The Liverpool Standard and General Commercial Advertiser. — Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1844-12-31 00:00:00

Dec. 31, 1844. MERCHANT SEAMEN'S FUND. On F riday, a meeting of the masters and owners of vessels belongin g t o thi s p or t was held at the Under writers'the Committ ee - room , pursuan t to the act regulating _Merchant Se amen ' s F un d, f or the purpose of appoint ing fifteen persons as trustees of the monthly money pay able at this po r t, an d f or th e managem e n t of the Scaman's Hos pital. Pital. There was a considerable attendance, and W. s,, le Potter, Esq., was called to the chair. CHAIRMAN stated the object of the meeting, and ya the account, f rom wh i c h i t appeare d th a t on th e I s t that s ti the January, 1844 there was a b a lance in hand of £6-12, and total receipts for the past year were £9,237. The Su in of £7,750 had been paid in pensions, and the other li h ay e ments amuonted to £527, leaving a balance of £ 960 . admission of seamen, widows, and orphans, during t l i .. e ..Past year, h p thenstated ad ausd an increased exe of were 18s. He that thirteen of the nditure trustees . 0 e eligible f or re - e l ec ti on , b u t two had to be appointed 3 the place sof Mr. Lyon and Mr. Willis. The thirteen were re-appointed, and Mr. W. R. c, a Liclbach and Mr. Bulley in place of the two named. The CHAIRMAN then called attention to other matters, A bill had at the close of last session of parliament been br ought in for alte r ing materially the administration of the fund for the future, and the adoption of which would Seriously affect the shipping interest of this port. The fund here was larger than that of any other port in pro- Portion to its extent. Liverpool, in fact, had 2-7ths of the whole capital, while its shipping was in the proportion of that of the whole kingdom. This accumulation had arisen from economical management, some casual r evenue, and chiefly from the better collection made , and to a great extent derived from ships errployed in long fo reign voyages. It was right that the Liverpool seamen who were exposed to the vicissitudes of foreign climates, and became sooner worn out, should have a higher rate of bili i Pensi t rs from their own accumulated contributions. The parliament did not propose this, but the throwing of the w h o l e rece i p t s an d ca pital of all the trustees into one, and to make a scale of pensions,—for seamen under 63 years of age when worn out, £4 a-year,—and exceed ing 63, £B. It also proposed so give a gratuity to widows under and over 45 years, but children were entirely omit ted. He and Mr Atherton had made a calculation, and found that if this scale prevailed (and had for the last two years) the interest of their capital of £2,000 would be Pfficient to meet all the pensioners admitted in that time, leaving their large receipt of £6,387 during the past year to answer all the previously granted pensions, which were constantly dropping off. He believed that, supposing that scale to be prevailing now, two-thirds of the money distributed among the pensioners on the Liverpool list Would have to be dispensed in various parts of the coun try. The ground for the alteration was that a seaman sailed from various ports in his life, and that he probabiy Paid to the port which had these accumulations during the early part of his life—that he then went to ports which were worse provided, and tnat his claim, being on the Place where he last served, was made on a poor fund, While he had been contributing to a rich one. He believed the contrary was the fact, for men sailing on foreign voyages, where they were proved to have less wo k than on shorter oses, very seldom left Liverpool to go into coasting ports, and that the re verse was rather the case; and therefore this particular ground did not exist. Beside, there was no port in which there was more employment for men disabled at sea, but capable for other service on shore, than Liver- Pool; for they all knew that the business of watching and keeping ships was for the most part performed by dis abled seamen at this port. Now, the bill required thaQa man, before he be a claimant, should have paid the merchant seaman's duties for not less than fifteen years, of which the last nine months should be within three years of the date of his application for a pension, whereas, in the admi nistration of the Liverpool fund, no such restriction was imposed, but if a man had been at sea and subsequently 'Worked on shore his claim was continued. By a calculation made, in place of £5OO being paid in two years to seamen admitted, under the new bill only 3 64 would have been paid, and the same resul t s would have taken place in the case of women and children. The fund had been humanely administered, yet the fund had admitted of all the claimants being provided for to the extent of about £7OOO a. year. The increase of re ceipts this year was £6OO, and be thought the same rate of Pensions might be continued, if they were allowed to a dminister their own funds as hitherto. He suggested that the shipowners and shipmasters of Liverpool should not tacitly admit of the change, but make a remonstrance is government to have the fund of this port preserved se parate. A s the Liverpool shipping was equal to k of the s nipping of the whole kingdom, this would form a fair ground for asking the government not to have the Li verpool fund mixed up with the funds of all the other Places. It seemed to him that the bill was opposed to rood policy, because a seaman, when abroad, knew that there was a fund in Liverpool for his wife and children; to fall upon in case of accident. This tended to keep the Man steady, and attacbed him to the port and the ship but the tendency of the bill would be to throw overboard all these considerations, and to deprive him of all ground 'of preference. Mr. RoTtrartnAst said, the difference in the expendi ture under the new bill (£5OOO. a year), would become a tax on the parish of Liverpool. The mode of giving the Pensions here tended to attach seamen to the port, and the pension to his widow and children was a premium on his morality. After some further applications, Mr, J. N. Wood said that if they were deprived of this fund, it would make a difference of 2d. in the pound in the rates of Liverpool. After a long conversation, a committee consisting of Messrs. Potter, Rotherham, Kendall, Gibb, Tomlinson, Ashley, Tyrer, Cotesworth, Chapman, and Dixon, was appointed to place themselves in communication with the Shipowners' Association, as well as the authorities of the town respecting the provisions of the proposed bill, and iL i aProbahle that a public meeting of the inhabitants will tue result. A C LASSIFICATION OF THE POPULATION OF ~S T . BARTHOLOMEW'S DISTRICT, LIVER POOL.-1844. The following classification was made in the present Year, by the curate of St. Bartholomew's district, with the v i ew to direct the attent i on o f th e public to the wretched a n d d es tit u t e con diti o n of the population of that Portion of the town of Liverpool. The district comprises between ten and eleven thousand inhabitants, half of whom are Roman Catholics. The wretchedness and poverty, especially of those that dwell in the courts and cellars, are indescribable. It is only by actual inspection that any adequate notion can be formed of their real state and circumstances. If, as all must acknowledge, it is a dis grace to any civilised community to allow human beings to drag out their existence in such filth and misery, surely it is much mole so to a community like Liverpool, where such immense resources, arising from its corporate pro perty, are appropriated and expressly intended for the general good and improvement of the town. The phy aleal and moral deterioration of the population inhabiting St. Bartholomew's district, caused principally by the want of proper sewerage, drainage, and effectual cleansing of the streets and courts, as well as by the over-crowded state of their dwelling-houses, no fewer , in many iyinstances, than th ree or four distinct families living in the same house, surpasses anything of the kind that the writer has ever witnessed in any other part of Europe except Italy. However deplorable their condition is , still a great deal of good might be done among them even in a religious Point of view, were the clergymen of the district supplied With pecuniary means to relieve their bodily wants and necessities. They very much regret to be compelled to Say, that they have not at present any funds at their dis- Posal to meet the numerous cases of distress that con stantly apply to them for relief, as spiritual pastors of the district. No religious impressions can be expected to be Produced on the minds of a people living in such a state Of moral degradation, except their bodily wants be first attended to. The present appeal, therefore, to the Wealthier classes of the community in behalf of their Poorer brethren, will not, it is to b e h o p e d, b e ma d e in vain. But especially is this appeal made to those wealthy individuals that carry on very extensive works in the irn toediate neighbourhood of the church, as soap-boilers, tanners, ironfounders, and starch-manufacturers, and w h o have not hitherto. with one honourable exception, done anything to assist the ministers in their strenuous exer tions to alleviate the crying distresses of the poor. The compiler has drawn up his report with great mi nuteness, giving the returns under a separate head for each street in the district ; but as by this method it occu pies considerable space, we have taken the liberty to throw it into the f o llo w ing form, which shows the re - sult more clearly, and, we believe, with equal correctness : • 8 : 2 11 6 , . 