are grossly mistaken)—that on the division of the town-fields of Gateshead, the Windmill-hills were expressly set apart for the use and enjoyment of the inhabitants in all time coming. Indeed, the very clause in question, so suicidally adduced by the Boroughholders, declares the fact. It reserves the hills

from allotment and enclosure, and vests them in the Gateshead Corporation-the Boroughholders and Freemen-for the "free use" of the inhabitants.

If, however, the inhabitants of Gateshead acted illegally in throwing down the walls on the Windmill hills, the Boroughholders have a ready remedy. difficulty in identifying scores of their neighbours, who took They will have no part in the "outrage." There is no disposition to evade the responsibility of the act. Why, then, do the Boroughholders shrink from an appeal to a court of justice? It is of no use to go to the "HOME OFFICE" or the "JOURNAL OFFICE." They must go to the office of their attorney, and instruct him to proceed against their adversaries; otherwise the public will infer, and rightly infer, that they are conscious of the rottenness of their case.

The evidence which was sent up to the Home Office-(and which was no sooner received, than a letter was sent down to the Mayor, flatly refusing to comply with the Boroughholders' memorial)—was produced and read on Wednesday last, at a meeting of the Council, by desire of Alderman Davis, and entered on the minutes by desire of Alderman Brockett. Notwithstanding the "leading questions" which had manifestly been put to the witnesses, "the prosecuting counsel" had been unable to make out a tolerably decent case. None of those "men in buckram," the "peaceable inhabitants, obliged to remain in their houses, afraid to venture out," were placed in the witness box, to make oath to their terror and timidity; not one of those bolder burgesses, 66 totally unconnected with either the Town Council or the Boroughholders and Freemen, who were obliged by their avocations to pass that way during the work of demolition," and "declared that they had never witnessed such disgraceful proceedings," was presented for examination in support of the memorial; nor did any one of the witnesses establish the calumnious assumption, that but for the prudence of the Boroughholders, "a general riot, and probably bloodshed, would have taken place!" It was proved that the Committee carried out the instructions of the Council, and then withdrew; and that the people (which no one denies) afterwards threw down the whole of the walls. They had a perfect right to throw them down; which, if the Boroughholders doubt, let them bring the question to an issue before a competent tribunal.

Alderman Davis, whose conduct all through this transac tion deserves the highest praise, rose up in his place after the depositions had been read, and told Messrs. Lister to their face, in the presence of the whole Council, that they had put their names to charges as false as they were calumnious; and he publicly challenged and defied them to make good their accusations.

Will it be believed? the two Boroughholders, so ready to affix their signatures to a secret memorial, had not one single word to say in the presence of the gentleman whom they had maligned, and whom, as a Magistrate, they had sought to degrade and to destroy. They were publicly charged with falsehood, and were silent. They were challenged to sustain their accusations, and they held their tongues. There can be but one opinion as to the position in which their silence placed them. Their humiliation was complete.

ments of one who, as Rector of Gateshead, enjoyed for so many years the well-deserved esteem of his parishioners, may have its due weight with the boroughholders, on whom now depends, at least the peaceable carrying out of Mr. Collinson's early and admirable project for the benefit of the people of Gateshead :Boldon Rectory, September 28, 1844. DEAR SIR,-I believe I have to thank you for a printed copy of cer. tain letters to Sir James Graham and to the Mayor of Gateshead concerning the destruction of some wails on the Windmill Hills.

I have a clear recollection that on the division of the town or borough lands (I think in 1815) it was one of the conditions that the surface of the Windmill Hills should be left open and free for the use of the inhabitants. I remember walking up there with Mr. Ellison, Mr. Askew, Mr. Headlam, Mr. Harvey, and some other gentlemen, together with Mr. Willis, for the purpose of securing this object.

Among my visions of future projects for Gateshead, if I had remained among you, one was to have enlarged that recreation ground on the Windmill Hills, for the use of the inhabitants, the aged, the poor, children and mechanics; to have had flowers, and plantations, and seats; and to have taken in that old quarry, belonging to Mr. Askew (which is of no great value), from whence is one of the most beautiful sunset views in this island. Every where they are now laying out such open spots near populous places for the benefit of the inhabitants. The money is, in my opinion, most wisely spent; not only in promoting health and cheerfulness, by air, exercise, and amusement, in a pleasant spot; but because I believe such agreeable views of nature bave insensibly a great moral and religious effect.

