The Northern Daily Times. — Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1856-07-03 00:00:00

TOWN COUNCIL. The usual monthly meeting of the town council was held in town hall, at eleven o'clock yesterday. The Mayor, John wart, Esq, presided. The minutes of the late council meeting were read, FINANCE COMMITTEE. The proceedings of this committee were read, and included fnllowinn— commendation to increase the salary of Mr. R. S. Parry, in the surveyor's department, from £l5O to £175 per as, the consideration of which was postponed at the last sly council, pursuant to the standing orders. commendation to confirm the purchase of property belong- Mrs. French, containing about 1,300 square yards of with the buildings thereon, adjoining the estate of the ration, in Mersey-street, Birkenhead, for £3,500. e minutes also contained a resolution tf thA fl nanrn PAM- egativing, by a Majority of two, a motion to increase the Rev. Mr„, Carter, chaplain of the gaol at glary of ornby drew attention, in the first instance, to the 'ation to increase the salary of Mr. Parry. He stated •ty was appointed in the year 1843, at a salary of and in 1846 his Wary was raised to £l5O, being ionslv He 1- re, received his E Rt the stl nted to his predecessor, resent salary for tpn him to boa v y able young man, a particu • ughtsman, and the committe e therefore recom- ary be increased Hornby accord- that recommendation be confirmed an Cooper seconded the motion, which was )y moved the confirmation of the t irchase of the property belonging to commenda "re. French. ins were lying on the Council ho cast his eye upon them would see t sat the p] eesirabie the purchase would be ; the the land adjoined the land leased to Mrb Laird, and would thus give the Corporation a plot of ground containing about 13,000 square yards, which they would be enabled to dispose of much more advantageously than before they were in pos session of the whole. The quantity of land at present under consideration contained from 1,250 to 1,300 yards, and had on it which would be worth £250 a year. .man S. Holme seconded the motion, which was buildings t Mr. Hernby said it was necessary that he should advert to brio topic in moving the confirmation of the general proceed ings. The recommendation to increase the salary of the 'Chaplain of the gaol was negatived by a very small majority of the finance committee. Subsequently to that vote being taken several of the gentlemen who opposed the increase, saw reason to change their opinion. He believed at the present moment there would he probably an unanimous vote in favour of an increase of £5O to the chaplain's salary. As chairman of the committee he thought it his duty to move the confirmation of the proceedings, - including the recommendation not to increase the salary, but individually he was of opinion that the duties of the chaplain of the new gaol were very much more laborious than at the old gaol, and that he had to discharge duties which were very onerous, and trwhates. ich he di sc h arged to the perfect satisfaction of the magis (Rear, hear.) The magistrates considered the Chaplain entitled to the increase of salary, and it was his indi- Vidual opinion that he was entitled to it. He was authorised by the committee to say that, in the event of such being the f eeling of the council, no opposition would be made to a motion t° refer that part of the proceedings back for reconsideration. Mr. vernihough seconded the motion. Arr. Alderman Holtne, as one of the committee who thought that the recommendation of the magistrates should be confirmed, begged to make one or two remarks, for the purpose of bringing the matter more fully under the consideration of the council, Mr. Carter had been chaplain of the gaol for a period of now fifteen years, and he thought the council had always recognised the principle that the services of all parties should he paid for according to the nature of their duties, the length of period of their services, and the faithfulness with which they performed the obligations which they had under. taken. (Rear, hear.) That principle the council had just acted upon in the case of Mr. Parry, who very properly had reeeived an increase of salary af. er many years servitude. The duties of the chaplain of the gaol were somewhat onerous. They involve great responsibility, and seldom, if ever, brought any advance ment to their possessor. The gaol chaplain was generally settled there for life, and his ministrations being among the most wretched of mankind, they brought him little public recognition, and very little honour in this world. Originally Mr. Carter was appointed at £250 per annum and a house. On the first of February 1854, he made an application to the council, and the stipend was raised to £350. There was no residence attached to the old borough gaol, and the council therefore gave him £5O in addition for house rent, he under taking to pay hi s own rates and taxes. This made his salary year a year without a house. On the Bth of June last, the finance committee resolved, subsequently to the removal of prisoners into the new gaol, that as the chaplain was to be henceforward a resident of the gaol, tho allowance of £5O a year should cease. Mr. Carter now had a residence which he believed he found inconveniently large. On the 15th of :May the -usual-quarterly session of magistrates was held in that building, and on that occasion Mr. •c Carter made an ap pli ation to the mag i strates, that they should recommend to the council to continu e the allowance of £5O a year. The magis trates resolved to recommend that the allowance be continued. They did so partly because they were aware that the seperate system had very materially increased the duties of the also because of the ability, zeal, and assiduity a he hal aided the magistrates in the establishment armatory, a duty which he was not at all bound to a himself, and which he assumed quite voluntarily., y Mr. Carter fulfilled with such a Christian spirit, so and so much assiduity, and he put his heart so y into his weak, that he merited some public recogni benevolent services. Mr. Ifolme stated, in support Vif,' that the salary of the chaplain of Salford Gaol, tverage of 551 prisoners, was £4OO ; of Preston, average of 353 prisoners, £350 ;. of Kirkdale, verago of 363 prisoners, £3OO ; while in Liver-. .lacy was only £350, with an average of prisoners .night be estimated at least at soa, (Elear, hear.) these reasons Mr. Hohne moved that that portion of proCeedings liming reference to the salary of the aaplain, be sent back to the finance committee for reconsi ieration. with. an Mr. Alderman Dover -seconded the motion. The motion was carded without any opposition. Mr. Hornby then moved that the remainder of the commit tee's proceedings be confirmed. The motion was unanimously adopted. • • • WATCH Co:sIMITTEE. The proceedings of this committee were read. They com prised a recommendation that a sum, not exceeding £BO a year, with rate's and taxes upon that amount, be allowed to Major Greig to rent a suitable residence; his present house, the property of the dock committee, being required by that body. They also included a letter from Major Greig, stating that he had taken the house 63, Rodney -street. Gregiaii, in moving the confirmation of the proceedings, stated that the borough and counties police bill had passed both houses of parliament ; bOt that all the objectionable clauses bad been expunged from it. The committee retained the full power they formerly had over the police ; but her Majesty, in council, was empowered to appoint the inspectors for the whole country, and if they reported favourably of any borough or county force, one quarter of the expense of wages and clothing would be borne off the consolidated fund. The proceedings were confirmed, as were also those of the dock committee. ET• GEORGE'S-HALL COMMITTEE. --OPENING OF THE NEW CONCERT-ROOM. Before the proceedings of this committee were confirmed, Mr. Woodruff begged to know if the money which had been paid by Messrs. Cramer and Beale, for the use of the new Concert -hall, had been returned to them, on the contemplated opening concert proving a failure ? Mr. Alderman Parker observed that the money had never been paid. Mr. Woodruff replied