1 1 , • 1 cd >•1 g - 8 17 PI Z Ocala Church of Fogland 46 2 59 1 47 35064 97 70 '73 0 529 P rotestants who attend no place of worship 2B 13 0 0 21 1 11 1 31 37 60 1 203 Dissenters Roman Catholics Ranters /Mixed marriages, i. e , half Roman Catholics and half Protestants . 9 0 39, 8 5 5 821 17 0 85 Rouses of ill fame .• • • 0 0 0 11 4 111 6! q 0 1 10 0 41 No notice is taken in this report of the number of dis senting and Roman Catholic families_ that attend their No notice is taken in this report of the number dis senting and Roman Catholic families that atten, their respective places of worship. As regards the few dissent :llg families that live in the district, most of them regu larly attend their own places of worship; but of the Ro °lan Catholic families, it may safely be asserted that no amore than one-third of them, if so many, attend public Worship on the Sabbath day. The curate of St. Bartholomew's (the Rev. Evan he i s d eserv i ng o f muc h credit for the care and labo ur e has bestowed in the preparation of this statement. e trust his example will induce others to take up the work, so that we may have similar returns for every dis trict o f the town. A general view of the population of Liverpo o l, drawn up upon this plan, would be a document °f very considerable interest and value. ROBBERY.—A public-house, No. 61, Walnut street, Tin by Miss Mary Williams, was robbed on Tuesday —e ning, of a cash-box containing £32. The robbery was tff house by two confedrates. One of them entered the "us at half-past five, took his station at the bar—the cash -box being then upon the counter—and called for a glass of ale. Whilst he was drinking it, the other entered, s at in a room adjoining, from which the bar can be seen, a nd called for a quart of ale. Miss Williams incautiously !Pent into the cellar to serve the last customer, and dur ng her absence the other bad secured the box, and de rln3Ped without emptying his glass. His confederate fol °wed, and then the robbery was discovered. LOCAL AND PROVINCIAL NEWS. On Saturday, one of the Bootle omnibus drivers was fined £1 6s. for furious driving. A new Baptist chapel was opened at Bootle on Thurs day last. The first lot of tea bonded in Manchester—a thousand chests—has been placed in one of the warehouses. Mr. Grose, superintendent of Pownall-square and St. Martin's markets, has resigned his situation. The Rev. F. R. Raines, incumbent of Milnrow, has been appointed a magistrate for the southern division of Lancashire. On Christmas day, James Lawrence, Esq., Mayor, pre sented to the debtors confined in the Borough Prison, a supply of beef, bread, plum pudding, and ale. A man named John Edgar fell from the paddle-box of the Nottingham steamer into the Clarence Dock, on Tues day, and was drowned. A new chapel, belonging to the Wesleyan Methodists, lately built at Upper Tranmere, was opened for divine worship on Christmas-day. Mr. WALKER'S CASE.—A petition to the Home Se cretary is being extensively signed in Liverpool at present, representing the whole of the circumstances of this case, and praying for a remission of the sentence. A sailor cf the name of Henry Stevens, stated to belong to this town, fell from the mast of a ship at Glasgow, on Wednesday, and was so much injured that he is not ex pected to recover. EMBEZZLEMENT.—On Friday Walter Blount, who, as we stated in our last, had been brought before Mr. Rush ton on a charge of embezzling money from Mr. Lane, was committed for trial. The ship Oxnard, Captain Hinckley, hence for Boston, via" the Cove of Cork, when two days out from the latter port, while lying to under a close-reefed maintopsail, was boarded by a tremendous sea, which killed one man out right and broke the leg of another. ROBBERY.—A middle-aged woman, named Janet Ben nett, housekeeper to Mr. Dismore, silversmith, Bold street, was on Friday committed to the sessions for having robbed her master of an immense quantity of property, in plate, linen, bedding, &c. CHRISTMAS BENEVOLENCE.—Sir W. Massey Stanley, Bart., of Hooton, distributed on Christmas-eve two fine oxen, and a large quantity of warm clothing, to the cot tagers and labourers resident in Hooton, Eastham, Stour ton, Thornton, &c. Five persons named Hargreaves, father, mother, and three sons, hitherto moving in a respectable sphere, were convicted of thefts last week at Preston, and sentenced to transportation ; their ruin is attributed to the drunken habits of the mother. DEFRAUDING THE CUSTOMS.—On Saturday, a young man, named Humphrey Jones, was brought before Mr. Rushton, on a bench warrant issued by Mr. Baron Gur ney, for conspiracy to defraud the customs. Mr. Rushton ordered him to find bail for his appearance at the proper time. CHILD KILLED BY ITS MOTHER.—On Friday a little girl, named Wirrall, about eleven years old, went to see her parents, who live in Wright-street, and, on opening the door, she discovered her mother on the floor in a state of helpless intoxication, and lying upon the body of her child, aged about six months, upon which she had fallen. The child was quite dead. INCREASE OF BUILDINGS AT PRESTON.—At one time almost every street in Preston exhibited a number of houses on which were posted notices "To Let." At the present time nearly all that are fit for occupation are in habited; and various parties are preparing to build rather extensively in the spring. This will provide employment for a considerable number of hands. IMPORTANT TO SHIPOWNERS AND UNDERWRITERS. —lt was resolved on Thursday, at a general meeting of the Underwriters' Association, to appoint a sub-commit tee " to confer with the committee of the Liverpool Re gistry of Shipping, for the purpose of (taming a Board of Examiners to investigate the circumstances attending marina losses connected with this port." _ _ _ DEATH FROM EXCESSIVE DRINKING.—On Tuesday an inquest was held on the body of Catherine M'Keown, of Elizabeth-row, aged 36 years. It appeared that the evening before, she swallowed about half a pint of un adulterated rum, and that, in about an hour after, while in the act of going to bed, she fell down suddenly, became insensible, and speedily expired. WIGAN PARISH CHURCH.—At a meeting of the rate payers of Wigan, on Thursday, two reports were read respecting repairing:the church. One recommended the church to be rebuilt at a cost of £13,036, and the other recommended the repairs to be made at an expense of about £BOOO. The surveyors were directed to report again. INQUEST.—On Saturday an inquest was held before the borough coroner, on view of the body of John Wilson, a lodger in the house of William Davies, a sawyer, of 13, Edward-street. The deceased, who was 32 years of age, was brought home in a car, in a state of intoxication, on Friday night last, and wasimmediately taken to his room, and laid in bed. The following morning he was found dead. COFFEE FOR THE POLICE.—By an order from the Watch Committee, all the police.constables on night duty, are allowed a bowl of coffee each at their respective stations, and this order will continue in force during the present intensely cold weather. With the coffee, a slice of bread is given them, and, about two o'clock in the morning, the poor fellows find it an extremely cheering refreshment. FREEMASONRY.