were Lord Ellenborough, Earl Grey, Lord Littleton, Lord Suffield, Lord Brougham, the Duke of Cumber land, and Lord Darnley. It was ultimately agreed that Oldham parish should form one of the new boroughs placed in schedule C. The Reform Bill, or as it was styled at the time the modern Magna Charta, passed the third reading in the House of Lords, on the 4th of June, by a majority of 84, and received the royal assent on the 7th of June. The boundary bill for settling and describing the boundaries of the counties, cities, and boroughs, received the royal assent on the 11th of July. The intelligence of Oldham being rendered a borough, by the passing of the reform bill, occasioned various demonstrations of joy on the 8th of June, 1832, such as the ringing of the church bells, the firing of cannon, and the display of banners. The elective franchise was vested in all occupiers of premises of the yearly value of £10; and the returning officer for conducting the elections of the borough was directed to be appointed annually by the high sheriff of the county.

Long before there was a probability of an early election, the electors of Oldham were eagerly engaged in considering the merits of various gentlemen who were named as suitable candidates for parliamentary honours. The radical reformers proved the most active party. On the 2nd of July, an extremely large open air meeting of the inhabitants was held on Curzon ground, for the purpose of " declaring what measures a reformed parliament ought to adopt, and more particularly what will be expected from the representatives of this borough." Three bands of music and various banners imparted unusual spirit to the scene. Mr. Alexander Taylor presided, and the meeting was addressed by Messrs. A. F. Taylor, J. Bentley, J. Haigh, W. Knott, W. Spier, J. Neild, J . Hawkshead, J. Greaves, B. Harrop, and J. Knight. The resolutions passed on this occasion were se decisively in favour of candidates of ultra liberal views, and manifested such a determination

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