Transcribed by Barb Baker. Geo. THE WHITEHAVEN GAZETTE & CUMBERLAND ADVERTISER, Monday, December 2, 1822 / NEWS. _________________________________________________________ NEWS. We understand that on Sunday last there was not a single christening, marriage, or burial at St. Nicholas's Church. A circumstance so uncommon at that church on a Sunday has not occurred for upwards of twenty-four years. ............................Liverpool paper................ ________________________________________ THOMAS NEEDLE and his wife, each about 60 years of age, keepers of a toll-gate near Aylesbury, were murdered one night last week, in the most cruel manner: the brains of both had been beaten out with a hedge-stake, which was left in the house, and the bodies presented a horrid spectacle; the woman was lying on her back dressed; the man, undressed and in bed. Two men named CROKER and PALMER have been apprehended under very suspicious circumstances, the Coroner's jury returned a verdict of wilful murder against them. Their object was the toll-money; but it had been paid away the day preceding. _____________________________________ MR. BARON WOOD continues in so infirm a state of health, as to preclude him from the public discharge of his duties. It is anticipated that his Lordship will retire from office at the end of this term and that a new baron will be appointed.. __________________________________________ VARNISH FOR WOOD. The Italian cabinet work in this respect excels that of any other country. To produce this effect, the workmen first saturate the surface with olive oil, and then apply a solution of gum arabic in boiling alcohol. This mode of varnishing is equally brilliant, if not superior, to that employed by the French in their most celebrated works. _____________________________________________