The Liverpool Standard and General Commercial Advertiser. — Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1847-03-09 00:00:00

f 847. le article in rely broken , s who were led to do so iven to the endants, in •140 super is company, oved that it n•d: Many that the etably than. Ake Patte the matter oe, whether e jury, after vow of the tong hanfe !ney, which en printed. l to repeal• the district review, and future, the r,' with cer- Eters of in have juris- Hertford, ickingham, Cambridge, [sion in the a petition in has had Pon was in a- power to an kruptcy. s also sub-. in certain ►r i ,which is e -commis ters before in • London country to the court, s. are to be be sane principal t to repeal lankruptcy of Insol reduce the lie railway eported to eda Spring pinions of cases, and those au it find a I leave to them.— uestion of lirected by se further, quarter of dy lord, I tether it be he jury are aw ; I told ,n between we were at. could not 'Arm. : Is 4.. Justice air of the 7. Juror : If I am hen found, onnsel for f excepti o points in The first ✓e." The vith which an be set sappy hell in the RASE. base came icourse of" flat race, don. As id the way and Lady he course,. ?.ventually e distance in to race r made the a Fly also q-for poste. ham first-- ?,s came to occur 7 She led . The 2nd whole lot their way, e, closely One round two e% imberW7 Lt the \a ' t elAereatallg 'ell. 1;on. The on during ry nume eted most ; and the took the er second, ) to 3 agst lailroad. for which I took the n, second. up at the nt Stakes; as, on the haps more nportance. rd's Coal- J. Robin-- l's Handy, isker, Mr. cksy, 's Fop, Sil - Lincoln, m's Bessy 's Fatima, ti, Mr. A. town, Mr. &ion, Mr.., inche, Mr. Ar. Nnsb / BakweiSt_ iel Wocte- ip, Senate Righthand Trip beat wat Right ton. eat Figaro• d won the ns Caninn. r, Mr. Jef ord Eglin r. Slater ns )1d • Robin- , P. Taylor k (drawn), beat BPsq,- , at Blanche,- h and won Lson's Ran on. Colonel: • Lord Sef- Mr. Ball's r. Deakin's Sampson's , th's Havoc. Mr. Ridg- ipwing beat ElaiTiet beat Earriet beat 1g and won; iVebb £loo► Eden ..f2O, J. Boswell £lO, Sir J• n £lO, Mr. Wodehouse in the first I in the first raylor £3O, qr: Ball _ _ bb £42,14r. sh £2, Mr. £2: it is said, en yards !! 1 of, and will the ground . er and mar° mile and 0 s are afoot )oaths and 1141 ti March 9, 1847. ?Loral lielvs. The steam-ship Hibernia sailed on Thursday with 79 passengers and £300,000 in specie. Mr. Simplon, of the Theatre-Royal, has given £l5 for 'the destitute Scotch. He has previously contributed .£9O for the Irish. The cod-fishery at the Isle of Man has been tolerably successful during the past week, and a large quantity have been exported to Liverpool. Prices have varied from ls. to is. 6d. per head. The workmen and friends of Mr. Thomas Lawrence, of Algburth, have presented to that gentleman a very hand some silver cup and large richly-chased snuff-box, as a testimonial of their esteem. Mr. Lawrence is about to retire from active life, and leave this part of the country. The committee of the late Birkenhead Ball have distri buted £1.20 to the charities in that town, viz. :—To the • Hospital and Dispensary, £BO ; the Homoeopathic Dis pensary, £2O; the Ladies' Charitable Institution, £l5 ; and the Juvjnile Charitable Society, £5. The Licensed Victuallers will give an, amateur perfor mance at the Adelphi Theatre on Wednesday (to-morrow), for the benefit of the distressed Irish and Scotch. The . Earl of Sefton will honour the performance with his pre- sence. • TRADING IN Sour TICKETS. — On Monday, a man - named Skerry was sent to gaol by Mr. Rushton for ten days for selling bread and soup tickets in the street. It appeared the prisoner got a number of relief tickets from the parish-office, and immediately commenced disposing of them in the street at the rate of three for a penny. He . was caught in the act. • THE GREAT BRITAIN. — At a meeting of the proprie tors held at Bristol, on Thursday, reports were read from - Mr. Brunel and Mr. Claxton, detailing the measures taken for the protection of this noble but unfortunate vessel. She has been comparatively unaffected by the late violent seas. Mr. Brunel hoped in a fortnight to give some opin ion relative to her removal. PROVIDENT CLERKS ASSOCIATION.—We have already pointed ont the advantages of this institution to the clerks employed in the offices of this and other towns, and are glad to hear that many are coming forward and identify ing themselves with it. The benefits which must inevita bly result to them are obvious, and the prospects of the company as stated at the annual meeting on Thursday week - are of the most encour ag i ng c h arac t er . SHAMEFUL ROBBERY.—The house of Mr. Edmund Wheeldon, painter, 9, Chesney-street, Toxteth-park, was broken open on Saturday night last, between the hours of eight and ten, while the family were at market ; and there was stolen therefrom the whale of his best wearing appa rel, a suit of his eldest son's, and several articles of his wife's and youngest son's, not leaving them an article to change themselves on Sunday morning. RIVER DOUGLAS.—The two committees appointed by the town council and the inhabitants of Wigan, to watch the proceedings of the Liverpool corporation, and take steps relative to their intention of usurping the source of the river Douglas, at Rivington, have determined that a, petition should be presented to both Houses of Parlia ment, against the bill emanating from Liverpool; and it was also recommended that another petition should be sent from the inhabitants with the same protest. LAUNCH.—On Wednesday, a very fine vessel, built for ' the Bombay Steam Navigation Company, and called the Bombay, was launched from the yard of Mr. Cato. She is 325 tons burthen, and is to be worked by the screw and Mr. Grantham's patent engines, now being made by Messrs. Fawcett, Preston and Co. This vessel was also ' modelled by Mr. Grantham, and is a truly fine specimen of naval architecture. Mr. Cato, we must add, has most . faithfully done his duty in her construction. This vessel • will be shortly followed by the Dwarka, of the same size and power, and also built under the direction of Mr. Grantham. MANSLAUGHTER. — On Thursday week, John Berry, whitesmith, aged 46, of Grosvenor-street,. came by his death under the following circumstances :—The deceased was at work in, a warehouse in Wapping, and, while a scending a ladder leading through a trap-door from the . fi rst to the second story, a man named James Moore, who w as in the upper room, took hold of the ladder, held it „ "/Thight and then let it fall. On its bounding back, the 'deceased fell and fractured his skull. He was conveyed hone, and died on Wednesday night last from the injuries received. Both men were drunk at the time. A verdict _ _ of manslaughter ;;;;reTi;;;;:i against James Moore. DRAMATIC READINGS.—Mr. Lynne will, next week, give a series of dramatic readings, from the plays of Shak speare, at the Concert Hall, Lord Nelson-street ; when, to give every effect to the vocal illustrations, several of our most popular vocalists have been engaged. THE CORPORATION WATER BILL.—By this bill, which came under discussion in Council on Friday, the Council are to keep the water constantly on, under a penalty of twenty shillings a-day. The charges for water are to be regulated according to the following scale :—For premises of which the does not exceed £2O per annum, five Per cent. ; £2O, and not exceeding £4O, four and a half Per cent. ; £4O, and not exceeding £BO, four per cent. ; "i . ,! 10 , and not exceeding £l6O, three and a half per cent. ; "ye £l6O, three per cent. For baths and water-closets, When the rent or annual value does not exceed £2O, the charge is to be 4s. per annum for each bath or water closet ; above £2O, and not exceeding £4O, 6s. ; above £4O, and not exceeding £BO, Bs. ; above £BO, and not exceeding £l6O, 10s. ; above £l6O, 12s. A discount of one -fifth is to be allowed to owners of groups of dwelling houses, at least three in number, and not more than £lO rental each. Ships are to pay is. for any quantity not exceeding 100 gallons, and Gd. for every additional 100 ' gallons or less. - BURIALS IN LIVERPOOL..—There are 39 places of burial within the limits of the parliamentary borough of Liver pool. Of these, IG belong to the Established Church ; 18 are the property of other religious communities. There are 2 cemeteries 'belonging to the parish, and 3 public cemeteries. The aggregate superficial area of all these places of interment is about 40 acres. The aggregate number of interments in seven years is as follows :—ln grave yards covering an area of 21 acres, closely sur rounded by houses, there were 2370 interments ; in yards surrounded by houses, but not closely, covering an area Of 181 acres, there were 26,685 ; in yards partially sur rounded by houses, and covering an area of 61 acres, there were 12,586 ; and in yards in open situations, and covering an area of 121 acres, there were 22,086 inter ments. In 20 grave yards, situated among the houses of the town, the average number of interments, during the Year 1845, was only 101 in each.