Sons- & daughters-in-law of William and Lucy Pollard

He was a committed Friend. In Rochdale he was active in the adult school, the Good Samaritan Society, and other philanthropic bodies. He was quietly and reliably conscientious in his work in Rochdale meeting and as clerk of Marsden MM on Ministry & Oversight. His gift in the vocal ministry, acceptably exercised during the Rochdale years, was acknowledged by Reading MM in 1893.

We have also experienced a few changes from removals, and in particular that of Mr. J.J. Sparkes to Reading, who has been our hon. secretary and an active worker in connection with the institution for many years. He writes: "I shall never forget my happy connection with the school and Chapel for the Destitute in past years, so full as they have been of kind friendships, and of hopes and fears and rejoicings."

DEATH OF M J. SPARKES.

Many of our readers will learn with regret of the death of Mr. Joseph John Sparkes, formerly of Wilham-street, Rochdale, and well known here in business and other circles. He died on Monday after a protracted illness, much to the surprise of his friends in Rochdale, for as late as the middle of last week be was said to be in an improving condition.

Mr. Sparkes was native of Darlington, but his father dying when he was young, he was brought upp by an uncle at Middlesborough. About twenty years ago be came to Rochdale, and took up a responsible position under the firm of Messrs. James King and Sons, one of the best-known in Lancashire. He was a nephew of Mrs. King, widow of the late Mr. James King, principal of the firm. On the death of Mr. King Mr. Sparkes acted as secretary to the trustees of the estate, and he was also private secretary to Mr. J. Russell King, son of Mr. James King. The firm ceased to exist in 1891, and Mr. Russell King removed from Rochdale to Whitchurch, near Reading. Shortly afterwards Mr. Sparkes also left Rochdale, taking up his residence in Reading town, and continuing in his capacity of private secretary to Mr. Russell King.

Outside business circles Mr. Sparkes was perhaps best known in Rochdale as a member of the Society of Friends, among whom, until his removal, he occupied the position of Clerk to the Meeting. In this office he was succeeded by Mr. James Smithson, of Facit. The affairs of the Meeting-House frequently brought him into contact with Mr. Bright, of whom he was a great admirer. He was a Liberal in politics, but a the time of the split on the Home Rule question he adopted the Liberal Unionist position, and on one occasion spoke at a public meeting, which was held by the Unionists in the Rochdale Public Hall. That was, we believe, his only active interposition in political affairs after the split, and while his feeling on the question of Hume Rule was strong he did not manifest it in any ostentatious way, and he very deeply regretted his partial severance from old political association.

Mr. Sparkes's removal from Rochdale was a great loss to the Society of Friends here, but not to them alone. He was much missed in other directions, for in a quiet, unobtrusive way he had taken great interest in many social and philanthropic movements. He had associated himself closely with the benevolent work of the Ashworth Chapel for the Destitute; was honorary treasurer of the Good Samaritan Society, and an earnest worker in the cause of Temperance. By his work in these various directions he merited and obtained the esteem of all those with whom he was brought in contact, and his death in the prime of life—he was only 46—is matter for deep regret.

Mr. Sparkes leaves a widow and four young children. Mrs. Sparkes was a Miss Pollard, daughter of a well-known Friend, who occasionally lectured in Rochdale and elsewhere for the Peace Society.

At Reading also the deceased gentleman had [illegible word] with the Society of Friends, and his remains will on Thursday be buried in the ground of the Meeting-House there.

SPARKES, JOSEPH JOHN (at A. 1858-63), son of Joseph and Alice Sparkes, was born at Darlington in 1848. His father and mother died when he was quite a boy, and he and his young brothers were taken into the family of his mother's brother, the late John Dunning, of Middlesbrough. School days over he began his business training under his uncle, John Dunning, in the offices of the Middlesbrough Owners, and the iron works of Jones, Dunning, and Company, and for a short time was connected in St. Helen's with an iron business, and in Leeds with a printing business. At the end of 1873, or the beginning of 1874, he went to Rochdale, and entered the service of his uncle, James King, and was in the office of his uncle's firm at Rochdale and Manchester down to the autumn of 1891, when he removed to Reading, and to the time of his death acted as the private secretary of his cousin, James Russell King. He had married in 1880 Mary Sophia, the eldest daughter of the late William Pollard. He died suddenly, from apoplexy, on the second of Seventh Month, 1894, at the age of forty-six.

The character of Joseph John Sparkes was that of a simple, cheerful, conscientious Christian, who lived up to his principles. In business he was distinguished by his honesty and straightforwardness, and was unswerving in his adherence to that which he believed to be right. In connection with meeting and general philanthropic work, he was willing to do, not only his share, but much more than his share. He was clerk to the Monthly Meeting on Ministry and Oversight for several years, and he was always ready to undertake the unpretentious appointments incidental to Monthly and Preparative Meeting business. For more than ten years he was the mainstay of Rochdale Meeting. His voice was frequently heard in Meetings for Worship, and after his removal to Reading he became an acknowledged minister. During the whole of his stay in Rochdale he was associated with the Adult School attached to the Chapel for the Destitute founded by the late John Ashworth, for some years with the Good Samaritan Society, and with other philanthropic bodies. In the town he was greatly respected, especially by those interested in earnest religious work. But though of a serious temperament, he had a keen sense of humour. He has many claims to remembrance, the highest of all, perhaps, his readiness to sympathize with, and to help, as far as lay in his power, the poor, the weak, and the unfortunate.

tea dealer, of Whaley Bridge; subscribed for 20 £10 shares in his new Universal Digestive Tea Company Limited, of which he becomes a director. "This company was registered on the 24th inst., with a capital of £20,000, in £10 shares, to give effect to an agreement for the exclusive sale by the company of tea, prepared in accordance with the patent rights of Harrison Jackson."

