The Sun. — London, England, 1847-05-11 00:00:00

tvb trb labttton SUN OFFICE, Seven o'Clcck. RAILWAY COMMITTEES. (THIS DAY.) HOUSE OF COMMONS. GROUP VI. rar—ETER, YEOVIL, AND DORCHESTER. The Committee re-assembled this morning at twelve o'c)ock. * Mr. Avon)/ resumed his address to the Committee in fa- Your of the Great Western schemes, and pointed out the great advantages of the Great Western schemes over those of the South-Western in point of accommodation, with Shaftesbury, Yeovil, and Exeter at the two latter places. Common stations would be made for five or six lines, radiating in dif ferent directions, and all upon the same gauge. The Learned Counsel conti nue d his address throughout the whole of the Ike Committee adjourned till twelve o'clock to-morrow. GROUP XI. This Committee resumed its sitting to-day in Room B _ BRAINTREE AND lIALSTEA.3I7__ . Mr. HILDTARD opened the case for this the last Bill in the group, and the Committee was engaged all the day in hear ing evidence in favour of the Bill. • GROUP XIII. NORFOLK (TECETFONLD TO LOWESTOFT, &Q., WITH A BRANCH TO BALES WORTH). The Committee mot this morning at twelve o'clock, in :N.10). 7 Committee-room ; Mr. Buller in the chair. • DECISION. The CHAIRMAN declared that the preamble of the Bill had been proved; and the clauses, with various amendments, having been agreed to, he intimated that he would report the favourable decision of the Committee to the House this evening. GROUP XV. CAMBRIDGE AND BEDFORD. The Committee on this group met this morning at twelve o'clock ; Mr. Bernal in the chair. This line is to run across the country by Bigleswade,, so as to connect the Midland Counties Branch at Bedford with the Eastern Counties line at Cambridge, and Mr. Waddington, the vice-chairman of the Eastern Counties line, was called to show the advantage that would accrue by the proposed route for the carriage of iron from the western districts to Ipswich and all the places on the coasts of Suffolk and Norfolk, while coal would be conveyed, as he conceived, from Lynn into the centre of Bedfordshire and Buckinghamshire. A long cross-examination ensued on the war in which the line would affect the property of Lord Hardwicke, as also on the respective merits of Ipswich and Lynn as ports for the reception of coals, when the witness stated that the cost of carriage of coals on the Eastern Counties line is three far things and a penny per ton per mile, while on the London and York line the company were restricted to three farthings. Mr. Robert St e ph enson , t h e eng i neer , said that he had laid out a line for an east and west communication two years ago, and the Easte rn C o u n tie s C o mpany hadpurchasedmuch a property with a view to its formation. It would re markably easy line to construct, and would, in his opinion, not cost more than about 13,0001. per mile. Mr Borthwick, the engineer, of the line, stated that it would be twenty miles one furlong in length, of which two and-a-half miles are already made. The whole cost of th e line would be 385,0001., and that for land would be 2,1571., of which 267 acres would be required. There was but little residential property to be interfered with indeed; those of Mr. Lewis and Lord Lord Hardwicke being the only ones. The land agent stated that the owners of land who assented were 46, those who dissented 40, while the neuters were 65. The lessees who assent are five, and those who dissent six, and the occupiers respectively 58 and 83. This closed the case for the promoters, after which, Mr. GURNEY, Q.O , opened on behalf of the opposing land owners, and said that unless the Legislature were prepared to sanction an independent line of railway between every two villages, they would never give their sanction to the line now before the Committee. It appeared from the evi dence that the whole of the population on the proposed line was 25,000, almost the whole of whom were already sup plied ; for 14,500 were ou lines already made, 2,500 were within a mile and a half of lines now formel, and 3,000 were within two miles. Then, as to the whole of the traffic, nothing had been shown as to the transfer of vegetables from the neigh bourhood of Potton, the whole of which it appeared was not more than 3,000 tons, and the whole of the revenue from it would be 3751. Mr. Smith, a brewer at Cambridge, had stated that within the course of his experience there had been no traffic on this line at all ; and another witness, from the other end of the line, had stated just the same thing; so that there was no public necessity whatever established. As for the plea that there was a necessity for an east and west communication, that was already practically obtained, for the line from Huntingdon to Bedford had already obtained the sanction of Parliament, and that would only take the passen gers a distance of nine miles further round. With respect to the procuring coals, that access for them was also already obtained, for by this latter line there was the means of communication with the ports of Lynn and Bedford for the seaborne coal, and for the inland coal-fields there was the North-Western line and its branches. Seeing all this, he trusted the Committee would not give their de cision on the preamble of this Bill without taking the evi dence upon the other Bills before them, and that they would not sanction a line which had no public utility whatever to recommend it, in opposition to the wishes of a great number of owners, with whose property it would materially in terfere. Mr. LIDDELL then called Mr. Nash, who was examined on the way in which the line would affect the residental pro perty of Slr. Law, at Shelford, Mr. Bendish, and Miss Har rell, from each of which it runs between three and four hun dred yards distant, running in front of the houses on an em bankment ten feet high. The Earl of Hardwicke, Lord-Lieutenant of Bedfordshire, stated that he resided at Wimpole, seven miles from Royston, where his property was about 7,000 acres in extent, and that he did nut conceive, from the thinness of the population, that there was any justification whatever for the outlay for this line. There appeared to be two lines of communication already sanctioned, and in his Lordship's opinion there was no probability whatever of another line being profitable, for every requisition as to railway accommodation for the coun try was already satisfied. The Committee adjourned at four o'clock. GROUP XVIL MIDLAND (EXTENSION FROM LEICESTER TO HICHIN). GREAT NORTHERN (DEVIATIONS BE— TWEEN LONDON AND GRANTHAM). The Committee met this morning at the usual hour, Sir J. B. East in the chair. The Committee were occupied for a considerable time to day in hearing counsel on the question, whether the Midland Company (the Siston and Peterborough Branch) could be beard against a deviation proposed by the Great Northern on their line between Peterborough and Grantham, which is about 15 miles in length. The Committee decided that the Midland Company had a locus stan di. Mr. DENNISON, who appears for the Great Northern, said the real object of the opposition of the Midland was merely this, to compel the Great Northern to run along the Midland line fbr a considerable distance. Now, the only an swer the Great Northern had to offer to this was, " that they would not do so." They had been empowered by Parliament to run their line parallel with the Midland line, and if the Committee did not accede to the deviation they could make the line wholly independent of the Midland, which they would only cross once. The deviation was proposed to offer greater accommodation than the old line would to Stamford, and in compliance with a promise made last session to Sir John Trollope to avoid his property. Lord Lindsay opposed the line, and had instituted a suit in one of the courts against the amalgamated companies, in order to recover a greater amount of compensation than the company were inclined to afford him—but if the devia tion were passed, less injury would be done to his property, and, consequently, his claim would be materially reduced. He believed, however, that no serious case of residential injury would be made ont by his Lordship against the line. Mr. Haycock, the Mayor of Stamford, was then called, and gave strong evidence in favour of the Stamford devia tion. Mr. Cubitt, jun., one of the engineers to the line, explained the nature of the deviation, and the advantage which it would confer on Stamford. Adjourned until to morrow at half-past eleven o'clock. GROUP XVIIL LONDON, OXFORD, AND CHELTENHAM. The Committee met this morning at twelve o'clock; the Earl of Lincoln (in the chair), with the Hon. Mr. Smythe, Sir W. James, Mr. M. J. O'Connell, and Captain Jones. A considerable discussion took place on the opening of the Committee, between the counsel for the several parties, as to the course to be pursued—the promoters of the London and Cheltenham line having determined to alter their mode of passing turnpike and other highways from the level to that of going over them by bridges; and it was ultimately directed by the Committee, that the cross sections of the plans should be furnished to their opponents. Mr. Read, of Easton Lodge, near Gloucester, was then called, who stated that he farmed upwards of 1,300 acres, but had most of their cattle from Norfolk, and other counties, many of which were brought from great distances by rail way. They had cattle in their market last Saturday which were brought all the way from Carlisle, he believed at the expense of 71. 