—Liverpool Health of Towns Advocate. DEATH FROM NEGLECT AT CHILD-BIRTH. —On Wednesday, an inquest was held at the house of Mr. Harwood, Market Inn, touching the death of Caroline G rey, of Leicester-street, Birkenhead, who died of puer- Peral fever. The case excited a good deal of interest 'TM a rumour which prevailed that the deceased died through neglect. It appears that several medical men l ad been successively applied to, who declined or neg eeted to attend in proper time. Ultimately, Mr. Ste ,),„llson was sent for, and delivered her of a still-born with one leg off and its body much mangled. It as, in fact, an abortion of six months. The patient ul timately became delirious, and died of exhaustion. After an enquiry, which lasted six hours, the jury returned the following verdict : " The deceased died from the • 'effects of puerperal fever, consequent on child-birth ; and . !!le jury cannot separate without exp re s s i ng th e i r regre t the more prompt aid was not rendered by the medical men in attendance. At the same ti me , th e y b eg t o th an k M . Stevenson for his prompt attention to the deceased when called upon." It was the opinion of the medical men that premature labour was produced by the previous habits of the deceased ; she was the wife of an itinerant musician, who generally played at village theatres, and at public-h ouse b alls and dances. The eveni ng s h e was the Llangollen taken unwell, she had b een a a Tavern. A few days befo re she tnocok ate o came over from Ireland, and was very ill. her bed, sh e THE RICHARD COBDEN.—This vessel, which has lately returned from Bombay after a voyage of eight months, has proved the great superiority of iron over wood as a material for ship building, having beat every vessel she came in contact with during her voyage ; when upon ex amination she is found to be as clean as the best coppered ships, her bottom being merely painted in the ordinary Way with good red lead. She has not made a drop of water during the whole voyage a point greatly in favour .131 Iran - slips. Although she has great rise of floor, with sharp run fore and aft, she has great room for stowage, her measurement being, old measure 490 tons, new 4611. had.ou board, - of cotton from Bombay upwards of V 9 tons measurement, and about 470 tons dead weight, NI a few tons of kentledge at the bottom. Her extreme b readth is 28 feet 8 inches.- ' depth from.underside of deck In underside of keel-plate, 20 ft.; length of keel, 120 ft. ; "Oh on deck, 135 ft. She was built by Messrs. James l i odgson and Co., of this town, and launched in June, , 8 44. She is, apparently, as good as the day she was i aanehed; and may be seen at present in the Canning gra ving dock. The gross weight of this vessel is about 250 tons, the weight of a wooden vessel of the same ton • ~ 'age would be about double ; and although she got I d t ground inlone of the China rivers, and made a slight in eotion in one of her sides, she has not sustained the east injury from it, nor has she made a drop of water since, now 18 months ago. BURIAL CLUBS.—There are four burial clubs in Liver one of which has no fewer than 50,000 members. n uey are modelled on the Life Assurance principle, so at for a small weekly payment, a sum in the name of Burial Money is paid on the death of the assured. The payments cannot begin before the age of 16 weeks, and there e is an entrance fee, which varies from a penny to sa tmenne as the age advances. The weekly pay= sits vary parties en b ds ec o. halfpenny min t g o three-pence, according to the age of • -death dep members ; and the amount paid at po a n u re time during which the deceased has been insured on the am oun t o f th e su bs cr ipti on paid. Thus : under four years of age, the payment of a • halfpenny a week, for 13 weeks, insures the receipt of £1 payments have continued for 26 ss. at death. But if the Weeks, the amount received at the death of the child is 42 10s. From 4to 46 years of age, a subscription oo f a halfpenny a week for 16 weeks, entitle s the urvi the su m o f .X 2 10s. ; and a subscription of one e vors to p l e u n n u y o week rai se s the burial money to £5 and so on. n sequence of the great majority of the subscribers being Clubs children, the mortality amo n g me mbers of Buri a l Qubs is apparently very great. This arises from the fact, that the general mortality of the town is greatest among c hildr,:n. In the club already mentioned as having 5°, ° 00 members, there are 45,000 resident in Liverpool, !V the remainder in the adjacent rural districts. Out of ' ; nose residing in the town, the m ortality last year was 1 ; 11 4 7 ; and. in those resident in out-districts , it was 1 in We learn from the returns of the last half-year, Itha.t out of 1,308 deaths, more than 1,000 were children. L is not a little remarkable, that many members of Burial . Vohs earn their living by begging.—Liverpool Health of owns Advocate. - M r- W. J. Hammond, the enterprising lessee of the Melphi Theatre, will take his benefit on Monday week, which occasion will be produced for the first time in .1-4 verpool, the melo-drama of " Itaby Rattler." The Piece will be brought out in the first style. LOCAL MEETINGS. ROYAL MERSEY YACHT CLI7I3.—At the monthly .meet ing, on Tuesday, Mr. James S. Walker introduced to the notice of the meeting an ingenious contrivance of his own for a lay-sail. A very beautiful model of a Chinese mandarin boat, full rigged and equipped with armament, has been sent to the club-room for exhibition. It came in the Queen Mab Indiaman, belonging to Mr. Rotheram, and the mate of the vessel has been busily engaged rigging her up. Another month or two will again bring out the yachting season, and as several fine new yachts have been added to the club, we may expect it to be a brilliant one. WALLASEY COMMISSIONERS.—At the meeting on Thursday, the Clerk read a memorial, which had been prepared, addressed to the Postmaster-General complain ing of the defective state of the Post-office arrangements for the township of Wallasey, and suggesting that there should be two deliveries each day, instead of one as at present. The memorial was approved, and signed by the chairman on behalf of the Board. The Law-Clerk read two letters relative to the grant of a site of land at New Brighton for a coach and car stand. One was from Mr. William Rowson, and to the effect that there was no ob jection to the application of the commissioners as a tem porary measure. Ms. Rowson stated in his letter that he had some conversation with Mr. Atherton on the subject, but that gentleman had nothing whatever to do with the land. Mr. Atherton's letter was also read. It was to the effect that he, on behalf of the trustees of the land referred to, would facilitate the application of the commissioners. THE TRADESMEN'S AssiSTANTS.—The annual meeting of the Liverpool Association of Tradesmen's Assistants was held on Wednesday evening, in the Clarendon-rooms. Mr. Edward Flower occupied Idle chair. The secretary, Mr. Lyon, read the report for the past year. It com menced by congratulating the meeting on the onward progress of their movement, which had now become a great national question. The committee had, however, to regret that the advancement of their cause should be retarded by those for whose moral and social elevation it had been established. Thanks were voted to those em ployers who had carried out the system of early closing in their establishments. The meeting was addressed by Mr. Mirams, Mr. Harrison, Mr. Stuart, and Mr. J. B. Jack son. The latter gentleman stated that there was only 202 members on the books of the association, while there were in the town 9000 assistants, exclusive of porters and errand-boys, and of the £lOO required for relieving the association from its difficulties, only £l7 had been raised. WEST DERBY GUARDIANS.—At the weekly meeting on Wednesday, two appointments were made—Mr. T. W. Christie, as vaccinator and surgeon to the rural district of West Derby, at a remuneration of ls. 6d. per case, and Mr. R. B. Reid, as medical officer to the Litherland district, in place of Mr. Kilburn, deceased, at a salary of £lO per annum. The appointment of a medical officer and vaccinator to the West Derby district, in place of Mr. Greatrix, resigned, was then brought under consi deration. Mr. Taylor was proposed, but as it appeared that lie was not qualified, not being a licentiate of Apo thecaries'-hall, the proposals, after a long discussion, fell to the ground, and no decision, we believe, was come to. Mr. Shaw proposed an increase in the salary of Mr. D. Chalmer, medical officer for the district of Everton, from £l5 to £BO per annum, on the ground of increased duties ; his weekly visits in 1840 being at the rate of 21 per week, while there were now 86 per week. Mr. Smith proposed that the salary should be £4O per annum. The original motion was carried by a majority of five to three. BIRKENHEAD COMMISSIONERS.