that the parties had, at all events, undertaken to pay it. Mr. Alderman Parker said that the room was to have been opened under the patronage of the corporation, but that, not- Withstanding that inducement, the public had not come forward, and it would not do to have a concert without an It had therefore been postponed ; but would, no take place at a future period. Had the contract for hire of the room been in writing, they could have enforced payment of the m oney ; b ut, even if it were, he did not think th, under the circumstances, it would be becoming of the corporation to press upon the parties: Mr' W°°d ' u ff,renaarlc e d that the concert had been a failure, thbecause ththee price bad b een too high—(hear, hear),—and as w act o f the parties themselves, a n d no t o f th e committee, he thought they should have been made to pay the money. wis T hed e Plin The Phiflcpls ad o p te d , in this instance, was wrong; but he to know whethe r it would be also acted on in the case of parties taking the largo hall ? *. Ald e rman ilohne said tha.t no definite answer could be The committee should treat every given to such a question. case upon its owl; merits Mr. godson concurred with i . m . --- Wood ru ff. M r . B ea l e Lnted t o c h arge 12 3. 6d. a ticket, when the talent he oposed dshto bring down was not worth that sum, and. there- 'O, he on 1.110 f • rt .0 ore Was attrib u t e would many people Would hav e gone to the concert. (Hear, h ear.) Mr. A l,aa. rn able to I Sal(1 mw at ta .+ISLL F...e of admission bad been fixed against the strong recommendation of the Mayor and himself. roc eed ings We re .ine matter then 'dropped, and the p confirmed. and correction committees, - were confirmed without ,n. ho mar', kets, & :ncaeon, and gao HEALTH COMMITTEE. lino of this committee were read prised r ey com- ations to incrl %wary or tne rorrowing from £7O to £ B5 per rue ireasurer's offi nu -eaTviz. :—Th omas J . Ni c h o l son , annum James R ogers , f rom £6O to £BO per an num ; and Benjamin Owens, from £6O to £BO per annum, the consideration of which was postponed at the last monthly council, rursuant to standing orders. , Mr. Ilodson explained th a t these recommendations were i ommittee, in making all The parties, he said, ttee. , rogressi ye Is were unanimously confirmed S. HoIF drew attention to a res ution On as set forth that dvisable ;ging, and selveting of the dock commit- Id be placed in the hands of the health two committees should consult with He wished to know if the object of resolution Were to transfer the management of the *ho, corporation property from the financ were purely the delegates o the council? If that were its object I reject it. It was weuld s Igly advise the council to Dover, th anction of the c commend THE ned by Mr. Hodson, Mr. Shell, and M e health committee merely sought the to confer with the finance committee on the removal of the inconveniencies which at present eonsthttly 'course of the brief discus- place en the subject, it was denied by Mr v and S. H - olme that any ch RICOH e supporters of the resolution, ever to dock committee did not pave a 1. any portion of them, other than a Mr. C. 1 t would now go forth to the tetoent was in confirmation ,yor when before the parliamentary Holme referred was 'then ittee did no frotu the council to hold the GARDENS COMMITTEE committee were adopted, including allowed to play every gardens of Falkner square, on th. . , ilition that only inhabitants of the sq uare having keys be wed to enter, and that any damage done be made good to .• the corporation WATER COMMITTEE The minutes of this committee were read Mr. Holt, in moving the confirmation of the proceedings, alluded to the escape of water which recently took place at Rivington. Accompanied by two gentlemen of the council, he stated that he visited Rivington a few days ago. He had great satisfaction in seeing, on arriving there, that the escape of water was not caused by any defects in the embankment or in any part of the works. That there was an escape, was very true; but not of that alarming character one naturally associated with a large body of water escaping and doing vast damage to the surrounding country. The escape anpeared to spring up in one of the ditches at the side. The body of water measured about 18 inches, being about 21 or 21 inches deep, and making au escape of something exceeding 300,000 gallons in the course of each day. For some time the escape was larger, but as the water rose in the Rivington reservoir, singularly enough the leakage decreased. The escape did not swell beyond its natural course, the ordinary ditch formed at the side of the field being quite sufficient to conduct it in its natural channel. He therefore apprehended that no serious damage could possibly arise, but perhaps indeed some advantage to the surrounding country. A resolution was passed authorising all the necessary steps to be taken, and measures were accordingly then in progress. Mr. Woodruff seconded the confirmation of the proceedings. Mr. Alderman Bennett expressed his gratification at the largely increased quantity of water which was being obtained by the boring, in Green Lane. Mr. Alderman Holme hoped the time would soon come when water would be had in such abundance that they should cease to congratulate themselves on a few additional gallons. The proceedings were then confirmed. The proceedings of the Library, Museum, hackney car riages, and bath's committee were adopted without any dis- CUSSIOI3 The proceedings of GAB COMMITTEE committee included the following THE GAS SUPPLY OP LIVERPOOL The committee report that, in accordance with the resolution of the council of the 13th of February last, they have conferred with a deputation of the directors of the Gas Company with reference to the terms and conditions on which an inspector of meters shall be appointed, and beg now to submit to the council, for its approval, the following memorandum of such terms and conditions to which the Gas Company has acceded : Memorandum of the terms and conditions upon which an inspector of gas meters shall be appointed, pursuant to the resolutions of the council of the 13th of February, 1856 : Resolved,—That this council sanctions the appointment of an inspector of meters ; and, also, that the borough engineer do attend to the testing of the gas ; and that it be an instruction to the special committee on the supply of gas to confer with the directors of the Gas Company with respect to the terms and conditions on which such appointment of inspector of meters shall take place, and as to the duties to be performed by such officer, and to report to the council. thereon. 1. The inspector shall be appointed and paid by the Corporation, who shall also provide an office, assistants, materials, and plant necessary for the performance of the inspector's duties. 2. It shall be the duty of the inspector to examine and test the accuracy of all meters complained of by the consumers of gas or the Gis Company; and also all meters intended to be supplied to consumers by the Gas Company, 3. Tht notice shall be given to the Gas Company, by the inspector, of the time and place of examining and testing by him of meters complained of by consumers, or by, the Gas Company ; and notice shall also be given to the inspector, by the Gas Company, of the time at which meters proposed to be supplied by the company to con— sumers will be brought to the inspector's office for exami nation and test by him,—and the company may have a person, on their behalf; present at the testing of every meter, whether tested on the application of the Gas Com pany, or of a consumer. - 4. A margin of one per cent., fast or slow, shall be allowed for error, and every meter found to register within that margin shall be deemed, and taken to be a correct meter. 5. The following fees shall be paid to the corporation for the examination and testing of meters, viz. :-1. By the Gas Company in respect of the examination and test ing by the inspection of every new meter proposed to be supplied by them to cons umers , for each meter from 1 to 5 lights, 6d ; from 5 to 30 lights 8d ; from 30 to 100 lights and upwards, Is. 2. In respect of every meter complained of, and examined and tested at the request of consumers, for each meter from 1 to 5 lights, 6d ; from 5 to 30 lights, Is ; from 30 to 100 lights and upwards, is 6d. The last named fees, together with the cost of removing the meters, if tested at the inspector's office, to be paid by the con sumer if the metre.is found correct, and by the Gas Com pany if it be found incorrect. 