10s. per truck, each truck containing eight or ten animals. The distance from Norwich to Gloucester is 200 miles, and as they had many head of cattle from Nor folk, he could confidently state the difference of cost of driving cattle that distance and having them by railway. By the firmer mode the cost was about 255. per head, while they could get them by railway for 12s. There was, there fore, not the slightest doubt that the establishment of a narrow gauge communication would be of essential service to the district in which he lived. Mr. J. Powell, a wine merchant at Worcester, stated that he bought his goods chiefly from London, Gloucester, and Bristol, th e fi rst being the best market; but the obtaining wine from London was expensive, as it cost sometimes 10s. sometimes 158., and even 16 docks to the Camdeng a ton for haulage from the by railway is presentPsa.aiii :lotion. The carriage of wine ton, a pipe weighing about nine cwt. He at per pipe for carriage. He understood that a line was to s. b, 64 m . made from the Camden-town station, which would, h e conceived, save him from much in nience. On cross-examination, Mr. Powell tallowed that ev en if t hi s e old route. new line were made he would s till use The Earl of LINCOLN here int er f ered, d stated that ii al though the Committee had not the slightest wish to interfere theyConductnot that witnesses ofrlise' yet t notw ith s tanding the fair and admirabl e manner lil a w k ) :1 9d ' they had given their evidence , were not of the slightest us ich e to the case. It was accordingly agreed that a new set of witnesses should be brought forward. Mr. Kendall, a merchant and coal-broker at Gloucester, said he preferred the narrow gauge line because it would give a direct communication between the docks at Gloucester and those in London, the narrow gauge line being already laid down round the docks at the former place. There was a great deal of miscellaneous merchandise which now came coastwise by sea from London, which would be transmitted by the line at a less cost both of money and time. There Was a large importation of Irish produce at Gloucester which went into the interior of England, Oxford being a great depot for it, and between that place and Gloucester there was only an imperfect communication. With respect to the pro bability of the South Wales Railway being able to compete with the water alongside of it, the distance between Swansea and Gloucester is about 102 miles, and the cost of the carriage by water was GROUP XIX. This Committee resumed its sitting at twelve o'clock; Mr Dennistoun in the chair. COVENTRY, BANDITRY, AND OXFORD. On the assembling of the parties Mr. FLOOD opened the case for the promoters of the Bill, in which he detailed at some length the advantages of the line to the district through which it passed, and its engineer ing features. It is opposed by several landed proprietors. Several witnesses were examined on behalf of the pro moters, and the necessity of the line through the district it was proposed to accommodate. GROUP X.X. This Committee met at the usual hour this morning ; Mr. Goulburn in the chair. MIDLAND, CHELTENHAM, AND OXFORD SHIRE. The Committee were occupied the whole of the day with the usual general evidence in favour of this line. GROUP XXV. The Committee on this group resumed its sittings in Room 14, Sir Charles Lemon in the chair. MANCHESTER, BUXTON, MATLOCK, AND MIDLANDS JUNCTION (DEVIATION AND _ _ BZ4I.II7CEES). The case of the Duke of Rutland and the inhabitants of Bakewell, in opposition to the above line, was continued this morning. Mr. Darlington, a miner of Cornwall, was examined to show the nature of the borings, which he stated were good. Two other miners confirmed this evidence. Mr. Baker was then examined, and deposed to the great advantage which would be conferred by the Parliamentary line over the proposed one, on the inhabitants of Bakewell. Mr. TALBOT having addressed the Committee, and closed the case, the room was cleared, and on our readmission The CHAIRMAN said that as they had not received the report of the Board of Commissioners they would not give their decision till they had received it. The Committee adjourned till 12 o'clock to-morrow. GROUP XXVI. The Committee on this group met to-day, for the first time, in Room 12, Mr. Beckett in the chair. The lines composed in this group are the North Staffordshire (alterations and branches). North Staffordshire (Churnet Valley line and Trent Valley Railway Junction). South Staffordshire (Cannock, Wyrley, and Norton branches). London and North-Western (Birmingham and Lichfield line). Derbyshire, Staffordshire, and Worcestershire Junction Railway and branches. The first line taken was the NORTH STAFFORDSHIRE (ALTERATIONS AND BRANCHES). Mr. TALBOT opened the case for promoting, and pointed out the great advantages which would be conferred by these branches. Mr. NEALE, on behalf of Sir H. Overy, opposed the Wel lington branch on the ground that a clause in the Bill passed last session precluded any further interference with his pro perty. (After some discussion, The CHAIRMAN announced that this clause would not pre vent the Committee from considering the merits of the Bill. Evidence was then adduced for the line. Mr. Forsyth, C.E., was examined, and said that the gradients and engineering works on the branches were of the usual character, and the estimates were quite sufficient for the construction. The lines would open up access to mines, fire-works, and iron -works, and afford great accommodation to the country generally. Mr. NEALE then stated that it was net his intention to cross-examine witnesses, or to oppose the further projects of the branches before the Committee, but to reserve his opposition till the Bill went up to the Lords, as Sir H. Every felt satisfied that the Committee would not sanction the Bill for a moment after they had been made aware of the clause in the Act passed last session. The case of the promoters here closed, and the Committee were prevented from passing the preamble in consequence of not having yet received the report of the Railway Com missioners. The next line was the NORTH STAPPORDSHIR,E (CHURNET VAL LEY AND TRENT VALLEY JUNCTION). Mr. TALBOT then opened the case for this line, and expa tiated at considerable length on the merits of the line and the great advantages it would confer on the districts where the two lines passed. Several witnesses then deposed to the great traffic which would be accommodated, whim The CIIAIRMAN interposed and said that the Committee wished to be informed of the advantages of the line for the accommodation of the through traffic. The Committee then adjourned till twelve o'clock to morrow. GROUP XXVII. GREAT NORTHERN (BRANCH TO ZING'S LYNN.) On the assembling of the Committee, Mr. Cardwell in the chair, the case on behalf of this line was resumed. Mr. Cubitt, C.E., was examined at some length in favour of the engineering features of the line, which he represented to be very favourable. Evidence was given on the part of the corporation of Wis beach against the mode in which the Great Northern Rail way proposed to contract the swing bridge in that town. The Court adjourned till twelve to-morrow. GROUP XXXI. SOUTH YORKSHIRE. The Committee assembled thi s morning at twelve o'clock; Mr. Shaw in the chair. The Committee adjourned yesterday in order to give the promoters of the South Yorkshire and the Barnsley lines time to come to terms, and agree upon a line to serve both companies, but it was stated this morning that they had been unable to come to an understanding. The room was cleared for a considerable time in order to give the Committee an opportunity of considering the pro positions which bad been made respectively on both sides. Lord Effingham gave evidence as to the probable utility of the line to the coal-fields in the neighbourhood of Rother ham, and to the inconvenience of the present station of the Midland line in that town. On cross-examination, his Lordship allowed that there was already a direct communication between Sheffield and Gains borough, by means of the Manchester, Sheffield, and Lincoln shire junction line, but he was not aware that the Midland Counties proposed to form a loop line from Masborough, which would serve the district. Lord Wharncliffe, and several other witnesses, testified to the advagtage to be obtained for the mineral districts around Rotherham, as well as for the timber forests of Wharncliffe and Penistone, and spoke also as to the respective accommo dation that would be given by the different projects. The Committee adjourned at four o'clock. GROUP XXXIII. The Committee met this morning, Mr. Hope in the chair, LEEDS, VJ'AILEPIELD, AND MIDLAND 3 - UNCTION. The whole day was occupied with hearing engineering evidence on the Bill. The Committee adjourned at four o'clock. GROUP XXXIV. This Committee resumed its sitting at twelve o'clock; Mr. F. Baring in the chair. OLDNAM ALLIANCE. Mr. MARK opened the case for the opposing petitioner, Mr. Burn, after which he proceeded to call evidence. Mr. Sergeant WRANGIIAIL replied on behalf of the Lin colnshire, Sheffield and Manchester Railway, against the Oldham Alliance Railway. The Committee adjourned till twelve to-morrow. GROUP XX., - XV. This Committee met to-day for the first time ; Sir Robert Ferguson in the chair. All the members present. Bills referred to the Committee : Blackburn, Darwin, and Bolton Acts Amendment Bill (Deviations). Preston and Wyre. Liverpool, Manchester, and Newcastle-on-Tyne Junction Railway Acts Amendment. Fleetwood, Preston, and West Riding (Burnley and Colliery Branches). Manchester and Leeds (Branches, Extensions, Deviations, Alterations of Levels, and other Works). East Lancashire (Burnley Connecting Line). East Lancashire (Deviations and Rawtenstall Boal Branch). East Lancashire (Bury to Manchester). East Lancashire (Clitheroe, Mitton, and Padiham). LIVERPOOL, .111111.111GUM3TLX, AND NEW— CASI LE—UPON—TYNE JUNCTION ACTS .11.11TENTINLIESNIC. This was the first Bill taken, which is to effe c t a d ev i at i on and some extensions in the scheme passed by Parliament last year. . EAST LANcAsuraz (11112tTif LET CONNECT ING