—At the usual monthly meeting of the Birkenhead Commissioners, on Tuesday, Wm. Potter, Esq., in the chair,—the health committee reported that they had accepted the tender of Mr. Wm. Rose, of Manchester, for cleansing the ash pits, &c., of Birkenhead, for three years, commencing on Monday last, Mr. Rose to pay £5O per year for the use of the commis sioners' yard. Mr. Wm. Laird said that the committee thought that they were taking the right course in accept ing Mr. Rose's tender, as it would make a saving of £4OO 1 per annum to the township. Under the former arrange ment there had been a dead loss to the township of some thing under £lOOO a year. The proceedings were con firmed. From the report of the ferry committee it ap peared that the receipts for the month of February, 1846, had been £1484 2s. sd. ; and for February, 1847, £1212 18s. 4d. The receipts from the 23rd April to the Ist Feb. had been, •, 1846, £20,493 9s. sd. 1847, £19,087 ss. 3d. The total expenditure had been £13,917 15s. 9d. From the report of the law clerks' committee it appeared that Messrs. Mallaby and Townsend declined to give up the charge of the Birkenhead Improvement and Gas and Water Bills, &c., unless their charges were paid. The appointment of Mr. Waln as law-clerk was confirmed. The chairman stated that lie had received two letters from Mr. Mallaby on the subject of the matters in dispute between him and the Commissioners of Birkenhead: but the Commissioners refused to hear the letters read. After some other business, Mr. Wm. Laird . drew the attention of the Commissioners to the circumstance that the Bir kenhead docks, and the railway to the docks, would be opened on the sth of April, and he suggested that an event so calculated to add to the importance of Birken head should be commemorated in a suitable manner. Ul timately a committee was appointed to take the necessary measures for effecting that object. TOWN COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS. The usual monthly meeting of the Council was held on Wednesday. On the recommendation of the Finance Committee, it was resolved to increase the salary of Mr. Wyberg, the treasurer, from £5OO to £7OO :—Mr. PARKER and Mr. HODGSON stating their disapproval of the job that was perpetrated by the Reformers—that of giving £5OO to the man who discharged the duties of treasurer, and £5OO to the man who did nothing. Mr. BRAMLEY-MOORE called the attention of the Coun cil to the Holyhead Harbour Bill, (the flagrant character of which we exposed in our last) and asked if the at tention of the Finance Committee had been called to the subject, for the company were seeking an exclusive power over the passage traffic by preventing any competition on the part of general steamers. Sir THOMAS BRANCKER said that the attention of the Finance Committee had not been called to the subject, but that the Mayor had received a communication relative thereto from Mr. C. W. Williams, and it was resolved that that report should be referred to the Finanea Com mittee. On the Dock Proceedings being read, Mr. BRAMLEY MOORE said, he might just observe, with reference to the Albert Dock warehouses, as that was the last occasion upon which he might notice them. that owing to the un tiring exertions of the sub-committee, under whose ma nagement the Albert Docks principally were, the public appreciated them, and they were now constantly occupied and full. (Hear, bear.) He had received a letter from Mr. W. Potter, stating that a clause would be introduced into the Birkenhead Dock Act, to disqualify any member of the Birkenhead and Herculaneum Dock Company from being a member of the Liverpool Dock Committee. He thought that it would be quite in order that every proprie tor of the dock company over the water should be dis qualified from acting here as a trustee. He would not disqualify him from sitting and acting as a councillor, but he would prevent him from voting on or exercising control over the affairs of the Liverpool Dock Estate. They met there to promote the interests of the town and trade of Liverpool : and if any Birkenhead proprietor were there he would not be free from that bias to which human nature was subject. (Hear.) He had now to an nounce that the 24th of last month completed nine months of the official dock year. They commenced their official year on the 24th of June. And, notwithstanding the great falling off in the importation of the staple article of the port—cotton—compared with previous years, and the large diminution in the imports of guano, he had the high satisfaction of acquainting the Council that our tonnage. lt Fompared with th e n i ne mon th s o f t h e prev i ous year, h a d a l iough trade h a d f a ll en off in increased by 113,523 t ons . Its hoved particular tli branches, e Cout: cil that, yet that other branches had been brought into existence, and crease ; and when there must wa s aannt.l ordinarywild continuerease in to thei - that the trade here increaselNTOtwithstandiil in nthtonnge would be very imports of cotton, the considerable. on foreign bottoms from 2s. 3d g . one reductionshi s in the dues to Is. 3d., or 33 per cent., the increase in the money port was .£ll,7B7—(hear, hear.) Mr. PARKER bore testimony to the highly successful exertions of the Albert Dock Sub-Committee. He had gone through the Albert Dock the other day, and every thing there was so unlike Liverpool that he was perfectly astonished. It was one of the lions of the town,—(Hear, hear.) The proceedings of the St. George's Hall Committee contained a variety of communications between the Town clerk, the committee, the musical professors, the archi tect, and Mr. Samuel Holme. Mr. Holme justified the statement he made at the last Council, relative to the expensive manner in which the building was erected, and Mr. Elmes characterised Mr. Holme's statement at the last Council as the statement of a "disaffected contractor." Mr. J.B . LLOYD, in moving the confirmation of the pro ceedings, said that Mr. Wightman had reported on the building, that it was an ornament to the town and was not " a thing of shreds and patches." The Committee recommended the Council not to expend £6,000 or £7,000 on the organ, until the hall was completed.—Mr. S. HOLME said that he would reiterate what he had previ ously said as to the cost of the building. The estimate given in April 1841 was for £92,000, and in August 1844, after a number of additional sums had been voted, a new estimate was sent in for £145,000. He denied that any of the materials he had used in the building were of an inferior description, and was willing that any portion of the bricks and mortar should be cut out and examined.— Mr. JAS. HOLME moved for certain returns connected with the building, but the motion was withdrawn on the understanding that the returns could be obtained, and the Council adjourned until Friday. The adjourned meeting was held on Friday. The MAYOR brought before the notice of the Council the'report of the Health Committee, an important portion of which was Dr. Duncan's report on the present state of the public health. It ent to prove the existence of typhus fever, but not of a very dangerous type. It was nearly exclusively confined to the Irish residents, 73 out of 90 cases of infection being Irish. Lace-street, occupied exclusively by Irish, was named as being in a most filthy condition : forty-eight cities had occurred since the com mencement of the year in that street, and there were at present twenty-seven. In the Exchange and Vauxhall districts, there were at present 75 cases under treatment. The report went on to recommend the adoption, if possi ble, of some measure to prevent the further influx of Irish paupers as absolutely necessary to preserve the health of the , town. A s a precaut i onary measure, i t a d v i se d t h e frequent flushing of the sewers, and that arrangements be made with t heWaterWorks'Companies to turn the water on daily, instead of three times a-week, as was done at present. It also pointed to the necessity of providing extra accommodation for the infected, as well as addi tional medical aid. A lett er f rom Si r G eorge G rey, rela tive to the appointment of Dr. Duncan by the Town Council, was read, by which it appeared that the Sem- ..f CI 411 3. 1 I ki tart' of State approved of the appointment in every respect expepting the principle of the appointment, which .was that of estimating the duties of the office as only likely • to require a portion of the time of the person appointed, and of allowing him to continue private practice ; the Secre tary of State was of opinion that the medical officer should devote the whole of his time to the duties of the office, and suggested the propriety of his having professional assistance.—The report was confirmed. In reply to some remarks which fell from Messrs. Moore and Aikin relative to the appointment of a medical board, Mr. Nicol. replied that Dr. Duncan would have an op portunity of consulting the registers of six or eight parish surveyors, from which he would make his reports, which would therefore be the same in character as though they emanated directly from a board.—Mr. PARKER was sur prised that any gentleman should characterise a report got up in such a manner as being the report of a board ; the report would still be Dr. Duncan's, for he would consult his own views in making his report after having inspected the surveyors' registers. He (Mr. Parker) approved of the appointment of a medical board. — Mr. TINNE suggested that the subject being yet in its infancy, the better method would be to refer the question to the Health Committe for consideration.—Mr. AIKIN was quite agreeable.—Confirmed. Some other routine business was disposed of ; after which the report of the Sanatory Committee relative to the insufficient supply of water came under consideration in due course.