I would also have had a place set apart for cricket and manly games, and should have rejoiced to have seen my sons and grandsons playing with the "coaly" children of the labourers. We have got too much into separate classes, and the labouring class only see the richer as masters and magistrates, to receive orders, and reprimands and punishments. Who can wonder that repulsion and dislike grow up on both sides?

If party differences could be put an end to in Gateshead, and obliterated, I should rejoice if such a plan as I have sketched out could be brought to practical effect; and if a subscription of money would avail to this end, I should gladly put my name down for ten pounds-for auld lang syne. I remain, Dear Sir, faithfully yours, To. W. H. Brockett, Esq., Gateshead. JOHN COLLINSON.

DREADFUL COLLIERY EXPLOSION,

AT HASWELL.

WITH sincere pain we have to record a most dreadful accident, which occurred at Haswell colliery, near Easington, in this county (belonging to Messrs. Plummer, Taylor, & Co.), on Saturday afternoon, September 28, by which 95 human beings lost their lives. The cause of the explosion is yet unexplainedexcept by conjecture-as the pit seems, by all accounts, to have had as complete a system of ventilation as any in the north of England. The men, it seems, were just preparing to leave their work [in the Little Haswell pit] when the explosion took place, and left not a single survivor to tell the tale of woe. As may be imagined, the grief of the relatives, and the pity, deep and universal, of the neighbourhood, formed a picture which was fit to appal the stoutest heart. Among the sufferers, unfortunately, there are many members of the same familiesfathers, sons, and brothers having been doomed, by death's sad havoc, to one common grave. The following are the names of the sufferers, with their ages. Those marked thus were buried at Gateshead, the remainder at Easington, Hallgarth, and South Hetton :-George Bell* (31), Joseph Bell (28), John Brown (42), Thomas Briggs (61), John Briggs (25), James Briggs (10), William_Barrass (32), John Barrass (10), Thomas Bottom (17), John Brown (17), John Curley (30), Michael Cleugh (14), Henry Cleugh (12), Matthew Cleugh (10), John Curry (39), Robert Carr (26), Robert Douglass (32), William Dixon (16), John Dixon (15), Mark Davison (16), George Drydon (18), Robert Drydon (16), James Drydon (25), Thomas Drydon (22), William Dobson (50), George Dawson (53), Wm. Davidson* (26), William Dixon (46), John Dixon (21), William Elsdon (22), George Elsdon (18), John Ferry (35), George Ferry (14), William Farish (20), Joseph Gibson (50), John Gibson (22), Robert Gibson (15), William Gibson (12), William Gilroy (16), John Gilroy (13), George Hall (38), Robert Hall (12), Robert Hogg (20), George Heslop (20), William Harrison (13), John Harrison (13), John Hall (10), William Jobling (29), Daniel Lemmon, James Laylands, Henry Mather (19), Thomas Moody (25), Joseph Moffatt (25), James Maughan (23), John Noble (40), Thomas Nicholson (16), William Nicholson (11), William Nicholson (18), John Padley (28), John Parkinson (28), Elliott Richardson (38), John Richardson (14), James

Robson (11), Robert Rosecamp (33), William Rosecamp (22), George Richardson (29), Peter Robinson (17), William Routledge (18), James Richardson (41), Ralph Surtees (19), John Surtees (17), William Surtees (12), James Sanderson (43), John Sanderson (24), Wanless Thompson (55), Christopher Teasdale (21), John Teasdale (19), Stephen Teasdale (17), Michael Thurlawey (18), William Taylor* (21), Thomas Turnbull (22), Henry Ward (39), John Williamson (34), Robert Williamson (19), John Wolfe (25), Peter Wolfe (20), John Willis (20), Jhomas Willis (18), John Willis (12), Henry Wheatman (42), William Wheatman (14), John Whitfield (31), and John Whitfield (10).

An inquest was held (September 30) by T. C. Maynard, Esq.,at the Railway Tavern, Haswell, on the bodies of five of the sufferers, viz., Thomas, George, Robert, and James Drydon, four brothers, and Edward Nicholson, their cousin. Mr. Marshall, solicitor, Mr. Roberts, Mr. Jude, and Mr. Cleugh, a relative of some of the sufferers, were present, on behalf of the owners and the men.

