body who knew Henry Nutter loved him, and those who knew him best loved him most. "His life was gentle: and the elements So mixed in him, that nature might stand up, IN MEMORIAM.-HENRY NUTTER. "Honest Harry, ever smiling, Thrilled his bosom with the higher [BY AN OLD FRIEND.] "God's finger touched him, and he slept." The dread and mysterious power, which men call death, has taken from our midst one whom all men loved. Yesterday, Henry Nutter passed from "this our mortal life," and it is not too much to say, that no man in Burnley will be more sincerely mourned. And yet, Henry Nutter was not a great man-as the world counts greatness. Wealth he had not, nor rank, nor position. Although no man more deserved success, nor worked harder than he, nor more perseveringly. Yet fortune seemed ever to take a delight in frustrating his efforts-such efforts as have secured for many amongst us honourable distinction, and a fair competency. But, though fortune might, and did prevent him securing what many less worthy and less able men have in abundance, yet fortune could not prevent him winning the love and respect of all who knew him. And it may be claimed for Henry Nutter that, in many respects, he was most truly great. Great in tenderness for the weak and fallen; great in sympathy for all that was good; great in a quiet kind of bravery that would have led him to take a stand for the right, if he stood alone, and a world was against him. At those remarkable gatherings on New Year's Eve, at Cronkshaw's, over which he has often presided, he has more than once, in his own inimitable, genial way, reminded the worthy magistrates present that "tis human to err," and that in their administration of justice, they should ever remember that mercy is twice blessed," and that "earthly power doth then show lik'st God's, when mercy seasons justice." And few men, according to their means, have been more helpful to those who needed help most. Here before us is a letter from dear Ben Brierley- Ab-o'-th'-Yate"-to Henry Nutter, in which he pours out his soul in sad complaint that the pension, which he hoped for in his old age and sickness, was not forthcoming. The men who have sung so well and sweetly of the homely joys and sorrows of Lancashire men and women, were among the trusting friends of Henry Nutter. And one especially of those whose names are known in literary circles, could tell of dark days, when without means, and with the bailiffs in the home, knowing not where to turn for help and relief, Henry Nutter came forward, uninvited, and at a cost of twenty pounds to himself, he gave the help that was so sorely needed. And no man had ever sunnier disposition. The trials of life—and of these he had full share-he met with a cheerfulness that was good to see. But this was part of the goodness and greatness of the man. In that lone judgment chamber to which he has been called, Henry Nutter may walk with firm step. There, where popular clamours avail not-where fame's trumpet is not heard— there, the sweet and gentle, and kindly man, whose loss we all mourn to-day, may be left, for there the perfect law of righteousness holds its silent sway, and to good men and true-men of "the guinea stamp"-there can no evil come.-Burnley Gazette. 1 JAMES BEGG SHAW. By the death of Mr. James Begg Shaw, which took place on Monday, February 21st, 1898, at his residence, The Beeches, Didsbury, an interesting figure in Manchester life has passed .away, Mr. Shaw was sixty years of age. His father, Mr. John Shaw, was a Manchester brewer, and carried on business in City Road. There were three sons, each of whom was distinguished in his way. The eldest, Mr. John Begg Shaw, M.A., was a barrister, and author of a book of poems entitled Chiming Trifles." He died in 1880. Mr. William Henry Shaw, who died in 1877, also published "Sonnets and other Poems." Mr. Shaw was a man of varied talents. A fine musician and of nice judgment in musical matters, he was for a while honorary organist of St. Peter's Church, and for many years gave the benefit of his knowledge in the selection of hymns arranged for the Manchester Church of England Sunday Schools for Whitsun week. Mr. Shaw took deep interest in the Whit-Monday procession, and acted as honorary secretary to the Committee who make the annual arrangements for the great outdoor gathering of the Church scholars and teachers. Two or three years ago the Committee presented to Mr. Shaw a ship's chronometer as a mark of their appreciation for the long and kindly services rendered on their behalf, and in token of their esteem for his personal worth. Mr. Shaw was one of the original members of the British Astronomical Association, and took an active part in the formation of the North-Western branch, whose meetings are held in this city. The moon and planets were his especial line of study, and with the aid of his telescope, and a four and a half inch refractor, he did