Children of Richard and Sarah Binns

When able to walk I was sent to a Dame School in Goodshaw Lane, Ann Butterworth, where I first received instruction, after which James Briggs opened a school in the Friends' Meeting House at Crawshawbooth. To this I went for some time when they sent me to John Lord's school at Rawtenstall, as he was considered more learned. About this time a school was built to commemorate the Jubilee of George the Third, having reigned fifty years, which was a cause of general festival thro' most part of the land and Uncle John Binns took an active part in appropriating some of the subscriptions to building the school, now standing near Goodshaw Chapel, and James Briggs was appointed Master and as my services had begun to be frequently wanted at home I had to go to school when I could be spared, sometimes half a day, sometimes a whole one and often not at all. So that my learning was very irregular, yet being fond of books I made progress in most branches.

My father commenced farming and kept a number of milk cows, which was a cause of my often being called to assist in various ways, either by going to the farm or attending the shop in his absence which put me in the way of trade at an early age.

My father kept a horse and it fell to my lot generally to be Hostler, which I had great pleasure in doing as I often got to ride out. On one occasion I had a misfortune, in returning from the watering trough she set off down the hill and with my endeavouring to stop her I got pulled onto the neck, fell off and cut my lip considerably. We used to enjoy the winter evenings in the stable, rubbing down, feeding and bedding up.

When about ten years of age my parents made application for my admittance to Ackworth School, but in consequence for my having a gathering on the back of my hand, I was not admittable, which was a very trying and grievous disappointment to me and also to my relations. It was a length of time before I was better and great was the fear for some time I should have to be operated upon and my hand cut off, which I would not consent to, but the doctor would gladly have performed the operation.

It so happened that one day a person came into the shop who had been similarly affected and told us he had been to Dr. Parkinson of Burnley Wood and had benefitted, which induced us to go and I went every other day for about two years to see him. Without much visable change at the same time I gained strength and ultimately a small piece of bone like honeycomb came out about the size of a pea and ever after that the hand began to improve and yet doctor told that when there is carious bone it cannot be cured.

As our family grew up it was thought best I should go from home as my sisters were returning from school, and my Uncle George Binns, Draper of Sunderland, kindly proposed I should go there and go to school for a twelve month to improve myself as I had not had the advantage of a Boarding School and then enter upon the duties of an Apprentice which was the case.

I was placed at John Armitage's School, Nile Street, Bishop Wearmouth and I was pretty attentive to my duties, particularly geography, arithmatic and writing. I was always a dulbert at grammar altho' I could commit the rules to memory yet I never got to understand the full nature of it.

After I left school and went to business, I endeavoured by spending my leisure time in the winter evenings in drawing maps, reading history, studying geography and other things calculated to improve the mind and make impressions, which would be of service in future years. For which I have great reason to be thankful as it enabled me to fill many situations in life, which I should have been totally unfit for had I not taken advantage of these precious hours.

During my Apprenticeship I had one serious dispute with my Uncle, who I thought was imposing labour upon me that was not fit for me to undertake and that my strength was not equal to perform. Some correspondence took place betwixt my Uncle and my parents, which with the kind advice given to us by my Uncle Joseph Binns caused the breach to be made up. Another cause of dispute was during a bad harvest about 1817, when nearly all the corn in the country was spoiled an in consequence of the Corn Laws then in force, caused wheat to advance to a great price (flour 6d per pound), besides being so bad and we the shop boys had bread and milk only to our breakfast and supper and when the bread was cut into and put in the basket it all run together like paste, excepting the crust which we considered a dainty bit, if we could get it. We seldom tasted coffee to breakfast, except on First Days and we got our meals very irregular as when we were buy in the shop it was business first, meals after and frequently it would be 2-3-4 o'clock eer we got dinner and tea as it happened. Our shop hours were very uncertain as we were expected to clear all up before closing and in summer often 10-11-12 eer we got out of the shop.

I had a good deal of travelling during my Apprenticeship, principally among the collieries—Houghton le Spring, Newbottle etc. were the first places I visited. Afterwards Limley, Chesterly Street, Fatfield, Shiney Row and many other places—Hartley, Seaton, Shire and Blythe.

I was allowed to visit my parents every two years.