—Mr. Meoh suggested that as the report was so voluminous, the Council would dispense with hearing it read. He moved its adoption. Mr. PARKER, for his own satisfaction and that of his constituents, wished to be informed how many un favourable reports had been received by the Sanatory Committee. Why should Mr. Hawkesley's report be the only one brought before the Council. He considered it was a question which was likely seriously to affect the pockets of the rate-payers ; it was not a corporation, but a borough -rate question. He was opposed both to the Bala Lake and the Pike scheme, but he believed if the latter were carried out, the water-rate would exceed all the borough-rates. With respect to the supposed excel lence of the Pike water, he believed opinions had been given respecting it as opposite to that of Dr. Lyon Play fair as any two things could be. Mr. Parker went on to state that the Pike scheme was altogether preposterous, and concluded by proposing that, as there was now an auxiliary in the Green-lane works, and consequently no immediate scarcity of water, the question might be post poned to another occasion. (Cries of No, no.) Mr. S. HOLME had long taken a deep interest in the question, and now rejoiced to find the town was likely to he supplied with an abundance of water, and that provi sion would be made for posterity. He was glad too that they were about to get rid of the hard water at present used. With respect to the proposition for obtaining water from the sand-stone on which the town stood, lie was convinced it could not be done without robbing all the privatewells. He hoped the report would be adopted, and was of opinion that no money could be better laid out than in bringing a supply of water from Rivington Pike. Mr. HioGirls looked on the proposed scheme as the least likely one. The district whence the supply was to issue was, he understood, a cultivated one, and conse quently the water, which must have a large surface, would contain many organic impurities. He believed that the scheme could not be carried out for less than a million sterling, though Mr. Hawkesley estimated the cost at £400,000 or £500,000 only. He wished to know why the report of Mr. Cunningham, who had been appointed to inspect the Cumberland lakes with a view to impounding them for the purpose of supplying the town with water, had been withheld from the Council. The committee had never produced that report, and he now stood upon his right to demand its production. A good deal of discussion here ensued relative to the merits of the different schemes which have been broached for the accomplishment of the object. Mr. AIKIN said that although he still adhered to his own little crotchet—his belief that there was plenty of water under the town—he was willing to bow to the deci sion of the committee. Mr. ROBINSON thought it advisable to purchase the present water works and then pause, for if the works must be purchased on completion of the plan between them, it could be doing no harm. He thought if the Pike scheme were carried out the water rate would be increased four fold. Mr. Nicol., in reply to what had been said in opposition to the project, would•content himself with stating that Mr. Hawkesley's had been adopted because it was consi dered to be the best. He had taken the opportunity of asking the gentlemen constituting the board of one of the water works on a former occasion whether they could give a daily supply of water ; the reply was, with only one dissentient voice, that they could not. Both Dr. Buck land and Mr. Anstead were of opinion that there could not be an adequate supply of water obtained from our sandstone. Much had been said about the report being a report made by Mr. Hawkesly exclusively. From a com bination of unfortunate circumstances, both Mr. Cubitt and Mr. Rendall were prevented from accompanying that gentleman when he made his survey. In reply to a re mark made by Mr. Higgins, he wished to say the district of the Pike was not a cultivated one. The adoption of the report was then put to the vote and carried by a majority of 35 to 3. • A good deal of discussion followed relative to the clause introduced in the bill, by which the Corporation are re— quired to grant the site for the Sailors' Home.—Mr. TIORSFALL advocated it.—Sir T. BRANCKER contended the finance committee had no power to alienate the pro perty of the Corporation.—He was supported by 1VIr: Rathbone, Mr., Robertson, Mr.' Parker, and others. It was finally put to the vote whether the clause should. re-' main in or be expunged from the bill. Its continuance as a part of the bill was decided by a majority of four. Some communications made to the Mayor relative to the Cleveland-square Market, and the affairs Of the town ship of Toxteth-park, and a claim from Mr. Snowball for a sum exceeding £5OO per annum, as compensation for the loss of his office, were then read ; after which, Mr. EARLE proposed that a suitable building be provided for the reception of persons who may be affected with fever ; the only accommodation at present being the Fever Ward at the Workhouse, which was intended for the exclusive use of paupers. The motion was seconded by Mr. Tinne, and referred to the health committee. Mr. Higgins rose to move a resolution, upon which the Council was counted out. INQUIRY BEFORE THE WATCH COMMITTEE, RESPECTING THE SUPPLY OF WATER TO THE LATE FIRE IN MASON-STREET. In consequence of the conflicting reports made by the police-officers and Mr. M`Gill, the foreman of the Water' Company, respecting the supply of water to the above fire, the Watch Committee decided that the matter should be thoroughly investigated, and that reporters should be requested to be in attendance during the proceedings, which were appointed to take place on Thursday last, at two o'clock. There was a numerous attendance of the members of the Watch Committee ; the Town-clerk and the Head Constable were also present. Mr. Stanistreet, Mr. M`Donald, and Mr. Banner were in attendance on behalf of the Harrington Company. The proceedings commenced by Mr. Ashlin reading a long report by Superintendent Clough, where the want of water and the absence of turncocks was assigned as one of the principal reasons why the fire had gained such an ascendancy. Mr. Stanistreet then proceeded to call wit nesses to rebut these allegations. The first was Mr. Holt, cabinet-maker, Berry-street, who was at the fire at half past three o'clock. He saw the engines at work in Hurst street. There did not appear to be any want of water, as they continued to play without intermission, which would not have been the case had they been supplied by water carts. Evan Davies deposed that he is warehouseman to Messrs. Barton, Irlam and Higginson. He resides next door to Mr. Challoner's warehouse, which was burned down, He was aroused about half-past two o'clock by the policemen's s ti c k s an d ra t t l es . O n gett i ng i nto t h e street he found th e shed in a blaze. It was blowin g a gale aTiboluetfiiriealmf-paadset threerap rapid progress. Was of out wind of at bed. the It time. was e. sure of th e ti me, as h e looked at his watch when he got when the first engine arrived : '•t was placed in Mason street, and got a supply of water from carts... In a few i minutes afterwards a no th er en ced at the corner o f liurst-street. ge w t a i s pla were getting it ready, he sa w two Harringtonwaterremmeenn come and call for a stand pipe. They drew a plug, and the water immediately spouted up a height of several feet. This was before the engine was ready to play. There was plenty of water all the time. There was some dispute amongst the firemen about getting the engine into play. This caused some delay. James Standish, turncock, stated that be received the alarm of fire in Stanhope-street. He immediately got un and opened Parliament-street main cock. The . large mains are always fully charged with water, and AN indsor engine is likewise kept at work all night. I then hastened to the fire. I saw John Hughes, another of the Company's turncocks, there. There were two engines ; one playing on the fire, and another getting ready. George Hewitt was unrolling the hose. I called to him to get me a standpipe. He gave me one, and I drew a plug and put it in. There was plenty of water in the mains ; it was on very strong, and must have run at all the plugs there abouts ;—it could not have been otherwise, as the cocks were open. Several of the Company's turncocks were called and examined,—their evidence being corroborative of the other witnesses. .. Mr. M'Donald deposed as follows am the superin tendent of the Harrington Company's works. I received the alarm of fire at my residence, No. 9, Lord Nelson street, at half-past three o'clock. I immediately hastened to the spot—it would be about a quarter or ten minutes to four o'clock when I got there. I tried to reach the fire by going down Mason-Street, but the smoke was so dense I was compelled to turn back and make a circuit in order to get to windward of the fire. I found several of the company's turncocks there. They informed nao that there was abundance of water. I saw that the engines which were supplied from our mains had plenty. I knew it could hardly be otherwise, as our large mains in that district of the town are kept constantly charged. We have one main capable of containing nearly one hundred thou:. sand gallons of water, and in addition to that, we keep the Windsor engine working at night in order that we may have an ample supply of water in case of fire. I saw Mr. M Gill there immediately after my arri val. I went with him round the various en gines, those who had their hose attached to our fire plugs were well supplied, with one exception—that of an engine in Barter-street—whi c h was not fully supplied. The pipe in that street is a very bad one. I sent the turn cock to find another plug for this engine ; he did so, but the fireman rAused to use it, alleging aslis reason that he had not sufficient length of hose. There were two en gines in Tabley-street, below Hurst-street, without a supply of water. This arose from our having no fire -. ~ .:. :.. ~. :... -...., r- :.