The Daily Times.
Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1860-11-07 00:00:00

BIRKENHEAD COMMISSIONERS.

The usual monthly meeting of this body was held
yesterday in the public offices, Birkenhead, Mr. Hinds
in: the chair: The following members of the board
Were also present-Messrs, Willoughby, Gough, Rae,
Graham, Bradley, Keigiitleyf Walker, Aspinall, Peck,
Mao, larrison, Barnett, MilneS, &e, •

COMMITTEES.

The &dee edings of the,Watch and Lighting and the
Road and ImproVenietit GonitnitteeT were read and con-
firmed. . _

Mr. ASPINALL called attention to the intismice at the
Palm-grove, and wished to know what steps had tteesi
taken in the matter. It, was still in existence, and
having painted the attention of the board to it at a
former meeting he ras led to believe that that nuisance
was entirely abated ; hut, id his great astonishment, he
found it still existed. He certainly thought that some
measures should be adopted to have it removed; dud Ire
for one would feel himself perfectly justified in calling
the attention of the commissioners to it on every occa-
sion of their meeting till it was abated. (Hear, hear.)
He earnestly hoped that the chairman of the Health
Come itftee would adopt some plan to meet the require-
mode of bid eaet:
Mr Balmti, as ehhfrnian of the Health Committee,
stated that that committee dill all they could; but he
believed there was some negotiation' feencliirg..with the
owners of the Palm-grove which would resat in' haying
the existing nuisance ultimately and entirely abated.
The CHAIRMAN—I am sure the Health Committee
will settle the matter satisfactorily,
The proceedings of the Finance and Ferry Committees
were read and adopted, They contained no item of any
special interest or importatiad, From the report sub-
mitted by the Fetry Committed, we learn that the
receipts for the p'dfldd commencing the 24th April, and
ending the 31st October, 1859, Were 116;691 18s. 9d.;
and for the corresponding
period of 18-60, £16,277 10s.
There
was eipended during the same titre`lBs9,
£11,742 18s. ;
and for 1860, £10,636 9s. Id.
Mr. HARRISON considered it his duty to call attention
to a very great annoyance to which not alone he, but he
believed several others in the town were subjected. He
wished to know by what authority the Water Committee
sent their officers two or three times in the course of the
last two months to inspect the houses, and examine the
taps. Not satisfied with doing this, these persons went
into the hoasCd of tire respectable inhabitants of the
town at any hour they thonglit'Proper, and then kicked
up rows with the servants. koreoVer, they
soinetirue€3 put the inmates to a considerable deal
of trouble and annoyance. This was a very unseertilf
way of doing business, and though he had not the
least objection that officials of the water works should
have every liberty and convenience to
prosecute their
lawful duties, and inspect the premises at a proper time,
still he
pro ested against the indecorous and unbusiness-
like manner in which these men visited his house. He
considered it only fair that the/ should be allowed to
make their examination once or twice a year, or as many
times as they thought proper ; but still, at the same
time, he thought.that the inmates of the houses which
they intended to examine should have notice of their
Intentions to that effect. Another thing he wished to
impress on the board was that any scoundrel might go
to the houses under the pretence of being an official of
the committee, and thus commit the most daring rob-
beries. Some time ago, about five o'clock in the even-
inn, a great disturbance Was created in his (Mr. Har-
rison's) house by the waterman forcing an entrance to
the premises, and the servant resisting that attemnd pt.
He considered such conduct most un-English, a a
mode of conducting public business to which he for one
would not tamely submit. He mentioned the subject
in order that some. measures would be adopted to have
the grievance redressed.
Dr: BAyere observed that it was absolutely necessary
that the taps and pipes should be inspected, as it was
one of the greatest hindrances to the proper carrying
out of their duties the water committee had to contend
with. In consequence of the great escape of water in
several of the houses of the town, it was found expedient
that stringent means should be adopted; but still, at
the same time, though saying this much, he denied that
the officers of the committee were authorised to give any
annoyance or trouble to the respectable hihabitents,
quite the contrary. He should, however, make it his
duty to represent the matter to the water committee;
and he felt assured that the officers would receive in-
structions to be more decorous for the future. lie
trusted that this suggestion would satisfy Mr. Harrison.
Mr. RAE said that every precaution would be taken by
the Committee to guard against the recurrence of any
such annoyance as that complained of by Mr. Harrison.
Mr. BannisoN did not think that the law gave the
water committee any authority whatever to allow their
officers to persist in such a course. If the committee
attempted to persist in it, he would bring the questin
o
to an issue, and put them at defiance. 'With regard to
