John Hindley, John Crompton, and John Tonge, Members of the Local Board. Carriage-:Rev. W. Woodman, of Kersley; Walker Almond, Joseph Leach, and Samuel Bennett, Members of the Local Board. Carriage- Messrs. James Fletcher and James Warburton, Directors of the Farnworth and Kersley Gas Company; Thomas Holden, Esq., Solicitor to the Company, and Mr. John Smith, the Manager. Carriage- Messrs. John Whittaker, Radcliffe; James Taylor, of the firm of Taylor and Galloway, Bolton; Thomas Seddon Scholes, and John Taylor, Bingley, Directors of the Gas Company. Carriage- B.A. Arnold, Esq., Government Inspector of Public Works, and author of a book on the subject, Manchester; John Hall Esq., Solicitor to the Local Board, and Mr. S. Dyson, member of the .Board. Carriage- Messrs. John Greenhalgh and Crossley, members of the Local Board; James Lomax, the Surveyor; and Peter Thornley, the Clerk.
Carriage- Containing Alfred Barnes, Esq., Chairman of the Local Board; and Samuel Seddon, Esq., of Lytham.
Carriage- Containing the Right Hon. W. E. GLADSTONE, M.P., Chancellor of the Exchequer; and Mrs GLADSTONE; THOMAS BARNES, .Esq., M.P.
Carriage- John Cheetham, Esq., Stalybridge; William Blacklock, Esq., Hopefield, Pendleton; and Mrs. Blacklock.
Carriage- Sir J.P. Kaye-Shuttleworth, High Sheriff of the county of Lancaster; James Pilkington, Esq., M.P. for Blackburn; and Harrison Blair, Esq., of Peel Hall.
Carriage- The young Earl of Ellesmere and the Hon. Algernon Egerton, M.P. for the county.
Carriage - James R. Barnes, Esq.., and J.F. Cheetham, Esq, Stalybridge.
Gentlemen of the town and neighbourhood: Carriage - Messrs. William Ryder, James Bromilow, William Rutter, schoolmaster, Holy Trinity; and Robert Leach, Bolton. Carriage- W.H. Hayman, Esq., Birch House, and William Neild, Esq., The Grange, Worsley. Carriage- Messrs. Thomas Cooper, William Warburton, and Nathan Smith, Bolton. Carriage - Thomas Minsihall, Esq., Oswestry; Anthony Dillon, Esq., secretary to the Welsh Provincial Insurance Company, (of which Mr. Barnes is chairman,) of Wrexham. Carriage - William Hinmers, Esq., Samuel Boothroyd, Esq., Southport; George Green, Esq., Tyldesley; and the Rev. John Chater, Congregational minister, Southport. Carriage- Thomas Paterson, Esq., William Haslam, Esq, Manchester, (brothers-in-law to Mr. Barnes); and Adam Ferguson, banker, Bolton. Carriage- Messrs. Frederick Williams, and Robert Hall, of Bolton; and Messrs. John Lord, and James Thompson, Rochdale.
Gentlemen of tho town and neighbourhood on foot, headed by the churchwardens for Farnworth and Kerseley, Messrs. Henry Crompton and John Gerrard; and sidesmen, Robert Harrison and Johnson Martin, fifty-seven in number.
The bellman, Dan Coucill, in full uniform.



SUNDAY SCHOOLS.

Parish Church School - preceeded by the Mount Zion (Radcliffe) Brass Band, and the procession headed by the Revs. W.H. Burns, M.A., and Robert Daunt, curates, of Farnworth and Kersley; and the Rev. Holland Lomas, M.A., rector of --, near Liverpool, and formerly of Birch Hall, Farnworth, all in full canonicals; together with a large banner bearing the inscription "Parish Church Sunday Schools." The male portion of the procession were preceeded by the flute band recently formed, and composed of the scholars of the school, in their new uniform, consisting of a scarlet Garribaldian suit, which gave a neat and handsome appearance. The numbers were- males, 328; females, 429 ; in four waggons, 240 little ones : total, 997.
St. James' Church School, New Bury-headed by the Rev. C. J. Stewart, the incumbent, and Messrs. Livesey and John Tonge. Males, 140 ; females, 184: total, 324.
St. Stephen's Church School, Kersley-moor- headed by the Rev. E. W. Gilbert, and Mr. Ansdell. Males, 112; females, 136; and two waggons, (kindly lent by Mr. Blair,) containing 60 children each : total, 369.
Holland (Wesleyan) Sunday School.- This school was headed by the Edgeworth Temperance Band and the Revs. W. Wilson, superintendent, Elijah Jackson, and George Wood, ministers of the Bolton South circuit. A very beautiful new flag was also exhibited for the first time on this occasion. It bore the significant and Scriptural injunction "Train up a child in the way he should go." Males, 165; females, 227; and One waggon, containing about 60: total, 462.
Wesleyan Sunday School, Market�street.- This procession, though few in number-the school not having been established more than two years - was decidedly the most gay an animating in appearance. There was a profusion of bunting, flags, banners, &c., of the liveliest colours and patterns; in addition to which there seemed to be a neat turnout on the part of the scholars, and those forming the procession. Males, 63; females, 71 ; and one waggon, containing 56: total, 190.
Wesleyan Sunday School, New Bury-Males, 38; females, 47; one cart (kindly lent by Mr. Hurst) and containing 20 children: total, 125.
Primitive Methodist Sunday School-Headed by Revs. John Slater, Joseph Prestwich, Thos. Meredith, and John Turner. Males, 103; females, 110; two carts, lent by Messrs. John and George Ashton, and containing 20 children each; total, 273.
Congregational Sunday School, Albert Road - Headed by the Rev. W. Jackson and Mr. Fairhurst, home missionary. Males, 105; females, 160; one waggon, lent by Mr. Hugh Howorth, containing 80 infants; total, 345.
Congregational Sunday School, Little Lever - Headed by the Rev. E. Pickford and Mr. John Walker, superintendent. Males, 137; females, 131; two carts, containing together 66 children; total, 324.
Farnworth and Kersley Congregational Sunday School- Headed by the Mount Pleasant Band, from Little Bolton. Males, 274; females, 411 ; four waggons, containing 173 infants, and kindly lent by Messrs. T. Barnes and Co. and Mr. Thomas Raynor; total, 808. One of these waggons, of which Mr. James Raynor was the driver, was most gorgeously decorated with evergreens, garlands of flowers, festoons, bells, &c. and was universally admired. The male portion of the procession was headed by the Rev, Thomas Handford, of Bolton, and Messrs. Samuel Winter, J.B. Kay, James Newhouse, &c. There was a large display of new banners, bearing the arms of the Local Board, and which were furnished to the school by Mr. Alfred Barnes, one of the superintendents. They contain the significant words, "Be just, and fear not,"
St. Gregory's Catholic Sunday School-Headed by the Revs. Michael Byrne, of Farnworth, and his brother. the Rev. Denis Byrne, of Bolton. The large and handsome new banner, provided last Whitsuntide, was again unfurled. It contains a large cross and the words" St. George's Sunday School, Farnworth." A large silver processional cross was also borne at the head of the procession, together with a second flag bearing the well-known words, "Erin-go-bragh'" or in other words, "Ireland for ever," Males, 184; females, 243; two waggons, furnished by Mr. Whittam, containing 88 little ones; total, 516.
Most of the waggons in the Sunday School procession were very handsomely, some of them very profusely, decorated for the occasion, one party seeming to vie with another as to which should make the smartest turn-out. The children, as well as the young and grown-up people forming this part of the general procession, seemed extremely well pleased with the object for which the proceedings were intended. They united heart and hand in endeavouring to do honour to one who had shown so much desire to benefit them. We may just state that after the procession each school returned to its own place of meeting, where the children were regaled with refreshments, out of the 3d. per head allowed for that purpose by the Local Board. The Independent School from Little Lever assembled for this purpose in the Queen-street seminary.
Rifle Volunteers.- The 76th Company L.R.V., numbering 64 members, and headed by the band of the 60th (Atherton) Company L.R.V. Lieut. Topp was in command.



FRIENDLY SOCIETIES.

Independent Order of Oddfellows, M.U.- These consisted of the Hope and Glory and Victoria Lodges. They were preceded by the well-known Darwen brass band, and the flags and banners and all the regalia connected with the Order making a most pleasing as well as a most imposing appearance. There were 184 members in the procession.
Free Gardeners.- This order included the Farnworth and Worsley district, and numbered 157 members. The order was headed by the excellent band of the Worsley troop of Yeomanry. The most noticeable feature of this part of the procession was a waggon containing a representation of Adam and Eve, as they are supposed to have appeared in the garden of Eden in days of primaeval purity, The waggon was most beautifully prepared for this purpose a grass plateau of about a foot thick covered the base, the sides being surrounded by artificial vegetation, consisting of plant and flowers in endless variety and design. In the centre of this miniature garden stood the "tree of knowledge of good and evil," upon which hung clusters of ripe and tempting fruit. And with a view to carry out the picture in all its fullness, a serpent was to be seen insidiously entwining itself around the trunk; whilst the "woman" stood beneath as if listening to the charms of the beguiling reptile, with a portion of the fruit in her hand, with which she appeared to be tempting the "man." The two children, dressed to represent the character named, were Catherine Crompton, daughter of Mr. J. Crompton, farmer; and her cousin, Josiah Young, Mr. Crompton's sister's son. Following the adults were a number of "juveniles," as they were termed, carrying baskets of beautiful and delicious fruit, consisting of apples and grapes.
Ancient Order of Shepherds.- This order was decidedly the most numerous. It contained 346 members, representing tho Farnworth and Clifton [?] district, a few from the Bolton district, and the Nelson Glory Lodge from the Outwood district. The order was preceded by the band of the 6th Lancashire Militia, from Regent road Barracks, Salford. A child named George Watts, son of Mr. William Watts, of the Flash Inn, Bolton, and dressed in a Garibaldi suit, rode on horseback at the head of the procession, much to the envy of all the little boys who saw him. In another part of the procession was a Farnworth lad, named George Williams, who was similarly dressed and mounted. This order also had a waggon which was meant as an emblem of ancient shepherdry. It contained three shepherds and the same number of shepherdesses, and three lambs; the waggon was most admirably prepared and adorned for the occasion. Next came a second band the Turton Church brass band - followed by three "shepherds," in primitive costume, with the dog, &c. Next in order came Luke Boardman's Ragged School, children, numbering 3,500. At the head of the procession was the founder, Mr. Boardman himself, carrying a beautifully framed picture of Richard Harwood, Esq., Mayor of Bolton, as he appeared in court dress. He was supported by Mr. Thirlwind, one of the trustees, carrying the school banner; Mr. Charles Glover, the secretary, and Mr. John Hobson, one of the managers of the Bolton Factory Exhibition and Bazaar of 1852. Mr. Thos. Kay also rendered very great service in the procession. There were 12 waggons and carts, containing little ones and parents of children connected with the school. So far as the numbers above given are concerned, they were obtained by our own reporters, and may be relied upon as strictly correct. The different schools were twice counted, and the numbers afterwards compared and found most satisfactorily to agree.



TRADES.

Printing- Waggon, containing printing office in miniature, belonging to Mr. James Hall, Observer Office, and printing handbills in the procession, which were freely distributed amongst the thousands of spectators.
Basket-making- Waggon, belonging to Mr. Morris, Farnworth Basket Works, Market-street, and containing baskets in various stages of manufacture as the procession moved along; together with a sample basket of the different firms by which Mr. Morris is employed.
Heald Knitting- Waggon, containing heald knitting by hand and by power, carried on under the supervision of Mr. George Dale, Mrs. Dale, the Misses Dale, and Mrs. Dobson.
Weaving- Loom- Waggon containing a loom made by Messrs. Tuer Brothers, loommakers, Egerton-street. The work upon the loom was evidently a bed-tick, but the machinery having got out of gear, a man was just engaged in "loom jobbing" at the time it passed our part of the procession.
Safe-making- Waggon belonging to Mr. Chatwood, of Bolton, containing a number of safes in various stages of construction; including the drilling, filing, riveting, &c. processes.
Churning- Milk-cart, containing Mr. Chadwick and his son Samuel, of Halshaw-lane, engaged in churning, in a churn of 100 years old. Mr. Chadwick was the first individual who commenced selling milk in this district from door to door. It is now 32 years since he commenced, and for the last 22 he has never slept in any other bed than his own, and "hoped to do so again that evening."
Workhouse children- Two waggons, containing 50 boys and. 50 girls respectively, came next. The waggon, which was neatly decorated, belonged to Mr. Haslam, of the Burnden chemical works.
A carriage followed, containing Mr. Greenhalgh, the governor of the workhouse; Mr. Hell [?], the school-master; Mr. John Johnson Steele, a guardian; Mr. William Green and Mr. John Haslam, of Bolton.
A few carts, Whitechapels, and drags, containing friends from a distance, brought the procession to a close.



THE ROUTE.

The Procession, as we have already seen, started from the office of the Local Board in Darley-street, and passing along the north end of Market-street to the Moses-gate turnpike, along Egerton-street, the north side of Dixon-green road to the end of Plodder-lane, returning along he south side of Dixon-green road to Albert-road, from thence to Longcauseway and up the west side of Manchester road to Kersley-moor tollbar, returning by the east side of Manchester road to Market-street, thence by Dial-post-brow, Park-road, and to the Park entrance at Dixon-green. As stated, the number of spectators was very great at the top of Darley - indeed the whole length of Market-street was literally lined with people. At Moses-gate the scene was very beautiful. Through some cause the procession was brought to a stand at this point, and just when the carriages were extending from the Finger-post to the toll-gate, which showed them off to advantage in that broad road, the spectators all retiring on to the side-walk, which was covered. The crowd was again numerous at the bottom of Dixon-green. In Albert-road a vast concourse of people had assembled on the slope of the field, as well as in the garden belonging to Mr. Samuel Bennett, from which an excellent view was obtained. At this place as well as at other parts Mr. Gladstone was vehemently cheered. The crowd was again immense at the west end as well as in Longcauseway. Not only was the Chancellor and his good lady cheered by the middle classes and the hardy sons of toil, but the ladies at the windows as well as in the streets expressed their joy by the waving of handkerchiefs and other manifestations of delight.



