The Northern Daily Times. — Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1856-03-06 00:00:00

TOWN COUNCIL-YESTERDAY The monthly and special 14%91114U, John Stewart, I Mayor, as held yesterday, in the -, in the chair. Oa the assembling of the council, The Mayor formally announced the withdrawal of Mr s bill. fie said : Probably we may congratni. , selves that the principle which the bill e latid to have been scouted very generally tia.rt_ot:.the House of Commons. the,eeject is yet to be continued ; and a to P aal iamentary notices given on Monday evening %ongst thug is one by Mr. Lowe, Olt Ni ttee to enquire into, and rope la " I t) and i n w h at manner, the r th e into I°C al charge s upon shipping, n presented n e to both houses of TParliament by corcniand of her Majesty, ought to he iled out: 'lbis notice, was g i ven f or F r id a y ne xt, th e 7 th - ` are ll• Gentl emen w ill b e qu i te aware t h at this motion "e of th e most important character, and the town clerk Lett have have been here this morning, but I have received a 4 -r°4l lam stating that this notice has been deemed so tr-rLant that there is to be a meeting in London, to-day, this town clerks of the several boroughs interested in for ' hi n "ition; and that, therefore, it would be quite impossible ceder a l to attend here, lam sure you will all admit that, e the circumstance% he is much better engaged in London. gear, r he , ar .) have also received letters from Mr. Horsfall tbd a.'clo.lt, stating that they are quite impressed with the t), O : — "y of th e town clerk remaining in London. E ach 4 ntleraen wro t e me l etters l ast n i g h t, stat i ng t h at th i ' e had postp one d hi s motion until next Mona Il ks befor e I sit down, it is my duty t l eaa c Lb. '', to i n f orm t h e council th ee ded the zea l , i ntelligence, ' thi rre Presentativ es , Mr. Horsfatt ann tioo nlatter. (Hear, hear.) W e h ave h a d d a ily communica th fibm the m on t h e sub j ect. Under t 1 ma tter bei ng pen di ng at present, it w eat) i to ab sta i n f rom any substantive TILE TOWN DUES may be by the respectable hear.) However, hold in my hand to this effect : "eleet t to the house to what ations contained as it is my :ping could hay( exhibited by botl and abi Mr. Ewart, in regard tc circumstances of be better for the .solution. (Hew Itt , THE PEDLAR'S MARKET. Nan n.tuerman S. Holine : Before the proceedings of the ootnrnittee are read, I think the c ounc il w ill ex t en d to 'le its iudulgence for a few moments, on matters personal tee made It has always been done, when any attack b the: on a member of this body, and I will, therefor , h a - ; 4 "e the liberty of statirm fin ' At the la N,l te -, 1 to make. a II Was absent from my , ette e k etke, as lead from a gent. Of % ` 4 ` In that letter there wet 11 . t nature which I cannot subm e l t t _ Position of that gentleman, as ttirober of your dock committer I t nn i e neil s and whose opinions arc looked up to with respect, tett:4.'llle council still excuse me for a few moments, while I toad "' i n an explanation, or it may be a vindication of ‘ my e ettp l_et . • In that letter, I find the following passage :—‘ The the e il t g lat against the ancient Pedlar's market, and . which n. th at " f have been deemed its greatest recommendation, w tehe'taf.teuants supplied its wares to the public on cheaper 8 till", modern private shops elsewhere, less acted on by t6t aPetit' o of th e i n Would ; and strange to-say that the purchas an er . st range etil ar'S market, himself a member of the council, d d tiObti4 advocate for its sale, continues, with a small de uc lksie;enkillinee, but increased accommodation, the same market or the t -- : 11 " - ee of stalls, standings, &c., which, in the . possession of Eo 4e ." '?oration, Were so strongly objected to as being in j . urio . u i s ti lloi -tilides hoPs. The same gentleman is known to inveigh trod?: what he calls shops in St. John's market, and a h eiri with those who are acquainted with council . tactics, for J ob tf,he i nfluential author of the described partial wreck of tlep-.9"tea Market." Now, this is an insinuation of a most oft„,%-nerries character, and it is altogether unjust. The ee ei ne e Which any person would draw from it, coming from the; Mr. Eyre Evans, is, that I first induced the sale of bowmarket--that I then becam e its purchaser—and totwave e xercised ev er y i n fl uence i n i n d uc i ng the markets beseech Ike e tte e to destroy shops, that my own property may be titstn,ed. This is a s er i ous c h arge, an d h a d I not been a th e a 7 of the council, I should have left to it, as an answer, Ilea et r e ° of my life, instead of givi ng it a di rect contradic %tith' -5` I t e nt, as on e o f those who are entrusted by the council e M anagement o f i ts a ff a i rs, and the sale of its property, 151 e,,, should stand sans peur et sans reproche. Igt f ; what are the facts ? On the 25th April, rosei nt . the committee of the mat kets came to a re coil) nnt that a wholesale market was necessary, and they dee tey ' ll end that the Pedlars' market should be sold towards OUF--ing cost; the sale of it being also necessary to carry La e i ISt. th ' l: prevenient of Elliott-street. There were present iv lre„,,at Meeting, I find, Mr. Cooper, Mr. Johnson, since deff-ruff, Mr. Wagstaff, Mr. Lloyd, Mr. Ferguson, ond Mr Briscoe, no longer a member of the council.. l th e the council of May the proceedings came before h,„„%-Tmatiun, when Mr. Bigham, seconded by Mr. Go df rey, h d that the proceedings be not confirmed. The question d l rt to the vote, when for the amendment there appeare k t 'ne a g a inst it, 23, and the proceedings were accordingly con ketesOn the sth Juno Mr. Bigham moved that the vote c inded, and was seconded by Mr. C. timers. .For that s eet ie n 17 voted, and 22 voted against it. Now, with refer tett te t° ,4 l ny having been a strenuous advocate for the sale, I Wh en Yit was the year of my exclusion from the council, tbcar Ith er , 4 .„ had no vote here. (Hear, hear.) That was e d y in th e " w as excluded by the voters of Rodney-street war th e eltereise of their just prerogative, from the counc l ii for ' took t r t I took in the Rivington Pike question. tw e e ge of that exclusion to make a tour on thecon a t n in d e l nt d c id f le t t T I left England in the beginning of fi. April, Ila t i o n f a ro until he end of June, and the ist . intimation I tise nt . the sale of the Pedlars' market was by seeing an adver t, th e st le the public papers for the sale. I attended the sale thehi", larendon room's, and purchased the property as being be e r est bidde r in a room full of gentlemen —and I say that e tnt li n I w ere a member of the council, a member of the thiei ts % 's not to be excluded from purchasing any property he be e re per, if he purchase it by public auction. (Oi les would Ifeerf„il Because, otherwise, I think the council Dotty — ",,d of the biddings of many gentlemen of large pro- Ltha t 0 11 '' would be injured thereby. (Hear, hear,) I say . t hlue ls „ re lly much to be lamented that a gentleman of . Mr. with with too should not make himself better acquainted re ents ue me cum stances of the case, before he indulges in state ittlsti Wi t 'eh have no other foundation than his own fertile (Hear, hear.) Such statcmtnts aro most • Iltatielllaole, and such insinuations can only recoil upon i the inobehrn wh o makes them. (Hear, hear.) Sir, I . , tave athtleatio.i nYostteett:n this council my opinion that the corporation shops for the sale of bread, and ham, an auteetultrY, and other things of that nature in a public it h it'll', intention in erecting which was, that articles, But reserved for the sale of perishable to tt e% y re l e i e f l en j ade -n an o! I beg most distinctly to state that 1 c ommunication to the market incommittee i.t ne tnesi tt ° a ny subject whatever, and I challenge the market Oothi e e e to deny this statement if it be not true. _ was not th: e . b ate"ver to do with the sale of the market, for I influential En gland, and to the statement that I had been "ran Marketauthor of the described partial wreck of St. John's di c i at ' at I . give the most unqualified denial. (Hear, hear.) I t reet my place in this Council that Great Charlotted ,,4 tated-s as with standings which ought to he removed, and 4t e c0r tw ., " 2, 1 , new . state again, that I thought it the duty of 44 consuc." 