—The Right Hon. Lord Combermere, R. W. G. M. for Cheshire, held a Provincial Grand Meeting on Friday, at the Royal Hotel, Chester, when there was a numerous and highly respectable attendance, including many distinguished visiters from the adjacent counties and deputations from the various lodges of the Province. The P. G. Lodge was opened in due form, and, after some business, closed. The brethren after wards sat down to a sumptuous banquet. The usual loyal and appropriate toasts, with, in many instances, masonic honours, were drunk, and song and sentiment enlivened the entertainment, from which the brethren departed highly delighted. CURLING. — On Thursday l as t, th e C a l e d on i an an d Thistle curling clubs of Liverpool and Manchester met on the "icy board" in the neighbourhood of Newton. The ice was in an excellent state for the slippery game. It was agreed on that the contest should be determined by shots. The respective combatants arranged themselves into three ranks, and set to in right earnest. After four hours of keen contest, on balancing advantages they found themselves at a dead set, each counting fifty-one shots. On leaving the scene of action, they adjourned to the Leigh Arms, where they were entertained with the best of curlers cheer, beef and greens, and other dainties of the season. On Thursday last the Soup Committee met in the office the Board of Highways, Mr. Rector Campbell in the chair. The object of the meeting was to discuss the pro priety of opening the soup kitchens during the present season. The evidence tendered by the parish authorities, and that derived from other sources, was greatly in fa vour of the present comfort of the poor, compared with the last and preceding winter ; and that, under the cir cumstances, they were glad to find it inexpedient to open the shops. It was, however, resolved to have all in readi ness to open, should a return of severe weather take place and throw the poor out of employment. The weather, since then, has increased in seven y, and the north shop in Pickup-street was opened on Thursday, and should it be found necessary, the others in the south and east will be available for the some purpose, as circumstances may require. ST. JAMES'S CONGREGATIONAL TEA PARTY.—The annual tea meeting of the congregation connected with St. James' Church, took place on Thursday evening, in the school-room, St. James'-road. The room was taste. fully fitted up for the occasion. About two hundred ladies and gentlemen were present, amongst whom were some of the principal members of the church, and the following clergymen :—the Rev. E. H. Hampton, Rev. John Jones, jun., Rev. J. H. Stewart, Rev. D. Stewart, Rev. H. Carpenter, Rev. G. Gibbon, Rev. J. Graham, &c., &c. At one end of the room was stationed an effi cient choir of singers, (Miss Blundell presiding at the piano forte,) who, by the performance of several of the most striking songs, choruses, &c., from the oratorio of the Messiah, contributed much to the gratification of the company. At the conclusion of the tea the Old Hundreth Pslam was sung by the choir, in which the company joined. Sev ral speeches were afterwards delivered by various gentlemen present. The brethren of Lodge No. 17, of the Grand Protestant Association of Loyal Orangemen met on Monday even ing, 23d inst., to celebrate the third anniversary, at Bro ther Warburton's Temperance Hotel, 12, Scotland Road, when between 30 and 40 of the brethren partook of a most excellent supper, served up by the host in his best style. The following toasts were given and heartily responded to, and more especially the one of our respected fellow.. townsman, R. Harboard, Esq., and that of the Rev. T. D. Gregg and the Orangemen and Protestants of Ireland. Toasts—The Queen, may she ever hold fast the principles thatplaced the Houseof Hanover on the throne ; The W. G. M.; The glorious, pious, and immortal memory of William 111., Prince of Orange ; The W. D. G. M.; and other loyal toasts were given, after which the room was cleared for those of the brethren who thought p ro p er t o tr i p t h e " light fantastic toe," which was kept up to a late hour, when they separated, having enjoyed themselves and for warded the cause of brotherly love and benevolence. LIVERPOOL SAILORS' HOME.—The first meeting of the members of this institution, which was numerously attended, was held on Tuesday last. The chair was oc cupied by James Aikin, Esq., who stated th a t th e success they had met with was evident from th e s t a t ements t h at had already appeared in the newspapers, showing an amount of £12,000. He was happy to say that, within the last few days, that sum had been increased to £13,190. Amongst the donations they had received was one of £4OO, from Messrs. Brocklebank. Those gentlemen, too, had made an arrangement which rendered such amount the less necessary, as they had adopted a system w hi c h h e should like to see more generally carried out, namely, that of training boys in their employ to become o ffi cers and masters, and continuing them in their service. He had no doubt additional sums would be forthcoming, and there was now, he conceived, no doubt that an institution would be brought into existence in every way worthy of the town. On the motion of Mr. Cotesworth, seconded by Mr. Hende rson , the following gentlemen were elected trustees : Mr. Robertson Gladstone, Mr. Ralph Brockle bank, Mr. Wm. Potter, Mr. Duncan Gibb, and Mr. Ro bert Rankin. A list of names, consisting of thirty of the most respectable gentlemen belonging to the town, among whom were eight shipmasters, was then read by the chair man, and, after some discussion, approved of. It was resolved to solicit the patronage of the Queen to the in stitution. THE LIVERPOOL STANDARD We have been favoured by Messrs. Barton, Irlam, and Higginson with a file of papers brought from Charles ton by the ship Hi gginson, Captain llogg, which made the passage from port to ncrt in less than 27 days, and arrived at Liverpool on Thursday morning. The dates are to the 29th of November. They contain the gover nor's message to the state legislature, a rather long do cument, but, except in ew points, of no material interest on this side the Atlantic. WARRINGTON CLERGY DAUGHTERS SCHOOLS.—On Wednesday week, a meeting of the Board of Managers of this excellent institution was held at St. Elfin's, War . rington, and which was very numerously attended. The Rev. Canon Slade was called to the chair, and some very important business was, in the course of the day, trans acted. The half-yearly report of the clerical superintend ent was laid before the board, and very interesting and satisfaetory it was. The school promises to be a great blessing to the daughters of the poorer clergy of this arch deaconry, and, also, by instructing governesses for our national girls' schools, to the whole archdeaconry. Tne election of chief governess was confirmed. RUNCORN TOWN MEETING.—On Tuesday last, a public meeting of the ratepayers was held in the Town hall, Runcorn, to determine whether the act (3d and 4th Wm. IV.) for lighting and Wr.tching should be adopted by the township—John Crippin, Esq., in the chair. It was moved, and carried nem. con., that the whole of the provisions of the act be adopted by the inhabitants, and that nine inspectors be appointed to carry it out. It was agreed that Richard Richardson, of Manchester, should be appointed head-constable. The sum of .C 320 was then granted to the inspectors for the ensuing year to carry out the provisions of the act. The inspectors' accounts were then examined, and passed, as were also the gas accounts. The remainder of the business was compli mentary to the inspectors and the respective chairmen. EXTRAORDINARY R OBBERY.—Robert Hibbert was charged on Friday, with having stolen £ll7 10s. from Martha Mathews. It appeared, that the prosecutrix had been for many years i n service, and that about twelve months ago she commenced keeping a public-house in Liverpool. For some reason or other, she sold her busi ness a few weeks since, and the money which had been stolen was the sum she had received for the fixtures and good-will. She was lodging at a house in Sweeting.street, and the prisoner also lived there. On the night of the 25th she retired to rest at twelve o'clock ; and her money, which consisted of a £lOO bank note and seventeen and a half sovereigns, was in a purse, in her pocket, and w hen she got into bed she plac4d the pocket under her head. When she arose the next morning :he found that the purse had been extracted from the pocket, although the latter did not appear to have been disturbed. There was no door to the place in which she slept, and any of the lodgers might have come i n w ith ou t b e i ng perceived. The prisoner was suspected of being the thief chiefly on account of his mysterious statements, and because he alone knew of the money being in the possession of the prosecutrix. No part of the cash had been discovered. The prisoner was remanded for a week. PAVING AND SEWERAGE COMMISSIONERS.