BAND OF HOPE UNION—A meeting of the Thrapston and District Band of Hope Union was held in the Temperance Hall in this village, when delegates from Thrapston, Wooodford, Addington, Raunds, and Ringstead were present. The Rev. J. Tyrrell, of Woodford, presided. The statistics of the several Bands of Hope were given by the Secretary, Mr. J. R. Wilkinson, of Great Addintgton, as follows:— Thrapston 108, Raunds 122, Woodford 80, Ringstead 52, Addington 52, total 414. After the transaction of the general business, Mr. J. R. Wilkinson read a very interesting paper on the best means of conducting Bands of Hope. The discussion of the paper was adjourned till the next meeting.

PRESENTATION—The pastor of the Baptist Chapel (Rev I. Near) has been presented by the members of the church and congregation with a new year's gift of £5 5s. The young women's class conducted by the pastor also presented him with a pair of Scripture mottoes, neatly framed in ornamental gold moulding, for a birthday present and new year's gift, as a small token of their appreciation.

THE WEATHER—The old adage that March "Comes in like a Lion" was verified this year, for on Tuesday night the weather was wet and stormy and the wind boisterous.

SERIOUS ACCIDENT AT THE IRONSTONE QUARRIES—One day last week a labourer on these works was knocked down by several wagons descending an incline. The whole of the wheels passed over both his legs nearly severing them from his body. It appears the poor fellow remained where the accident happened for nearly three hours before any doctor arrived. He was then removed by rail to the Peterborough Infirmary where it was found necessary to amputate the left leg above the knee and the right leg below it. He is progressing as well as can be expected from the serious nature of the injuries.

BAPTIST CHAPEL—Special services of a revivalist character are being held in this chapel this week.

CONCERT—The members of the Raunds New Choral Society gave their second performance of Handel's celebrated oratorio, "The Messiah," in the Temperance Hall of this village on Monday evening last, with upwards of 50 performers, including Mr. Twist, a noted violinist from Northampton, who kindly assisted. The following ladies and gentlemen took part in the performance:—Instrumentalists: First violins, Mr. Frank Brown, Raunds, and Mr. Twist, Northampton; second violins, Mr. Thos. Lovell, Raunds, and Mr. William Fisher, Hargrave; viola, Mr. Parker Colson; violoncellos, Messrs. Wm. Nobles, sen., and W. Pettit; harmonium, Mr. Geo. Pulpher; piano, Mr. Owen Smith. Soloists: Mrs. Smith and Mrs. Tebbutt, Miss Noble and Miss Flora Pulpher, soprano; Mr. Wm. Noble, contralto; tenors, Messrs. F. Mayes and Thos. Phillips; bass, Mr. Thos. Nobles. Mr. A. Mayes, and Mr. J. Barratt. The instrumental portions were well sustained throughout, and the solos were creditably rendered by the several soloists. The choruses, too, were sung very effectively, and at several stages the performance was greeted with prolonged demonstrations of applause. Mr. Fewster again acted as conductor, and wielded the baton very efficiently. The repetition of the oratorio by the Choral Society, so soon after the performance at Raunds, was given in response to a request of some of the Ringstead members of the Society, who were anxious that a Ringstead audience should have the pleasure of hearing the great work of Handel rendered by a body of local amateur performers. A large number of the working class of the village availed themselves of the opportunity of hearing it, but we are sorry to have to say that few of the upper or middle class were present. Mr. Jonas Barratt again took an active part in the arrangements for the concert, and did all he could to ensure success, which he secured vocally and instrumentally in the concert, but not financially. The programme was the same as that of the recent performance at Raunds, and need not therefore be re-produced.

GOSPEL TEMPERANCE MEETINGS—On Easter Monday a public tea was provided in the Temperance Hall, of which about 100 partook, after which the friends met at the bottom end of the village, formed themselves into procession, and marched through the streets singing suitable hymns. The result was a crowded meeting in the Temperance Hall, at 7.30, when the chair was taken by Mr. J. Green. Recitations were well given by Miss Walker and Miss Roberts. Mr. John Selby, of Wellingborough, sang with good effect, and Mr. G. H. Burrows gave an address upon gospel temperance. At the close of the address 16 new pledges were taken, and upwards of 160 put on the blue ribbon.