-.ter. ....-:«~--, _,!. ..~~..:v".:"~4.3`..}v~~ - x~."yn►..:+ck"'."S"t:itCTt ~'v~:•'Y..'"'...,.t'^:._. 'TIE LI Wllll l O.l STAN D'A'R D. plugs-in that part of Tabley-street. We had two excel lent plugs at the corner of Hurst-street and Tabley-street,. but the smoke was so dense it was impossible to• get at them., although several attempts were made to do. 50 , .- Frain one of these plugs I gave Mr. Maxwell a continuous, upply - of water for three weeks, for salvage purposes. I saws the head-constable at the fire. I called his attention. to the fact of our having an abundant supply-of water,. and he acknowledged that we had. This closed the evidence on the part of the Herrington CompatiV. M. Maxwell was then called, he stated that he received. the alarm of fire shortly after 3 o'clock, and reached Mason-street about 4--past 3. The engines in. Tablay street had no water for sometime. He took.the men. from, them, and commenced clearing out a cooperage which was. several times on fire. He was so occupied for about three quarters of an hour. The smoke was • exceedingly dense ; it was as much as he could do to get across from Tabley street to Mason-street. He believes- that the engines. in Hurst-street were supplied with water a consi derable time before those in Tabley-street had a supply. Has been informed that the Harrington company have no plugs in the lower part of Tabley-street. Never was better supplied with water for salvage pur poses than at this fire. Mr. M`Donald was good enough to give him a supply from the mains for three- weeks, thus saving the working of the ordinary engines. The Harrington company have latterly gives a much better supply of water at fires than they used to. do for salvage purposes especially. I have always experienced the most prompt attention from their. officers. Mr. Hewitt examined.—l received the alarm of a fire in Tabley-street at the Fire Police Station at half-past three o'clock. I immediately turned out the engines, and reached the fire in about seven minutes afterwards. We had at first no other water than what we 'brought with us in carts. There was a supply of water from the Harring ton company mains for two or three engines in from ten to-twenty minutes after they got to the tire. Mr. Parker here commented in strong terms on the cir cumstance of this witness's testimony not having been given in the Report which the police had presented to the Committee. In that report, said he, they say there was no water for three quarters of an hour after the arrival of the engines, while here is Mr. Hewitt, the first man who ought to have been examined, and who acknowledges that there was a supply of water, for two or three engines, in from ten to twenty minutes after their arrival. The Chairman thought Mr. M'Gill's report had not been fully borne out, he having stated that the supply was before the arrival of the engines, whereas it appeared it was not till after their arrival that a supply was obtained. Mr. Stanistreet replied that that would be merely a play upOn words. It was clearly proved that there was a supply before the engines were ready to receive it. Mr. Procter thought something ought to be done with their own officers for making such reports, and misleading the committee in the way they had done; and the chair man would find it absolutelynecessary to do something. Mr. Booker and Mr. Parker both concurred in sir. Procter's views ; and the inquiry, which had occupied a considerable time, terminated. • LIVERPOOL POLICE INTELLIGENCE. NOT SUPPLYING LIME-JUlCE.—Messrs. Foster, the owners of the ship Vindicator, were charged with not hav ing a supply of lime-juice on board the ship during her passage hence to Hongkong. The boatswain deposed to the facts of the case. Mr. Foster pleaded guilty to the charge; but said that, when the ship went out they had vinegar on board. Mr. Rushton said that, considering the circumstances of the case, he would reduce the fine to the lowest item, being one third. Messrs. Foster were accordingly tined in the sum of £6 13s. 4d. DARING OUTRAGE IN VAUXHALL-ROAD.—OR Wed nesday, a rough-looking fellow named Jonn Barton, well known to the police, was brought up charged with attempt ing to rob a poor man named Patrick Manley, of his money. It appeared the complainant was going up Vaux hall-road on the previous evening, about seven o'clock, and had some money in his hand, with which he was about to purchase bread, when the prisoner and another man made an attack upon him, knocked him down, and en deavoured to hold his mouth, to prevent him giving an alarm. In consequence of some parties coining up, the two men ran off without accomplishing their purpose. They were pursued, but only one of them, the prisoner, was taken into custody. It appeared that several robber ies of a similar character have taken place lately in the same neighbourhood. The prisoner was committed to gaol for three months. CHARGE OF HAVING SHORT PROVISIONS.—A COM. plaint was heard against Captain Robinson, of the ship Vindicator. George Thompson, the cook on board, de posed, that he sailed in the above vessel, on the 10th Fe bruary, 1846, for Hongkong and Shanghae. During the whole passage out they had had plenty of provisions on board, also when they were at China. They were four months on the passage, and during two months and three days of the time they were short of peas and flour. There was plenty of bread on board during the whole passage out and home. On referring to the articles of the ship, it was found not to mention either flour or peas. The com plainant said, that, when the captain read the articles over to them in the cabin, he also mentioned flour. Mr. Rush ton said, that it was not a usual thing for these things to be mentioned in the ship's articles, and accordingly he would acquit the captain from the charge. DISPUTE ABOUT A SEAMAN'S WAGES.—At the police court, on Tuesday, Captain Lawson, of the California, appeared under a summons granted at the instance of William Brown, a seaman, to recover the sum of £4, alleged to be due to the complainant for services. It appeared that the complainant had been engaged at St. John's, New Brunswick, as a seaman, with £4 10s. advance to go to Liverpool, thence to British America and back to St. John's ; but if the captain discharged him in England, he was to be entitled to £5. He stated, that upon his arrival in Liverpool he was discharged, and the captain refused to give him his certificate of discharge because he demanded the £4 extra pay. It appeared, from the ship's articles, that there was some difference between the terms as stated by the complainant and the articles as they were in writing ; consequently, the com plainant was told that he must lay another information if lie thought proper. Another information was also beard against Captain Small upon the complaint of a seaman, who, it turned out, had deserted the ship at St. John's after having got the advance. This information was dis missed. It will be remembered, that some time ago a policeman was shot in Hotham-street Bridewell, by a young man in custody, but who was acquitted on the ground of there being no malice. The poor wounded man never recovered, and we regret to hear, died on Friday, from the effects of the wound. THE PROPOSED HARBOUR OF REFUGE, AND 'CHESTER AND HOLYHEAD RAILWAY COM PANY'S PIER AND HARBOUR, AT HOLY HEAD. We last week noticed the extraordinary proposition for the necessary legal powers, to be granted to a private railway company, to construct " a harbour of refuge," for the vessels passing Holyhead. The Company are pushing with all the precipitancy which money, and other means, can effect, to construct a " Safety Harbour," (so termed by them,) in Holyhead Bay ; for the good of the public, as they aver; but, in reality, for their own pur poses ;—a harbour, in fact, the only safe or good portion of which they propose to be for their own private use and revenue, excluding even her Majesty's ships. We enter tain no objection whatever to the formation of a real harbour of refuge at Holyhead. But the exposed position and other difficulties of the locality, under certain gales of wind, render any proposition to effect that object almost hopeless of accomplishment for the public good ; unless the scheme were put into the hands and management of some of the first scientific and nautical men of the age. Least of all should we