The Daily Times.
Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1860-02-24 00:00:00

MERSEY ROCKS AMi HARBOUR BOARD,

The usual weekly meeting otthe Dock Board was held
Yesterday, Mr. Charles Turner presiding. The other
members present were Messrs. Bold, Littledale„ Segar,
Mondel,, Hutchison, Darlivshire, Rankin, Earnwortb,
Brocklebank, Tobin, Arnold, Shand, Boult, Lockett,
Langton, Rounthiiaitc, Bushell, Smith.

11,0RI1S td3ll‘iirtEii. ,
The phideJlingS -Of the Cotriiiiitt.k4e of Atdrks weie
read, comprising the following recommendation, to
accept tenders ter the -supply of the following articles,
for general purposes, .viz.:—Coal, crucibles, sheet-lead.
and lead pipes, spun yarn, and hemp rope; to accept
tenders for plate-glass for skylights in roof of south shed,
Victoria Dock; to issu'e advertisements inviting tenders
for the construction of the Landing Stage, Woodside;
to -authorise the purchase of three draught-horses for
use at the works; to 1et.400 square yards land in Rake-
lane, to Messrs. Grayson, and Co., at 3s. per square
yard, per- annum:
On the niotiiiii of Mr. .orodklebank, seconded by
Mr. Rankin, the proceedingS were confirmed.

WAREHOUSE COMMITTEE.
•
The proceedings of this committee were read ; and on
the motion of Mr. Arnold, seconded by Mr. Segar,
confirmed.

MARINE COMMITTEE.

The proceedings of the Marine Committee were read,
comprising a recommendation to accept the tender of
Messrs. Wainwright Brothers, for repairing three iron
buoys; a report of the Marine Surveyor, of his visit to
the English and Scottish lighthouses ; and a report from
the Engineer relative to relaying the deck of the George's
Landiwr-stage.
.

The fo 1 I oviing is the Marine Surveyor's report :-
3t.Ammv. StiAVEYOH'S RI FORT OF VISIT TO ENGLISH AND SCOCTISH

LiduTmoustt4

The Marine Surveyor reports that, upon receipt of the in-
structions of the hciarg (consequent upon the comparative view
of lighthouses, of the Liverpool establishment, laid hero e
• them in October last) he communicated with the Trinity Board
and Commissioners of the Northern Lighthouses, to ascertain
what lights were best-calctilated lOr exhibiting the latest ina-
provemelits in lighthouse illumination and management ; the
part•culars reluested were courteously supplied, together with
authorities for-visiting and caviling at the estahl.shments
named.

From the list of lighthouses tarnished, those were selected
for visltmg'which seemed calculated to afford the fullest infor-
mation; as well as likely to be-.accessible in reference to the
lateness of the ceason.

In the following table the lighthouses visited are digtin-
guishel according to the peculiarities of their illuminating
apparatus.

t . .
• O.IV 1.1
Names. Fixed or 2
Revol., &c o o y n.
•-•
O A r...)
Trevose Head .. Fixed' '2 2 ... ... Trinity Board
South Foreland.. Ditto 2 1 1 Ditto.

Governing
Authority.

tiirdleness Ditto 2 1 ... Northern Lights.
St. Agnes. Revolving 1 1 ... Trinity Board.
Covesea Skerries Fla,hing 1 1 ... Northern Lights.
It will be observed that the lights inspected are three on the
dioptric principle, three on th, same principle as our own,
eatoptric, and one in which the electric light was placid
experimen tally.

'the otifypOi.;t§ In which the dioptric lights are decidedly
superior to the catoptric are in the compactness of their
arrangements, and in circumstances where the whole or a
Farge part of the circuit of the horizon is required to be illumi-
nated, s requirement not bolo iglu to our system, and there-
fire not. in that respect advantageous for our use. Greater
economy in ex endlture of oil is claimed for the dioptric light
in circumstances just stated, but even then Lhe system entails
the necessity of a regular attend ince and relief of keepers
throughout the night, lest the light should fail ; and although
the chances of accidents to the lights by care are reduced to a
minimum, yet one instance was brought to the knowledge of
the marine surveyor, in one of the Szottisli lighthouses, where
only one week before his visit, from a keeper on duty fal lug
asleep the light became e.tinguished, sad so remained for a
considerable tine.

The arrangements of the catoptric lights visited are similar
in all respects to those of the Liverpool est iblisha.ents. The
oil used, both by th Tri.ity Board and the scottish light-
h-Juses, is ra ie oil, and is cheaper than the refined olive oil
used by ourse yes. The disadvantag • of rape oil is its tendency
to smoke, a disa tvantage which may be, to a great extent,'
compensated by lamps constructed specially for the purpose;
the olive oil, refined for burning by Bancroft's patent, burns
without smoke ; two lamps for burning rape oil hare been
ordered, arid are now undergoing a comparative trial at Bid-
stun lighthouse. The erectrie light, exhibiting at South Fore-
land, requires two steam engines of three-horse power each to
work the magnets, and an auxiliary engine of one-horse
power; the light exhibited, when compared with the South
Sand Head light at a distance, presented no superiority, and
unless considerably improved must be considered as a failure.
The dioptric- or the catoptrie principles may be applied to any
lights, electric or otherwise. Each principle possesses advan-
tages suitable to different situations.- A great 'disadvantage
under which the dioptric principle labours is the enormous
expense of its lenses; !efforts are making to reduce the expense
of manufacture, success in this respect will form an additional
recomMendation, if, as our present reflectors and fittings
become, worn out, the Board deem it right t, order a trial of
the diltric principle in their establishinenti.
31 RRAY T. PARKS, Marine Surveyor and Water Bailiff.
The following- report was read for the information of
the public :.