—At the weekly meeting on Thursday, Mr. John Holmes in the chair, tenders were accepted for the supply of flags at 2s. 9d. per square yard, from John Hoyle, Richard Chaf fers, and John Hargreaves. Mr. Aspinall said, that as a number of their men were out of employ, it would be de sirable to let them cleanse the channels in various parts of the town. The Chairman observed, that the plan had been acted upon during former years, and the Board would do all they could for them. A report was read from Mr. Simpson, relative to the new water-works, from which it appeared that another tunnel was to be made, but not to any great extent, as the rock was very open under the present depth (about 175 feet), and the water kept in creasing. The reservoir work, as well as the laying of the mains, had been proceeding rapidly. The law -clerk had been served with notices from the Liverpool and Manchester Railway Company, of their intention to form a tunnel from Edge-bill to the north end of the town, and also to make alterations at the present station. The law clerk and surveyor were ordered to report. The name of the Mayor, which had been omitted from the list of the Water Committee on the supposition that he could not attend, was again added. Mr. Tinne gave notice of a motion for a return, commencing 1830, of the streets aewered, and the number yet to be done; also the esti mated cost. Financial matters occupied Cie remainder of the meeting, MECHANISM.----At Hausburg's attractive establish ment in Church-street, may be seen a singularly-beauti ful piece of mechanism, illustrative of still and active life in the Swiss Alps. It is a sort of panorama, some three feet long by two feet high. In the back ground is a noble landscape of mountain scenery, from which rushes a pre cipitous and winding rivulet, spanned in the immediate foreground by a picturesque bridge of a single arch. On one side of the bridge is a strikingly handsome antique church, in the turret of which is a cluck, which strikes the hours and half-hours with cathedral-like solemnity of tone. In the immediate proximity of the church is a water-mill, which revolves with an air of incessant busi ness, and both these objects together go far to realise the ever-charming picture in the "Deserted Village," except that the church and mill Ire essentially foreign and not British. On the opposite side of the bridge is a forge, at the door of which is a horse in the act of being shod by a brace of farriers. In the interior of the forge are two other smiths, one blowing the bellows and the other fashioning a shoe on an anvil. The whole process apper taining to these pursuits is exhibited with extraordinary fidelity and minuteness—the blowing of the bellows being as methodically slow and regular, as the shoeing of the horse and the hammering of the iron on the anvil are rapid. While all these proceedings are going forward, carts laden with sacks of corn, diligences, and various other vehicles, are seen progressing hither and thither across the bridge ; and the busy and bustling aspect thus im parted is greatly heightened by some excellent music, which is set in motion by a distinct set of machinery from that which propels the workmen, vehicles, &c. WELSH SERVICES AT ST. PAUL'S. — It is gratifying to learn that the Welsh services at this church are well attended, and the congregation is steadily increasing. p On rao t t h i o e e morning observe d o f oChristmas Principality Da y c r onf t o h r o m p a g y t i o n th o r e matins, were held at six o'clock, and the body of the church was literally crowded. An appropriate and truly the R evangelical er discourse. W. oghesfrom h wasdelivered to2d with chapterof S great .m t by h Mat thew, Bth verse, and the organist and singers performed their respective parts to admiratiorl; so that the crowded , audience . might well have exclaimed, " It is good fo r us to be here." This is one of the many proofs that where the gospel—the whole truth " as it is in Jesus "—is faith- pieached, as set forth in the homilies and works of the Reformers—in one word, where the doctrines of grace are promulgated, the Church of England will never want adherents to rally round her standard. The great doc trines of the depravity of human nature, justification by faith in a crucified Redeemer, and the regenerating in fluences of the blessed spirit in working conversion on the hearts of sinners, constitute some of the main pillars in the fabric of Christianity. Take away these, and what have we left which the morals of Seneca or Epictetus could not supply ? And it would be impious to suppose that the Almighty, who acts at all times with infinite wisdom, should have revealed a new religion from hea ven, and attested it by innumerable prodigies, miracles, and wonders, for no other purpose than to institute a system of morality which any mere human creature might have been instructed to impart. "Talk they of morals! Oh, thou bleeding love, Thou maker of new morals to mankind, The grand morality is love of thee." —From a Correspondent. DOCK COMMITTEE, THURSDAY.—Mr. Moore Occu pied the chair, and there were nineteen members present. The sub-committee of works recommended that a tender from Messrs. John Johnson and Sons, to supply one mil lion and a half of bricks for the dock works, at 345. per 1,000, be accepted. Another quantity of 300,000 was also agreed to be taken from Mr. Thomas Hughes at the same price. In reply to Mr. Tobin, it was stated that the for mer contract was 31s 6d. per 1,000 ; and Mr. Royden added that the committee was obliged to pay a little more because they were particular in selecting the best bricks. Application was directed to be made to the highway sur veyors for permission to lay down rails across the streets under their control to facilitate the works at the north and south. The Arderton carrying company were ac cepted as tenants or the Harrington Docks—they under taking to leave it at six month's notice. The Harbour Master's Committee reported that they bad again investi gated the case of the flat Dido, damaged on 24th of Nov. and were still of opinion that the owner had no claim for damages against the dock estate.—A report was read relative to the transit sheds, by which it appeared that considerable quantities of goods had remained therein above 14 days in consequence of the want of room in the Queen's warehouse to take them in. Some remarks were made on additional facilities being given by the Customs in di,charging vowels more rapidly, but no motion was made on the report. Mr. Ripley recommended that the sheds should be converted into warehouses as soon as possible, which would obviate all con plaints. A report was read from the solicitor of the different bills about to be applied for in Parliament. The further consideration of the subject was deferred. Messrs. Groom and Son were elected stationers, and Mr. Richardson printer, for the ensuing year. EXCISE INFORMATIONS. —On Friday, Mr. W. C. Casey, soap manufacturer, Earle-street, summoned to the Police Court the collector of excise for a return of duties, but as Mr. James appeared as barrister in his behalf, and the collector of excise duties was not provided with a pro fessional man, at the request of the latter, it was agreed that the case should not be heard until this day. It is stated that there are some nice legal points connected with it, which have excited considerable interest among all parties having to do with the manufacture of soap.— There was an information laid against Morgan Radcliffe, carpenter, under sections 3 and 4, Geo. IV., for having had l3lbs. of soap in his possession, on board the Iron Duke, Dublin steamer, for the purpose of bringing the same ashore, in contravention of the act, which directs that no packages of soap under 2241b5. shall be imported. The case having been proved, he was mulcted in the miti gated penalty of £2s.—An information was preferred against Morris Healey, steward of the Cork steamer, Nimrod, for having a quantity of illicit spirits (whiskey) in his posses s i on i n var i ous par t s o f th e ca bi n, i n all 41 gallons. He was fined £2s.—Michael Murrow and his wife, residing in Maguire-street, were charged with hav ing in their possession several gallons of ilicitly-distilled spirits, and the case being proved, were fined £loo. Michael and Ann White, and Patrick and Mary Trayner, were summoned for a like offence. It appeared that on the 30th Angust, the premises of the parties in Russell street South, was searched by warrant. In Trayner's house a still and several gallons of ilicit whiskey were found. Mrs. Trayner rushed out of the house with a bladder and two jars full of spirits, and deposited her bur den in White's house, where the jars, &c. were afterwards found. It did not appear that the Whites knew of it, and they were acquitted. The other parties were fined £lOO. THE LIVERPOOL THEATRE ROYAL.