The Liverpool Standard and General Commercial Advertiser.
Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1855-11-13 00:00:00

THE LIVERPOOL STANDARD.

TEMPERANCE TEA-PARTY.—The Liverpool South Total
Abstinence Society celebrated their sixth anniversary by a
tea-party, in the Teutonic-hall, Lime-street, on Tuesday. After
tea, Mr. John Carter, the president of the society, took the
chair, and addressed the company at considerable length on
the subject of temperance, and the success of their association.
Addresses were also delivered by Mr. F. Bishop, Dr. Eden,
Mr. J. Russell, Mr. Watts, and other gentlemen. During the
course of the evening several temperance melodies were sung,
with piano:forte accompaniment.
POSTAGE TO AIISTRALIA.—GeneraI Post-office, November,
1855.—0 n and from the 7th instant, the postage on letters
addressed to the colony of Victoria (Australia), whether con-
veyed by-packet or by private ship, will again be reduced to ed.
when not exceeeing half an ounce in weight; ls. when exceed-
ing half an ounce, and not exceeding- one ounce; and so on,
increasing iq. for each ounce or fraction of au ounce. This
postage will include both the British and colonial rates, and
it may be paid in advance, sar the letters may be forwarded un-
paid, at the option of the sender.
FIRE.-0E Friday afternoon a fire broke out in the pre-
mises belonging to Mrs. Johnson, Pleasant-street, and
occupied by Mr. Corlett, cabinet-maker, &C. There was a
large quantity of finished cabinet goods, which, together
with the flooring of the place, was entirely consumed, as well
as the workmen's tools, which were their own property.
None of the goods or implements were insured. The West
of England fire engine was shortly on the spot, and rendered
effective service by playing on the adjoining houses, which
were thus preserved. It is reported that the fire originated
in consequence of some children having been playing with
some fire adjacent to the premises.
SUPPOSED Loss OF A PRESTON STEAMER.—Great excite-
ment has been created in Preston, by the rumoured loss of-
the Lady Lindsay, iron screw-steamer, of that port, in the gale
of Tuesday week. The Lady Lindsay is a new Dutch-built
vessel, of 187 tons register. She proceeded from Preston to
Lytham dock on Monday fortnight, which place she left for
Dublin, between three and four o'clock on Tuesday morning.
She ought to have reached her destination on Wednesday
week, and to have returned to Preston on the following day ;
but no tidings have been received of her. The length of time
elapsed almost precludes the hope that she may have escaped,
and the belief is, that she must have come into collision with
some other vessel during the gale of Tuesday, and have foun-
dered. There were fourteen persons on board when she left
Preston.

THE GREAT BRITAIN.—The steam transport Great Britain,
Captain Gray, went into Portsmouth harbour on Thursday
afternoon, to land the invalid troops. This transport carried,
between March the 7th and the 11th of August last, 258 officers,
9,437 men, 55 women, 66 children, and 146 horses to various
places for the service of the war. She left England again on
the 4th of September, and arrived at Portsmouth on the 7th
inst., having carried during that interval, 43 officers, 970 men,
and 22 horses, English troops; 5 officers, 1,800 men, and 25
horses, Turkish troops ; 36 dicers, 121 men, 6 women, 4
children, 1 officer's wife, and 2 children, invalids, &c., several
hundred tons of camp equipage, 500 tons of shell, 3,437 pieces
of huts, baggage, which have been transported with"
the universal satisfaction of all on board and the Crown
authorities.

THREATENED STRIKE IN MANCHESTER.--In consequence
of notice having been given to their hands by 27 of the
leading spinners in Manchester, of their intention to reduc-
wages,-seme-excitement and opposition has been manifested.
The object of the reduction has been stated to be the
adjustment of the rate of wages paid in Manchester to
those paid in other surrounding districts. The hands
object to any reduction being made at a time like
the present, when provisions of all kinds are so ,dear, and
express a determination, on the expiration of the ,notice in
each case, to turn-out sooner than submit, although they
have no objection to work short-time if the masters think
it necessary to enable them to obtain better prices. As yet
no turn-out has taken place, nor do we think it likely that
the masters will persevere. In two instances, the period at
which the employers had fixed the reduction to commence
has arrived, and, in both cases, the notice has been with-
drawn. The notices withdrawn are those of Messrs. Kelly,
and Gilmour, and Messrs. Kennedy.—Manchester Courier.