Stone

Cornelius Brown, an under-viewer deposed that he went down the pit on the afternoon of Saturday, in company with Mr. Scott and others, and found that an explosion had taken place. The explosion was in the ninth head-way course of the Meadows way. Saw that a "jud" had been drawn there by the overman. A jud is part of a pillar of coal, left to support the roof after the working, and is afterwards removed; thinks that this was the cause of the explosion, the effects of the fire being more visible there than in any other part. Three men were found dead there. Did not find their Davy Lamps. Saw nothing which indicated the cause of the explosion. A deputy named Williamson, had been in the act of taking the jud away, and was found dead within 20 yards. He had been at work at the jud when the explosion took place. The gas in some cases pours out in considerable quantities on the removal of coal, without previous notice. That part of the pit was worked by Davy Lamps-there was not a candle. He considered the pit one of the safest pits in the trade. Had known it from its commencement up to the 14th of August. Was in it for about three months almost daily. He thought it one of the best ventilated pits. Never heard any complaints against the pit, it was always reckoned a safe one. He had often heard workmen say they considered it perfectly safe. Had not been in the pit since the 14th of August till after the explosion, but his opinion was that the ventilation had been good up to the Occurence. The explosion, in his opinion, would not have taken place, if the Davy lamp had not been injured. had fallen from the root when the deputy had been removing the jud. When stone falls from the roof, gas is frequently let out in great quantites. If the wire gauze of the Davy lamp had been injured by the fall of the stone, it is probable that would cause the explosion. From all he saw it is his opinion that that was the cause of the explosion. In answer to Mr. Roberts and the Coroner he stated:-It is not a common occurrence for a Davy lamp to be injured by a fall of stone. Has never seen such an occurrence, but has heard of one or two instances, and then there were explosions. Could not say that the accident would have been prevented by having gauze of a greater thickness. Saw 40 or 50 dead bodies--some were close at hand, and others further off from the scene of the explosion. Was never at so extensive an explosion as this. Sometimes fire and sometimes choke-damp is the cause of death. 'There are more men killed by choke damp or after-damp than by combustion. The greatest distance from the place where the explosion took place to where a dead body was found, would be about 300 yards. The after-damp is only conveyed to particular parts of the pit, and not to the whole pit. The explosion ex. tended over the north west and east parts of the pit. The after. damp, he had no doubt had extended to every part where the bodies had been found. Every possible exertion was used to get into the pit to save the bodies of the men. The after damp was so strong that they could not get sooner into the pit than they did. They made two attempts. Out of the 95, only 15 of the sufferers are burnt. There were 10 or 20 near the one that was farthest off. There was a communication between the distance and that part of the pit where the explosion had taken place. After the explosion, the ventilation bad been interrupted by the air stoppings being blown down. By air stoppings he meant barriers, placed to throw the air into the workings for ventilation. Would think there had not been a large explosion

Has

of gas. If the stoppings had not been broken by the explosion, those on the other side would have been saved. The stoppings are composed of bricks and lime, and it is usual for an explosion to break them down. They are a great protection. not been down since Sunday morning, but the pit might be viewed now with safety. Davy lamps are a sure protection when uninjured. Has seen fire in a safety, which was supported inside the gauze by foul air. The Davy lamp is the best lamp. In answer to Mr. Marshall he said:-Fifteen or sixteen were killed by fire, and the remainder by after-damp. It was possible for the mine to be safe previously to the fall of the stone at the jud, where the explosion took place. A quantity of gas, sufficient to cause an explosion, might appear in a short time-an instance occurred in their pit, two days before, where the gas carried away a large portion of the coal. Candles were used in the "whole" part of the mine but the explosion did not take place there. He felt confident of this, as there was no indications of fire. The safety of the Davy lamp consists in confining the flame within the gauze, and it gives an intimation of approaching danger. When appearances of danger arise, instructions are given to remove the lamp, and means are taken to remove the gas. He never knew an explosion by the forcing of the flame through the gauze, on the removal of the lamp, on the appearance of danger. It was not possible to make the stoppings strong enough to resist such an explosion.