—Mr. Simpson, the manager of the Theatre-royal, Birmingham, has be come the lessee of the Theatre-royal in this town. The rent is to be £7OO per annum, but we believe Mr. Simpson has only taken it for one year. Mr. Knowles, of Man chester, a liberal and spirited manager, was in treaty with the proprietors, but, as Mr. Simpson agreed to pay £7OO, and Mr. Knowles would not go beyond £6OO, the former had the preference. We understand the theatre is not to be opened till Easter. MACHINES FOR DRYING CLOTHES.—Machines for this purpose are used in the large cotton print works in the neighbourhood of Manchester. These machines, which are generally made of copper, somewhat resemble a large or deep washing-tub, with the sides perforated all over with holes about the size of those in a common cullender. The goods to be dried are placed in this machine, which is then made to revolve with great rapidity, causing the contents to fly to the sides, against which they are pressed by the centrifugal force, and the moisture they contain is thus sent off through the holes, leaving the cotton or whatever it may be in a few seconds nearly dry. Rocx FERRY.—On Wednesday, the 18th instant, a meeting was held at the Royal Rock Ferry Hotel to take into consideration the feasibility of establishing a night and day police in that neighbourhood. There was a nu merous and respectable attendance, and most of the di rectors belonging to the Hock Ferry Company were pre sent. The chief difficulty to overcome was for all parties to agree in assessing themselves at a rate which would provide an adequate force for the protection of the neigh bourhood, it being entirely a voluntary tax. After some discussion, sixpence in the pound was deemed a sufficient rate for the purpose, and all parties most willingly assented to the proposition. The result was that £lOO was imme diately raised, with further assurance that this sum would be augmented. This amount appears exceedingly small, but when it is considered that the tax is a voluntary one, and the province of the force is limited, (extending only to the Rock Park and its vicinity,) funds that will support two policemen and one superintendent will, no doubt, be fully adequate to the limited wants of that retired villa. On Friday, most parties met for the furtherance of these objects, and at once collected the various amounts, to place the treasurer in a position to carry out the former resolutions. Every exertion will be used to light the township with gas. WARRINGTON.—On Thursday a public meeting was held in Warrington, for the purpose of taking into consi deration the best means to be adopted to avert the injury which would arise to the navigation of the river Mersey and the inconvenience of the inhabitants of the neigh bourhood, if the contemplated diversion of the Grand Junction Railway, of which the company hare given no. tice, be permitted. Amongst those present were J. W. Patten, Esq., M.P., J. Greenall, Esq., H. Stanton, Esq. William Hall, Esq., and many other influential persons. The first resolution was proposed by John Wilson Patten, Esq., and was as follows :—" That the proposed crossing of the river Mersey, at Marshgate, with a bridge of only 26 feet high, would be destructive of the navigation, and would deprive the inhabitants of this town and neighbour hood, as well as of the manufacturing districts connected therewith, of the advantages they now enjoy from the free trade of a navigable river." The motion was carried una nimously. The second resolution called upon the conser vators of the river to resist the contemplated injury by op posing the application. The third resolution put forth the great injury which the inhabitants would sustain by the proposed alteration. The fourth resolution stated that a line from Warrington to Huyton was proposed be fore a committee of the House of Commons, in 1838, and would, if carried into effect, avoid every injury and incon venience which would arise from the proposed diversion. A committee was appointed, to adopt vigorous opposition to the proposed scheme. SELECT VESTRY.--At the meeting on Tuesday last, _ the Rev. Rector Campbell presided land Mr. Clements, the assistant poor-law commissioner, was present. It was stated that there were last week 1,856 inmates in the Workhouse, at a weekly cost of Is. nd. per head. The outdoor cases relieved last fortnight were 7,080, at an ex pense of £834, being 204 cases less, although £27 in mo ney more, than within the same period last year, Christ mas day's expenditure being this year included. On the suggestion of Mr. Bright, it was resolved—" That, in future, inhabitant housekeepers of the town sending fever patients to the hospital shall be requested to pay a weekly charge, to be fixed by the Workhouse Committee, to meet the expenditure occasioned by their admission." A let ter from the poor-law commissioners was read, instructing the select vestry as to contracts, by which they might take articles if offered at a cheaper rate than by public tender. if it appeared that the public would be advantaged. A. report on the purchase of the land in front of the Indus trial School was presented by Mr. Bremner, and adopted. It recommended the acceptance of the Earl of Derby's offer to sell 12,000 yards of land at ss. 6d. a yard, and the thanks of the vestry were voted to his lordship for the li beral manner in which he bad met their views. It was thought desirable that a church should be built on part of the site, but as Mr. Clements thought this could not be legally done, the subject was deferred. A notice was read to the effect that the intended tunnel would pass under the brick-field west of the Kirkdale Schools, and that the vestry would hereafter be applied to to assent. The intended alterations in the Workhouse will be taken into consideration at the next meeting. Mr. Bremner submitted the following names as a committee for the management of the Parochial Industrial Schools, which were approved of, viz. :—the Rectors, Churchwardens, Overseers, and Messrs. A. Henderson, Blackburn, Schol field, Swainson, Ferguson, Bremner, Maynard, Briscoe, and Molvneux. THE COUNTY CONSTABULARY.—A meeting of rate payers of the Woolton district was held on Friday at the Bear Inn, Gateacre, and was numerously attended by the seven townships in the neighbourhood of Woolton. It was called, by placard, in consequence of the recent op pressive charges made for the maintainance of the county constabulary force, which, for the townships of Huyton, Hale, Halewood, Speke, Torbock, and Wootton, (Much and Little,) bad for the last quarter amounted to £4ll, while the poor rates for the same period amounted to only £230. Mr. Rodicit moved that Colonel Williams take the chair, which was met by a motion that Mr. Robert Neilson do take it. The last proposition was carried by a large majority, and Mr. Rodick and Colonel Williams soon after left the room. The chairman after lamenting their absence, read a note left by Mr. Rodick, from the the county treasurer, stating why the rate was so high. It appeared that, owing to there being police stations to be erected in the district, the rate was larger than it other wise would be. and that these stations were required to be built by the constabulary act. The Chairman then refer red to the 3 and 4 Vict. ; c. 88, and read a clause from it authorising the magistrates to borrow money for the pur pose of erecting police stations, to be repaid by yearly instalments of not less than one-twentieth the sum bor rowed. Now, it appeared to him either the magistrates were about to incur a most enormous outlay, or to pay for the whole of the police stations at once, which he con ceived to be very wrong. (Hear.)—Mr. Laverock thought the county constabulary a worse than useless body. In place of suppressing disturbances, they acted as spies and extorted from them enormous fine. Under the old system order was kept, and there were fewer robberies. (Cheers and cries of " order.")—The Chairman said that, inde pendently of the county police, there were in that district no less than 73 special constables, at a cost of about £22, and, according to the statement he held, it would appear that the cost of maintaining the force amounted to three times as much as the county rate. He ehewed that if they appointed their own constables they would save £1,300 a year. The county police were efficient near large towns, but in rural districts they were not to be found when most wanted.—A. motion was then agreed to appoint a com mittee to confer on the subject with the magistrates. It was stated that two paid constables would be enough for the whole district,—but how were they to be paid?—The Chairman said he supposed by the district, but there would be a difficulty in this as they had no power to lay a rate on all the district.