1 ".en, with reference to public markets, to provide Peopl e ration for perishable articles brought in . by country ho p i te ' e nat not to become shopkeepers in opposition to the . a Pole e i z P __, e la of the town. Mr. Alderman Holme again erf : 7 0 for having been compelled, by the remarks of Mr. h is seal . br ing Milt subject before the council, and resumed Th„ 11.L .lect then dropped. Th e N t THE BIRKENHEAD DOCKS BILL. is hillaYor said he had omitted to state that the Birkenhead the kw ' Was read a second time in the House of Commons I kea ei f lna a night without opposition, although opposition had hb reateeed, and notice given. (Hear, hear.) Initu tea of the last council meetings were thin read. Th e FINANC E COMMIrTEE. eee,_. proc eedings of this co-nmittee were then read and ) 7 1 wed the following among other matters : (47'bl:em en dation to inc rease t h e salary of Mr. John ,Burr,elltl.aeibtor, the t own d ues office,) from £l5O to £lBO per k etit , the consideration of which was postponed at the last council, pursuant to the standing orders. 2f t lert o f t h e sales on leases for 75 years on the 27th and ltimo. ), f f'grs Hornby, in m ov i ng the adoption of the proceedings, e„,PoBtd,in the first in s t ance, the increase of salary to Mr. !h t ' He observed that the finance committee had received mo st satisfactory report from the receiver of town dues as thee it i n t ede in which Mr. Sure discharged his duties. brocade Alderman Holine seconded the motion. „fur' Robertson Gladstone said, at the last meeting of the " e ee . --4 eil, he had ventured to make some ohjectio to this jn k ef +salary, and he felt it his duty since . to _ma s o more hd t° re-etilar enquiries into the nature of the duties Mr. Suer t h er , fer ta• He found that these duties were more onerous oe had been led to understand. So far as he was he h ad therefore, he begged leave to withdraw the objections osd mad e • e. M~motion th en passed. Pro s • . 11 ornby t h en moved the confirmation of the general the Leding*, and b r i e fl y d rew t h e attention of the council to tie op the itilt of the t wo d ays ' sa l e of leases, which he declared to .ap w hole very sati s f ac t or y. earl:a...Alderman Holme seconded the motion, which was [strates, and formerly a member of COMHITEE. The proceedi ngs of this committee contained the annual poll on t i. "Port of the hea d constable, of which we give a b rie f -10..4° elswhere. tl l , ; C ' Johnson moved the confirmation of the proceedings of coul d e h committee, and stated that the accompanying . re port a c o bo printed in the usual form, with the statistics, a nd ia. trtyt sent to each member of the council, to each of the mag i 4:li t 1 and various local authorities and to other parties w :g h t a PPIy for copies. Ili:. Alderman Parker drew the attention of the committee to t rea dy of lighting and sewerage at Newby-terrace, Belmon - ma about which there was some quarrel between the sok: titi es of Walton and West Derby. He added, that ladies residing there had threatened, unless he got something done in the matter, to throw him into the wet ditch. (Hear, hear, and laughter.) Mr. Robertson Gladstone drew attention to the scandalous condition in which the horses of various omnibuses were kep t by their owners. The police had laid a variety of informat'ons, and on one ttvo occasions, both the police and Major Greig, on receiving suggestions regarding particular instances of cruelty, had done all in their power to put a stop to them. He would ask the committee to keep the matter still before the police, so that some atop might finally be put to the grievous and shocking state which the public had, alniost each day, to witness of animals which could scarcely crawl along, and which were evidently most indifferently fed, for one of the owners almost made a merit of giving his horses the same allowance as the cavalry horses had, which was about half the food they ought to have. (Hear, hear.) Mr. Hodson said the police had brought such cases before the magistrates, and he complained rather of the decisions of the magistrates than of the police. Mr. Fernihough drew attention to the practice of carters driving at full speed with ropes for reins, which sometimes broke when at .a gallop, and he urged that the police should endeavour to have the law enforced which ordered that reins at least one inch in breadth should be used. 119 r. Johnson promised that the subjects mentioned by Mr. Gladstone and Mi. Fernihough should be kept iu mind by the committee. With regard to Newby-terrace, he stated that the council had no land in front of that terrace, and unless some arrangement could be made between the authorities of Walton and West Derby, he feared the owners would have to light for themselves. _ The proceedings were then confirmed DOCK COMMITTEE. The minutes of this committee were read Mr. Charles Turner moved their adoption. Mr. Earle complained of the charges in the Albert Dock for the warehousing of linseed, which he declared were so high, that the costs, above that in the open docks, would amount to his house to about £3OO a year. lie also complained of the letter he had received from the dock committee, which merely informed bins that his letter had been laid before the committee for warehouse management, and a report thereon ng been received from the officers, the committee could r.ot wake any abatement in the charges. That was such a letter as might be received from Downing-street, giving no information whatever. (Hear, hear, and laughter) No reason whatever was given—it was quito ministerial. (Laughter.) Mr. Robinson said the rates passed by the dock committee were published by the dock trustees, and an abatement could in what had b6en once approved of and established. t Earle had not taken into consideration the him in the open docks, which would It be mad ied by the .t the rates had been recently )ck committee, and they could not, herefore make any abatement in them. He did not thing the council was the best tribunal to decide such questions, nor did he see the use of bringing them forward. Mr. Earle said he could get no redress from the dock com mittee, auk' be always thought it better to bring such matters openly before the council, and have them ventilated. .Mr. Turner said, of course it was open to Mr. Earle to take any course ho thought fit, but he contended that the committee could not make any abatemenl in that particular instance. Mr. Earle : If you had au oil mill the rates would not be so high. (Laughter.) 'I he proceedings were the❑ confirmed. ET. GEORGE'S HALL COMMITTEE ...