James Scott stated that he was an under-viewer at Haswell colliery. About 3 o'clock on Saturday afternoon he was in the office, when one of the off-putters came and said he believed the pit had fired. He went as quickly as possible down the pit, and proceeded along the north rolley.way, about 30 yards, leading into the little pit, and tried the air with a candle, and found it good. He then got a safety-lamp, and went along the little pit rolley-way, and found the air good all the way to the mouth of the stone-drift. At this point he found a strong deficiency in the quantity of air, and the current was in the wrong direction. He proceeded along the stone-drift. The two main hole-drifts at the end were blown down; also at the aircrossing beside it. The first air which ought to have gone along the main line was escaping at those places. He then came along the tram-way from the mouth of the stone drift, and found a set of rolleys with empty tubs on them. The horse and its driver at the in-by end of the rolleys was dead. He then proceeded with John Miller, whom he had met, to a set of rolleys with laden tubs in a siding-the horse was dead at the out-by end of the rolleys, and also the driver. They went forward about 50 yards, and found a body dead at Meadows way flat. For want of air at that point, they were obliged to return. They went back about 300 yards, where they had a little air, and consulted, and thought the best thing to be done was to get in the stoppings to carry the air to that point. From what he saw he was convinced that all the men in the pit were dead. He then came to the Meadows way-end, and up to the Meadows flat, where he found two boys and a horse dead. He was then so bad, he was forced to return to the Meadows way-end. Mr. Brown, the first witness, then came up. They stood awhile, and went to the flat again, and got about 100 yards further, when they both found it necessary to return to the Meadows way-end. They agreed to get all the air. stoppings in as far as possible, to clear the whole pit of the after-damp. Witness and Mr. Brown went with some men into the first stopping of the Brockley Whins flat, and then he went out by into the stone-drift, where the other men were putting in stoppings, and assisted. After being there a short time, he went into the Meadows flat again, along with a deputy named George Wilson, and got about 50 yards further than he did previously, when he was forced to return. He returned to the men at the stoppings, and an hour afterwards, he and several men, Mr. Brydon and others, went into the mothergate, and he allowed Mr. Brydon the working there, and he went up four pillars, and 18 or 19 men were found. Witness came out by to forward the stoppings, and the other men went forward. The remainder of the time was spent in getting out the dead bodies. The stoppings were put in, and the air was much improved; and he saw them bringing the dead bodies out at the fourth headway-course, where 19 were dead. After that he went to the second and third headways-course, where the men had been working, and the air was much improved, as he could not perceive the slightest indication of any gas,

He went to the sixth and seventh headways.course, and found it there just as good. He then went forward up the mothergate about three pillars, when he was so ill from the air, he was forced to come out of the pit and go home. The witness also said, in reply to various questions-About 12 A.M. on Sunday, a Davy lamp was found about four yards from the edge of the fall of stones at the jud. The lamp was entire, all but the plug at the bottom where the oil was put in, which was not. The lamp was standing against a prop: there was little oil in it. The wick was very loose in the pipe. If combustion was caused by the plug being out, the gas would have to ascend the tube containing the wick, but that was not likelythough possible, it was not probable. The explosion must have taken place from a defective or an injured lamp. Two or three lamps were found this morning by John Miller, overman, who brought them to witness. He examined them. One was perfect-in the other, the gauze was much broken and twisted, just above the lamp having the appearance of being crushed. (The lamp was exhibited, much bulged.) He thought the crushing of the gauze had caused the explosion. Thinks the flame might burn through the gauze, and cause the explosion. Witness was down the pit on the day of the accident, at 7 A.M. All was perfectly safe and free from foul air.

John Miller, an overman at the colliery, stated his opinion to be that the explosion took place at the 9th headways-course where the jud was removed-thinks a blow of gas might come off on anything happening to the lamp. The damaged lamp is now in the same state as when found by Thomas Wardle. His opinion was, the fall of stone had taken place before the explosion, because the timber had been taken out and piled on the tram, and the drawing of the timber caused the fall of the stone. The cause of the explosion he thinks, arose from a defect of some of the safety lamps close at hand, when the gas came off. There were three lamps found at the jud-the oil was out of one, and another was crushed. If there was a small wick in the lamp, thinks the gas might go up the plug hole of the lamp without a plug, especially if lying on the slant as he found it. Did not examine the wick. Cannot say whether the flame would be forced through the gauze of the crushed lamp, as he cannot see the gauze is broken. There is no other part of the pit except the jud, where any indication of the explosion having taken place can be seen. Has been an overman of the pit turned nine years, and never previously conceived there was any danger from an accumulation of gas. Has never had any complaints, or heard any from men concerning the gas. He was twice through that part of the pit on Saturday, and examined it attentively. The last time was about half-past five, and he came out a little before seven, when there was no appearance of danger. The ventilation was quite good.

