8 JANUARY 1831, Page 4

CLOSE Bonorotts.—The following liberal and judicious sentiments close a petition

for Parliamentary Reform, signed by seventeen out of thirty of the select electors of the close borough of Tavistock. If these things be done in the green tree, what shall be done in the dry ? "We disclaim, as insulting to our understandings and integrity, the statement that we have any private pecuniary interest in the present limitation of the elective franchise ; and are quite satisfied that it is injurious to the public interest that two members of Parliament should be chosen by so small a body of electors as this borough contains. We also petition you to apply the system of vote by ballot to such increased number of electors."

THE MEMBER FOR PRESTON AT, MANCIIESTER.011 Newyear's Day, about noon, Mr. Henry Hunt honoured Manchester with his presence. A party of the Radicals of the town posted off early in the morning to Oldham, in a barouche drawn by four horses, with outriders dressed in scarlet liveries ; and between one and two o'clock Mr. Hunt and the party entered the town in this vehicle, amidst the cheers of thousands of wondering spectators. They drove slowly through the streets, and proceeded to St. Peter's Field, the site of the appalling scenes in August 1819. From 10,000 to 12,009 persons, comprising men, women, and children, were attracted to the spot to witness the honourable member's display of oratory in the open air. After he obtained silence, he addressed the multitude in one of his speeches, in which he adverted to the " massacre " of 1819—pledged himself to bring its promoters to justice—spoke with great severity of the Magistrates who were present on the occasion, whom he pronounced to be "cruel, inhuman, and unjust,"—and promised that he would restore the people's rights by his exertions in the House of Commons. The people conducted themselves with perfect order and decorum, and not the slightest disposition to disturb the peace of the town was shown. As the procession marched on the field, the cheers were deafening, and shouts of "What's Wellington's visit to this ?" were very general. In the evenin I., Mr. Hunt dined with a numerous party of Radical Reformers, at the Spread Eagle Inn, Hanging Ditch. Whilst on the field he looked exceedingly well, and quite capable, as far as bodily appearance extends, to "go through a tough piece of work" (to use his own words) in the House of Commons.—Morning Paper. .

IRISH STAMP•DUTIES.—A letter from Mr. Spring Rice to the Chamber of Commerce, Dublin, sets, at rest the doubts respecting the intentions of Government on the question of raising these duties. The dropped bill of Mr. Gouiburn (an Irishman, and an Irish member, be it recollected by those who talk of Englishmen's heartlessness) is not to be disturbed. Are the Ministry prepared for the alternative to lower the stamp-duties of England to a level with those of Ireland ?

STATE OF num.—The Yorkshire principal manufactures continue in a favourable state for the time of the year. The exceptions are the fancy trade of Huddersfield and neighbourhood. At Huddersfield market on

Tuesday, there was a brisk inquiry for wools and cloth ; and the de. mand for the lower descriptions of cloth even exceeded the supply. An advance has also taken place in the price of worsted yarn of Is. and upwards per gross. In Lancashire, trade is not so good in any branch ; and in all places wages continue low.—Leeds Intelligencer.