in the same year he was appointed singing master to the Oldham Blue Coat School, a situation which he still holds. His assiduous and indefatigable exertions to advance the musical art in Oldham have been duly appreciated, and in 1848 a public concert was given in the town for his benefit. It may be added that few concerts have been given in the town during the last fifteen years without his aid and assistance, either directly or indirectly. Mr. Winterbottom is the author of several pieces of music, songs, anthems, &c., which have acquired a wide spread popularity, both in the United Kingdom and America. Amongst these the most extensively known are the song "Hurrah for the gipsy's jovial life ;" a quartett, "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace ;" and a solo anthem "Let thy mercy, O Lord."

Mr. Samuel Mellor is a native of Royton, but went to reside at Lees brook about 1829, previous to which he was engaged in several of the choirs in the town. In 1840 he was engaged along with Mr. and Mrs. Winterbottom for the choir of the chapel at the Manchester Blind Asylum, but in three years after, he joined the choir of St. Luke's Church, Cheetham hill, where he still officiates. Mr. Mellor has a fine bass voice, and he sings in oratorios remarkably well.

Mr. Thomas Jackson, a native of Oldham, has been for more than 35 years organist at St. Peter's Chapel. For 30 years he was leader of the Oldham Musical Society, and is at present leader of the Oldham Borough Choral Society. He has also been a member of the orchestra at the Concert hall, Manchester, as a violinist, for above 30 years, and he is now a member of the Philharmonic Concerts, Liverpool. Mr. Jackson ranks high in his profession as a skilful orchestral performer, and a sound musician, and his orchestral parts to Dr. Green's "God is our hope and strength," have been much admired.

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