-ACCOMMODATION FOR REPORTERS IN THE ASSIZE COURTS The proceedings of this committee were read. The following memorials, in reference to the want of proper accommodation for reporters in the assize courts , were included : TO the Worshipful the Mayor, Aldermen, and Council of the Borough of Liverpcol, Worshipful Sir and Gentlemen, — The want of accommodation in the St. George's Hall Assize Courts, for the representatives of the press, is a matter which, on public grounds, we take leave to put before you, with a view to its immediate remedy. The accompanying documents, written by gentlemen who have themselves expe rienced all the annoyance and inconvenience arising from this want will sufficiently explain the difficulties thrown in the way of reporters by the present system—or rather absence of system—in the internal arrangements of the courts at assize time. And the approach of another assizes suggests to us the necessity of asking the intervention of the council, in order that the important duties of the reporters may be discharged to us, and to the public. ) remind the council that, in courts is the representative of the public; and .that any obstacle thrown in the way, by the denial of proper accommodation or otherwise, tends to impair its efficiency in that representative character, and to nullify one of the chief objects professed by law, the teaching by ex with satisfaction to themselves, It is hardly necessat of criminal judicature, the press We readily admit the uniform courtesy, in respect of the press, of the members of the St. George's Hall committee, and their desire to meet its requirements by as large an amount of available accommodation as possible. But other in fluences have hitherto interpoted to render this desire inoper ative for good ; and it is therefore we now ask the aid of the council to provide suitable accommodation for the future. We beg to append the following memorial. which we have received from the Liverpool Press Associaion on this subject, and also a number of letters. CHARLES WILLMER, Northern Times. M. J. WHITTY,. Daily Post and Journal. THOMAS KA E t Courier. RANOAL 110PLEY SHERLOCK, Mail. MEMORIAL OF THE LIVERPOOL PRESS ASSOCIATION. Sir,—lu conformity with a resolution unanimously adopted by the Liverpool Press Association, we beg to lay before you !lowing representation with regard to the deficiencies i❑ accomnudatio•r for the press at the aesize courts of George's Hall, and to seek your co-operation in ing the matter before the attention of the Town Council, with the view of providing a remedy. In the early part of last year, the reporters, thinking this matter might be adjusted without the intervention of the pro prietors of newspapers, forwarded a memorial to St. George's Hall committee, describing the inconveniences to which they were subject, and suggesting a plan for obviating them. Shortly afterwards, a deputation of the reporters was invited to meet the committee at the St. George's Hall, and there the accommodation for the press in both courts was fully discussed in the courts themselves. On that occasion, the reporters represented to the'committee that neither in the Nisi Prius nor in the Crown Court was there any place especially assigned —as in most other courts of —to the representatives of the press ; that the seats which they usually occupied at the attorneys' table were occupied by the reporters only upon sufferance ; and that in important cases, where of course close attention and continuous writing were more than ordinarily required, these seats were least of all available, the reporters being frequently ejected from them altogether by the number of legal gentlemen requiring accom modation, or so disturbed by the movements of the lawyers engaged in the case that they could not satisfactorily pursue their duties. This was particularly a matter of complaint in the Hopwood will trial, during which some gentlemen of the press stood for the entire day with no better table for their books and papers than was afforded by the top of a hat or the lid of a deed box. The difficulty experienced in taking notes, and in transcription, under such circumstances you can readily conceive. _ VV The reporters feel hound to acknowledge the c our t es y which, on this, anti on the occasion of their other interviews with the St. George's Hall committee, was manifested to them by that body, and the desire which the greater portion o f th e members displayed to meet the requirements of the public press with as large an amount of available accommodation as possible. A second interview with the committee took place, and, after several plans had been discussed, it was agreed that in the Crown Court a seat should be formed expressly for the representatives of the press immediately in front of the clerk's table, and in an excellent position for hearing. The new arrangement in the Nisi Prins Court consisted of a seat beneath the petty jury box. These arrangements, confessedly but experimental, were tested during the summer assizes of 1855, and the seats in the Crown Court found to answer every requirement of the press ; while the only objection to the arrangement in the Nisi Prins was that the number of re porters who could be accommodated at one time was very limited. Shortly before the last winter asifze the deputation of reporters was again requested to attend at the St. George's Hall, to meet the committee and a deputation from the Law Society, upon the subject of the seats. The deputation from the Law Society hal i,u that occasion an interview with the cern i ttec, at which the reporters were rot p:,:scnt ; but it was 1 the deputies from the press that in consequence of •:ements of the Clerk of the Peace for the borough, and a communication from the Clerk of the Crown —who urged_ that the interposition of a row of reporters between the attorneys and the clerks of the court, and the alterations in the table of the latter tended materially to inter fere with the public business—the committee felt themselves bound to restore the fittings of the court to their original posi tion. While they came to this conclusion, however, they expressed their willingness to afford the press the best accom modation they could, which would te consistent with the requirement of the parties immediately engaged in the administration of justice. The Reporters did not think themselves justified in ques tioning the statements of the legal gentlemen as to the accom modation required by them. All they asked for themselves was such accommodation as would enable them properly to discharge their duties ; and when the grand jury box was pointed out as the only available place for this purpose— though previous experience of that situation had not been at all satisfactory—they expressed their readiness to give it another trial, which they accordingly did at she last winter assizes. afterwards announced t The experience of that assizes has sufficiently proved that the grand jury box is wanting in the three great requisite s for press accommodation ; Firstly, as will be seen by the s t ate _ ments appended, those who occupy it cannot distinctly hear the remarks of the judge, the counsel and the witnesses, even though seated upon the front bench Secendly, ingress to, and egress from, the box is rendered difficult and sometimes impossible, by the spectators who throng it, and by the interference of the officials of the court. Thirdly, the reporters are liable to be refused admission, or NORTHERN TIMES.--LIVERPOOL, THUIVIDA.Y, MARCH 6, 1866. at any moment to be ejected at the will of the under-sheriff, removed to make way for the grand jury. Indeed, tWo gentlemen of the press were refused admission during the last assizes (as will ho seen by the following statements) at a time when there was sufficient accommodation for them in the box !