KENDAL TEA COMPANY FINED £50.—The Universal Digestive Tea Company, Stricklandgate, Kendal, were charged at Kendal Police Court with being dealers in tea mixed with an ingredient named "Roka," described as a patent substance compounded of cereals, fruits and nuts. Mr. Harrison Jackson, secretary and managing director of the company, and a prominent member of the Society of Friends, denied that there was anything underhand about the business, and that he held a patent. A fine of £25 on each of the two counts was imposed.

Mr. Harrison Jackson, Kendal, said while it was true they had got a League of Nations it was equally true that there were many men in England who would kill it if they could. He pleaded for the spirit of peace. The League of Nations provided the machinery for peace, but unless it had behind it the driving force of a desire for peace it would have a hard struggle. Mr. Jackson discussed the new lethal inventions, and said that unless man killed war, war would kill man.

LEAGUE OF NATIONS.—Following his interesting address on the League of Nations at the Rotary luncheon at Lincoln yesterday afternoon Mr. Harrison Jackson spoke (in conclusion on his Lincoln campaign) on the same subject in the evening before a fairly large audience at the Silver-street, United Methodist Chapel Schoolroom. Mr. S. Gravely occupied the chair.

Numerous questions were put by members of the audience to Mr Harrison Jackson, of Weston-super-Mare, at the conclusion of his speech on the work of the League. One was: "Is the League likely to support the Channel Tunnel scheme? "I'm sure I don't know," replied the speaker, amid laughter, "but if it will lead to peace and brotherhood between the countries, the League certainly will support it."

GRANGE RD. BROTHERHOOD

Grange Road Brotherhood had a distinguished visitor on Sunday in the person of Mr. Harrison Jackson, of Weston-super-Mare, known in the movement as "Uncle Harry." This brings the number of churches he has visited to 2,382. Mr. George Askew presided and he was supported by Mr. Thomas Wood. Mr. R. Dow led the devotions. The speaker's subject was "England's Greatest Hour." He referred to the missed opportunity after the last war and stated it was missed through fear. With faith there will be no failing at the end of this war. A lasting peace can only be built upon the foundations of brotherhood. Two solos were contributed by Inspector Farthing. The speaker and soloist were thanked by Mr. J. Davison.

CHARLTON KINGS BROTHERHOOD

The Charlton Kings Brotherhood Hall was filled on Sunday afternoon, when an inspiring address was given by Mr. Harrison Jackson, of Weston-Super-Mare, on "England's Finest Hour." The speaker said that if we could get into a high mountain and Behold the Lord we should see God as He really was. We should see the world as God saw it, and as He wanted it to be, a brotherhood from one end of the earth to the other.

POLEGATE LOSES 'UNCLE HARRY'

The oldest inhabitant at the Bernhard Baron Cottage Homes, Polegate, Mr Harrison Jackson, died last week at the age of 93.

He was a Quaker and a familiar figure, sitting on the lawn with his wide Quaker hat, to all who went to the homes, who knew him as "Uncle Harry." He was often seen with a group of children gathered round him telling them stories.

He was a Lancashire man and a tea-taster by profession, and had spent a lifetime lecturing and writing for peace.

Despite his age he was mentally alert right up to the end, and only a few months before he died he completed a manuscript for a book he had hoped to see published. It contained his reflections on life, on war and peace, and his conviction that good might come out of Communism if it could be fused with Christianity.

Cremation took place at Brighton on Monday and a Friends Memorial Service was held in the evening at the Bernhard Baron Homes.

Not Forgotten

BY the death recently of 93-years old Mr Harrison Jackson, the Bernhard Baron Cottage Homes, Polegate, lost one of its best loved residents. "A character of many parts," was how Mr Charles Haworth, the warden, described him. He was known throughout the Quaker movement for his sincerity and religious fervour.

Another of his "many parts" was that of "tea-tasting"—his job before he retired.

Mr Jackson came to the homes two years ago, and he leaves memories of an infectious sense of humour and a number of more tangible things. His hobbies were painting and metal and wood working, and his output includes a lead model of the homes, a number of trinket boxes, and paintings. Some of his work was on sale at a recent garden party at the homes.

GOLDEN WEDDING OF MR. AND MRS. BEDFORD POLLARD

On Monday this week, Mr. and Mrs. Bedford Pollard, of 8, Derby Road, Heaton Moor celebrated their golden wedding.