Dock Yard, 21st Feb., 1860.
SIR.—I am desirous of commencing upon relayirm the deck
of the George's Landing-stage towards the end of March, say
from the 20th to the 21th, and I propose doing it in three por-
tions, commencing at the south end. Due notice wdl have to
be given to the parties 'occupying tho.4e berths, and arrange-
ments wid have to be made by the ,tage-mast• r for affording
them accommodition in conjunction with the other boats at
the other berths.-1 am, sir, respectfully yours,
The Chairman-qf the Marine Committee

JOHN B. HARTLEY.

➢ir. GLSBORNE reported on Mr. Lindsay's experi-
ments, which had failed as tar as utility was concerned,
although, by the aid of a very delicate galvanometer, it
was found that a small current had passed over. the
river without the aid of a conducting wire or cable.
The following letter was read :

• Liverpool, Feb. 22.
GENTLEMEN,—III giving some account of my experiments
across the Mersey, I may sate that we commenced laying the
lateral wires and immeu sing the sheel on Wednesday, and
finished on Thursday. The first trial was on Friday, and
there was another on Saturday. We found the needle was
moved, but it was alto aff .cted by electricity from other
sources. To discover these sources we proposed to experiment
on Monday, but found that our immer,ed sheets were cat tied
away by the he tvy sea, caused by the storm on Sunday last ;
and our further expel intents were in this way prevented. I
may state that all our experiments, peel:jou:as. this one, have
hoe," successful, and we have 'cosset! a distance not much less-
than the Mersey. I have to thank you for ;IP the facilities and aid
:alluded tt;, and intend to endeavout4to discover the cause of
the failure. - I did not anticipate the ,c,s of the sheets, and
mention that there were twenty of them; and, according to
the account of Mr. Gisborne's men, only seven are safe. The
sheets cost about ten shillings each; and the lost thirteen will
thus amount to t. 6 10s. Pei haps you- will make some
ail iw-
ance for this loss, as my object in these expeihnents is for the
benefit of society, aid not for myself; and the loss of the
copper sheets by the heavy gales, being exceptional, did not
enter into my calculation of expenses.—l am, gentlemen, your
most obliged a td obedient servant, J. 11. LINDSAY.
To the Dock Trustees, Liverpool.
- - -

. -
Mr. MoNnEr„ in moving the confirmation of the
proceedings, said it must be very satisfactory to know
that there was no better mode of lighting than was pur-
sued in this port at present.
Air. DARHysnita: seconded the motion.
Mr. Bour.T would like to-know whether the electric
light referred to.in the report was 'the same as that ex-
hibited on the Landing-stage.
The CHAIIIM&N—IVIS not.

Mr. BOULT said it. might not be amiss to consider
whether that light could not be adopted for the light-
houses of the port. No one whO has seen the lime light
'miming at the George's-stage could doubt that it was
superior to any light that had yet been produced, if its
continuousness and durability could be relied upon.
Mr. Momom said the lime light was at present being
tried on the George's Stage as au experiment, and when
its cost and other particulars were ascertained, it would
receive the attentive consideration of the committee.

The CHAIRMAN Said the engineer reminded him that
coal as was necessary for the lime light, so that the
Board would have to provide gas apparatus at the
several light-houses.

The proceedings were confirmed, and Mr. Lindsay's
letter was referred to the Marine Committee.