—while on another occasion the whole of the reporters were turned out during one of the most impor tant and intricate trials ; and on a subsequent occasion were only saved from a similar fate by the interposition of Mr. Pollock, judge of the Liverpool county court. We beg id append the following extracts from letters received in confirmation of the statements contained in this repiesentation. All the reporters who have had experience of the last assizes, bear testimony to the accuracy of these statements. The reporters individually, and as members of the Press Association, having gone as far as they think they are justi fled in endeavonring, to place this matter upon a proper footing, and having failed to realize C.:at object, respectfully suggest thw, you and the other newspaper proprietors—whose pecu niary interest and reputation as journalists are principally involved, should take some steps to induce the authorities to provide such reasonable accommodation, as is absolutely essen tial, if the proceedings of our local courts of justice are to be accurately and faithfully reported. Signed on behalf of the members of the Liverpool Press Association. A. C. BAKER, Chairman. [Hero followed the letters, which were from reporters connected with the Liverpool Mercury, Northern Times, Daily Post, Liverpool Standard, and Liverpool Albion. The substance of them is embodied in the foregoinz memorial.] Several members of the council spoke on the subject of the memorial, and all admitted the reasonableness of the request contained in it. They pleaded, however, that they had no control over the courts during assize time, and suggested tha• the sheriff, who was responsible for the good order and conduct of business in the courts, and had, therefore, the control of their arrangement, should be communicated with on the subject. Mr. William Earle and Mr. Picton admitted the radical defect of the courts as at present constituted, and regretted that in the first instance they had not been temporarily ad, when that which was faulty in them would have been at once detected, and means taken to remedy the defects. The atter gentleman suggested that a hanging gallery, like that in the House of Commons, might he erected at some convenient place for the reporters, and assured the memorialists that what ever the committee could do for their convenience would be done. Eventually the memorial was referred to the committee, on the assurance of Mr: Alderman J. Turner, that he himself would confer with the high sheriff and sub-sheriff previous to the ensuing assizes to ascertain how the accommodation required for the replrters could be provided for them. Mr. Alderman Bennett asked when the eastern front of the hall would be completed ? Mr. J. B. Lloyd replied that they were only waiting for the adjustment of the levels, and the carrying out of the contem plated improvements at Shaw's Brow to complete the work. The proceedings of the commit'ee were then confirmed. MARKETS' COMMITTEE The proceedings of this committee were read Mr. Johnson moved the confirmation of the proceedings. Mr. Banner moved, as an amendment, that they be con firmed, with the exception of that part having reference to the letting of a stall, in St. John's market, to a young woman named Ellen Crowley. He based his objection to this part of the proceeding on the fact that the girl's father was dismissed from the market on being twice convicted of using false weigh to Mr. Fernihough seconded the amendment, Mr. Robertson Gladstone opposed the amendment and con tended that it would be unjust to visit the sins of the parent on the child. Ile declared that the best thanks of the com munity were due to Mr. Eyre Evans for his letter in reference to the markets, and maintained that a market should not be solely kept for the sale of merely perishable articles, but that every household necessary of life should Ire there provided for the convenience of the poor and working classes, whose interests should chiefly he considered. Mr. Hodson also opposed the amendment, hut differed with Mr. Gladstone as to the nature of the articles which should be sold in a market. He maintained that while tradesmen were to a certain extent injured by having a retail market conducted on too general a principle, the poor were not benefitted by it, inasmuch as they never used it. They purchased most of the necessaries of life in the shops in the neighbourhood, where they kept a running account, and it was the rich alone who made use of a market for general purposes. Mr. Sheil observed that it should also he borne in mind that Ellen Crowley's f►ther was not dismissed until two years after the conviction was obtained against him. (Laughter.) The girl was now of age, and independent of her parents, and was in every respect a most unexceptional tenant. (fiear, hear.) Mr. Farnworth differed with Mr. Gladstone as to the thinks of the community being due to Mr. Evans, and expressed astonishment how Mr. Evans could have published the letter which he did, when the facts were the opposite of what he stated them to be. Being a member of the markets' com mittee, he (Mr. Farnworth) took the trouble of going through all the hooks, and he found that the total income of the stalls in St. John's market, to which Mr. Evans alluded, amounted only to £.538. Mr. Evans would have it that there was a loss of £536 on theca; but how he could reconcile that state ment with the fact which he (Mr. Farnworth) then stated, ho was at a loss to conceive. Mr. Banner withdrew his amendment, and the proceedings were confirmed. EDUCATION COMMITTEE The proceedings of this committee contained nothing c importance. Mr. Banner moved their confirmation, which was carried. GAOL AND HOUSE OF CORRECTIoN COMMITTEE. The proceedings of this committee were read. Mr. A!derman S. Holme moved their confirmation. Mr. Holt seconded the motion, which was carried withou discussion. 71 wALTII commrrrET The proceedings of this committee were read, and corn prisad a recommendation as to the terms for a new contract fo removing street sweepings, and o'her refuse. Mr. Alderman Dover moved the confirmation of the pro ceed i n gs, Mr. Ila Mead seconded the motion Mr. Alderman Parker asked whether the principle of ad vertising was carried out, with regard to the twelve contracts for sewering, and two for iron and stone; or, if the tenders were not advertised for, whether many respectable tradesmen were invited to compete ? Mr. Ilaydock stated that upwards of seventy tenders were opened for these contracts. Mr. Haydock drew attention to a matter which ho declare d of some importance. The members of the health committee were compelled, as a part of their duty, to hear appeals as to poor-rates. Last Friday ho was summoned to attend the sessions, and to sit with the magistrates to adjudicate upon these questions. Eleven o'clock was the time fixed. He attended there at eleven, and waited until five minutes to twelve before any magistrate appeared. The officers hunted up right and left, but no magistrat e could be found before that time. Now, he considered this trifling with the time of the parties summoned, as well as of himself. (Hear, hear.) Mr. Earle said he did not know whether that was an occa sion on which he attended when Mr. Turner was ill, and the officers having sent round to some magistrates, came at length to him. At very great inconvenience to himself he came, although it was not his turn, anA on entering the court be explained and apologized to the gentlemen who were there. Mr. Alderman Turner stated that on the occasion in ques tion he was extremely ill, and unable to attend. The question then dropped, and the general proceedings Were confirmed. GARDENS COMMITTEE. The proceedings of this committee were confirmed with out discussion. CHURCH EXPENDITURE COMMITTEE. The proceedings of this committee contained an offer from Mr. Charles Melly to erect a handsome granite fountain in the wall of St. John's church, at his own expense. Mr. Banner in moving the confirmation of the proceedings, mentioned that as there was some diffi,mlty about the arrange ment, Mr. Melly's handsome offer was made the subject of some commnnication with the surveyor. Mr. Tinno thought sufficient credit was not given by the public to Mr. Melly for the generosity with which he had erected fountains in so many places . Mr. Alderman Bennett said those who had seen the printed report, showing the scores of thousands who had availed of Ulu , fountains, would be able to understand how much the public weir indebted to Mr. Melly. Mr. Picton expressed his sense of the public obligation to Mr. Melly, but hoped when they bad the Rivington water flowing into the town, the public would have n far more un limited supply of water. (Hear, hear.) The proceedings were then confirmed. WATER COMMITTEE. The proceedings of this Committee were read. Mr. Holt, in moving their confirmation said, that at the last meeting of the council the annual statement of that important branch of the corporation estate was laid upon the table, hut had not up to that time been sufficiently looked over for the chairman to draw attention to them. A month had now elapsed, and the gentlemen who had looked over the accounts would see a difference from previous years—that was that they showed an expenditure of upwards of £4OOO greater than the apparent income. Perhaps it was now his duty to explain that this apparent variation from all preceding years, since the water had been in the hands of the corporation, arose from the gimp'' , fact of there being a greater stock of materials, all of which was charged in the accounts. The stock was now about £9OOO, whereas, if it had been the same as in former years, the accounts would still have shown a greater income than expenditure by above £4OOO. LIBRARY AND MIISBUAI COMAIITTRE. byelav , ,e ----.