THE ASSEMBLY OF LADIES IN THE PARK.

According to previous arrangement, ladies were admitted to a spacious gallery in the Park on producing tickets, which were obtained from members of the Local Board. The ladies so favoured entered by the Wellington-street entrance-gate, and so great was the desire to obtain a good position for seeing and hearing all that took place, that the gallery was covered for hours before the procession arrived. Amongst those present we noticed Mrs. Barnes, the wife of T. Barnes, Esq., M.P.; Mrs. Haslam, of Manchester - Mr. Barnes's only sister now living; Mrs. Blair, of Peel Hall; Mrs. Hinmers, and others.



THE ARRIVAL OF THE PROCESSION, AND ENTRY TO THE PARK.

At about a quarter to two o'clock the advanced guard of the procession entered the park at Dixon-green entrance. There had for some time been a considerable crowd around this gate, which increased in magnitude as the procession drew near. As may be supposed, there would be no small amount of pushing, which was increased by the prancing of the spirited chargers of the yeomanry. At length an entrance was effected, and the occupants of the several carriages were set down as they drew up to the gate. Mr. and Mrs. Gladstone were vociferously cheered as they alighted. Mr. Alfred Barnes gallantly escorted Mrs. Gladstone into the park, Mr. Gladstone following after with Mr. Barnes, and in their train the High Sheriff and Members of Parliament, already noticed as in the procession. On making their appearance upon the platform, Mr. and Mrs. Gladstone were again loudly cheered, which Mr. Gladstone gracefully acknowledged. A great amount of time was lost at this period in waiting for the arrival of the remaining part of the procession. After waiting fully half an hour, it was determined to proceed with the ceremony. Mr. Gladstone had been speaking a considerable time before the last arrived, after which the gates of the park were all thrown open, and the public generally came in in thousands. At the close of the ceremony there could not possibly be fewer than from 35,000 to 45,000 persons present, and this number was still further increased as the time for the balloon ascent drew near. But we must now proceed to notice



THE PRESENTATION CEREMONY.

The Chairman, coming to the front of the platform to open the proceedings, said: Our time being so very limited, and what is of much more consequence, Mr. Gladstone's time being very limited, it is of great importance that we should no longer delay commencement. It is not out of any disregard to those who have not yet entered the park that we now begin; but knowing the value of the time of our guests, necessity requires us to begin, because we should spoil all the arrangements by not doing so. Therefore, at once the Sunday School children will begin by singing the 100th Psalm, which has been selected for the occasion; the first verse of which was -

Before Jehovah's awful throne,
Ye nations bow with sacred joy;
Know that the Lord is God alone,
He can create and he destroy.