6. Before any metre complained of by a consumer is examined or tested, the complainant shall pay to the Gas Company the amount of all monies due from him to the Gas Company, up to the day of the inspection of the meter—the cashier or collector of the company under taking, on behalf of the company, to return any over charge to be fixed by the inspector as hereinafter pro vided for ; and the complainant shall also deposit in the hands of the inspfctor the foregoing fee, and cost of removing the metM if required to be removed. 7. The inspector shall give a certificate of the correct ness or incorrectness of every metre examined and tested by him, stating the particulars and result of such test. Such certificate shall be final and binding on all parties ; and all meters certified by the inspector to be correct shall be sealed or stamped by him with a seal or stamp to be supplie by the corporation for that purpose. 8. The Inspector shall fix and determine the amount due from the consumer to the Gas Company in respect of the gas registered by any meter required to be examined and tested by such consumer--but no deduction from the amount claimed by the Gas Company, nor any addition thereto shall be made in respect of gas supplied prior to the commencement of a quarter of a year next preceding that in which such meter shall be complained of or re quired to be examined and tested by the Inspector. In the official letter accompanying the approval of the above conditions, the secretary of the Gas Company states that the directors consider that many points will arise which it is out of their power to provide for by the pre sent memorandum of conditions ; but, as they arise, the directors reserve to themselves the right of having them discussed in the committee of the Council, and arranged. The committee recommend the council to sanction a simi lar reservation in behalf of the council. The committee further report to the council that the following officers and servants will be requisite to carry into effect the stipulations contained in the above condi tions, viz.:--An inspector of meters, competent also to test the quality of the gas, at a salary not exceeding £2OO per annum ; an assistant to the inspector, at a salary not exceeding 4 '100; a porter cr labourer at wages not exceeding 41 per week. Proper offices and premises will also be required, and also a plant for `the purposes of the inspector's operations, and which it is estimated will cost £l6O. Air. Kitchen moved that Mr. Beloe's report to the recorder, which appeared in the NuliniEßN DAILY TIMES, be referred to the (nig rnmmittp. fr. Hornby seconded the motion he gas committee referred to them, inasmuch as )0 had been already expended, and nothing had having any further business Fernihough also expressed a hope that the operations of ado that day former oocasion of Mr. Beloe's committee. On the present occasion it was more particularly necessary that it should be referred. There were very important points in that report which entirely bore out all that the gas committee had reported to the council. Therefore, if those facts were borne out, it Was the duty of the c :o act upon the report, and he ""“-1 upon the council to follow the matter up until they got the question fairly and honourably settled ; and he told them this much, that unless they did so, the consumers of gas in Liverpool would take such steps themselves as would compel the proprietors of the gas works to perform their duty. He had not had the advantage of hearing the remarks of Mr. Parker when the question was previously discussed. Mr NORTHERN TIMES. Parker enjoyed the advantage of generally speaking in _that council withottt being properly understood. (Laughter.) flow the gentlemen who reporter for the press were able to report that gentlbtiaan's speeches on many occasions, he was perfectly at a loss to understand. (Laughter.) On the former occasion, to his utter astonishment, on reading the papers the following day ; he found that Mr. Parker had been making use of, and applying language to the gas committee, for which, had he been aware of it at the time, he should certainly have called him to account. ((beat laughter.) That language, Mr. Parker', applied not only to the chairman, but to the members of the committee—language which he felt sure would not have been passed over at the time, if it had been known what he was stating. Instead of the committee being, as Mr. Parker had stated, puppets, he (Mr. Kitchen) was in a posi tion to prove that not only that gentleman himself, but others were entitled to the honotir of that distinction. (Oh !oh !) Ho had no hesitation in stating that the resolution, which on the last occasion was proposed by Mr. Bennett, was prepared out of that room, and that gentlemen were solicited to support that resolution. The Mayor: Mr. Kitchen must excuse me. The question efore the Council is whether Mr. Beloe's report is to be 'quitted to the gas committee; and I really do think that it air to go back to a former debate, and what some ,netnbers said when the merits o 1 the gas question were formeili Cliisetissed. (11ear, hear.) Mr. Alderman Bennett : I shall only say that Mr. Kitchen is hazarding what he cannot prove. is hardly f The Mayor : I must beg of You to keep in order. Mr. Alderman Parker : Being alluded to, sir, by Mr. Kitchen- The Mayor : Oh, sit down, this is becoming quite irregular. Mr. Ki chen : When we refer to the gentlemen who oppose the proceedings of this committee, I think we really are bound to examine the motives which prompt those gentlemen- The Mayor . : You really must not attribute motives. I must again call upon you to keep to the question. Mr. Kitchen contended that I.lr. Beloe's report bore out all the statements of the gas committtee. The company had gone on constantly increasing. The general expenses of manage ment and other expenses, at the time of the amalgamation, were only about £14,000, which had now increased to £20,000, and that in the face of a distinct pledge that the price of gas would be reduced in consequence of the saving- Mr. Alderman Holme : Mr. Mayor, if you permit my friend Mr. Kitchen to go into this subject, I shall unquestionably claim my privilege of replying to him seriatim, point to point. lam especially sorry he has made one or two rem aiks. He speaks of gentlemen being tampered with. If he meatis to allude to me as one of those gentlemen, I tell him at once that I repudiate it distinctly, I give it the flattest denial, and I think that when he makes such remarks that he ought to name dis tinctly the parties to whom be alludes. (Hear, hear.) Mr. Alderman Parker : Being one of those distinctly pointed to by name, I shall certainly claim my right of replying to the remarks wnich Mr. Kitchen has just made. Mr. Alderman Reline I I contend that the question is not at all before the council at present. (Hear, hear.) The Mayor again explained that the question before the council had no reference to the merits of the gas company, but was merely whether Mr. Beloe's report should be submitted to the consideration of the gas committee or not. Mr. Hodson : I am aia loss to know what Mr. Kitchen's drift is. (Hear, hear.) Mr. Kitchen : I want to have this report referred to the committee. Mr. Hodson : The council are willing to do so, and they are prepared to accede to the motion for the appointment of a gas inspector. As you have gained your point, what else do you require? What is my friend Mr. Kitchen driving at? Mr. Alderman S. Holme ; The principle having been settled, all the committee have to do is to rather their toga round them, and die decently. (Laughter.) Mr. Alderman Parker claimed to be allowed to make some observations in reply to the remarks personal to himself which had fallen from Mr. Kitchen. He would allow no man to attack him with impunity, and he would ever express his censure of the conduct of those who would allow themselves to be dictated to by