approve of the plan laid down and advocated by , the agents of the railway company named,—a plan which would involve immense cost to the public, for the mere benefit of a comparatively few indi viduals ; and which, moreover, would not, were it carried out to its fullest proposed extent, benefit themselves. We expect to be enabled to show, to those of our read ers who interest themselves in such matters, that the position We this day furnish, gra t u it ous l y, with general interests. We a Typographical Plan of the " H ar b our o f R e f uge, ' in e de t f a e l n cc in justified c . eof o o p a p r osin th local aa. e i Company is P p:•0- posed by the Chester and Holyhead Railway Company. ' A glance at this scheme, in conjunction with the marginal references, will enable our nautical readers, at least, to judge for themselves. To others, some explanation is requisite. It was fortunate for the public, and especially for those whose pursuits require them to pass between this town or North Wales, and the " sister isle," that Mr. C. W. Williams, of the City of Dublin Steam Packet Company, happened to learn that a projectso preposter ous was, almost silently, working its way in Parliament by the " locomotive" influence of the aforesaid company ; and, by proceeding to London, happily succeeded in post poning the second reading of the bill for a fortnight. The simple fact is, that the Chester and Holyhead Railway Company—having Holyhead for their western or sea terminus, are pushing to have not only the sole part or portion of the proposed harbour, which offers any real degree of safety to vessels during gales, for their own exclusive use, but urge also to be the exclusive pro viders of steamers for the passenger and other traffic, be tween Holyhead and Dublin ; thus wishing to become traffickers by sea as well as by land ; in fine;to usurp a monopoly which their own plan shows them to be quite incompetent t o accomplish. There is an old say i ng amongst school-lads. " Ne sutor ulti‘n crepidam," and such are the stretches recently attempted by some of our " railway companies" with their accumulations of wealth—that they appear to be wishful to exhibit their new fledged skill on the sea, though they have had many disasters to answer for on their land operations. we in cline not to disparage the character of railway companies ; but we must, in candour, say that the voyage by rail, and by. sea, are so distinctly appertaining to two pro feSsions, which cannot be conjoint with advantage to the public, that the proposition of the Chester and Holyhead Railway Company to become " sailors," as well as " tailors,' (for aught we know;) is most prepos terous, and, we repeat, impertinent. They propose to give £200,000 towards the expense of constructing the " harbour of refuge;" but, as Mr. Williams truly states, " they will contribute not a farthing towards it, the sum stated being to be expended in objects intended exclu sively to benefit the said company, and not only foreign to the purposes of the asylum harbour, but absolutely in jurious to its value and efficiency ; to such an extent, in deed, as virtually to deprive it of eny claim to the charac ter of ' safety.'' Eight hundred thousand pounds (or, in plain words, a million —taking such estimates into tic count) is sought for by this company, on the plea of public safety and convenience ; but out of this (we quote the Language of the proposed act):` the said company shall in ,oe.o t", • no case exceed the sum of two hundred thousand pounds." It is also laid down that the said company shall have and enjoy the exclusive use of the inner harbour, and to charge what they think fit for any accommodation they may be pleased to afford to strangers who may dare (we suppose) to enter it ; and, (monstrous proposition!) to have the exclusive right of all the passenger and goods' accommodation and transit between,this country and Ire land. Mr. Williams's statement clearly shows that the government have been, somehow - or other, induced to agree or promise to spend a million on a harbour of refuge for " the public" at Holyhead; that the plan of such harbour, cunningly introduced in. high quarters by the company, is about to be adopted ; and that such plan will benefit no one beyond the said company, and not even Themselves, if, indeed, it should be completed to their wish. This company have not only the peculiar condescension to offer a sum of £200,000 in the first instance, towards the construction of a harbour (suitable only for their own purposes), which will cost a million , ; but they have the audacity to propose the power to raise £300,000 " addi tional" hereafter, to enable them to monopolise, as far as they can, the steam-boat traffic between this country and Ireland. We now direct the attention of our•readers to the typo graphical plan of the proposed harbour. It will be observed that this proposed harbour is (or to be) about due north of the present harbour and town of Holyhead. On the south east corner of the proposed en closure, or refuge harbour, is defined " The Railway Com pany's Inner Harbour," and a snug berth they have cho sen for themselves ! The whole area. of the harbour to be " allowed" for the use of the public, when reduced from its tortuosities to something like an oblong square, may be about 4850 feet in length, and 3100 in width. An im mense and necessarily most costly breakwater is on the north side, as a main protection. To, meet this, so as to form the gateway of the enclosure, is to be run out ano ther pier—" the eastern," lying from the direction of the Royal Dock yard about north. The width of the entrance thus to be formed between the two points stated is about 800 feet. The only accommodation in qgay-room which the rail way proposes to dedicate to the public of all England and Ireland, is the minute wall from C to D, only 500 feet in length, outside of their own " inner harbour," and so much exposed to north or north-west winds that, except ing in calms, it would be utterly useless and, if useful at all, only for a very few vessels. It is but giving an inch of quay-room in gratitude for the miles which the railway company expect to obtain for• themselves. Even with respect to the " inner harbour," proposed for their own exclusive gain, let any nautical man, who has a knowledge of the rocky and exposed locality, look at the entrance of this harbour, (between the two break waters,) and slightly study the difficulties to be encoun tered by even a powerful steamer in a gale, in running in. She would have, with a N.E. wind, to round the west point of the " east" breakwater so rapidly, that the pro bability would be that, with the force of the sea against her stern on entering, she would be smashed against the rocks or the walls. The entrance to this inner harbour is but about 400 feet in width, and there is " a tongue," or prolongation of the company's pier, running in an E.N.E. direction, which, from the impingement of the sea upon it in north-easterly, and even other gales, will increase the seaway, and endanger all the shipping in what the railway company and (unhappily) the government choose to call, or consider,—the General " Harbour of Refuge at Holyhead." We would fain drop our anchor within the haven which the Railway Company have chalked out for " the public ;" but we find it so questionable a holding ground, that we shall drop neither our anchor nor our pen. It will be ob served, from our Plan, that there are rocks in almost every shoreward point of this assumed fine public har bour. The south shore is particularly dangerous. The small public quay, assigned for the use of all her Majes ty's subjects by the generous condescension of the Com pany, will be completely exposed, and, excepting in calm weather, unavailable. Looking from the N.W. curve of our plan, and employing the scale, it will be found that any wind, from almost any westwardly point, and parti cularly from due N. to West will throw a strong sea-way against the quay—C to D.—The average distance or space of water from the weather side, in the direction stated is 3,700 feet, and it can be well imagined what a force of wave would be thrown up against this small un protected quay on any occasion of even a moderate blow. The Company wish to make themselves quite safe, within the inner side of the wall. They have been advised as to the protected side of the hedge. The whole project is an attempt on the part of private and grasping individuals to obtain a large share, in addi tion to their railway profits, of the steam-carrying trade between this port and Ireland. They are wide awake, no doubt : and so are we. They have considered that the running of steamers of their own from Holyhead to Ire land, in conjunction with their railway,—and having the exclusive right and use of their proposed harbour, would enable them to save that amount of dock-dues, pilotage, lights, &c., which are rather grievously imposed upon our present steam-ship proprietors. We are not, in the abstract, favourable to monopoly of any kind ; but though the City of Dublin Steam Company have enjoyed a monopoly, or nearly so, of the carrying trade between this port and Ireland for upwards of half a century, we cannot but admit that they have deserved it, not only from their having been the first to mature steam navigation in our locality, and since, on the wide ocean, but the efficiency of their vessels, their excellent accommodations, and their moderate scale of fares. The average passages, hence to Dublin or back, of their mail boats and cattle vessels, is ll.i.hours, which is great going, considering the nature of the navigat ion, and the immense tonnage of goods, &c., con veyed to and fro. The fares in the cattle vessels (which have all elegant cabins, &c.) is but 10s. for first-class pas sengers, for deck or steerage passengers only 2s. This company paid in harbour, light, and pilotage dues, last year, no less than £7OOO. - Can the Chester and Holyhead Railway convey parties between this town and Dublin at rates so low ? We ima gine not. The only difference, in time, from London to Dublin, would be about two hours, and by railway to Holyhead the cost must be greater. ..