VESTRY MEETING—The annual meeting was held at the parish church on Thursday for the passing of the churchwardens' accounts and electing churchwardens for the ensuing year. The Vicar (Rev. E. A. Sanford) presided. Mr. Thos. Peach was nominated as Vicar's churchwarden, and Mr. John Aggutter parish-warden. Mr. Thos. Peach and Mr. H. Swallow were elected as delegates to attend the Ruri-Decanal conference.

TEMPERANCE DEMONSTRATION—A combined demonstration of the various societies and organisations was held on whit-Tuesday in this village. The children and friends met at the Temperance Hall at 1.30, and formed in procession. They then marched through the village singing at intervals the Blue Ribbon Song, "True Blue," to the tune of "Old Lang Syne" on their return tea was provided for the Band of Hope, after which a public tea was held, when about 130 sat down to table. Tea being over, the whole company, and adults, retired to a field kindly lent by Mr. Aggutter, where games and amusements were heartily indulged in. Later on in the evening a public meeting was held in the Hall, where a lecture was delivered by Mr. J. Birch, of Derby, entitled "Good or Bad News; or what will become of My Country." Mr. Birch sang several of his popular melodies during the evening accompanying himself on the banjo. The meeting was a crowded and an enthusiastic one.—On Wednesday afternoon a Blue Ribbon picnic party was held.

BAPTIST CHAPEL—As a result of the anniversary services which we noticed in our last issue, when two sermons were preached by Rev. C. Spurgeon, jun., we are authorised to state that the proceeds from all sources amounted to £20. Upwards of 250 sat down to tea, most of the trays being provided by various friends.

LIBERAL MEETING—On Thursday evening last an open air meeting was convened at Ringstead to hear addresses on some of the political questions of the day. There was a very fair attendance, and the audience manifested great attention. The speakers were Messrs. J. R. Wilkinson, Great Addington, and R. G. Roe, Oundle, who both gave powerful addresses on the Irish and Egyptian questions, also the coming extension of the franchise. They urged the people to study political questions in order to qualify themselves for the exercise of their new functions. At the conclusion, a vote of thanks was proposed by Mr. G. Webb, Denford, and seconded by Mr. John Barritt, Ringstead.

BAPTIST SUNDAY SCHOOL ANNIVERSARY—On Sunday last special services were held in the Baptist Chapel on behalf of the Sunday Schools in connection with this place of worship, when sermons were preached morning and evening by the Rev. W. Kitchen, of Peterborough. The same gentleman addressed the children in the afternoon. Collections were made at each service, which realised about £6 9s. On Monday the scholars assembled at the Temperance Hall, where they were regaled with cake and tea. Afterwards, headed by the Temperance Band, the children marched down the village, halting occasionally for the children to sing, and retired to a field kindly lent by Mr. Ratcliffe, where a very pleasant evening was spent in the usual outdoor games and amusements.

GOOD TEMPLARY— On Wednesday evening a number of friends of the temperance movement in Kettering, drove over to Ringstead to take part in a temperance meeting held in connection with, the Good Templar Lodge, which after having ceased to exist for some time, has recently been resuscitated.

