although this was the case, they applied themselves with a laudable spirit and determination to carry out the objects for which it had been obtained, and their endeavours in this respect were materially assisted and promoted by the gentleman whom they appointed Town Clerk, Mr. John Summerscales, solicitor, who has since discharged the onerous duties of the office with much ability and judgment.

The various committees having been appointed a borough police force was established, and began to act on the 14th of November, 1849, when the county constabulary were withdrawn. The force at first numbered 20, and was placed under the direction of Mr. John Jackson, chief constable. Since then it has been increased to 32, and although that number is small when compared with the amount of the population it has hitherto proved sufficient for the repression of crime. To a considerable extent this is attributable to the very efficient state the force has attained under the superintendence of Mr. Jackson, but it is also highly creditable to the town, and speaks much for the honesty and industry of the people of Oldham. Roughness, almost amounting to rudeness, has long been attributed by strangers as a prominent characteristic of the inhabitants, but those who look below the surface have discovered in them a high degree of integrity and fixedness of purpose. But although their manners may have been somewhat unpolished, the spread of intelligence and education amongst the masses and the intercourse with other towns have produced a marked change in their demeanour, and the admirable reports presented annually by Mr. Jackson to the Watch Committee show that the borough enjoys a singular immunity from crimes of a serious description, and presents in this respect a striking contrast to other manufacturing towns.

When the Corporation commenced their labours the paving and lighting of the town was in a very defective

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