what had been stated, that these men came round to the
houses with a written piece of paper, showing their
authority to examine the taps, he contended that any
rascal or burglar could easily procure such an authority.
As to the plea set up that they went to see if there was
any escape of water, he said that there was no escape of
water in his house, for if there were he was sure to hear
of it, and he would at once take means to prevent it.
No less than three times in the course of two months
these men came to his house, and he would not allovr•it
for the future.
The CHAIRMAN—Perhaps, now that the attention of
the chairman of the committee has been drawn to the
matter, it will not be allowed to occur again.
Mr. ASPINALL wished to know if the supply of water
was at present as abundant as it had been for some time
past. lie noticed last night, while the great fire raged,
that the water seemed to 'be very scarce; in
fact, there
was hardly any water at all to be procured. He had also
heard many complaints of Late from residents in different
parts of the town, stating that they were very short of
water. Though not wishing to assert on his own
responsibility that the supply of water was short, or
that there was any deficiency in that useful commodity,
still he merely stated what he had heard, and wished to
be informed on the subject.
Dr. Ilevras remarked that the Water Committee had
not received any complaints, as to the scarcity of the
water, from the townspeople, within the last half-year.
The supply of water was abundant, instead of being
short. Be also wished to remark that he did not at all
think it fair or proper that these complaints should be
made before the board, when the committee should he
first made acquainkd with them ; and if they failed in
giving the necessary atisfaction in remedying the evils
complained of, then the full board could be appeale4 to.
Re thought that was the right course to adopt. (Hear,
hear.)
Mr. WALKER thought that the supply of water at the
fire last night was particularly good, and diet not at all
merit the observations that hid fallen from one of the
previous speakers. (Hear, hear.)
Mr. HARRISON felt happy to have to endorse the
last remark. As regards the supply of water gene-
rally, he wished to state that he had a plentiful supply
in his house, but the cisterns were so very small that it
required a considerable time before the basin was filled.
A slight discussion then ensued about the recent fire,
but the Chairman suggested that as they had no
authentic report of that calamitous accident then before
them, it would be more prudent to defer the considera-
tion of it till the next meeting.
THE CEMETERY COMMITTEE.
Mr. RAE, in moving the adoption of the proceedings
of this committee, pointed out the suitability of the pro-
posed site for the cemetery. It was most eligible, being,
so to speak, in the town, and yet out of it. It was not
far from where the main bulk of the population was
centred, and it was about equi-distant from the sur-
rounding townships, which, in all probability, would
make use of it. A further advantage it possessed was
that the property was their own, and in purchasing the
property belonging to the cemetery, the money would,
as it were, return to theirown funds. He did not appre-
hend that they would have any difficulty at all in obtain
ing the necessary parochial money. Mr. John Stewart
had given it as his opinion that the site chosen, Flay-
brick-hill, was most eligible for the purpose to which it
was intended to have it applied. All that remained for
them was to advertise for plans and the best mode of
laying out the ground, and when these were obtained of
course the matter would be again submitted to the
general board of health. For these reasons he had
great pleasure in moving that the proceeding just read
be received, entered on the minutes, and confirmed.
Mr. WALKER wanted to know what was the reason
that the necessary valuations could not be made by Mr.
John Walker, of Birkenhead, as well as by Mr. John
Stewart. It would seem that there was nothing good in
the town of Birkenhead from the manner in which
gentlemen were anxious to procure straners and their
productions from other places instead of in the town.
(Hear, hear, and laughter.)
Dr. RAyms expected that the board would receive
something more than the very meagre report that had
been presented to them by the Cemetery Committee.
It appeared to him a very great and important matter,
arid they should maturely consider their plans before
they adopted any course with respect to the burial
ground. He pointed out the great expenses that would
be incurred in excavating the ground, and the trouble
and work that would have to be gone through before
the land was converted into a proper state for the pur-
poses of a cemetery. Instead of adopting the proceed-
ings of the committee at that meeting., he would suggest
that the subject should be deferred till the next month,
that they might be afforded more time and opportunity
to consider this very important topic.
Mr. HARRISON stated that their surveyor, Mr. Mills,
gave it aa his, opinion that the ground was very well
adapted for a cemetery.
Some of the inembers opposed the doctor.' suggestion,
r.'