REPORT OF ADMIRAL MINS ON THE CIIA.NNELS OF

THE MERSEY

The Annual Report of Admiral Evans, the Conserva-
tor of t'ie Mersey was read, and from it we make the
following extracts :.-
330. The Navigation of the River Mersey continues in a
satisfaccorystate, notwithstanding, the changes which are con-
stantly occurring in the Quicksands aad. Channels of the Port.
331. The most coespictious changes in the Sea Channels,
during the past year, c•.nsist in the silting-up of the "old
tortuous Inner Bar" of tae Victoria Channel, and the deepen-
ing of the supplementary Channel to 13 feet at low water.
This gives nearly a straight run through the Victoria Channel
from its outer bar into the Crosby Channel, with 13 feet at low
water over all. The value, however, of this improvement in
the depth n and ditherection is, in some degree, diminished by the
contractio of supplementary Channel, to ;mut 110
fathoms in navigable width. -
332. The changes in he Queen Channel are principally the
rising of the Jordan Flats (now dry at low water); and their
j
causing an elbow at the unction of the Queen and Crosby
Ckannels, that throws the ebb tide nearly into the old Zebra
Channel, where it is forming a deep water hay. This change
is important, as foreshadowing the opening of another channel
to the not thwart', from the same natural closes, which not
only opened the Queen Channel itself, but for a lona series of
years have formed channels to the northward of the old ones—
namely, as the bars extend westward, they leave a less formid-
able barrier to the northward of them, through which both the
ebb an' flood tide ultimately force their way.
333. It is as remarkable as fortunate, that the changes
which have taken place in the Sea Channels, during the last
twenty years, have been for the better, every new channel
being a decided improvement on the old one.
This desirable result may be fairly attributed to the careful
preservation of the "Tidal Hack Water" in the up,-er estuary,
and also to the prevention of any artificial works outside the
entrance of the river, which would check or divert the volume
of tidal wave from rushing ueimpetled up the river. As long
as both these objects are properly attended to, and the '• con-
tracted vein " shape given to the entrance, there will always
be a good and safe channel into Liverpool.
334. The Navigation of the upper Estuary, from Liverpool to
Runcorn, Frodsham, and Warrington, is in a satisfactory
state. The channels are deeper than at any previous period—
a circumstance mainly owing to the river walls at Liverpool
being constructed on the principle of the "contracted vein"
(as explained in par. 246), by which a greater body of tidal
back water is forced np the river.
335. This principle has been still further carried out during
the past year, by the constructing of a River Wall from Sea-
combs to Egremont, at the expense of the ilkrsey Docks and
Hatbour Board, which useful work is to be extended still fur-
ther towards the mouth of the river. And in order that the
duty of maintaining the navigation of the port may be dis-
charged in-the most efficient manner, that BOard are about
separating the office of Water Bailiff, who has the peculiar
charge of such matters, from that of another officer, who has
other and very' full employments ; and I anticipate great be-
nefit from the change. For the whole and undivided attention
of one officer will now be given to the removal of wrecks, and
other obstacles, for which purpose he will have ample autho-
rity, and the same efficient means, which were so liberally
supplied by the Municipal Corporation while this duty was
under their charge.
336. The light ships rode solely at their moorings during the
heavy gales of last th^ only casualty being a slight col-
lision by the schooner Arva, with the Formby light ship.
Nine buoys have been stove and ten sunk, all of which were
immediately replaced from the duplicate set in stare for that
Purpose.
The old buoys were removed from the Queen Channel, and
Mr. Herbert's large patent buoys substituted, as proposed in
par. 320 of last' year's Report.
337. The returns state that 48,473 vessels passed in and out
of Liverpool during the year 1859, being an excess of 1,949
vessels over 1858.
The Customs' Bill of Entry for the Foreign Trade shows an
excess of tonnage for the year 1859 over 1858, amounting to
173,741 tons ; while a decrease of 32,283 tons appears in the
coasting trade for the same period.
Notwithstanding this prodigious number of vessels (averag-
ing 133 per diem), only one vessel in charge of a
pilot, " the foreign barque Tyrol,' was lost within the limits of the port.
This barque was running in with a gale of fair wind, and was
observed to broach-to suddenly, and run on the little Burbo,
as if the stealing gear had given way. Unfortunately, all
hands, together with the pilot, perished before assistance
could reach them, so the cause of her loss will never be known.
A few small craft were sunk in the river from collision or fire,
during the last year.
338. The life-boats assisted eleven vessels in distress, and
saved four persons during the past year. The crew of the
Liverpool life-boat were accused, by the turt-boat's crews,
that towed them out to the barque Tyrol, of not having done their utmost to save live. On inquiry, it appeared that the
master of the life-boat was left on shore, in the hurry to get
away, to which was attributed the want of energy complained
of. The crew were, however, acquitted of blame.
339. The only survey necessary to be made in 1859 was that
of the Ptuckington Bank ; and, although it showed several
alterations in its shape, the area was the same as when last
surveyed in IBsa.

340.- On Thursday, August 11, 1859, tht Inner Bar of the
Victoria Channel having shoaled up to 8 or 9 Iva water, the
buoys were removed from it, to other positions in the Victoria
Channel. Black and red buoys were substituted for the striped
buoys S. V. 1, NUR and Can, in such a position as to indicate
nearly a straight run from the Outer Bar of the Victoria Chan-
nel, to its point of junction with the Crosby Channel.

PROORES., OF LIVERPOOL DOCK WORK IN 1859.
341. The new works, for which the sanction of Parliament
was obtained last Session, merely comprise the excavation of
the Docks for the carrying trade, and the half-tide basin, to
the north of the Canada Dock, which is in a forward state, the
masonry being commenced, and getting on well. The Branch