LINE). Mr. Bennet, Mr. Houkshaw (the engineer), and several other witnesses were examined on behalf of the Bill. Mr. BRANDT opened the case on behalf of the opposing scheme, after which the Committee adjourned. GROUP XLI. This Committee met at the usual hour this morning; Lord Seymour in the chair. NEVirRY AND ENNISKILLEN (AMEND. IYIENT OP ACT). The Committee passed the preamble to this Bill, and the rest of the day was occupied in going through the clauses. The whole of the clauses having been gune through, the Chairman was requested to report the Bill to the House. DUBLIN AND DROGHEDA (BRANCH PROBE NAVAN TO ICELLS). The Committee also passed the preamble to this Bill. The whole of the clauses were gone through, and the Chairman having been directed to report the Bill, the Com mittee adjourned. GROUP XLII. WATERFORD, 'WEXFORD, WIC/CLO V 7, AND DUBLIN REPEAL. The Commitee met at half-past three, and adjourned till after the Whitsuntide holidays. The Committee me G t It aOtU one X L o ' l c i lo L ck, in Room 16 ; M r . P rotheroe in the chair X.XIVZEZLCIL d Mr. WBA.TELEY Q.C. an d WATERFORD.' he said wa s to extend the' ope n ed the me r it s o f t h e B ill, which time for making the • railway. The works were already con a de bl ra y adva but the difficulties in the' mon , nced, and part finished, state of the country, bad e) market, and the unfortunate Southern and Western proposedpayed them. The Great was wished to open this line simnlZ run over the line, and it Another object of the Bill was to an in7k aalY with their own. deviations, which, so far from making e an e9 in m e : unimportant necessary, would actually effect a saving. R e ased capital rusted to be able to satisfy the Committee that both these w . ere necessary. They were only opposed by Mr. Baker, a resident on one of the deviations, which was really a case for compensation, and nothing more. The Committee then adjourned. TEE SUNS LONDON, TUESDAY EVENING MAY /847. only 3a. 6d. to 4s. a ton. As to the importation of Irish pro. duce into Fisbguard, he deemed it totally illusory, for, as every shipowner knew, when goods were once on board it cost little if anything more to carry them a hundred miles further, and as it was always an object to get a return freight, Gloucester would be sure to be the port preferred. Narrow gauge lines he believed carried goods at a cheaper rate than the broad ones. Mr. Gold, Mr. Burton, an d several other gentlemen from the iron districts of South Wales, stated the advantage which the railway would be to them, and the Committee adjourned at four o'clock. GROUT XLVIII. This Committee met this morning at the usual hour; Lord Courtenay in the chair. C AZZZONULIV AND DUBIZIAILTONSECIRE JUNCTION (7311171.8.T10RS BETWEEN DVNTOCIZEIR I.IME-WOILICS, AND BOW LING, 4c.) Mr. Bateman, C.E., Mr. Miller, C.E., and Mr. Banks, surveyor, of Glasgow, were examined with a view of show ing that the tunnel proposed to be carried under the Forth and Clyde Canal could not be constructed with safety to the public, or without danger to the existence of the canal. Mr. Cnbitt, C.E., also gave evidence to the same effect. He thought the works under the canal could be constructed without an accident, still there would be some danger. Mr. Sergeant Munnir then replied on behalf of the Forth and Clyde Navgation. This closed the case on behalf of the opposition. Mr. HoPE replied for the Bill, dwelling on the evidence adduced in its behalf and for the opposition. The provi sions of the Bill were to effect a proper connexion with the Garnkirk and Glasgow, and the Caledonian Railway, and the real opponent was the Edinburgh and Glasgow Com pany, though ostensibly the Canal Company. The Edinburgh and Glasgow Railway Company wanted to have the present line connected with their scheme alone, and hence the opposition had been got up in order to defeat the Bill. For that purpose this case about the danger to the canal in the crossing under it was mooted, but he (Mr. Hope) submitted that no case of real difficulty or danger had been made out. Whatever danger, however, there might be, the promoters of the Bill were willing to leave the direction of the works to any neutral engineer that might be ap pointed, and in that shape he left the Bill for the decision of the Committee. The room was then cleared for the decision. On the re-admission of the parties, The CHAIRMAN intimated that it was the opinion of the Committee that the preamble of the Bill was proved, with the exception of so much of it as related to the deviation at Helenburgh. They farther intended that the works at the crossing of the canal should be left to a neutral engineer. The clauses were then agreed to, Mr. Walker or, failing him, Mr. Leslie, of Edinburgh, the engineers to be referred to regarding the works. _ The Committee then adjourned. GROUP L. The Committee met this morning at twelve. Present, Mr. Bankes, in the chair, Mr. Carew, Sir B. Hall, Mr. Hind ley, and Mr. Henley. GLASGOW, PAISLEY, EXLIVLA.RNOCK, AND AYR, AND AYRSHIRE AND BRIDGE OP WEIR (NO. III). The CHAIRMAN said Mr. Hope might proceed, if be thought proper to do so after the strong opinion expressed by the Committee that they would not grant the Bill. Mr. HOPE assured the Committee that their recommenda tion had been considered, and that most carefully, but he trusted to be able to show reasons wherefore the company should proceed. The statement put in before the Com mittee showed that the balance of mortgaged d.bt. only amounted to 318,0751., on a share capital of 3,854,5661. The Bills sanctioned by Parliament had a capital of 1,966,0001., and the company had already sixty-six miles of railway made and opened. It appeared, therefore, that the whole amount of debt on a capital of 3,854,566/. subscribed for and available, did not amount to one-tenth of the whole capital. Besides this, it ought to be recollected that Bills applied for this year, and included in the data upon which the Commissioners had founded their report, had been lost on the standing orders to the amount of near 2,000,000/., and also that the Act of Parliament gave them the power of borrowing to the amount of 400,000/. These considerations bore inspection, and the company would not suffer from comparison with the financial practice of any other before Parliament. So much for the financial status of the company. But now for the scheme projected by the Bill. Last year a line was sanctioned by Parliament from John stone to the Bridge of Weir. This branch was short; the Ayr Company had powers to lease the line, but it was thought more desirable to amalgamate it altogether with the Ayr Company. That was one object of the Bill. Again, Parliament had so far commit ted themselves to the present project for the traffic to the Bridge of Weir and Crossley formed a large im portant element in the case for the Bill last year. But these places were still unsupplied, and the Bill proposed to meet that. A third object of the Bill was to continue the line down to Port Glasgow, a distance of nine miles. The same project was before the Committee last year, and was thrown out only on the engineering difficulties, when the line joined the Greenock Railway at an incline of 1 in 75. It now avoided the Greenock station, by joining the line a quarter of a nfile before, and with half a mile of a dead level. Port Glasgow was a harbour of very considerable import ance. It was included in a Bill promoted in 1837 by the Greenock Company, and powers were got to make a railway to the port ; but as Greenock port was a competing harbour, these forms were neglected and allowed to expire. In 1840 powers were again sought by the Greenock Company, and obtained, to make the branch. A clause was inserted, binding them to make the branch in five years, and open it at the same time with the Greenock Branch. But :it was not made. Now, the importance of Port Glasgow was such as not to deserve this. The eustores last year amounted to 135,800/. It was important to bring up the Ayrshire coals to compete with those from Lanark, and also to offer a means of ballast to the outward bound vessels. There was another branch 17% miles long, from Kilmacolm to Largs by Innerkipp. But in deference to the committee they were prepared to postpone that this year, deducting from the proposed capital an amount of 380,000/, and they took their stand on the other branches, which might be made for 220,0001. Sir B. HALL said his own opinion was, admitting all the statements of counsel, that the branch to Portglasgow was entirely to be made from minerals, he did not think that a case had not:been made out for the preamble of the Bill except for the amalgamation, and for the Bridge of Weir and Crossley Mill Branches, if these were unopposed. The CHAIRMAN intimated that that was the opinion of the Committee. Mr. Miller, engineer in chief, was called on these: two branches—said, when the Bridge-of-Weir line was paseed last year, it was thought proper that it should be leased to the Ayr Company, but it was believed better that it should be vested in the company entirely. The two branches to the Bridge-of-Weir and Crossley-Mill were very short and very necessary, and not opposed. T,he estimate was under 30,0001. The preamble of the Bill for these objects was then de clared proved. Mr. HOPE said they would withdraw their opposition to the preamble of the next Bill if a clause were inserted. giving the Ayr Company running powers over the Linwood branch down to Port Glasgow. After some conversation, in which the Committee evinced an opinion that this should be conceded, it was agreed to consider this privately to-morrow, and therefore the consi deration of the Glasgow, Paisley, and Greenock (amendments and branches), and the Glasgow, Paisley, and Greenock (branches to Port Glasgow), was postponed till to-morrow. PAISLEY AND RENPREVZ (SALE AND IM PROVEMENT). Sir