THE FEAST—Favoured by brilliant weather the recurrence of this annual festival on Sunday drew a large number of people into the village besides the friends and relations who come to pay visits on such occasions. These were, as usual, of a three-fold character—those who confine themselves to street walking, those who attend the public-house, and those who go to the special services, which on these occasions are generally held at church, chapel, and meeting-house. Extra well attended services were held at the church. There was also a special open-air service conducted by the Rev. I. Near, assisted by some friends of the Wesleyan Society. At the Baptist Chapel a special sermon was preached by the pastor (Rev. I. Near) in the interests of total abstinence. On Monday the usual number of ginger bread and other stalls flanked the street near the Axe and Compass Inn, and there were also shows, shooting targets, and other feasting paraphernalia during the first part of the week. On the same day there was a cricket match between the Ringstead and Thrapston Cricket Clubs. A charge was made for admission to the field for the benefit of the Northampton Infirmary. A good number entered the field to witness the play. The game was well contested on both sides, but the home team proved victorious. On Tuesday another match was played between the Ringstead and Grafton Clubs. This match could not be played out, and was decided in favour of the visitors on the first innings by about 19 runs.

WESLEYAN BAZAAR—Some three years ago new schoolrooms for the Wesleyan Chapel were built at a cost of about £300. About £50 of this was raised at the time, and £250 was left as a debt to be removed as soon as circumstances would allow. What with the usual incidental expenses and the interest at five per cent to raise on the debt, not much could be done. Some little time ago, however, the friends determined to make a special effort for the purpose, if possible, of paying off £50 of the debt, and a small bazaar was suggested, a committee of the following ladies being elected to carry it out:— Mrs. J. Dearlove, Mrs. Chew, Mrs. Green, Mrs. Ball, Mrs. S. Weekly, Mrs. Walker, Mrs. R. Childs, Mrs. M. Childs, Mrs. Weekly, and Miss Louisa Sawford. The bazaar for the sale of the numerous useful and fancy goods got together by the efforts of these ladies was held in the Temperance Hall on Monday afternoon, and continued on Tuesday afternoon and evening. The hall was nicely decorated for the occasion with coloured paper chain-work. The opening ceremony was performed by the Rev. W. Watson, the newly appointed superintendent of the circuit. On entering, the first thing that attracted attention was the greengrocery stall kept by Mr. Austin Whiteman. This was ladened with a splendid assortment of vegetables that would have graced any village show. Then came four stalls set apart for the display of the usual assortment of clothing, articles for the toilet, and other fancy goods. The first stall was superintended by Mrs. John Dearlove and Mrs. R. Childs; the second stall by Mrs. Chew, the Misses Dearlove; the third stall by Mrs. Walker, Mrs. Weekly, and Miss S. Weekly; and the fourth stall by Mrs. Whiteman and Mrs. M. Child. Next came the provision stall ladened with eatables temptingly displayed. This was attended to by Mrs. Green and Mrs. Weekly, assisted by Mr. George Smith, jun. There was also the inevitable bran pie, the interests of which were looked after by Miss M. E. Walker, and Miss Laura Childs. In addition to this was a weighing machine and an electrical machine, which were used as ways and means to increase the finances. But the chief attraction with a view to augment the revenue was the representation of a village school of the 17th century within a curtained enclosure on the platform kept by a shoemaker and his good wife, a lace maker dressed in the costume of the period. The scholars (boys and girls of Ringstead) were seated on a form round the cobbler's house while he performed his daily avocation as a shoemaker and his good wife sat at the pillow lace-making, each alternately getting up to teach their listless scholars their ABC. This was well patronised. The ladies proved themselves expert saleswomen on both days and good sales were effected, but still a large quantity of goods remain on hand. We are unable at present to give the amount realised by the bazaar, but it is hoped the amount realised, and the donations received and promised will enable the friends to pay off £50 of the debt. We must not forget to mention Messrs. R. Childs, Wm. M. Childs, J. Chew, T. Phillips, and others who rendered very valuable assistance. The Ringstead Brass Band must also be complimented on their attendance during the holding of the bazaar.

CASUALTIES AT CRICKET—The "National Game" yearly claims its list of victims, due possibly in some measure to the terrific style of modern bowling. We regret that during Feast Week the master of the National Schools, Mr. Bannister, was hit on one eye by a cricket ball, and after suffering severe pain for some days travelled up to London to consult an eminent oculist. The latter found the eye irretrievably destroyed and advised its removal in order to prevent the other one becoming affected. We understand that the operation has been effected and that the sufferer is doing as well as might be expected. It is stated that the accident resulted from a medium pace ball. We regret also to report that, one of the Grafton team was badly injured whilst playing with Ringstead, a ball striking him in the lower abdomen when batting. We are, however, pleased to be able to report that the injury is not so serious as had been anticipated.

