AUGUST 16—The allottees took possession of the O’Connorite Lowbands settlement at Redmarley. The National Land Scheme, under which this estate, with others in different parts of the country, was purchased, set out into lots, and divided to the few drawers of prizes in a lottery to which thousands of others had subscribed, was one of the hugest delusions to which the working men of this country ever lent themselves under demagogue leadership. They allowed themselves to be persuaded, not only that to leave their manual handicraft and become squatters on an acre or two of ground would be the climax of independence and happiness, but that by some legerdemain of compound interest, their money and estates would be so reproductive that all the subscribers would in a few years get allotments, which, being freehold, would give them immense political power, and be the regeneration of the land. The fortunate allottees soon found that they did not hold the fee simple of their acres, but were called upon by O’Connor to pay a large rent, and being unaccustomed to husbandry were speedily reduced to the condition of ruined paupers, subsistent on the charity of the farmers among whom they were located. The affairs of the company are now being wound up under an Act of Parliament. AUGUST 17—A Provincial Grand Lodge of Freemasons established in the county. Dr. Roden of Kidderminster was appointed Deputy Provincial Grand Master of Worcestershire. AUGUST 17—Grand Bazaar in Mr. J. H. H. Foley’s grounds at Prestwood, in aid of the funds of the Stourbridge Mechanics’ Institute. It continued open for three days, and realised £1,117. SEPTEMBER 14—At the annual assembly of the Queen’s Own Yeomanry Cavalry, the portrait of the gallant Colonel of the regiment, which had been purchased by a general subscription of the officers and privates, and painted by Pickersgill, R.A., was presented to Lady Harriett Clive in the Shire Hall, Worcester. The pleasing duty of presentation was performed by Major Martin, as senior officer, and Colonel Clive acknowledged the compliment at length. OCTOBER 7—A meeting held at Dee’s Hotel, Birmingham, to take steps for the establishment of a WORCESTER DIOCESAN TRAINING SCHOOL. The Right Rev. The Lord Bishop took the chair. The resolutions were moved by Lord Lyttelton, Archdeacon Spooner, Viscount Lifford, and Sir John Pakington, Bart., M.P., and a large sum was subscribed upon the spot. The first stone of the new school was laid by Sir John Pakington, October 10, 1850. LOCAL ACTS—For rating, to the relief of the poor, the owners instead of the occupiers of certain property in the parishes of Kingsnorton, Northfield, and Beoley. 1848.