—Finally, a motion was unanimously car ried to the effect that each parish should appoint their own constables, undertaking to have one or more, as re quired. It was then agreed that full discretion should be left to the committee to propose such measures as they thought best to the magistrates, provided the resolution of the meeting could not be carried into effect. After a vote of thanks to the chairman, the meeting separated. TESTIMONIAL OF RESPECT TO MR MUNCASTER.—We know of no individual more upright and straightforward in principle, or more active and unwavering i n promoting the best interests not only of his own ward, but of the town at large, than our worthy fellow-citizen Thomas Muncaster. He has for years manfully and fairly fought the good battle of conservatism, and that, too, with a feeling of forbearance and consideration to its opponents which can alone emanate from a generous mind. His only reward hitherto has been an innate consciousness of rectitude ; and we are, therefore, the more gratified•to find that the members of the Abercromby Ward Conser vative Association have at length come forward tn. evince towards him a simple hut genuine feeling of their grati tude and esteem. A few evenings ago these gentlemen met at the house of Mr. Thomas Griffith, of the Phoenix Inn, Mount Pleasant, for the purpose of placing a por trait of Mr. Muncaster in the committee -room of the association. A very numerous party having assembled, Mr. Smith called upon Mr. Alderman Griffith to take the chair, and then stated to Mr. Muncaster, (who was pre sent, but had not been informed of the nature of the bu siness), that a portrait of h i m self, which had been painted by a young artist for the Collegia te exhibition, had been purchased by the committee, who were anxious to show their respect by placing it in the room in which the com mittee held their meetings.—Mr. Muncaster, in assenting to this proposition, stated that he was quite taken by sur prise. His friends, he was sure, would give him credit for feeling deeply the honour they intended him. He had for some years devoted a good deal of his attention to the affairs of the ward ; but he was now getting into " the sear and yellow leaf," and he hoped that when his health or any other circumstances should prevent his attending their meetings, there would be no lack of younger and abler hands to take his place.—The company then ad journed to the large room, where an excellent supp er h a d b ee n provided—Alderman Griffith in the chair. After the loyal toasts, the chairman proposed the health o f M r . Muncaster in a highly complimentary speech, and the toast was responded to in the warmest and most heartfelt manner.—Mr. Muncaster referred to the many contests which they bad had in the ward from the first municipal election, when the Radical party carried all before them, to the present time, when the same party can scarcely be said to exist in the ward, and said he felt quite con vinced that if the Conservatives generally would be true to the cause, and exert themselves as they ought to do, every ward in the town might be won — no t on ly a t the n ext, but at every succeeding election ; and that be hoped the day was not far off,. when Conse rva ti ve p r inciples would be as triumphant in every corner of the kingdom as they now were in Abercromby Ward. A number of other toasts were given, including the healths of the chairman and vice-chairman, and the meeting separated at an early hour, highly gratified with the proceedings of the evening. ComattrasENTs, &c.—At the Police-court yesterday. the cases were comparatively few, there being but 46 prisoners in all. A boy named "Williams, was charged with stealing a mat from a ship, and was committed for seven days to the House of Correction.—A boy, Robert Rigg, for stealing a carpet bag from a hat shop in Berry street, and who had before been in custody, was commit ted for two months.—A g irl, Rebecca Tr av i s , was c h arge d by a Maltese seaman, Frank Mercboker, with robbing him of Its. in Albion-street, on Saturday night. The prisoner said she had paid him the money and she had given it to the sereant, from whom the police-officer, it appeared, received it. She was committed to gaol for two months.—A boy named Dibdin, was charged with stealing Ib. of indigo, which was found in his berth in the forecastle of the vessel to which he belonged, in George's Dock. As Illbs. of the article were missing, and it ap peared probable that other parties were also concerned, he was remanded. ROMISH PROSELYTISM.—At the else of appeal before the Recorder, on Saturday week, which we reported in our last, one of the witnesses said " She was a member of tiie Church of England. The nuns al Low Hill wanted her to turn Roman Catholic, and they gave her some relief She went one or two nights to the convent to receive instruction. She never told Sarah Morris that she was going to become a Roman Catholic. The nuns gave her coppers several times. They also gave her flan nel petticoats for herself and her children, two bedgowns, and two chemises. She never got a cloak from the nuns. She went to the convent with one of the blue bedgowns on, and the nuns said they should like to see her wear the other clothes they had given her. She had never pledged the articles she had received from the nuns, nor did she ever tell Morris that she had received a cloak at the nunnery under pretence of turning Roman Catholic." The Mercury confesses " that the practice of these nuns in thus making mere bread and butter converts is un questionably a bad one and that the converts thus ob tained are not worth the catching or the keeping." HIGHWAY ROBBERY.—Two youno. men, James Shan non and John F en t on , were , y es terday,' charged, at the Police-court, with this offence. The prosecutor, a res pectable-looking man, named Whitstone, said that on Saturday night after leaving St. John's Market on his way home, with £5 10s. in gold, and his watch upon him, he observed the prisoners following him in Manchester. street. They had hold of each other and reeled about as if they were drunk, but he was afterwards convinced that this was a mere sham. They kept following him until he got into a part of Hatton-garden where there are no houses on either side, when one of them struck him a blow on the head with some instrument which broke his hat. Fenton then took his purse, containing his money, out of his pocket and made off. Shannon afterwards seized his watch-guard and pulled out his watch, but wit ness turned smartly upon him and snatched it out of his hand. Shannon at first ran off, but a police-officer coming he all at once walked slowly as if nothing had happened, and was apprehended. The other prisoner was not taken until next day, and the money was not found. Two little girls, daughters of the complainant, who were with him, and a boy who had also witnessed the assault, corroborated the principal facts.—The prisoners were committed for THE CONVICTS EVANS AND STEW.—These unfortu nate beings will, in all probability, be executed on Satur day next. From all that can be learned of Stew's early life, at Nantwich and in Manchester, he appears to have been a hardened character, passionate in the extreme, and remarkable for peevishness and moroseness of dispo. sition. That be entertained a sincere affection for the unfortunate woman in whose blood he imbrued his hands, there is no reason to doubt ; but it is extremely question able that he was insane at the time he perpetrated the deed. Within the last few days, he seems to have become fully conscious of his impending fate, though he has not, up to the present time, evinced that penitent frame of mind which it is so desirabie to witness in a man standing on the very threshold of eternity. He has not made any admissions with respect to the crime. Evans is the son of very decent working people, resident at Bristol. He was brought up morally and religiously, and though he has made the worst possible use of his Scriptural know ledge, the lessons he imbibed in his early youth have never been forgotten, for to this hour he can repeat whole chapters from the Bible by rote, though he has been a most profligate character. The culprit can read and write well. He, like Stew, has neither admitted nor denied his guilt, and is beginning to be conscious of the shortness of the time allowed him for repentance in this world. Both the convicts have been confined in the same room since their trials took place, and will remain there until their removal to the condemned cell, a day or two prior to their execution. Evans sleeps soundly, but Stew is apt to talk in his sleep, and occasionally to speak of the fitful visions which are constantly presenting them selves to his