The singing of the Psalm, which was led by Mr. Coupe, of Manchester, and a select choir, composed of a proportionate number from each school, and which he had trained in the New Hall for the occasion, was joined by the whole of the assembled thousands, producing a grand and sublime effect. At the close of the singing, the Chairman continued :
The Bishop of the Diocese would have been present if he could, but he has sent word he cannot be here. He is engaged elsewhere in the South of England, and I have to make this apology for his absence. The Rev. Mr. Macgregor who also ought to have been here has been summoned to Scotland by the severe illness - in fact, the expected death of a friend; so that whatever was of interest in the programme in connection with their names is of necessity omitted. We will now go to the ceremony of presenting the Park, which will be performed by my uncle, Mr. Thomas Barnes (cheers).
Mr. Thomas Barnes, M. P., then came forward, and was greeted with enthusiastic plaudits again and again repeated. When silence had been obtained, the honourable gentleman said: Ladies and Gentlemen, I shall say nothing to you at the present moment, but in a very few words formally present the Park, reserving all the remarks which I intend to make to a future part of this day's proceedings, for the purpose of accommodating the press before us, and also of giving to our esteemed and distinguished visitor a fitting reception. I will therefore now do nothing more than say that I feel the greatest pleasure in having this opportunity of presenting to my neighbours, and more especially to the working men and women of Farnworth this Park for their free use and enjoyment for ever (loud and prolonged cheers); and I do so in the confident believe that it will contribute to their health, their enjoyment, their happiness, and their long life (renewed cheers.) I commit it to the care of the Chairman of the Local Board of Health of the township, in firm and full assurance that they will care for it as an object belonging especially to the labouring men and intended for their benefit (cheers). I believe also that in their endeavours to protect it from injury, and sustain it in all future time, they will be aided most earnestly by the voluntary efforts of every man and woman who enters this Park - all and each knowing and feeling that it is a sacred property devoted to their use, and that of all future generations (cheers). With these few remarks, I beg to say that I do most cheerfully, pleasantly, happily, and gratefully present the Park to the public (immense cheers).
[It was fully intended, when leaving the Boardroom in Darley-street when the procession started off, to have the deed signed on the platform in the Park; but owing to the unavoidable delay which had taken place In connection with various parts of the proceedings, this interesting ceremony was postponed until after the banquet.]
In returning thanks for the gift of the Park in the name of the inhabitants of Farnworth, the Chairman said: It would ill-become me to occupy in any lengthened remarks the time which is now so very valuable. I had prepared something which I should have wished to say, and which I hoped would not have been inopportune to say; but on the other hand on certain grounds, that I am glad I am not called upon to say. I have since thought that it would be a dreadful thing to speak when one has to be followed by Mr. Gladstone (laughter and cheers). I will therefore express to uncle, as Chairman of the town, and representing, as I trust I do in this case, the feelings of the town, our most hearty thanks for the very valuable gift which he has generously presented to us to-day (cheers). I am sure that generation after generation the thankfulness and appreciation of that gift will continue with increasing force (hear, hear, and applause). I will not delay you with any further observations now, but ask you to supplement any want of words of mine in which to express our thanks by three hearty cheers, and then you shall hear Mr. Gladstone.- The cheers were given with full force and effect by the serried multitude which fronted the platform, and when the shouts had subsided,
The Right Hon. W.E. Gladstone then rose to address the dense mass of people assembled, when be was received with a tremendous burst of applause and the waving of hats, handkerchiefs, &c., which the right hon gentleman acknowledged, and seemed highly pleased with the warmth of his reception. A profound silence, and he said :- Mr. Alfred Barnes, ladies, and gentlemen, l believe that my first and formal duty, imposed upon me by the appointed order of proceedings, is to declare in your presence that this park is now, once and for ever, opened and dedicated to the public good (cheers). As respects the gift of the park, it has been made in the hearing of witnesses sufficiently numerous by our friend Mr Barnes; and as regards the acceptance of the park, I ask any of those who have witnessed the spectacle of to-day, - who have seen the whole population, young and old, rich and poor, and not only the whole population of this place, but a goodly auxiliary force from all the country round - if that does not constitute an acceptance of the park I do not know what does (laughter). In compliance with the religious and wise custom which prevails, it has been usual that solemn prayer should be offered to Almighty God on occasions like this. We have learned why, through the absence, mainly of the bishop, it has been impossible that we should externally comply with that honoured practice. But as respects the sentiment within the breast of every one of us, I am sure that none who have listened to the heart-stirring accents of the Psalm just sung, can doubt that it is the belief and conviction of this vast assemblage, that all our works, in order to bring a blessing with them, must be begun, continued, and ended in the fear and love of God (applause). I pass on, therefore, ladies and gentlemen, to speak to you, as the time and circumstances will permit, upon the character of the occasion that is now before me (hear, hear). The presentation of this park by Mr. Barnes is happily not an isolated act. It is part of a great system - part of a great movement. He is, indeed, the representative, of a principle and a tendency which is among the very best characteristics of the age. In this busy, stirring, critical, industrious, enterprising, money-making, money-accumulating age, it is well that while these pursuits have full scope given them it should not be forgotten that there are other wants and other interests. (hear, hear). And in particular I call Mr. Barnes on this occasion the representative of a deep and growing conviction with respect to the relations that ought to prevail, and that happily now do to a very great extent prevail, between the employers of labour and the labouring population of the land. (applause.) I think it was about thirty years ago, a gentleman of high character and of great ability, employed in the public service in Ireland, created very considerable alarm and apprehension by putting forth, in a concise and telling form, what was thought to be a somewhat revolutionary doctrine, that "Property had its duties as well as its rights" (cheers) . That doctrine was received by many, and perhaps more from want of use and reflection than any ill intention, as if it had been some monstrous conception aiming at the breaking up of the very foundations of society (laughter). But that dreaded monster, if such it was, has now become a distinct idea. It has entered, we may say, into every house and it lies as quietly by our firesides as if it were a favourite dog or cat of the family (laughter). "Property has its duties as well as its rights" and the relations of the man who employs labour to the man who gives labour never can be permanently satisfactory or secure if the exercise and practical form of that relation are confined to the mere settling of the cash account of the wages of the man (applause). It is doing violence to the principles of human nature - it is running up a score against ourselves - it is offending against the designs of Divine Providence if we refuse to recognise the fact that moral associations and social and endearing ties of affection belong to, and ought never to be separated from, the relations between the master and the workman (applause). Circumstances brought about a result which at first did not appear to be satisfactory to the manufacturing districts of this country, but which, I believe, was a matter calling for the deepest thankfulness. I mean this; The relation of employer and labourer never had been, in this country, thoroughly and carefully examined until it came to be examined in the case of the factory system. When it was examined much was brought to light that was highly unsatisfactory. There is no doubt at - as matter of fact, partly owing to the state of the law, and partly owing to human infirmity and negligence, much was discovered which called loudly for amendment. It does not follow that the state of the factory system even at that time was in any respect worse than the general relations between the employers and givers of labour throughout the country; but you were first of all placed under jealous and microscopic examination. Much criticism was the result. Bugbears were sent abroad through the country. The idea began to be entertained in many quarters that the factory population was a debased population, and those who employed them were a set of tyrants or of misers; and, moreover, it was believed that there was something hopelessly incurable in the nature of that system, and you will well recollect that the appellation of "white slavery" was by many persons in various parts of the country applied to it. I don't know that that was a very pleasant process for Lancashire to undergo at the time when it occurred; but I say it is a process for which Lancashire has reason to be thankful (applause). For mark what has since taken place. The law has been amended, and with the amendment of the law there has come that which no amendment of law can of itself secure - a wiser, a kinder, a more philanthropic, a more enlightened spirit on the part of the employers of labour; a more orderly habit, a higher intelligence, a stronger confidence, a more affectionate esteem on the part of those by whom labour is given (cheers). it is not too much to say - though I doubt not much may yet remains to be done - that something like a moral transformation has passed over the district in which we speak (applause). Go over the length and breadth of England, and where is the man, whatever be his ignorance or his prejudices, who will speak of the Lancashire population as of a degraded portion of the population of the country. If there was such a man I would have wished him no worse punishment, and no better instruction than that he should have been brought to Farnworth to-day (laughter and cheers). But it is not necessary to suppose the existence of such a man. You might search for him far and wide, and not discover him. The circumstances of the last few years, the manner in which suffering has been met and borne - the surest test of what constitutes the true man and what does not - has once and for ever settled the question of the estimation in which the factory population are to be held by the rest of their fellow-countrymen (applause.) And now let me approach more closely to the subject that has brought us together to-day. Those employers of labour - I mean the masters of factories - who were first of all placed under critical and jealous examination have now become in many instances, in instances daily increasing, the standard bearers of enlightened improvement as regards their relations to their workmen (applause). It is impossible to overstate the importance of this fact. Nothing can be more clearly proved by a long experience than the nature of that commercial power, energy, and enterprise which Providence has imparted to the British nation. Be it for good or be it for evil - but I hold it is for good - the people of this country have already become, and are in all likelihood destined yet more extensively to become, workers for the world at large (hear, hear.) At this moment, if we are truly informed by the best authorities, of every two loaves of bread that are consumed in this country, one is the product of foreign soil; and perhaps we might venture to say, not with precise accuracy, but for the sake of establishing a parallel and conveying a substantial truth, that of every two yards of cotton consumed throughout the globe one yard is of British manufacture (hear, hear,) if that be so, we must look at the factory system as a system destined to subsist and endure, and destined probably to still further extension; and we must ask ourselves whether we are prepared to own and recognise and claim it as a legitimate, nay, I will venture now to say, as an honourable and distinguished portion of the economical and social arrangements of the country (applause.) It is not easy to take an acquaintance with perhaps 30,000 people in the course of a couple of hours (laughter). And yet, with a certain allowance and indulgence to the necessities of public speaking, I would almost venture to say that I have made acquaintance, through the medium of their demeanor and their countenances, with a population to-day falling certainly not far short of the number I have mentioned. No man could see the faces of that population, and suppose that they were likely in any respect to be unworthy of that noble British nation to which they belong (applause). But there used to be an idea that loyalty and the factory system did not go well together (laughter). I should like to know what has become of that idea. When her Majesty, in days brighter for her than these, traversed the streets of Manchester, was it possible that anything could exceed the manifestations of loyalty and love that she received from the highest to the lowest of the population (applause )? Would not words themselves fail me, if I were to attempt before you to describe the affectionate attachment which pervades this entire community, as between the people and the occupier of the Throne? But intelligence is a great thing, and loyalty is a great thing; but there are other things which enter into the happiness and the well.being of a community at large. There has been in former times an impression going abroad that the effect of thc factory system was to weaken or dissolve the sacred ties of the family; that it introduced disobedience to nestle like a serpent in every heart of the family; that the relations of the child to the parent and the parent to the child were destroyed and vitiated by the premature independence of your youthful labourers. That is a true description, not, thank God, of the state of things, but of the impression which once prevailed with regard to the state of things. I think it may be said that with respect also to this great and vital question, the experience of the last years has availed to throw upon it a flood of light. I think it has completely exploded the idea that less attachment is felt by parents for their children, or less attachment felt by children for their parents in the heart of the manufacturing districts than in any other portion of the community (applause). I must humbly presume to say that, having from casual or limited circumstances had some opportunity of judgment, I have been upon the whole astonished to see the strength, warmth, and unconquerable tenacity of the domestic affections among the young people of Lancashire employed in our manufacturing establishments (applause). All these are points upon which we may say that the factory system may very well afford to stand or fall. But I cannot help thinking that there are many things in which we ought to hope it will be taken as an example by other classes, and that other employers of labour will attempt to produce, if they can, such results which the factory system tends almost spontaneously to produce. Take, for example, the spirit of order and discipline which pervades the factory. That is not considered as the mere restraint imposed upon the labourer, while he is within the walls of the factory itself. On the contrary, it goes to the formation of a habit, and if we ask why it is these tens of thousands can assemble self-governed and self-arranged without outrage, without difficulty, without disorder, without the appearance in almost a single instance of the authority even of the police, it is in a degree on account of those habits of order and discipline which the people have learned within the walls of manufacturing establishment (applause). But take a point of still greater importance. If I judge rightly the operation of that system, it has this effect - to bring people together in considerable classes working in different rooms. They acquire an interest in one another. A public opinion, so to speak, forms itself among them. That public opinion is favourable to morality and to good conduct, and the persons who goes astray is felt to have committed an offence against the character of those with whom he or she may be associated in working. But it is not possible to conceive a principle more powerful or more valuable to the real advancement and improvement of the working classes than that that opinion should thus spontaneously, naturally, and heartily engender itself among them, according to which the order of working men or working women themselves will become, as it were, the effectual ministers of virtue, and vice and mischief will be discouraged in their first beginnings (applause). I will now speak of another matter, in which the factory system may not stand so well. It may be said with truth that indoor occupation has not a very favourable operation upon the physical development of the people; and I believe as we must speak our minds upon all subjects, speaking as I do to an assemblage of Englishmen - it was at one time true of the factory system that, from defective ventilation and from other causes, it was anything but healthy as regarded the bodily health of the population. Now, the bodily health of the population ia a matter of vital consequence. When God Almighty made man to be a compound being of body and soul, He intended the welfare of the two to go together; and we could not have in operation a system which should give us a stunted and enfeebled population, without finding, before very long, that the evil effects of that system would likewise be found leaving their marks upon its mental character. But here, also, I trust, we may see vast improvements have been effected, and I believe there is no reason, so at least I am given to understand, and would confidently hope, in the nature of things why labour in the factory should be less favourable to health, where due care is taken, than other in-door labour (hear, hear). But still I am now on a point where I think we can see the great benefit of this munificent endowment which Mr Barnes presents to the community of Farnworth (applause). In-door labour is not of a necessity unhealthy; but yet it cannot be denied that it requires the counterpoise of outdoor recreation (cheers). It is desirable that those who spend the great bulk of their time within the walls whether of the factory, whether of the toolshop, or whether of any of our other great establishments of industry, should have the means, when their labour is done, of innocent, healthful, and useful recreation (cheers). It is monstrous to suppose that that can be a natural condition of society in which one portion of society lives as if it had nothing at all to do except to seek for amusement from morning to night, and the other portion or society finds itself shut out from recreation altogether (applause). Such a state of things can neither be pleasing to God nor beneficial nor acceptable in the sight of man, nor conducive to the prosperity of the country or the stability of its institutions (applause). Here a great fact is recognised by acts such as that which we are endeavouring to celebrate and place in commemoration to-day. Here we have before us a scene in which as we hope from generation to generation the young and old of Farnworth will seek for health and refreshment after the hours of honest labour have come to their close (applause). But it is not only, permit me to say, bodily health which is interested in this question. Mental health demands that communion with nature should not be forsaken and renounced (applause). There is one of the truths which it has not only been the obligation and the necessity, but likewise the honour and the duty, of the present generation to bring forth from darkness into light. l dare say it is the fact that we do not even yet feel it as we ought to do, or give it that full application in practice which it requires. But depend upon it, it is profoundly associated with the well-being of mankind. Communion with nature is tho very phrase which, if it had been used so recently as a century ago, would have sounded almost like the accents of an unknown tongue. At any rate it would have been taken as the mere dream of some visionary enthusiast, if it had been supposed it was a thing to be recommended for the health and enjoyment of a vast population. But within that time great changes have taken place. In order to illustrate this point, which in my opinion is a point of deep interest and importance, let me go back a little farther. It has long been a subject of discussion and controversy among learned men whether the ancients, who, as we know, in point of genius reached the very greatest heights of which human nature appears to be susceptible, had any love whatever of nature and of natural scenery, or of what we call landscapes. That subject is still keenly discussed; and I do not believe anyone would assert that the taste for the beauties of nature, such as we now understand them, was largely developed among the most cultivated nations of antiquity. But if, departing for a moment from the question of natural beauty, we ask ourselves what the nations of antiquity thought concerning communion with nature in the more familiar form of the knowledge of plants, of herbs, and of trees, and the whole detail of those sciences which enter into natural history, that was a thing which was never dreamt of as being part of the patrimony of mankind at large. Some philosopher, giving scope to his penetrating and searching mind, might attempt to register what human knowledge has accumulated on these subjects, but you would be laughed at if you were to suppose it had ever been possible for the Roman or the Greek to find pleasure and satisfaction in familiar communion with nature through the medium, of humble and individual objects of nature. Then again, it was long debated how it came about, in beautiful countries, the population of which countries did not seem to care for the scenery. In Lord Macaully's History of England, when dealing with a period a century and a half ago, he thought it very necessary to enter into an argument in order to explain the fact with which we are all familiar, that at that; period, only four or five generations back, nobody talked or thought, or cared about the beauty of the Highlands of Scotland. Observe, then, this great and undoubted truth, that within a few generations new tastes have been growing up-(hear, hear), and new opportunities must be found for the gratification or those tastes. What do we find now? We find labouring men, and the best of the labouring men, according to their opportunities, are keen and eager in some way or other to have some sort of communion with nature. One man will teach a bird to sing to him while at labour; another will put plants in his window; and when in London, and I believe in other places, exhibitions have been held, the little prizes that have been offered, in order to draw forth proof of the state of facts with respect to the labouring population, astonishment has been excited, both by the knowledge many of them have acquired, and by the deep and profound interest shown in the cultivation of natural objects (hear, hear.) I do not think I place the argument too high if I say that these changes which are going forward, these developments of tastes, were either formerly altogether unknown, or confined to the most select among the most select classes of society. This extension downwards, and wise development of such tastes, has deep and profound meaning. God Almighty has not sent these dispositions to the people without their having a purpose to fulfil. We now hear every cry in London, when the season comes round, of excursions for school children into the country and we know those excursions constitute a treat the very highest that can be given. One more illustration, if I do not weary you too much - (" No, no "), - on the subject to which I have been referring. Few writers of the present century have conferred greater benefits upon England than the venerated poet William Wordsworth. He was himself a true and profound lover of nature, and moreover he was a man whose deep and wide sympathies with mankind gave peculiar weight and authority to what he spoke. Don't, therefore, let it be supposed that what I am about to cite, I am about to cite in derogation of his merits or the debt of gratitude we owe him for the powerful purifying and elevating influences which he exercised upon the literature and the thought of this country; but I quote simply with reference to the state of opinion and feeling that formerly prevailed. I think it must be about twenty-five years - it cannot be much more or less - since a railway to the lake of Windermere was projected, and I am sorry to say that the poet Wordsworth, who as we know had himself his retired cottage upon a most lovely spot close by a lake in the neighbourhood of Windermere, was an opponent of the railway. He wrote, I think, two sonnets on the subject to endeavour to persuade that the railway should not be made. But he was not content with sonnets, nor confined himself to them. He likewise wrote an argument to show that while bringing down the masses of the population in the lake country would disturb the rest and quietness of those who lived there and were capable of appreciating its beauties it would do no good whatever to the rest of the population, because they did not care a pin about them (laughter.) I beg and entreat you not to suppose I quote this circumstance for anything else than this: Take that as your starting point, take that as the point of departure from which a new, a more healthy, a better tone of opinion grew. From that day onward, partly through the agency of those railways, which have conferred upon the country such inestimable benefits - mainly, perhaps, through their agency, but likewise through many other agencies, moral as well as physical, a new feeling has been abroad, a new habit of mind is forming itself in all classes, and it is gradually becoming a primary truth of our condition, that the working-man, confined, as he may be, within walls, breathing a heated atmosphere, having his ears stunned with the din of machinery, he feels he has a profound and deep and real interest in natural objects to which at last opportunities of access seem not to be denied him, add it is a great purpose which we may well suppose the wisdom of Providence to have contemplated, that in proportion as commercial and industrial pursuits become more keen and more extended, other faculties and other capacities of human nature in an opposite direction shall also be opened and developed, in order that in that way the balance of men and of men's mind may be preserved (cheers). Therefore, if I bring my sermon - or call it what you like - it, latterly, has been rather grave - (laughter) - to a conclusion, I do it in this way that our honoured friend, and now more shall ever honoured friend, townsman, and representative of those of you -many, I believe, there are who belong to Bolton - your honoured friend and neighbour has been ministering in the act he has done to his own benevolent instinct and to his sense of justice to his workpeople : but he has been taking share in a great and gigantic process which aims at producing social improvement of an inestimable importance to mankind, and therefore it is I could not hesitate, when I found this celebration was about to take place, and when I was requested to bear a share in it, to accept the request made to me (cheers). I am well aware that it is very little I can do to add either to your enjoyment or to your instruction in conjunction with such a subject, but at the same time, however little it was the more my duty, if circumstances would permit, that I should endeavour to perform it. I would not be backward in bearing my humble part in rendering my .umbie of respect and gratitude to our friend Mr. Barnes, for his wise, his liberal, his enlightened, and his Christian act (cheers.) It is specially a one employed, however unworthily, for the services of the crown that I am come among you to-day. I am glad ... should be here to declare this park open, and to declare the sense that is entertained respecting the conduct of the opener, who may at any rate in some sense or degree be taken to represent for the time, in default of a better, the authority of the country. These are not small or trivial, they are not narrower local occasions. Others besides Mr. Barnes, happily have set themselves, within our lifetimes, by large and liberal gifts out of their means and substance, to promote the permanent interests of their fellow-citizens and their dependents (cheers.) Some have thought fit, and honoured shall they be, to provide the solemn temples in which the worship of the heart is most of all fitly and devoutly offered to Almighty God. Others have devised other and different forms of proceeding. Some, thinking of the cultivation of the intellect, have founded libraries, in which in certain towns of the country the working classes are flocking in crowds for the improvement of the mind. But not the least honour is due, as I think, to those who have chosen the path that has been followed by Mr.Barnes. My firm belief and conviction is that in consecrating - for the word is not really too strong a word - in consecrating this ground in the midst of this busy hive of industry, to represent rest and repose for the wearied limbs and the exhausted minds of men, Mr Barnes has been performing a duty worthy to rank with all the efforts of the wisest philanthropists, and I trust that as he has followed in the steps of those who have done well before him, so others, in increasing numbers, may be found again and elsewhere to do well after him; that, from year to year as we live, and as our children live in following us, this happy example may prove contagious among those who Providence has blessed with wealth; that no town and neighbourhood throughout the country may be without abundant proofs of the benevolence entertained by persons in his class - enlightened benevolence they feel towards their neighbours and their friends, and that the combined result of all these things may be that we may leave to our children what we inherited from our forefathers, not lessened and not worsened, not smitten with palsy nor bearing upon it the signs of an enfeebled country - and that old England, old as she is, may continue to exhibit all the signs of youth and freshness, and may be able to perform with energy and with wisdom the high part that Providence has assigned her among the nations of the world, not in schemes of idle and mischievous conquest, not in promoting the work of violence and pride, but by leading the way of peaceful improvement, and by teaching the great lesson to mankind that their happiness and their glory lies in union and attachment one towards the other (loud cheers).
The proceedings were brought to a close by singing the .National Anthem, which was also joined in by the assembled multitude. The order was then given to the two Volunteer companies, which stood front to front, on either side of the central pathway, before the armfold, to fire the final feu de joi. The order was on conditional terms, that condition being "if you can get room to fire," The Volunteers stood in line, but the people formed a "solid square" between. However, the rifles were elevated, and fired much to the terror of some, and the amusement of others.
Immense cheers were then given for Mr. Barnes, Mr. Gladstone, and Mrs. Gladstone, which were again and again repeated by the surging mass of bright and intelligent working men as they passed, or rather were carried by the pressure of the throng, in front of the platform.



THE BANQUET.

As briefly stated in our last, the banquet was held in a large and spacious marquee erected on the terrace by Messrs. Jennison, of Belle-vue Gardens, Manchester, who also provided the dinner. The building was clean, light, and airy, and in this respect the comfort and convenience of the company was cared for. To provide a dinner for so large a number as 700 persons on a scale commensurate with a charge of 7s. 6d. per ticket, is a work of no ordinary character, and must entail a large amount of labour and expence. We only need state that Messrs. Jennison found it absolutely necessary at great cost to erect an oven and boiling apparatus of the most recently improved principle, as well as to extemporise a bakehouse for the occasion, and in which the whole of the food supplied to the tables was prepared. All this required the services of a numerous staff of cooks and waiters. These outward preparations were performed in a manner reflecting the greatest praise upon the skill and enterprising industry of the Messrs. Jennison. We are sorry, however, that we cannot say so much for the dinner itself. So far as we could see, the provisions, as well as the waiters, were somewhat irregularly distributed. Whilst one table would seem loaded with the good things of this life, with an abundance of prim-looking waiters ready to administer to the dictates of a keen and longing appetite, others could seem to be almost wholly destitute of these important disiderata to the requirements and comfort of dinning. For the information of those who were not present, we subjoin a copy of the "Bill of Fare," which, we are sorry to say, was somewhat inconsistent with its realisation :-

BILL OF FARE.

soups.
Mock Turtle, Cockle Leekie, and Ox-tail.
HOT JOINTS.
Roast Ribs. Sirloins and Rounds of Beef.
Fillets of Veal, with Boiled Ham. Roast Pork.
Roast Haunches of Mutton.
Boiled Legs of Mutton. Fore Quarters of Lamb
Stewed Rumps of Beef.
Venison Pastie. Jugged Hare.
Ducks. Geese. Boiled Fowles. Capons.
VEGETABLES.
Potatoes. Cauliflowers.
TARTS, &c.
Green Gooseberry Tarts. Apple Tarts. Damson Tarts.
Preserve Tartlets. Cheese Cakes. Mince Pies.
Celery. Cheese. Batter.
DESSERT.
Grapes. Filberts. Apples. Pears.
Wine Buiscuits.