T. PTIILLIPS said this Bill was to all intents unop posed. The object of the Bill was to sell the railway and to complete the works and improve them, fir which a-Bill already existed. The Clyde trustees opposed it, but the Admiralty had given their consent, and a petition against it was put in by the Barrhead and Neilston Railway. Mr. MILLER said the Paisley and Renfrew Railway had been acquired by the Ayr Company, and was to be improved by widening the rails from 4 feet 6 inches to 4 feet iii inches throughout. That was necessary, and several large works at the part now proposed were also necessary. The estimate was 38,0001. The preamble was declared proved, and the clauses were read and agreed to. The Committee then adjourned till Thursday. GROUP LI. THE NORTH BRITISH. The Committee met this morning at twelve o'clock; Sir John Yarde Buller, chairman. There was a full attendance of the members of the Committee. Mr. Miller, civil engineer was cross-examined by Mr. Fousrru, on the part of Miss Anderson, of Clifton Lodge, and re-examined by Mr. BURRY, on the general merits of the line, after which, Mr. %YXATELEY addressed the Committee for Miss Ander son, whose property he contended would be destroyed by the line. The room was then cleared, and on the re-admission of the public, The CHAIRMAN announced that the Committee were of opinion that the case of the North British Railway Com pany had not made out a satisfactory one, and they'decided, therefor, that the pre am bl e was not proved. Mr. ocusurrx then proceeded to reply for the Caledonian Company. He was glad to find that the decision just ar rived at would confine the observations he had to make within somewhat narrower limits ; and he trusted that when the whole circumstances of the case were laid before the Committee, the opposition which was given by the Dumfries and Carlisle Company would be equally unsuccess ful. That opposition divided itself naturally into two dis tinct branches—first, against the leasing power granted to the Caledonian Company, in the last session of Parliament, of that portion of the Dumfries scheme which was compre hended in the branch between Annan and Springfield; and, secondly, the powers which they sought to obtain for making a line to Brampton, and other branches. To the first of these objections he would direct the attention of the Committee. And here it would be necessary to review (and he should do so as rapidly as pos sible) the evento of the last few years, in as far as thp,,p, affected the interests of these rival schemes. It would be remembered, that when the Caledonian schemes were first projected, Mr. Locke and Mr. Erringten were appointed to survey the line of country from Carlisle to the north of Scot land, with the view of laying out one great line which should afford the best accommodation for the southern traffic, at the same time that it did not overlook the local requirements. These gentlemen, in their report, recommended that the line should be taken round by Annan and Lockerby and thence carried nort h wards through the centre of the country, then dividing —one fork being car ried west to Glasgow, and the other south to Edinburgh. This scheme was submitted to the Royal Commissioners, who recommended that a deviation should be made, leaving Annan to the south, and the promoters deviated accordingly. The Board of Trade, by a subsequent report con fi rmed the opinions of the Royal Commissioners, and gave the preference to the Central or Caledonian line over its two competitors — the North British, or East Coast line, on the one side, and the Glasgow, Dumfries, and Carlisle on the other. In 1845, these lines came before the legislature, and the Dumfries, which announced that its object was to supply the local wants of the country, was despite the opposition offered by them suc cessful ; but on proceeding to the Lords, his clients were so far fortunate, that they succeeded in getting this clause in serted in the Dumfries Company's Bill, as a matter of pro tection to their through traffic, a traffic which he begged the Committee to remember the Dumfries Company , had not pretended to ask. Well that company accepted their Bill with .this clause; they brought it d own t o th e H ouse o f Commons, and there, and in the House of Lords, not a word of protest was entered against its insertion, and they ac cepted it on its present condition at the hands of the Legis lature. What was the consequence? This, that the Cale donian were by the Act of the Legislature vested with a cer tain right, which the Dumfries Company now sought to set aside. Could anything be more monstrous? The Cale donian Company sought to protect themselves, they had had the sanction of the Royal Commission ; they had been pro nounced the best line by the Board of Trade, after a minute, and patient, and searching investigation ; and, lastly, they bad received the confirmation of Parliament itself. In the confidence that no other main line would be promoted through this district, the promoters of the Caledonian Com pany had invested their capital, they had constructed their line, and they looked with security to the implied compact entered into with the Government. This Company now came forward to ask one section of the Legislature to set aside an Act of Parliament; and what was the reason they advanced? They distrusted the Caledonian Railway. They surmised that certain obstructions would be thrown in the way of th e i r traffic between Annan and Springfield. Who ever heard of reasoning Caledonian Comp an age the traffic upon their line, and „_Company to enconr the verylike ? Why it WAS the interest of the Caled o beet security for their abstinence from all obstruction would be found in their own interests. The seamed Counsel then proceeded at great length to show that the branches sought for by the Dumfries Company to be constructed to the east belonged properly to the Cale donian, and could be better supplied by them ; and he ridi culed the idea that an export and import trade could be es tablished between Kirkcudbright and Ireland. He entreated the Committee to affirm the decision of the House of Lords, and thus put an end to a conflict so unjust on the one side s and so oppressive to the Caledonian Company. The Committee adjourned till Thursday at twelve o'clock. COMMITTEES on PRIVATE BILLS (THIS DAY.) YORK IMPROVEMENT. The object of this Bill, whi c h i s promoted by the corpora tion of York, is to construct a bridge called Lendale-bridge, and to take land and house property in order to make ap proaches thereto. Lord Ingestre is the chairman. Mr. Hudson, M.P. ( who was examined by the title which he bears, namely, "My Lord Mayor," and " Your Lord ship," as Lord Mayor of York, which sounded rather strangely to the ears of those accustom e d to hear the Honourable Gentleman inexami9ed . his railway capacity), gave e v id ence in, favour of the Bill, in which he explained the various ar rangements which had bee n come to between the corporation of York and the North Midland Railway Company, of which he is the chairman, with respect to making improvements in the approaches to the station, & e . The Hon. Gentleman was examined at considerable length by Mr. LEMAN, of York, to show that the property of a Mr. Norrison was not required for the purpose of the improve ments sought to be made by the Bill. Mr. Birkenshaw, the surveyo r , was examined at consider able length. He considered that the proposed improvements would be of great advantage to the c it y. Adjourned until to-morrow, at one. BIRKENHEAD COMMISSIONERS DOCK ACTS AMENDMENT. This Committee met for a short time at twelve o'clock, and went through the remaining clauses of the Birkenhead C o mmissioners Dock Acts A mendment (as to construction of sea wall along Wallasey Pool), a n d th en adjo' , arned. SALE OF RAILWAY SHARES BY AUCTION.—(THIS DAY.) The Railway hare Market continues dull and depressed; and the salted at Messrs. Lamond and Co.'s sale to-day, do i any material variation from last week's quotations. following are a few of the principal sales : Eastern Counties, York E xtension £4 15 0 Louvain ala Sambre 1 0 0 Caledonian South Yorkshire, Doncaster, and Goole 1 5 0 North Staffordshire South-Eastern and Dover, No. 4 4 14 0 North British, Extension 1 0 0 Great Luxembourg Boston, Stamford,- and Birmingham Shrewsbury and Hereford Shropshire Union and Canal 0 5 6 Royston and Hitchin Lond., Brighton, & South coast, rincvLathc 2 Q 0 Ambergate, Nottingham, and Boston 1 6 0 TATTERSALL'S-THI EVENING DERBY. 7 to 1 agst Kent's lot 5 to 1 agst Cossack 5 to 1 agst Conyngham 7 to 1 agst Van Tromp 15 to 1 agst Planet 20 to 1 agst Wanota 20 to 1 agst Oxonian 25 to 1 agst Montpensier 25 to 1 agst War Eagle 33 to 1 agst Nottingham Six o'cLocic OAKS. 4 to 1 agst Clementina 6 to 1 agst Farmer's Daughter—taken 12 to 1 agst Ellerdale 22 to 1 agst Maid of Motherwell taken IMPERIAL PARLIAMENT (THIS EVENING.) HOUSE OF LORDS. ROYAL ASSENT. The Royal assent was given to-day, by Commission, to the following Billi:—The Customs Duties Bill, the Portland Harbeur of Refuge and Breakwater Bill, the Commons Inclosure (No. 2) Bill, the Prisons (Ireland) Bill, the Harbours, Docks, and Piers Clauses Bill, the Pile Piers Extensions Bill, the Ipswich Gas Bill, and the Cheltenham Water- Works Bill. The Lord Commissioners were the Lord Chancellor the Marquis of Clanricarde, and the Earl of Shaftesbury The LORD CHANCELLOR tOC k his seat on the Woo: sack at Five o'clock. MESSAGE FROM THE COMMONS. Messengers brought up Bills from the Commons. THE FACTORY BILL. Petitions in favour of this Bill were presented by Lord Stanley; Lord Wharncliffe, signed by 14,500 merchants, factory workers, and others; the Bishop of Oxford, from master manufacturers and factory workers in Bury and Preston ; and by Lord Brougham, from a number of factory workers in Lancashire. IMPERFECT FRAMING OF ACTS OF PAR LIAMENT. —LIBERTY OF THE SUBJECT. Lord BROUGHAM said he wished to call their Lordships' attention to a subject on which ho had often before addressed them—namely, that nothing could be more slovenly, or a more fruitful source of injury to the community, and to suitors in courts of justice, than the imperfect mode in which many statutes were framed. He referred as well to public as to private Bills, and intended to move for a return on the subject, owing to some circumstances which had recently come to his knowledge—that there lurked in• corners of local Acts, clauses giving power to impose penalties of a nature which would never have been tolerated if they had not been inserted in the Bills under cover of darkness. One of thess objection able clauses gave a constable power, if he ibund any per son in the street of any town, whom he suspected either of having committed, or having any intention to commit any offence, to take him into custody and to imprison him for forty hours, and if a policeman thought that he (Lord Brougham)--(Laughter)—was going to commit an assault by seeing him merely hold ing his hand up—(Laughter)—he might take him into custody and imprison him fur 40 hours -now that would be a great puishment :or such a slight offelee—(hear.)