-- The proceedings of this committee contained nothing of importance. The confirmation was moved by Mr. Picton and adopted without discussion. HACKNEY CARRIAGES COMMITTEE . The proceeding s of this committee were adopted without remark. The subj ect of byelaws for regulating hac k ney carr i ages, carts, waggon s , & e., which stood in the paper. was Postpo ned eonseqeence of th e t hi nness o f t h e °moil, two-thirds of the members beiLg required by law to pass any new 11 \TIM COMMITTEE There being nothing specill in the proceedings of this com mittee they were confirmed without any conversation. THE BIRKENHEA.D DOCKS, BCc., COMMITTEE, The proceedings of the special committee on the purchase of the Birkenhead docks, and the local dues, or shipping bill, were read. They recapitulated the steps which had been taken in reference to those bills, and the results, concluding by a recommendation that the committee be reappointed to protect the interests of the corporation and the town, and a hope that the confidence which had been reposed in them would he continued. _ Mr. Hornby moved the confirmation of the proceedings, and the re-appointment of the committee. He said as the mayor ba'l already - stated to the council the position in which the question of lo,al dues now was before Parliament, and also that the Birkenhead docks bill had boon read a second time, he would merely confine himself to proposing his motion. Alderman liohue seconded the motion The motion was carried unanimous awl the committee re-appointed. The Coroner's account, amounting to £l9 Ils 61, was passed, as well AS the amount of expenses under the Registration of Voters' Act, £269 is Bd. A memorial numerously signed was read in reference to an alleged nuisance arising from a slaughter house in Plumb street. - The subject was frequently before the Health Com mittee on former occasions. A long discussion took place, during which Mr. Hodson explained that the committee on slaughter houses in general, had not met lately, because the town clerk was fully occupied with other matters ; but that Mr. Ncwlands had written to Paris for information respecting e rcgtilwions of slaughtering there, and that the subject wAs t all lost sight of. nally it was agreed that the memorial should be referred to the Health Committee for consideration. A memorial was read, signed by 1,700 inhabitants of the north end of the town, praying for the erection of a market on suitable site in that distric% Mr. Woodruff said that a memorial signed by 1,700 persons, upon the important subject of affording facilities for the working closes of the community, upon the principle laid down _ . Mr. Gladstone, was worthy of being considered by the Council, and if the extension of the market system was desirable in any part of Liverpool, it was so as retarded the north end or the north-west end. (Hear, hear.) lie did not think the Council could concede the site of the borough gaol, and he believed the memorialists themselves had given up that point, but he thought the Council should recog nise the principle that some steps should be taken to give the memorialists the facilities they required. He only asked, as a matter of respect, that the memorial should be referred to the market committee to report upon. Mr. Woodruff accordingly proposed a motion to that effect. Mr. Haydock sconded the motion. Mr Beckwith thought the town had markets enough, and accordingly opposed the motion. Mr. Johnson and Mr. Alderman Parker also opposed it. Mr. Earle supported the motion. Mr. Alderman S. Holme thought that a memorial signed by 1,700 householders was worthy of the consideration of the council ; arid that, in common courtesy, enquiry ought to be made into the question. He therefore supported the motion. Mr. Robertson Gladstone also supported it. The motion was carried, and the memorial referred accordingly. This concluded the business of the council. THE HEAD CONSTABLE'S ANNUAL RE PORT.-STATE OF CRIME IN LIVERPOOL. -0- The annual report of the head constable, Major Greig, was presented to the Council, yesterday. It is a docu ment of very considerable length, and as it is to be printed and circulated in a few days, we do not at present think it necessary to lay before our readers more than Its general results. It does not appear from the report that there was anything in the state of crime in Liverpool during the past year to afford ground for congratulation. There was an increase of 578 in the number of apprehen sions, which were, however, chiefly for small offences. The number of offences against the person of a grave cha racter remained almost the same as in the preceding year -12 persons had been committed under the coroner's war rant upon charges of murder. A decided increase was shewn in the number of apprehensions for drunkenness, which amounted to 204 more than in 1854. 103 boys and girls under 10 years of age had been apprehended by the police; and 756 boys between the age of 10 and 15 years. More than half of the employment of the police in appre hensions was caused by drunkenness ; and the report pointed with regret to the lamentable prevalence of habits of intoxication among the young, especially young females. Some very remarkable results were shewn of the diminu tion of crime in places where education was most effectu ally carried on ; and in strongly recommending the insti tution of ragged schools, and similar establishments for the training of the young, more universally than at present, the report truly added that no glass of the community had more reason to desire the spread of such schools than the police force. The report expressed a high opinion generally of the efficiency, conduct, and good temper of the police, and pointed out the steps which were taken by the constabulary authorities to enforce upon every officer the importance of good habits and character, moderation, and self-control, in their dealings with individual cases. TRADE REPORT.-WE DN ESDAY. LIVERPOOL. COTTON : The Cotton market exhibits great firmness, the demand continues very good, and with a fair quantity offering, prices have a hardened tendency. The sales—including 300 Pernambuco, at 6,0 to 7 , 1 ; 100 Bahia, at qd to 64d ; 150 Maranham, at 64-d to 67,1; 700 Egyptian, at 61 to 7d, and 1000 Surat, 4? 