The dinner commenced about three o'clock, and lasted something less than an hour. At the principal table, on the northeast side of the pavilion, were the distinguished visitors of the day. Mr. Alfred Barnes, as Chairman of the Local Board, occupied the chair. On his right were Mrs. Gladstone, Mrs. Blacklock, of Hopefield, Pendleton; the Earl of Ellesmere, Thomas Barnes, Esq., M.P., Col. Gray, M.P., Rev. H. Powell, the vicar of Bolton; John Fletcher, Esq., of Clifton, and Miss; Mr. and Mrs. Blair, and Miss Dester, of Peel-hall, Little Hulton; John Hick, Esq., Bolton; Wm. Hargreaves, Esq., of Darley-hall; John Hall, Esq, solicitor to the Board ; Thomas Lever Rushton, Esq., Bolton; Wm. Blacklock, Esq. of Hopefield, Pendleton; C.J. Darbishire, of Rivington; Major A. Bailey and Captain Francis, Adjutant of the 27th L.R.V. ; T.W. Heaton, Esq., Bolton ; John Gordon, Esq., clerk of the peace, .Bolton; Captain Whittam, Ensign Hardman, &c. To the left, and following as before the order in which they sat, were - the Right Hon. W.E. Gladstone, Sir J P. Kaye-Shuttleworth, James Pilkington, Esq., M.P. for Blackburn; Henry Ashworth, Esq ., Richard Harwood, Esq., Mayor of Bolton; William Pearson, Esq., Mayor of Salford, both wearing their gold chains of office; John Cheetham Esq., Rev. E. Bolling, Robert Heywood, Esq., Bolton; the Hon. Algernon Egerton, M.P , Peter Martin, Esq., of Rivington; J. Cannon, Esq., Bolton; J. R. Wolfenden, ex-Mayor of Bolton; John Harwood, Esq., Bolton; John Orton, Esq., Robert Winder, Esq , clerk to the magistrates, Bolton; R.G. Hinnell, Esq., town-clerk, Bolton; Thomas Minshall, Esq, Oswestry ; Anthony Dillon, Esq., Wrexham; Alderman Dunderdale, Bolton; the Rev. W. Jackson, William Hinmers, Esq., &c. Amongst the company were Wilfred Lawson, Esq., M.P. for Carlisle ; J.R. Barnes, Esq., John F. Cheetham, Esq., Stalybridge, &c.
The dinner was brought to a somewhat hasty conclusion owing to Mr Gladstone having to leave at an early hour. "The Queen" was proposed by the chairman, and was drunk with the greatest enthusiasm, followed by three cheers, and the National Anthem by the band, which was stationed outside the pavilion .The "Prince and Princess of Wales and the rest of the Royal Family" was also given by the chairman, and appropriately received and honoured by the company.
The Chairman said: I am sorry to be obliged to hurry you so much; but when I tell you that Mr. Gladstone, Sir James P. Kaye-Shuttleworth, and others of our guests have to leave at half-past four o'clock, you will excuse me for pushing the toasts Mr. Fletcher will propose the next on the list.
Mr. J. Fletcher then proposed "The Bishop, Clergy, and Ministers of all Denominations." He said he was quite sure the toast would be received with as much pleasure as he himself experienced in giving it. He hoped that if, unfortunately, it should happen that all could not be one in soul, that their strife would be leavened by the exercise of Christian charity towards each other. The toast was duly honoured.
The Rev. Henry Powell, Vicar of Bolton, returned thanks. He regretted very much, though from circumstances over which his Lordship had no control, they were deprived of the presence of the Bishop of Manchester, who would have lent additional grace to that banquet, and who would have been able to respond in a manner and degree to which he (the speaker) had no pretensions. He would only say, in the name of the bishop and clergy of the diocese that he desired to return his most sincere thanks for the manner in which the toast had been proposed and drunk. He felt he should be very much in the way if he ventured to make any lengthened observations; and he would only add, that no class of man had more at heart the interests and welfare of the great mass of the population then the clergy of the Church of England, and he would add, and rejoiced to do so, the ministers of all denominations (hear, hear). They all took delight in whatever ministered to the happiness of the masses, and they congratulated the people of Farnworth on the recent addition to their temporal interests in the munificent gift of Mr. Barnes that day. He trusted it might long continue a source of enjoyment to the inhabitants, and bring peace, contentment, and happiness in their families, and add to the social advantages and welfare of the community (applause.)
The Rev. W. Jackson also briefly acknowledged the toast on behalf of the ministers of the district, expressing his gratitude as an individual to Mr. Barnes for the gift of the park, which he trusted would be an instrument for the promotion of the moral and social improvement of the people.
The Chairman proposed "The Army, Navy, and Volunteers." He said they were so much indebted to each branch of the service that it was scarcely possible to state their indebtedness; and perhaps, as the time was so short, it would be as well if he did not try. Notwithstanding that, however, he was sure they would drink the toast heartily, and he was equally sure Colonel Gray would respond with pleasure. The toast having been duly honoured,
Colonel Gray, in response, said it would be presumption in him to occupy their time with any lengthened observations on the toast. He begged to thank them sincerely for the honour paid to it. The whole toast was comprehended in the last word - for the army and navy were volunteers. No man in this day, in this country, entered the army against his will, nor could he enter the navy unless he volunteered for it. We had here no hated conscription; and, thank God, we had no tyrannical press-gang. They were all volunteers, and they might, therefore, rely on it the duty of the army, navy, and volunteers would be better done. In regard to the volunteers themselves, with which he was more intimately connected, and for which he had to return thanks, he begged leave to say that the volunteer movement had been progressive from the commencement, and judging of the future by the past, he thought it would become a fixed institution. In no part of the country had the movement received warmer supporters than in Lancashire, and in no part of the county than in that part had it been embraced with greater zeal. The movement had received the sanction and high approval of the statesmen of the day, who had acknowledged its value; and be was satisfied that whatever happened, the movement in this part of the country would never languish nor diminish (hear, hear, and applause).
The Chairman then said: I have now to propose a toast which I am sure you will all join in with the most intense satisfaction. We are honoured to-day by the presence of a gentleman who is an excellent scholar, a distinguished orator, and an intelligent legislator. He is also a member of her Majesty's Government; and though he most loyally and most courteously supposed that it was principally as a member of the Government that he was asked to be here to-day, I will tell Mr. Gladstone that though we are exceedingly honoured and exceedingly proud to have a member of that government here, it was Mr. Gladstone who we wished to see - (cheers) - and we are delighted to know that such an one as he is a member of her Majesty's Government -

For at her council statesmen met,
Who knew the seasons when to take
Occasion by the hand, and make
The bounds of freedom wider yet,
By making some august decree
That kept her throne unshaken still,
Broad-based upon her people's will,
And compassed by the inviolate sea.

(Cheers) On behalf of the town, I thank Mr. Gladstone for the heartiness with which he accepted the invitation which was entrusted to me to offer. He accepted it at once, assuring me - when I had the honour to wait upon him, and when, I am sorry to say, I was compelled to trouble him in his private retirement-. that he would come if possible, giving me expressly to understand he meant to come, and would come of he could (applause). And, as if that were not sufficient honour, may I not be pardoned if I say that we are additionally honoured by the presence of Mrs. Gladstone - (immense cheering; the company rising to do honour to the lady, - and though we do not put ladies names into these toasts - though the toast I have to propose will only be that of Mr. Gladstone - we shall remember that man and wife by good Christian law, and by English law too, are one; and when we drink the health of the Right Hon. William Ewart Gladstone, we include Mrs. Gladstone too. Gentlemen, I give you that toast (repeated cheers. The toast was enthusiastically drunk, the company rising to do it honour.
The Chairman added that he had an explanation to give before .Mr. Gladstone began to speak. He was very sorry to say that the balloon had had an accident. It had contrived to run against a wall (laughter). He supposed the gas works must make mischief some way, and now they had finished by spoiling the balloon (increased laughter and cheers). However, Mr. Goddard, the aeronaut, wished the company to understand that he should have great pleasure in "going up" the next day.
Mr. Gladstone, on rising, was loudly cheered. He said, Mr. Barnes, ladies and gentlemen, -- I did not quite understand, when my hon. friend in the chair announced to me that he was going to state that the balloon had had an accident, whether it was his intention to insinuate that there was any resemblance between a speech and a balloon (laughter). I cannot think he would have conveyed a truth of that kind, however well he might be convinced of it, in broad language which might have been painful to my feelings (laughter), and if it was his intention to convey to the mind of his audience the existence of such a resemblance or similitude, I have to offer to him my best thanks for the delicate and forbearing manner in which it was done (renewed laughter). But now, gentlemen, very briefly, I will return to you my most cordial thanks for the reception I have met at your hands. And let me say again that I do not exaggerate my own share in this ceremonial. I do believe that it is to other considerations than personal merits of my own that I am indebted for your kindness. ("No") And permit me especially to acknowledge the warmth, I might almost say the affectionate warmth (hear) with which you have been pleased to greet the name of one on whose behalf I may say that I can perhaps return my thanks to you with a better conscience than my own (cheers). Ladies and gentleman, as a public man I feel the greatest satisfaction upon every occasion which brings me into immediate communication with large masses of my enlightened fellow countrymen (hear). That is the condition under which we live. A free circulation in the political and social atmosphere, but especially, I may say, in the political atmosphere, is as necessary as it is in that physical atmosphere atmosphere by which our bodies are supported (hear). Free expression of sentiment - reciprocated from those who sit in legislatures and in cabinets on the one side, and from those who elect parliaments, and through parliaments are operative in the choice of cabinets upon the other, is a condition of our national existence so vital that nothing can possibly separate the one from the other (cheers). The main, leading, and essential characteristics of this nation are well stamped in history, and I don't think that they are less visible or less conspicuous at the day on which we are met together than they have been in former times. For my own part, I feel that it is a distinction and a. reward far beyond what men much superior to myself can claim, and still more beyond anything that for myself I might arrogate, that we are permitted to bear a part in directing the public affairs of a nation holding one, at least, of the very first places among the nations of the world (cheers). It is further, ladies and gentlemen, a satisfaction to us an to think that we now perform our duties, whether as citizens, or as members of parliament, or as ministers of the crown, in a period which we are able to look upon as one of construction rather than as destruction, of advancement rather than of retrogression, but of a spirit of devotion to all that is valuable and precious in our institutions which has never at any period been excelled (loud cheers). I now, Mr.. Barnes, pass to an agreeable portion of my duty - that of asking you to drink what I must call "the toast of the day" (cheers), and I come to name him who I must call the hero of the day (cheers). I ask you to drink the health of Mr. Barnes, the member for Bolton, and the donor of the park (loud cheers). I won't say that enough has said upon the subject of that park; on the contrary, there are those near me - there is one in particular on my left (Sir J. Kay Shuttleworth) - whom I had hoped you would hear at length, whom I still hope you may hear in conjunction with the present occasion. But of my words perhaps you have had enough - (no) - in reference to the occasion of to-day. Well, ladies and gentlemen, if you have not had enough of them, at any rate it is for me to say that I feel that conscience ought to restrain the inflictions that are administered to you even if your patience makes you forbearing. I do not know that there were many topics applicable to the subject and familiar to my mind, upon which I did not touch in our out of doors address. But, however, there is one point upon which you will perhaps allow me to venture to express the hope that we have not yet reached the final term of public improvements, - and that is an important question in connection with the enjoyment of these public parks. I refer, ladies and gentlemen, to what may be called "the great smoke question" (hear). Now, that is a question upon which we have seen several laudable efforts made by the legislature; and the name of Lord Palmerston is so distinguished in this country (cheers) and so highly estimated and appreciated by the community at large, has, indeed, many other titles to fame and to renown, but I do not know that he ever made a more useful effort than by an act passed some years ago for the purpose of restraining the unnecessary and wanton discharge of smoke into the pure air and atmosphere of heaven (cheers). The gift of Mr. Barnes never will be perfectly enjoyed until we have adopted some stricter regimen in regard to the discharge of smoke (hear, and bravo). My belief is, ladies and gentlemen, - you will excuse me if some of you may think that it is more of an individual crotchet than a public principle, - but my belief is that this is a very important matter (hear, hear), and that you - I do not now speak merely to gentlemen who have an unbounded command of soap and water and towels (laughter) and who have plenty of time in which to use them - but for the mass of the labouring people it is exceedingly desirable that they should if possible live in a pure atmosphere. Why, I will venture to say- I will not make reference to Lancashire, but I will take the case of London- I have not the smallest doubt but what between the application of soap and water to the person, their application to clothing, and their application to houses and furniture, if it were possible effectually to suppress what I would even venture to call the "smoke nuisance," it would be a saving of several millions a year to the population of the metropolis alone (hear, hear). But that is not all. Those who live in towns may, it is true, get into the country sometimes, but still their life is in the towns. You will admit that those who live in towns do live in towns (laughter), and that their visits to the country for the most part are few and occasional, if not far between. Well, I do not believe that the park of Mr. Barnes ever will wear that aspect of beauty which it ought to have, or ever will open in full those opportunities of communion with the works of God in creation, which that park is designed to give, unless we do make some progress in the career which has been opened to us, but which certainly has not yet been finally and fully travelled, and endeavour to make a further, aye, and a much more effectual and stringent improvement in regard to the consumption of unnecessary smoke (cheers). Well now, ladies and gentlemen, perhaps this topic of smoke may recall to your mind that balloon (laughter) for as coke and gas are both of them rising fumes and vapours there is a certain resemblance between them; in fact, I plead guilty, in some degree, to the charge which was so adroitly insinuated by my honourable friend in the chair (laughter). But having expressed my very sincere hope that something will be done upon that subject, I must again remind you that the doing of these things rests with you. It rests with you in your private sphere and capacity, as operating upon the legislature, but I hope it is not visionary to entertain the belief that some of the younger people among us may see a great progress and improvement in this respect (hear). Leaving that topic, I call upon you., ladies and gentlemen, to join with me here - where we are more completely within the reach of the voice in this admirably constructed apartment - in rendering again, with all the emphasis that either tongue or heart can give to it, the tribute of our admiration, and of our gratitude to Mr. Barnes for the wise, munificent, and enlightened provision that he has made for the future comfort and recreation of his fellow townsmen (loud cheers). -Mr. Gladstone called for "three times three," and led off the cheers himself.
Mr. Barnes, on rising, was loudly and continuously cheered, on the subsidence of which he said I will not do more just now than thank you with all gratitude for the warm and hearty manner in which you have responded to the toast which has been so eloquently proposed. We have the presence of a gentleman - the High Sheriff - who is obliged to go in a very few minutes, and as I am sure you will desire to hear him. I will, with your permission, withhold any further remarks at present to give you an opportunity of hearing him.
Mr. Thomas Lever Rushton proposed, in the absence of Mr. Bazley, M.P., "The High Sheriff." He said that although they were indebted for the magnificence and majesty with which the occasion had been invested to the great masses who attended it, some consideration was due to those who invested it with high authority and position - (hear, hear), who came amongst them to give additional eclat to it. The High Sheriff of Lancashire held no common position. He was Her Majesty's representative in the county - he might say the most distinguished county in England. He was sure that if Sir James P. Kay-Shuttleworth held only that position the toast would receive a cordial reception. But he had other claims than that. His connection with the question of education with which he had been so long associated,- (applause) - his position at the Central Relief Beard at Manchester, - (renewed applause) - and his various other services - widespread indeed they were -though he (the speaker) would not willingly allude to his last act, of bringing the gallows nearer to their doors - (laughter) yet that was associated with the due administration of justice - all these claims entitled him to their respect, and to a favourable reception of the toast of his health at their hands (applause). The toast having been duly honoured,
Sir J. P. Kay Shuttleworth, Bart, in response to his health, proposed by Mr. Rushton, in the absence of Mr. Bazley, M.P., said it was one of the pleasing duties of his office as high sheriff of the county, in the first place, to offer the homage of all classes of society to that equal distribution of justice which had obtained for Her Majesty's judges the perfect confidence of all classes of the community; nor was it a less pleasing duty on occasions like the present to be present a high sheriff, to express the gratitude he now tendered to Mr. Barnes, not merely for the munificent bequest he had made to the township, but for his able representation of the middle classes of this county, as well as because he was the parliamentary representative of one of its boroughs. (Loud cheers.) The eloquent references which had been made to the improved tastes of the people reminded him, and no doubt many others present, at the time of the hand-loom weavers when the great source of the manufactures of the county was the hand-loom - when the wages of the hand-loom weavers was more abundant than those of recent times - when the men, by a very few hour labour, purchased the means of subsistence, and had also hours of recreation, in which, called by the horn of the squire, he followed his harriers through clough and dingle, breasted the hill, inhaling the incense of the morning, to return to his work exhilarated by pastime, and performing some additional hours labour after enjoying the pleasures of the chase (cheers). In those times there were sports which had now almost passed away, and there was the celebration of rush-bearings and wakes connected with them which were also scenes of degradation among the population. The wakes were the scenes of bull and bear baitings, and he referred to them simply as an indication of the rudeness and barbarism of the times; in the up and down fights which then characterised Lancashire he had seen men rolling like brutes in the kennel, and exhibiting a ferocity which had happily passed away. None of the changes which had taken place could be by a thoughtful mind separated from a higher system of civilisation. The factory system itself sprang out of the inventive genius and demonstrative power of men of original character, and it had prospered by that hardihood of our population, and that energy and enterprise of our capitalists, which had pushed our commerce into every part of the world. : The Factory Acts Amendment Bill would never have become possible but for the example set by some of the most enlightened millowners, showing how far the improvements it ultimately secured could be carried out. The law then enacted that that should be general which had previously been but the experiments of individuals. So it was in such things as improvements in cottages, sanitary measures, all the relations between master and man; and the example that day set by Mr. Barnes in regarding the recreation, innocent amusement, and intellectual progress of the population, was a matter closely connected with the common weal, and fertile in spreading throughout the entire community when once the seeds were sown (loud cheers). The High Sheriff concluded by proposing the health of the chairman.
The Chairman said it was not out of disrespect that he did not reply to them. They had yet uncle's reply to hear, and that would be followed by his own. Before that, however, he regretted to say, that Mr. Gladstone and the High Sheriff had to leave; but ere they did so, Mr. Gladstone and the High Sheriff would do them great favour in witnessing uncle's signature to the deed (applause).
The deed was then signed by Mr. Barnes in presence of Mr. Gladstone and Sir J. P. Kay-Shuttleworth, who affixed their names as witnesses. The deed was also signed by the Chairman and the following members of the Local Board, namely Messrs. Samuel Prestwich, David Crossley, William Hayhurst, James Wilson, Robert Alexander Clarke, Samuel Bennett, John Greenhalgh, John Hindley, and Joseph Leach, their names being mentioned in the conveyance of the Park to the Board.
The Chairman observing that many of the company were leaving the marquee, said he hoped very speedily they would have the pleasure of hearing Mr. Barnes's reply to the toast of his health, and he trusted as many would stay as possibly could. He hoped Farnworth would not do everything as it had done its business and got dreadfully indebted. They were two returns of thanks in arrear (laughter) ; first, that of his uncle, Mr. Thomas Barnes, whom, he was sure, they would all be desirous to hear, and he would now call upon him.
Mr. Barnes then rose to respond to the toast of his health, and was warmly greeted. He said - in making a few remarks, partly in response to the toast, and partly in expressing a few reasons why I presented this park, I will not occupy much of your time. Before doing so, I think I ought to express - although Mr. Gladstone and Sir James has gone away - our thanks to them for the kind manner in which they have favoured us with their company on this occasion, and also to inform you of the reason why Mr. Cobden, who was another of the invited guests, is not present. It was by no means my own wish there should be anything like such a demonstration as that witnessed to-day. In connection with the park, my own desire was rather that there should be a quick affair of signing the deeds, and then throwing open the gates to the public, and the public partaking of the use of it - participating in its advantages and pleasures, without any sort of a demonstration whatever. But insomuch as the Local Board would not consent to such an arrangement as that, and resolved upon having some kind of expression of opinion, I did think it desirable if any strangers were invited that they should be strangers of mark and distinction, and especially those who have identified themselves with the interests of the working classes. I desired that these two gentlemen should be invited if anyone were invited, namely, Mr. Gladstone and Mr. Cobden; because I knew that there are no two men in this country who have so sincerely, so disinterestedly, and with such ability laboured for the physical welfare of the masses of the people. Mr. Gladstone kindly responded to the invitation, and Mr. Cobden sent a reason why he could not come; and I shall be glad, with your permission, to read his letter.