l•
that the adoption of the proceed/Pis shouldbe postponed.
Mr. WALKER—The doctor is, no demist, anxions, to
have the matter postponed, as he considers A a' very
it grave subject. (Laughter.) •
The discussion on this subject then terminated.
a ;lit STREET RAILWAYS.
The CIIAIB.TVAN said that, previous to the minutes of
this
y committee
wO n ebeitngieliat ohLnifs i.g
ont subject, ht
well state that as
tli
of the
street railways, and also that there We. 4 a deputation of
gentlemen and inhabitants of the town, waiting in an,
anteroom, and who wished to have a conference with tile'
board on the subject.
The proceedings of the committee having been read,
Mr. Harrison moved that they be adopted and con-
firmed by the board.
The CHAIRMAN wished to add to what he had pre-
viously stated,----that one of the memorials mentioned by
ethat to know
deputa-
tion
if
him was in favour" of the extension of the street rail-
ways,t
boarda n d oo tul igebr
of gentlemen who were then we:laughs the adjoin-
ingl I
room. thought it ascoangtetnitt. to ll ;
wishedet
Mr, HARRISON thought the best plan would be, to
inform the deputation that the board had adopted the
revel of the committee, and that if the gentlemen had
any oomplaines to make, they should see
t give them a ready
the coinnileteti Who would, no doub
i the members of
Conference.
case--they
memorials should be pursued In the present
Mr. WALKER thou that the usual course adopted with
ebOhld be referred to the committee, or to' an adjourned
special meeting of that board, and then the cotrimitto or
the adjourned ra'eeting of the board might, if thee-
thought proper, see thV deputation. He thought It
would he very inconvenient to them an audience at
the present meeting.
Mr. RAE considered the usual course Was' the best,
which they could adopt, namely, that the depiaafien
should wait upon the committee. He did not believe
it expedient that that they should go into the considera-
tion of that question to-day ; he, therefore, would res-
pectfully suggest that, to enable them to acquire more
information on the subject, and to give them an oppor-
tiinitY of aSeettaiging all they could possibly learn about
it, they should adjourn tie discussion on this matter to
a future day. He himself thought,., by doing so, more
justice would be thine to the board, as Well as to the
parties who signed the memorials. At a future meethe
they Would necessarily be in a position to give the sub-
ject -at lease a little more consideration than they could
possibly pay to it on that occasion. He would also
wish to know how many persons of the number whose
signatures were attached to each' of their memorials,
contributed, and how much they edEtributed, to the
interest of the town. He thought that scira' of them
aught to have very little to say on the subject.
Mr. HARRISON considered that it might be as well
that some decision were arrived at on the subject at the
present meeting, as there was a great number of gentle-
men waiting there that morning who were anxious that
it should be settled one way or another. Another con-
sideration that should weigh with the meeting was, that
they then had a leery Nil board, and probably would not
have one so well attended again for some time. On
these grounds he thoUght it was better that the matter
should be discussed that day. (Year, hear.)
The CHAIRMA'N' observed that probably the' best way
would. be Ls haye the memorials read, and the matter
could then be discussed and decided, by the board, or
otherwise as they thought fit.
Mr. HARRISON thought that, in eorenion courtesy to
the gentle Men who were kept waiting, that some deci-
sion, one way, a: another, should be come to I;y 9se
board. He would, however, suggest that the subject
should be discussed at that meeting, and decided by the
board.
'Mr. RAE reiterated what he had already suggested—
that the most advisable course to adopt was to adjourn
tl.O tehet4eration of the subject for a special meeting of
the board,
The CLERK then read the first memorial, which was
very numerously and respectably signed. The memo-
rialists expressed their decided objection to the extension
