The Express. — London, England, 1853-08-15 00:00:00

old qualified residents amongst us who are overlooked for no other reason than that they have not interest sufficient at head quarters to secure them their deserts. Another shipwreck, attended with fearful loss of life, b.s recently (the 21st or 22nd ult.) ozeurred on the coast, a short distance from the mouth uf the har bour, no fewer than 300 pilgrims having met with a watery grave on the occasion. Colonel G. Duff, 16th N. 1., has invalided, which gives promotion to Major Melvin, of the ith and :he senior of each grade in that corps. Major Wil.on, of the 26th, has retired from the service. Mr. Atkinson has been confirmed in the appointment of first assistant to the Master-Attendant, consequent on Mr. IL Leeke's elevation to the magisterial bench. The liumbay (uarter!y .4/ogaziae and Review has, after reaching its twelfth number, been discon tinued —for want of support I presume. It was a high church periodical, and extremely intolerant in i's principles. A new publication is to be got np at taivut a I hear—to which the editor (the Rev. - Mr. Anderson, of Bombay) of the Quarteny just discon tiuued will largely centribute. The Goveroor of Dieu, the most illustrious Joao Maria Petra, die d on the evening of Thursday last at Colaba, ard was interred yesterday evening to the cathedral church at Mazagon. All officers off duty were requee'ed to attend his funeral, and 13 minute guns were fired as the procession passed the saluting battery at the Apollo pier. The deceased had come to Bombay for change of air, when the monsoon set in, and he could not get back to the seat of his g overnment. The Bombay bank has declared a dividend at the rate of six per cent. per annum. Duriteg June 1,166 deaths occurred in Bombay, of which 21 w. IC from amongst the European commu nity. The lion. Mr. Bell is at death's door: he has resigned the service, which will bring Mr. John Warden into council, and confirm Mr. Remington as a Judge Sudder Adawlut. Colonel Aplin, 56th foot, is very unwell at Poona. 53,900 rm. and odd (5,31•00 are still required to finish the " St. John's Monumental Church, Coles," which has now been several years in course of erection, but seems destined never to be finished. Bank shares are quoted— Oriental, 99; Commercial, 291; Agra, 50 per cent. prem. Railway shares, 221 prem. per share. The harbour is full of ships, and freights are at 3 1 . kit London, and 2/. 15s. for Liverpool. The weather has born tolerably fine for the past week. The total uf rain up to to-day reaches 40 inches. Lieut. M. Haig, 24th Bengal Native Infantry, of the Quar t. rmatter-General's department, who left Bombay for Australia sick some time ago, died on the t4th of May on board the Ararat shortly after quitting Singapore. MADRAS. On the 21st June the steamers Styx, Lady Jocelyn, and Indiana, respectively from Trincomalee, Calcutta, mad England, reached Madras. Tho commander-in chiet of Madras was to have left that presidency on a tour of inspection to Bangalore yesterday. Mr. Ken riEk's Electric telegraph is nearly completed, and he has been succebsful iu teaching a couple of lads the way to manage the wires. H. M. frigate Winchester, having on board Admiral Sir F. Pellew, reached Madras on the 20th ult., the vessel having put in to take on board the flag captain (Fitzgerald) left be. hind when she last visited the port. The barque Ptarmigan was totally wrecked near Munsooreottah on the 13th ult. Captain and crew (all but three) saved. BENGAL AND THE NORTH-WEST PROVINCES. Colonel Viscourt Mclviii, 80th Rifles, has been appointed to the temporary command of the Sirhind division ; Brigadier J. Scott to that of the Meerut division, till the return of General Godwin from' Burmah. Brigadier C. 1). Wilkinson has leave to visit Cashmere on medical certificate. The ship Gloriosa has reached Calcutta with all the subordi nate staff for the construction of the electric telegraph —what has become of the worthy Dr. O'Shaugh- nessy Messrs. J. P. Grant and M. G. A. C. Plowden are to act as secretaries to government in the foreign and home departments. 'rhe ship City of Poona has been stranded on the Sangor island sands, but there was every hope of getting her up to Calcutta again to be docked. Ensign Sandham, 11th Native.ln fantry, who was so addicted to "pummelling the nigger.," has been cashiered, as also has Dr. C. Horton, of the 4th Seikh Native Infantry, who was constantly drunk, and was enable on the 14th of December to proceed with his duties of attending to the wounded of his corps. Mr. Wyatt, late judge of Rungpore, has been suspended from office by the Governor-General. The ex-Rajah of Cugool died at Hazareebaugh on the 2nd June ; he had been a state prisoner some three or four years only. Captain Halkett, A.D.C. to Sir W. Gomm, met with serious injury at Simla from a fall from his horse, his left shoulder having been dislocated; he was, however, doiug well. Sir William and Lady Gomm nad gone into the hills ruralising. The 6,000 shares in the Oriental o.s Company reserved for India have all been taken up in Bengal. Mr. James Mercer, the oldest European inhabitant of Futtyghur, died suddenly on the morn ing of the 17th June. The following accouniiiti; awful death of Dr. Wray, of her Majesty's 87th Fusiliers, in eaahmere, is taken from the Celestite Englishman of the 13th ult. : It is our paisful duty to record thir death by the fall of as avalambe in the snowy mountains to the north of Cub mne, of a mach smeared Mien of her Kilesty's 87th, sad the whole of the servants, shikaries, te.,_who mem ponied his. It appears that Liemenaat Peyteo, sad Amlitantmargerm Wray, of the above regiment, had ob tained leave to proered into the ranges beyond Cashmere M a shooting meanies, and when the frightfal event ae• stirred, they were sitting on a blanket in the mow, waiting fer the martinis light, to enable them to get a shot at some ibex in their vietaity. In an instant, se it were, an am bathe sashed over them, and Liestemant Pejton found himself Mose, Dr. Wray, his sensate, pas, Is., having bees swept away under the murderess mass of mew. A merespeadeat, wntiag to us regarding this most males study event, whisk has thrown a gloms ever Ferenepore, where the 87th are indented, as : "Pew Wray was a mleadid fellow, a clever eater, a iWinieg oompaaior, the We and soul of every party, sad withal a Bret-rate profes sional am. If the 87th bed lost Peyton alas, they would have had to moues two ahem wham Kash are sot Ohm met with." NIZAM'S DOMINIONS._ A report was at one lima in circulation, that Bri gadier Mayne's tome had had some severe fighting with refractory landholden in Bens, bat this turns oat to be untrue; his force was expected back in cantonments by 10th July. The Contingent is to be reduced to 2,000 cavalry and 6,000 infantry, and is to be hereafter styled the Hyderabad Contingent, not the Nizam's, as now. There are to be only two Brigadiers—Mayne and Mackenzie ; all the local officers are to be pensioned off. There are to be five commissioners and four deputies, on 1,40 W. and 6001. a year. The former are to be Majors Hampton and Johnston, Captains Taylor, Bullock, and Balmain, and the latter Messes. Palmer, Campbell, Innis, and Taylor. - - - - Brigadier Generalgteel;,C:B., has gone back to Rangoon, and it is expected he will be placed in command of the force left in the newly acquired pro ♦ince. The army is to be broken up immediately, so we may presume the Governor-General is satisfied with the professions of the Burmese monarch, and determined to act on it to recall a portion of the troops, and so lessen the expenses of the state. A proclamation declaring the war at an end will pro. bably shortly be issued. This pro•ince scarcely affords a single line of news. All we hear from it are accounts of the heat, and of the rise and fall of the river and canals. The troops were all very healthy. THE PUNJAUB. The only news received from this province since my last relates also to the weather, which was hot and disagreeable in the extreme, the contrary hav ing a short time before been the case. P.S.