eyes were opened to the delusive dreams by which they had been misled, and the promoters of the system being unable to continue their operations for want of funds, the building was let as a casino. This scheme succeeding no better than the first, the Hall was offered for sale, and was ultimately purchased by the Temperance Society for £450.

The Congregational Chapel in Union street is an elegant and pleasing structure in a prominent situation, and will attract the attention of visitors to the town. It was built, from a design by Mr. R. Scott Moffatt, architect, Manchester, for the congregation formerly worshipping in Queen street Chapel, under the ministry of the Rev. John Hodgson. The new chapel, which cost about £2400, was opened on the 17th of October, 1855, by the Rev. James Sherman, of London.

Within the last few months private enterprise has succeeded in the erection of a covered market, the necessity for which has long been felt in the town. In the early part of 1854 the Town Council was memorialised on the subject of providing market accommodation, but in consequence of the divided opinions which prevailed amongst the inhabitants as to the site, the Corporation referred the question to the decision of the ratepayers themselves, and a public meeting was held for that decision in the Town hall on Monday, the 1st of May. Tommy field and the Retiro were each proposed and seconded as the most suitable site, but as neither of the parties would give way, another amendment was proposed, negativing the erection of any market, and on being put to the vote, was agreed to. Some time afterwards, however, a private company was formed, and a lease of Tommyfield having been obtained, on advantageous terms, from Lord Howe, the foundation stone of the Oldham Victoria Market, was laid by Mr. Kay Clegg, the law clerk to the company, and one of the most active promoters of

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