Dock, out of the Huskisson Dock, is in a great ineii re exca-
vated, but the masonry has not been yet cOnimericerl:,
PROGRE 4! OF THE BIRKENHEAD DOCK WORKS IN
312. Very great progress has been made in the Bit kenhead
Dock Works during the year 1859; and, were it not found
necessary to rebuild or strengthen every wall that came into
the possession of the Mersey Docks and Harbour Board,:by
which so much valuable time has been lost and so heavy an
expen-e has been incurred, there is no donh' but Mr. Hartley,
tae eminent and indefatigable engineer of the Board, would have
been ready to let the water into the Great Float at the period
named in ,the Act of Parliament. Two' hundred and fiftylateal yardst of 111, river wall, fronting the Mersey, have
been built on one of, the. riTost difilenit fonndati ms. ever dealt
with. This is all backed up. In the Great Low Water Basin
about threeourtbs of the material has been excavated. and
the masonry is being commenced. The Lech and Sltiee Chan,
nels, which cern/wet the Low Water Basin with the Great
-boat, are about one -third constructed, and_ progressing
rapidly. All this work, owing to the very bad nature of the
ground, is on bearing piles; of these, about 3.850 have been
driven to an average depth of 17 fbet.: .The east wall of
the Great Float is nearly finished, and the embankment
in front of it, which form d th, great .dam for drying the
noel, is being fast reinayed ; 2,124 line tl yards of the new
wall, on the north side of the Great 11.al, has been built,
and only 400 yards remain to be completed. The masonry
of the passage, dividing the Great .Float into two se,
tions, is nearly finished, and the bridge, to span the 100
feet opening through it, is in a forward state. At the west
end of the Great Float, •and immediately westward' of the
Canada Dock Works, the entrances are being put into three
new graving docks, so as to render them available as
soon as the water is let into the Great Float. Considerable
progress is making with the excavation for the' enlargement
of the Morpetb Dock, and the 85 feet lock connected there-
with.
Some progress has also been made with with the inclosure
of Woodside Basin, and the filling rip of the space so in-
closed. This work has been very considerably retarded by
the difficulty in deciding on the best method ofLeonstructing
the carriage amiroaches to the Proposed landing stages.
In giving this sketch of the progress of the works at Bir-
kenhead, in drawing up which 1 have received every informa-
tion from Mr. Hartley.. it is quite impossible for Ina • to-oonvey
any idea of the amount of work done, there being quite as
mach labour employed in removing the " debris" of the
former ill-built walls, as in mating the new ones.
THE RIVER WALL FROM SEACeMBE N-Itratly,,RoS. •
343.. This wall has been completed as far as Egremont Ferry,
and has stood the winter gales exceedingly well.
The remaining portion, north of Egremont, will he com-
menced as soon as the weather andlenzh of days permit.
344. The Electric Telegraph was completed during the year
between Lirerpttol and Holyhead, bin owing to part of the
submarine cable between Great Orinshead arid Point Lynas
being injured, and, a portion of it lost; and i. benty also found
very difficult to matittain a cable across the River Mersey
(every one put down being injured), the telegraph is not now
in working order..
Geo. E•Vast.s, bear-Admiral, Acting Conserva*7.:;
No. 1, New-street, Sprirk-gardens, London,
Jarruarrfrst, 1860.
The Cuarnm.tsi said that the board, he was sure,
would be glad to hen so satisfactory a report with re-
gard to the state 'of the channels and the approaches to
the port.
The proceeding were confirmed.
PILOTAGE COMMITTEE.
The proceedings of the Pilotage Committee, compris-
ing—letter from 175 members of the pilot service. solicit-
in.e the support of the board in the formation of a naval
brigade. • •
Mr. SHAND moved the confirmation of the proceed-
ings ; and suggested that the letter of the pilots should
be referred to the Defences _Committee.
The CHAIRMAN thought there should be some report
from the Pilot Committee as to whether it would inter-
fere with the (Inky of the pilots, and also whether the
support mentioned in the letter meant pecuniary suppott.
Mr. SHAND did not think that pecuniary support was
meant.
Mr. BoLn.stiggested that the letter should he referred
back to the Pilot Committee for a report, which was
agreed to, and the proceedings were confirmed.
DOCKS AND GOATS COMMITTEE.
The proceedings of the Committee of Management of
Docks and Quays, comprising a recommendation to give
notice' for letting Salisbury Dock dry on the evening
of the 4th proximo.
It appeared that a letter was read in the committee
from Messrs. J. Bibby, Sons, and Co., stating that they
were-now constructing additional steamboats for the
purposes of their. trade, and that in consequence they
-would require a further appropriation of at least 800
feet of lineal quay space. The Messrs. Bibby having
had an interview with the committee, and having been
heard on the requirements of their steam trade, it was
resolved that the engineer be requested to attend the
meeting on Wednesday next, the consideration of the
question to he deferred in the meantime.
Mr. LocKETT moved the confirmation of the pro-
ceedings.
Mr. SMITH seconded the motion.
The CHAIRMAN said the Board would observe that the
demands of the steam trade were vastly outgrowing the
accommodation of the port. He was afraid they would
not he able to give Messrs. Bibliy all the accommodation
which he was afraid they would require.
Mr. LOCKETT thought they had better wait till the
question was discussed next week. Messrs. Bibby had
already been told that they could have no further space.
Mr. TOBIN StlgeSted that the engineer should state
for the infornration of the public when the new steam-
dock would be opened.
Mr. TIAETEisy—It will be fully twelve months before
it can be completed.
Mr. Bourir said he was sorry to say that the accom-
modation on this side of the river appeared to him to
be totally inadequate; and it seemed to him necessary
for the board to take immediate action in providing
accommodation in the.shortest possible time. The ques-
tion was put to Mcsasrs. Bibby—,' Could you, by some.
means, take your steamers to Birkenhead ?" and the
answer was distinct, that under no circumstances would
they take any part of their business there—that it would
not -suit them at all ; and he was sorry to say that was
the answer they got from everybody.
Mr. ARNOLD said it did not follow that. because Messrs:
Bibby would not send their steamers to Birkenhead, that
the Birkenhead Docks Would be useless. Other trades
would go to' Birkenhead,, and that would relieve the
docks on this side. (Hear, hear.)
~..The proceedings were then confirmed.
MASTER PORTERS COMMITTEE.
The proceedings of this committee weze.aeitd, an 4
confirmed on the motion of Mr. Arnold.
THE DEFENCES OF THE PORT..
The special committee on the defences .of the port
brought up a report in reply to the letter from the-War
Office, as to the proposed forts .on the Mersey: . One
recommendation of the committee was, that floating
batteries should he stationed is the Mersey in lieu of
forts being built on the pierheads.
irliThe Chairman of the committee (Mr. Hubbaek) was
absent, and it was suggested that the consideration of
the report should be deferred.
Mr. Borna asked what was to be done with the
floating batteries when they were not wanted ? Where
were they to he put ?
The CitAntict,N--Remember, it is only a suggestion.
Mr. Boot-A.—Certainly they cannot 0.0 into any ()foul
docks, and there is no anchorage for them in the. river
Where are they to go ?
Mr. 13 trstiELL—Put them in the ferry track, Mr.
Boni t. (Laughter.)
Mr. BotinT thought the batteries should be placed
outside, and not inside the port.
11fr. Smarr again repeated, that the proper way to
defend the port was to place batteries at Crosby and
Leasowe. (Hear, hear.)
The consideration of the report was deferred.
THE LATE WATER BAILIFF, MR. COX. •
The special committee on -the duties of the Water
Bailiff, had ordered an advertisement to issue for a
Water Bailiff at £2OO a year. The following resolution
also had been passe :—" That Mr.-Cox having declined
to resume the duties of Water Bailiff, the allowance
made to him by the resolution of the Board, on the
23rd - December, 1858, of .£7O per annum, be discon-
tinued."
Mr. Tobin moved-and Mr. Shand seconded the con-
firmation of the proceedings, which gave rise to a de-
bate, itt which Mr. Mondel, Mr. Boult, the Chairman,
Mr. Bushell, Mr. Arnold, and Mr. Brocklebank, took
part. Ultimately the matter was referred back to the
committee, who are to ascertain the state of Mr. Cox's
health, and whether he is physically competent to fulfil
the duties of the office.
A letter was read front Mr. Burgess, of the Town-dues
department, thanking the Board for having increased
hi, salary from £2OO to £250 a year.
A letter front Mr. Gilbert Cummings, chief clerk in
the engineer's office, was read. Owing to old age and
infirmity Mr. Cummings resigned his situation, and
asked for a retiring allowance.
The CHAIRMAN said Mr. Cummings was a very old
and very valuable servant of the Dock Board. (Hear,
hear.)
The letter was referred to the Works Committee.
A letter frOni Messrs. Crewe and Williams was read,
asking whether the Dock Board would
\let laud near the
Great- Float at Birkenhead for timber yards and saw
mills, &c.
The letter was referred to the Works Committee.
Messrs. William Gibson and Sons wrote to the board,
suggesting the desirability of consulting the wants and
wishes of the local chain cable makers before removing
the chain, cable testing machines front Liverpool to
Birkenhead.
This letter was referred to the Works Committee.
A letter was read from Mr. W. Inman, of the New
York and Philadelphia Steamship Company, relating
the circumstances connected with the anchoring of the
Edinburgh in the track of the Woodside Ferry boats,
and submitting a report from the commander, showing
that the ship was not put there wilfully.
The following letter was read from Mr. MacMillan :
Glasgow and Liveriool Royal Steam-packet Company,
1, India-buildings, Water-street,
Liverpool, 17th Feb , 1860,
11 o'clock a.m.
GENTLEMEN,—To may extreme surprise and astonishment I
perceive by the renort of the proceedings of your board, yes-
terday. which appears in the daily papers of to-day, that I am
accused of having fraudulently omitted to pay town dues on
104 casks of tallow.
In answer to the above accusation, I beg to state thus early,
that until I aw the above report in the papers I had not the
slightest personal knowledge that any omission of entry had
been made; whilst I beg also to assure your board, that if any
omission has occurred, either in making any entry or payment
of dues, such omission has taken place through inadvertence,
and not from :may fraudulent or improper motive on my part.
I trust to your sense of justice that this explanation will be
treated with the same publicity as the charge of fraud which
has been wrongfully preferred against me.—l am, gentlemen,
your obedient servant, JOHN MACMILLAN.
To the Mersey Deck and Harbour Board.
The CHAIRMAN.—Perhaps you will refer that to the
Finance Committee.
Mr. ARNOLD said that the letter must be taken for as
much'as it was worth. He did not understand the un-
intentional omission which had led to the nonpayment
of the town-does and the prompt demand of those dues
front the consignees. He would remind the hoard that
this was not only a question of what was due to this
board, but a question of what was due to the public and
the fair trader. (Hear, hear.)
Mr. ItANKr& admitted the force of what Mr. Arnold
had said ; and he might mention that the customs and
the board were acting in concert in preventing many of
those frauds.
The letter was then referred to the Finance Committee