. . . my Uncle considering I should know the business better than a stranger gave me the option, which I feared being able to give satisfaction, at the same time willing to do my best, and as I was then only about eighteen years of age and having to take charge of three young men and often left to conduct the business for weeks together, also to mount a pair of saddlebags and travel into the country on horseback, was no irresponsible situation. I was also permitted to go to buy goods in Manchester Market. My first visit being when I was about 18½ years old and I believe I can safely say my purchases gave entire satisfaction.

During my residence at Sunderland a poor man died and young men were requested to attend the funeral and assist in conveying the corpse. I did not feel an inclination and as my Uncle went out he said "art thou not going to the funeral". I said I thought not, but he said "thou wilt require to be carried sometime". This had a deep impression on my mind and I went and glad I was I had given way, for my mind was deeply impressed on the occasion with the uncertainty of life and the communications at meeting, made an impression I never forgot.

When I was travelling I often was applied to for Indian Silk handkerchiefs, which at that time was a prohibited article of import, and as I had become acquainted with those who could obtain these goods. I often took some with me in order to make a profit out of them, which at that time were an expensive article, 48/- or 50/- for seven handkerchiefs. I often had trade in gold seals and keys, if I saw an opportunity of turning a penny.

I left Sunderland and came to Staindrop. Uncle and I settled accounts the night before I came away, when I thought he behaved very shabbily, as he gave me expectations of more than my paid salary, for the first year. I was journeyman which was £35 and the second £40 and as I had travelled for him nearly 4½ years, I had never received any recompence for wear and tear, besides having all the necessries to find, to equip myself for the journeys. I thought I was entitled to something more, but may blame myself in part for not hinting it to him at the time. I think probably he thought he had recompenced me in another way by getting me E. Brady's situation, still that didn't come out of his pocket.

During my sojourn at Staindrop, altho' many people thought it a dull, quiet spot, after I got well acquainted with the business I did not find it such. We had plenty of work, a pleasant class of respectable customers and the mind fully occupied. We were grocers, linen and woollen drapers, spirit and wine merchants, hatters, in fact selling almost all kinds of goods, and another important and responsible branch of our business was agent for Backhouses Bank, principly for exchanging their notes for others when we could and at that time £1 notes was much in circulation.

During the time I was at Staindrop, I was clerk to the Preparative Meeting, and on my first being appointed I considered myself very unfit for the office and this caused me often to reflect on the importance of being clean handed, and when the queries had to be answered I often had to examine myself to see whether I was endeavouring to live up to the requirements of that standard, but was often found wanting.

About five years after I went to Staindrop, I was informed of a business to be disposed of at Halifax, which had been carried on by M. & R. Sharp and I begin to think I should be doing something for myself and after taking counsel I paid a visit to see the place, which appeared a likely one for me, it being a small concern and would not take a large capital to undertake it. The great difficulty was how to get liberated. William Brady wanted his mother to take me in partner, but she would not consent, so my Uncle had again to look out for a suitable person and it again fell out that John Hanson, who was then with Uncle was proposed and accepted, thereby giving me a prospect of leaving. In the third month 1828, I left Staindrop having been there five years and four months, leaving with a good name, having done better for my Mistress than any of my predecessors, having brought up her family at least provided for them and left her in comfortable circumstances.

I left for Halifax in 13/3 month 1828 and entered on the business.

I remained a Trustee till the Corporation was formed and at the first Election I was returned Counsellor for Market Ward, and the selection for Aldermen, I was chosen and reelected Alderman twice afterwards, When I retired having served the town in those capacities over 23 years and I think I may venture to say with general satisfaction to the ratepayers, many of whom were disappointed at my going out. I had been solicited strongly, to be nominated for Mayor, but could never feel comfortable to be placed in such a prominent situation, considering I could not carry out our conscientious principles of being chief magistrate and sitting to administer the oath to persons coming before the bench.

FIRE AT HALIFAX.—On Sunday night a cottage occupied by a man named James Buckley, at High-road Well, and belonging to Mr David Binns, Aked's-road, was burnt down. The occupier of the house has lately indulged his appetite for drink very much; and on the night of the fire went home intoxicated. It is supposed he struck a light and accidentally set a quantity of shavings which were in the house on fire. The damage is only small.

