THE terrible condition of Ireland, and the decimation of its inhabitants by famine, occupied the greater share of the attention of Parliament. The Corn and Navigation Laws were entirely suspended until towards the close of the year; in spite of which, the average price of wheat in May was 100s. 5d. The issuing of the Minutes of the Council on Education, which have since been acted upon, and the increase of the grant to £100,000 per annum for the purpose of carrying them into effect, may be regarded as the most important measure of the year. Parliament was dissolved in July, and the elections tended to confirm the predominance of Free Trade principles. Parliament met again on the 18th November. Consols averaged 87; wheat, 69s. 9d. JANUARY 26—An elegant silver salver, with appropriate inscription, presented to the Rev. Thomas Pearson by the honorary members of the Worcestershire Friendly Institution, in testimony of the value of the services by which, as chairman of the board of directors, he had so greatly increased the efficiency and usefulness of the society. FEBRUARY 4—A massive silver tureen and four corner dishes presented to Captain Candler on his retirement from the mastership of the fox hounds—which he had held for ten years—at a splendid banquet given at the Star, Lord Lyttelton in the chair. APRIL—Petitions presented from various of the Dissenting bodies throughout the county against the new Educational Minutes of the Privy Council. APRIL 22—The first County Court held in Worcestershire, under the presidency of Benjamin Parham, Esq., then recently appointed the Judge of the Worcester District. AUGUST 6—Shelsley Beauchamp Church reopened, after some costly alterations. The Rev. T. L. Claughton preached on the occasion, and £566 were collected; Lord Ward being a donor of £500. AUGUST 6—An engine running off the rails on the Birmingham and Gloucester Railway at Kingsnorton, the driver, named John Warburton, was dashed to pieces.