GOOD TEMPLARISM—On Wednesday last a public tea was held in the Temperance Hall, and a public meeting in the evening under the auspices of the Independent Order of Good Templars with a view to the resuscitation of Good Templarism in the village. The Rev. I. Near, Baptist minister, took the chair. The meeting was addressed by Messrs. Furniss, H. Standley, F. W. Pollard, and C. Pollard of Kettering. The last named gentleman spoke at some length on the jubilee of the temperance movement, which had just been held, and referred to the great work accomplished in the past 50 years by the temperance reformation inaugurated by seven working men of Preston. The movement which at first had to fight both against the church and the world, and was despised and rejected of men, was now fast converting the church, and had won a moral victory, it being acknowledged by the Times, Telegraph, Standard, and other leading papers that the temperance movement had been prolific of great good to the nation. He spoke of the 300,000 homes now annually made miserable by strong drink, and earnestly hoped and believed that if they put their shoulders to the wheel the temperance movement was destined to work a still greater reformation in the future. During the evening Mr. F. W. Pollard recited in good style Tennyson’s "Northern Cobbler" and Mr. H. Staines, of Kettering, (who formerly resided at Ringstead) gave "The little knowing boy." Both were deservedly applauded. Several temperance melodies and hymns were also sung by the choir and the audience. The Chairman appealed to all to give up the drink and help in furthering the temperance movement. The proceedings closed with a hymn.

THE EGYPTIAN WAR— On Sunday evening a special sermon was preached in the Baptist Chapel by the pastor, Rev. I. Near, upon Egypt. Taking Isaiah xxxi., 1 and 3 v. for his text, some of the principal events in Egyptian history were narrated, after which recent events were referred to. He said that our right in the first instance to intermeddle with the internal affairs of that land might be open to question, but we must bear in mind that we were in the position of creditors who were being defrauded by corrupt Mahommedans, and that the object of the recent rising seems to have been to get rid of the Europeans by any means, however foul, and to hurl back our Christian civilization, and, said the preacher, if it be right to punish thieves or perpetrators of outrages, these Mahommedan cut-throats of the 11th of June deserved to feel the might of England's arm. These people had outraged the humanity of the world, and for the future safety of humanity it was right that it should be made very plain that such conduct would not be allowed. He thought all must be grateful to God that this conspiracy against civilization and the well-being of humanity had been crushed with such little loss of life. He trusted we might have wisdom given to us to turn the victory to good account. It was a good thing that for such a time as this we have a Christian man at the helm of state. Might God direct him and all his colleagues! In conclusion he showed how the sin deprecated in the text was often committed at the present time, and urged upon all struggling against the craving for strong drink, all who were striving to break off evil habits of any kind, and all who were fighting against every form of sin, to seek help of God, to lay hold of Divine strength, for then they would come off "more than conquerors."

BAPTIST CHAPEL—Special harvest services were held in the above place of worship on Sunday last, when sermons were preached morning and evening, by the Rev. D. Llewellyn, of Burton Latimer, which were listened to by good congregations. On Monday a public tea was provided in the Temperance Hall to which a goodly number sat down. After the tea a service was held in the chapel when an excellent sermon was preached by the Rev. J. T. Brown, of College Street Chapel, Northampton. Collections were made after each service on behalf of the chapel funds.