Soon after leaving the Council I was requested to consent becoming a Guardian and also an Overseer, both of which I have accepted and filled until the Overseership was changed and the Guardianship. I was thrown out on account of a change in the law, making the qualification £20 rate Guardians out of office. In 1869 having sufficient qualification I was again returned a Guardian.

after the Assessment Committee of the Halifax Board of Guardians met some time previously they had dined together at the Union Cross Hotel, and sent the bill to the Board for payment; one of the cheque signatories was David Binns, a teetotaller; the auditor had disallowed the payment, and Binns had appealed to the Local Government Board, whose letter in reply, of this date, is reproduced in its entirety: the Board considered that the surcharge of £7 10s. 6d. should stand, as the expenditure had been unreasonable, especially as it included charges "for two bottles of sherry, three of still hock, four of champagne, and two of port wine, at prices ranging from six to eight shillings a bottle; also a charge of four shillings and sixpence for 'grogs', and a charge of six shillings for cigars." The chairman of the Board of Guardians promised Binns he would be recouped the amount he had been surcharged.

HALIFAX BOARD OF GUARDIANS

A fortnightly meeting of the Halifax Board of Guardians was held on Wednesday, Mr Edwin Thornton (Chairman) presiding.

THE LATE MR DAVID BINNS.

After the minutes of the preceding meeting had been confirmed, the Chairman referred to the death of Mr David Binns. He said Mr Binns had been connected with the Board for a long period, and had been a most regular attender at the meetings. He was also for a long time a member of the Finance Committee. He gained the respect of both the Guardians and officers of the Union, and he might also say the respect of the inmates of the Workhouse as well. As the Guardians were well aware, he had always the courage of his convictions, and he never hesitated to give expression to them when occasion required. He proposed that the Clerk be asked to write a letter of condolence to the family of the deceased gentleman.—Mr John Taylor seconded the motion. He believed the death of Mr Binns would be regretted by every Guardian in connection with the Union. He did not hesitate to say that a more efficient, a more painstaking and more worthy Guardian never sat on the Board.—Mr Watson supported the resolution, as did also Mr Eastwood. Mr Eastwood remarked that Mr Binns was a straightforward man; a man who displayed great self-denial, and one who could not fail to receive the respect of those among whom he laboured. The resolution was passed.

DEATH OF MR. DAVID BINNS.

It is with deep regret that we announce the decease of this estimable gentleman, at the age of 84 years. On November 13th, 1799, Mr. Binns was born at Crawshawbooth, between Burnley and Rawtenstall. In 1814, he was sent to his uncle's at Sunderland, a grocer, who sent him to school for twelve months at Bishop Wearmouth. Then he was put to business, but, being wishful to improve himself, he attended a night school, and was glad of the opportunity of improvement. His journey from home to Sunderland was to him an eventful one. He rode on horseback to Rochdale, thence by coach through Halifax and Bradford to Leeds, where he arrived at dusk, sick at heart, a raw country lad in a strange town, where he had expected meeting his father, but no father was there. His anguish was appeased by his father arriving next morning. Leaving Leeds by the good coach "Telegraph," he rode through Ripon, Darlington, &c., to Sunderland, arriving at 11 p.m., a 17 hours' ride, which can now be done in 81 hours. His uncle promoted him to the post of manager at 18 years of age, and he had much travelling on horseback with saddlebags. When 18½ years old, he was sent to Manchester market to buy in. In 1817 flour was 6d. per pound, the bread all ran together, and those who could catch a crust were favoured, such was the bad condition of the corn that year. His uncle let him visit home once in two years, and when 21 years old he was allowed to sport a pair of top boots and woollen cord breeches. His uncle being left an executor for a person at Staindrop, appointed him manager of a business, being grocer, draper, wine and spirit merchant, silk mercer, hatter, agent for Backhouse's bank, &c. Being close to Raby Castle, he became intimate with the Duke and Duchess of Cleveland and their household. In 1828 he heard of the business in Market, Halifax, being to dispose of, and he took it, and often boasted of the three-legged table and tea chest for a chair that he began housekeeping with. Long hours were the portion of business men at that time—from 8 a.m. to 10 and 12 p.m. In 1831, robberies were frequent in the town, and the tradesmen took turns to act as police, the authorities withdrawing the watchmen in summer, thus, as they thought, promoting economy. Feeling strongly about this question, he was elected trustee in that year, and placed on the Watch Committee and Works Committee of that body, which went by the name of the "Back Lane Parliament." He introduced the widening of the footpaths in King Cross-street, and the channelling of roads and the raising of them in the middle to throw the water off, and after a severe struggle got the experiment made in Gibbet Lane, which soon convinced his fellow-trustees of the utility of the scheme. When the Act of Incorporation was introduced into Halifax, in 1848, he was elected to the Council and sat for Market Ward. Afterwards be was elected alderman. Having served eight years on the various committees, and having been pressed to take the mayoralty, he retired in 1856. He formed one of the deputation that negotiated the sale of the gas company to the corporation for £30,000. Almost every office was filled by him—overseer, guardian of the poor, and at most elections he headed the poll. As a politician he was to the front. In the temperance world he was one of the three that met in New Bank School to form the first temperance society in Halifax, when two out of the three signed the pledge. He continued president of the society to the day of his death. At the opening of the People's Park, in 1857, he presented the address from the temperance society to Sir Francis Crossley. He succeeded the late Mr. Joseph Thorp as President of the Halifax Temperance Society. He was for many years a subscriber to the funds of the United Kingdom Alliance. There was scarcely any organisation or good work which would benefit his country, his town, or his fellow men, but he took part in it. For years he worked on the committee for the British Schools, in Albion-street, along with the late Mr. Thorp and Mr. Blakey; and in the time of distress about 1848, when the Victoria Reservoir was made by persons out of work, and Skircoat Moor was levelled, he worked hard to see the people fed and clothed. From the faith of his fathers he never swerved, holding many of the leading offices in the Society of Friends, and was succeeded by his eldest son, Councillor Binns. Though gradually growing weaker during the many months he lay in bed, it was not till the noon of Thursday week that any apparent change was manifest, when his breathing became more laboured. It was evident that his end was drawing nigh, as he ceased to take any support; but except a gradual weakening of the system, there was no sign of immediate dissolution even at 12 20 on Monday. At half-past twelve, however, he quietly passed away without a struggle, leaving three sons and two daughters to mourn his removal. The interment took place at the Friends' Burial Ground, Clare Hall Road. There was a large number of friends present, including representatives of the Town Council, Board of Guardians, Halifax Temperance Society, and Halifax Drapers' Association. A short address was delivered at the grave side by Mr. Fielding [sic] Thorp, formerly of Halifax.

