The Daily Times.
Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1860-09-11 00:00:00

A BAD LITTLE BOY.

THE REPORT.
The CIIAIRMAN—ShaII we take the discussion in the
presence of the reporters ?
Mr", Jeffery and. Mr. Alderman Woodruff exclaimed
"Most certainly !"
Mr. Bewe—The report has been read, and its adop-
tion moved and seconded. There will be no occasion
for its being read a second time'.
Mr. WOODRUFF thought it should be read again.
BELOE replied that he only wished to save the
time of the committee, and he had no doubt that it was
all fresh in the Memory of every person present. •
Mr. Alderman Beicstrt —Let it be read.
The Town-clerk then again read the document under
discussion. It was very lengthy, and based upon most
voluminous evidence taken before the sub-committee, in
reference to the late fire at the Stanley Dock warehouse.
it went into every minuthe in connection with that
lamentable occurrence; and after giving every detail,
concluded by passing a censure upon Mr. Duncan, the
water engineer,—the want of discipline in his staff,
and stated that should stich another circumstance arise,
they should hold him responsible.
[As the committee has again declined to have this
document published in its official form, which has
hitherto always been the case, we shall refrain from
giving a More extended digest, and thereby avoid the
Yak of falling into the errors so---londly complained of,
of giving a garbled or incorrect versionl.
• Mr. CHARLES TURNER said he wished to make a few
rernatksaipon the report. It stated "that the keys and
the hydrants were kept locked up at the Stanley Deck
warehouses." The key was kept with the superinten-
dent in his house at the dock, and it would net take
three minutes to get the key at any time. He did not
think it right that such allegations should be made
against the Dock Board. There were two oi ;three
instances in which the report, as he thought, was not
borne out by the evidence. But while he agreed in the
report to a great extent, he could not agree with the
censure that the last paragraph east upon Mr. Duncan,
the engineer, because it certainly was not borne out by
the evidence..
Mr. Alderinan BENNETT, after a few introductory
remarks as to the importance of the question nude con-
sideration, said he thought the whole report, with a
little explanation, was quite clear and perfectly in
accordance with-•the-asidence....Mx.. Bennett tho, at
considerable length, reviewed the report, and read the
evidence that had been adduced by the several witnesses,
to justify the construction the committee had put
upon it.
Mr. Alderman WOODRUFF, in moving au amendment,
said he could not agree in the gross censure which
had been east upon Mr. Duncan by the last para-
graph of the report. Why cast all the censure upon Mr.
Duncan ? He then went on to exonerate Mr. Duncan,
from the blame attached to him through the inefficient
supply of water at the docks, and concluded by moving,
as an amendment, "That the words censuring Mr.
Duncan be expunged from the report, and that instead
thereof insert words to the effect that the committee
bad heard the evidence with great alarm, and call upon
the engineer immediately to snake such arrangements as
will prevent the recurrence of such a state of things for
the future."
Mr. BELot wished to know whether such an amend-
ment could be put without notice ?
The Town-clerk—No.
Mr. WOODRUFF—I am surely at liberty to dissent from
the report and move an amendment, especially when the
sub-committee was divided, and its adoption was only
carried by three to two.
The Tows-Ceram—You can move that the report be
referred back to the committee, Nyita your suggestions.
Mr. BELOE—Why did you not move it in committee.
Mr. J. It. JEFFREY spoke in favour of the adoption of
the report, and argued that the censure was perfectly
justifiable, as the evidence went to show that one of his