Joseph Fairley said he was inspector of the pit. He had examined it since the explosion and his evidence corroborated the previous witnesses.

Mr. Roberts here applied to have the pit and also the lamps examined by competent persons unconnected with the colliery owners. Mr. Marshall had no objection provided the examiners were not named by Mr. Roberts. Mr. R. proposed Mr. Matthias Dunn, which was objected to; and Mr. Roberts then said he would apply to the Secretary of State to send persons down, and wished the inquest adjourned till an order from the Home Office could be obtained. This the Coroner refused; and the inquiry was finally adjourned till the following morning.

TUESDAY, OCT. 1.-Mr. Marshall stated the owners were anxious for the fullest inquiry, and would submit the pit to the examination of any impartial professional persons. Mr. Roberts said the persons should be approved by the pitmen.

Robert Beany, a miner, said he left the pit on the Saturday morning at 10 o'clock, and the ventilation was then good. Has worked 74 years in the colliery. The whole part of the coal is worked with candles, which he considers safe, the broken is worked with lamps." He always considered the pit one of the safest he has ever been down. When he left work, he met with about 15 other men leaving their work, and not one of them expressed any fear of approaching danger. Deputies go down the pit with every fresh shift of men; the duty of the deputies is to go round and timber the places where the men are at work and to see that everything is sate; and as a proof that they do this, one of the sufferers, George Hall, was in witness's place a little before he left work, for the purpose of examining that place. The Davy lamp is safe, so long as the gauze is uninjured, if it

be properly attended to. When the lamp indicates gas, their orders are to come out immediately into the fresh air. Can attach blame to no one, neither individually or collectively for this sad occurrence. Had heard men working in the whole part of the mine complain of too much air, and when working in narrow places, the current of air was frequently so great that the men had to request the deputy to leave the brattice back a little, which would have the effect of throwing less air into the workings. At that part he considered the air too strong for a man to work.

This witness, when cross-examined by Mr. Roberts, admitted that great responsibility rested upon keeping the waste clearand that he had heard pitmen since the strike complain of strange men working on the waste, but there were none where the accident occured. If pitmen had any complaints, they should have made them to the first officer they met.

Joseph Short, a pitman, had worked 84 years in the pit, and was there on Saturday. The ventilation was as good as could be. Had worked with a candle in the whole coal, and there was not the slightest indication of inflammable air. The distance from the broken where lamps are used, to the place where candles are used, is several hundred yards. Prefers the Davy lamp to any other, and considers, if attended to, that it gives sufficient indication of danger. Had never heard, during the 8 years he had worked in the pit, any complaints made by others that the ventilation was bad. It was one of the safest pits he was ever in; but has been in other pits where as little gas was given off as in Haswell.

Mr. Roberts said he thought it was not necessary to have any further evidence similar to that already given.

Thomas Jobling confirmed the evidence already given. He had been employed 24 years in the pit, and left it 20 minutes before the explosion. Was of opinion that the explosion had been caused, not by negligence, but by accident.

William Farish had worked 3 years in the pit, and was at work on Saturday. He had worked in the place where two bodies were found; and when he was there, the ventilation was perfectly good. Thought the explosion accidental: does not think it could have been prevented. Had never worked in a pit better ventilated, and he had worked in nine.

Ralph Harrington, pitman, could not say whether the explosion was from accident or negligence. Had heard pitmen complain of too much air in the pit. Never was down a better ventilated pit. It is better to have too much than too little air. The distance the air had to travel to the place where the explosion occurred, was 1,400 yards. It is desirable to have a current of air in every part of the pit.

Thomas Scott:-Had been a pitman 23 years. Worked in the Haswell pit. It was reckoned the best ventilated pit on the Wear. In answer to a delegate who cross-examined him, he stated that no strangers were employed in the pit, except in company with experienced pitmen; and that it was possible for the explosion to have taken place even with a current of airfor the gas sometimes overpowered the air, and then explosion occurred.