--- and if he was found out after sunset and before eight in the morning—and he might be out walking before seven o'clock on a summer morning —if he was found loitering about—(Laughter)—he was equally liable to a similar term of imprisonment. After a few words from Lord DENMAN and Lord CA3IPBELL the conversation dropped. (LEFT SITTING.) HOUSE OF COMMONS. The SPEAKER took the Chair shortly before Foil.' o'clock. THIRD READINGS. The following Bills were read a third time and passed :- 7 _ Martin's Divorce Bill. The Shipowners' Towing Company Bill. REPORTS. The following reports were brought up, and ordered to be engrossed : Caledonian Railway (Lease or Purchase of Wishaw and Coltness Railway). Caledonian and Glasgow, Paisley and Greenock Rail ways Amalgamation. Glasgow, Dumfries, and Carlisle Railway, and Glasgow Paisley, Kilmarnock, and Ayr Railway (No. 4). The reports on the following Bills were further con sidered and agreed to:— Boston, Stamford, and Birmingham Railway (Peter borough and Thorney Line). Chard Canal and Railway (Extension and Amalgama tion). Glasgow, Paisley, Kilmarnock, and Ayr (No. 4). Herne Bay and Canterbury Junction Railway. Inverness Gas and Water. Liskeard and Caradon Railway. Southampton and Dorchester Railway (New Forest Deviation and Branches). South Wales Railway. Vale of Neath Railway. Wilts, Somerset, and Weymouth Railway (No. 1) — Bruton, Pitcombe, and Rodden and Bradford De viations). Wexford and Valencia Railway (Killarney to Valencia). THAMES CONSERVANCY BILL. This Bill was read a second time, and ordered to be I committed. NORTH OF INDIA RAILWAY. Mr GREENE moved that the order made upon the Rth of March last, referrine the Great North of India Railway Bill to the Committe of Selection, be read ; that the said order be discharged ; and that the Bill be withdrawn.—Agreed to. BLACKBURN, DARWEN, AND BOLTON RAILWAY. Mr. WILSON PATTEN moved that in the case of the Blackburn, Darwen, and Bolton Railway (diversions of line in the parishes of Blackburn and Bolton-in-the- Moors), petition for additional provision, the Examiners of petitions have leave to sit and proceed to-morrow. Agreed to. RATHMINES IMPROVEMENT. Mr. GREGORY moved that it be an instruction to the Committee of Selection to appoint the Committee on the Rath:lines Improvement Bill for Tuesday, the 18th instant, and th at the Committee do meet and proceed with the Bill on that day. After some observations from Sir W. lleathcote, Mr. Grogan, and M r. E stcourt, the motion was negatived without a division. Mr. 3,1.: RATE -PAYING CLAUSES. PHILIPS presented petitions from Man chester again t the rat e.paying clauses of the Reform Bill. Mr. WILSONHEALTH OF TOWNS. PATTEN presented a petition from Warringt on i n favour of the Health of Towns Bill. POOR-LAW. Mr. ROUND presented petitions from Essex, praying for an alteration in the Poor-law Bill. Mr. BANKES presented petitions from Buckingham, praying for an a l teration in the Poor Law Removal Act. Mr. T. DUNCONILU N AY. 13E presented petitions praying fur an alteration of the law with respect to lunacy. COUN TY BUILDINGS BILL. This Bill was read a third time. MEDICAL REGISTRATION BILL. Petitions against this Bill were presented by Sir W CLAY, from medical practitioners carrying on business in the Tower Hamlets ; and by Mr. ENTwisLE, from a place in Lancashire, in favour of it. HEALTH OF TOWNS BILL. Petitions were presented in favour of this Bill by Mr. P. HOWARD, from medical practitioners carrying on business in Carlisle ; and by the Earl of ARUNDEL and SVRREY, from a place in Surrey. THE CASE OF MRS. SHUTTLEWORTH. Captain PECIIELL presented a petition from Dr. Quail, surgeon, of Howland-street, Fitzroy-square, stating that he Mrs. Shuttlewortb's medical adviser (whose case has repeatedly appeared in The Sun in our reports of the law court.), and complaining that that lady had been forcibly removed from his care, and placed in confinement in York House, Battersea, and that he had been assaulted by a City policeman—(Laughter)—and by a Dr. Willmot, in their successful endeavour to remove Mrs. Shuttleworth from his care. He further stated that the lady was "no more mad than he was," and prayed the House to make an inquiry. DETECTING EMBEZZLEMENT BY A BARRACK MASTER. Captain PECHELL presented a petition from Mr. Duncan M'lntyre, formerly of Fort William, stating that he had prevented a barrack-master from embezzling the money with which he was entrusted, and complain ing that he had not received the reward to which he was entitled, under an Act possed in the reign of William 111., and praying the House to interfere and do him justice. AIIBROGATE, NOTTINGHAM, AND BOSTON, AND EASTERN JUNCTION RAILWAY COMPANY. On the motion of Mr. GISBOURNE, the petition of this company, presented May 7, was ordered to be re ferred to the Select Committee on Standing Orders, for their report to the House, whether the Committee on the Great Northern Railways (Deviations between London and Grantham) Bill, ought to entertain the said petition. MEDICAL REGULATION BILL. Mr. HUME presented a petition from several medi cal practitioners in favour of the Medical Bill now before the House. IMPROVEMENTS IN THE SCOTTISH LAW. The same HON. MEbIBEII also presented a petition from the magistrates and town council of the Royal borough of Forfar, taking notice that there were before the House five or six Bills for promoting certain reforms in the Jaw of Scotland, and praying that those Bills might speedily pass into a law. HEALTH OF TOWNS BILL. The same HON. MEMBER. presented a petition from the carpenters and joiners of St. James's in favour of the Health of Towns Bill.—Ordered to lie on the table. Mr. T. DUNCOABE presented a petition in favour of the Medical Regulation Bill. Lord MORPETH presented petitions in favour of the Health of Towns Bill from the following places:--Hull, Bethnall Green, Skelton, near the Potteries, Newcastle upon-Tyne, the City of Durham, Halirax, the Tower Hamlets, Essex, Brid gewater, W orcester, St. Maryle bone, H orseley Down, Stockton-on-Tees, Great Yar mouth, Westminster, and All Saint s , P op l ar .—O r d ered to be laid on the table. Mr. G. PALMER wished to know whether it was the intention of the Noble Lord who promoted the Health of Towil. Bill to press those olaunee which authorised the compulsory purchase of waterworks? Lord MORPETH was undestood to say that some modification of the clauses would be introduced. Lir G. GREY presented a petition from Winchester in favour of the Health of Towns Bill. Mr. Augustus Clifford, the Usher of the Black Rod appeared at the bar, and summoned the House to the bar of the House of Lords, to hear the royal assent given bo commission to several public and private Bills (for which see our Lord's report). BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE. Lord JOHN RUSSELL gave notice that on Thurs day, the 21st inst., he would move that, after that day. the orders of the day should take precedence of notices of motion. HERITABLE PROPERTIES (SCOTLAND) BILL. Sir ARCHER LEITH HAY presented a p e tition from Inverrary a ga i ns t the Heritable Property (Scot land) Bill. MEDICAL PRACTITIONERS BILL. Sir JAMES GRAHAM presented a petition against the Medical Practitioners Bill. POOR REMOVAL BILL.