own men had turned a tap through ignorance, by which
the water had run into the sewer, instead of being
available for the purposes of the fire. He
suggested that, instead of there being only one key
that would turn the water off or on, the police should
be armed with similar keys (as the tire-brigade had for
the hose) in their belts, and that they should be well
instructed as to their duties; and likewise, that instead
of the key of the hydrant being kept at the Dock Ware-
house, the police should have it in their possession. He
said he did not think the censure contained in the report
was more than was required. It was admitted by ail
that there was a great want of discipline in the engi-
neers' staff. He did not think any gentleman who had
heard the evidence given could but have been struck
with the great contrast that existed, physically and in-
tellectually, with the witnesses called from the engineer's
staff, and those called belonging to the police force ; and
no person-would be convinced that, had the engineer
ten times the ability and ten times the intelligence he
had, with such a staff, such inefficiency, be
could not get on with his duties. He fully believed
that the words of censure contained in the report—so
ably drawn out by, he believed, his friend Mr. Beloe—
were not too severe upon the engineer, or that they
were contrary to the evidence which had been laid
before them ; therefore be should, unless he wished to
throw the mantle over the truth, feel it his duty
to give it his support.
Mr. CHARLES TURNER, in reply to Mr. Jeffery's sug-
gestion, with regard to the, keys for the hydrants at the
warehouses, did not think it would be prudent to let the
police havelthe run of the docks, in which there was
such a vast amount of v tillable property. If even it
could be done in the warehouses, the Customs would
step in and prevent its being done in the bonded ware-
houses. He did not sec that the key could possibly
be iu better hands than the superintendent, who was a
responsible servant, and could always, in the course of
two or three minutes, be had in any case of emergency.
Mr. WooDRUFF took exception to the word " impar-
tial," as used by Mr. Jeffery, and stated that he was as
equally " impartial" as ever Mr. Jeffery was, although
perhaps he did not so often mention it.
The CHAIRMAN had no doubt that they all went there
to do their duty, without any feelings of friendship to
one side or the other.
Mr. BELOE, as the chairman of the sub-committee,
next proceeded to reply, he having in the first instance
moved the adoption of the report. He said, whets the
propriety of the investigation was first mooted by Mr.
Turner, three parties were implicated—the Dock Board,
the Watch Committee, and the Water Committee, and
each of these three bodies had had their representatives
there that day. The Dock Board by Mr. Turner'
Mr. TURNER—No, no; I always divest myself, as far
as I am able, considering the position I hold at that
board, from all feelings when any matter connected with
that board has to be discussed.
Mr. BELOF,—Theu there was Mr. 'Woodruff, the
champion of the Watch Committee, and cacti of w_lalititnthhad
been most desirous of refuting aliY blame
ith. ey
might think had been cast upon them bylreport.
The whole_. question was, who was to blame . The
evidence clearly showed that, in the first instance, the
a engineer
fire was not discovered by the
thepoliee,,vbautetrbt•
and for there not beine- a sunPlY of
was to be blamed ; and having reviewed the whole of
the facts as detailed in the evidence and in the report,
he concluded by expressing his utmost indifference as to
whether the report was adopted or not, but expressing
his opinion that it was fully justified by the evidence
which had been adduced.
Mr. Alderman BENNETT wished to know whether,
as new and extraneous matter had been introduced into