parties out of doors. He would not attempt to deny that ho did use the language attributed to him, nor would he hesitate now to repeat it. As to the intelligibility of his remarks, all he could say was (pointing to Mr. Kitchen) —"ecee, look at the chairman of the committee himself (laughter) ; wherever he is, either in print or out of print, nobody can understand what he means." (Great laughter.) Mr. Alderman Dover thought that Mr. Holm° had been rather hard on Mr. Kitchen. He (Mr. Dover) considered that Mr. Kitchen's services had been most valuable, and that the appointment of the gas committee had been productive of the best results. The gas company had come out of the enquiry unscathed, and he believed that the appointment of an inspec tor would give satisfaction to all parties. It here appeared that the council had no objection to the report being referred to the committee, and the discussion on that head was accordingly stopped. Mr. Kitchen then proceeded to move the confirmation of the report brought up by the committee, lie recapitulated the heads of the report, and observed that the agreement as to the allowance of two per cent only as the margin for error, would bo found to be most beneficial. In cor roboration of this, he mentioned that, of the forty-four meters tested, the large majority showed a range of error of 19 per cent., principally against the consumer, and he therefore felt confident that the arrangement, on that head, would give satisfaction to the public. With regard to the cost of the enquiry, the returns from the treasurer's office showed that it had not amounted to more than £260, and he should say that never had a sum of money been more beneficially applied. (Hear, hear.) The fitting of the office, and pro viding the testing apparatus, would cost about £l6O more, and that would be nearly the whole cost the council would bo put to in the matter. Mr. Clint seconded the adoption of the report, and defended Mr. Kitchen from the strictures that had been passed on him. Mr. Alderman S. Holme said that ho had been a little annoyed when he heard Mr. Kitchen talk about gentlemen being tampered with and influenced by parties out of doors. When he (Mr. Holme) took up the question, he did it on public grounds, and he could state, on his honour, that, at the time he did so, be only knew four gentlemen connected with the company, and he coin also stat e , on hi s h onour , t h at , even up to the present tim e , 'k `lid not know who the other pro prietors were. If Mr. Kitchen therefore alluded to him as' being so influenced, he there and then repudiated the imputa tion. Now, as to the cost which the carrying out of the report would entail on the town, he begged the council to make themselves at once fully acquainted with. In the first place, the inspector would have £200; the assistant, £lOO ; a porter, 52 ; and when they included the rent of offices, rates, &c., the annual cost would be something like £450; so that, instead of having gas cheaper, they were going to have it dearer, because the town would have to bear that £450, spread over them in some way or ether,__ and they would also have to pay for te s ti ng th e i r meters. He, at the same time, was not sorry that the committee had been appointed, for the enquiry had shown that the gas company had been acting fairly by the consumers, and that they had gas supplied to them in Liverpool of the best quality, and at the cheapest possible rate. Mr. Sheil replied that, even if the annual cost were more than £l5O, it would still be a judicious expenditure on the part of the council. Tho gas company was, in reality, the property of the public, and as the guardians and trustees of the public, they were bound to protect their interest in every respect. Mr. Alderman Bennett thought there was no necessity for a sub-inspector, and that it would be quite sufficient to appoint some respectable professional man in town to make the neces sary tests whenever required to do so. He moved an amend ment to that effect. Mr. Fernihough seconded the amendment. • Mr. Kitchen replied. He stated that the secretary of the Guardian Society had already received several letters from parties requiring to have their meters tested, and he urged, in combatting the argument as to expense, that as a small fee would be charged, the establishment would be nearly self supporting. Mr. Bennett withdrew his amendment, and the report was unanimously adopted. SPECIAL COMMITTEM ON TEM MIRCHASE OM THB BIRKENHEAD DOCKS The committee, in bringing up their report, regretted that parliament had thrown gout the bill in connection with the alteration of the docks, and stated that the corporation would now have to complete the works according to the plans author ised at the time of the transfer. The works should be com menced on the let of September. Mr. Hornby moved the confirmation of the proceedings. He observed that they were all aware that the bill which the council promoted, with regard to the Birkenhead docks alteration, had been thrown out by the House of Commons. He regretted very much that this had been the case. The delay, he was quite sure, was as unpleasant and unwished for by every member of the council, as it could be by the community of Birkenhead. (gear, hear.) Common sense would chew the necessity which made it the duty as well as the interest of all to bring the works into play with the least delay, possible. So far as the committee was con cerned no efforts should be wanting on their part to make the docks not only productive to the corporation, but useful to the community. Mr. Alderman Dover said, it had been stated out of doors, he did not know with what truth, that the opposition to the Birkenhead Docks Bill arose principally from two railway companies —the Great Western, and the Chester and Birken head Company. There was ample room for improvement in both these companies. The shares of the one were at one time 2.50, and now when nearly all other shares in the market were getting up, they had got down to 61i. Just when the shareholders saw a prospect of having their property im proved, the cup was now dashed from their lips. He asked, was it true that that bill, which would so mightily have improved the prospects of these un fortunate companies, defeated by the efforts of their directors ? If that were so, he was at a loss to •understand what the motives were. His object in rising was not to throw any doubt upon the integrity of their motives, but that the world should know that the trustees of these two companies had been the means of defeating a bill, which everybody knew would have immensely improved their prospects. He did not accuse them of any wrong motives, but he suspected the wisdom of their condult, and he greatly doubted whether they bad shown ordinary judgment in such a course. (Hear, hear.) He hoped that at the next annual meeting of the proprietors of each company the question would be put to the directors-- :ordance with the pr: kilos to I ---LIVERPOOL, THURSDAY. " Did you, or did you not, oppose, and if you did, what were your grounds for opposing, this great work ?" (Hear, hear.) The proprietors, unfortunately, generally held shares in small quantities, and were therefore completely passive, and the directors could do with them what they liked—but let the shareholders, through the council, at least know want their directors had done. (qe hear.) o , re gentleman, if he was correctly reported, a directoi of the Lan cashire and Yorkshire Company, said he was sent to oppose it. He hoped the question would be put, and that the shareholders would get from tho directors what the grounds of their opposition to that measure had been, by which, in his opinion, and that of the country generally, they had materially damaged the interest and the prosperity of their lines. (Hear, hear.) The Mayor : The great Western company did oppose. Mr. Hornby said there could not be the least doubt that the opp3sition had arisen from the Great Western and the Birken head and Chester Railway Companies. He most fully agreed with Mr. Dover, that nothing could have been more inju dicious on their part. Mr. AldermanHolme : Suicidal. (Hear, bear.) The proceedings were confirmed. The Coroner's account, amounting to £29 13s 6d, was referred to the finance committee. The Mayor's communicat!ons comprised a letter froni Sir Duncan Dl'Dougall, acknowledging, on behalf of the officers of the Royal Lancashire Araery, the vote of thanks which was passed to them at the previous meeting of the council, SUNDAY MUSIC.