An opening arising for my sister going to reside with brother George at Bradford as housekeeper. She remained with him till she was taken ill and died and was taken to Rawden to be intered near her husband.

. . . sister was again thrown upon her friends and they subscribed in order to get her into the way of earning her livlihood having three children—Dowgill, Jane and -----. She was got into a confectionary business and learnt the trade, when an opening was found at Darlington and she carried on for a time. When Isabell Thistlethwaite of Manchester was desirous of giving up business and made her the offer, which was accepted, and having disposed of her business at Darlington, removed to Manchester, where she carried on the business till death, 8/8/68.

HANNAH SPENCE,

105, OLDHAM STREET, MANCHESTER,

FOR VERY SUPERIOR

CURRANT AND SEED BREADS.

SCHOOLS SUPPLIED ON LIBERAL TERMS.

RICH CAKES, plain and ornamented, suitable for Christenings, Weddings, and Christmas Parties.

HANNAH SPENCE, Confectioner, &c., 105, Oldham-street.

CALVES' FEET JELLY.—Guaranteed Pure—Invigorating and Nourishing. Prepared expressly for invalids and persons of delicate constitution, by HANNAH SPENCE, Confectioner, 105, Oldham-street, Manchester.

CHILDREN'S TEA PARTY.—Last night, about 500 of the scholars attending the school in connection with the Manchester, Sheffield, and Lincolnshire Railway Company, sat down to an excellent tea, provided by Mrs. Hannah Spence, Oldham-street, Manchester, in the large school-room, Gorton. It was a pleasant sight to see so large a body of well-dressed children—the girls in white frocks and blue ribbons seated at the tables, while the boys on the gallery were singing those innocent melodies which had such a charm for all who listen to them. [ . . . ]

INVALIDS SHOULD USE

PURE CALVES' FEET JELLY.

Prepared expressly for delicate constitutions, by

HANNAH SPENCE, 105, OLDHAM-STREET.

Maria, a beloved sister was sorely afflicted for many years, and much confined to her bed. She was an example of patience, under deep trial and sufferings indescribable.

Maria Binns,

Died 10th of 3rd Mo. 1835, aged 27 Years.