Edward Fenwick:-Was check-viewer at the pit. Had examined it since the explosion. Had examined the external parts of the Meadows flats, particularly the return of the air. There was a good travelling air in the direction of the return drift, and the marks of the explosion were on the walls and timber. The marks were all in one direction, indicating the direction in which the force had gone. The inferences to be drawn from the appearances were, that the explosion must have taken place near the high end of the Meadows flats, and facing the working places. Examined a few of the boards at the Brockley Whins flat, and found the indications of fire not so strong in that direction. As check-viewer to the colliery, he was in the habit of going down the pit. Had had opportunities of comparing the collieries with many others, and, with one exception, it exceeded them all for ventilation and attention to the direction of the air. Does not think that there are any means known at the present day that would have made the ventilation better. Thought the explosion must have occurred by the exposure of the flame of a lamp or candle. Scientific men have admitted that flame may be forced through the lamp when the gauze is red hot.

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 2.-The court resumed.

Mr. Thompson, the master waste-man, detailed all the courses pursued in the waste, and the parts connected; and gave it as

his opinion, that it was impossible, by any known means of ventilation, to improve the currents of air in the pit. He considered it the best ventilated pit in the district; and none of the workmen had ever complained to him of the ventilation. The evidence of the witness went generally to confirm the witnesses of the preceding days. The strange men working in the waste were in charge of experienced waste-men, and no danger could arise from them without the men becoming acquainted with it. There could be no accumulation of gas in the waste, without his making the discovery when travelling through it. In his opinion, the cause of the explosion was a mystery, and it would remain so. It was not to be accounted for by any of the common occurrences of mining experience. The witness was crossexamined by Mr. Roberts, but nothing material affecting the case was elicited.

Mr. Forster, the viewer, then underwent examination, extending over a period of four and a half hours. He detailed the whole working of the pit-describing the air courses, the extent of the ventilation, and the great care constantly taken to preserve everything in order. When he heard of the accident he did not credit it, because he did not conceive it possible to have happened, as the ventilation was so perfect. No great quantity of gas had ever shown itself in the pit, as it was always carried off by the strong current of air passing through. He could not account for the accident, unless a sudden gush of gas had taken place on the removal of the jud, and that Williamson's lamp being injured by the fall of stone, caused the gas to come in contact with the flame, and produced combustion. In answer to Mr. Roberts, the witness stated that he had a personal objection, from private matters, to Mr. Matthias Dunn examining the pit; but if the coroner and jury deemed it right that the pit should be examined by Mr. Dunn, he had no objection. If the truth was spoken, it was not in Mr. Dunn's power to injure him by the examination. His objection was merely personal. During the examination, Mr. Roberts was ordered to be removed out of court, in consequence of his persisting in insinuating that there was something behind Mr. Forster's objection to Mr. Dunn-but which Mr. Forster denied. On the officer approaching, the coroner asked Mr. Roberts if he would conduct himself properly if allowed to remain, when he replied that he would, as he always did, and wished to do. The matter was then allowed to drop.

These were the only witnesses examined to-day. The Coroner then informed the public that he intended to adjourn the inquest for a few days, in order that the pit might be examined by two professional gentlemen; and the jury, after consultation, proposed that Mr. Nicholas Wood and Mr. George Hunter should be the examiners. Mr. Roberts requested that Messrs. Dunn and Mather might be the examiners; but this was not consented to by the Coroner: but the owners of the colliery intimated through Mr. Marshall their willingness, not only that the gentlemen proposed by the jury should examine the pit, but that they should be accompanied by the two gen. tlemen proposed by Mr. Roberts; which latter offer Mr. Roberts declined. The court was then adjourned until Wednesday, October 9.

The Rev. J. H. Delamere, curate of Gateshead, has been appointed by Sir Robert Peel to the Incumbency of the new parish of Failsworth, near Manchester, upon the recommendation of the Bishop of Chester.

Messrs. John Abbot & Co., of this borough, have lately cast a large blowing cylinder for the Conside Iron Works, near Shotley Bridge. The cylinder was eleven feet in length, eight feet in diameter, and weighed about sixteen tons. A number of ladies and gentlemen were admitted to see the process of casting, which, on so large a scale, had a splendid effect. This is the second cylinder of the same dimensions which has been cast at Messrs. Abbot's foundry. SUPPLY OF WATER FOR GATESHEAD. happy to announce that the reservoir for water at the end of Mulgrave-terrace is now completed, through the kindness and liberality of the Lord Bishop of this diocese, and fully answers its purpose. There is now a constant supply of water for those who live in that locality; and the inconvenience previously felt from so many persons being obliged to wait, while their vessels were filling, has been in a great degree obviated. To Mr. Councillor Revely, the public is everlastingly indebted for the

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pains he has taken to see the Bishop's benevolent intentions efficiently carried out.