~. _, ....-. y,.,.:-:......Fr=:l`_'^."6F-`.-!`Z':Y'~a'::^.-c.~,.:x+YFd4tX"r`~-.:-,a.~..:".v +P'ebx r;n.~...~>, ...._~,~. 1r sr rf'""4l COLONEL GAWLER'S GOVERNMENT OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA. (From the South Australian News) We have a duty to discharge, in reference to Colonel Gawler and his administration of affairs in South Aus tralia, that cannot with justice be further postponed. We have hitherto felt disinclined to enter upon the considera tion of this question, as it does not relate to the imme diate interests of the colony, and particularly as the colonel, doubtless for good reasons, has appeared until lately somewhat to avoid its discussion. But the time has now arrived when an inquiry into the causes and con sequences of his removal may not only be interesting, but really useful to those who would examine the future prospects of the colony in the light of its past history ; while the varioas communications from him in this and other public journals, for the purpose, as we think, of exciting criticism, lead us to believe. that the question cannow in every respect be considered fearlessly and dis passionately-. Proceeding, then, in this spirit; we shall take a cursory glance at the early history of the colony—the state in which Colonel Gawler found it on taking the reins of go vernment—and the measures which his position rendered imperatively necessary. Lenient as should be the judg ment pronounced upon the steps taken for the establish ment of a colony, separated from all but the most distant communication with the mother country, and founded on. a system entirely new, honesty obliges us to state, that the Executive Government in this country displayed in many of its proceedings a certain degree of weakness and inefficiency. How far this may have tended to embarrass Governor Hindmarsh, in the exectgion of his duty, is now unnecessary to enquire : certain it is, that during his administration, either from an incompetency on his 'part. or from the indefinite nature of his instructions, little was, done morally, politically, or religiously. The surveys, too, instead cf being vigorously proceeded with, were almost entirely suspended; and although the town-land* were allotted, yet scarcely anythiter was done to locate the emigrants in the country districts,' and nothing what , ever to encourage agricultural operations. The, safety of the province was also endangered by the absence of any protecting force, either police or military ; whereas, in a colony situated so near the penal settlements, such a force was indispensably necessary for the protection of life and property. Again, the anomalous nature of Capt. Hind-- marsh's position in no way improved matters. He, as the representative of the sovereign, received his appointment from the home government, to whom he considered him self responsible ; while the resident commissioner, who was certainly an inferior officer, the nominee and recog nised agent of the colonization commissioners, asserted. in many respects, an equality with him, and divided the powers of control. Such an impolitic arrangement had the effect of creating financial disorder, and causing un certainty among the subordinate officers. Indeed, the worst feature of Governor Hindmarsh's administration was the differences between himself and the other offi cials ; the resident commissioner felt himself independent of the government, and at liberty to act as his own notions of duty directed ; the surveyor -general, an excellent and efficient officer, had doubts as to who was his superior; and those who occupied inferior posts were either ranged with one or other of the contending powers, or reaping the spoils such discords placed within their reach. To this insubordination may be traced almost all the difficul ties of Captain Hindmarsh ; for in governments as in less important matters, co-operation is the very essence of success, and disagreement the element of confusion. Such, in a few words, was the position of affairs, when Colonel Gawler received the appointment, combining in his own person the offices of Governor and Resident Com missioner. It demanded no ordinary mental or physical power to contend with the difficulties we have described; and however clear his instructions, or ample his authority. his chance of success depended fully as much upon his personal qualifications, as upon the powers he might be invested with. An impartial examination of the facts of the case will, we think, shew, that many, if not all the errors committed under the administration of his prede cessor, were corrected by him, and the colony placed upon a substantial basis. The means by which this was effected will form a dis tinct subject for inquiry : our purpose will be answered if it can be shown that such were the beneficial results of his policy. The most important object, in the first instance, was to promote the occupation of the country districts by the colonists, and to provide a sufficient. supply of land to meet th e demand of the 'holders of these orders which were granted in London, and transmitted in rapid succession to the colony. It will be remembered that before this time little or no progress had been made in the surveys of land beyond the town, where the great bulk of the emigrants wasted their time and means in ruinous speculation, while waiting for their rural lands. Colonel Gawler, immediately after his arrival, accelerated. the surveys by every means in his power, not only at . great inconvenience to himself, but under circumstances the most trying and disheartening. The obstacles he had to contend against may, in some measure, be estimated, when it is mentioned that the surveyor-general had re signed through ill health ; that his resignation had been followed by that of all his assistants ; and that the only available means for meeting the emergency consisted of one young draughtsman and a retired corporal of the sappers and miners. By great exertion, however . the staff was re-organised ; and between the date of Colonel Gawler's arrival, on the 13th of October, 1838, and the 30th of June, 1840, there were, according to official state ments, no less than 359,975 acres of rural land surveyed, besides thirty-six special surveys of 4000 acres each. Before his departure, in the early part of 1841, all the immediate demands were satisfied ; in fact, sufficient land was surveyed for a population two or three times as large ; and the "South Australian Alrnanack " for 1841 (a re cognised authority on statistics), states that even to the end of the previous year the lanai selected for agricultural purposes . equalled 155,128 acres,—a proof of. the rapid progress of the surveys, and of the measures then in con templation for the cultivation of the land. " The speed, in fact, that characterised these surveys was absolutely necessary. The demands for rural lands were immediately answered, and agricultural pursuits commenced, whicl4 under the circumstances, triumphantly proved the capa— bility of the soil to supply the wants of the colony. In c)rroboration of this, the authority we have just quoted from asserts that up to the end of 1840 there had been. crops of various kinds produced from 2823 acres ; that the stock in the colony amounted to 16,1( - )0 ; and that the sheep were estimated at 200,160. These facts pro c e hew much had !tl done within little more than two years ; yet they a only a portion of the results of Colonel Gawler's measures for placing the colony on a per manent foundation. Similar activity was shown in pro viding a police force. At a comparatively early date after his arrival there was a body of police fit for any service, and we have abundant testimony, that in efficiency and general appearance, a finer corps could not have been obtained. There can be no question as to its necessity; perhaps it might have been rendered less expensive : per haps too the settlers might have united,for self-protection. To this latter course we should have had decided objec tions, although the opinion was frequently advanced dur ing the parliamentary enquiry. South Australia, unlike our other distant settlements, was left unprovided with a military force ; and when it is remembered that in several instances the overland travellers, with their stock and sheep, were attacked by the aborigines ; the farms and out-stations left entirely at their mercy ; with a popula lation contiguous to a convict-colony, the escaped crimi nals often disturbing the peace and security of the place, and disorderly sailors mixing with the quiet and well-dis posed ;—when these circumstances are called to mind, there can be no doubt as to the absolute necessity of a strong and well-organised police, especially in the early history of the settlement, and the culpability that would have attached to a governor, who neglected on account of expense, this necessary precaution for the safety of those committed to his charge. In other respects Colonel Gawler displayed equal talent, for not only were the,differ ences between the subordinate officers harmoniously ar ranged, but generally they were placed in a position to render full and active support to the government. The same good feeling was displayed in almost all cases by the colonists ; there was on their part an undoubted loyalty to the sovereign—respect and good-will towards her rep resentative—peace and industry among. them Selves and an earnest desire to promote any measure that had for its object the well-being of the community. In fact, so popular was Colonel Gawler, and so highly was his policy appreciated, that he obtained for himself the title of the Father of the Colony :" richly deserved, as we think, for many reasons, and the more singular as governors are seldom regarded very affectionately in colonies where all is excitement and competition. - Thus, then, were the early errors respecting the colony retrieved. The personal qualities of the governor, his energy of thought and action, the enthusiasm with which he worked, and the spirit he imparted to others, must not be overlooked ; they contributed as much to the success as did the wisdom and prudence of his measures. But through his instrumentality more even than this was ac complished ; and the account would be incomplete were we to omit stating, that under his government plans were adopted that improved Adelaide and its port, public offices were erected, assistance given for the construction of wharfs, communication both external and internal facili . tated, expeditions sent out for exploring the interior, and so generally was his example followed that the city quickly assumed, in many of its streets and terraces, the appear ance of some of our second-rate provincial towns, with good stone or brick buildings, and a taste and finish in every respect creditable. The enormous influx of popu lation and property during his administration, tended to heighten rather than lessen the necessity of exertion. The population increased from 5000 to 15,000; the shipping, in the export and import trade, at the end of the year 1840, including, of course, arrivals from England, em ployed 200 vessels ; and the property in the export trade alone for that year amounted to £60,000. Great efforts were necessary to meet all this ; that is, if governments are responsible for the comfort of a people ; for it is one thing to look on and allow matters to adjust themselves, as some would have done, and another to fulfil the higher duty of a paternal governor—lessen the inconvenience of the emigrants—care for their wants on arrival—provide the comforts of civilised life—and in a comparative wilderness establish order, advance commerce, and bring together the means for moral and spiritual culture. These were the ob jects Col. Gawler had in view; in fact he admitted the neces sity of something more than - expatriation, and with wisdom , and forethought followed that system of colonization which has been advocated with so much ability by Mr. es Buller and others. Colonization, carried out in this I!s truest and nobleit sense, must always be succac .s w_efiril;. andit was tested in the policy adopted by Colonel G * d h i a a d t the e g o o a d ut w h o o u ri l t d ie h s a h v e e breeeacntegdrewaitr,edlaibi:d erambotyst, sequent difficulties altogether avoided. !A. - THE COURT. • Z - . / - • FT! > Her Majesty, Prince Albert, and the Court, left Buck . 75: TA w W ay e , cin en es r day, for the stat e oute to ()home inseoam South ii n g i lvt P e. a s t e l a .t!n e , R o l —4 ion of - the. ',ti ~..., House, Isltte.:2 i lli, z7 , -;----- 0 / . 4. ....,.:.d.........„ THE CONVERSIONS TO POPERY. (From the Morning Herald.) The progress and number of these conversions are rapidly increasing. Yet Mr. Gresley writes letters to the bishops to insist on it that " The real danger of the Church of England is Puritanism." Puritanism may be a very wrong thing, and it is not our purpose to offer any defence of it. But'at least this is clear, that Puritanism is not producing, just now, large secessions from the Church. Tractarianism, however, has already taught,— so a Tractarian journal boasts,—no fewer than seventy clergymen within the last eighteen months,—that the safety of their souls required them to abandon, as an un clean thing, the Church of their baptism,—the Church which they had sworn to abide by till death! The gravity and extent of this evil seem to require us to examine it with some thought and (lire. To what, then, are we to attribute this rapid flight of so many of the youthful clergy from the Church of their fathers ? There is not the slightest difficulty in giving a rational account of the whole mischief. About fourteen years ago, there came together in Ox ford three or four ardent, clever, but not well-informed young men, who were driven, by their hatred of Radical ism, into a vehement and irrational degree of Toryism and High-Churchism. Forgetting that the reverse of wrong is seldom exactly right, they rushed beyond Waterland and Van Mildert, Jackson and Hooker, into an ardent ad miration of the Non-jurors, and a perfect idolatry of Laud. In this state of mind, they began to look into Church history. Very naturally, the Reformation disgusted them. Freude, one of the most ardent among them, tells us, in his published Diary,—" I hate the Reformation more and more." " Jewell seems to me a sort of irreverent Dissenter." He, Froude, very soon afterwards, took up the cudgels in defence of Thomas a'Beckett, whom be represented as a very martyr ! And Newman, his bosom friend,—writing at that period,—described Hildebrand as the greatest character in the whole compass of Church history ! Half-a-dozen such men as these, filled with enthusi asm, and occupying posts of influence in one of our universities, could not fail to make converts. And to do so,—to form a party,—and gradually to " unprotestantise the Church of England,"—became with them the main end of their existence. The real character of the evil was not understood by churchmen generally. " Don't oppose them,--don't write about them,—don't bring them into notice !" was the language used by many. " Only leave them alone, and the thing will die away of itself." Such was the ad vice often given. But nothing could be more mistaken. The parties at work were able, and in earnest. They persevered without awing, and such efforts could not fail to produce results. Each year, therefore, found them stronger than before ; and when, at last, the Senate of Oxford was forced to take the matter in hand, it was found that this little faction, of scarcely seven years standing, already numbered five hundred Masters of Arts ! But, meanwhile, a similar conspiracy had been formed at Cambridge also. The mode of its operation there was by a cultivation of church-architecture. Not content with admiring the general outline of a fine old church, these juvenile church-restorers must needs revive all the for gotten furniture of Popish times ; and stone altars, rood screens, piscinm, andmdilia, were studied, until the disci ples of Neale and Paley began to believe in a real sacri fice, veritable priests, and an altar whereon a victim was still to be offered up. Such have been the delusions which have led to what we now behold. And assuredly neither chuichmen generally, nor the heads of the church in particular, have shown themselves alive to the great ness of the danger. Our bishops, as many of them doubtless remember with sorrow, seemed to pride themselves, ten years ago, on holding an even balance between the Tractarians and their assailants. Most of our readers will remember the last charge delivered at Oxford by the present Bishop of Bath (then of Oxford), and some of the charges of th e Bishop of Exeter. These addresses contained cautions, and even decided censures, on certain points ;—but these were immediately followed by high encomums on " the learning," " the Christian spirit, " the fervent piety" of the Tractarian leaders ; so that the hearer was at a loss to know whether the praise or the blame predominated. Such has been the course of the last ten years, and now we are beginning to see the fruit of this hesitating and temporising system. Seienty of our.younger clergy per verted in the short space of eighteen months, and the number of these perversions daily increasing ! Had a knot of Arian and Socinian heretics, at either Oxford or Cambridge, produced such a result, should we have seen the quietness and apathy which now prevail ? Would our prelates have rested in such peaceful calm ?—would the visitors of our colleges have remained in a state of total quiescence ?—would both Houses of Parliament have kept the entirest silence ?