Midhurst, 14th Sept., 1864.
My dear Mr. Barnes,- I am under an interdict which precludes me from attending any public meetings except those of the House of Commons and my own constituents, and I have pleaded this rule in so many quarters, that I could not without falsifying myself make an exception in your case; otherwise I need not say how gladly I should accept the invitation to be present at the ceremony of the presentation of a public park to the people of Farnworth. I have a very strong opinion in favour of the mode in which you have determined to indulge your public spirited munificence towards your less affluent neighbours. I do not know how you could render a greater service to the health, happiness, and civilization of future generations of a manufacturing town than in rescuing from the hands of their builders, and presenting for all time, a plot of ground for the purpose of affording free exercise and fresh air to all classes of its inhabitants. To miss the acquisition of a park for our rapidly increasing town populations now might render it almost impossible at a future time. and hence the invaluable opportuneness of your liberality.
I am glad that Mr. Gladstone has promised to be present at the ceremonial personally. I know you shrunk from any public glorification; but it is well that attention should be drawn to this interesting proceeding, if for no other reason because it may suggest to other wealthy and benevolent men to do likewise.- Yours, very truly,
RICHARD COBDEN.
Thomas Barnes, Esq., M.P.

Now, I will not occupy your time long, but I will tell you that I have been for a long time impressed with the importance of reserving some portion of what were once green fields from, as Mr. Cobden says, "the hands of the builder," and keeping it as an open space or plot of land, where not only might be met green fields, but that reminiscences of these once beautiful flower-gardens, which I have seen in some parts of this township, might be preserved. I have done this; and I feel most, because I believed that it would have an improving bearing not only upon the physical but also upon the mental, and I believe indirectly upon the spiritual welfare of the masses of people who should enjoy it. You are aware that I first announced this my intention on the occasion of my son's coming of age. It was, however, an intention formed long before that time, but I took that occasion of announcing it. I did it so as in some measure I could associate with mine the name of my honoured father, whom I look upon as having been, if ever one man in this country can be said to be so, as the founder of the manufacturing industry of this township. He was the person who first put down a steam-engine for manufacturing cotton here. There was a steam-engine (Crompton's) already in the neighbourhood, but it was for the manufacture of paper; there was none for the manufacture of cotton. He built the first mill; he erected the first power-loom, and the first machinery for spinning. He built the first foundry; brought the first machine-maker into the township; and was to the latest day of his life deeply interested in the prosperity of the township. He was one who sowed some good seed, I believe, in obtaining powers, which the Duke of Bridgewater's trustees now possess, for letting land for building purposes. When he first determined to build a mill he found that his own freehold was not exactly of the right shape, nor exactly of the right size. He applied to the Duke of Bridgewater's trustee's for land to build upon; they told him Mr. Bradshaw, who was then acting manager of the trust, that the Duke of Bridgewater's trustees possessed no power to grant land for building longer than an ordinary agricultural lease, but they would grant him land. upon agricultural terms, securing it for him as long as it was in his power to secure it. My father then pointed out to Mr. Bradshaw the great importance of the trustees obtaining power to let out land for building purposes, and Mr. Bradshaw, Mr. Southern, and he had more than one interview upon the subject. I think the township of Farnworth is indebted much for its prosperity to the wise and judicious way in which they have laid out the streets and secured the land. The trustees have not done as some others have done in other places - formed narrow streets, and resolved that every inch that could be should be covered with building; but they have wisely made streets wide and commodious, and have laid out the land judiciously for building, so that there might be upon it buildings of excellent character� and I have no doubt our people will hereafter derive great benefit; from this wise regulation, in seeing the town increase, and the population , increase rapidly, and it is increasing, and has increased rapidly since that time. There are persons who will remember this, that up to the year 1827 it was nothing : but an agricultural district, with a few hand-loom weavers and a few coal miners. That was the date when the first steam-engine was put down. From that time the district has been rising, slowly at first, but rapidly latterly; rapidly developing itself. It appeared to me it was desirable now, if ever, some portion of land should be retained, and devoted to the object for which this park is devoted. The question was, who is to do it, and how is it to be done? I felt quite sure there was not ability to do it by public subscription, at least not in a short time. We had no doubt, public spirit which would have done it in time, but it would have required time, and probably a whole generation might have passed away before this could have been accomplished by public subscription. In the meantime probably every inch of land which will now be reserved would be covered with buildings, and then the park would be placed at the outskirts of the population. I had myself become possessed of this piece of land to devote to that purpose. I fully knew that, in the midst of streets as it is, I could soon have covered it with buildings, and so have enriched myself, or I could devote it to the public, and confer a benefit on the poor, far greater than riches of any kind; and, being deeply impressed with the importance, directly and indirectly, with the comfort as well as the physical condition of the people living in this neighbourhood, I resolved that it should not be any further built upon; that it should be reserved, at least that portion which has been marked out, for this purpose (cheers). And I have done this with the view that it will be found to contribute materially. to the well-being of the people of this district. It will have, I trust, a tendency to elevate their moral conduct; it will improve their physical life; it will, I hope, benefit them morally. I trust that here working men may have an opportunity of walking with their wives and families on the evenings of summer days, .and perhaps also on Saturdays and days of rest, breathing as much fresh air as this smoky atmosphere can afford. I trust here to have the pleasure also of seeing young children amusing themselves with those games which children delight in, and which they may enjoy in perfect security. I hope here the sick and the feeble may be enabled to come in quietness and in rest, and either rest themselves or find that gentle refreshment in exercise which a quiet place of this kind is calculated to give; and I trust that old and young -all classes of the community - will find that they do derive some advantage from the possession of a park which I consecrate to their service. I do it must thankfully - thankful - that if I have had an opportunity of doing it; and if it does contribute to the happiness of the working-man - if it increases his health, if it promotes his convenience and his long life - then I shall myself be perfectly satisfied. feeling that the object which I have had in view has been fully accomplished. (Continued cheering, during which the gentleman resumed his seat.)
The Chairman next returned thanks for the toast drunk to his health at an earlier part of the evening, which was proposed by the High Sheriff. He said I shall best show my appreciation of your kindness by postponing the few remarks I had prepared to another occasion. They will keep; but if they should be lost, do not think you will be any losers. I thank you most heartily for having joined in drinking my health as chairman of the town, and on behalf of the town I thank you for the honour done to it by your attendance. I will not detain you longer, because there is another toast in which I am sure you will all heartily join, but which I am afraid the gentleman will not be present to respond. He has left the marquee, not out of any disrespect to you, but because he wanted to see Mr. Gladstone and the High Sheriff safe away to Liverpool. The worthy Chairman was here interrupted by a remark, the purport of which did not reach us, but to which he replied, smiling-" Well, you know it is a very great secret" (laughter). He then introduced-
Mr. Henry Ashworth, to propose the health of Mr. James Richardson Barnes. He saw he supposed he had been selected to propose the toast in consequence of having had so much intercourse with the late Mr. James Rothwell Barnes, who had been already spoken of. He had great pleasure in proposing the toast, because of the association he had been permitted to hold with the family for a very considerable period. They had already heard from Mr. Thomas Barnes in what manner great changes had been brought about in Farnworth by his father; how he had altered the position of the township of Farnworth in so remarkable a manner; that which he found a pastoral country he left, a mercantile and manufacturing country. He imagined that no part of Lancashire could show a more remarkable rate of progress than that which was.to be found in Farnworth. Following the origin of the family, it might be said as was said of Wren, that those who wanted to see their monument must look around. He thought he might say that if they wanted to take a memorial of what had been done by the family, they should look around Farnworth at that day and see what had been carried out by their efforts. The late Mr. Barnes had been succeeded by a son who had presented to the town a public park (hear, hear). He would not enlarge in his presence on the debt of gratitude the township owed to him; but would pass on to observe that they had now before them the third in succession of a very memorable and honourable name, one who had been trained in all that benevolence of character which marked his predecessor. Now, Mr. Barnes, whose health he asked them to drink, was about to ally himself with a bird from a very memorable nest, in which he would find all amount of the highest intelligence, and of all that belonged to the welfare of the manufacturing prosperity; and everyone must hope, and indeed feel assured, that this union of the highest gifts and qualifications would furnish good fruits (applause). There was in the two families a great deal at what might be called the ground of success; and that portion which belonged to the Barnes's might find an equal in the one now corning into it, and so united by worth for the further good of the township (hear, hear). Mr. Ashworth then referred to Mr. Gladstone, and gave instances of the value of his labours in the state, by pointing out the vast increase in the imports of the country he had brought about, and the reduction of duties he had effected.
The toast was drunk enthusiastically, and several cheers were thrown in "for his intended."
The Chairman said he thought they knew nothing of the event hinted at, but that it was solely in the keeping of the ladies. One remarkable coincidence, however, was that the park which was promised two days after Mr James Richardson Barnes came of age, was given one day before his marriage, and what was unfortunate about it was that they could not have the pleasure of seeing the lady amongst them. No doubt had she been there it must have been under some other name (laughter and cheers,) He would not say more lest be let out that little secret (renewed laughter.)
Mr. Blair proposed the "Borough and County Members," expressing his gratification at seeing so many present during the day. He eulogised the labours of the legislature, and then referred to the individual acts of benevolence of members in their own districts. He said that although Mr. Egerton had not presented a park, as the hon. member for Bolton had, still the neighbouring townships of Worsley and Little Hulton had been considerably benefited by his generosity in the shape of schools, churches, and private recreative grounds.
Mr. Barnes acknowledged the toast, as the only member of Parliament present of the number they had at the commencement. Having briefly referred to the causes of their departure, and spoken of the desire of members generally to exert themselves in the interests of their constituents, he said he believed, speaking for himself and his colleagues, that they all did their duty to the best possible extent, and would continue to do so, as long as it seemed good to their constituents to send them to an honourable house.
Mr. Hinmers proposed "The County and Borough Justices," to which Mr. Hick briefly responded.
Mr. Darbishire then gave "The Mayors and Corporations of neighbouring Boroughs ;" and
Mr. Pearson (Mayor of Salford) first responded. He expressed his most hearty thanks for the compliment paid to the boroughs in inviting the mayors to be present at the magnificent celebration of the day. He congratulated the people of Farnworth on the invaluable present made to them.
Mr. Harwood (Mayor of Bolton) also acknowledged the compliment. He thanked the people of Farnworth for the opportunity given to himself and his colleagues in the corporation to take part in the rejoicings which had marked the ceremony of presenting the park, and also the members of the Local Board for their hospitable entertainment at that board, Referring to the duties of corporations, he said that theirs was an important charge, and the good results of the labours which they were now undertaking would be felt in generations to come. During the past fourteen years, rapid strides in improvement had taken place in their towns; paving, sewering, and regulating the erection of streets bad been far more carefully attended to; and in every way, under the supervision of corporate bodies, towns were being improved. His worship referred in detail to improvements being carried out in Bolton, and said they were endeavouring to obtain a public park for themselves. The question had been vigorously taken in hand, and soon he trusted it would be brought to completion.
Mr. John Cheetham proposed "The members of the Local Board." He said that in many places sewering and improvements generally are greatly neglected ; Farnworth, however, had shown itself alive to the advantages of carrying out these sanitary measures. In the perambulations of the day he had had an opportunity of seeing something of the public works and found that the improvements were being carried out with spirit and with a proper regard to the health and comfort of the inhabitants, The park, which Mr. Barnes with such a noble spirit of generosity had presented, was also calculated to promote in the highest degree the health of the inhabitants of this intelligent and prosperous town. He had been much gratified by the proceedings of the day. They did honour to the town and to the county at large. The reception which had that day been given to a cabinet minister by the immense mass of human beings collected together, showed that they did not look upon him with any hostile feeling, but as one desirous to promote their moral and social well being. All this made him to feel proud of the county which he represented (cheers).
Mr. Crossley responded to the toast on behalf of the Local Board. The Board had been in existence about twelve months, and during that time had striven to do its duty. Some might charge them with doing to much, others with doing too little; but they would all find in a little while that they had done the right thing at the right time (applause).
The Chairman proposed "The Invited Guests." He said the Earl of Ellesmere, who that day appeared in public for the first time, was to have responded, but he had been obliged to leave. In his absence
The Rev. John Shepherd Birley responded. He felt persuaded that he spoke the sentiments of every gentleman present when he said he never saw a greater unanimity of feeling and of sentiment than was expressed by them, in recognising by their presence the munificent gift of Mr. Barnes to the township of Farnworth, which would do more for the moral improvement of the people than any prison bar (hear I hear). He complimented them upon the eclat given to the proceedings by the presence of such distinguished personages, and trusted that the example of Mr. Barnes might be imitated by other wealthy inhabitants.
The Chairman proposed "The Managing Committee," which was acknowledged by Mr. S. Dyson. He said that a great deal of the success which had attended the proceedings of the day was owing to the energy and indefatigable industry of their clerk, Mr. Thornley, and Mr, Lomax, their surveyor, both of whom had laboured almost night and day to work out. the details of the arrangements.
The "'Lancashire Witches," proposed by the Chairman, was acknowledged by Mr. Darbishire, after which the proceedings were brought to a close a few minutes before six o'clock.