3 -1 to 41d—are reported 10,000 bales, of which 3,000 are on speculation and for export. SCOTCH PIG hos : Our market for warrants closes at 68s sellers cash, at which 500 tons have been done. SUGAR : The market continues very steady, with but little offering; 140 hbds Barbadoes are reported at 35s 6d to 41s, with 110 brls at 38s 6d to 44s 6d, 80 hhds Antigua at 37s 6], and a small parcel of Madras at 34s per cwt. Rum : We have had more thing, 220 puns Demerara having changed hands at previous rates. COFFEE : 80 bags Rio have been sold at 43s to 46s per cwt. TEA : Ths market continues without alteration; very little good common CJogou is offering under 91d, at the same time buyers will not exceed 9.1 to 91d per lb. RICE : We have only to notice 600 bags Bengal at lOs to lOs 6d, and 30 casks Carolina at 23s per cwt. SALTPETRE : Nearly 400 bags have realised 31s to 348 per cwt for 6 to 5 per cent refraction. ORCEIELLA WEED : At the auctions this morning, 70 bales sold at 34s to 365. GUM GEDDA : 100 serons, part all faults, at 17s 6d to 183. SAGO FLOUR : 70 bags, all faults, at 18s 6d to 18s 93. BEES' WAX: A few cases East India at £6 2s 6J. ARGOLS : 15 casks red Oporto at 37a. CREAM TARTAR : 5 casks at 107 s 61 to 108 s. GUM ARABIC : 10 chests, all faults, at 15s to 17s per cwt. FtisTic : 160 tons Savanilla at £5 2s 6d per ton. L INSEED : 500 pockets Bengal, all faults, at 64s to 56s per quarter. MUSTARD SEED : We have to report 300 tons yellow, to arrive, at 65 s per quarter, c f an d i. LONDON. CORN: The receipts of foreign wheat and flour since Monday have been good. The trade in Mark lane this morning ruled dull, at the same time no further decline took place upon the rates of Monday last. Barley was firm at that day's currency, Oats sold slowly at former prices, and beans and peas underwent no alteration. SUGAR: The market has a very firm appearance, and the advance of 6d paid yesterday is confirmed. CoFFEE: The market is dull, native Ceylon quoted 49s to 5Us 6d. TEA remains without alteration Rice has declined about 6d. Rum : Proof Leewards sold at 2s Id to 2s 21, which are a shade lower prices. SALTPETRE Continues in good demand. Refraction 3to 5 sold at 345, at which there now but few sellers. COTTON : 300 bales sold at full prices. In other artie!es no material alteration TALLOW The - market is quiet to-day, with little doing. Town tallow is quoted sls nett cash buyers. Petersburg Y. C., on the spot, 58s 6d ; March, 58s to 58s 3d ; March to April, 53s 6d; April to June, 525; October to December, 5 Is 9d. Boitouou Hop : Messrs. Pattenden and Smith report that for fine hops there is a good demand, but in the brown and inferior samples there is scarcely anything doing. COAL : Walls End Braddyll's Hetton, 16s ; Walls E Haswell, 17s 6d ; Walls End Hetton, 17s 6d ; Walls End Horton, 14s 9d. Forty-two fresh ships at market. YESTERDAY'S MARKETS. CORK BUTTER: lath, 1225; 2uds 120 s; 3rda, 108 s; 4ths, 98s; 6ths, 85s; 6ths, 735. CORN. CORN: Red wheat, 30s to 35s ; barley, 17s to 18s ; oa s, lisBd to 13s. Pork 44s to 435. GLASGOW CORN : Weather fine, but cold; a thin attend ance at this day's market, and hardly any business passed. Wheat dull, the few retail sales which took place were at very irregular rates, and from is to 2s lower than on this day week ; flour millers have lowered their prices 2s to 35 per sack ; barley firm and the turn dearer ; oats and oat meal quite neglected, although offered 6d to h per boll and load respectively cheaper. SALFORD CATTLE : There being a larger show of beef, prices were in favour of the buyer ; sheep maintained former rates, but a great number were left unsold. Best beef, 6d to Gad, middling, 54d to 6d; cows, 4d to sid ; best wedders, 6d to 7d ; heavy weights, 64 to 6 3 / 4 d ; ewes, id to 6d ; calves, 5d to 64d. Boasts, 1,796; sheep, 1,9111 I calves, 210. LANCASHIRE AND YORKSHIRE RAILWAY COMPANY, (From our own Reporter.) The half yearly meeting of the shareholders in this rail way was held yesterday, at the Palatine Hotel, Manchester --II- W. Wickham, Esq., M.P., in the chair. There was a numerous attendance of shareholders. Amongst the Liverpool directors present were Mr. W. Stuart, the deputy chairman, and Mr. James Holtne. The report and accounts were taken as read. The Chairman, in moving the adoption of the report, said that, in rising, to make a few remarks on the report which had been in the bands of the shareholders during the last we eir, he should confine hires& to the proceedinces which had characterised the working of the company's line during the last six month , . The directors had nothing to bring before the proprietors in the form of new projects, and therefore he could not do better than state to the Meeting what had been the course of proceeding during the - half year just ended, together with the statement es regarded the expenditure Of capital on the old line that had bee❑ rendered necessary in consequence of the additional traffic requiring increased warehouse and station accommo dation. The most material item was £139,814, which had been repaid to the E tat Lane ishire c mipany on account of the dock branch at Liverpool. By the original arrangement between the two compani s, the East Lancashire had the option of becoming partners with them in the dock branch or not. The East Lancashire company had declined to do so, and now the dock branch was entirely in the hands of the Lancashire and Yorkshire company. He had every confidence in that important branch proving beneficial to the proprietors. He would give them the traffic over it during the months of January and February i❑ the present year. In January the amount was 9,687 tons, whilst in February it had risen to 12,400 tons. The directors had every reason to believe that their ideas as to its bringing much additional traffic bad not at all b?en too sanguine, and he had no doubt that there would be a constantly increasing revenue from this source. The hon. gentleman then proceeded to go into the various items of the accounts, as to expenditure on capital account, and the details of the revenue account in receipts and expenditure. The passenger traffic, he observed, had for the last two or three years remained stationary, but during the latter part of 1855, and up to the present period of the current half-year, it had begun to show signs of increasing vitality ; and if we should have peace, and con sequently good trade, he believed that that part of their traffic would be materially est .nded. In the goods traffic during the past half year there had been. a very satisfactory increase; especially taking into account that during the whole of that period the coun - ry had been at war, and that the industry of the district had suffered from the high price of provisions. The attention of the directors had been employed during the past half year in looking a'ter the working expenses of the company, so as to bring it to the lowest point, consistent with the efficient working of the line. During the past half-year the working expenses were 404 per cent, whereas, in the corresponding period of the former half-year they were 41 per cent, and in the previous year 42 per cent. In continuation, he pointed out the reductions which had been made in the locomotive expenses, and reverting to the goods traffic he said, that since 1850 it had increased nearly 73 per cent. Their tonnage rates for goods had also increased, for instead of earning six shillings per ton per mile, they now earned eight shillings and twopence. (Hear, hear.) He now came to a question to which he wished to draw the attention of the shareholders. Railway directors had often been charged with debiting to capital that which did not fairly belong to the expenditure of the half-year. Now he believed that that could not be brought to their charge, for the sum of £50,142 had, during the pact half year, been charged to revenue, which might fairly have been charged to capital. [Here the chairman read to the meeting a statement showing that the sum of £50,142 had been expended in locomotive ergines and carriages, and paid for out of revenue.] He trusted that the statement would convince the shareholders that on the part of the directors of that company there was no attempt to make that profit which was not legitimately so. As regarded the safety of the line he observed that the directors had been most anxious on that point. New and improved signals had been adopted, and he trusted that in future the company would not Have somuch to pay in c unpensation as formerly. He hoped that those fearful calamities which had happened on the line would be of less frequent occurrence. They would occur sometimes, however