—Lieut. W. Boardman, 13th Madras N. 1., has been acquitted of the charge of having borrowed money from men of his corps, &c., and been congra tulated by the Commander-in-Chief that the court martial had fully exonerated him of all and every part of the charge which so deeply affected his cha racter. The steamer Lady Jocelyn, with a large number of passengers, left Madras for England via the Cape on the 21st June. Mourning was worn by all civil and military servants at Calcutta for a fort night, in respect to the memory of the late Lady Dalhousie. The 4th Sikh Infantry, while in Bur nish, are to be paid u a regiment of the line. Most of the cargo of the ship City of Poona hen bean rescued—the vessel itself will, it is expected, get off' clear. The Hey. H. Thomas, of the Old Church, Calcutta, is about to go to the Cape on sick leave. CHINA. DONO-KONO. Jews 23. The steamer Singapore, with the English mail of May 9, !arrived here at five o'clock this morning ; but owing to the mal-arrangements of the postal de partment, the mail boxes will not be opened until after the departure of the Malta, at 2 pad this day. S'oce the establishment of the fortnightly mails the steamers from Europe have generally entered the harbour just about the time of the departure of the outward-bound vessels, which would not happen were the Peninsular and Oriental Company to have vessels of adequate speed. Here at Hong. Kong we have had little matter of interest since the departure of the previous mail. Dr. Bankier, in charge of her Majesty's hospital ship Minden, whose long residence in China has secured for him the esteem of all, has tailen a victim to an acute liver attack ; and Dr. Campbell, of her Majesty's 69th Regiment,. has alJo been carried off by death. The health of the tmops in garrison is reported to be very healthy, the num ber of sick decreasing , and but 37 remainin3 in . . hospital. At Canton all was quiet, but matters were stlll in a state of uncertainty, the authorities being appre hensive that the storm of civil discord and war was not far off. The defences arc not altogether ne glected, but, should the Christian forces venture to attack the place, the capture would be an easy matter. Amongst the Chinese the prevailing opi nion appears to be that on the fall of Pekin, the people of Canton, the executive included, will declare in favour of the new dynasty. The " battle among the frogs" has, for the present, palmed over, and the foreign community contented itself with memorialis ing the Earl of Clarendon on the conduct of the French authorities about the flag-staff affair. In the absence of much to do in the way of business the Canton folk contemplate building an assembly room on a magnificent scale, which, if carried into effect, will relieve the foreign residents from ennui. At present there are about a dozen European and Ame rican ladies at Canton to grace the ball-room. The conduct of the rebel force in possession of Amoy attracts a good deal of the public attention. Inquiry has determined that the Amoy insurgents are in no way connected with the Christian army at Nankin, but consist wholly of members of the Triad societies, or "small knife" men, who, taking advan tage of the political distraction of the empire, have resolved to carve out a small province for themselves. Although these insurgents consist of the rabble, it is clear that the heads of their societies possess a great amount of influence over them. Subjoined is a let _ ter which furnishes details of the state - of matters at this scene of strife: Amoy, June 11, 1853. We regret to say that the unsatisfactory state of attars menti toed in our circular of the Ist con , inuiv, the shops are yet unopened ; if any alteration in the appearance of the atm s has taken place, it is that of greater tear and dis trust being entertained by the inhabitants, and while the raw. guards in this neighbourhood are all withdrawn, • great number of suspicious looking characters are prowling about. During the past week several petty thefts were committed on foreign sun Chinese Hongs, unimportant in themselves, but it is to be feared they are attributable wholly to the unsettled state of the place, and may be only the forerunners of more extensive robberies. As well as we can ascertain, the rebel chief has failed in several endeavours to get some of the wealthy inhabitants to accept of office, and it is not probable that any of the better classes, kowe , er favourably disposed to the rebellion, will openly take part in it until its success appears much more certain than at prevent. From the various reports which reach us, it would ap pear that the inhabitant. of Chang-chow, the most im portant sit) in this neighbourhood, continue to oppose the entry of the rebels, and seem resolved to prevent their taking the place. The rebels are said to occupy the suburbs and approaches to that city, which, unless relieved by assistance front without, must, from want of provisions, either surrender or fight. A great deal of fighting has already taken place there, and, as formerly reported, many lives lost. At Toog-wa the mandarins are again in possession, seem ingly with the consent of the inhabitants, while the rebels appear to have withdrawn altogether Item that town. For several day. past placards have been put up in the streets, announcing the intended arrival of the mandarin force, which seems to be collecting at Chin-chew, and variously reported at 3,000 men and upwards. From the apparent unseals'ss on the part of the read chiefs, and thy aversion on that of the inhabitants here wire' appear in any way connected with the rebels, it is stri dently expeeted that the Mandarins will return. Tong-wu (about half-way from Chin-Chen to this), being still in the interest of the inundating, will afford them a very convenient point to assemble at, prior to attacking Amoy, or proceed ing to the relief of Chang-Chen ; and if they—warned by the failure of the attempt made by the admiral on the 29th —come in force, and act with any decision, we have no doubt they will regain possession of the various places at present held by the rebels—a result which would, we think, give satisfaction to the generality of the inhabitants. Yesterday, an Amoy Chinese, after being severely tor tured, was beheaded for vesting up placards announcing the projected return of the mandarins, and his bead wee I paraded through the streets. It is said that several execs'. I does of prisoners and mandarins' men have lately taken place ; but the rebels seem unwilling to allow foreigners to knew of such. It would seem that moat of the leaders and a large part