THE ATTEMPTED BALLOON ASCENT.

Mr. Goodard [sic] arrived from London on Monday. The balloon ascent was to have been made from the gas yard, and it was filled with gas for that purpose in about three hours; but just as it was ready for ascending, and containing about 25,000 feet of gas, owing to the wind it struck against a hook that supports one of the water gutters, which rent a hole of about 2ft. long. The result was, that the gas escaped and the balloon collapsed. It was intended to have made the ascent on Thursday, but not being able to affect any arrangement with the Board, Mr. Goddard and his balloon are yet on terra firma.



THE FIREWORKS.

At six o'clock in the evening, upon the land near the Halshaw Moor station, Messrs. Jennison, of Manchester, gave a very brilliant display of fireworks. The night being dark and cloudy they were seen to great advantage ; the trees on the Darley Hall estate, forming an appropriate back ground. The fireworks comprised, rockets; asteroic rockets, wheels, shells, roman candles, coloured lights, and others of an innumerable variety and character, concluding with a grand display, in large letters forming the following sentence - " Be just and fear not." There could not be less than 30,000 spectators witnessing the fireworks; Darley-street, the road to the station, the field at the bottom of Darley-street, and the windows of the houses surrounding, being literally crowded. After the fireworks and for nearly an hour a perfect stream of human beings emerged from Darley-street and Peel-street, most of them taking the road to Bolton.



THE ILLUMINATIONS.

We may say here that the illuminations along the line of route were rather scanty, and in some parts widely scattered. In describing those we noticed, we shall follow the line of route. Over the entrance of the office of the Local Board was an illumination representing the Star of Brunswick. Mr. Joseph Leach had a very beautifully-illuminated design, brought out on coloured glass, very neatly arranged, and intended to represent the Star of Denmark. Mr. Harrison, chemist, Market-street, had over his door a very large letter "V," which was very bright, intended as the initial for Victoria. Mr. Hall, Observer Office, a large Star of Brunswick. Mrs. Anne Whitehead, a Crown, over the entrance of the inn. Mr. John Grundy, the Rose and Crown Inn, a small star. Mr. S. Syddall, Wellington lnn, a very neat and beautiful representation of a rope and anchor. Mr. Thos. Tunstall, Victoria Inn, a small double star. Mr. R. Isherwood, Railway Inn, Egerton-street, a small star. Barnes's higher mill, a large Crown; and at the lower mill, over the door or entrance, were the letters "V.R.", with a Crown in the centre. Near to this, and on the wall of the warehouse, was a large transparent painting of a mule at work. Mrs. Tonge's, Golden Lion, Moses-gate, was very nicely illuminated, with letters "A E A," encircled by a wreath of fern leaves, and surmounted by a Crown. Amos Crawshaw, shopkeeper, Albert-road, a small star. Mr. J .J. Moor, tinplate worker, &c., was very beautifully illuminated. There were the letters "A A " in brilliants, containing 2,000 lustres, also a prince's plume. There were two transparencies, one of the Prince, and the other of the Princess of Wales, around the latter were the words The love of my people is my power." In one window we noticed a representation of the Hall i'th' Wood, and in the other two spinning mules illustrating the new and the old mode of spinning. Independent Chapel, Market-street, was illuminated by a Prince's plume, and the letters "T B" on each side. Mr. R. Whitaker, draper, two very large and elegant transparencies attached to the window over his shop, representing the Prince and Princess of Wales on horseback. Mr. Wood, Bowling Green Inn, had over his porch, a star and the letters "V R" and transparencies representing a spinning mule, and Crompton, Arkwright, and Hargreaves, with the word "trio,&c." at the bottom, meaning "the three in one." Mr. M. Parkinson, grocer, had running along the top of his window a " fiery serpent."



INCIDENTS OF THE DAY.

PICKPOCKETS-- As might be expected, on an occasion like the one commemorated on Wednesday, there was no lack of pickpockets in the neighbourhood. Detectives Archer and Hodgkinson, of the Manchester division, both in plain clothes, apprehended eight such characters. When apprehended, seven out of the eight had their hands in the pockets of females, and one his hand on the chain of a gentleman's watch. All were well known to the police, having been convicted several times before. The names of those apprehended were as follows :- George Cook, of Manchester. He had in his pockets at the time �7 18s. 9d., all made up of small coin. John Lee and William Jones, Salford ; James Wilson, Hulme; Thomas Williams, of Leigh; James Collins, Charles Edwards, and Thomas Lennox, of Manchester. Lennox said, when apprehended, "I have done nothing yet, but if you had let me alone a few minutes longer I should have done some business." The above eight thieves were tried at the County Sessions Room, Little Bolton, on Thursday, before F. Gerrard, Esq and C.J. Darbishire, Esq., magistrates. Cook was defended by Mr. Richardson, solicitor. The magistrates said they had no doubt but that all were guilty of the charges brought against them, and they were committed to one month's hard labour in the New Bailey, Salford, Three others, known pickpockets, from Manchester, though not caught in the act, were locked up, and set at liberty the next morning.

ROBBERIES OF WATCHES.- Several cases of robberies were reported to the police during the day. Two men had their watches taken from them, while staying at Mr. Wood's, the Bowling Green Inn, and two others during the ceremony in the Park.
ROBBERY OF MONEY.- Four different women had their pockets picked of small amounts- one of seven another of four, and a third of two shillings; the fourth was robbed of twopence.
HOUSE ROBBERIES.- About noon the house of Thomas Barwise, Dixon-green, was robbed of two coats, six silver teaspoons, and twenty shillings in silver. The house was entered during the absence of the occupiers. The coats were taken from a box in one of the bed-rooms, in which was stored up, towards paying the rent, fourteen sovereigns. These were in a pill-box, and were overlooked by the thief. Of course a pill-box had no attractions for a person who, under the circumstances, had no wish to be drugged. Another house was entered belonging to John Cellier, Peel-street. While the occupier stood at the front watching the fireworks, some one entered at the back door, and took from a clothes rail a shawl and a victorine, and another article of clothing which had only been taken off and placed there a moment or two before. The house of Mr. Green, Burnden, Great Lever, was entered, and a sealskin paletot was taken from it. The property has been found, and a woman apprehended, who has been proved to have been guilty of the theft.
THE CRUSH.- When the procession drew near to the Dixon Green entrance, the pushing in the crowd, collected together there, was so great that a child in its mother's arms was very near being crushed to death. A boy also was trampled down and nearly killed. At the time this occurred the vast crowd were very anxious to obtain admittance into the Park, and, though told that the other gates were thrown open to the public, they still persisted in entering. The police were compelled to open the gate to prevent accident, though to do so was contrary to previous arrangements.
ACCIDENTS.- As the procession was passing the toll-bar at Moses-gate, seven or eight persons were precipitated into the excavation which is being made for the purpose of laying down the main sewer. It appears that, the planks, which were temporarily laid over the place, gave way, through not being made sufficiently secure, and one of the numbers who fell is a Mrs. Gooden, of Astley Bridge, had her legs severely bruised.
As one of Greenwood's omnibuses was turning round, near the Wellington Inn. Market-street, two women were thrown down under the landing steps behind, one of whom received very severe injuries. She was carried into the bus and conveyed to Bolton.



PASSENGERS TO AND FROM BOLTON.- In addition to the vast crowds who came to Farnworth on foot and by the omnibuses, no less than 5,000 were booked at Bolton for Moses Gate station, and 1,000 at Halshaw Moor station, and more than that number returning at the close of the day. There were also thousands, who came from Manchester, Clifton, Stoneclough, &c., by rails and omnibuses, who returned in the same way at night

GALLANTRY OF A LADY.- When :Mr. Gladstone and the rest of the gentlemen were on the platform in the Park, waiting for the commencement of the ceremony, an amusing incident took place. It was evident that Mr. Gladstone could not be seen by many on the stand behind him if he spoke from the floor of the platform; and chairs being unsteady on the loose planks. However, a message to the pavilion brought from Mr. Jennison an inelegant wooden box, of the required form and bulk, but when placed on the edges to which a lid had once been nailed, it proved unsteady under the weight of the foot. As if instinctively divining the cause, Mr. Gladstone turned the box over, took hold of the nails which caused the unsteadiness, and suggested that they should be either knocked in or pulled out. and this unbending of the mind of the Chancellor of the Exchequer to the solution of a trifling mechanical difficulty quite amused some of the crowd, who broke out into a laugh, which became all the heartier when the Chancellor of the Exchequer himself joined heartily in it. On being put down again and pushed about, the box settled down firmly enough to be stood upon, Mr. Gladstone trying it. The unsightliness of the improvised dais offended the taste of a Lady, Mrs. Harrison Blair, who promptly threw her red cloak upon the box, over which it was spread by a gentleman. Mr. Gladstone protesting he could not think of standing upon it. As the mantle was being spread, some one ejaculated the word "Raleigh," which was caught up and repeated round the platform, recalling to the amusement of many, the historical incident upon which this of the lady's red cloak was a variation. Mr. Gladstone and Mr. Barnes equally objected to stand upon a lady's cloak, and before the speaking commenced it was handed to the owner.