Mr. Pollard who has resided at Heaton Moor, for the past 15 years, is well known in the surrounding districts as a speaker and lecturer, the question of peace being one of his particular subjects. In past years he has also contributed articles to the "Advertiser."

Mr. and Mrs. Pollard, who are aged 76 and 77 respectively, were married St. Olave’s Church, York, on August 26, 1885. Mr. Pollard is a Hanley man, and his wife is a daughter of the late Alderman H.M. Cress, J.P., of Scarborough.

They have two and four daughters. The eldest son is a science master at Manchester Secondary School; the other son is a chemist at the Davyhulme laboratory of the Manchester Sewage Works, and one daughter is a teacher at Ashton.

Before retiring Mr Pollard was on the staff of the Co-operative Wholesale Society.

at Holmfirth Petty Sessions;

AN UNMUZZLED DOG.—John Thomas Irwin, chemical manufacturer, Cartworth, was fined 1s. and costs for breach of the muzzling order, on the 14th inst.

MIDDLEWICH.

PRESENTATION TO MR. J.T. IRWIN.

On Monday evening a presentation took place in the New Hall, Lewin-street, when Mr. J.T. Irwin, who for over eight years was chairman of the Middlewich Conservative and Unionist Association, was the recipient of a very handsome solid silver salver, and an illuminated address. Mr. Irwin retired from the position of leader of the party in Middlewich owing to leaving the district.

There was a large gathering and Mr. George Garfit presided. He spoke in eulogistic terms of Mr. Irwin's services to the cause and referred to the growth of the party in Middlewich since Mr. Irwin had resided amongst them. He has worked hard with the object of seeing a Conservative Member for Middlewich, and it was with much regret that just as the result of his labours were about to be realized, he has found it necessary to leave the district. He was sure they all wished him every happiness in his new home. The Chairman also read a letter from Mr. Jersey de Knoop regretting exceedingly that owing to being at the Yeomanry camp he would not be able to be present at the presentation, but hoped most sincerely that the meeting would be thoroughly representative. Mr. Irwin's departure would be a great loss to them, and the presentation they were to make was a small proof of their grateful thanks to him for all he had done for the cause in the past. He hoped they would convey to the meeting and also to Mr. Irwin his sorrow at not being able to be present.

M. F.W. BROWN, who made the presentation, expressed the pleasure it gave the whole of the members of the association to subscribe to the presentation to Mr. Irwin, and said he was expressing the feelings of everyone of them when he said how much they regretted his departure. His loss to the cause in the district would be felt considerably, and they were sorry it was necessary for him to go just as his efforts were about to mature. They all wished Mr. and Mrs. Irwin good health and happiness in their new sphere.

Mr. W. KIDDELL MONROE also addressed the meeting and appealed to them to continue the good work Mr. Irwin had so well begun.

The Rev. A.G. CHILD referred to Mr. Irwin's connection with the Church, and said they would lose a sincere friend. Through Mr. Irwin's exertions they had seen a new mission church erected at Cledford, and it was to be regretted that he would be leaving the town before the opening took place.

Mr. W.H. SWAIN, on behalf of the Cledford district, said they were losing a neighbour, whose place it would be difficult to fill. He had been associated with all their work and had generously assisted in making Cledford happier than he first found it. He trusted that Mrs. Irwin would soon be restored to good health and wished both he and his wife a long and useful life.

Mr. IRWIN, on rising to reply, was greeted with cheers and the singing of "For he's a jolly good fellow." He sincerely thanked the committee for their kindness and remarked that the happiest moments of his life had been spent in connection with the work of the Middlewich Conservative Association. He looked upon his politics almost as a religion and honestly believed the cause which was dear to him was the best for the country. He would never forget the happy times he had spent amongst them and would always like to remain a life-member of the association. (Applause.)

The text of the address as follows:—"To John T. Irwin, Esq., of Cledford, Middlewich, Cheshire. On behalf of the Middlewich Conservative Association, we desire to express to you our most sincere appreciation of your extremely valuable services rendered in connection with the organization and management of the association during the past six years. Led by your successful unceasing efforts, not only was the first real active committee in the Middlewich district formed and a sound foundation laid, but our work to maintain the best traditions of the Empire has attained its present prosperous position. It will be our endeavour to continue to the best of our ability in the future, the noble work in which you have assisted so generously in the past. Whilst we regret in the extreme your departure from Middlewich, you have our best wishes for your health, happiness and your prosperity for many years to come.—Dated this 19th day of May, 1913. F.W. Brown, vice-chairman; James Barron, hon. treasurer; George H. Mann, hon. secretary."

The salver was supplied by Messrs. Gough Bros., Middlewich and Winsford, and the address was the work of Mr. James Barron. The arrangements for the presentation were well carried out by Mr. George Mann, secretary of the association.

. . . to Maryport, not a very attractive little town, & John & Lily's house, tho' large, is not pretty . . . First time we have stayed with J. & L. Cuthbert & Ruth came in later. Lily has been ill, & little Chris's death upset her greatly, but she is better. Both she & John are very deaf—J. uses a trumpet always. He is so interesting.