of the rebel force consisted of Straits Chinese, men who are returned emigrants from Singapore and Penang, and who will probably endeavour to escape to the Straits should the Tartar troops achieve a vic tory. It would also appear that urgent requests have been sent to the Triad or Huey Associations in the Straits for reinforcements. Two friends of the writer recently paid a visit to the Hall of Judas of the rebel chief, for the purpose et eamesaring bow matters were managed. Out did, ass were three human beads suspended, sad lommlb absee were huddled together between al ad g 0 wretched mandarins' men, prisoners, =manacled, awaiting a formal trial before Within the ball of justice was *mated the head of an inferior mandarin, and beneath this ghastly object stood an executive officer of the imperial government on his trial. The rebel Dag was displayed in a prominent part of the build ing. The judges consisted of the rebel chief and a Straits Chinese, named Beng-koo (formerly a linguist in the employ f Tait and Co., but dismissed for ras cality), who took a my active part in explaining the law as administered by the rebel rulers of Amoy. The culprit was asailimasd to lose his head, but no sooner had the awe laropean gentlemen retired than the wretched' . awa was sentenced to die of starvation. The cruelty szereieed by the rebel rulers has disgusted all classes, but these vile tortures are resorted to to deter the loyally-disposed from aiding the imperialists. By the French war-steamer Cassini, advice' have reached Hong Kong to the 18th inst., at which date it was generally expected that the Tartar forces would en deavour to recapture the city. The news brought by the Cassini will be best known from the following oommereial circulars ; Amoy, June 18,1863. The intelligence contained in the annexed letter respect ing the position of the Mandarin forces bassinets been fully confirmed. The Taoutai by his own statement would land to.dav on the other side of the island with upwards of 10,000 men. The number of men will, we think, be found smaller than he states, bat we have good reason for believ ing that the landing will be effected to-day or to-morrow and the place attacked the day after the disembarkation. The hope of an early riddance of the rebels seems to pleas* the generality of the people, and some of them are said to have tendered small quantities of rice for the immediate wants of the Mandarin soldier., and this at the same time that the rebels have to take by force what they get, leaves no doubt as to the wishes of the trading climes. However, the rebels are making every preparation in their power to retain the place, and evince neither fear nor despair ; so that it is probable a hard struggle will ensue, more sepe -41114 as neither party will have good means of escaping, while each knows that instant decapitation is the most likely fate of the captured. If the Mandarins act with eaution and any courrge we think they will gain the victory. la common with many others we tlopto such may be the Om, for the reign of these rebels has been productive of nothing but loss and trouble. Amoy, June 16, 1863. Sioth the 11th inst. authentic information has been re ceived that the Taoutai of this place is at Tangwa with • considerable "umber of troops, and waiting further rein reements, said to be on the way from Foochow, to come and attack the rebels here. His intention seems to be to carry out his purpoes on or about the 19th instant, with a force variously estimated at 4,000 to 6,000 men, accom panied by a large number of mandarin junks. He has also applied to the English consul to maim him with • steamer. From Changchow it is reported that though still occupying that place and its approaches , the rebels had on the 12th instant • fight with the inhabitants, in which they (Me rebels) got the worst of it. Here the rebels I appear very much pressed for funds, and betides prohibit ing the conveying of rice to any of the neighbouring towns, have commenced extorting considerable sums from those reported to be wealthy. The alarm and discontent caused by these proceedings on the part of the rebels, added to distrust of each other, render the opportunity • very favourable ore for the Mandarins to retake the place- Two days ago a row broke out in the (shiers palace (where probably 2,000 rebels belonging to rebel villages are sta- dosed) between them and some Amoy rebels who were in the city, the former suspecting the latter of an intenth.n to kill the chief end place the second (a Straits Chinese) in his piece. The second chief arrived in time to quell the riot, which at one moment threatened to become • very serious &flair. We have received but little further intelligence from Shanghai of the condition and progress of the Christian army in possession of Nankin. The impe rial °facers at Shanghai were making the most active preparations for defence and offence. The imperial fleet has been augmented by several other European vessels, and now consists of the following. besides' numerous armed lorchas under the Portuguese flag: Agnes, Elsworthy, 28 guns; Antelope, 372 tons, Dyer, 12 guns; Boxer, 6 guns; Clown, Rees, 12 guns ; Dewan, 118 tons, Robinson, 12 guns ; Sir Herbert Compton, 311 tons, Brown, 28 guns. These vessels, mounting 98 guns, are about to pro ceed to the attack of Chin-ktang, and with their aid it is confidently expected by the Tartar forces that the above-mentioned city will be carried. A report was current at Woosung on the 9th inst. that the Tartar and Christian forces had been engaged, but the battle was a drawn one. THE EXPRESS, MONDAY EVENING, AUGUST 15, 1853. AUSTRALIA. Sydney papers to the lath May received at Sin gapore announce the departure from that port on the 12th of the steamer Harbinger for the Cape and England. There had been but little of inte rest to engage the public mind since the departure of the Chuban's mail in April. The arrival of the Harbinger—outrunning the Royal Mail steamers — and that of many sailing vessels, with late news from Europe, had conjured up subjects for specula tion, and somewhat sot:ened the disgust everywhere manifest at the miserable failures of the Australian Company's — steamers. Political matters were again engrossing public attention. The Legislative Coun cil was opened on the 10th May by Governor- General Fitzroy in a neat-turned speech full of promise and hope. The Governor s speech re vealed the fact that despatches had been received in reply to the grievance petitions of the house, and conceding, on certain conditions, all, or nearly all, their demands. On the 11th these despatches were laid on the table of the house, and had caused a feeling of satisfaction at the prospect held out by the future of self government. The chief condition imposed—namely, that the legislature be new modelled, and divided into two houses--is considered satisfactory, but, u remarked by the Empire, the constitution of an upper house is really a ticklish point, in regard to which the greatest danger of disagreement existed. With regard to the lower house, the Empire inclines to the opinion that no conditions will be insisted on, and that it will remain as it is, the nominee element being re moved. The present composition of the council — the preponderance of the squatting interest—af forded some room for suspicion that morally it was not competent to