HER decease was noticed in the Annual Monitor for 1835; but the memoir could not then be suitably inserted. She was attacked about the 15th year of her age, with a complaint which it was expected would soon be removed; but it pleased Divine Providence to baffle the aid of man, and lay upon her in the bloom of youth, afflictions and sufferings almost indescribably, and which continued to the end of her days. The complaint first appeared in her arms, then extended to her hands, and afterwards to her knees and legs, rendering her so helpless as to occasion her to be carried up and down stairs for a considerable time; till at length her pains and weakness became so great, that this exertion was more than she could bear. Her legs and feet swelled to an extraordinary size, so that the joints were dislodged, and some of the bones forced from their proper positions. Her nights were often very trying, the pain being very acute, and frequently distressing; yet she was able to get up, and in the day, to pass her time in an easy chair pretty comfortably, though seldom free from pain.

Her privations, however, were not yet arrived at their height, for her strength so failed her that she could be got out of bed only once in three or four days, and then requiring three persons to assist her to her chair. Her sight also became dim, and ultimately she was quite blind.

The commencement of her illness was evidently very trying to her, and deeply in the cross to her natural disposition, which was lively and communicative. Possessing considerable vivacity and buoyancy of spirits, she bore up under her complicated trials; but a very considerable period elapsed after her seizure, before her will was bowed to the Divine will, in submission to the chastening rod. She was first aroused to a deep sense of her situation, by the visit of a ministering friend, who closely pressed upon her the enquiry---Why the Lord had laid the hand of affliction upon her; expressing also a hope that it was designed to draw her more closely to Himself. Her heart was touched and softened; tears of contrition flowed; and she was made to feel condemnation for sin, and the need of a Saviour; who in his own time extended his pardoning love, and became exceedingly precious; her heart overflowed with gratitude to Him, saying: "Had he shut the door against me, how deplorable would have been my situation."

She became an interesting object of attention in the neighbourhood generally to those acquainted with her, as well as to many at a distance; taking an interest in most passing events that were calculated to improve the moral or physical state of things; and in the well-being of all classes of her fellow-creatures: for even after she was blind, she was mercifully favoured with her other faculties unimpaired; enjoying the company of her friends and relations: in the welfare of the latter especially, both spiritual and temporal, she felt a deep interest. With her parents, under their many trials, she sympathized deeply; and felt much at her own inability to render them any assistance; yet she was frequently enabled to extend counsel to their depressed minds; calculated to draw them to the only sure dependance,---Divine assistance.

Many enjoyed her society, and a few who had private opportunities have had to rejoice when sitting by her bedside alone, or in the company of ministering friends, in those instructive and tendering seasons, which afforded her consolation and encouragement. A few weeks previous to her decease, she was visited by a dear friend from a distant land, whose communications were comforting to her. In allusion to its being near the close of the year 1833 he said: "The Lord had crowned her year with his goodness; and he much desired that her whole trust and confidence might abide in Him to the end."

When near her close, she said, her dreams were at times very sweet; and at other times portions of Scripture were brought consolingly to her remembrance; she could not recount the many sweet seasons she had been privileged to enjoy, when the Lord so sweetly drew her to Himself; and at one time in particular she had felt "as in the arms of her Saviour;" but He let her go again; which she considered an indication of her not being fully prepared to be received by Him. To these seasons she reverted as evidences of his love, in those moments when her faith ebbed, as was permitted in her last illness, by the withdrawing of His sensible presence; so that her situation might be described in the words of Job:

"O! that I were as in months past,

As in the days when God preserved me;

When His candle shined upon my head;

And when by His light I walked through darkness."

A few days before her departure she said: "I have never thought the Almighty has dealt hardly with me." She had then no view of the speedy results of her illness, but was entirely resigned to His will; on acknowledging she had no desire to live unless it was for a good purpose, she weeping, expressed a hope of her sins being forgiven. At another time she also said: "I seem to have little to express;" and assented to a remark, that it was the heart on which the Lord looked. This humbling hope of forgiveness, arising from a sense of unworthiness, may often be a more desirable token of Divine acceptance, than even to see the departing spirit mounting as on the wings of faith and love.

A remarkable sweetness seemed to pervade her room towards the closing scene; and on being informed by her brother, at the desire of her parents, that they apprehended the time of her separation from them was drawing on, she calmly replied: "If it is the Lord's will, I have no desire to remain;" adding a strong desire to be preserved in patience, and that she might be, as she once thought she was, enclosed in her Saviour's arms.