BREADSTUFFS FROM CALIFORNIA.—A cargo of a some-
what novel character has arrived-at Liverpool. On Tuesday,
the American ship Harvy Birch arrived in the Mersey, from
San Francisco, with a cargo of flour and wheat, and a small
quantity of wool. It is not a very long time since breadstuffs
and other provisions were imported into California from Great
Britain ' • and, as we understand the flour and wheat brought
by the Harvy Birch has been grown in the former country,
we cannot but remark its progress in agriculture, notwith-
standing the attractions of the Californian gold-fields. This
fact promises well for the future welfare of that distant state
of the American Union ; and onr own colony of Australia
may, at no very distant day, materially contribute towards the
quantity of breadstuffs we draw from abroad. The earth has
more lasting treasures than gold, others that minister more
towards the permanent prosperity of a country ; and although
the high price of flour in England may have something to do
I with the consignment of Californian-flour to agents at this
' port, the fact is important to commerce, and pregnant with
example to our Australian colony as pointing out the direction
in which the best interests of the colonists lie.
GARSTON LOCAL BOARD.—The monthly meeting of this
board was held on Tuesday, at the Hotel, Aighurth, Mr. Mor-
ris in the chair. The other members present were Messrs.
Cooper, Bevan, Chidson, Watts, and Moss. The surveys of
the township, by Mr. Gitto, which had been sent to the Gen-
eral Board of Health in London, for their approval, were re-
turned to this board, approved as first-class plans. The pro-
ceedingaof the works and health committee were read. They
recommended that the plans above alluded to should be de-
posited in the Monis Fire-office, and insured for £l5O. A•
letter had been received by the committee from Mr. Clare,
giving notice that lie intended to appeal against the assess-
ment of some land which belonged to him, but which was not
let, nor did he derive any profit from it whatever. Mr.
Cooper said that a large estate of 60 acres, which had been
parcelled out, and never had paid rates before, bad this year
been partially rated. The matter stood over until the next
meeting of the board. A letter was read from Mr. Water-
house, protesting against the flagging of Elmwood-road, so
far as his property was concerned. The letter was received,
and the proceedings of the committee, on the motion of Mr,
Bevan, seconded by Mr. Chidson, were confirmed. The board
soon afterwards adjourned.

THE Singapore Free Press reports three deaths within a
week from tigers, inquired into by the coroner, and declares
that it is no exaggeration to say that at least one person a
day is killed by tigers in Singapore. The victims,_ however,
are generally Chinese coolies; and as a European or two must
be slain before anything will be done to remedy the evil, the
Free Press is almost induced to entertain the wish that some
of the government officials may have the misfortune to be
amongst the next victims.
MANCHESTER AND LIVERPOOL AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY-
-Mr. Ryder, the secretary to this society, has given notice
that a special general- meeting of the society will be held at
the Nags Head Hotel, Warrington to-morrow, to receive the
inspector's report on crops (class 2), and slackings (class 3),
and to award prizes thereon; to revise th_e society's rules and
list of prizes ; to audit the treasurer's accounts ; to appoint
officers for the next year ; to fix the time and place for hold-.
ing next year's show of live stock, &c., and on general
business.
A FvRIoUB CoNvter.—A sanguinary conflict took place a
few days ago at the prison at Ghent. At the time of the
evening meal, a prisoner named Van Rompaey refused to come
down, and, on being remonstrated with by oue of the jailors
and another prisoner, attacked_the former with a large pair
of scissors, and severely wounded him, as well as another pri-
soner who interfered. Rompaey got possession of the sabre
of the jailor, but was disarmed. In the scuffle he received a
wound in the abdomen, from the effects of which he died
during the night. No motive could be assigned for his violence,
TITS HYDE-PARK NuisescEs.—Another low mob again as-
sembled in the park on Sunday. A notice had been issued
that a disturbance would not be tolerated, and 1,000 police
were present to enforce it. A mounted detachment broke
1 upon any large groups as fast as they were formed, whilst-
large reserves were ready to act if necessary. The people,
after yelling and hooting for several hours, dispersed, but a
few were taken into custody. The police-showed great for-
bearance. The greatest number of persons present at one
time may have been 10,000 or 12,000. Their conduct was I
very troublesome, but not. dangerous.
TOBACCO FAMINE Ii FRANCE.—An unusual circumstance
has created no little sensation at Bayonne—during the last
few days there have been no cigars nor tobacco for sale ! The
stocks of the various dealers and that of the depot became
completely exhausted, owing, as was said, to the inundations
having prevented the- expected arrivals. The smokers grum-
bled bitterly,and then proceeded to purchase all the tobacco that
could be found in the neighbouring villages. The supply ob-
tained was but scantY, and when it Was exhausted, messengers
were despatched as far as Dax, by railway, a distance of 75
iniAles
, SINGULARto obtain
A
a CfrcelsDhEsNtor occurredre.—Gal on Tuesday,
ignan j'sMesstelnle 30thger ult.,
, to Colonel Sandys and his family. Between five and six o'clock
! they left Baddesley Clinton for Solihull, to dine with some
1 friends. After proceeding for some distance, the carriage was
brought to a sudden stop by a violent crash, and, on the
' colonel alighting, he found that a tree had fallen across the
vehicle, knocking down the coachman from the box and the
footman from the rumble, and completely enveloping the'
1 horsesinifi boughs. Both the servants were injured though
not severely, and assistance having been procured to extricate
the carriage, the party safely continued their journey to Soli-
hull, the colonel acting as coachman.—Birmingham Gazette.