mend the distribution of electoral representation. The Governor-General's speechdtd not overlook the gold mining question. At present every male of more than fourteen years of age in the proclaimed gold fields, even fur the briefest purpose, and that most remote from the gold digging, must pay thirty shillings a month, though not there more than two days, and though not occupying an inch of ground. Further, every occupant oT a plot for trade must pay a rent for that plot of thirty shillings per month, and a thirty shillings poll tax for every one in his employ. The anomalous nature and offensive character of this charge, its want of all parallel with the nature and amount of that paid for the squatting tenure, advan taged the latter interest st the expense of the former, and to the prejudice of the public revenue. The non-arrival at Sydney, for several weeks, of ships with merchandise had considerably impeded the course of trade. High prices still rule, nor was there much expectation that goods would descend, except by slow degrees, to former rates. Bank and other shares were at the same value as reported by the Chusan's mail of April 2. The shares of the Bank of New South Wales continued at 55 premium ; those of •he Commercial Bank at 59 to 60; and those of the Joint Stock at 30. The mining companies stand, Bathurst Copper Mining at 130; the Great Nugget Gold Mining at 35 and 75; and the Gold Mining at par. General trade was equally pros perous. After the foregoing was written, the Peninsular and Oriental Company's steamer Shanghai arrived at Singapore on the afternoon of July 4, just as the steamer Malta was leaving with the English mails. Is order to save the mail, Captain Parfitt did not run into Batavia with the Shanghai, but landed the mails for Java at Anjer, and reached Singapore two hours before the sailing of the Malta. By the Shanghai news from Sydney has been received to the 2nd June. There was little news of interest. On May 24 the Queen's birthday was celebrated at Government House, when there was a very large attendance of gentlemen to display their loyalty on the occasion. The Australian Agricultural Com pany's colliers at Newcastle had again struck for a large increase of wages. On May 30 a very handsome and large silver salver, with a purse of 340 sovereigns, was presented to Captain Parfitt, of the Shanghai, given as a testimonial by the bankers, merchants, &c., to reward that gentleman for the energy he displayed in steaming for Galle direct in November last, and thereby insuring the delivery of the mail in London in 69 days. The intelligence from the dining*, as also the state of the markets, con tinued very satisfactory. Gold was selling at 765. to 765. 6d. per ounce. VICTORIA. Melbourne papers to the 15th May notice the con tinued prosperity of the colony, and the state of eostacy into which it had been thrown by the pub lication of the despatches of the Colonial-office recognising the principle of self-government as the future coastitution of the colony. The price of gold was on the advance, and in consequence of a rather short supply, an in creased demand had been done as bigk as 31. 16s. 9d. per ounce, a rise of 6d. per ounce tee days. Fodder was very scarce, and the go veronmot were buying up all they could get at 401., and carting it up themselves to the diggings. Floor was selling at 301. per too; potatoes, at 201.; rice, at 101. per ton. There was a groat demand for gold fee shipment to England per Harbinger, which had ow casioned a rise in price. There was no news of much interest from the mining dis tricts. Greet results were expected from the *lvor diggings. Some very splendid specimens of gold and quarts had been obtained from that lo cality, one especially weighing about 160 ounces. The Melbourne Morning Herold attempts to account for the falling off in the quantity of the gold raised thus :—" A gentleman who has just returned from a visit to the principal diggings, and on whose observa tion and judgment we can rely, affirms that the amount of gold now being raised cannot be less than 100,000 ounces per week. He accounts for the great difference between this yield and the quantity brought to Melbourne by the esoorts, by the fact that the old and more successful diggers are hoarding the gold, considering it quits as valuable as any bank deposits or other value they may obtain by selling it; and waiting their chance of high rates and a prospect of good investment of the proceeds before they part from it." By the Shanghai, arrived at Singapore, advises and journals had been received from Melbourne to June 8, on which day the elections for the city cow menced, the candidates being Messrs. Allen, S Hodgson, Guthride, Sargood, Longlands, an t :t: phy. Three new members were required, and the show of hands was deolar,d in favour of Messrs. Sow good, Longlands and Murphy. A poll was demanded for Alderman Stephen. The clipper ship Maras Polo had arrived in Hobson's Bay, having made*, run from Liverpool in 75 days, whilst the challenged steamer Antelope had not arrived up to the time of the Shanghai's departure. The weekly produce of gold in Victoria was on the increase; the quantity sent down by escort for the week ending May 27 was 30,966 ounces. The price of gold had advanced, in consequence of the shipments to be made by the Marco Polo. We annex the latest commercial and gold news. The following is Mr. circular, estracted from the Argus of the Bth of June : The inquiries for gold during the week, for shipment per Kent and Marco Polo, have far (weeded the supply, and, in consequence, an advance on last week's pries hes been maintained. The market opened at 76e. 6d., and left off at 775. The banks having raised the premium on their drafts to 2 per cent., has also had the effect of starting the pries. There is nothing new to report from the various gold fields. The winter having fairly set in, the diggevs are at work vigorously. A new field is reported on the Wimmers. The statement is that it is a second Bendigo, but this waste confirmation. M'lvor goes on moodily iesereuing. Ben digo still takes Ilse lead u to quantity. The amount of specie received by the Ann Cropper,Marco Polo, and Aden, is 289,0001. for the week. The government escorts brought this week from os. Mount Alexander and Bendigo 18,408 The Ovens Bslasrat (including that left at Livelong) M'lvor 3,581 The Melbourne Escort Company brought from Mount Alexander and Bendigo 4,794 M'lvor 761 Gold slipped from Victoria is 1863 943,610 Per Kest, to London Per Renown, from Geelong to ditto 10,366 930,258 Or 40 tons 16 cwt. 3 qrs. 13 lbs. 2 on., at 751. £3,675,967 Exchange on London, on drafts against gold hypothe cated, 2 per cent. discount, and from 50s. to 60s. advanced by the banks. Freight of gold delivered at the buili in office, London, 41d. per. on. Insurance, 21 guineas per Under the head of Commercial Intelligence, the Argus of the Bth June says : Last week the price of gold ruled at 765., and an im pression prevailed that it would recede ; but during the week it has steadily risen till it now stands firm at 775.. with a full demand and so empty market. The enormous quantity of goods. for which remittances have been re ceutly sent home, combined with the needful returns for . . consist . uments to our market, have induced the banks to in crease their rates of exchinge on London, and