-BAND IN THE BOTANIC GARDENS A memorial, which has the signatures of Rev. Mr. Banastre, 8.A., Mr. W. Ratbbone, Mr. J. S. Mansfield, Mr. W. Earle, Mr. R. Shell, Mr. Mather, Mr. J. Wybergh, Mr. J. B. Smith, Mr. P. Holt, Mr. Melly, Mr. C. Rawlins, and several other of the leading men of Liverpool, was read. It prayed the pormissiJn of the council for a performance of a band of music, which the memorialists intended to provide at their own coA, in the Botanic Gardens, every Sunday, between the hours of half-past two and five o'clock. Mr. Alderman Bennett suggested that as the memorialists were willing to provide the band they be requested to change the day, and to fix upon Thursday instead of Sunday. (Laughter.) Mr. Alderman Preston moved, that the memorial lie on the table. Mr. Alderman Gardner seconded the 'notion, but at the same time repeated the offer which he said he had made in the committee, of paying part of the expense of a band to play twice in the gardens between Monday and Saturday. Mr. Sheil moved, as an amendment, that it be referred to the gardens committee. He said he could not conceive any thing more conducive to the advantage of the masses than a system of innocent and rational recreation, which would draw them from the town on flit:: day they were unoccupied, and when, having nothing to employ or amuse them, they unhap pily frequented the public house. (Hear, hear.) For six days of the week working men in Liverpool were employed from an early hour of the morning until late at night, and having no day for recreation but the Sabbath, it was like a mockery to talk of providing them with amusement on those days that they could not attend to enjoy it. They could not afford to lose the time, and it was worse than a refusal to treat them with the delusion of providing them amusement on the week days. There was another proposal of granting a ha:f holiday to the working classes; but what enjoyment could they have in such a climate on the half Saturday, during the greater portion of the year. For six months of the year the day would be to all intents over at the time they would be relieved from work, and they, perhaps, would be driven to spend their spare time on such days as they now did on the Sundays. He had been happy in reading and hearing the con current remarks of all parties on the conduct of the people on the late public holiday. On that occasion there had been no disorder • in the town, and it was even remarked by the ma.2,is Crates on the bench that the charges brought before the court the next day were less than usual. And that was because the people were not excluded from taking innocent and rational enjoyment, and because they were allowed to do what they pleased, and go where they pleased. On Sundays they were compelled to remain at home in idleness, and having no other resource, they went to the public house, and there wasted their substance and their health. He agreed that it would be a great deal better if they could induce the people to go to church and attend to their religious duties, but as they at present stood, they would not go to church, and the memorialists merely sought the adoption of another means to save them from being driven to the pubic house. Mr. Haydock seconded the amendment. Mr. Anderson expressed surprise that such a memorial should be presented when the decision of the council as to having sacred music in St. George's Hall was so recent and so marked. Ho readily accorded to the memorialists credit for sincerity in believing that such performances would be benefi cial to the working classes, but he held that the Sabbath was of divine institution, and that it should not be violated, even for such a purpose. Ho, however, believed that it would not have that effect. He believed that the congregation of large masses of people would have a contrary effect to that antici pated by the gentlemen who presented the memorial, and for these grounds, besides others which he could if necessary men tion, he should oppose its prayer. Mr. Alderman Parker said, that if he got time he could procure the signatures of thousands of working men to a memorial against such performances. (Hear, hear.) Mr. Hodso❑ said he regretted that this memorial should have been submitted at this moment, knowing the temper of the council. Although it might be the temper of the council to reject every thing which might tend to elevate the working man—(cries of No, no)—yes, he would repeat it, although the council were determined to oppose everything which might elevate mad improve the views of the working man with regard to innocent recreation, he would venture to make a few observations in reply to the remarks of Mr. Anderson and Mr. Parker. The memorial had been treated upon theological grounds, and not upon the grounds upon which it should Lave been treated. If the matter were looked upon merely in a theological point of view, he would agree that they could not carry out the object; but it could not be denied that they were now in a peculiar time. Since the question was last discussed in that room, lie bad taken the trouble to make a few enquiries which were necessary to come to a thorough comprehension of the question. In this country crime had so vastly increased within. the last twenty-five years, that it became a moral duty on the part of the corporations and the parliament of the nation to endeavour by some means, however simple or great, to prevent, if possible, the amount of crime from still increasing. Wh it was the principal cause of er:me? It was admitted on all hands, by philosophers, by divines, by historians, that crime was produced almost alto gether from one source, namely drunkenness, and that more especially in large towns than in other parts of the country. Then, what he and others asked was that a different venue, a different taste, should be given, if it were possible, to the poor man. As Mr. Sheil very justly told them, Sunday was the only day when the poor man could take his children to have an hour, or two hour's, healthy recreation. Why then should he be prevented from having soma of those comforts which others could enjoy every day of their lives ? They were told that the Sabbath day was ordained to be kept holy. He would ask any one of the gentlemen around him why did ho take his carriage out on Sunday to church ? (Hear, hear.) Why did he allow cooking to be done in his house, and give splendid dinners upon the Sunday ? If he were sincere in keeping the Sabbath holy, in the sense in which the terms were used, why did he not remain content with a cold collation and walk to church ? Why did he not allow his servants to go to church, and his horses to rest, if the day were to be kept according to the theological view ? (Hear, hear.) On the ground of utter inconsistency Mr. Hodson objected to those who would deal with the memorial merely from that point of view, and sup ported Mr. Shell's amendment, Mr. Aikin agreed with Mr. Hodson in not wishing to discuss the question merely on theological grounds. They were all aware that upon theological grounds very eminent divines differed in opinion. On reference to the memorial, any one must feel that the names attached to it entitled it to the greatest possible respect. (Loud cheers.) The name of Mr, Rathbono, and the names of other gentlemen attached to the memorial, were identified with everything calculated to •promote the moral and physical well being of their fellow men ; and he felt sure that the council would not lightly reject a document which proceeded from that gentleman, and men of similar character. (Hear, hear.) He, for one, felt it exceedingly unpalatable to give a vote in opposition to that memorial, and he should not have risen then to offer any remark upon the subject before the council, important as it was, if he did not feel, in duty both to himself, and to the friends who signed it, that it would not be satisfactory he should give a vote withotit assigning the reason which led him to the conclusion at which