MURDEROUS OUTRAGB.—Barton, near Bury, has been the
scene of a most distressing occurrence. About one o'clock in
i the morning, Mr. J. Manning, a farmer, of Barton, together
, with his nephew, was aroused by a noise in the fowlhouse
I adjoining the farmhouse. They both descended from their
bedrooms, and went towards the fowlhouse, from which
escaped four persons, having in their possession a large
number of ducks. The nephew and Mr. Manning attacked
1 the thieves, the latter being a man of great strength as well
1 as courage. The delinquents made a murderous assault upon
I both uncle and nephew, by which the former was struck in
i .the face, the blow shattering his nose and knocking an eye
1 completely 'MAW the socket, as well as taking a- part of the
1 scalp off his head. This was done with a gnu which the
party had with them.: The nephew also was much bruised.
Two privates in the West Suffolk Militia, named George
Baker and William Esterford, are in custody. Mr. Manning
I lies in a most precarious state.
•• • -

THE GROWTH OF FLAX IN ENGLAND.—The quantity of
flax imported into this country having been considerably
diminished in consequence of the war, the attention of agri-
culturists in England has been directed to its cultivation. It
appears that the great obstacle hitherto has been the trouble
and expense of preparing it for the market. • Tills is now ob-
viated by the formation of a company, wha. are said to be
ready to take the flax from the farmers, as soon as it is cut,
for £l5 and £l6 an acre., At a large meeting of agricultu-
rists, held near Exeter, on Tuesday, Mr. Fulford, a county
magistrate, recommended its growth, and stated that when in
Lancashire, two years ago, a company at Liverpool purchased
160 acres from the farmers, and gave them £2O an acre for it,
with which they were well satisfied, while in no instance was
the cost of the land more than 255. per acre. It did not re-
quire very good land, and some of the best samples he had
seen had been grown at Dartmoor. Under these circum-
stances it would prove a very remunerative article for
cultivation.
THE WINTER ASSIZES are all now arranged; so far as the
counties are concerned wherein a general gaol delivery is con-
sidered to be most pressing ; and the judges have arranged
the places, but have not yet fixed the days for opening the
commission in the several towns. The following is the
present arrangement of the places where the assizesselecte are d
to
to be
held, with the names of the judges who are
preside
Exeter, Bristol,
WESTERN CIRCUIT Baron Parke.... ••• • r Winchester.
Added from the Home Lewes.
Baron Martin
NORTHERNCIRCUIT Justice W•• • • •
dies Newcastle.
~ Justice Wightman Liverpooti l.
m.
MIDLAND CIRCUIT Justice Cresswell
{Derby, Whaarwick.
otng,
To which is added..
OXFORD CIRCUIT.. Stafford,' Worcester,
and Justice Crompton j Gloucester, Here-
SOUTH WALE' ford.
Cardiff.
Maidstone, Guild-
HOME CIRCUIT.... Justice V. Wiilliams{ ford, Hertford,
Chelmsford.
To which will probably be added Norwich.
REFORMATORY MOVEMENT.—Some of the leading pro-
moters of the reformation of youthful offenders, including T.
Barwick Baker, Esq. Sir J. Pakington, M.P., Sir Stafford
Northcote, and'Sir T. Winnington, M.P., have founded
an association called the Reformatory Union, the principal
objects of which are to collect and diffuse information bearing
on the reformation of criminals ; to promote the formation of
reformatory institutions where needed, and generally to ad-
vance the further practical development of the reformatory
movement ; to consider and promote such legislative measures
as are still required for the better care and reformation of youth-
ful offenders; to assist in the placing out and subsequent guar-,
dianship and protection of young persons leaving reformatory
institutions ; to consider and promote means for the employ-
ment and restoration to society of discharged prisoners ; and
to promote the practical training and preparation of efficient
masters and teachers far reformatory institutions. A general
meeting of the members of the association will be held in
,London in May next:; and it is proposed, with a view to the
more general diffusion of information, and for the purpose of
exciting an interest in the cause in various neighbourhoods, to
follow the example of several other societies, (such as the
Royal Agricultural, the Archeological, and the British Asso-
ciation,) and to hold a country meeting, lasting one or more
days, in the course of every autumn.