the conse quence has been the rise of 2 per cent., announced on Sa turday, which is now charged by all the banks for their drifts on England. ibis also, as we mentioned on Satur day, has affected the gold market, which has not been higher or firmer fur a considerable period. Rumour, which is always busy under such circumstances, has spread a report that there is even a probability of a fur ther rise upon the exchan :es ; but there seems no good Inundation fur such a report, and we may add, no likeli hood of any such rise taking place, at least for a time. While everything else in commercial circles seems to be on the decline, laud apparently maintains a position of unpre cedented and unexpected value. Fro:u the Price Current of the same paper we ex tract the following as to the state of the markets relative to the immense supply of breadstuffs : When the difficulty of storage is universally discussed, the question of a glut of goods must naturally arise ; and though such a possibility is vnerally considered as distant arid improbable, there are some description of articles in which it is not, in our opinion, at all unl Rely. Colonial produce has been perhaps the least affected by the recent depression, for we are aware that our finest flour has fetched even higher prices than those we quote. But already symptoms of decline, even in this article, are appa rent. American flour, however, sod other breadstuff., are beginning to be seriously affected, and must dealer* still further, if the additional quantties anticipated shall eon tines to arrive. And it these supplies, generally so suita ble and so well .elected, are likely to fall, what will become of those similar but very inferior articles, which are pour ing in upon us from Calcutta and the other eastern ports ? We have already adverted to this subject, showing the magnitude of the importations from that quarter, importa tions which we regret to observe are not only ridiculous in extent, but unsuitable io kind and quality. SOUTH AUSTRALIA. Adelaide newspapers, which had reached Singa pore by the Sophia Moffatt, to the end of May, notice the arrival at Adelaide on May 15 of the Peninsular and Oriental Company's steamer Shanghai, with the English mail of May 8. The Shanghai was ex pected at Adelaide on her return to Singapore about, the end of May, but had not arrived there up to the Ist June, the day on which the Sophia Moffatt sailed. The colony of South Australia, like the sister settle ments, was in a state of ecstacy at the prospect of self-government—the enthusiasm of the colonists knew no bounds The concession had manifestly taken them by surprise, and they were at a loss for words to express their gratitude; but in the midst of their rejoicings they very strongly deprecated the " retention of the abhorred feature of nomineeism." On the Queen's birthday, the Lieutenant-Governor held a levee, on which occasion he was dressed in the uniform of a Lord- Lieutenant. After the levee, the usual allowance of bread and blankets was distributed to the natives. There were 24 men, 15 women, and 12 children of the Adelaide, Mount Barker, and Lake Bonney tribes. The men received four loaves each, the women three, and the children two. The blankets were chiefly given to the relatives of the pupils at Port Lincoln. The Legislative Council was prorogued to the Ist ot July, and there was a rumour current that a further prorogation would take place, which had calmed some dissatisfaction, as the colonists were anxiously looking for what was to be achieved by self-government. A general complaint prevailed ot the distressing ravages of the influenza, which affected both men and ani mals. MILITARY INTELLIGENCE. commits,. eil;oliciill.ii;;;To;;liiodii;rtoro of the mail on the 20th June : Queen's Troops.—Dr. Wray, her Majesty's 87tb, at Cash mere. Bengsl.—Liest. L. H. Chisholm, 40th Regt. N.L, at Rangoon. on the 16th May. COMMERCIAL INTELLIGENCE. BOMBAY, JULY 1. As usual at this season of the year, but little has been 41111 M in the commercial world. No means of export at pre mat existing. GAIT Bntartgos of 61 and jibs. weight, Madapolams of all kinds, and Isconets of low quality and 40 and 46 inches, fatly maintain their value, and are even now saleable. In other goods there is little or nothing doing; but there is a better inquiry manifested sa the cheering accounts are re ceived of the rain having extended far into the interior of the country. In MITALS there is next to nothing doing. Corrox Woot. has very slightly declined as freights and exchange have advanced. We quote Broach, Jumbooter, and Buret cotton at re. 105 to 107 ; Madera, at n. 102; Omrrwutty, at is. 100; and Compta and Mungrole, at n. 98. Corras.—Barbara, lately imported, sold to natives at n. to 10, whilst Mocha fetches n. 81 to 9. Perrita is scarce; Bhutcole at n. 76, Malabar at re. 67 to 68 per candy. LINIIIID sells at n. per candy. kaniolies to Liverpool may now be quoted at 2L 165., and to London at 3i.; at which rate engagements bare been made. To China they may be quoted at re. 10 per candy. Idicamton has advanced to 2a. lid. per rupee at six meths for Baring's credits, bat is now rather lower again ; the rate asked to-day may be quoted at 2s. lid. per rupee. Local drafts at 21.11 d. to 2a. lid. MANILLA, MAT M. Sllol2.—There have been 000lideniilcont'rsos for ettr rest quality at Ii dola. lad at 3 21-8 doh. per picol; but in the abessoe of *men to restive cargoes on freight there oanaot be moth activity in the market. We quote other kinds: First white, 6 dole. to doh. ' • snood white, 4 dole. ; unclayed Pempange. 21 dole. to 3 doh. t Taal, 1 dole.; and Zebu, If dole. par Intel. The exports since the lit of January are: To the United States, 123,697 piton against 64,092 piton to the same data in 1852 ; and to Australia, 71,412 piton against 31,180 piton to the same date in 1862. lontoo.—Several parcels of Flom of middling to fair quality, from the Int crop have b een brought in and sold at 28 dole. to 36 dole. per quintal. This is an ad vance upon former prices, as the indigo brought thus early to market is very damp and will tom largely in weight. Excamtoz.—Siz month bills on London, Se.; Austra lian Beak bills, 41. Ild. On Canton: 30 days, par to 1 per cent. prem. On Amoy : 4 per cent. prem. Flllllollll.—To the United States, 10 dole. per ton of 40 feet of hemp or 20 cwt. of sugar. To Oreat Britain : The Bt. Hilda loads under a eharter made in England at 31. Se. per ton of 20 cwt. of sugar or 60 cubic fast of hemp. A fair quotation is 31. 10s. for sugar and 41. for hemp per ton of 20 cwt. THE CESAR AT This noble ship, see baying been safely got afloat, is now in dock, where injury she sustained in launching has been thoroughly in vestigated To we her on the blocks her sheer has so nearly assumed its normal position that there is no outward appearance of damage whatever. On more minute inspec tion, however, she is found to have strained a good deal, but not beyond what can be remedied at a comparatively trifling expense, and 800 will then indeed be stronger than she was originally. Some of the fastenings will haute.