Mr. Sotheron F,stcourt was prevented from attending
at the House on MOnday night, by indisposition.
A Pari despatch in the Post states that France and'
s
England are on the point of signing a convention
tirela-
tive result from the expedition
against to
contradiction to the rumour
China.)e pri
prises
This whichis may
that the Governments would postpone the expedition..—
The late Grand Duchess Stephanie of Baden has,
by her will, left the estate of Umkirch, near Friburg,
to the Princess Hohettzollern-Sigmaringen, with rever-
sion to the latter's son. The Duchess of Hamilton is
to have the villa at Baden-Baden, and the Hereditary
prinet„s of Saxony the estate of Mannheim, in which.
are comprised the mansion and garden given by the
town to the late grand duchess, and the edifice at present
occupied by the Grand Ducal Institution for young
ladies.
Liverpool Cough specific is an unfailing remedy. We con-
gratulate the inhabitants of Liverpool that so simple and
effectual a means of relief is at last procurable. For years
this great boon has been needed in this exposed part; and it
being an undoubted .cure for the most harassing coughs, we
can recommend ft.-4dd. 1

Liverpool, 14th February, 1860.
Six,—At a meeting of the 'Wine and Spirit Associa-
'ion, held this (lay, to consider the changes which it is
proposed to make, affecting. the Wine and Spirit Trade,
it was unanimously resolved, that. the attention of the
Chancellor of the Exchequer should he respectfully, but
urgently called to the following subjects.
It is understood to be the intention of her. Majesty's
-Government to adhere to the terms of the Treasury
minute of 1813, and to give a drawback on stocks of
wine, duty paid, to those only who have complied I.rik
- .
the terms of that. minute.
..To what extent that minute has. been fully complied'
with, is uncertain, but there can be no doubt, that
dating back as it does for seventeen years, and from the
improbability of it ever being applied to the circum-
stances in which wine merchants now find themselves,
has- led to a very general, if not to an universal neglect
of its provisions.
It must be admitted that, looking at the financial
position of the country for some years past, in connec-
tion with the 'general prevalence of the vine disease,
nothing could appear more improbable than any pro-
posal to reduce the duties upon wines.
The Government itself, until within the last few
months, had probably no idea of negotiating such a
treaty as that which has led to this important, and (as
your memorialists arc willing to acknowledge) generally
beneficial change.
Had there been the usual foreshadowing of coming
change, it might have been possible to prepare for the
event; but nothing of this kind has occurred, and the
conseqUence is, that wine merchants find themselves in
possession of stocks upon which duty has been paid,
and which, by a sudden and unexpected act of the
Government, adopted for the national advantage, will
be seriously depreciated in value. These stocks must
be brought into competition with wines which will have
paid a much lower duty, if the stringent terms of an
almost obsolete minute be rigidly enforced.
It can be abundantly proved that there arc stocks of
wines in the hands of respectable dealers, which have
been so kept that no compliance with a formal minute
could afford more certain evidence than it is possible to
supply, that such stocks are as fully entitled to a parti-
cipation in the drawback as those upon Which the Go-
vernment are, under certain circumstances, prepared to
give.