MARRIAGE OF JAMES RICHARDSON BARNES, ESQ.
[FROM OUR OWN REPORTER.]
Stalybridge, Thursday.

The marriage of Mr. James Richardson Barnes with Miss Ellen Cheetham, daughter of John Cheetham, Esq., of Eastwood, and ex-member for South Lancashire, was celebrated this day in the Congregational Church, Melbourne-street, by the Rev. Samuel Martin, of Westminster, assisted by the Rev. Mr. Gwyther, minister of the place; the Rev, J. G. Rogers, B.A. of Ashton, being present also.
The road from Eastwood to the chapel was lined by thousands of people, as well as from the chapel to the railway station, from which many of the wedding guests were brought direct, The chapel was crowded in every part, and there could not possibly be fewer than 900 or 1000 persons present. At the gate was an awning, with a scarlet cloth laid along the walk and the chapel aisles. The bride was led to the altar by her esteemed father. The bridesmaids were Miss Cheetham, Miss S. Hardcastle, Miss L. Dawson, Miss Reyner, Miss L. Reyner, and Miss Seddon. The groomsmen were - Mr. F. Gray, Mr. S. Ashworth, Mr. J.F. Cheetham, Mr. F.H. Cheetham, Mr. W.H. Richardson, Mr. A. Barnes. The bride wore a white corded silk dress, with Honiton lace flounces, and a very elegant Brussell's lace fall covering her from head to foot, with a wreath of orange blossoms and jessamine. She looked extremely beautiful. The bridesmaids wore white muslin dresses, trimmed with blue, and blue sashes, and blue and white wreaths, with lappets, and white gloves. The gentlemen all wore light trousers and vests, with blue surtout coats, and tinted gloves.
The marriage ceremony commenced at a quarter past eleven, the chapel having been quite full for nearly two hours. It was begun by the organ playing a wedding march just as the bride entered leaning on the arm of her father. The Rev. S. Martin delivered an address on the origin and purpose of matrimony, which he said was a divine institution, intended to relieve and bless man in his solitude. The choir then chanted the 67th Psalm, after which Mr. Gwyther asked the usual questions, and Mr. Martin read the duties of the husbands and wives as given by the Apostle Paul. A bridal hymn was then sung, and Mr. Gwyther read another portion of scripture, Mr. Martin concluding with prayer. Whilst in the vestry signing the register, a second bridal hymn was sung by the choir, the music of which was exceedingly beautiful.
The bridal party, and wedding guests, about 65 in number, then left the chapel in about 20 carriages, the bride and bridegroom being lustily cheered along the line of road to Eastwood. On arriving here a pleasing ceremony took place. On a grass plot in front of the house a number of photographs were taken; the bride and bridegroom, the bridesmaids and groomsmen, together with all the visitors, about twelve in each group. The wedding presents, which were very numerous and costly, were then inspected. Those presented by the parents of the happy couple were especially beautiful. It may be stated that Mr. James presented each of the bridesmaids with a blue and gold enamel locket, and the groomsmen with each a very costly carbuncle ring.
The wedding dejeuner was got up in the most splendid style, after which the newly married couple left for Worcester, en route for the Isle of Wight.
The workpeople employed at Mr. Cheetham's mills had a holiday during the morning part of the day.
In addition to the above, we may state that there was a continued firing of cannon at the Farnworth cotton mills throughout the day in honour of the event. The band also paraded the township, and in the afternoon sat down to dinner at the Golden Lion. In the evening the men who had been firing had a supper at the same place. At both of these entertainments the health of the newly-married couple was drunk with great enthusiasm.
We may state that Mr. James R. Barnes is about to reside at the Quinta and not in Farnworth. He is expected there in about six weeks. He will occupy the Quinta Manse until his own house at Boothside, near to that of his father, is completed.



A Boy KILLED - On Thursday afternoon, at about 5 o'clock, a boy, 8 years of age, named John Cursther, of Little Hulton, was getting upon a cart-shaft, from which he fell, the wheel of the cart passing over his head, killed him on the spot.
At the county sessions room on Monday last, Matthew Mort, of the Hare and Hounds beer house, Kersley, was fined 40s. and costs, for selling beer at 10 o'clock on Sunday morning, the 2nd inst. P.C. Grimshaw found four men, and two women drinking in the house.
EVENING-ENTERTAINMENT.- On Wednesday evening an entertainment was given in the new Hall, by the Congregational Young Men's Mutual Improvement Society. There was a good programme for the occasion. It consisted of music-vocal and instrumental - and readings by Mr. E. O. Bleackley, of Manchester. The vocalists were Mrs. Warren, Mrs. Brooke, Mr. Butterworth, and Mr. Ramsbotham, of Manchester, with an efficient chorus. Mr. Ernill presided at the pianoforte; and Messrs. Coulthurst and Butterworth performed on the violin and violoncello. Several encores were given. Mr. Bleackley read remarkably well "Married for Money" and "The Fox of Ballybotheram," in both of which he was encored. The audience was numerous.
MR. AND MRS. GLADSTONE IN FARNWORTH. - At an early hour on Tuesday morning, it soon became known that Mrs. Gladstone was about to visit Farnworth along with her husband. She arrived at Green Bank, the residence of A. Barnes, Esq., about half-past five o'clock in the afternoon, or about an hour before Mr. Gladstone and Mr. Alfred came from Bolton. A dinner party was given at Green Bank in the evening to Mr. and Mrs, Gladstone, and a select company of friends, including Mr. and Mrs. Barnes, &c. On leaving Farnworth, both Mr. and Mrs. Gladstone expressed themselves as highly pleased with their reception. Mrs. Gladstone stated that she was never more pleased with anything; and spoke in high terms of the neatness and order with which everything was carried out. The arrangements, she said, were most admirable; and that she he had been most highly gratified with all concerned. They left Farnworth for Liverpool at 5.30.

ACCIDENT TO A GENTLEMAN'S CARRIAGE - About seven o'clock last evening, the carriage of a gentleman was being brought by the coachman , from Manchester to Farnworth, when an accident occurred at the Kersley-moor toll-gate. It appears that the driver - a man called Davis did not see that one gate was shut until he was too near to turn, The result was that the carriage was brought into violent contact with the gate stump, and a good deal smashed, One of the horses became restive, and got its leg fast in the springs, and it was fully 35 minutes before it could be released, and not until it was much damaged.



OPENING OF THE PARK.
To the Editor of the Farnworth Observer.
Sir,- You would do me a favour if you could kindly give insertion in your publication of to-morrow of the enclosed copy of a letter, which I have this day addressed to the Vicar of Bolton.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
ALFRED BARNES.
Green Bank, Oct. 14th, 1864.

Farnworth, 14th October, 1864.
My dear Sir,- I had only time enough in our Park last Wednesday to make a hurried apology to you for the mistake I unconsciously made. When I omitted the prayer, I did so with great regret; but I was entirely ignorant that you had, in the unavoidable absence of the Bishop and our Vicar, been invited by our Board to offer it, and had most kindly consented to do so. At the same time I must entirely exonerate our very efficient Clerk, Mr. Thornly, from all blame. The fact is, he had no opportunity of communicating with me after the deputation had seen you, I being engaged about the proper reception of my guests, and in my own preparation for the Wednesday, and he being even more busy in finally completing his arrangements for the public celebration, and he was not able to get to me upon the platform because of the pressure until it was too late. May I ask that you, and the "clergy and ministers of all denominations" in this neighbourhood, will to-morrow think of the park which my uncle has given, when you "pray for all sorts and conditions of men." - I am, my dear sir. yours most faithfully and obediently,
ALFRED BARNES.
To the Rev. the Vicar of Bolton.



MARRIED.
On the 9th. inst, at St. John's Church, Farnworth, by the Rev. E.W. Gilbert, M.A., Mr. Caleb Olive to Miss. Betty Crompton
. On the same day, at St. John's Church, Farnworth, by the Rev. E. W, Gilbert, M.A., Mr. Joseph Hurst to Miss. Alice Pollitt.



A boy, sixteen years of age, was sentenced by the Tenderden magistrates a few days ago to six months imprisonment with hard labour, for stealing six walnuts.


THE EXTRAORDINARY AFFAIR AT ACTON.- At the Hammersmith Police Court, on Saturday, Margaret Campbell, aged 35, and Sarah Harris (known until the inquiry opened as Miss Fogarty), aged 22, surrendered their bail on a charge of concealing the birth of two children the bodies of which had been found in a box at 21, Argyle Villas, Mill Hill Road, Acton, a house in the occupation of the elder prisoner.- Emma Rachel Clar said, she had lived as a general servant at Mrs. Campbell's. About the end of last November she had been out for a holiday, and on her returning home Mrs. Campbell and her sister (known as Miss Fogarty) were quarrelling. Mrs. Campbell threatened that Miss Fogarty should leave at the end of another week, to which Miss Fogarty said Mrs. Campbell would keep her to smother another child. She also said the screams of the children were ringing in her ears and driving her mad. Miss Fogarty called witness upstairs, saying she would show her something that would prove Mrs. Campbell's guilt; but Mrs. Campbell and her other sister Ann, who was then present, would not let her do so. There were three other children of Mrs. Campbell's.- Mary Ann Crompton, a charwoman who had worked for Mrs. Campbell for two years, said the box in which the bodies were found had been used as a toilet table more than two years. Witness had never seen it opened. She further said she had heard Miss Fogarty say that she knew things that would hang her sister, but she thought nothing of it, "as it was a matter between themselves" - Mr. Lingham, surgeon, said he had made a post-mortem examination of the bodies, but could not say the children had been born alive. There was part of the Times, of November 7, 1861, wrapped round one of them, as well as the Evening Standard, of March, 1861.- Mr. Sleigh, for the defendants, submitted that there was not any evidence to justify the further detention of his clients.- The Magistrate having inspected the box, which was in an adjacent room in the same state as found, minus the bodies of the children, said, on returning into court: This ia a very extraordinary case. and the circumstances are very dark indeed. It seems to me very desirable that it should not be lost sight of; and I think I should almost be justified in directing that the prisoners should find bail for their further appearance. However, the matter will remain in the hands of the police, and if any further evidence should at any time be discovered they can again be taken into custody. They will now be discharged.- The prisoners, who were very elegantly dressed, and who treated the matter with calmness and apparent indifference, then left the dock and the court, but remained in the room of the building for some time, that the mob who loudly threatened them personally, might disperse.



RE-OPENING OF THE NEW JERUSALEM
CHURCH SCHOOL-ROOM, KERSLEY.

ON SUNDAY, October 9th, 1864, the above School-room, which has been enlarged, will be Re-opened; when THREE SERMONS will be preached in the adjoining Church. by the Rev. W. WOODMAN, who will officiate in the Morning, and the Rev. J. B. KENNERLEY, who will officiate Afternoon and Evening.

Collections will be made after each Service.
The Choir will sing-selections from Handel, Mozart, Mendellsohn, Novello, &c.
Service: Morning, Half-past Ten; Afternoon, Three; Evening, Half-past Six.



OPENING OF THE PRIMITIVE METHODIST
NEW SCHOOL WALKDEN MOOR.

THE above School will be OPENED on SUNDAY, October 23rd, 1864, when THREE SERMONS will be preached: in the Morning and Evening by the Rev. J. TRAVIS, the Resident Minister; and in the Afternoon by the Rev. D. TUTON, of Manchester.
On SUNDAY, October 30th, TWO SERMONS will be preached by the Rev. J. AUSTIN BASTOW, of Darlington, Author of the Biblical Dictionary. Morning Service at Half-past Ten; Afternoon, Half-past Two; Evening, Six o'clock.
On MONDAY EVENING, October 31st, the Rev. J. A. BASTOW will deliver a LECTURE on "The Composition, Inspiration, and Inspiration of the Holy Scriptures." A. BARNES, Esq., of Farnworth, is expected to preside on the occasion.

Lecture to commence at Seven o'clock.
Collections at each Service towards Liquidating the Debt incurred in the erection.

On SATURDAY, November 5th, there will be a TEA PARTY. Tickets Is. each, may be obtained at the door. After tea. a PUBLIC MEETING will be held, to be addressed by the Revs. E. Bishop, D. Tuton, J. Prestwich, of Manchester, J. Travis, and others.



ST. JAMES'S CHURCH, NEW BURY,
FARNWORTH.

TWO SERMONS will be preached and collections made in the above Church, for the Organist, on SUNDAY, 16th October, 1864: Morning Preacher, the Rev. C. J. STEWART; Evening Preacher, the Rev. E. W. APPLEYARD, B.A., Incumbent of Holy Trinity, Prestolee.

Divine Service will commence in the Morning at Half-past Ten, and in the Evening at Half-past Six o' clock.



UNITED METHODIST FREE CHURCH,
ELLESMERE-STREET, PENDLEBURY.

ON SUNDAY, October 16th, 1864, TWO SERMONS will be preached in the above place, by the Rev. JOSEPH SHAW, of Bury. Service to commence in the Afternoon at Half-past Two, and in the Evening at Six o'clock

A Collection will be made at the close of each Service in aid of the Trust Fund.

On SATURDAY EVENING, October 22nd, a TEA MEETING will be held in the same place. Tea. on table at 5 o'clock. Tickets, 6d. each, may be had from Messrs. J. Crook, J. Berry, and J. Tyrer. The meeting will be addressed by the Revs. J. Kendall and J. Walker, and Messrs. T. Boddington, Wilson, Bostock and other friends.



PROFESSOR GRUBER
COMMENCES a New Quarter for French and German NEXT FRIDAY.- Particulars at Mr. KNOX'S, Commercial School.
Private Families attended.



MR. JOSEPH BARKER will preach TWO SERMONS in the TEMPERANCE HALL, Bolton, in the afternoon of Sunday next, October 16, at half past Two o'clock and half-past Seven o'clock, Subject will be, "Jesus, the Light of the world;" and in the evening the Christian Mission. "How it may be best accomplished." On Thursday, October 17, "On the teaching of Experience, or lessons I have learned on my way through life." On Tuesday evening, October 17, "The beneficent tendency and final triumph of the Gospel," at Eight o'clock. Each evening there will be charges - Reserved Seats, 6d.; Gallery, 2d. ; Back Seats, 1d. The proceeds, after paying expenses, will be given to the Bolton Infirmary.