CRICKET CLUB ANNUAL SUPPER—The first annual supper of the Ringstead Cricket Club was held in the National Schoolroom, at Ringstead, on Friday evening last, under the presidency of the captain, the Rev. E. A. Sandford, when 32 sat down to an excellent spread, the catering being done by Mr. John Knight. After the removal of the cloth, the usual loyal and patriotic toasts were given by the Chairman, and drunk with musical honours, as was also "The health of the Captain" which was enthusiastically received. The health of Mr. Ratcliffe, who had so kindly lent the cricket field, was next given. Mr. Ratcliffe being absent, the toast was acknowledged by Mr. Chew. The Chairman then gave "Success to the Ringstead Cricket Club," and congratulated the Club on the measure of success it had attained during the past year, and made some pertinent observations on the play, with a view to effect some improvement in the future. He expressed his regret at the serious accident that befell Mr. Bannister in the cricket-field, by which he lost one eye, and spoke of the very efficient services he had rendered to the Club, and also to the village as master of the National School. He thought both old and young were indebted to him, and he had the pleasant duty to perform of presenting him with a purse containing £8 3s. 6d., with the following address— "Presented to Mr. John Bannister by the members of the Ringstead Cricket Club and a few friends, as a small token of their esteem, and as an expression of their sympathy with him in the serious loss he has sustained by an accident in the cricket-field, on Sept. 13, 1882.'' In responding to the toast of the Chairman, Mr. J. Knight said he thought they might congratulate themselves on the success they had achieved in the cricket field considering it was their first year. They had played nine matches, five of which had been won, three drawn against them, and one in their favour. He remarked that if they wished to be more successful in the future they must pay more attention to fielding. With respect to the present to Mr. Bannister he said it had been his lot to take part in several public subscriptions, but he had never known one that had been so heartily and cheerfully responded to.—Mr. John Bannister, in accepting the purse, said he scarcely knew how to express his thanks to them for this proof of their sympathy. He had already felt that he had the sympathy of the members, and of everyone who knew of the accident, but he had no expectation of receiving any practical token of it. Beside the loss he had sustained, it had been attended by great expense, and therefore as the gift had been pre¬sented in such a kind manner he had great pleasure in accepting it. He again thanked them heartily for their sympathy.—The health of the officers was next given, coupled with the names of Mr. R. Bull, the secretary, and Mr. S. Bannister, the treasurer.—Mr. R. Bull, in responding, said he was pleased to do what he had done, and hoped to do more in the future. He endorsed the remarks of Mr. Knight on the necessity of paying more attention to fielding. He then read the balance sheet showing the receipts to have been £4 15s., and the expenditure £4 10s., leaving a balance in hand of 5s.—"The Strangers" was then given, and responded to by Messrs. Essex and York, of Denford. The toasts and speeches were interspersed with songs by Messrs. J. Bull, B. Phillips, J. Knight, J. Bannister, and T. Mason.

RINGSTEAD-BAPTIST CHAPEL—The lecture entitled "Our English Bible and its defenders" (reported as being given at Stanwick, on Monday), was given in this chapel, on Tuesday evening, by the pastor, Rev. Isaac Near, and was much appreciated by a good audience. [How did this get in the same edition??]

STANWICK-[the error as above!] BAPTIST CHAPEL—On Monday evening last a very interesting lecture was delivered in this chapel in connection with the Thrapston District Sunday School Union by the Rev. I. Near, entitled, "Our English Bible." The lecture was illustrated with dissolving views by the Rev. B. Holland, the views comprising the principal scenes associated with the history of the English Bible. Some humorous views statuary and chromatropes, were also shown for the young folks. A vote of thanks was accorded to the lecturer at the close. There was a good audience present, and a collection was made in aid of the Thrapston Sunday School Union.