Nothing can he further from the intention of the wine
trade than to ask for drawback upon any stock which,
after the fullest evidence and examination, both as to the
quality of the wine and the place and mode in which it has
been kept, shall appear to he of a questionable character.
But where evidence, by the production of books, war-
rants, &c. can be furnished that there has been fair and
honourable dealing, and the. quality affords proof that
such wines have paid the high rate of duty; then it is
earnestly hoped that the Government will do an act of
simple justice to the honest and respectable trader, even
if he should not have adhered to a technical and formal
observance of a condition, which very few could have
supposed necessary for the protection of their just
interests.

Thel Customs regulations prohibit the bottling of
wines in bond for home-consumption, but permit such
bottling for exportation.
In many cases the spirit of the law has been evaded
by the bottling in bond and exportation to adjacent
ports, such as Hamburg, Havre, and Jersey, of large
parcels of wine, . which, without ever having been
landed in the ports referred to, have been re-imported
in the naked bottles, and returned not only into the
bonded, but into the BINNED cellars of the mis-called
exporters : and which wines, having escaped the loss
of interest upon the duty paid by other houses, are now
to be admitted for home-consumption, at the proposed
reduced duty, to the serious prejudice of the merchant,
who has complied not only with the letter, but also
with the spirit of the law.
The treaty which has been made with France, has
been made with the view to the promotion of the peace
and general prosperity of the British nation; and it
would be a grievous wrong that a body of traders, whose
business has contributed so largely to the revenue of the
State, should he made to suffer a direct and immediate
pecuniary loss, by a change which is intended to be for
the national advasitage.

In addition to tne above, the Liverpool Wine and
Spirit Association, through their deputies, desire to
confer with the Chancellor of the Exchequer upon the
following points, and to request permission for the
deputation, verbally, to express the opinion of the
association upon them, viz.:-
1. The proposal to levy the duty upon wine by its
alcoholic strength. _ _ _

2. The charges to be made upon operations in bond.
3. The desirability of compelling the German, French,
and all other foreign venders of wine, who compete
with the English dealer, also to take out a license.
By request, on behalf of the meeting, I have the
honour to be—Your obedient humble servant,
W. PRESTON,
_ __ _

NOTE.—Presented on Saturday, 18th February, by
the Deputation, consisting of Messrs. Christopher
Bushell and Charlton It. Hall.

SNOWSTORM IN THE Nowrn.—The night mail that
was due at Aberdeen about half-past three o'clock on
Monday morning, was found embedded in a snow-
wreath, near Dritmlithi, by the morning train coming
south, by which the few passengers were brought back to
Laurencekirk in safety. In Dumfriesshire, in some
.cases, the , starving sheep have taken to munching each
other's wool. , _

....,..
RECTOR OF MARISCHAL COLLEGE, ABERDEEN.-At
a preliminary medium of the students of Marischal
College Aberdeen, held on Saturday, for the pur-
pose of nominating candidates for the office of Lord
Rector, the following were proposed:—the Earl of
Airlie, Mr. Disraeli, and Lord Panmure. The Earl of
Airlie is presently Rector, and there is every probability
of his being re-elected:
IMPORTS OF COtTorr.—A parliamentary. return
issued lately gives the quantities of cotton imported
into-Great Britain duritio• five particular years as fol-
lows :—ln 1814, 538,72 T cwts. ; 1815, 899,189 cwts. ; 1
1844, 5,768,8.51 cwts. ; 1858, 9,235,198 cwts. ; and
last year, 10,916,331 cwts. ' Of the latter quantity
.8,586,672 cwts. came off from the United States ;
East
200,705 cwts. from. . Bra Ail ; 5,288 cwts. from British
West India Islands and British Guiana ; 2,149 cwts.
from the West Coast of Africa; 19,697 cwts. from
British posSessions in South Africa ; 11,894 cwt. from
the Mauritius ; 1,717,240 cwts. from the British
America..
from
West
wfrasomleostshetrhaenounfrtormies.
Indies; 336,313 cwts. from Egypt; and 66,373 ts
eilthnalBßl4tatzhile sourptphlye
India Wands.

"«"~,;. .

LATEST BETTING.
TATTERS.% LL'S.
LIVERPOOL STEEPLE CHASE.
10 to 1 agst Anath; (t) JO to 1 agst Zanthus (t)
12 to 1 ... Jealousy (t) 15 to 1 ... Brunette (w)
20 to 1 ... Maria Agnes (t) 26 to 1 ... Bridegroom (t)
31 to 1 ... Kilcock (t)

CITY AND SUBURBAN.
Bto 1 agst Chere Arnie (t) 123 to 1 agst Nucleus (t)
40 to 1 ... Egbcrt (t)

THE CHESTER CUP.
100 to 6 agst Satellite (t) I2oto 1 agst Viatka ( )t, 25 to 1
20 to 1 ... Tame Deer (t)
TWO THOUSAND GUINEAS.
9to 2 agst The Wizard (t) 1 sto 1 agst Lupullus (o)
sto 1 ... liuccanneer (o) I

9 to 1 agst Umpire (t) THE DERBY.
I 9to 1 agst Mainstone (t)
11 to 1 ... Rummer (t) Il2to 1 ... Thermanl:4" (t)
12 to 1 ... The Wizard (o) 20 to 1 .. Limnllns (t)
1
25 to 1 ... High Treason 33 to 1 ... The I,rone (t)
33 to 1 ... Upperhand (e) 33 to 1 ... Cramond (o)

MANCHESTER BETTING.
THE DERBY.
40 to .1 agst Lanehester (t).
CITY AND SUBURBAN.
10 to 1 agst Chere Arnie (t).