° be replenished, - and probably additional braces furnished. A little fresh caulking toe will be required ; all of which will be decided upon by the Surveyor of the Navy, who is ex pected for that puma* to be at Pembroke on the 16th or 16th inst. There can now be no doubt of the cause of the disaster. She was launched when there was not water enough, and consequently the bilgeways stuck in the mud before the fluid could take the weight of the after-part of the vessel off them. The ways should either have been carried farther out, or time should have been given for the tide to ries higher. MOVEMENTS or Hum Mensrv's SIIIP6.—At Buenos Ayres : Her Majesty's steamers Locust and Trident. At Monte Video : Her Majesty's steam-frigate Centaur, Admiral Hendersin, and the Vixen, Captain B d, struck the Panella Rock, near Monte Video, in a fog, re turning from the Strait of Magellan. The Declaim (her Majesty's steamer), with treasure on board for the Pacific, sailed from Rio Janeiro fur England on the 13th July. Her Majesty's brig Star arrived at Rio on the 14th. HOUNSLOW Batutacus.—Orders have just been issued for placing this building in a state of most efficient repair. The paving and draining are to be particularly attended to, both as regards the troop stables, as also in the front and rear of the west wing; and in other respects a considerable outlay will be made upon the entire building. VOt Court. OSBORNE, Acorer 13. The Queen and Prince Albert, accompanied by the Priam of Wales, Prince Alfred, and the Prince 01 Pramia, attended by the Hun. Mary Seymour and the Gen tlemen in Waiting, went on board the Prussian frigate Gellon, which was anchored off O•borne at noon y day. The royal party embarked in the boats of the Victoria and Albert, under a salute from the frigate. Her M jesty, his Royal Highness, and the Prince Lf Prussia drove over in the afternoon to visit the Grand Duchess Katherine, near Ryde. The party at dinner yesterday included the Prince of Prusais, the Earl and Counters of Wilton, Lord Adolphus Fitsclarence, Vice•Admir,l Sir Thomas Cochrane, Captain Schroeder (of the Prussian navy), Count Puckler, tad Count Golts. AtiOUST 14. The Dueheaa of Kent, attended by Lady Augusta Bruce and Sir George Co w p er , arri ve d a t Osborne at half-past 3 o'cl ek yesterday afternoon, from Frogmore. The Queen and Duchess of Kent, attended by Lady Gains borough, Lady A. Bruce, and Col. Houten', drove out yesterday afternoon. Prince Albert rode on horseback. The lion. Colonel and Lady Sophia Phipps had the honour of being invited to dinner in the evening. The Earl of Aberdeen will entertain the Cabinet Minis ters at dinner on Wednesday neat, at his residence, Argyll house. MOVEMENTS OF TUE ROYAL FAMILY.—The Queen and royal family will remain at Osborne House till the birthday of Prince Albert, the 26th instant, which of late years has been celebrated at the rasrine residence of the Prince and his royal consort. The day commences with a serenade in the grounds, end the entire household, those employed in the farm, with the crew of the royal yacht, are indulged with a holiday, and sports upon the grounds, which the royal party witness with all the condescension of a private family in the midst of their faithful servants. Immediately after this auspicious celebration the Court will depart for Ireland, on the morning of Satueday, the 27 h, hut the Queen and Prince will not enter Dublin until Monday, the 29th instant. Her Majesty will be atteuded by the Duke of Newcastle, one of the principal Secretaries of State, and by the Lard Chamberlain, the Marquis of Breadalbene. The Queea will remain at the Viceregal Lodge till the end of the week, when she will proceed on her annual visit to the retirement of her highland home.— Macros,. THE ANNUAL WHITEBAIT DINNER took place on Saturday at the Trafalgar, Greenwich, previous to the pro rogation of parliament. The following ministerial members of both houses of parliament were present:—Right lion. W. E. Gladstone, Lord Alfred Hervey, Right lion. Sir James Graham, Mr. James Wilson, Right lion. E. Sirup, Lord Sydney, Lord Workhouse, lion. Robert Doyle, Duke of Newcastle, Mr. Grenville Berkely, Right lion. Sir W. Molsisworth, Mr. William Keogh, the Lord Chancellor, Lord De Tabley, Right Hon. Sidney Herbert, Right Hou. W. G. Hayter, Viscount Drumlanrig, Sir A. J. E. Cock burn, Mr. W. Monsell, Sir Richard Bethell, Mr. Robert Lowe, Hon. W. Cowper, E irl of Mulgrave, Mr. John Sad leir, Lord Ernest Bruce, Earl of Aberdeen, Mr. Frederick Peel, Duke of Argyll, Right lion. E. Cardwell, Viscount Palmerston, Viscount Canning, Mr. Ralph Diborne, Earl Granville, Marquis of Breadalbanc, and Lord Elcho. OFFICIAL APPOINTMKNT.—The Hon. Frederick Bruce, now Charge d'AlEnres and Consul-General to the Oriental Republic of the Uruguay (Monte Video), is ap pointed her Majesty's Agent and Consul-General in Egypt. THE SPITHEAD FLEET. POILTSMOUTH, At:o. 14. Last night a signal was made from the Coln mander-in-Cluere ship to the fleet at Snithead, ordering an officer from each ship to repair to the Admiral's office to take copies of the following general memorandums ex pressive of her Majesty's approbation with the officers and men engaged at the naval review on Thurday last : " Victory, in Portsmouth Harbour, Aug. 13, 18.53. " the Commander-in Chief has peculiar ;atisfaction in communicating to the flag officers, captains, commanders, officers, and men under his command, the accompanying dispatch from the Secretary to the Admiralty : "Admiralty, Aug. 12, 1853. "81a,—The Board of Admiralty has received the commands of her Majesty to notify to you, and the admirals, captains, officers, and men under your orders at the naval review on Thursday, her Majesty's approbation of their exemplary conduct on that occasion. " Each in his respective station was anxious to do his duty well, and success was the certain consequence. "Her Majesty observed with great satisfaction those effects of order and discipline which never fail to sustain the honour of the flag, and offer pledges of the undiminished power of the British navy. "The Queen received also with peculiar pleasure the hesrty proof of good will and attachment to her person and family, which mingled grateful, frelings with proud recol lections, and which added happiness to conscious strength in witnessing the evolutions of such a fleet, ready to defend the power of the crown and the Independence g the nation. " The Admiralty directs you to make known this order to all officers and men on board the fleet now assembled at Spithead. " B. R. OSBORNE, Secretary. "To Vice-Admiral Sir T. J. Cochrane, K.C.13." THE GREAT SMITE FORGERY CASE. At the time when the counsel for the plaintiff in Ibis unprecedentedly romantic cause threw up their briefs, there remained upwards of fifty witnesses to be examined on his behalf ; while as many as eighty were present on the part of the defendant, which would, it has transpired, have I been of the most complete kind. It would have been proved by Mr. Herepath, the eminent analytical chemist, that the deeds were undoubtedly forgeries, the will and seals being of modern date—most likely not as many months as they were said to have been made years. Another re- I makable peculiarity which would have been established in regard to the seal is this; The distinctive mark of the baronetage is, as everyone knows, a blood red hand, and this hand is always placed upon a small shield on the face of the family bearings. In making the seal ordered by the plaintiff the engraver was only able to get in, upon the small shield, a hand bearing three fingers and a thumb, and