SCHOOL BOARD, Thursday, Nov. 30—Present:— Messrs. J. R. Crawley, W. Brown, R. Marchant, and S. Pettitt. This was a special meeting of the Board held for the purpose of electing a new member to fill the vacancy on the Board, caused by the death of Mr. T. A. Somes. It was proposed by Mr. W. Brown, seconded by Mr. S. Pettit, that the Rev. John Tilliard Bonner, rector of Stanwick, be elected a member of the Board in place of Mr. T. A. Somes, deceased. This was carried unanimously, and the meeting closed. — The ordinary monthly meeting of the Board was held later the same evening, when there were present—Messrs J. R. Crawley (chairman), S. Pettit, R. Marchant, and W. Brown. The Clerk reported that the accounts had been laid before the district auditor, and passed. The auditor recommended that the treasurer should report to the Board the amount of school fees he received from the schoolmaster at such periods as the Board might direct, and that the Board should pay all accounts by cheque. The Board resolved unanimously to adopt the auditor's recommendations. The application of Mr. W. Marchant for a share of the grant earned by his daughter at the scholarship examination while a pupil teacher in the school was again considered. The Board, however, could not see its way to do anything in the matter, as previous to his application the money had been disposed of in the usual way. The treasurer reported that he had not yet received the amount of the precept issued at the last meeting of the Board on the overseers to be paid in on the 9th Nov. The Board requested the clerk to see the overseers and ask them to pay the amount to the treasurer as early as possible. The treasurer reported the receipt of £3 15s. 4d. for school pence and 10s. for a month's rent of schoolmaster's house. The Clerk reported that the school had been closed for three weeks in consequence of an epidemic of measles, and that he had obtained a certificate from Dr. Crew and forwarded it to the Department with a communication that the school was closed on the 6th of November. The Board recommended the re-opening of the school on Monday Dec. 4th if the children were sufficiently recovered from the measles. It was resolved that the school should close for the Christmas holidays on the 22nd inst., and re-open on the 1st proximo. The Clerk submitted a letter from the Department in relation to the closing of the school in consequence of the measles and pointing out the deductions allowed with regard to school meetings and attendances in cases of schools having closed through epidemic sickness.—This concluded the business and the Board adjourned.

LIBERAL MEETING—On Thursday evening last a Liberal Meeting was held in the Temperance Hall, under the presidency of the Rev. I. Near, the Baptist Minister. After a few preliminary observations by the Chairman, Mr. J. R. Wilkinson, of Little Addington, addressed the meeting, adducing a number of reasons why the working classes should take an interest in politics. He referred at some length to the way in which the people had lost the common rights which formerly existed and said this would have been impossible had they been awake to their interest, and he reminded them of the fact that if they did not defend their own interests others would not do it for them. He said that besides other questions, there was the Disestablishment of the Church, the Reform of the Land Laws, the liquor traffic, and education, all of which affected the working classes, and therefore they ought to examine into these things and be able when the franchise was extended to them to vote accordingly. Mr. Jackson, of Wellingborough, next addressed the meeting. He spoke chiefly upon the question of the franchise, and proceeded to show how anomalous was the present state of things. He believed, however, that before long there would be an assimilation of the county with the borough franchise. Referring to the Irish question, the speaker said that while the Liberals had been trying to do their best, the Conservatives had done nothing but denounce them. No Tory had brought forward any measure for the redress of Irish grievances save that of emigration, and from the lips of none of the Tory party had there fallen any words of sympathy for the oppressed tenant farmers of Ireland. Referring to Mr. Gladstone's Jubilee of public service, he said he hoped that every man would do his duty, so that at the next election the "Grand old man" might not suffer defeat. (Applause) On the motion of Mr. S. Abington, seconded by Mr. J. Ball, a cordial vote of thanks was unanimously given to the speakers and Chairman, and briefly acknowledged. At the close of the meeting the Liberal Association was resuscitated. Mr. S. Abington was elected president, Mr. J. Knight secretary, and Mr. J. Ball treasurer. A committee was also appointed, and the hope expressed that the organization would be the means of strengthening the Liberal interest in the village.

WESLEYAN CHAPEL— CHRISTMAS TREE— On Tuesday the Wesleyan friends in this village held a Christmas Tree in the Temperance Hall for the sale of the surplus stock of a bazaar held in September last, the object being to reduce the debt on the new Wesleyan schoolroom. The hall was very nicely decorated for the occasion, in addition to the Christmas Tree and its varied attractions. The stalls were attended to by Mr. J. Dearlove (the Cottage), Mrs. Chew, Mrs. Green, and Mrs. Childs. One of the attractions of the evening was a model school of the 17th century. The proceeds of the day's sale was £6 18s. On Friday, the 29th ult., a public tea was held in the large schoolroom, which was well attended. After the tea a clearance sale was held, and the remaining goods disposed of, making a total from all sources of about £12.