—LAW OF SETTLE MENT. Mr. MILES presented petitions against the Poor Removal Act of last session, and praying for the aboli tion of the law of settlement, and the enactment of a national rate. SUSPENSION OF THE NAVIGATION-LAWS. Mr. MITCHELL wished to ask the Noble Lord at the head of the Treasury, whether he intended to pro pose a further suspension of the navigation-laws with respect to the importation of corn, and also another question, which be hoped the Noble Lord would not answer, unless he had previously considered it, as it was of very considerable importance. The question was, whether he intended to move the suspension of the na vigation-laws with respect to the importation of all other goods? Lord J. RUSSELL said that, on an early day, he intended to move the suspension of the Navigation Laws with respect to corn, but that the object of the other question had not been sufficiently considered, and he must, therefore, defer the answer to a future statement. SANATORY STATE OF TOWNS. Mr. AGLIONBY wished to ask a question of the Noble Lord at the head of the Woods and Forests as to the course which he intended to pursue with respect to the Health of Towns Bill, as his intentions appeared not to be understood. Did he intend to content himself merely with reprinting the Bill, and then throw it aside, or did he intend to proceed with any part of it during the present session ? Lord MORPETH said that he proposed to proceed with a part of the Bill this session, and to apply it to those towns for which petitions had been presented by the rated inhabitants. THE THETIS FRIGATE. Lord INGESTRIE wished to inquire of the Secre tary of the Admiralty, whether the money paid for the use of the ships employed for the recovery of the treasure lost in the Thetis, and what was its amount? Mr. WARD said that the sum of 13,6721. bad been carried to the credit of the country for the use of these ships. Ho had inquired of the Accountant-General of the Admiralty, and had found that a sum was paid to the month of September 1834, and again in 1835, and again in 1836. BATHS AND WASFIHOUSES. Mr. BANNERMAN said he wished to ask the Secre tary of State for the Home Department whether it was his intention to bring in a Bill to extend the provisions of the Baths and Washhouses Act of last session? Sir G. GREY said the draft of a Bill for that purpose had been submitted to him, but he must give it his careful consideration before he could say whether he should be prepared to adopt the whole of it. In reply to a question from Mr. AGLIONBY, Mr. DENISON said he believed the Hon. Member for Maldon (Mr. Pusey), intended to-morrow to an nounce the withdrawal of his Agricultural Tenants' Bill. Mr. HUME wished to know whether her Majesty's Government were prepared to take into their considera tion the reduction of the high duties which were imposed on several articles of food, such as butter, cheese, &c. If the Noble Lord was not prepared to answer the ques tion, then perhaps he would do so on Friday. Lord JOHN RUSSELL was understood to agree to the latter suggestion of the Hon. Member for Montrose. COURT OF ROME. '71;7110 RSMAN gave notice that on Thursday he should ask she Noble Lord at the head of the Govern ment whether it was his intention to take advantage of the favourable circumstances which now existed for en deavouring to establish diplomatic relations with the Court of Rome. HOLYHEAD HARBOUR OF REFUGE. Mr. COLLETT wished to know when the House might expect to receive the report of the Commissioners, appointed to inquire into the fitness of Holyhead as a harbour of refuge? Mr. WARD said that not a moment had been lost in the proceedings of the Commissioners appointed toin quire iuto the subject. The Commissioners had thought it necessary to procehd down the spot, in order to exa mine the " holding" ground at the bottom of the harbour. He thought that the report would very shortly be laid upon the table of the House. DIRECT TAXATION. Lord J. RUSSELL wished to ask the Hon. Member for Dumfries (Mr. Ewart) whether he would consent to postpone the motion of which he had given notice for this day, on the subject of direct taxation, in order to afford an opportunity for proceeding with the considera tion of the report of the Committee agreed to last night on the Discount on Loans Bill? Mr. E WART had no objection to postpone his mo tion, on condition that other Hon. Members who had motions on the paper should do the same ; and at the same time he would give notice that he would bring for ward his motion on the first day of the House going into Committee of Supply. POOR REMOVAL ACT Lord J. RUSSELL said that seeing the Hon. Mem. ber for I)orsetshire (Mr. Bankes) in his place, he wished to state to him that with respect to the motion which he had upon the paper for to-day, to bring in a Bill to re peal the Ist clause of the Act 9 and 9 Vic., c. 66, the Poor Removal Act, the G overnment h a d no objection to the Bill being brought in. Mr. BANKES said that it was to be understood then that the discussion upon the Bill was to take place at an early period. COLONIAL AND BRITISH SPIRITS. Mr. MOFFATT postponed till Friday next his Bill for assimilating the warehousing privileges on colonial and British apirits; and also his Bill to permit British spirits to be rectified in bond for exportation, and to permit rectified spirits and compounds to be warehoused for exportation. FREE TRADE FOR JAMAICA. Mr. HUME postponed till Thursday next his motion to call the attention of the H ouse to the petition from trade for that Jamaica, signed by 4,000 persons, praying for free ,olony, and f or an additional supply of labour, as requisite for the prosperity of that island. : POOR REMOVAL BILL. Mr. BANKES moved for leave to bring in a Bill to repeal the first clause of the Poor Removal Act, Bth and 9th Victoria, c. 66. Sir G. GREY had no objection to the Bill being brought in and read a first time, but on the distinct understanding that the Government were not pledged to the Bill, and that their objections to it remained in full force. Mr. DUNCOMBE was very much afraid that the the country would misunderstand the reason for allow ing this Bill to be brought in and read a first time. It appeared that the Government consented to the Bill to be saved from the Hon. Gentleman's speech. Sir JAMES GRAHAM was desirous to consult the convenience of the Government as much as possible, but in allowing this Bill to be read a first time, he wished it to be underotood as not acceeding in any way as relax ing his opposition to that Bill. Mr. E. DENISON said that it would be well that the course of her Majesty's Government should be known to the country; there was a great deal of anxiety abroad respecting the law, and he wished the opinion of the Government were fixed. Sir G. GREY said that he had already stated what was the opinion of her Majesty's Government, and it was out of his power entirely to fix a day. MARKET INTELLIGENCE. (From the London New Price Current of May 11.) SUGAR.—To-day a considerable increase took place in th demand for all descriptions of raw Sugar for home consump tion, whilst exporters came into the market with more free dom, and purchases were made by speculators, brewers, and distillers. The result was, a rise in the value of all kinds took place ; in fact, some parties have withdrawn their Sugars from the market. REFINED.—To-day Refined Sugar was in excellent request by the home-trade, and advanced rates were paid. The business transacted was larger than for some time. Bonded Crushed Sugar sells more freely, and at stiffer rates. EAST INDra.—This afternoon Bengal Sugar was in brisk demand, and prices advanced 6d per cwt. Privately several parcels were sold, and 1,514 bags at auction all found buyers. Of Madras 2,193 bags were only in part sold, owing to holders asking an advance on former rates of is per cwt. 2Jauturrus.—This afternoon there was an extensive de mand for all sorts of Mauritius Sugar, and 9,878 bags 84 casks at public sale were all disposed of at an advance on the rates of Friday of 6d to Is per cwt. Foaeußr. To-day there was no public sale of foreign Sugar, but by private treaty a fair quantity was taken by shippers and the home trade, and the rates paid were rather above those that existed previously. COFFEE.—This afternoon there was a better demand for Native Ceylon, and merchants succeeded in obtaining stiffer rates for the parcels disposed of by private treaty. There is but a small quantity on offer. Plantation however is little wanted, and tor such the tendency of prices is yet downwards. TEA.—Although there are sellers of Congou even rather under former low rates, still all descriptions have been ope rated in with caution by the town and country trade, and the market is plentifully supplied, especially with the medium and better sorts. There are few buyers of Pouchong, although further reduced rates would be taken. The good and tine qualities of Green have been in good request, but holders are willing sellers at previous quotations, and there is a fair quantity on offer, but the low and middling sorts are heavy of disposal ; the supply is yet plentiful, and the rates accepted are again in favour of buyers. In Scented Teas little has been done. The merchants are complaining of the low rates at which Tea is selling, and at which it is not to be wondered. .DICE. —To-day there was less desire to operate in East India Rice, and privately only a moderate amount of busi ness was transacted, although there seller upon rather lower terms : at auction 650 bags of Bengal were only in part sold. SPICES.—To-day, at public sale, 19 casks of .Jamaica Ginger were sold—mid at 75s to 80s, ord and good ord 52s to 555, and sea damaged, of better quality, 95s per cwt. SALTPETRE.—Rough has been in excellent request ; and 1,442 bags at auction sold at a rise on the rates of the last public sale of 6d to 9d per cwt. English Refined has been much in demand at 31s 6d to 32s per cwt. HOPS.—The market has an improving appearance for all descriptions of Hops, in the better sorts large purchases have been made, and at rather tigher rates; whilst in the lower kinds a fair business has been done, and in some cases at better prices. ofSmarrs.—To-day many pur c h ases were made in all sorts Rum, and prices range as follows :—Leeward Island, proof 3s 2d to 3s 3d; East India, ditto 2s lld to 3s; Jamaica, 28 to 37 per cent over proof at 4s 6d to 5s 6d ; and Demerara, 4s to 4s 6d, at which holders are firm ; indeed some will nut take these rates. Immcio.-112e quarterly sales of Indigo commenced to-day. Before the opening and during the progress 1,143 chests were withdrawn from the two catalogues A and B. 824 chests have passed the sale. CO(;HINEAL.—Thfs afternoon prices further declined 2d per lb, and the parcels offered at public sale were only in part sold. Ou.s.