cautious authorities might be, but as far as the directors of that company could avoid them, every thing should be done to prevent their occurrerce. In reference to the 1 iverpool, Crosby. and South port line, which this comiany took possession of in July last, there had been a deficiency over the expenditure, up to the end of the half year, of £561. This deficiency, considering the fierce competition which had been going forward between this company and the East Lancazhire Company, the directors could not but look upon as s ttisfac. tory ; and they maintained the opinion that the Liverpool and Southport line would be a great source of income to the company when properly developed. He was happy to inform the shareholders that the differences with the East Lancashire Company, as regarded the Liver pool and Southport traffic, had all been ar ranged, and the directors had now only to do their btst for the traffic over their various lines, and work it advantageously for the benefit of the shareholders. After justifying the increase of the dividends from four per cent. t the rate of four and a quarter per cent. per annum, he said the directors hoped to be able to increase the value of the lino year by year. (Hear, hear.) He concluded by moving the adoption of the report and accounts. Mr. Wm. Stuart, of Liverpool, deputy chairman of the board, briefly seconded the motion. He perfectly agreed with all the chairman had stated. Mr. Vance drew the attention of the board to the unfair interference of the post-office w ith railways,sregarded the carriage of small parcels. He show e d a t shoes were he now cirricd through the p os t- o ffi ce . A s h ort time ago went t) London, and had occasi o n t o order h a pair of shoes to b.) sent into the country by railway. The tradesman replied that he had better send them to the post-office, and on his (Mr. Vance) expressing his astonish ment, the tradesman replied : " Oh, sir, we send as many as forty and fifty pairs of shoes per day through the post office." He had found that even gooseberry bushes were sent through the post-office. (Laughter.) - It showed how the government was interfering with the small parcels busi ness of railway companies. The speaker also complained of government and parliamentary interference with railway companies with reference to rating and other matters. He condemned the ruinous competition with the East Lanca shire company for the Liverpool and Southport traffic, and asked what was the nature of the arrangement named by the chairman ? The t'ecretary, in answer, stated that the Lancashire and Yorkshire company's propositions of the Liverpool and Southport traffic, was to be three-fifths, and the East Lan cashire companys' two-fifths, the whole of the traffic from both companies, Liverpool and Southport lines going into a common fund. On the Manchester and South port traffic, the Lancashire and Yorkshire would have ninety per cent , and the East Lancashire ten per cent. The report and accounts were then adopted, and a dividend, at the rate of four and a quarter per cent. per annum, declared. The retiring directors were re-appointed, and a resolution to oppose all bills in Parliament, prjudicial to the interests of the company, was adopted. A rather angry discussion followed, on a charge brought against Mr. Anderton, of Bradford, one of the directors and chairman of the traffic committee, regarding the car riage of goods between Bradford and Liverpool. Mr. Stuart, the deputy-chairman, warmly defended Mr. Anderton. The meeting separated about half past two o'clock, TOTAL DESTRUCTION OF COVENT-GARDEN THEATRE The most magnificent lyric temple in Europe was yesterday morning reduced to a mass of shapeless ruins by a fire which broke out, from some hitherto unexplained cause, in the roof of the theatre, immediately over the stage. The theatre had been the scene of a loaf masque the previous evening, under the direction of Mr. Ander son, the Wizard of the North, and the revels of the night had not concluded when the dreadful conflagration broke out. At twenty minutes to five o'clock the company had dwindled to about two hundred persons on the stage or ball room, ani the orchestra were in the act of playing the concluding bars of the National Anthem when a large portion of one of the fly scenes fell suddenly on the stage, a few paces in front of the p osition of the orchestra. Several persons narrowly escaped injury from the falling mass ; but the alarm c reated b y this circumstance had not subsided, when sparks descending from the roof above the stage spread the utmost terror throughout the assembly. Those who only an instant before had been indulging in the dance were now shriek ing for help, and flying to the doors in the hope of saving their lives. There was no time for thought or considera tion. In a few seconds the interior of the building was full of dense black smoke, and the greatest possible alarm for individual safety was felt on every side. With admirable presence of mind the police took possession of the various entrances, and kept them clear for the exit or the wretched masquers, some of whom were actually ca rried out in a fainting state. Ab out half-past five o'clock the roof of the house fell in with a tremendous crash. Of the theatre not a vestige is saved—nothing but the walls were left standing of that superb temple which, under the management of Mr. G ye, h a d become world famous as the seat of mu s i c and of song. It is hoped and believed that no lives were lost. It is said that Mr. Anderson has lost the whole of his conjuring apparatus, which is supposed to be worth several thousand pounds, he not being insured for a single farthing. The loss of property by this calamity cannot be less than 250,000/. The theatre which preceded the one burnt down, was opened by.R.tch about 1732, but after undergoing several alterations, was destroyed by fire Sept. 20, 1808. It is a remarkable fact that Mr. Anderson has once before closed his theatrical season with the total destruc tion of a theatre—that of the city of Glasgow, in 1845. A theatre in New York, of which he was the lessee, w as also destroyed by fire. WEST DERBY. GUARDIANS The usual weekly meeting of this board was held yesterday, at the Board-room, Mill-lane. The R,ev. W. Badnall, the chairman of the board presided. The other guardians present were, Me s srs. Edwards, Lant, Morris, Ledger, Siddeley, Pitts, Roberts, Abrahams, 'Harrison, Shawe, ➢ledcalfe, Pickup, and Mountfield. RETURNS The Clerk read the minutes of the last meeting, which were confirmed, and also reported that the books of the several officers had been examined, and found correct.. The master of the hospital reported, that last week there were 108 patients in that establishment, this week 110, and for the corresponding week last year, 94. The master of the workhouse reported, that last week there were 718 paupers in the workhouse, since when, 30 had been admitted, and 36 had been discharged, leav ing for this week, 712, and fur the corresponding week last year, 708. Cheques to the amount of £214 were voted to the relieving officers, for the relief of the out-door poor within their several d striets. OBTAINING MONEY BY FALSE PRETENCES, A decent looking woman, of the name of (Manuel!, li v ing in Clyde-street, Park, was brouzht before the board by one of the relieving officers, under the following circumstances. She had been only confined two weeks, —her husband was in the hospital, and she had been relieved by the board with 2s per week, but it watt ascertained that during the month, she had received Ins from a club of which her husband was a member. Up to the last she bad denied that she had received the money from the club, but when proved, she admitted the fact. When before the board she expressed her regret at what she had done. Some conversation followed, when, on the suggestion of Mr. Cleaver, it was decided that the former resolution of the