THE GREAT WATERLOO COURSING MEETING,
OVER ALTCAR, - -
THURSDAY, FEB R LIAAT 23, 1860.
President: e Ea a fton.
Stewards : Capt. Bathurst, Capt. spencer, C. Randell, Esq.,
J. Gordon, Esq.
Field Steward : A. Gralrini, Esq. Flag Steward : N. Slater, Esq.
Director of the Ground : Mr. William Warner.
Judge : Mr. Dalzell. Slipper : Mr. Roper.
The GREAT WATERLOO Cur, value £1,600 (in specie), by sub-
scripti,4l of £25 each; 'lin winner to receive £3OO, second
• £2OO, two digs to receive £5O each, four £3O each, eight £2O
each, sixteen £lO each, the Waterloo Purse and Plate £360;
total, £1,600. The winner to give three dozen of claret to
the dinner. .

TIIIRD TIES.
Mr. Catlerall's Altermire beat Mr. Haywood's Hardy.
Lord Sefton's Sa►dpler beat Mr. Hammona's Dread Nothing.
Mr. Dunlop's Cardinal York beat Mr. Haim ree's Wildflower.
Mr. Brundeit's Bird of Passage beat Capt. Spencer's Skittles.
Mr. Croft's Red Lion beat Mr. Daintree's Lancewood.
Mr. Blacksteek's Maid of die Mill beat Mr. Holmes' Hidalgo.
Mr. Moore's Balmoral beat Mr. Cooper's Caurither.
Mr. Russell's Blue Hat beat Mr. Vipan's Rebel.

FOURTH TIES.
Lord.SefLon's Sampler heat Mr. Catterall's Altermire.
Mr. Du,lop's Cardinal York beat Mr Brundritt's Bird of Passage
Mr. Blitekstoek's Maid of the Mill heat Mr. Croft's Red Lion.
Mr. Russell's Bed flat beat Mr. Moore's Balmoral.
The WATEeLoo PunsE, value £2.00 (in specie), taken from the
cup, for the thirty-two beaten dogs in the first round for the
cup; the winner to receive £100; second, L5O; Iwo, £l5
each ; four, £lO each ; eight, £5 each : total, £26).
winner to give one dozen of champagne to the dinner.
Mr. Thompson's Annoyance beat Mr. Grenfell's Sweetbriar. The
I Mr. Jefferson's Java beat Lord Grey de Wilton's Greek Fire.
Sir. Gibson's Ayrshire Laddie heat Afr. Dodd's Lazy,Lad.
Mr. Simpson's St. Aubert heat Mr. Thomas's Derwent-lake.
bliss Borron's Billet Doux beat Mr. Taylor's Dodo.
Mr. Hyslop's Ramathon Roy beat Mr. Gelderd's Camden Town.
Air. Irving's t-t mmore heat Mr. Bake's Lucy.
Mr. Homily's War-whoop beat Mr. C. Jardine's Snap.
Mr. Jenes's Joust heat Mr. Lewis's Waterloo.
Capt. Bathurst's Trip-the-Daisy brat Mr. Cass's Daniel.
Mr. Gregson's Ravensworilt beat Mr. Storets llapp3 Joe.
Mr. Spink's Sponsor beat Mr. Cunningham s CilVilliVE.. • Mr. uldell's Bowman beat Mr. Wightman's Selby.
Mr. Hod,on's Gil Bias heat Mr. More .ll's Middlehain.
Mr. J. Jardines Orator beat Mr. Steel's Bird of Prey.
Mr. Bardcart'c thrilldoll Villnp bceol Mr. lino wlce Dacn,blvativa .
SECOND TIES.
Mr. Thomeson's Annoyance beat Mr Jeff.,rson's .Tara.
Mr. Simpson's St. Aubert beat Mr. Gibson's Ayrshire Laddie.
1M r. ilyslop's Ramathon Roy heat Miss Borron's Billet-dour.
Mr. Irving's Stanmore beat Mr. Hornby's Warwhoop.
Capt. Bathurst's Trip-the-Daisy beat Mr. Jones' Joust.
Mr. Gregson's Ravensworth heat Mr. Spink's Sponsjr.
Mr. liodson's Gii Bias heat Mr. Blundell's B neman.
Mr.l..Jardine's Orator beat Mr. Bankart's Camde i Villas.
The IVATEni.on PLATE, value ENO (in specie), taken from the
Cup Stakes for the sixteen beaten Dogs in the first tie, of the
Waterloo Cup. The winner to receive £l5, the second £2O,
two £7 10s. each, four L.'i each ; total, £ WO.
gs
Mr. Borrogs's Bloody Heart heat Mr. Hyslop's Canopy.
Mr. Peacock's Penrith beat Mr. Cariwright,s gilt ton:
air.) ixon's Daylight beat Mr. Graham's Penny.a.Liner.
Mr. Boote's Wild Wave beat Mr. Randell's Perfection.
Mr. Brocklebank's Wilberforce beat Mr. Dixon's Daybreak.
Mr. Brown's Beranger beat Mr. Campbell 5 Canaradzo.
Mr. Blanchard's Bailie beat Mr. Gordon's, Cazzerina.
Mr. Grey's First Blood heat Mr. Lander'b Alice Hawthorn.