agitated mind. The Rev. Mr. Appleton, the estimable chaplain of the gaol, is unremitting in his attendance, both Stew and Evans being members of the Church of England. LIVERPOOL PHILHARMONIC SOCIETY. —OD Friday evening the fifth annual meeting of this seciety was held at the Collegiate Institution, when upwards of one hundred gentlemen assembled. Mr. John B. Brancker, the pre sident, submitted the committee's report, which stated that every means had been used to secure an efficient or chestra and talented performers. Crowded audiences had testified their warm approbation. The receipts of the year had been fully equal to the expenditure, but the debt had not been lessened, in consequence of several payments on account of the new, powerful, and splendid organ which had been purchased, and of additions to their fur niture; but at the same time the property of the society had been much increased in value, and they were now in possession of a most excellent musical library. With re gard to the erection of a new concert hail, so large an amount of money had been already subscribed that the committee were of opinion there would be no difficulty in carrying out the project. The committee would not, however, proceed to take any responsible steps until a certain fund was subscribed and in their banker's bands, and they called upon members to exert themselves to ob tain additional subscriptions. After alluding to some slight alterations in the laws, the committee, in the ab sence of Mr. W. Sudlow, (who is on the continent,) ex pressed their sense of his zeal, talents, and affability, and declared that they consideredthe society was indebted chiefly to his exertions for its present prosperous condition. The Treasurer then read the cash accounts, by which it ap peared that the balance now due to the bank was £471. The report was then received, the treasurer's accounts passed, and the officers and committee for the ensuing year re-elected, by the unanimous voice of the meeting. Mr. D. M`Viccar proposed the presentation of a piece of plate to Mr. Sudlow, the secretary ; and this was carried by acclamation. Mr. Jones thought a salary should also be attached to the secretaryship. The Chairman said, Mr. Sudlow had declined to receive anything, unless it was to go to the improvement of the organ ; and they were indebted to him for the new organ. A vote of thanks was passed to Mr. Herrmann, the talented conductor. Mr. Turner proposed a ballot for places at the concerts, but it was opposed, and the subject dropped. Votes of thanks were then passed to the committee and to the pre sident, and the meeting separated. TARVIN HALL SCHOOL.—The half-yearly public ex amination of the pupils at Mr. Brindley's establishment at Tarvin Hall, took place on the 16th inst , in the pre sence of a large number of clergymen and gentlemen. The pupils acquitted themselves in a most satisfactory manner, and proved that the judicious and persevering labours of their teachers have been abundantly rewarded. Among those of the boys who were foremost in their ac quirements, we may mention Sprague of London, who was first, as usual, i n ma th emat i cs, and whose translation from Virgil was highly commended ; W. Brown, of Lon don, for his proficiency in Greek, in the Scriptures, General History, and uniform good conduct; W. Gaus sen, of Magherafelt, Ireland, for French, German, and English ; Blake, sen. of Liverpool, for German ; T. Smith, of Chester, for Latin and arithmetic Vernon ! of Wellington, for scale-drawing, book-keeping, and arith metic; and Okell, of Barrow, who was equal with Ver non in arithmetic ; Bird, of Beeston, being at the head of the writing department. The whole of the very exten. sive and convenient premises were inspected by the visi tors, and met in every department with the warmest ap proval. The reports of the visiting physician and surgeon stated that the whole of the pupils (65 in number) had en joyed nninterupted good health, which, in a great mea sure were to be attributed to the general arrangements and locality of the school." The gymnastic and drill ex ercises at Tarvin Hall are much approved of, as contri butory to health, and as tending not only to improve the deportment, but to develope the physical energies. On Wednesday evening, Mr. and Mrs. Brindley gave a most liberal and gratifying entertainment to a party of about 200 ladies and gentlemen. At six o'clock, the visitors having assembled in the spacious Lecture Hall, which was handsomely decorated for the occasion, an excellent instrumental band played a popular overture; after which the scholars commenced the recitation of Shakes pere's noble historical tragedy of "Julius Caesar;" Mr. Brindley having previously explained that it had been se lected, not with the slightest idea of anything like scenic or theatrical display, but merely as an elocutionary exer cise, for the purpose of training the young gentlemen to those habits of public speaking, which might enable them to address a company with fluency and grace. The prin cipal parts were spoken with "good emphasis and discre tion;" that of Brutus was assigned to Blake of Liverpool, Cassius to R. 'Popham, of Chester, Marc Antony to Sprague of London, Julius Ceesar to Middleton of Li verpool, and Casca to Unsworth of Liverpool; where all acquitted themselves in a most praiseworthy m anner, i t i s almost invidious to particularize, but we cannot resist the temptation to award espec al commendation to Brutus and Cassius ; of the minor characters too, we must notice the little fellows Owen of Shrewsbury, and Madeley of Birmingham, who gave so much spirit to the speeches of Octavius Casar and Pindarus ; there was a good deal of quiet propriety too about the Lucius of Smith of Chester. Between the " acts " some favourite glees were beauti fully given by several members of the Chester Cathedral Choir; and at the close of the recitations, the nation a l anthem was sung by the pupils. About nine o'clock, the party adjourned to the spacious dining room, where an elegant supper was provided. T. L. Lowten, Esq., in proposing " Success to Tarvin Hall School " said, in reference to the examination, that he had never witnessed a similar occasion, which was so thoroughly satisfactory in its results, both as regarded the scholars and their in structors. Mr. Brindley acknowledged the compliment. Blake, sen. also begged, on behalf of himself and school fellows, to thank Mr. and Mrs. Brindley for their kind attentions at all times, and to express their gratitude for the very excellent and complete education they were re ceiving at Tarvin Hall, and hoped they would continue to be prosperous and happy. This sentiment was received by the boys with the most deafening applause. After supper, the visitors and pupils re-assembled in the Lec ture Hall, where the recreations of " the merry mingling dance " were enjoyed with the most lively delight; and between the Quadrilles, a selection of popular songs and glees was introduced by the above-named Choristers, till God save the Queen " brought t o a c l ose a most inter esting evening's entertainment. ~i, ~~_ C _ LOSS OF THE FIREFLY. The Dumfries Courier contains a painfully interesting narrative of the circumstances connected with this sad event. After noticing the crash of the collision with the Britannia steamer, the narrative proceeds :—After orders had been given to launch the boat, in the hope of at tracting the attention of the steamer that slackened not her pace, she after a little time was discovered returning with two lights on her starboard quarter, and then for the first time the commander inquired whether the brig had been damaged by the collision ; but when answered in the affirmative, in place of despatching his boat to the wreck, he requested those on board to send theirs to the steamer. Although this appeared strange, the boat was launched as speedily as possible, and when the men sent to guide it were about to put off, the word was given that not a rowing-pin was forthcoming. After some little delay a piece of wood was found, fitted, if split, for the purpose required ; but, unfortunately, every exe was missing. In this way half an hour elapsed, the steamer in the mean time plying round the Fireflv. going off perhaps, out of sight, and again returning, recalled by the outcries of the sinking crew and the light s ex hibi te d on the starboard of the wreck. :Such indeed were the panic and confusion, heightened by the darkness which brooded around, that every oar for a time was missing, until the surgeon picked up one among the crew's feet. Calls were again made for the Firefly's boat, and an answer returned that it was out of order. By this time the carpenter had announced six feet of water in the hold, and, the