A bay named William Caldwell, about 12 years of age, was
charged by his mother, a respectable-looking woman, who
lives in Clare-street, for having stolen El 19s. from her. The
woman appeared much troubled at the boy's position, but
said she could not avoid acting as she had, for she had tried
ail means with the lad, but to no purpose. He had stolen E 2
from her a short time since, but she forgave him. She could
not get any good of him, so she thought the best thing to do
was to bring him before the magistrate. The lad refused to
say anything to the charge, and he was remanded for a wed..
with the view of having him sent to a reformatory.

YESTERDAY.
(Before Mr. RAFFLES.)
HAT "BLOCKING."
Thomas Higginson and Mary, his wife, who appeared to be
decent persons, were charged by police-officer 725 for being
drunk and for having assaulted him. The officer said on
Saturday night he• heard a row in the street, and on going
forward he saw the prisoners and some other people fighting.
He separated them, and all went off except the prisoners, who
not only refused to leave, but turned on and assaulted him.
The man said he was going home with his wife when they
were met by a lot of drunken blackguards, and says one of
them, "Your hat wants blocking," and at the same time he
gave it a " pound" on the top that knocked it over his face,
and then he hammered away at it until he smashed it into
pieces (showing. it), and nearly broke his skull into the bar-
gain. When his wi a interfcr.id. one of the ruffians bit her a
blow in the mouth, and cut her lip. When he asked the officer
to take them into custody, he took themselves instead. The
officer denied this version of the story, and the bridewell
keeper said the rrisoner did not make such a statement at the
station. Both were (trunk at the time. The female prisoner,
with zealous simplicity (addressing his Worship), said : Well,
sir, what would you say or do if a man came up to you and
broke your hat over your eyes ? Mr. Raffles : I don't think I
would turn round and assault a policeman. He- ined the man
les and the woman ss.
A RUFFIAN PROPERLY PUNISHED.
A respectable young woman, named Elizabeth Moyle, who
lives in Princess Terrace, Windsor, charged a ruffianly looking
fellow named John Kelly, for having *assaulted her. From
her evidence. which was sustained by two other females, it
appeared that on Saturday night she was passing at the end
of an entry in Windsor, when the prisoner and another man
came out; the prisoner behaved most indecently towards her,
and when she resisted him, he caught her in his arms, and
flung her violently on the ground, and tore her under garment.
off. The policeman who had charge of the prisoner, said he
was the terror of the neighbourhood, and had been in prison
recently for ill-conduct. The prisoner said he broke the
temperance pledge, and did not know what he was doing.
Mr. Raffles : You are a dangerous character, and this is a very
aggravated case indeed. I will take care that you don't annoy
the neighbourhood for the coming winter. I sentence you to
six months' imprisonment with hard labour.
I KNOW HIM EXCELLENT WELL—HE'S A
FISHMONGER."
George Cooper, a tall young man, described as a " horse-
dealer and li,litnonger," residing at Nantwich, was bronght
up in custody on a charge of having violently assaulted a
female, not present. It appeared the injured woman is at
present in the infirmary. Mr. Cobb, who appeared for the
prisoner, asked the officer if the woman was drunk at the
time, and he answered that she was not sober. Was the
prisoner tipsy ? He had some drink. When will the woman
be able to appear? The doctor says to-morrow. Do you
know that they were robbing him at a brothel ? He said there
was an attempt to rob him. Mr. Cobb : I will be able to show
that there was an attempt to rob him, and that he was only
acting in self-defence. The woman is not seriously hurt, and
this is a.respectable young man, a fishmonger and horse dealer
at Nantwich, and wants to attend the fair at Ormskirk to-day.
He can procure respectable bail, and as the woman is not much
injured, I think you will allow him out. Mr. Raffles I will
take two sureties in £2O each, or one in Z4O, tor his appearance
here on Wednesday. The bail was procured, and the prisoner
discharged

