Buddha.—­The bronze statue of Buddha, now in Aston Hall, is supposed to be 2,500 years old, and was found buried among the ruins of a temple at Soottan, on the Ganges, Dec 6, 1862.  It was presented to this town in 1864 by Mr. Samuel Thornton.

Chamberlain, J.—­The memorial at the rear of the Town Hall bears the following inscription:—­

“This memorial is created in gratitude for public service given to this town by Joseph Chamberlain, who was elected town councillor in November, 1869, Mayor in 1873, and resigned that office in June, 1876, on being returned as one of the representatives of the borough of Birmingham in Parliament, and during whose mayoralty many great works were notably advanced, and mainly by whose ability and devotion the gas and water undertakings were acquired for the town, to the great and lasting benefit of the inhabitants.”

The memorial was desisigned by Mr. J.H.  Chamberlain, of the firm of Martin and Chamberlain, and was presented to the town October 26, 1880, during the mayoralty of Mr. Richard Chamberlain.  The medallion of the right hon. gentleman is the work of Mr. Thomas Woolner, R.A.

Chamberlain, J.H.—­The sum of L2,744 13s. 6d. raised by subscription for the founding of a memorial of the late Mr. John Henry Chamberlain, was given to the Midland Institute, with which the lamented gentleman was so intimately connected.

Dawson.—­A public meeting was held Jan. 3, 1877, to decide on a memorial of George Dawson, and the sum of L2,287 13s. 9d. was subscribed for a statue to be erected at the rear of the Town Hall, but it was esteemed so poor a portrait that after a little while it was removed, in favour of the present statue.  A very pleasing bust, which is a very striking likeness and really characteristic portrait was unveiled at the Church of the Saviour, Aug. 8, 1882.  It bears the following inscription:—­

  IN LOVING MEMORY OF

  GEORGE DAWSON, M.A.

Coming to this town in the year 1844, he gathered round him a band of followers, who found in his teaching a fervent religious spirit, and a fearless trust in God as our Heavenly Father, in union with an earnest search after truth.  To perpetuate such union they built this Church, which he opened August 8. 1847, and in which he ministered until his death.  Not in this Church only, but throughout the land did he everywhere teach to nations:  that they are exalted by righteousness alone—­to men:  “To do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God.”

  He was born February 24. 1821, and died November 10, 1876.

  “I HAVE FOUGHT THE GOOD FIGHT.”

Mr. T.J.  Williamson, who executed this bust was entrusted with the order for the new statue.