158 RISEN B V PERSE VERANCE. 



I thought that by the concentration of my works in one 

 locahty, I might provide occupation for my sons. More- 

 over, as a landed proprietor, I felt I should be out of my 

 element. You are a nobleman, with all the influence that 

 rank and large estates can bring, consequently you have 

 power and influence in the country ; but outside of my 

 business, I am nothing — in it, I have considerable influence. 

 By the opening of Saltaire, I also hope to do good to my 

 fellow-men.' The inauguration banquet in connection with 

 the works came off" on 20th September 1853, on Mr. Salt's 

 fiftieth birthday, and also the date of the coming of age of 

 his eldest son. The order given to the purveyors was for 

 3750 guests; two tons weight of meat, and half a ton of 

 potatoes, were supplied for the occasion. The other pro- 

 vision on the occasion was most liberal and profuse. In 

 his remarks on the occasion, Mr. Salt said substantially 

 what we have already reported him as having said to Lord 

 Harewood. A most successful concert was held in St. 

 George's Hall, Bradford, in the evening. 



Due regard was paid to the educational and religious 

 wants of the community in Saltaire. The cost of the erec- 

 tion of the school buildings was ^^7000, and the Govern- 

 ment Inspector's report upon them was : • That the school 

 buildings, for beauty, size, and equipment, had no rivals in 

 the district.' Mr. Salt himself was closely attached to Con- 

 gregationalism, but this did not prevent him taking an 

 interest in and encouraging those of a different denomination. 

 To the Wesleyans, and to the Primitive Methodists, he 

 granted sites for their different places of worship. The 

 Baptists have two chapels just outside the town, while the 

 Roman Catholics and the Swedenborgians are also repre- 