he had arrived. (Hear, hear.) He trusted the time would never come in that council, when either ties of party or of friendship should bias them so much . as to lead them to shrink from a proper discharge of their duties. There were various reasons why he thought he ought to give a negative to the prayer of the memorial. He should not venture to touch upon many which might be advanced—a few would suffice. In the first place, the request was that music should be intro duced at the expense of the memorialists into the Botanic Gardens, at certain hours upon the Sunday. So far did he disagree with the gentlemen who sought to put the question upon theological grounds, that be would rather the word Sabbath were not introduced at all, but that the more un questionable name of the Lord's Day were used, which he believed the more proper term for a Christian country, (Hear, hear.) The gardens on the Sunday were exceedingly well attended already. He was told they were resorted to by as large a number as could conveniently be accommodated. (Hear, hear.) If that were so, why should they introduce • music there to draw people together, who were already resort ing there in as largo numbers as could well be received to enjoy the innocent, the rationa!, and perhaps the dearer to them, because it was the quiet recreation which was afforded to them on Sundays already? (Hear, hear.) The me morial did not proceed from the inhabitants of Liver pool. It proceeded from a certain number of persons, a small number, although a highly respectable portion of the community, and he believed that the feeling of the inhabitants in general was opposed to the intro duction of such music on the Sunday. (Hear, hear.) The members of that council were the representatives of the people of Liverpool, and he held that they should not be acting in conformity with their duty to the public, and that they should be taking a very unfair advantage of the position in which they were placed, if they thrust into the Botanic Gardens, or any public place, the resort and the property of the public, on Sundays, that which might be an amusement to a few, but which, he did believe, would be exceedingly distasteful, ex ceedingly annoying, exceedingly irritating and offensive to a very larg.: majority of the decent and well-behaved inhabitants of the community. (Rear, hear.) They had been told by Mr. Hodson ihat the council was prepared, on every occasion, to reject whatever tended to promote the moral weli-being of !he people, with reference to amusements- Mr. Hodson : On the Sunday Mr. Aikin said Mr. Hodson now limited his remark, but lie did not think he had limited it in the first instance. (Hear, hear.) Even taking the limitation now put Upon it, he was sorry Mr. Hodson, or any other gentleman, should rise and address those whom he saw before him with such a remark. (Hear, hear.) He was sure there was hardly an individual there of whom Mr. Hodson would not, in his conscience, admit that he was, td the best of his judgment, willing to make large personal sacrifices, both of time and money, on Sunday or any other day, to elevate the moral well-being of his countrymen. That remark of Mr. Hodson's carried but little force with it. If Mr. Hodson misrepresented the views of others, and then replied to them, he was not replying to the arguments of his opponents, but simply dealing with his ow❑ misrepresentations. A great (lead had been said about the improvement of the poor on Sunday, but what became of the other six days of the week If there was gesat crime and drunkenness in the country, there were also many counteracting influences which they wet° all seeking to promote. There were various means by which they sought to counteract the evils which existed in society. It was not by the paltry introduction of a band of music in a place of public resort they could grapple with such evils. (Hear, hear.) Truly the mountain was in labour, and out came the little mouse, if a band of music could counteract all these evils. (Hear, hear.) No means were more important than the religions instruction given in their Sunday schools on Sundays. (Cries of hear, hear.) There were secular means, too, by which they could counteract the growth of crime. On his left was the chairman of the education committee. (Hear, hear.) What means were more calculated to afford the people rational resources for enjoyment than to teach them to read and write, so that no time might be heavy upon their hands ? (Hear, hear ) He teeretted the chairman of the water committee was not there. An abundant supply ' of water, so that the stream should flow into every court, and that water should be found in every cottage, was another means of Counteracting the misery and the vice which were found among the lower classes of society. (Hear, hear.) Crime was found to a great ex ent to be identical with misery and with poverty. In proportion as they improved the dwellings , of the poor, as they brought good water and a pure atmosphere around them; all the causes which tended to the growth of exit - no would diminish. (Hear, hear.) Ile thought Mr. Hodson and the gentlemen of the health committee were doing far more in promoting good sanitary arrangements to check the progress of drunkenness and crime, than by advocating the introduction of music on the Lord's day. (Hear, hear.) One other argument he should use was this—lle did not think it was a light thing to violate the opinions, the prejudices, the religious sentiments, or whatever they might choose to tall them, of the people. (Hear, hear.) It was not as easy a thing to perceive, as they could, the material objects around them, but whenever men were brought into conflict with etch other, and the contest wag erne involving religious opinions, they soon found that it was one of the rtidat powerful motives which could animate and agitate mankind. (lime, heat.) Therefore, they should be very careful indeed how they intro duced such discussions into the council room. They might act as they liked individually out of doors, and carry out their individual opinions in different directions, but they had various duties to perform of a business-like character in that room. They had quite enough to do there without making it a battle field of the Sunday contest. (Hear, hear.) Let them leave that contest to be fought elsewhere, content each in his individual capacity, to carry out his own views as he felt his judgment and conscience urge him, whilst they reserved to themselves the calm and undisturbed right of discharging their duties there without any vielent, religious, or party question to interrupt them, (Cries of hear, hoar.) Mr. Aikin con. eluded by giving his support to the original motion. Mr. Clint opposed the prayer of the memorial, on the ground that it would invade the sanctity of the Sabbath. Mr. Alderman S. Helms regretted that such a memorial should have been presented, because it should result in a theological discussion, and would render it difficult to preserve that temper and propriety of language with which every subject of importance should be discussed by them. Mr. Shell based his advocacy of the memorial on the ground that, if they had such a band of music in Wavertree-park, they would draw the masses from the town to it; but they had been told that the gardens were, at the present time, overflowing on Sundays with working men, who, very properly, tuck advantage of the afternoon, after having attended divine service, to take a quiet walk with their wives and children, and see the beauties of nature—an enjoyment which, unfortunately, the working classes were prevented from experiencing on any other day, in consequence of the necessity of their labour during the week. But they had a greater source of recreation in Liverpool than in, perhaps, my other town—they had the attractions of the river, and the beauties of the Cheshire shore, and these were greater objects of attraction than any amusement which any body of gentlemen could provide for the people. He was no friend of legislative enactments on this subject. He would not press hard on any man who would prefer to go into the country, or spend his Sabbath in any other way he pleased, that being a matter between his conscience and his God ; but when he recollected