much important work. A member of the Council of the Manchester branch, he was regular in his attendance at the meetings, and from time to time made contributions to the proceedings. He possessed a considerable collection of rare and out-of-the-way books on astronomical matters, and some of them were shown at the conversazioni held in connection with the Society. He was one of the party of members who represented Manchester on the island of Vadso, Norway, in August, 1896, on the occasion of the eclipse of the sun. Astronomers gathered there from almost all parts of the world fully equipped to make observations, but the result was disappointing. Whilst in Norway Mr. Shaw visited the Trondhjem Cathedral, and had there a private conversation with the King of Belgium on music and the church organ. Mr. Shaw had with him his presentation chronometer, and made good use of it during the expedition. He had been a member of the Manchester Literary Club for ten years, having been elected in 1888, and attended the meetings up to the time of his last illness. Although an effective public speaker, being always brief and to the point, he seldom joined in the discussions, preferring rather to play the part of an appreciative listener. He did, however, read several papers before the members of the Club. For eleven years Mr. Shaw was a member of the old Stretford Local Board, and for two years, 1893-94, its Chairman. He interested himself in the public library movement, and it was during his chairmanship of the Stretford Local Board that the Free Libraries' Act was adopted in the district. The first general election of members of the new District Council took place in December, 1894, and Mr. Shaw was defeated. Holding strong views on cremation he joined the Manchester Crematorium Company on its formation, and kept a watchful eye on its progress. A man of wide reading and retentive memory, Mr. Shaw was a charming companion, and in private conversation one got a glimpse of his worth. His widow is the eldest daughter of the late Alderman William Booth, Mayor of Manchester for two years in the early seventies, and who died fifteen years ago. In politics Mr. Shaw was a Liberal. The funeral took place at the Crematorium, Withington. The mourners included Messrs. John Shaw and F. Shaw, sons of Mr. Shaw; Misses R. C. Shaw, J. M. Shaw, M. J. Shaw, J. B. Shaw, daughters; Sir Bosdin and Lady Leech, Dr. Gardner, the Rev. W. Bedford, Messrs. James Walthew, A. H. Shaw, J. B. M'Kerrow, W. Harold Rudford, and A. B. Garside. There were also present Councillor J. Ernest Phythian (chairman of the Art Gallery Committee of the Corporation, of which Mr. Shaw was a Royal Institution member), Mr. Charles J. Pooley (also a member), Mr. William Stansfield (curator of the City Art Gallery); Messrs. George Milner (President of the Literary Club), Thomas Derby, William Dinsmore, and W. A. Petty (members of the Club); Mr. Milner, together with Mr. Nathan Meadowcroft, attended on behalf of the Whit-Monday Procession Committee; Messrs. John Slyman (chairman of the Stretford District Council), Charles Estcourt (vice-chairman), W. M. Mitchell, and Frank Whitworth (clerk), represented the Council; Mr. Thomas Weir attended on behalf of the North-Western Branch of the British Astronomical Association; Messrs. Henry Simon, Benjamin Armitage (Chomlea), F. Smallman, J. Harvey Simpson (of the Crematorium Company), and others.-Manchester City News. List of Members, 1897-8. ABBOTT, John R., Poplar Grove, Swinton. ABBOTT, T. C., Netherley, Langham Road, Bowdon. ALLEN, Alfred, 13, Cumberland Street, Lower Broughton. ANDREW, James, Woodlea, Wellington Road, Alexandra Park. ANGELL, John, F.C.S., 6, Beaconsfield, Derby Road, Withington. ARNOLD, W. T., 75, Nelson Street, Oxford Road, Manchester. ATTKINS, Edgar, 69, Burton Road, Withington. AXON, William E. A., 47, Derby Street, Moss Side. BAILEY, Sir William Henry, Kt., Sale Hall, Cheshire. BARBER, Geo., 15, Belgrave Crescent, Eccles. BARBER, Reginald, 24, Lorne Grove, Fallowfield. BARKER, Fred., 3, York Road, Chorlton-cum-Hardy. BATESON, Harold D., Ashleigh, Woolton, near Liverpool. BAUGH, Joseph, Edendale, Whalley Range. BECKER, Alex. Von, Lancaster Avenue, Fennel Street, Manchester. BEHRENS, Gustav, J.P., 36, Princess Street, Manchester. BELL, Geo. H., 38, Lansdowne Road, Crumpsall. BELLAMY, C. H., F.R.G.S., Belmont, Brook Road, Heaton Chapel. BELLHOUSE, James, Sunny Bank, Stamford Road, Bowdon, BENNETT, Robert J., 17, Cooper Street, Manchester. BENNIE, Andrew, District Bank, Manchester. BERRY, James, Mayfield, Grimsargh, Preston. BESWICK, F. A., The Lymes, Priory Road, Bowdon. BLEASE, William Thomas, 76, Broad Street, Pendleton. BLOMELEY, Samuel, Annfield, Barlow Moor Road, Chorlton-cum-Hardy. BOOTE, George Harvey, 63, Brown Street, Manchester. BRADLEY, Francis E., LL.D., 2, St. James's Square, Manchester. BRADLEY, Nathaniel, 10, College Road, Whalley Range. |