Rnscrn OF A SHIPWRECKED CREW.—On Wednesday
morning, the brig Darlington, Captain Chicken, was towed
into the Southampton Water, and moored alongside the pier,
having on board the whole of the crew of the Minerva, con--
_misting of the captain, mate, and eight seamen, who were
wrecked on the Dogger Bank on the 31st ult. On that day
the Darlington, bound from Memel for Southampton, laden-
with timber, while passing the Dogger Bank in a gale of
wind, espied a bark in distress, which was. fbuud to be the
Minerva, laden with firewood, bound from' Droback for
London. She was waterlogged, her mainmast was gone, and
her boats stove in ; while the crew, all of whom were Norwe-
gians, were clinging to the wreck. The sea was running high,
and the weather was extremely boisterous ; but the captain of
the Darlington put his vessel about, and, running as near to
the wreck as possible, learnt the state of the crew, upon which
he lowered his own boat, and, attaching a warp to it, again
put about, and repassed the bark, allowing his own boat to go
as near as possible to the doomed vessel, and thereby enabling
the crew to jump into the boat as she was passing. This was
.done four successive times, and occupied a period of four
I.l2ours, and by this means the whole of the crew of the
Minerva were taken on board the Darlington, where every
attention was paid them by the humane and gallant captain.
The Darlington weathered the gale, and arrived on Wednes-
day with the loss of part of her bulwarks, and also a portion
of her deck load. The shipwrecked crew were sent to London
by the Norwegian consul at the port.
LAST WEEK, in the London Insolvent Debtors' Court,
Robert Hales, the Norfolk giant, was heard, and his appear-
ance attracted a crowded court. The hearing occupied some
time, and several of the answers of the giant convulsed the
audience with laughter. Mr. Nichols opposed for Messrs.
Webb and Messrs. Salt ; Mr. Sargood and Mr. IL B. Jones,
supported. It appeared that the arrest was a friendly proceed-
ing by a creditor named Green, and that there was property
given up which had already yielded £250, and other property
was to be realised. The debts were £2,900, and he had lost
£l,BOO of his own money, which be had saved. About £5OO
he made when he was with Barnum, the showman, in America.
—Mr. Commissioner Phillips : Have you any family ?—ln-
solvent : Yes; a small wife. (Laughter.)—Further, it ap-
peared that the wearing apparel was £7O a-year„ which the
commissioner thought was a large sum, considering that he
had a " small" wife ; on which he replied that he wanted a
" large" coat. His expenses for cabs were great, as he could
not walk about, as the boys were always running after him.
He had a robbery in his house, to about £6O. The insolvent
said he had asked the creditor to arrest him, and he said he
would do so to " oblige him." (Laughter.) Mr. Hudson, a
wine merchant, complained that shortly before the failure the
insolvent got £26 worth of wine.--It was past five o'clock
' when Mr. Commissioner Phillips adjourned the case for a
week, to lay the facts before Mr. Commissioner Murphy. The
crowd dispersed, and the giant was allowed to remain at large
on bail.
FIRE IN A DISTILLERY.—On Tuesday afternoon, a fire
broke out in Leith distillery, which was attended, with great
destruction of property. It is supposed to have arisen from
the air of the malt room having become impregnated with-the-
light malt dust falling from the rollers, which, from its den-
sity and want of ventilation, appears to have caught fire at a
jet of gas. According to an excise regulation, which came
into operation only last month, the malt mill was enclosed and
the men engaged in the work locked in. . The excise used to
charge upon the malted grain in distilleries, giving the dis-
tiller a drawback upon any less quantity of spirits produced,
but now the duty is not imposed till after distillation, and it is
to prevent any of the malted grain being surreptitiously car-
ried away for brewing purposes that the enclosure takes place
during the process of rolling. On this occasion there were
three men shut into the mill, each being engaged in different
stories. When the fire was perceived,,they called loudly for
help, but, the doors being locked, no aid could at first be ren-
dered them, and some time elapsed before the excise officer
reached the spot and found the, proper key. When the door
was at length opened, no one could enter from the great heat
and smoke, and-some fears were entertained for the men's
safety. Meanwhile, they had escaped by forcing a barricaded
window in the top of the building, one of them being a little
scorched by the flames before getting out. In a short time,
the building was in a sheet of flame, a spirit receiver, contain-
' ing 3,000 gallons, catching fire and adding fearfully to the fury
of the blaze. The fire was not extinguished till'late in the
evening. The property destroyed included the malt mill and
stores, a new distilling apparatus, the spirit receiver, a wash.
back containing 20,000 gallons of wash, a, wash charger with
7,000 gallons, the kiln, ez.e. The loss is estimated at £7,000
or £B,OOO,