LATEST BETTING.
GREAT WATERLOO CUP.
2 to 1 agst Maid of the Mill (t) I 3 to 1 agst Blue Trat (0)
3to 1 Cardinal York (t o) I 3to 1 ... Sampler (o)

WATERLOO PURSE.
3 to 1 agst Annoyance (t) .5 to I agst Trip the Daisy
.5 to 1 ... St. Aubert (t) .5 to 1 Rlvensworth
3to 1 ... Rainathan Roy (t) 6to 1 ... Gil Bits
6to 1 Stanmore (t) 3to 1 ... Orator
Offers to back three against the field.
WATERLOO PLATE.
3 to 1 agst Bloody heart j -1 to 1 agst Beranger
4to 1 ... Baffle I6to 1 ... any other
Bloody Heart, Baffle, and Beranger, backed against the field.

COURSING FIXTURES FOR 1860.
FEBRUARY.

Place. County. Judge Meetin.T.
waterloo (Altear) Lancashire Mr. A. Da1ze11....23, 24
Brinkbarn NorthumberPd .........................23, 24
Didion & N. Berwick East Lothian... Mr. J. Hay • ............ 28
Abergele Denbighshire.. Mr. Warwick ....213. 29
/lornby, Bainesse, &C ,Yorkshire Mr. Crandall .....,28, 29
Kendall Club (K. 5.)... Westmoreland Mr. Bennett....... 9 Cofton 'Worcestershire Mr. M`George... ......... 29
Kyle Club (Auchiek) Ayrshire Mr. J. Dunlop 29&M.1
MARCH.
Spiddal lreland
Speithorne Wilts
1-Ir. ..... .. Wiek . . ...
... . 2-, . 3 Ilordley I.
Salop S. Hodgson,.Esq....3
Baldock (Sapling) Hertfordshire.. Mr. Warwick ............ Thorney (Sapling)
Lanarkshire
..12, Arc
1114Georg.e: ....... ~., 7
Lanark (Open)
Ashdown Park (Ch.) Berks .
Coquettlale (Open) NorthumberPd Mr. Warwick ....Is 6.r.
Ardrossan Club Ayrshire ......... Mr. Patrick ' -
County Louth Club.... Ireland ........................................ :.1 .... . 145
Limerick (Ctoraine).... 1re1and.........., Mr. Ilawkes ....... 14, 15
Diamor Meath 1re1and._......... Mr. Owens ......... 21, 22
Altear Club Lancashire
....................... 21
Lanarksitire.„
........................2i, 2
4re-
Biggar Champion
APRIL.
Caledonian (Open) Edinburgh
Limerick (Knockrue) lrelan-
d lreland..

Mr. llawkes ll, 12
25, 26

LORD ItEDESDALE'S LIGHT-WEIGHT rui,L.
The following is a copy of the bill, intitulecl ." ..‘,ll Act to
Prevent the Entering or Running 'Horses carrying very Light
weights for any Plate or Minlee' :—,Whereas the' practice of
running horses Barr
very light weights for plates, prizes
or sums of money has very stanch increased of late years
and the same has contributed very much to the increa4
of gambling and &shiiest proceedings,
strong and useful horse, is and the breed of
prejudiced thereby, be it en acted-1.
That front and atter the Ist day of January, 186 i,
no person or persons whatsoever shall enter, start, or rim
any horse, colt, mare, filly, or gelding for any plate, prize, or
sum of money, or other thing, unless such horse, colt, mare,
filly, or gelding shall carry ist. weight or more, computing-
liths. to each stone Ott;wei and if any person or Persons
shall enter, start, or run any horse, colt, mare. filly, "r gelding
any other thino.,
for any plate, prize or sum of money, or carrying less than the weight hercinbcfore directed to he enc._
tied, such horse, colt, mare, filly, or gelding' or the \Nano
'hereof shall be forfeited, and the person or Persons sn enter-
ing, starting, or running the same shril' forfeit and lose the sum .C 200.; provided always, that such forfeiture or penalty shall
not occur to be recoverable by reason of any horse, Polt, mare,
filly, or gelding being found atter any race shall have been run
to have carried th:,rein, or during any part of such race, a less
weight than seven stone,
caused by any alcident during running, or otherwise, and not
if such deficiency shall have
been
from any wiful act or order of the person or persons entering,
starting,-.or running the same. 2. All penalties ?i• forfeitures
incurred by: uny•person or persons for any ofteiir!
bill, this
act shall be stied for or recovered by an acTrceb„irtiti plaint,
or
information i t any of her Majesty's courts 0
er
f,..) at West-
Ininster, or at the assizes, and shall he &la's 1 1
who shall •I'''''rt'Y
'thereof to the use of the person or persons .lit for a si': 19r
the same, and the other as a prize for a ' ' '
wclg . Li- race to
k Place where be run over the course on which the race to",..ptime, ere such
1 penalty or forfeiture was incurred, at such lor eachaid under
such conditions at to the stake to be paidhorse e
en-
tered for the same,' and As to the weights to bcarried„, as the
stewards of the Jockey Club at Newmarket Wray!rotn time to
•
time determine. , 3.' That'll 'wry action, bill,Pi IL, o
_a1.1,,.r i nforma-
tion to be brought or commenced by virtu! of act, over
and above the Penalties and forfeitures to be
recovered the
plaintiff or-informer shall recover his or her double costs,,