of the street railways, as they were eery dangerous to
pedestrians, carriages, horses, cars, &e. They considered
it manifest injustice that they should be deprived of
the use of the public road by the laying down of the
mile, which were productive of a great deal of mischief
and injury to the town. And to prevent a repetition of
these evils; they prayed that the- Commissioners would
take some steps to abate the nuisance, and restore the
streets of Birkenhead' to' the purposes for which they
were originally intended.
The other memorial was also read, and in it the
subscribers to it expressed deep regret that the Com-
missioners had not given their permission to Mr. Train's
proposal to construct a street railway by the rains-grove,
as, they felt convinced that such extension of the street
rails would contribute to the comfort and convenience of
all those who had occasion to travel in that direction.
They concluded with a hope that the board would grant
their permission for such extension, as it would confer a
great boon on the town. This document bore the signa-
tures of a large number of the ratepayers and respectable
inhabitants of Birkenhead and the adjoining townships.
Mr. RAE considered it-would be establishing a very
bad precedent-if they gave the deputation a hearing on
that occasion, though he was far from conveying by
these remarks any disrespect to the gentlemen Who on/-
posed the present deputation. Some of them were Ms
petsonal friends, and he entertained the highest esteem
for them bitt'still, on public grounds, 'he would oppose
the adoptioa of such a course as had been suggested.
Mr. HARRISON remarked that the opinion of the
meeting should be ascertained by vote. • - -
The CHAIRMAN was afraid that, even if they gave
the deputation an opportunity of onling forward to de-
bate the question with the hoard, it would only terminate
in a useless discussion, without any definite conclusion
being arrived at.
Mr. WILLOUGHBY thought that the board, as the re-
presentatives of :the community, should discuss any
question affecting_ the general interests of the town.
Mr. RAFT--I beg to move that it is inexpedient that
thid hotted should receive any deputation.
The CnAiumese--Gentlemen, it is moved_ that it is
inexpedient to receive the.deputation ; all— -
Mr. RAE-4 did not make my model'
,so definite as
that. I said "any deputation." I don't allude to this
one in particular.
The amendment was then put to the meeting, and
there were 10 for it and 8 against it. The amendment
was declared carried by'a majority.
The CHAIRMAN thought the best course to adopt was
to refer the memorials to the committee, which was the
plan usually adopted.
Mr. /ten said that there were so many pros and cons
in that question, that the board was not really in a
position at that moment to come to any decision in that
matter. It should be referred to the committee, and
then the gentlemen composing the deputation would
have' an opportunity of waiting on. the committee and
stating their yiews.;_ or else a special meeting of the
board could be called for that purpose.
Mr;' WALKER—When will the special meeting be
held ?
The CHAIRMAN—AS soon as the committee are pre-
pared, and submit their report:
The CLERK—This day week, sir, I should think
would be the best day to appoint. The committee meet
on Friday. • • ' •
The CHAIRMAN—That will be convenient for the
deputati6n, as well as for the board.
Mr. WALKER-4 ;wish to know what day you have
appointed'to consider this subject of the street railways?
The CusensieNe—ln a week or ten days.
Mr. HARRISON (who had previously retired from the
board room) re-entered the room and informed the
board that .he had had a conversation with the gentle-
men composing the deputation, and that they expressed
their satisfaction at the course adopted by the board.
The Clerk then read the following resolution, which
was agreed to nem. :—" That the memorials be
referred to the Street Railway Committee, with instruc-
tions to them to receive any deputation upon the subject.
and report to a special meeting of the board to be held
for that purpose."
.
The board then rose.