She also at different times afterwards expressed herself to her nearest relatives as to her own situation, or in counsel or consolation to them; and on one occasion stated her belief that one of her sisters would soon follow her. This was verified in her sister Ann Smith being taken off, after a few days illness, on the 24th of 6th month following.

On another occasion a faint expression ended with: "Blessed be the name of the Lord;" and just before her close, she three times repeated these words: "Lord! have mercy upon me;" and then very quietly departed.

The Meeting at the interment was a solemn instructive season; and the day was one to be remembered with gratitude and praise to him who gave, and who in mercy hath taken away. Blessed be His name!

Trade prospering and my funds increasing, brother George was desirous of going into business, so we went to Bradford to look out for a situation in 1836 and met with a shop where a draper had failed. All ready to enter upon and after taking counsel we took the premises near the chapel in Kirkgate and soon got a fair connection and made to answer. Brother G. soon took a wife, Rachel Breary. We remained partners for some time and then seperated.

Thomas Stockdale and George Stockdale, two promising youths, the former 17, the latter 15 years of age, were charged with stealing gloves and other articles, the property of George Binns and partner, of Bradford. Prosecutor stated that he kept a shop, No. 57, Kirkgate, near the door of which the goods were placed; they were observed there at tea time, and about eight o'clock were missed. Information was immediately given to the constable, and the prisoners were found digging holes in a field in the neighbourhood, to conceal the stolen property in. Part of the goods were found on the person of the elder prisoner; who stated in his defence that he had bought the goods of a man for 26s.—Guilty.—In passing sentence, the Chairman said, such a pair of juvenile delinquents had not lately come under his notice—the elder one having been committed no less than five times before, and the younger, once or twice. It appeared that all the imprisonments and flogging they had undergone, had had little or no effect on them; he would therefore sentence Thomas Stockdale to Seven years' transportation, and George Stockdale to Eight months' imprisonment.

SHOP-LIFTING.—Margaret Simpson, a respectable-looking woman, the wife of a woolcomber residing in Frederick-street, in this town, was charged at the Court House on Friday, with stealing three pairs of stockings from the shop of Mr. George Binns, Draper, Kirkgate. It appeared that the prisoner entered the shop about 7 o'clock in the evening, and after looking through several of the lots, purchased one pair. Her motions were watched by Mr. Binns, who, on former occasions, had had his suspicions awakened regarding her, and he noticed whilst the shopman was engaged in pulling out various parcels, she contrived to slip the three pairs into her basket. She purchased one pair and left the shop; was immediately followed and taken into custody, near to the Observer Office, into which she was taken, a constable sent for, her basket searched, and the stolen property found therein. The case was perfectly clear, and the prisoner was committee for trial at the ensuing sessions.

On Tuesday, at the Friends' Meeting House, Dewsbury, Mr. George Binns, draper, Bradford, to Mary Ann, daughter of Joseph Spence, Esq., of Birstwith, near Harrogate.

Tuesday last, at the Friends' Meeting House, Dewsbury, Mr. George Binns, draper, Bradford, to Mary Ann, daughter of Joseph Spence, Esq., of Birstwith, near Harrogate, and sister of Mr. F. Spence, draper, Dewsbury.

On the resolution being put from the chair, Mr. George Binns, a member of the Society of Friends, in the body of the meeting, objected to the terms "Alderman and Magistrate of this borough." He moved their omission, on the ground that municipal offices ought not to be employed in furtherance of any particular religious views. In this sentiment he was followed by one or two other speakers. Subsequently, however, it was contended that the designations in question ought to be retained, as it might otherwise appear that municipal honours were inconsistent with Dissenting principles.

The announcement made by Mr. Snowden that he did not intend to offer himself again as a candidate seemed to take the audience quite aback.— Mr George Binns said that he had intended to propose Mr. Snowden for re-election, but after what they had just heard he felt so staggered that he thought they ought to hear more from him as to what had caused him to take that step. Nobody there had had any idea but what Mr. Snowdon would allow his services again to be placed at their disposal.