steamer being then at some distance, Mr. Dick jumped into the longboat to essay whether it could not be got afloat ; but in vain, from want of an axe to cut the fastenings. At length the steamer's red lights were perceived at the distance of 400 or 500 yards, twinkling dimly through the haze, and bear ing down on the Firefly. At this juncture the men had abandoned the pumps in despair, on finding the vessel filling so fast, while the helmsman, who had similarly deserted his wheel, was seen under the dim light of the binnacle tearing his hair, and exclaiming unceasingly, " Lost, lost, lost !" By persua sion, however, he was wiled back to his post, and then the Kroomen, six in number, resumed operations, in all pro bability at the most critical moment since the collision. It is astonishing' what willing arms applied to pumping can effect in the case of an accidentally disabled ship, and again there was a momentary gleam of hope when the steamer reappeared within 40 or 50 yards, and at length alongside, although not until the main deck was level with the water. Thus favoured at the eleventh hour, or rather beyond, the boat was got round ; but, when at length afloat, from the want of gearing, seemed to be little, if at all, under the control of the crew. Never can the writer who communicates this forget the heart-rending cries simultaneously raised when the steamer for the last time stopped short at a distance of about 15 yards, as if those who manned her dreaded the consequences of a second collision, and durst not risk it for their own safety. The steamer at length came within grappling distance, the surgeon lost no time in springing into her riggi ng; and then commenced a fearful struggle to get over ber bulwarks, rendered the more difficult from so many clinging to the same points, and the terror of cattle close at hand, threatening amidst the darkness to toss every adventurer overboard. The horned snimals cleared, Mr. Dick immediately made for the quarterdeck to survey . the wreck ; at that awful moment not a sound was ut tered, although shortly after the wail of wo was distinctly heard. Again all was still for a few moments, when a gurgling sound again smote the ear ; and though the gulf between the two vessels was then 50 or 60 yards, a rope was instantly thrown overboard. As near as may be at the same time, the commander of the steamer exclaimed, " I'll go no nearer at so great risk, for the sake of a sin gle individual." On this Captain Kerr said the surgeon should take a note of this determination ; surely even one life was precious, and a life-buoy in consequence was thrown overboard, the steamer's master remarking that to approach nearer might risk the foundering of both vessels. The cries of distress had now became fainter, although gurgling sounds were still audible, as if proceeding from some persons struggling in the water. Cessation, however, quickly followed, and then the commander of the Brit tannia steamer, of Dublin, inquired of Captain Kerr and his friend whether there was any necessity for tarrying longer? To this question Captain Kerr having made no answer, the surgeon said he feared all hope was lost, but expressed, in the same breath, his conviction that a boat might have been despatched in time to save them all. To this the ready answer was, thatno sooner had the collision occurred than they became all masters on board ; that his crew refused to obey their head officer, and that one man in particular averred that if they ventured to go alongside the wreck, every soul on board would jump into the boat, and infallibly swamp her ; and not only this, but that his venturing to return in the first instance was contrary to the wish of all on board — acircumstance which accounted for the numerous returns and departures of the steamer. Out of 23 individuals that embarked in the Firefly all were eventually saved except the chief-mate, the individual who was beard struggling in the water. But he had been somewhat wilful, as was afterwards ascertained, by main taining that his vessel was not much damaged; that she would still float ; and that in place of a boat, it would be better to crave a tug from the steamer into Beaumaris harbour. SPORTING INTELLIGENCE. MANCHESTER, FRIDAY EVENING. DERBY. 13 to 1 agst Dawson's lot—taken. 20 to 1 .. The Irish lot—offered. 10 to 1 .. Mr. Greville's Alarm—take 12 to 1. 16 to 1 .. Lord Stradbroke's Idas—offered. 18 to 1 .. Colonel Anson's Kedger. 18 to 1 .. Lord Chesterfield's Pam. 20 to 1 .. Colonel Peel's Cobweb colt—offered. 25 to 1 .. Mr. Jaques' Anti-Repealer. 33 to 1 .. Mr. Johnstone's Rebecca colt—offered. 33 to 1.. Mr. St. Paul's Calypso's dam colt—take 35 to 1. 35 to 1 .. Mr. Coleman's Young Eclipse—offered. 35 to 1 .. Mr. Mostvn's Pantasa—take 40 to 1. 35 to 1 .. Mr. Gully's Old England—take 40 to 1. 40 to 1 .. Duke of Richmond's Laird o' Cockpen— offered. 40 to 1 Mr. Hesse!tine's Fitz Allen—offered. 40 to 1 .. Mr. Gully's Weatherbit. 50 to 1 .. Mr. Lintott's Cabin Boy—taken. 50 to 1 .. Mr. S. Stanley's Minikin colt. 50 to 1 .. Mr. A. H. Hill's Ironrnaster—offered. 60 to 1 .. Mr. Irwin's Connaught Ranger—offered. 66 to 1 .. Mr. Ferguson's Clear-the-Way. 66 to 1 .. Lord Milltown's Flahowlagh. The above list of quotations gives the market prices, so far as we are able to judge from the little business done. There has been but a limited amount of betting transacted during the week, the only one of the first-rank favourites in request being Pam. To-day 13 to 1, in fifties, was taken abo u t D awson ' s lot, and 50 to 1 agst Cabin Boy. There was a disposition to take 6 to 4 that idas beat Alarm ; 35 to 1, in fifties, about the Calypse's dam colt ; 40 to 1 ea c h a b out P antasa, Old England, and Y oung Eclipse ; 66 to 1 about Ironrnaster, "all in," or 30 to 1 with a qualification •, and 10 to l about Pam and Kedger, coupled. Two or three small bets were laid at evens that Ironmaster receives a qualification. 1,000 to 45 was twice laid against Pam, and 3,000 to 66 agst Connaught Ranger on Saturday last. On Tuesday Old England was backed to a good amount at 33 and 35 to 1 ; Rebecca colt and Young Eclipse, several times, at 35 to 1 each ; and 40 and 50 to 1, to a good amount, agst the Minikin colt. Yes terday 20 to 1 to 50 was accepted agst Pam, and 4.000 to 60 agst Clear-the-Way ' - 500 to 30 agst the colt ou t o f Calypso's dam and the Rebecca colt, coupled. For the Oaks, to-day, 30 to 20 was laid on Lancashire Witch agst Maid of Orleans. TATTERSALL'S.-THURSDA Y . - - There were just enough subscribers present to " make a house," and just enough business to admit of a short quotation. The principal bets were-1,300 to 200 agst Scott's lot ; 16 to 100 against Idas ; 1,000 to 30 three times, and 1,750 to 50 once, agst Old England ; 1,000 to 25 agst Pantasa ; 2,000 to 30 agst Lycurgus ; 1,250 to 25 agst Cabin Boy ; and 2,000 to 20 agst Fuzbos. CHESTER CUP. ,000 to 30 agst. Winesour (taken.) 30 1 The Era (taken.) DERBY. 13 to 2 agst. Scott's lot (taken to £200.) 14 1 Mr. Greville's Alarm (take 12 to 1.) 16 1 Lord Stradbroke's Idas (taken to £100.) 18 1 Colonel Anson's Kedger (take 20 to 1.) 18 1 Lord Chesterfield's Pam (take 20 to 1.) 30— 1— Mr. A. Johnstone's Rebecca colt. 33 1 Mr. Gully's Old England. 35 1 Duke of Richmond's Laird o' ,Cockpen (take 40 to 1.) 40 1 Mr. Mostyn's Pantasa (taken.) 2,000 —3O Lord Eglinton's Lycurgus (taken.) 1,000 10 Mr. Coleman's Fuzbos (taken.) 1,000-20 Cobweb colt winning Tuesday's Riddle wot th, 2,000 Guineas Stakes, and Derby (taken.) COURSING MEETINGS TO COME. CLUB. JUDGE. JAN. Chapel Bank.. Morpeth (North Seaton) Mr. A. Da1ze11......... 6 & 7 Union (Southport) Mr. M‘George . Morpeth (Longhirst).... Mr. A. Dalzell 9 & 10 Spelthorne 22,23 & 24 Hornby Park Mr. 31` George ...... not fixed. Curragh Mr. M`George . THE CHASE. The CHESHIRE HOUNDS will meet on Wednesday, Jan. 1, at ••• •• Tarporley Thursday, 2, at . ..... Stamford Bridge Saturday, 4, at • • • . .................. Darnhall At Half-past T en o ' clock. Sir W. W. WYNN'S HOUNDS will meet on Wednesday, Jan. 1, at...... Friday, 3, at ......... Saturday, 4, at... • • Whittington At Half-past Ten o'clock On Tuesday the six-mile walking match between Pierce and Mall, for .£25, came off near the Dog and Par tridge public-house, 13edfont. Pierce won by eighty yards. The six miles of road were walked over (fair toe and heel,) by the winner, in fifty-three minutes. O n T ues d a y, the long-pending running match for £lOO between Stewart, of London, and Robinson, of New castle, came off at Putney-heath, in the presence of a large concourse of spectators. The distance w as 160 yards. When w i th i n thirty yards of the winning mark Stewart passed his adversary, and ran in a gallant winner of four yards. .J z 3 i i