that a society was established in London, with branches throughout the country, for the purpose of abrogating the Sabbath altogether, he could not conceal from himself that an attempt was about to be made to agitate the public mind on the subject, and that municipal bodies were being selected as the means for doing it. It was with that view that a large memorial came before the council, some time ago, for the purpose, he then said, and which ho would now reiterate, of getting the legislative sanctio❑ of a legislative body to do that which. he trusted, never would be done in this Christian land, namely, the sanctioning the abrogating of the Sabbath day. (Hear, hear.) But, taking it in a lower ground, he should contend that they could not draw the masses out of the town by giving them simply music on the Sunday. Mr Shell com mented on the observations of one of the magistrates, wills reference to the conduct of the people on the day of public rejoicing; but the use which it was now soueht to snake of such remarks showed him bow very careful they should be in positions of responsibility, because there were those watching to make use of every trifling word which might fall from them to establish a dangerous principle. He knew more of the working classes than either Mr. Shell or Mr. Hodson, and ho would vouch for it, that such of them as frequented public houses, would not be broken of their evil habits by Sunday music. They might go to hear the band, but they would be certain afterwards to adjourn to the tavern. Let them have music in the Park—let them con gregate there in very largo crowds, and they would be sure to have the present public houses i❑ the vicinity constantly full, and also numberless applications for licenses in the same locality. The memorialists were no doubt benevolent gen tlemen, and actuated by a good spirit, but did they suppose that the residents in the neighbourhood were not at all to be considered in the matter ? Did they suppose that such a performance would be tolerated by the clergymen and con gregation of Edge-hill Church?—that they would suffer a sort of opposition set up, as he might call it, by the Devil himself, for the purpose of tempting the people from church and prayer on Sunday ? It would be a strange way indeed to improve the morale of the people by giving them a facility for breaking the Sabbath day, and yet that was what the memorialists professed to be anxious to do. It was said that the present was a peculiar time in this country. It certainly was a peculiar time, and one which gave him great pain when he saw such attempts made to abrogate the Christian Sabbath. Those who made those attempts were doubtless honest and sincere in their convictions, but so were he and those ,who agreed with him—(hear, hear)—and, while enter taining such strong conscientious feelings, he should oppose, by every means, the introduction of that which, he believed, ' would soon reduce England to the same position as Rome and other Sabbath-breaking cities. Mr. Fernihough also expressed his opposition to the prayer of the memorial, but at the same time gave the memorialists every credit for benevolence and good intentions. Mr. Bradley followed on the same side, and urged that the moral improvement of the people would be best effected by the improvement of the sanitary condition of towns, and particularly the localities inhabited by the working classes. The amendment was then put to the vote, and lost by 3 to 29. The voting was as follows :—For the amendment : Councillors Richard Sheil, Roger Haydock, T. Llewelyn Hodson-3. Against the amendment : Councillors Daniel Crosthwaite, Thomas D. Anderson, John Woodruff, Edward Bradley, Thomas Godfrey, Charles Turner, James Tyrer, llugh Hornby, Joseph G. Livingston, Harmood Banner, John C. Fernihough, John Gladstone, jun., Alexander Shand, Thomas Wagstaff, John Lawrence, John B: Brancker, Joseph Kitchen, Francis A. Clint, John Aikin, James Robertson, Matthew Gregson. Aldermen : William. Bennett, Thomas Bold, Thomas Dover, James Parker, Richard C. Gardner, Thomas Toulmin, Samuel Holme. The Mayor-29. A few memorials, including one from the directors of the Hebrew Educational Institution in Hope-street, were referred to the health committee. The Council then broke up. Later advises from Melbourne mention the arrival at that port, on the 2nd April, of the Earlof Sefton, Capt. Noble, from Liverpool, with the London mail of the 19th December, on board ; and the Oliver Lang, Capt. Men del, also from Liverpool, with the London mail of the 7th January. AN AMATEUR FEMALE AERONAUT.-011 Monday there was a balloon ascent from Cremorne Gardens, London. Prior to the ascent a little incident occurred which caused some amusement and excitement in the balloon circle. It appeared that a lady and gentleman who felt a desire to navigate the air and enjoy a panoramic view, which nothing but a balloon trip can give, and who were present to make arrangements for a trip on Thursday next, sud denly came to the conclusion " that there was no time like the present," and both made applications for seats, but unfortunately one only could be accommodated, and the spirited determination of the lady prevailed over the timid fears of the gentleman, the fair one was instantly handed to her seat amidst the cheers of the visitors. A few minutes sufficed for preparation, when the " Prince of Wales" bore away in triumph, an excellent impersonation of the goddess Flora. Within an hour and a half from the time of aseen; the lady joined her friends in the gardens, declaring that language failed her in describing the novelty, the magnificence, and splendour of a balloon trip WEST DERBY UNION The usual weekly meeting of this board of guardians was held in the Board-room, Mill-lane, yesterday. The Rev. W. Badnall presided. The other guardians present were— Messrs. H. Edwards, Lunt, S. Siddeley, M. A. Johns, Abrahlms, Elias, Heyes, Shaw, and Pitts. The deputy clerk, Mr. Holden, reported that the books kept by the sev;,ral officia's in connection with the union, had been examined and found correct. 'HIE REPORTS. Cheques to the amount of £207 were voted for the main tenance of the out-door poor within the district of the The master of the hospital reported, that la , t week there were 92 patients in the establishment under his eire, since when 14 had been admitted, 9 discharged, and 1 death. Number of inmates this week 96, and for the corresponding week of last year 38, being an increase of 58. The master of the workhouse reported, that last week there were 619 paupers in the house, since when 33 had been admitted, 2 births, 38 discharged, 2 deaths; this week 614, and for the corresponding week of last year 660. THE LAB6IJR TEST The number of out-door pupers put to the labour test during the past week was 11, and the cost was £2 193 ed: They broke 19 1-12:hs tons of M'Adam, and 301 days of - There has not been any APAdarm delivered dur: clay work. ing Ole :week The OF airman : I believe there is a motion to be made on this report. Mr, Edwards : Yes. I shall move that the stone-yard be put a stop to. It is one of the most expensive specula tions that has ever been tried ; fur I am Sure, that if the stones in the yard were sold to-morrow, the guardians would be the loosera of at leas , 25 per cent. I shall move that the yard be shut up entirely from this day—that no more stores be broken in it ; but that the superintendent be kept there until the stones are sold. The Chairman : Are we not under an engagement to break a certain number of stones that have been contracted for ? Mr. Edwards : I believe that we are; but some of then have been delivered, and we have not been able to full the contract, as we could eot get the stones, sa that engagement is at an end. There are now 150 tons of stones in the yard. Mr. Abrahams : I have much pleasure in seconding the motion. I was at the yard yesterday, and I there found three able-bodied men employed who might get their living elsewhere. He suggested that the yard should be closed until next November. Mr. Edwards : The expense of carrying on that yard has been immense, and the guardians are great loosen by it. lam sure we have lost £3OO or £4OO per year by that yard. Mr. Lunt supported the motion. The motion was then put from the chair and unanimously adopted. This concluded the business of the board. POLICE COURT.