CLUB FEAST—On Tuesday last he members of the "Good Intent" auxiliary club held their feast at the National School-room. A capital dinner and supper were provided to which 43 members sat down. Rev. E. A. Sanford, presided, and Messrs. J. Chew and A. Bull, attended on invitation. A suitable speech was made by the chairman, followed by a present of 5s. Mr. A. Bull also gave 5s., and Mr. Chew 10s. to the funds of the club. 20 new members were enrolled. After the supper the evening was spent in singing, dancing, and other amusements. Each member was allowed to take a female friend for the evening. There was also a lunch the next morning. Votes of thinks were given to Rev. E. A. Sanford for presiding to Messrs. J. Chew and A. Bull, and to the committee for the way in which they had carried out the feast. After all expenses were paid and 1s. per member left in, a draw of 4s. 4½d. was made for each member.

BAPTIST CHAPEL—On Christmas Day a well attended service was held, and an address given by the pastor, Rev. I. Near, upon the words, "Unto you is born in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord," Luke ii., 11. On Friday, the 29th ult., the Old Year's members' tea was held in the schoolroom, the evening being spent in Christian fellowship. On Sunday the services both morning and evening had reference to the close of the year. A children's service was held in the afternoon, when the attention of the young was called to the fact that one of their number had been taken away by death during the year. At 11p.m. a Watchnight Service was held, which was well attended. On New Year's Day the annual congregational tea was held in the Hall. About 100 sat down, after which a meeting was held, presided over by the pastor. Addresses were delivered by Mr. Geo. Smith, and Mr. S. Abington, deacons, as well as by Mr. Wilkinson, of Addington. Hymns from Sankey's enlarged edition were well rendered by the choir during the evening. The year just closed has been a prosperous one with the church, and the new year opens with the promise of good things to come.

CHURCH TEA AND ENTERTAINMENT—On Thursday, Dec. 28th, a parish tea was held in the schoolroom, to which about 100 sat down. In the evening an entertainment was given in the same place, the proceeds of both the tea and entertainment were devoted to the general expenses of the church. The Rev. E. A. Sandford presided. The following is the programme:— Pianoforte solo, Mrs. and Miss Sandford; glee, "Farewell to the forest," Choir; song, "The Singer's apology," Mr. J. Eaton; song, "Won't you tell me why Robin," Miss J. M. Smith; reading, "The shooting tooth," Mr. J. Bannister; song, "Who's that tapping at the garden gate," (encored), Mrs. J. Bannister; song, "The Midshipmite," Mr. T. Agutta; glee, "O, who will o'er the Downs," Choir; song, Miss Sandford; song, "Aunty," Miss M. Agutta; pianoforte solo; glee, "May Day," Choir; song, "The Wishing Cap," (encored), Miss M. Agutta; song, "Tired," Miss C. M. Wilson; duet (encored), Mr. and Mrs. Bannister; song, Miss Sandford; song, "Sailing," (encored), Mr. T. Agutta; glee, "Where art thou, beam of light," Choir; song, "He always came home to tea," (encored), the Rev. E. A. Sandford ; song, "Sally Sykes," (encored), Mr. J. Eaton; finale, National Anthem.

LIBERAL ASSOCIATION—A public meeting in connection with this association was held in the Temperance Hall, on Monday last, and well attended.

RINGSTEAD—LANTERN EXHIBITION—A lantern exhibition with dioramic effects and descriptive lecture was given in the Temperance Hall on Wednesday evening, by the Rev. B. Holland, pastor of the Baptist Chapel, Stanwick. A fair audience attended and the views and lecture were much appreciated.