the undertaking, on the 8th of October, 1855. The market, which has been designed by Mr. Bake, C.E., is not at present very large, but it has been so constructed as to admit of its being enlarged, with comparatively little expense, to any extent that may be required.

Another undertaking of great importance to the borough is now rapidly approaching completion, we refer to the continuation of the branch of the London and North-Western Railway frem Oldham to Yorkshire. The Royal assent was obtained to the Act for the extension of the line of railway on the 9th July, 1847, but in consequence of the great depreciation which soon took place in railway property, the work was not proceeded with. In the year 1854, the period within which the Act would be applicable having nearly expired, the Shopkeepers' Association, the town council, and several influential gentlemen in the town took the matter up, and applied to the Court of Queen°s Bench for a writ of mandamus to compel the Company to complete the line. This having been granted had the desired effect, and the formation of the new line was shortly afterwards commenced, Messrs. Tredwell being the contractors. When completed the line will bring Oldham into direct communication with Saddleworth, Huddersfield, Leeds, and the whole of Yorkshire, and it is expected to be opened in June next.

Oldham possesses a large number of educational institutions established and almost exclusively supported by the working classes. The most important of these is the Oldham Lyceum, which was established in the year, 1840, and is conducted by a president, vice-presidents, and a board of directors. The number of life members during the last year was 22; annual subscribers, 14l ; and average of quarterly members, 182 ; total average number of members, 345. The average attendance on the elementary classes was 124 ; drawing class, 16; and French class, 10. The library contains 1677

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