In the Norwich school, at Birr, fifty English miles east from Limerick, 56 gross; 34 spelling, 22 reading the Testament; they repeated 47 chapters from memory. It was not so numerous this quarter as usual, from the extreme severity of the weather, and the nakedness and want of the children, still it is a good school, and taught by a worthy, pious, poor woman, with a large family.
The Cardigan school, at Kilbaron, is doing as well as could be expected, from the unceasing exertions of the priest there, more than usually excited in consequence of obtaining a complete victory over his champion in controversy, in presence of a number of people. The master was a very intelligent, clever man.
My dear Sir, your time and mine would not admit of my writing an account of each school under my superintendence. I send the quarterly statement, in which you see them with one view. The above I send for the satisfaction of those kind friends who support or contribute to the congregational schools. I also want time, and, indeed, inclination, to give any statement of my own humble labours. Though the weather has been extremely severe, since the 1st of February, I have been out the greater part of the time, and preached in very distant places, and in various counties, and sometimes under very trying circumstances. I preached at Benagher, King's county, sixty miles from Limerick, twice to the house full, at Walshpark, after travelling fifty miles, and preaching and administering the ordinance at Cloughjordan; gave a lecture at Ormandview, county of Galway; preached at O'Brien's Bridge, and several times at Castle Connell.
Ever yours, most affectionately,
William Thomas.
To the Secretary.
Ballina, March 20th, 1835.
My dear Sir,
I shall feel obliged to you, at your earliest convenience, to acknowledge the receipt of the following articles, kindly sent for the schools in this district.
A box of articles collected by Mrs. Thomas Allen, Birmingham, containing two packets of books from Mr. Groom; some tracts, workbags, &c. from Mrs. Glover and Miss Mansfield, Spring Hill; books, rug-worsted, and patterns, from Mrs. S. Cocks, Camp Hill; a small round stand, from Ann Husband; pin-cushions, from Mrs. Rogers, Bull-street; canvass, from Mrs. Johnson, Deritend; cotton-balls, from Mrs. Warner; patchwork, from Mrs. White; a blue bag, from Miss R. Simmons; a number of small books, from a "Well-wishing Friend to Ireland;" and numerous little rewards, from Mr. Thomas Allen and family; and from Rev. J. Smith and Sons, Astwood, 1000 needles. Since the above articles were kindly forwarded to me, Mr. Allen has received a parcel from Mr. West, containing some useful books, from "Dorcas," for the Library at Ballina; a parcel of books from Mrs. Hawkins, Stroud; and a number of pin-cushions, balls of rug-worsted, and a few workbags, and boxes of little fancy articles.