GRAND BAZAAR IN AID OF THE
MAGDALEN ASYLUM.

Yesterday a bazaar, in- aid or the Magdalen Asylum
of the Good Shepherd, was opened in St. George's-hall.
The great hall was superbly decorated. The stalls were
arranged as on the occasion of the bazaar in aid of the
ragged and industrial schools. A printing press was at
work in the hall, and in the course of the day "The
Bazaar Journal and Fancy Fair Gazette " was
published.
No. 1 stall was presided over by Mrs. Jones and Mrs.
Sharples ; No. 2' by Mrs. Tiernan ; No. 3 by Mrs. Bre-
therton and Mrs. Stone; No. 4 by Mrs. C. Moore ; No.
5 by Mrs. D. Powell and Mrs. R. Dunn; No. 6 by Mrs.
Donald M'Kennedy and Miss Mackey; No. 7 by Misses
O'Donnell; No. 8 by Mrs. Lightbound ; No. 9 by Mrs.
Brown; No. 10 by Mrs. Scott ; No. 11 by Mrs. Every;
No. 12 by Mrs. Kirk and Mrs. Michaelowski ; and No.
3 (refreshment) by Mrs. Reynolds. Each stall-keeper
was, of course, assisted by lady and gentlemen assistants.
We observed on Mrs.. D. Powell's stall, a very
beautiful model bedstead, presented by Mr. Hughes,
Bold-street, constructed of very choice walnut, relieved
with gold, and draped with green and white satin.
Some of the articles exhibited were most beautiful
and unique. At No. 12 stall, the crib at Bethlehem,
constructed of wood after the celebrated painting, was
exhibited.

Mr. Scott had for sale a cameo brooch, presented by
his Holiness Pope Pius IX.
No. 13 stall was furnished to some extent by the
Catholic Institute. A miniature menagerie attracted
general attention and admiration.
We have no space at our disposal to do justice to the
remaining stalls, but we may say that they all excelled
in the beauty of the appearance and the general utility
of the articles. '

In the Crown Court some beautiful specimens of
tapestry, representing Chinese costumes and manners,
were greatly admired.
There was a brass band in attendance, and Mr. Bost
delighted the visitors with exquisite performances upon
the grand organ.
The amount realised is £963 2s. 4d.

CATHOLIC YOUNG MEN'S SOCIETY. The grand
annual soiree of the St. Augustine's branch of the above
association, which numbers a considerable section of the
young men of the Roman Catholic religion in this town,
was celebrated last night in the school-rooms in Little
Howard-street. The adjuncts of the tea-table having
been removed, eloquent addresses on religious, literary,
and other interesting topics were delivered by the chair-
man (the Rev. Air. O'Brien, a talented preacher of
the Dominican Order) and several clergymen and laymen,
to a numerous and enthusiastic audience, whose conduct
throughout the evening was characterised by great
decorum and order. Several pieces of sacred music
were! alSo played with good effect, and the company
separated after having
spent an agreeable evening.
THE LATE R T
atIFLE CONTES . A
contestT HIGHTOWN.—The
prizes competed for at the gre at Hightown
during the past week, are to he distributed at St.
George's-ball, on the evening of Monday next. There
is every probability that the occasion will be honoured
by the presence of many influential noblemen and gen-
tlemen, and that the brilliancy of its celebration will he
commensurate with its importance. Lord Stanley, M.P.,
the Hon. Algernon Egerton, M.P., Col. Wilson Patten,
M.P., and other influential personages, have already
signified their intention to be present. At the conclu-
sion of the distribution of prizes, there will be a soirée
dansante ; and from the success with which the contest
was attended, we confidently anticipate a large and
fashionable attendance.
A deficiency of corn exists in Italy, and supplies from
the Black Sea are impatiently expected at Leghorn.