an examination of the seal on the deed proves that the fourth finger is deficient in the impression upon the wax. Another important circumstance has been brought to light by the right rev. the Lord Bishop of Gloucester, which has a material bearing on the ease. Dr. Verney sivett, who is said to have aursied Sir Hugh Smyth in Ireland, and whoa, name is appended to that certificate in the Bible, as " Verney Lovett, D.D., Rector of Lismore," did not Ake his doctor's degree until 1809, which is 10 years after the alleged marriage. ICUs been ascertained likewise that on the day on whisk the plaintiff swore to having seen Mrs. Way at Heath Howse, that lady was not near the pleat. It would have been proved that after leaving his home at an early age the self styled Sir Richard, in his proper name of Thomas Provis, entered service, and it was while in ser vice that he stole a gelding, for which offence he was sen tenced to death. In 1814 he was keeping a school at Lady mead, Bath, where he was charged with an abomin able offence, and having entered into recognisance' he ran front his bail. In consequence of this his first wife (Mary Ann Whittiek) separated from him. It is said that previous to her marriage with him she was in service at the Smyth', at Ashton Court, while it is certain that subsequently to their separation she lived with that family as housekeeper. Probably much of his information as to the earlier branches of the Smyth family was derived from this source. Several members of th# Bath family were present to state that they had never heard of such a person as the plaintiff in connexion with their house, and the governor of Ilchester gaol was also present. The result of the trial has produced quite a commotion amongst the tradesmen of Clifton, who had, in the hope of gaining his future favours, war mly espoused "Sir Richard's" cause, end trusted him to a large extent with goods and money. It is understood also that four gentlemen of the Israelitish profession in London had advanced 1,0001. each upon bonds to secure them the moderate interest of 1,0001. each , per annum. THE ACCIDENT ON THE DAY OF THE REVIEW. The coroner's inquest on the body of William White, aged 64, who was killed on Thursday night last by the accidental discharge of a loaded gun, was held at the Fitsclarence Tavern, Portsmouth, on Friday evening. De ceased wu a waiter at the George Rotel, in Portsmouth, and the gun by which he was killed belenged to Mr. Powell, juo., a solicitor, residing at Chichester. The jury returned the followinif verdict—" Death by misadventure: caused by the accidental discharge of a gun loaded with powder and shot, the property of and in possession of Mr. Powell." The foreman of the jury, Mr. M'Cartney, stated that be and his brother jurors were unanimous in their opinion that it was highly in. judicious and reprehensible on the part of Mr. Powell in carrying about with him a gun loaded and capped, and that they trusted this event would ba a warning to him for the future. Two INDEPENDENT MINISTERS OFF TO THE DtootNOS.—lt will be learnt with some intrpriee that two of the leading ministers of the independent body in Man chester, the Rev. Richard Fletcher, who has held his charge about 22 years, and the Rev. J. L. Poore, who has been a pastor there II years, are about to take their passage to Australia. These gentlemen have been solicited by the Colonial Missionary Society to go out to Victoria and su p er i n tend theirmissions in that thriving colony, and have accepted the responsible charge, leaving large sod attached conrations behind them. Meetings were held of their friends daring the put week to take leave of them. EAST INDIAN RAILWAY. The report which is to be submittea to the pro. prietors at the general meeting to-morrow is as follows • On the occasion of meeting the proprietors at the aizi half•yearly general meeting, the Board of Directors have the satisfaction of coogratulatieg the sharehAders upom having completed arrangements with the East India Com pany for the development of that comprehensive system of railways iq India which originated with this company. The following correspondence between the Maid of Direc tors end the East India Company, exhibits the terms of the proposed new arrangements with that body, by which it will be observed, that upon the capital requisite to complete the line to Delhi, interest at the rate of 4 per cent. per annum is guaranteed, under terms in other respects identical with those of the first contract : [Here follows the correspondence.] teed by the East India Company, and the identity Independently of the pecuniary assistance th u s gueran of inte rest iu the success of the company which is involved in the arrangements, the undcrtakiog presents advantages el no milieu,' character. The political benefits which it will confer upon this coun try and upon India are second only to the intluettnenta it offers as a largely remunerative means of investineut, and the following brief summary r f traffic, taken from authen ticated documents carefully collated seven years ago, justi fies the expectation that the ultimate receipts of the line will be large beyond any known precedent. The estimated cost of the line from Calcutta to Delhi is 10,000,0001. In the year 1844-45, the traffic between Calcutta and Mirzspore was about 2,222,359 tons of goods and about 670,000 passengers; and between Mirzapore and Delhi, about 1,000,000 tons of goods; end 430,000 passengers. Ex perience in this country warrants the assumption that there will be a large increase upon this traffic ; but, taken as it stands, and carried at exceedingly low rates, with an al lowance of 50 per cent. for working expenses, it will pro duce a net revenue exceeding 30 per cent. per annum on the capital invested. To give effect to the arrangements contemplated, the Board of Directors propose to issue. 400,000 shares of 201. each ; of these shares 2.50,000 will he offered pro rota to the present holders of shares in this company, in the propor tion of 2} new shares for each Old and each Extension B share ; the remaining 150,000 shares being assigned at the request of the East India Company, and in consideration of the ultimate extension of the line by this comp-iny to Lahore and the North Western frontier, to the holden of shares in an association entitled the Upper India Railway Com pany, in accordance with an arrangement made in the fol lowiug terms :—ln the event of the line from Itajmahal to Delhi, and ultimately to the North West frontier, being in trusted to the East India Railway Company, and of a capital for that purpose being authorised of tint less than seven millions, a proportion of that capital, to the amuunt of three million'', shall be assigned to the holders of scrip in the Upper India Railway, the whole of that scrip being simultaneausly delivered up. Three of the directors in the Upper India Radway Com p-ny shall be elected directors of the East Indian Railway Company, in addition to the present members, by the Board of Directors of that company according to the present mode. (Signed) Joe:LINN. R. A. AiiLIONBY. East India Rouse, July 23, 1853. In the presence of the chairman and deputyiel.erman of the East India Company. (Signed) R. E. J. O. In pursuance of this arrangement, the hoard detetmined to recommend for election three directors of tl:e Upper India Railway