NOT A REAL "BRICK."
William Rayeroft was charged with having assaulted a sailor
named John M'Carthy. It appeared that on Saturday evening
the prosetutor and sonic females were in the neighbourhood
of Vauxhall-road, when the prisoner came up and created
some disturbance. He was put away, and on going a distance
off he flung a brick at the head of prosecutor, and it struck
him on the eye. Surgeon Jones said the wound was a bad one,
but he did met think there was any danger to life. The prisoner
denied having thrown the brick, but two additional witnesses,
who saw the affair, proved that he threw the crick, and that it
hit the prosecutor. The prisoner was fined £5, or in default
of payment two months' imprisonment.
MORE KNIFING.
John Jennings, a shoemaker, who lives at 11, Circus-street,
was charged for having assaulted Catherine Stanley. Mr.
Block defended. It. appeared that on Saturday night the pri-
soner met the female in the street, and accused her of haying
called his wife ill names. She denied haying done so, when an
altercation followed. She then stated that he struck her with
something sharp on the back of the head, and then hit her on
the front of the head with something else. Surgeon Jones
said there were tars severe wounds on the girl's head—one an
incised wound on the back, and a contused one on the frost of
the head. To Mr. Block he said a piece of sharp iron would
inflict the incised wound. Two or three witnesses were
called to corroborate the evidence of the prosecutris, and then
Mr. Block called two or three on behalf of the prisoner, but
his worship said in all cases where knives were used he would
send the parties offending for trial. The prisoner was com-
mitted.
ROBBERY FROM A LONDON ATTORNEY.
A young man of respectable appearance, named Vivian
Lewis, wan brought up, charged with having stolen Lao
belonging to Mr. James linker, an attorney at 10, Sydmond's-
inn, Chancery-lane, London. The prisoner was a clerk in Mr.
linker's employment, and some days ago he was sent to the
bank with £BO, but in pace of taking it there he ran away. A
revert of the case was forwarded to Liverpool, and on inquiry
being made it was found that he had unlisted in the 32nd
Regiment and had been attested. The circumstance was re-
ported in London; and the prisoner was given into custody.
The prisoner was remanded for the present.
POLICE PROMOTION.
Mr. 111‘Culloch. who for many years past has been an active
and respected officer of the detective force. has been promoted
to the office of Bridewell Keeper at the Essex-street Station.
His intelligence and knowledge qualify him for the situation,
and the promotion is judicious and well deserved.
(Before Messrs. L. PEEL,
N'S J. B. LLOYD, and R. BENN.)
SEAME WAGES.
Two sailors, named Robert White and William Mann, sum-
moned Captain Isaac Middleton, of the ship Plantagenet. for
£3 Os. Bd. each, and under a clause of the Merchant Shipping
Act they claimed £2O each, for haying been improperly dis-
charged. Mr. Bremner appeared for the defence. The brief
facts.of the case were these : The mon shipped here on the 2nd
June for the West Indies and back. They arrived at Kingston
on the Ist July, and on the 2nd were sent to hospital, conse-
quent on illness. The ship sailed to the Spansh main without
the men, but returned again, when the men presented them-
selves to the captain, and said they were able and willing to
proceed on the voyage, but he refused ,o take them, alleging
that he had got two men in their place. They were sent home
by the Huard of Trade *authorities, and arrived in Southampton
on the 27th August, and the Plantaganet anis ing here on the
29th. On the part of the captain it was alleged that the men
were legally discharged before the shipping master, as they
were not able to proceed on the voyage ; and the endorsement
on the articles, it, was contended, was sufficient proof. Mr.
Anderton (acting for chief clerk) said tht re should be a medical
certitieate that the men were not able to proceed or. the voyage.
After much discussion, the magistrates decided on making an
order for the amount of wages claimed, but refused to give any
compensation.

fps
r'

BnowN and BACON most respectfully announce, to their err.
tomers, and the public generally, that they keep a large and
well-selected stock of articles requirea for Family Mourning;
and that all Funeral and Mourning orders arc attended to with
the greatest care and economy.—Magazin : 81, 83, and 153,
Bold-street.—Ade.
DEATH or A CHILD.—On Saturday morning. a child
of three months old, sun of John Gaffney, shipwright,
Grange Lane, Birkenhead, suddenly died in his mother's
arms. An inquest will be held on the body to-day.
LlvEitroor, ROYAL INFIRMAltY.—Return for week
ending September, Bth, 1860: Admitted, in-patients, 3S ;
out-pa
tients, $8; surgical casualties, 46,E Discharged,
cured, 17 ; xelieved,
and at own request, '2O; made out-
irregular, 0 ; dead 5 ;
patients, 2 ; remain in the house,
176. For the ensuing week (visitors) : Joseph Sin;
• ,
and C. B. Robinson, Esqrs • physician, Dr. v ose; „
surgeon, Mr. Stubbs ; house surgeon, Mr, R.
risen ; junior house surgeon, Mr. H. ,G. Raw-
don ; chaplain, Rev. Edward Poole; treasurer, Mr. C.
Wilson.
POLYTECHNIC SOCIETY.—The first meeting for the
ensuing session of the Liverpool Polytechnic Society
was held last evening in the theatre of the Royal Insti-
tution, Co!quitt-street. The audience was large and
respectable. After the usual formal business the hono-
rary secretary, Mr. John. Abrahams, read a paper on
street railways, illustrating his remarks with models
and drawings kindly furnished by the borough engineer,
Mr. James Newlanas. The lecturer showed the incon-
venience attending the old means of travel along the
streets of our densely populated towns and cities in a
humorous mariner, and graphically described the
general comfort to rider, pedestrian, and the tradesman
in his shop from the introduction of the improved street
railways, which—inaugurated at Birkenhead—is being
extended to Liverpool,- Manchester, London, and other
places through the energy of Mr. George Francis Train.
That gentleman was present during the evening, and at
the dose of thy lecture a discussion took place.

14%