"THE PITMAN'S PAY."-Hunt's London Journal, in reviewing the work of our respected neighbour, Thomas Wilson, Esq., of Gateshead Fell, observes:-"This is, indeed, 'sunshine in dark places,' the poetry of a collier's life, a life in which but little poetry has hitherto been supposed to exist. The author reminds us very much of one of Bloomfield's short poems, 'The Journey to to the Fair,' beginning Come, Goody, stop thy humdrum wheel,' from his true natural humour and simplicity of expression. The sturdy, rough, honest, and hearty nature of the coal-hewer, is here powerfully depicted. It is like a picture of boors by Teniers, admirable in its colouring, its humour, and its exactness. The poem is so curious and characteristic, so unlike the mere unmeaning stuff that is daily and hourly set before us, that we purpose to give a short sketch of it as furnished to us by the author in the argument.' The sketch of the goodwife, and her method of humouring her busband, is the gem of the pitman's poem. Homely as is the picture, it has touches of exquisite nature, and is worthy of the home of the pitman. We question whether Hector and Andromache could form a better subject for the painter than this coal-hewer and his Nanny!"

THE HASWELL EXPLOSION.-The details of this great calamity, as given at the inquest, will be found in another column. With the exception of the Wallsend explosion in 1835, that at Haswell has been more fatal than any on record. The following is a list of all the accidents which have occurred, during the present century, in Northumberland and Durham, in which 50 lives and upwards have been lost:1812.-May 25.-Felling, 92 lives lost, by explosion. 1815.-May 3.-Heaton, 75 lives lost by inundation. 1815.-June 2.-Success Pit, Newbottle, 57 lives lost by explosion. 1821.-Oct. 23.-Wallsend, 52 lives lost by explosion.

1823.-Nov. 3.-Plain Pit, Rainton, 59 lives lost by explosion. 1835.-June 18.-Wallsend, 102 lives lost by explosion.

1839.-June 28.-St. Hilda, South Shields,51 lives lost by explosion. 1844.-Sept. 28.-Haswell, 95 lives lost by explosion.

This is a fearful catalogue-and one, we trust, which will not appeal to science, to benevolence, and to the legislature in vain.

THE LAND TAX.-The gross total amount of the land-tax in all the counties of England and Wales (both redeemed and unredeemed) is £1,858,924 6s. 1d. The total amount of the land-tax redeemed is £724,463, and that of the land-tax unredeemed, £1,134,460. The land tax is distributed as follows (both redeemed and unredeemed), viz. :— Bedfordshire........£28,433 Lincolnshire ......... £70,548 Middlesex.......... 236,249 Monmouthshire

40,197

Berkshire....
Buckinghamshire 46,818
Cambridgeshire
Chester.............................. 27,476

Cornwall

....

32,462

30,477

Cumberland........ 3,727

Somersetshire ...... 69,902

Staffordshire........ 26,140

....

9,612

Norfolk

81,819

Derbyshire.......... 23,403

Oxfordshire

38,127

Devonshire

........

77,772

Dorsetshire ........

32,026

Shropshire..

28,684

10,444

Essex............

88,647

....

46,657

Surrey

65,110

Hertfordshire

41,783

Gloucestershire

Hampshire

Lancashire.......... 19,406 Worcestershire......

Leicestershire

At the urgent solicitation of many of my friends, I beg to announce myself as a Candidate for your Suffrages at the approaching Election for Town Councillors.

Should you do me the honour of returning me as one of your Representatives in the Council, I can assure you my best attention will be devoted to the interests of the Borough, and the defence of the rights of the Inhabitants.

I have the honour to be, Gentlemen, Your obedient, humble Servant, WILLIAM COOK. Blue Bell Inn, Gateshead, 28th Sept., 1844.

TO THE ELECTORS OF THE EAST WARD OF THE BOROUGH OF GATESHEAD. ENTLEMEN,As the period for which you November, and as other Councillors and Candidates have addressed the Municipal Electors, I beg to say that I am ready to represent you again, should it be your wish that I should do so. I first accepted office as a Counciilor, and I have continued to act in that capacity, in the hope that I might contribute to the restoration of the Borough Property to its rightful owners. My opinions on that question remain unchanged-every day's experience, indeed, confirms me in them. Should yours, like mine, have undergone no alteration, I shall gladly do all I can to accomplish our common object.