-YESTERDAY, (BEFORE MR. MANSFIELD OUTRAGEOUS ATFACK.—A poor Jew, an itinerant glazier. named Thomas Blond, was passing last evening through Sawneypope-street, with his glass case on his back. Some man maliciously broke the glass with a piece of slate, and afterwards pitched the slate in the face of Blond. He ran after the miscreant, calling out police, when a young fellow named Daniel Flanigan laid hold of Blond, to stop him, and assaulted him. To-day, Flanigan was charged with the offence. Some merriment was caused in court by the prosecutor calling, " Lazarus come forth," as his witness. The prisoner was fined lOs and costs; in default, a month's imprisonment. Henry Rearden, a ship's officer, was fined 20s and costs, for having struck a female named Connor, with his cane, in Wapping, last night. A CAUTI7IN TO EMIGRANT RIINNERS.—Josiab Long and Thomas Kelly, emigrant runners, were charged with fighting. It happened that there was some dispute between the two as to commission, and a brutal fight ensued, in Waterloo-road, in mid-day. A fine of 20s each was imposed, and Mr. Mansfield requested Inspector Chew to report all such disorderly runners to Captain Schomberg, who might prevent the re-issuing of their licences. David Foley, a coloured seaman, of the ship Monteagle,, was fined 40s for having 4i lbs of tobacco secreted in his berth. THE BUILDING ACT —Samuel Holme, the younger, and John Nichol. builders, were summoned at the instance of the Health Committee, for havin g fixed the joists of the floors of the St. Peter's Church Schools, Everton, from 12a to 13 inches apar` instead of 11 only, contrary to Schedule Bof the Building Act. It may be recollected that Mr. Hay, the architect, was summoned for this, three weeks ago, but as the act specified that the " builder" should be held responsible, the information failed. Mr. M`Gowan, law clerk to the Health Committee, conducted the prosecution. M. Bell appeared, as on the former occasion, for the defendants. Mr. M'Gowan briefly opened the case, by sketching the facts. He said the act rovide 1 that if the magistrate convicted, the party should be bound to enter in his own recognizances to rectify the violation of the act. Mr. Jones, one of ithe building surveyors, stated that his attention had been directed to the premises on the 6th of June. The joists were from 12 to 13 inches apart. He visited them again on the 10th of June, and he served a notice on Messrs. Holmes and Nichol, on the 18th. The scantling was 11 by 3 The act required it to be only 9by 21. He saw a rib nailed on both sides of the joists, about 14 inch thick, but he did not think it could be considered a part of the joist. In answer to Mr. Bell, he admitted that, measuring from these ribs, the joists were within the distance required. Mr. Rishton, building surveyor, thought it perfectly absurd to say that the rib was part of the joists. Though the joists were stronger, but not laid at the distance prescribed by the act, he con sidered it his duty to summon the offending party. In answer to Mr. Bell, he said he was not aware that any violation of the act had been allowed. He did not wish it to be understood that he disapproved of the flooring. in ques tion; if he had any discretion allowed him, he should ,not have brought that information. As he had often said, this was another proof of the absurdity of several clauses in the present Builders' Act. The question of the compara tive strength of joists was raised, but Mr. M'Gowau objected to It. Mr. Bell contended that even the letter of the act had not been infringed, and certainly not the spirit, for the joists and flooring put into the schools were infinitely stronger than required by the act. He said the joists were much stronger, and, measuring from the ribs; the distance was within the act. Mr. J. Hay, the architect, Mr. Powell, clerk of the works ; Mr. H. P. Horner, and Mr. Joseph Boult, were called on in succession to support the defence. They agreed in calling the rib a part of the joist, and in stating the great 'strength of the flooring in question over that required by the act. Mr. Mansfield said the case had been argued at much length, and with great ability, on both sides. It seemed to him that the whole case turned on the determination as to what consti tuted a joist. As t he result would be of great importance to either party, he would take time to deliberate,land he would give his judgment on Friday. JUMPING INTO A DOCK.—Ann Lomax, a married woman, was brought up by police-constable 513, on a charge: of attempting suicide. He stated that last evening the pri soner flung herself into the Coburg Dock. However, when struggling in the water, she cried out for help and two, tlatmen rescued her. She said she had jumped in after quarrelling with her husband, who is a rigger. The mother of the prisoner (a decent looking woman) said her daughter was occasionally out of her mind. The prisoner expressed regret for what she had done. She said she was stabbed in the head two years ago, since which time, when vexed she lost her reason. Mr. Mansfield ordered her to be handed over to the care of her mother. (BEFORE MR. HAMILTON.) Ann Keefe was sent to prison for a month for stealing a scarf from the shop of Messrs. Watson and Woodward, in Paradise-street. ROBBERY ON SHIPBOARD, BY A JOINER.—John Faulkner, the foreman over a number of joiners, at work on the Marco Polo, was convicted of stealing a number of locks, •which he had wrenched from the state-room doors while the men were at work. He was sent to prison for three months. John Jones was sent to prison for a month for stealing an oil painting from the beerhouse of Mr. John Mutch, 44, Juvenal street. Catherine Hughes, a married woman, living in Prince Edwin-street, was sent to prison for three months, for having stolen a pair of ear-rings from a child named Ann Bond, in Beresford-street. ALLEGED STEALING OF FIVE BARRELS OF PALM OIL.••••• Alfred Smith and William Noyes were charged with stealing five casks of palm oil from the King's Dock quay, the property of Messrs. Hatton and Cookson, of No. 1, Mersey-street. It appeared that the prisoners conveyed the oil to a man named William Prescot, of Douglas, Isle of Man. The oil wa s part of the cargo of the Daunt less, on which vessel Noyes was working as a porter. The prisoners were remanded for a week. Margaret Collins, a hawker of " firegrate-papers," was sent to prison for three months, for having stolen sixty nine yards of check shirting from the shop of Mr. Hath away, 127, Great Homer-street. Brnnbur ALLEGED CRIMINAL A SSAULT ON A GlRL.—Edward Y, an elderly man, a labourer, was brought up by police constable 274, on a charge of criminal assault on a girl, Mary Staunton, whose age was under eleven. The child was an orphan, and her relatives would not prose cute. The prisoner lived in the same court as the child, No. 21, Ford-street. One of the surgeons of the Eastern Dispensary gave it as his opinion, after an examination, that a criminal offence had been committed. The prisoner denied the charge, and as there was no one to prosecute, he was discharged. (BEFORE MESSRS. BOLTON AND HAMILTON.) EXCIS s INFORMATioNs.—Mr. Brooke, solicitor for the excise, appeared to prefer an information against John Dear, grocer, IM, London-road, for selling a quarter or a pound of a mixture of chicory and coffee, as " coffee," to Willi am Riley, an excise of f icer, on the 6th of May last. Mr. Grocott appeared on behalf of the defendant. He called two assistants in the shop of Mr. Dear, who said the mixture produced was not wrapped up like what they sold. It was wrapped in ordinary cap paper, whereas, what they sold, was wrapped in paper labelled with a printed , forin--" this is sold as a mi x t u re of chi cory an d coffee.' After a lengthy investigation, Mr. Hamilton said they were of opinion that the mixture had been sold at Mr. Dear's shop, whether from mistake or otherwise, they could not say. Accordingly, they were left no alternative, but to inflict the mitigated penalty of £25.: bill .ora-• the it Ora very ;let}/ 411, red , cal He eft' DI eat bef and hat rioa cued the,)keo t iD sur6 ;tot h in 0 ft er the /TO