—For Southern Oil, further reduced rates having been submitted to, occasioned the demand to be good for all de scriptions, but the supply is en the increase. At public sale 45 tuns were all sold. There has been little passing by pri vate treaty, and 25 tuns at public sale only fetched 331 for pale, 26/ lOs to 271 for yellow, and lower prices are looked for, as the accounts received from the Seal Fishery continue to be highly satisfactory. In Cod only a small amount of business has been concluded. Of Sperm there is an increased quantity offering for sale, and prices are on the decline, the demand having been limited. The stock of Oils has been further increased, and there are several arrivsls near at hand of all descriptions. TALLow.—Although home-made Tallow can be obtained on the spot at moderate rates, still the trade operated with caution, and there is a plentiful supply. For Russian the market. is in a dull state, the town and country trade only purchasing sufficient for their immediate wants, whilst merchants are free sellers. For delivery in the last three months of the year there has been only a small amount of business done. All other kinds of Tallow are heavy of dis posal, and can be obtained at further reduced rates. ea COURSE OF EXCH. Amsterdam ...... C.F. 12 9 Ditto, at sight 12 6 Rotterdam .......2 . U. 12 9% Antwerp. ...... ....... 26 40 Uaniburgh ......M,B, 14 " • • •• Paris, 3 days' sight .. 26 Ditto, 26 40 Marseilles •• •• •••• •• • • 26 50 Bourdeaux ••• • • •• 26 45 Frankfint on Maine.... 124 Petersburgh, 3 U 5.... ... • • • '• Vienna, eff e e .f10...... 10 I G 10 16 Trieste, ditto.• • • •• •• ••• Madrid ••..••• • • • •• • 4 „1 Cadiz • • : • • • • • • • • Barcelona •• • ..... •• •• 5evi11e....... •• •• •- •• GE.-( THIS DAY' Gibraltar.. Leghorn ..... 30 SO Genoa • • 20 50 Milan .. • ....... • • Venice ...... • • • • • • • • Naples .. •••••• • • • • • • 39 % Palermo, per 0z........ 119 Lisbon.... •• • • • 53% Oporto • • . • • 534 Rio Janeiro ••••• • • • • • 2634 Bahia . • • • • • • • • • • • • • Buenos Ayres .. New York, 21 days' sight Philadelphia PRICES OF BULLION, PEE oz Foreign Gold ia bars .. £3 17 9 New Dollars ••. • • • 0 4 9% Portugal Gold Coin • • 0 0 0 Spanish Doubloons .• 0 0 0 Silver la bars .... •• • • 0 4 10% ........ I'HE LONDON GAZIETTF, (THIS EVENING.) LORD CHAMBERLAIN'S-OFFICE, MAY 10, 1847. Notice is hereby given, that no tickets to view th e R oyal Pictures by Winterhalter, in St. Janaes's-Palace, will b e issued from this Office after Thursday next the 13th instant; and that, on and after Monday next, the 17th instant, tickets may be obtained, under the same regulation s as the order to view the State Apartment s i n Wi ndsor-Castle, upon application to MePallssrs. mall Paul East and ; Dominic Coln ag hi , printsellcrs, No. 14, - Mr. Moon, printseller, No. 20, Threadneedle -street; Mr. Mitchell, libarian, No. 33, Old Bond-street; Messrs. Ackermann and Co., No. 96, Strand. sive Vis will be admitted itors with tickets issued up to Thursday next, inclu , to view the p, be live o'clock, during the remainder of this icturesweek.tween two a n d DOWNING. STREET, MAT 8, 184' The Queen h as b een pleased to appoint '. Francis Corbet Singleton, Esq., to be Auditor-General of Accounts for the province of South Australia. Her Majesty has also been pleased to appoint William Morrison, Esq., to be Colonial Hong-Kong. S urgeon for th e i s l and of OEFICE OF ORDNANCE, 1 1 1 Av 8. Royal Re g i ment of Artillery. ---' Gentlemen Cadets to be Second Lieutenants. —Henry Peel Y ates, vice Anson, pro moted ; Mu rray Fraser Ferrers, vice Gordon, promote d ; Henry And rew Thrupp, vice Stubb s, promoted ; Charles GEodrwdaornd, vice Lovell, vice Boothby, promoted; Alexander promoted j John Williams, Mr. VERNON SMITH said that it would be much better for the lion. Gentleman to withdraw his motion, and bring it on upon another day. Whether the vote were carried or not, it would be well that there should be some discussion upon the subject, and some expression of opinion, he believed that these repeated changes of the law were very in jurious, and that the existing law was was peculiarly objectionable. BANKES said that if the Government would promise to take this Bill into their own hands and amend it he would withdraw his motion, but in the absense of this intimation he should feel it his duty to persevere. He did not, howe ver , un d er present circumstances desire to throw any obstacle in the way of the business of the House, and should therefore be contented with fixing an early day for the second reading, when the discussion might take place. He should, therefore, move now for leave to bring in a Bill for the repeal of the first clause of the Poor Removal Act. 04Mr. HUME did not clearly understand the object of this proceediug. He remembered that this clause was brought in as a sort of compensation to gentlemen of landed p r operty — (Laughter) —and he, one of these, came forward to move that it be rescinded. He did not think that they should accede to the proposition of the Hon. Gentleman, he should rather hope that Go vernment would object to the Bill altogether, and he trusted, therefore, that the sense of the House would be at once taken on the Bill, so that it might be got rid of at once. Mr. CHARLES BULLER happened to be in the position of Chairman to the Committee in question, and he was placed in considerable difficulty, in con sequence of the extraordinary diversity of opinion which prevailed in it. (Laughter.) There were not merely two conflicting opinions —(Laughter) —but the greatest variety of opinions. —(Laughter.) An en deavour had been made to bring the Committee to a decision by a motion that the Bill should be re pealed altogether ; but to this course there was an almost universal objection. Then it was moved as a general proposition that the law of last session shots but it was here found that all the :Members were for amending it each in a par ticular and different way.—(Laughter.) He must say that the Hon. Member for Dorsetshire had taken the more manly way, and that which was most likely to assist the Committee in coming to a conclu sion on the subject. He had brought forward his Bill for the expunging of the first clause in Committee, and when they had it in this practical shape before the House they would know how to deal with the question. He therefore most heartily thanked the Hon. Member for Dorsetshire for having brought forward his motion. Leave was then given to bring in the Bill. BELFAST MUNICIPAL CORPORATION. On the motion of Mr. ROSS several returns were granted of the amount of the property purchased by the Belfast Corporation, and of the mode of expenditure of the money they had received. .LOAN (DISCOUNT ON INSTALMENT) BILL. On the motion of Lord JOHN RUSSELL, the re port on this Bill was brought up, and agreed to without discussion. HEALTH OF TOWNS BILL. This Bill was read a second time, and ordered to be committed. POOR RELIEF SUPERVISION (IRELAND) BILL. This Bill was read a third time and passed. SERVICE OF HEIRS (SCOTLAND) BILL. The report upon this Bill was brought up and agreed to. POOR REMOVAL (ENGLAND AND SCOTLAND) BILL. The report upon this Bill was also brought up and agreed to. CROWN (CHARTERS') SCOTLAND BILL. The report upon this Bill was also brought up, and agreed to. ENCUMBERED ESTATES (IRELAND) BILL. This Bill was read a second time. HOUSE OF COMMONS COSTS TAXATION BILL. This Bill went through Committee, and was ordered to be reported to-morrow. TURNPIKE ROADS (IRELAND) BILL. This Bill was read a second time. The other orders of the day having been disposed of, the House adjourned. vice J. F. E. Travers, promoted; Charles Frederick Taana. vice Gage, promoted ; Sanford Freeling, vice Ba Y in P a mes r°. moted ; Oliver Robert Stokes, vice Barstow , promoted; J Farrell p enn y an i e k, v i ce Le s lie, promoted; Walter John Grimston, vi c e A rc hd a ll, promoted ; William Dalgairrs Guilie, vice Wright, p r omoted; Charles Edward Oldeishalgt vice Thring, promoted ; Nathaniel Octavius Simpson Tamer, vice W. M. King, promoted, May 2. Corps of Royal En g ineers—Gentlemen Ca dets to Seeen,d, Lieutenants—Richard Hugh Stotherd, vice Till y , promateuv; Wiliam Hatt Noble, vice Stanton, promoted ; Henry 5e133,; vice Chesney, promoted; Edward Nicholas He y gate, De Moleyns, promoted ; George Hamilton Gordon. t Armit, promoted; Augustus Jonathan C erke vice Ewe r d ! promoted ; Charles Augustus Rice, vice Nugent, promote 2. Charles John Fowler, vice Beltield, promoted, May Commission by the Lord-Lieutenant of Gloucestershire.., Royal North Gloucester Regiment of Militia—llenry Bei° Williams, Esq., to be Captain, jlay 8. Commission signed by the Lord-Lieutenant of Cheshire ERRATUM IN THE Gazette OF _MARCH 23.—The kr i/ 1 Regiment of Cheshire Yeomanry Cava y.