LUKE BOARDMAN begs to thank all those kind friends who assisted him with his RAGGED SCHOOL PROCESSION to the Opening of Farnworth Park, 12th October, 1864.
Bolton, 12th October, 1864.



GENERAL IRONMONGERY ESTABLISHMENT,
44, DEANSGATE, BOLTON.
A Choice Stock of FISHING TACKLE.
A new arrival of Sporting GUNPOWDER, CAPS, &c.
The Best WRINGING AND MANGLING MACHINES.
THOMAS IBBOTSON'S Warranted JOINER'S TOOLS, &c., &c.
GEORGE GRAVESON,
LATE WM. HIGSON.
N.B.- AN APPRENTICE WANTED.



IN FIRST-RATE CONDITION.
ALLSOPP AND SONS
CELEBRATED
PALE AND BURTON ALES,
In Hogsheads, Barrels, and Half Barrels.
Also Bottled in Pints and Half Pints, Imperial Measure.
AGENT.
THOS. BRIMELOW.
CHINA HOUSE, MARKET-PLACE, STORES, 23, FOLD-STREET, Bolton.



W. B. SAUNDERS,
TAILOR AND CLOTHIER, Nearly opposite the New Bank,
DEANS GATE, BOLTON.



RICHARD HORROCKS,
28, MARKET-STREET, Bolton,
Solicits an inspection of the following Cheap Lots :-
348 yards of BRIGHT FANCY SHIRTING FLANNELS from 1s 6d, excellent value.
500 Gentlemen's MEXICAN RING SCARFS, 11 1/2d worth 1s.9d.
A large lot of Men's PRINTED WOOL SHIRT'S, from 3s. 11d.
72 Men's FRENCH SILK and WOOL SHIRTS, beautifully made, 8s. 9d., worth 14s.
84 PRINCE OF WALES' SCARFS, 10 1/2d., worth 2s. 6d.
24 gross Men's CLOTH COLLARS, 5 1/2d. per doz., worth Old. Gentlemen's Gloves, Hosiery, Pants, Drawers, Vests, Ties, Silk Pocket Handkerchiefs, and Irish Linen Handkerchief., hemmed ready for use.



FINEST MOUNTAIN JAMAICA COFFEE,
Unequalled in Bolton,
ONE SHILLING AND EIGHTPENCE PER lb.
A. WICK,
20, MARKET-STREET, BOLTON.
I would also ask attention to my BLACK, GREEN, AND MIXED TEAS, Which for quality cannot be equalled in Bolton, or any other town.



YORKSHIRE HOUSE,
34 AND 36, DEANSGATE, BOLTON.
Established 1827.
WARD AND STOCKDALE.
Late ORTON and WARD.
THIS is one of the Oldest and Best Establishments in Bolton for the sale of General DRAPERY GOODS.
Family Mourning and Funerals Undertaken, in all the branches, on the shortest notice.
Shirt and Mantle Manufacturers.
Bonnets, Stays, and Crinolines.



WILLIAM MIDDLETON,
18, Knowsley-street, Bolton, Corner of the Market Hall,
RESPECTFULLY invites all lovers of a cup of Good Tea to his Splendid Stock of New Season's TEA, which for cheapness cannot be surpassed.
REMEMBER THE ADDRESS.



IMPORTANT TO FAMILIES.
The BEST and CHEAPEST BREAD is to be had from the shop of WILLIAM HALL,
BREAD BAKER AND FLOUR DEALER, TEA DEALER, AND GENERAL GROCER,
MARKET-STREET, FARNWORTH.
Tea Parties and Funerals supplied with CURRENT BREAD, of Excellent Quality, on the shortest notice.



PHOTOGRAPHS.
CEREMONY IN THE PARK.
Two VIEWS BEFORE THE CEREMONY.
ONE VIEW WHILST SINGING THE 100TH PSALM.
ONE VIEW WHILST MR. GLADSTONE WAS SPEAKING.
IN consequence of the great demand for the above, they can only be Supplied to Order. Specimens to be seen and Orders taken at the Observer-office, ONE SHILLING each.
W. CURREY, PHOTOGRAPHIC ARTIST,
12, HIGHER KNOWSLEY-STREET, BOLTON.



JOHN BOOTHBY'S
OLD ESTABLISHED
MOURNING BONNET
HOUSE,
10, KNOWSLEY-STREET,
BOLTON.



EXTRAORDINARY IMPROVEMENT IN COFFINS,
THE PATENT METALIC COFFINS are now proved beyond doubt to possess the sanitary properties so long desired, and are strongly recommended in all extreme cases. May be had at
CONSTANTINE BROTHERS,
Drapers, Undertakers, Deansgate and Bridge-street, sole Agents for Bolton and District. For testimonials see circulars. Inspection respectfully solicited.
CONSTANTINE BROTHERS respectfully intimate that they have received their New Spring Goods, comprising Black and Coloured Silks, Fancy Muslin Dresses, Paisley, Lace, and Norwich Shawls, Bonnets, Ribbons, Gloves, &c. Hosiery, Skirtings, &c.



LIFE-LIKE PORTRAITS;
GOOD, CHEAP, & PERMANENT.
PETER GREENHALGH, Bookseller and Stationer, MARKET-STREET, Farnworth, begs to inform his friends and the PHOTOGRAPHIC and FINE ART GALLERY is now open, replete with all the apparatus, accessories, and adornments requisite for First Class PORTRAITS, Carte de Visites, Vignettes, &c., &c.
A Single Portrait Sixpence and upwards; Carte de Visites at a reasonable price.
Family and other Groups taken on moderate terms.
Children successfully Photographed.
N.B.-No portraits taken on Sundays.



Now Ready.
THE INDEPENDENT ODD-FELLOWS,
. MANCHESTER UNITY,
THEY have sworn themselves down at the County Court Bury, and other places.
apply to JAMES WARBURTON, Waggon and Horses, Albert Road, Farnworth; where you can purchase a small Book containing an account of the same.



L. LODGE,
ARTIST AND PHOTOGRAPHER,
106, NEWPORT-STREET, Bolton,
Portraits from Carte-de-Visite to Life-size. Cartes 9s. per dozen.



S. McMILLAN,
TAILOR, DRAPER, AND HATTER,
HAS to hand a Choice Assortment of WINTER GOODS, and invites an early inspection.
8, BRIDGE-STREET, Bolton.
October 3rd, 1864.



JAMES ENTWISLE,
STONE CUTTER, BUILDER, CONTRACTOR
AND DEALER IN ALL KINDS OF
STONE AND FLAGS,
IS prepared to execute in a superior style every description of Headstones, Tombs, Monuments, &c., in various qualities of stone, and at reasonable prices.
A number of elegant designs for Tombs, Headstones, &c. may be inspected on application.
Letter.cutting and mason work in general. At kinds of repairs promptly attended.
THE STONE-YARD, KING-STREET, FARNWORTH.



WILLIAM HAMPSON
RENT AND DEBT COLLECTOR,
GENERAL AGENT, &c.
EGERTON-STREET, FARNWORTH.
Tradesmens accounts collected on the most reasonable terms, and satisfactory security given if required.
Agent for the LONDON VICTORIA BENEFIT SOCIETY; highly recommended for Workingmen to join.



WILLIAM BROMILOW,
No. 15, Bank-street, Bolton.
Come and see an Extensive Assortment of
BOOTS AND SHOES, Made of the Best Material,
And at Prices as will defy competition.
LADIES' KID ELASTIC BOOTS, 4s. 6d. a Pair.
Observe :-Opposite the Bird i' th' Hand, Bank-street, Bolton.
Branch Shop :- No. 105, Derby-street.



PIANOFORTES and HARMONIUMS thoroughly Repaired, Tuned, &c., by experienced workmen. Instruments taken in exchange.
RALPH FRYER, 28, Folds-road, Bolton.



PHOTOGRAPHIC STUDIO, ROSE HILL HOUSE,
Manchester road, Bolton.

MRS. WHITLEY thanks the clergy, gentry, and public of Bolton and neighbourhood for their kind patronage, and begs to announce that she has entered into partnership with W. P. PARKER, ESQ., of London, the superiority of whose work has gained him a distinguished place in the British School of Photography.

Mrs. WHITLEY invites the interest and continued patronage of her friends, and begs to say the Gallery now opened for business.
"Mr. Parker's photographs are very flesh-like and very beautiful."- A.W. WALL, Editor Art Standard.
"Perfect Photography.- O.G. REJLANDER
"Mr. Parker is a good operator."-British Journal of Photography



BROOKES and BURBIDGE, Cabinet, and Piano Fret Cutters. Vertical Sawyers, &c. 44, Great Bridgewater-street, corner of Albion-street, Manchester.



JOHN STOREY
RENT AND DEBT COLLECTOR.
Public Loan Office, Market-street, Farnworth.



SADDLE AND HARNESS MAKING ESTABLISHMENT.
Mc. COPPIN AND BULFIELD,
(Successors to Mr. John Smith),
SADDLE AND HARNESS MAKER,
95 BRADSHAWGATE, BOLTON,
(Near Mr. Lawson's Surgery),

RESPECTFULLY inform their Friends and the Public of Farnworth and neighbourhood, that they have succeeded to the shop and business lately conducted by Mr. John Smith, (on their own account.) and having had near 20 years experience in some of the leading firms in Manchester, London, and Dublin, they can with confidence assure their patrons that all orders will be executed in a style and workmanship that no house can excel.

SADDLES, HARNESS FOR CARRIAGES, WAGGONS, CARTS, &c.
Machine Strapping of every description. Fire Engine Pipe and Hose.



THIS DAY, SATURDAY.

TO BE SOLD BY AUCTION, by Mr. WM. HAYHURST, at Kersley, opposite Mrs. GREENWOOD'S, Shopkeeper, a quantity of HOUSEHOLD FURNITURE and other Effects.
Sale to commence at Two o'clock in the Afternoon.



LEATHER AND GUTTA PERCHA
BOOT AND SHOE DEPOT
Opposite entrance to Public Library, and next door to Mr. Timperlake's, Draper, Cheapside, Bolton.

JOHN MULLEN, Practical BOOT and SHOE MAKER, respectfully solicits the attention of the public of Bolton and neighbourhood to his really superior and very extensive assortment of Gutta Percha and Leather Boots and Shoes, which for comfort, style, durability and cheapness, cannot be equalled in Bolton.
J.M. having had 15 years practical experience in every department of the Gutta Percha Boot and Shoe Trade, and having for several years held a situation in the Glasgow establishment of Messrs. Dicks, the unrivalled Gutta Perch Manufacturers, can confidently assure all who may favour him with their patronage that they will find his goods substantial, well made, superior ia quality, and lower in price than at any other establishment in Bolton.
Let the public judge for themselves, as, by purchasing the goods of the practical manufacturer, instead of the mere salesman or warehouseman, they will not only effect a saving in price, but secure a much superior article.

Observe :-Only establishment in Bolton,- Cheap side, opposite entrance to Public Library. No connection with any other shop in town.



TOBACCO, SNUFF, AND CIGAR
MANUFACTORY.

LIST OF PRICES :- Bright Cut, 3s. 6d. per lb ; Common Fine, 3s. 4d.; Chester Cut, 3s. 7d. ; Real Irish Roll, 3s. 7d.; Pig' Tail Roll, 3s. 7d. Cigars from 6s. 6d. per lb; Vevey Fins, 60s. per 1,000 ; Sans, 80s. per 1,000.

Agent for the BOLTON BARREL SNUFF - GEORGE AXE, 40, Newport-street, Bolton.



NEW AUTUMN DRESSES,
IN GREAT VARIETY.
LADIES' Waterproof Tweed CLOAKS, with Sleeves, 12s. 6d. to 25s. 6d. CHILDRENS JACKETS, all sizes, superior quality, and made up in first style, 4s. 11d. to 12s. 6d.
NEW FUR MUFFS, BOAS, &c.,
AT
J.M. TAIT'S,
DEANSGATE .AND MARKET-STREET, Bolton;



PARAFFIN OIL and LAMPS.- The Best and Cheapest may be obtained from ROBERT HARRISON, Oil Dealer, Darley-street, Farnworth



UMBRELLAS REPAIRED,
neatly and promptly, and RE-COVERED in Silk, Alpaca, and Cotton,
T. M. HARRISON'S
Umbrella Manufacturer,
A Choice Collection of WALKING CANES.



WILLIAM GOODWIN,
Near the Parish Church,
CHURCHGATE, BOLTON,

HAS JUST RECEIVED a very extensive selection of WALL PAPERS, of the newest designs, for Mansions, Halls, Private Houses, Office, and Cottage Property, at THREEPENCE per DOZEN and upwards.

An Early Inspection Invited.



QUALITY THE TEST OF CHEAPNESS.
THE BEST VALUE at the most Moderate Prices, at
WM. AGAR AND CO.,
Watch and Clock Makers, No. 84, Deansgate, Bolton, where parties will find the largest and best selected stock of
GOLD AND SILVER WATCHES,
All their own manufacture, and such as is seldom met with in the provinces. Every watch sold warranted.
To Railway Companies-Maker of Guards' Watches on the improved principle; Contractor for Railway and Public Clocks, Offices, &c.; also wound up, and kept in repair by contract.
Watches and Clocks of every description cleaned repaired, and adjusted by scientific and experienced workmen.



WEDDINGS, Balls, Pic-Nic, and Dinner Parties supplied with every requisite by THOMAS TAYLOR, Day Waiter, (for 20 years Clerk to St.Ann's Church), 35, John Dalton-street, removed from 96, Deansgate, Manchester.



ESTABLISHED UPWARDS OF 60 YEARS.
The Noted
BOOT AND SHOE ESTABLISH1VIENT,
32, DEANSGATE, BOLTON.
JOSEPH BROOKS (Late AUSTIN,)
BOOT MANUFACTURER.
READY-MADE Boots and Shoes of every description Orders and Repairs prompt.



J.T. STONE,
PHOTOGRAPHER,
Opposite the Bird.i'th'-Hand, Farnworth.
Portraits 6d. each and upwards. Carte de Visites 8s. 6d. per doz. Vignettes 10s. 6d. per dozen.