On the 26th of December, 1835, each of the wards returned six members to form the new Town Council, who elected to their number, on the 31st, ten aldermen, which constitutes the municipal body of the town, from whom William Hazledine, Esq. was elected Mayor. To assist in the local government, the Secretary of State has subsequently appointed eight magistrates. Under the provisions of the above cited act, the annual election of mayor is fixed for the 9th of November. The ancient COMMON SEAL of the municipal body is very curious, representing a view of the town,—its churches, domestic habitations, fortified gates and walls, beneath which the river is seen flowing under a bridge; above the latter is a shield bearing the arms of England, and on each side are similar shields charged with the cross of St. George and the town arms,—Azure, three leopard’s faces Or. The inscription round this seal is—Sigilin • commune • libertatis • ville • Salopesburie • factu • ano • gre • m cccc xxv. SESSIONS. A petty sessions is held every Tuesday, and the mayor or some of the magistrates sit most days for the determination of minor offences. A general court of QUARTER SESSIONS and gaol delivery for the town and liberties is held by the recorder, John Bather, Esq. on the Wednesday after the county sessions. COURT OF RECORD. This town possesses the privilege of a court of record, where actions for debt (to any amount) and ejectment within the liberties, can be brought. Judgment in a suit may be obtained in about six weeks, if the defendant pleads the general issue. COURT OF REQUESTS. Small debts exceeding two shillings and under forty shillings, are taken cognizance of by a Court of Requests, established in 1783. The court meets every other Wednesday in the Town Hall, the commissioners of which must be resident within the town, and possessed of freehold property of thirty pounds per annum value, or a clear personal estate of £600 value. MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT. This town is a borough by prescription, and has sent two members to parliament from the earliest assembling of that body. Previous to the general reform act the right of election was in the burgesses inhabiting within the ancient borough, paying scot and lot, and not receiving alms or charity. The elective franchise is now extended to £10 householders resident within the boundaries settled by act of parliament, July 15, 1832. TRADING COMPANIES.