I am, Gentlemen,

Your most obedient and humble Servant,
JAMES HYMERS.

Ellison-street, Gateshead, October 4, 1844.

TO THE MUNICIPAL ELECTORS OF THE SOUTH WARD OF GATESHEAD.

GENTLEMEN, The two retiring Councillors for

your Ward having declined becoming Candidates at the ensuing Election, I beg most respectfully to offer myself as a Candidate for your suffrages. Should you do me the honour of electing me one of your Representatives in the Town Council, I pledge myself to attend to your interests, and the interests of the Borough generally.

I am, Gentlemen, your obedient Servant,
JOHN ROBSON.

High-street, Gateshead, October 4, 1844.

TO THE ELECTORS OF JESMOND WARD, NEWCASTLE.

GENTLEMEN, A report having become preva

lent that I purpose Resigning the Office of Representative of your Ward in the Council, I hasten to announce formally to you that determination, which I have already avowed verbally, but which, I had thought, it would be better to have withheld until a more advanced period.

I do not desire to conceal that for some time past the subject of retiring from the Council has been presented to my mind, chiefly in consequence of calls being made upon my time and labour, which it is my duty to respond to, and which made it impossible that I could give that attention to Corporate Affairs which I know will frequently be demanded of me, and which, as the Representative of a considerable Constituency, I consider I ought to bestow on them. I have, therefore, resolved not to offer myself to your notice as a Candidate at the ensuing Election.

On the Municipal Reform Act coming into operation, you were pleased to confer on me, in a manner gracious on your part, and flattering to myself, the office of being your Representative in the Council of this Borough, and you have been pleased to continue your confidence in me until the present time. As I have laboured in the Council earnestly for the benefit of the town and its great commercial interests, 1 trust I shall not retire from that body divested of your favourable opinion. It has been my wish to confine the deliberations of the Council almost exclusively to matters of Local and practical Interest, and and to encourage freely all measures calculated to expand the capabilities, and to improve the resources, of the town. I believe you agree with me in thinking these are objects the most worthy of the attention, and the most consonant with, the duty of a Town Councillor; and that it is to be regretted whenever the attainment of them is lost sight of by the Council itself.

It only remains, Gentlemen, that I finally thank you for the very kindly feeling you have hitherto shown towards me; and that I convey these Thanks more especially to those of you who have invariably interested yourselves in my behalf.

With many Thanks,

I remain, Gentlemen,
Yours very respectfully,
ROBERT PLUMMER.

Newcastle upon Tyne, Sept. 24, 1844.

WHICKHAM.

2402

1810 19 5

4 6

55

MESSRS. SMALL & BROUGH have received

instructions from the Rev. H. Douglas, (who is removing fram the Neighbourhood,) to offer FOR SALE BY AUCTION, at the Rectory of Whickham, in the latter part of the present month, all the HOUSEHOLD FURNITURE and other EFFECTS, comprising Mahogany Dining, Card, Spider, and other Tables; Sideboard; Chairs, in Morocco and Hair Seating; Rosewood Loo, Card, and Occasional Tables; Dumb Waiter; Crimson Damask Moreen Window Curtains and Cornice complete; Three Slide Screens; Pianoforte; Music Stool and Tall Boy; Turkey, Brussels, and other Carpets and Hearth Rugs; Fenders and Fire Irons; Fourpost, French, and Camp Bedsteads, with Damask and Chintz Hangings; prime Feather Beds; Hair Mattresses; Mahogany and Painted Wardrobes; Mahogany and Painted Chests of Drawers; Washstands and Dressing Tables; Commodes, &c.; Carpets; Oil Cloth; Timepiece and Bracket; Eight-day Clock; Mangle; and all the Kitchen Requisites.

Also, a PHAETON; with 2 Double Sets of Silver-Mounted Harness; 1 Set of Single Harness; 2 Saddles; 1 Side Saddle; Bridles, &c.

Two CARRIAGE HORSES and a LADY'S PONY; Water Cart; 1 Four-light and 1 Two-light Frame; Stone Roller; Garden Implements, &c.; Lathe and Tools.