| £. | s. | d. | |
| First Prize | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Second ditto | 1 | 0 | 0 |
No recipients of parish relief are allowed to become candidates for any of the prizes.
It is to be regretted that the Society, since the loss of its benevolent founders, has been in a declining state; but it is to be hoped that an institution which has effected so much social and domestic comfort, and advanced the cause of morality and vital religion, will not, in this wealthy district, be allowed to expire for want of support. Franklin has well observed, that “more will be done for the happiness of the poor by inuring them to provide for themselves, than could be done by dividing all your estates among them.” To establish principles of self-reliance among a people is to secure to them respectability and a manly independence of character.
FRIENDLY SOCIETIES.
There are several Friendly Societies in Oswestry, all of which are conducted with prudence and judgment, and are at present in a state of prosperity. The following is a list of these institutions:—
Sun Friendly Society, established 1765, consisting of 107 Members.
The Feathers Friendly Society, established 1830, consisting of 150 Members.
King Oswald Lodge of Odd Fellows, No. 603 Manchester Unity; established 1833, consisting of 153 Members. Held at Osburn’s Hotel.
Philanthropic Lodge of ditto, No. 1637, established 1838, having 50 Members. Held at the George Inn.
Duke of Cornwall Court of Foresters, No. 86, established 1840, consisting of 86 Members. Held at the Unicorn Inn.