Company. The directors of that company, however, have declined to be elected in the mode agreed upon, and the necessity therefore for increasing the board at this meeting, of which notice was give n, no linger exists. It is intended that calls on the 400,0(10 ,hares now to be issued shall be made at intervals of three months, at the rate of about 16 per cent. per annum. The first call will be 2/. per share. There will also be a call of If. per share on the shares at present called Extension B shares, and the remaining 18/. will be called for at the rate of 16 per cent, per annum. Arrangements have been made, by the bill introduced into parliament to carry out the extended objects of the company, for securing the interests of the holders of the 5 per sent. shares. The works at present under contract are progressing satisfactorily ; nearly the whole of the permanent way for the first section of 121 miles has been shipped ; the rolling stock will at once follow; and it is hoped that this pnrtion of the line may be opened for traffic in the course of next year. BIRKENHEAD, LANCASHIRE, AND CHE- SHIRE JUNCTION RAILWAY. The ordinary half-yearly meeting of the share holders of this company was held on Saturday, in the Monks' Ferry Hotel, Birkenhead, at one o'clock ; Alderman JAMES Bancitorr, chairman of the board of directors, presiding. The advertisement coffin the meeting having been read, the chairman called on the secretary, John Oibsun, Esq., to read the report, of which the following aro the most im portant features In reporting the proceedings of the company during the last half-yeer, the directors hare the satisfattion to ob serve that the accounts show a con‘iderable increase over the corresponding period of last year, and this increase has arisen from the general traffic of the line. The amount received during the half-year ending 30ffii June, 1852, was £41,477; expended £22,50 1853, „ 62,466; 21,940 Increase £10,979. L2,3Ve "The traffic on the Cheshire Junction portion of the line is rapidly increasing. The merchandise between Man. cheater add Chester for the last half-year amounts to 25,149 tons, against 16,165 tons for the corresponding half year, and between Manchester and Birkenhead ti tons, against 1,274 tons for the onrrespooding period of 1862% the number of passengers 91,364, ngaiost 83,783; and the total receipts from the Cheshire June; inn line fog the last half-year amount to 16,5131. 10s. sd. against 12,4481. 13s. Ild. for the corresponding period. "The statement of account shows a gross income for the, half-year (including a balance of 541. 19s. 6d. front last half-year) of 63,9461. 13s. 7d. ; but the directors have to observe that this statement assumes an amount to be re ceived from the Shrewsbury and Chester Company now under litigation ; and that, although they have been advised that this company have a legal claim for the amount stated, and they have deemed it proper to make out the account. in this form, they do not recommend the proprietors to divide the whole amount. "The cost of relaying the line between Birkenhead and Chester, and the Button accident, hitherto included in the general balance, shall be stated under a separate head, and circulated with the report. " The directors have also to observe that, in the half-year ending June, 1862, the sum of 3,4301. 16e. 1 id., arising from dividends oa forfeited shares, and 1,8351. 6.. 3d., • balance from the previous half-year, mak'ng together the sum of 5,2861.65. 241., was brought into that account, whilst in the account now submitted only the balance of 641. 19.. is added to the actual receipts of the half-year. "The present accounts are further affected by the advance of materials and labour, in the former to the exteut of 1d per cent., and the latter of 10 pe r cent., whilst no corn speeding advance has been made in the rates and charges of the company. " The proprietors will see, by reference to abstract D, is the printed accounts, that the company is plying Me. Brainy nearly 4,000/. per annum for maintaining . the line from Chester to Lower Walton. This payment is under a contract made by the Cheshire Junction Company, prior to the amalgamation, and expires at Christmas next* The estimate of our own engineer, confirmed by experience, ie that the company will Le able to maintain this portion of the line f.,r 2,0001. per annum, thus effecting a saving of 2,0001. per annum. The following directors retire from Oleo by rotation, and are eligible for re-election :—Mr. Jas. Bancroft, Mr. Isaac Taylor, Mr. John Rogers, Mr. Henry T. Hope ; and H. C. Beloe, one of the auditors, retires, and is eligible for re-election. " The directors recommend theta dividend be declared of 6a. 2d. per 27/. 10s. share ; 6s. 3d. per 311. share ; and 4e. per 221. share ; being after the rate of 2j per cent. pet annum, and that the same be payable on the 20th August instant." . . The CHAIRMAN commenced by referring to the late pe riod at which the accounts had been placed in the hands of the shareholder., which he exceedingly regretted, as it rendered the time too short to allow the proprietors to ear mine and understand them perfectly before the meeting. The reason why that was the case was, that the directors, had wished to hold their meeting at an early day, in order that the dividend might be in the hands of the share holders as soon as possible ; and he hoped the proprietors would consider the reason in its proper light. The chair man next referred to the expense of relaying the permanent way, and accidents which had been charged in the general account, amounting to 1,7621., and said that assuming that the arrangement with the London and North Western Railway Company were legalised, they would have en. vet, of er covering expenses, to relay the p.arne nerd way to Chester. In the accounts the suns of at.1,4/0b appeared as available for the dividend, hut the amount was under that sum, owing to the company having a charge againgt the Shrewsbury and Chester Railway Company, which their lawyer states the can claim, so they mad( up the account, assuming that claim to be valid. Whether they would obtain it or not, he was persuaded they wt.uld not have a smaller dividend next Christmas. 'fhe cotnpauy had been charging interest on 67,0001. on land and preperty not occupied by the works , but held because Birkenhe a d o w f as their improving; prty an u of the case, he felt confident that after Christmas next the wdhe improving.believed that Lookingev ry y a e t a i the i t c value f3, or 21 per cont. s d h i i r e:e h :d id eri would to c o h: .21per whethereent. H th e e would dividend e :hot should d o b t . . e h a st After considerable discussion • motion of a 21 per cent. dividend to be paid on the 20th August, war put and unani mously adopted. Mr. Mimeo moved that Mr. W. Titterineton should hi elected in place of Mr. Taylor, which, being put to the meeting, was carried by & majority of 39 to 4. Mr. Belot) was re - appoint auditor ; and, after a vote of thanks to the chairman, the meeting separated. ROYSTON AND HTTCHIN RAILWAY. The half-yearly meeting of shareboldt re WAS held on Saturday at the offices of the company in St. Helen's place, Mr. Run in the chair. The report announced the completion of the exchange et the Bhepreth extension lease between the company and the Great Northern Company, which was laid on the table.