THE LATE MR. GEORGE BINNS.—Many of our readers will hear with regret of the death of Mr. George Binns, stuff merchant, of Bradford, which occurred on Wednesday last at his residence, Summerseat Place, Horton. Mr Binns was a worthy representative of the Society of Friends, to which he belonged. He was born in December, 1809, at Crawshaw Booth, Lancashire. When about twenty-four years of age he removed to Bradford, and began business as a linen draper at the corner of Chapel Court, Kirkgate. In 1847 he relinquished this business, and entered into partnership with Mr. John Wilson as a stuff merchant at Sun Bridge. Since the year 1854, however, he has carried on the stuff business on his own account, and latterly in Chapel Street, Leeds Road. Mr. Binns was much interested in municipal and political matters from an early period of his settlement in Bradford, and on all occasions took the Liberal side. He was most active in the movement for incorporating the borough, but never obtained a seat in the Town Council until he was returned, in company with the late Alderman S. Smith, for the Little Horton Ward, in the year 1860. He remained a member of the Council till the close of 1865. During a portion of this period Mr. Binns was chairman of the Sanitary Committee, and was most painstaking in the discharge of his duties. The question of providing baths and washhouses for the town was urged upon the attention of the Council, principally through his instrumentality, and after it had received the approval of the Council, Mr. Binns took a leading part in furthering the erection of the building established for that purpose. He was also instrumental in the closing of cellar dwellings as single tenements, many of which were manifestly unfit for habitation, and he took an active part in opposing the erection of back-to-back houses in the borough. It was in consequence of the heated feeling which existed on this subject that Mr. Binns lost his seat for the Little Horton Ward. In fact, in every question involving an improvement of the sanitary arrangements of the borough which came up for discussion in committee, Mr. Binns took an advanced position, and in his quiet, unostentatious, but persistent manner, generally managed to carry his proposals into effect. Mr. Binns was for about six years on the Board of Management of the Bradford Infirmary, and was ever concerned in its well-being. As a member of the Society of Friends he was most assiduous in furthering the welfare of its institutions or the social position of any of its members. Along with the late Mr. John Priestman, Mr. John Stansfield, and others, he took part in the establishment of the Friends' Sunday School, in the maintenance of which he manifested a lively interest for many years. For upwards of a quarter of a century, and until a very few years back, he attended the school twice each Sunday, and for the whole of that period taught the infant class. He also took a leading part in the councils of the society, and of late years was listened to with much acceptance while addressing the meeting or while engaged in supplication. As a friend of Friends he was ever ready to do a kindly act, as many who have experienced his kindness will not be slow to testify. For forty years, namely from 1839 to the present time, he had been a director of the Friends' Provident Institution in Darley Street, and for the last six years was deputy chairman. In social life Mr. Binns was a genial, liberal-minded man, and was formerly frequently to be seen on the ground of the Bradford Cricket Club of which he was an old member. He had himself been a good "left-handed" player in his younger days, and nothing pleased him better than to witness an honest, well-contested game. Mr. Binns generally enjoyed good health, and was at business a week ago, but a day or two afterwards he took cold and succumbed on Wednesday, after a four days' attack of pleuro-pneumonia. He leaves a widow and three daughters.

Thomas Binns, late of Halifax, but now residing at Bradford, was born and educated a Member of our Society; but having through unwatchfulness and yielding to temptations of the Enemy and the allurements of evil company, widely departed from the path of rectitude, and become guilty of the disgraceful practice of visiting public houses unnecessarily and houses of ill fame, this Meeting after extending to him such labour and advice as the case seemed to require, feels itself called upon to testify against conduct so reproachful to himself and our religious Society, and hereby disunites him from membership with us. In tender compassion for his comparative youth, and earnest solicitude for his present and everlasting welfare, we nevertheless sincerely desire that by carefully attending to the convictions of the Holy Spirit in the secret of his own heart, he may be brought to a right sense of the sinfulness of his past conduct in the sight of the Creator, and experience that thorough repentance towards Him and and faith in Christ, by which he may be favoured to obtain forgiveness, reconciliation and peace, and be strengthened for the future to lead a life of righteousness.

My brother Thomas was first put to the grocery and afterwards brought up to the drapery trade. He was placed in business in the lace and hosiery trade in Leeds, but from forming bad connections, leaving his business to a reprobate assistant and various other causes he was obliged to suspend payments and was sold up. After which he went into various situations and when in Manchester forming a connection with a shopwoman, they got married and afterwards he was again put into business at Ashton and might have done well, but his evil propensities being given way to spending his money, his business, soon brought him into difficulty again and the consequence of setting up and being left destitute was the consequence. He was then taken into brother G's imploy at Bradford and did pretty well for a time, but his course of misconduct had undermined his constitution and he began to break down, which ultimately proved to be consumption and he was brought to an untimely end. He was intered in Bradford Cemetery.