—Edward ; Greg. Gent. to be Cornet, vice Thornton, resigned' March (and not March 5), 1847. ADMIRALTY, MAY 4. r a rr Corps of Roal Marines—First Lieutenan t Henry w Tate to be Captain; First Lieutenant Georg e Colt Dale/ to be Captain. MRALTY, MAY 6. Corps of Royal M ADarinles—First L i eu t ena nt Williams , 4 ,. Shoveller to be Captain, vice Henry Bremer, retired ?I_lErst pay; Second Lieutenant James Splaine Doorman to Lieutenant, vice Shoveller, promoted. BANRUPTCIES SUPERSEDED . Charles John H Mar Deacon op , caubba,rd, h rrier Norwich. merchant, Crutched-friars' London. BANKRUPTS. o no], Robert Heathcote, omnibus proprietor, ClaPh ani-n° t De' to surrender Ma 26, at two, and June 24, at balfl es c o ole at the Court of Bankruptcy. Bell, official assignee, man-street-buildings; Dolman, Jermyn-street. f ,turcr , Thomas George Webb, a r tificial flower Maw": and Wood-street, Cheapside, May 18, at half-past ele s "&"; 02 10, June 22, at eleven. at the Court of BankruptcY• - gar official assignee, Birchin-lane, Cornhill ; mond- buildings. Dorset' James Willson Pearl, horse-dealer, Milton street, _ok. square, May 18, and June 22, at one, 0 the Court ,a s t . : ar d, ruptcy. Pennell, official assignee ; Robinson, ur street, Portman square. Bars . John Dymoke Elliott, chymist Hemingforfl-Place' half' bury-road, Islington, May 18, atone, and June 14, ' o fficial Follqt, a 1104 Lambert. past twelve, at the Court of Bankruptcy. assignee, Sambrook-court, Basinghall-Street ; Je nkins° Co., Lombard-street. nsbart.f William Reynolds. bookseller, Eldon-street, Fel urt e' May 22, at two, and July 3, at eleven, at the „ - ",,, n ; Fil , Bankruptcy. Green, official assignee,Alderinaabn'l ' Loxlev, and Fry, Cheapside. Daniel Syred, market gardener, B fi 14 : 143 " - i " ' St ton, May 18, at half-pasttwel ve , en d loo run e e 22, at twe lve the Court of Bankruptcy. Pennell, official assign ee ' ~ and Co., Great James-street, B au' Bedford-row. o 4 a t b , Edward ' May, ironmonger, Oxford-street, May ~ , Bank past twelve, and June 24, at eleven,Court of Pi" - ..,. at the b onbe+. l ruptcy. Turquand, official assignee, Old Jawrr e Fisher, Verulam-buildings. - WU: O ' OO4 Li arris Wats n t 0 , s ove grate manufacturer , - - twelve, at Finsbury, May 25, at eleven, and June 22, at -- a Ab the Court of Bankr u pt c y. G room , official assigee"'Fias church-lane, Lombard-street; Brown, Finsbury-Place' bury-square. July 1 i t Joseph Bates, share broker,official ' Leeds, May 2and ague* ten, at the ,Leeds District Court. Kynaston,. Leeds ; Sharpe and Co., Bedford-row ; Priest, Le a r: 21 NO June Simon Lee Trotman, merchant, Liverpool , o r l t a •' Toler' 15, at twelve, at the Liverpool District • Co urt in n, official ' assignee, Liverpool . Holm and New - ' , C0. ,1 don ; Booker, Li ver p oo l. id ys l Henry Willi am Ki ng, f urn i ture d ea l er , Oldba rn ' C a o - art' and June 15, at e l even, at t h e M anc h es t e r District lido* Fr r as er, official as s i gnee , Manchester; Spinoli citor" e° gar Ge and Cob eat James-street, London b tt, 5 , , chester. Ale: 96 Thomas Levers, cooper, Charlestown, Cornwall, Der and June 16, at elev en , at the Exeter District Court. naman, official assignee, Exeter • Turner, Exeter. mra to, John Tbuell and William Jeffery, ' woollen inanu fac o t „T at Buckfastleigh, Devon, Ma 7 and jun° fi icil. y 2 , at one, ..„.‘ ~ . 1 eleven, at the Exeter District Court. l'au . `" - ' ° assignee, Exeter ; Stogdon, Exeter. gar l9 ' Robert Reed, brew er , Bi s h op Middl e ham, Durban:l, " jar unair at half-past ten, and June 22, at one, at the New castle Tyne District Court. Baker, official assignee, Newjaprif. upon-Tyne; Crosby and C omp t on ,, Church -court , Old -.., THE ARMY.—Lieutenant G. Proby has been re' stored to his commission in the 43d Foot. It will be recol' lected that this officer absented himself some months siue from his corps for the purpose of visiting a sick brother 10 Rome, and in consequence of which his commission WO cancelled. The Commander-in -Chief has, however, taken 5 favourable view of the case, and Lieutenant Proby has been permitted to return to his duty. I t need scarcely b e added' that the punishment for absence without leave is usually heavy one. p M O I OOI E I RIAL RELIEF (IRELAND) BJLL. After a desultory conversation, in which Lord Do n ' . eagle, Lord Campbell, and Lord Brougham took part', Earl GREY said, the clause which already existed le the Bill was word for word the same with the Bete n d ment of the Noble Earl, as far as could be. After a few words from the Marquis of Clancarty, Earl Grey, and the Marquis of Lansdowne, Earl FITZWILLIAM said, the amendment of the Noble Earl raised questions of a most important chartt.e7 ter—how, and on w h a t p r i nc ipl e th e y I% er e to form t h e e new communities which they were about to form in Ire land? The Noble Earl (Grey) thought the Commis " sioners had power enough, and the amendment had ! .0 effect of extending that power. He asked any Noble Lord whether he thought the Commissioners under the clause of the Bill would act in the way proposed by the Noble Earl? What he wished to know was why the re lief of the poor should fall upon the electoral division and not upon the whole union? That was a question deserving attention. Another was, whether the town poor ought to be relieved by the country division also, or ought rather to be separated from the country. These were important questions. He said he would support the amendment of the Noble Earl. The Earl of CLANRICARDE said the whole question under the present amendment was the area of the elec toral rating, and all that was meant by the Noble Earl in his amendment was, not that he differed from the principle of the clause in the Bill, but that he wished to suggest soma duties to the guardians or commissioners for acting upon. But many other sugg est i on s as well as this mi g ht b e ma d e. He thought then it would be far better to leave the commisioners in power as they were by the Bill. The amendment was then put to their Lordships, an d was lost without a division. The Earl of WICKLOW then rose to propose ano ther amendment, of which he had given notice, but after a few words from the Marquis of Lansdowne, the Noble Earl withdrew his amendment. The clause was then agreed to. Clauses 22 and 23 were then agreed to. On the 24th clause being proposed, Lord MONTEAGLE said that if they attempted to remove the children from those workhouses, they woul d deprive them of all chances of education ; and, on the other hand, if they retained them, they would be bring ing up a pauper population which they could not turn to any account. Ile would suggest that those Poor-law Commissioners should have the power of effecting A union of unions, and that the education of industry should be superadded to that of intellectual education. Thus the children would be properly educated and pro perly taken care of. He merely wished to suggest the insertion of such a clause as the one he had prepared. The Marquis of LANSDOWNE admitted the im portance of the Noble Lord's recommendation, and inti mated that her Majesty's Government were favourable to the introduction of industrial as well as educational training into the schools. He would, however, take the suggestion into consideration. Causes up to 30 having been agreed to, Lord STANLEY rose to propose the insertion of the following clause in the Bill : —That, save as herein after provided, it shall not be lawful for any occupier of rateable property holding under any lease or agreement to be made or entered into after the passing of this RAILWAY SHARE MAIt KETb. LIVERPOOL, MAT 10. flat, a nd STOCK EXCHANGE.-The market is still veri,.. 45 are prices continue to come down ; even the heavy !' . :.‘„ or terl• declining, and the quotations are lower than we lasLM' are --- There has been very little business done to-day. The ses,sl4 di Birmingham and Oxford, 6 3 / 4 p.-Caledonian , 11 „ 21 , 1 the ra, dis -Liverpool -East Lancashire, New (scrip), par-Great I N T oo don Ditto, , Crosby, and Southport, % rwe rterSt North-Western, 170-Ditto, Fifths, 131 A 1 3.-- New, 9% p.-Manchester and Leeds Manchester,3%P'shetfield, 32/. Shares (late Extensions), p.-iod stock, and Lincolnshire, Eighths, 465. 3d. dis.-Mi l ,, / 1144-Ditto, 401. Shares 2% 8 p.-Ditto, New, 17e-fork and fordshire Union Railway and Canal, 1% p. North Midland (East and West Riding Extension), '" MANCHESTER, MAY 10. No tting. STOCK EXCHANGE.-The sales are-Ambergate, hire, and ham, and Boston, 1% dis.-Birkenhead, Lanc_ 23 ction , , Cheshire, 1% dis.-Birmingham and Oxford Ja. d i 5 ....- Eastern Counties, 18 3 4-East Lancashire , Ne w ' tu, c• Ditto, New (scrip), 1-16 dis.-East Lincolnshire/ 13, 7.16- Fleetwood, Preston, and West Riding Janc t g i man- Leeds, Dewsbury, and Manchester, P Le eds, 32l . chester, and Birmingham, 664-Manchester and (late West Shares (late Extension), 1-16 p.-Ditto, Fifths ton, Ws' Riding Union), 1-16-Manchester and SouthaMPt rn, 6d. dis.-North Staffordshire, 1 7-16 1 7 / 8 dis.-South-Eastern and Dover, No. 4, 1 % dis. LEEDS, MAY 10. STOCK EXCHANGE. -The sales are-Ambergate, Notting'' ham, and Boston, 275. dis.-East Lancashire, New, 33 5 : dis.-Ditto, New (scrip), ls. dis.-East and West Yorkshir e ' p.-- North -Wes e 1% dis.-Great Northern, 1% dis.-Huddersfield and Ma n ' chester, Thirds, 2s. 6d. dis.-Leeds and Thirsk, 5 1 A, Ditto, Preference, 3s. 6d. p.-Leed s , Wakefield, an d Midland, 17s. 6d. dis.-London, Brighton, and South Coast, 6 11 4 -- Ditto, Fifteenths, 2s. p.-Malton and Driflield Junction, Os dis.-Manchester and Leeds, 321. Shares (late Extensions)' 3s ; p.-Ditto, West Riding Union, 1 / 8 c. p.-Manchester, ton, Matlock, and Midland, 7s. fid dis.-Newcastle el,l Berwick, New, 1% p.-North British, Extension (scrip), nes: 6d. p.-North St a ff or d s hi re , 31 s . 3d. p .-N or th-Western, 39 ' dis.-York and North Midland, Preference, 8 1 4 p. SHEFFIELD, MAY 10. STOCK EXCHANGE.-The sales are--Ambergate, Notting.' ham, and Boston, 1% dis.-East Lancashire, New par-East Lincolnshire, 1% p.-Manchester and I , hlc,F Union, W e dis.-Manchester and Leeds (West RiaTribe Union), 2s. p.-Manchester, Sheffield, and Lincelnslir_, (Great Grimsby and Sheffield), 81. dis.-North-We stero, dis.-Leeds, Wakefield, and Midland, IL dis. EDINBURGH, MAY 8. • New, (scripi)r; STOCK EXCHANGE.-The sales are-Caledonian, d 405.-Dundee and North ern J unc ti on , 30s. 6d.-Dunde!!l7l. Perth, Quarters. 515.-E as t L ot hi an Central, 41s. hal orth burgh and Glasgow, Q uar t ers , 17% -Edinburgh an i t d to, N ditto, ern, 17 1 4-Ditto, New, 635.-Ditto, Newport, 7- to H a lves, New, 38s. od. - Edinburgh an d P ert h,4os. 6d. - 11 ' 1 , _Ditto, 125.-Great No r th ern , 51 5. -N ort h British, 303 -.1 " Quarters, 835.-Ditto, Thirds, 50s. GLASGOW, MAY S. New ,3Bs* STOCK EXCHANGE.-The sales are-Caledonian,Per th Dundee and Perth, Quarters, 50s. 6d.-Edinburgh and „e r (New Co.), 41s. 3d.-Glasgow, Kilmarnock, and Ayr, 3 5 '/C1 Glasgow, Dumfries, and Carlisle, 5%-Manchester an Southampton, 12s. 6d.-North British, Thirds, 508.-DittOt Quarters, 87s. 6d.-Ditto, New Quarters (scrip), 20s. to pi tffect r I .~ ab i bu: de Ile