board, which had directed that she should be prosecuted, should be withdrawn on the conditions that she should refund the 8s she had thus falsely obtained from the hoard, and sign a paper acknowledging her guilt, which was to be placed in the relief office, as a caution to others. It was intimated that a great number of women, particularly the wives of sailors, were in the habit of thus obtaining money, and that it would be necessary to prosecute, in order to put a stop to such a practice. The woman consented to comply with the suggestions, and after being severely admonished by the chairman, was discharged, and the subject dropped. A DISORDERLY CHILD The girl, whose cage was brought before Mr. Mans field, and (in consequence of her misconduet)discharged, as reported under our police news, was brought before the board by the governor, who represented her (although so young) as a most abandoned character, and requested that he might be permitted to keep her from the other paupers: The board assented to the request. Several tradesmens' bills were ordered to be paid, and, in answer to the chairman, the clerk said there was a sufficient balance in the hands of the treasurer to meet the present requirements of the union. STONE BREAKING, On the motion of Mr. Harrison, it wag decided that the outdoor superintendent should tike the whole of hit stone breaking stuff to the Toxteth-park burial ground, for the purpose of breaking some stones there. Mr. Edwards inquired of the out-door superintendent, how many paupers he had in his employ ? The Superintendent : I am paying for 25 Mr. Edwards: I was at the yard yesterday, when I only counted 15. The Superintendent: I don't come here to make any misrepresentations, and I don't see why you should, in your place at the hoard, find fault with me. Mr. Edwards: I am not finding fault with you. The Superintendent : You have no right to do it, and I dispute your authority to do it. [He then left the board room.] THE SPECIAL DIETARY Some short time since, in consequence of the large number of idle and refractory paupers, the governor of the workhouse, with the medical officer, was directed to prepare a special dietary table for such characters. The table was accordingly prepared, and submitted to the board, who thought it highly satisfactory ; but before it could be adopted and carried into effect, it was neces sary that the sanction of the poor law board should be obtained, therefore it was, on the 18th ult , submitted to that board, from whom the following answer had been received : " The board state that the guardians would not be justified in treating any particular pauper as perma nently idle or refractory, and in prescribing for them a specific dietary table by way of punishment, in the manner proposed ; and although the board regret to differ in opinion with the guardians on this subject, they think it their duty to decline to sanction the adop tion of the dietary in question, which, in the opinion of the medical officer, ought not to be imposed in any case for more than a week, without his special sanction." The Clerk having read the above communication, The Chairman said : Then there is an end to our dietary? Mr. Taw: Yes; I suppose it will not be of any use going further in the matter? The Clerk : No , CONTEMPLATED AGITATION AGAINST CENTRALIZATION, Before the above business was wholly disposed of, The Chairman said he really thought that the time was come when something should be done with the general board, for their conduct was most arbitrary and tyrannical. (Hear, hear.) He would most certainly protest against their acts, but did not know which would he the most effectual way of doing so : whether through their local members, who could ask a question of the President of the Poor Law Board, or by consulting with other boards, and getting up an agitation on the ques tion. It was quite clear, however, that something must be done to check the system of centralization which wag being carried on, for unless they were prepared to put their faces against the system, all power and control would be taken out of their hands. He had been given to understand that the board in London had so inter fered with the marine board of Liverpool—he did not know exactly whether it was true or not—(The Clerk ; It is true,)—but the members had all resigned. H e would not say whether he was right or wrong on that poirA, but it was evident that there was, even by the police bill, a centralising feeling manifested by the legislature that could not be tolerated. (Hear, hear.) He would ask are all local boards to be ridden Over ? Such a state of things ought not to be submitted to. They could not recommend a dietary table , or the increase in an officer's salary, without its being opposed, and being told that the board would not sanction it. (Hear, hear.) He would protest against it, and he thought it was the duty of the board to do the same and take some steps in the matter. Mr. Edwards : We are quite the humble slaves of the board above. Mr. Ledger rose for the purpose of asking the clerk, whether the board ever returned any answer to the guardian's communication relative to increasing the salaries of the two relieving officers, Lythgo and Olney ? With regard to the officers for the foxteth-park district, they had had an answer, therefore, it was, as he thought, the duty of the guardians to have an answer about the others. (Cries of Hear, hear.) He fully agreed in all that had been stated by the chairman, and he wonld say that, in not having received any answer to their former communication, that the board had not treated them with the respect that they were in duty bound to do. (Cheers.) Surely they, as a local board, must be much better able to judge of what was necessary and what was required, than a few gentlemen sitting in London, many of whom were never in the district. He concluded by moving that the Clerk request the board to forward an answer to their former communcation on the subject. Mr. Edwards : The conduct of this board is most arbitrary. He thought the guardians were the 13:tat judges of what they were to pay their servants. Mr Pitts : On that subject I think the board was right in the opinion they came to. e writing betreatment, agitated t o th e them Mr. Edwards : That is only your opinion. The gnardians, by a large m a j orit y , thought otherwise. W e have iil.fhre. n o lcv r iel i ; g ni i l s i rli t eny t a o n: s :l u s b rri i t n h i co t rs t ia o i such jyc u s et must different local hoards, or b y t h e members of the ? b il y tu House of Commons. Mr. Abrahams • Writing to them will only bother them. Mr. Edwards : They are rid for being bothered. If we longer submit to such treatment we must be coward. and slaves. The Chairman: They ought to be put right. For my part 1 don't care for any commissioner or any man in England. The motion was agreed to, and the Clerk was instruc ted to write to the board on the subject. After disposing of some routine business, Mr. Harrison rose, for the purpose of moving the appointment of a committee, to carry out the provisions of the 18th and 19th Victoria, relative to the education of pauper children, but on the suggestion of the Chair man the matter stands over for the present. The board then adjourned. DISSOLUTIONS or PARTNERSHIP.---17. rearnley and S. Wainwright, Bradford. Yorkshire, stonemasons. J. Case ment, jun., Li ver p oo l, pa i nters . m e th Sarah Clegg, an d J . Clem Todmorden anrt, as e c o l . e , gg, and J. Casement, within-Langfield, Yorkshire, rope makers. W. Gallop and W. Wainwright, Liverpool, and Charlton, Cheshire, cattle dealers. E. Rowell and J. Porter, Manchester, accountants. IL Arnold and 13. Sunderland, Leeds, licensed auctioneers. C. Kurtz, J. W. Cropper, and A. D. Keightley, Liverpool, tar distillers, so far as regards A. D. Keightley. G. Gibson and H. D. Dc Vitre, Leeds, cloth merchants. S. B. Williams and W. Mud, Liverpool, tailors.