The Daily Times.
Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1860-04-11 00:00:00

LIVERPOOL-PAST. AND PRESENT,

Three centuries—but a short period. in the history of
our country—have wrought stupendous changes in the
once " decayed town of Liverpool." Cities and towns,
Once the pride of the land and the envy of surrounding
communities, have, frOm a variety of changes, fallen
from the pinnacle of fame, and are now scarcely called
to remembrance, save in the recollection of some memo-
rable encounter between a troublesome sovereign and
a contentious people, or in the similarity between what
was once a great emporium of trade in Britain, but now
' the, site of a few wretched houses and an oozy haven;
and some of the ancient seaports of the East, who pos-
sessed the arts [of civilisation at an extremely remote
epoch—who were celebrated for their riches, their
manufactures, and their diffuse commerce. And yet,
this once little fishing village hai become the second city
of England, in point of population and of wealth ; and
has even'provoked the envy of its great neighbour in the
cotton district. Indeed, tke most remarkable feature of
the history of our town is the rapidity with which it
has risen into importance—a rapidity without example
in the history of any other town in the world; and yet
we are daily adding to the immense proportions of our
borough.
Our citizens have a considerable amount of wealth

and with their large fortunes and industry contribute to
the prosperity of their town by using every legitimate
exertion to increase its trade. We can all appreciate
the desire of the opulent to follow the example of the
ancient Romans, who were very sensible of the fact that
when a people increase in wealth they may justifiably
add the pleasures, after having provided for the neces-
saries of life. Anti thus we'find that when Rome was
in its greatest glory, the renowned warrior of Britain—
Caractacus—was carried prisoner there; and, observing
the beauty and magnificence of the buildings of that
proud metropolis of the world, is said to have expressed
great surprise "that the Romans, who had such magni-
ficent palaces of their own, should envy the wretched
cabins of the Britons." The merest schoolboy is
very sensible of the arts used by that great nation
to tempt -the rich to live among them—the breadth
of the streets, the airiness of the public squares,
and the combination of usefulness and elegance in
the buildings—all united to command inhabitants.
And why should not the same rule apply now to Liver-
pool ? They were giants of greatness and skill in those
days of Roman magnificence ; but we moderns are very
unsophisticated in Our attempts at rendering our cities

splendid and imposing. Still, if by the means of our
architecture we have a test from , which we shall be
enabled to infer the comparative cultivation .and pro-
gress. of intellect" amongst us, then we may predict for
Liverpool a high place in the scale of a- refined and
elegant taste"; for, have not our architects in Liverpool
—our Stubbs our Holmes', our Pictons, our Hays',
our Verelsts, our Boults, our Hornblowers, our Nevr-
lands, and many mote most excellent men—by the
beautiful edifices that they have erected in various
parts of the town—monuments, splendid although
simple in design demonstrated that they under-
stood construction as well as effect that they
knew the value of a combination, always most
difficult to effect, of usefulness, and ornament, and that
they have succeeded in nearly every instance in achieving
success ? Our object, however, is not to discuss the
changes and chances by which ancient architecture rose
to its meridian grandeur, then declined with an equal
decline of intellect, and eventually sunk, but happily to
rise again ; it is rather to draw attention to the coin-

parison that exists between the incipient attempts of
architecture in the great bulk of our commorcial edifices,
and the mailed improvement in taste that has manifested
itself recently in that respect. The noble suites of offices
that have been erected in Water-street, Chapel-street,
Dale-street, Oldhall-street, and thereabouts; the-splendid
establishments of Messrs. Elkington and Mason, and of
the spirited proprietois of Compton House, Messrs.
Jeffery, Morrish, Jeffery, & Co., in Church-street, are
amongst late instances of what has been done in quick
'succession to grace our principal thoroughfares.
,Within the last few tnonths, 'indeed, very much has
been done towards the- architectural embellishment of
Church-street,' by the erection of a superb building for
the rapidly extending business carried on at Compton
Hoise ; nor can we conceal from ourselves the fact,
that the Corporation, by the erection of the new public
offices in Dale-street, will do an infinite service to the

Own, especially in that particular locality. A densely
populated area, covered by narrow streets and filthy
hovels, the abodes and haunts of 'depraved and lawless
characters, will be swept of its contaminating influences,
and spacious and handsome buildings (the plans of
which the public have had an opportunity of inspecting
fqr themselves, and of which we have already given an ela-
borate description) will most probably be shortly erected.
Of the new premises in Church-street, built by Messrs.
Jeffery, Morrish, Jeffery, and Co., •it may not here be
uninteresting to say a few words on the planning, erect-
ing, and finishing of the undertaking. The premises
known as Compton House now extend along Basnett-
street to Leigh-street, and occupy a space of about
3,222 yards ; and an altogether new branch of business
has been introduced—namely, cabinet-making, uphol-
stery, and general fnrnishing. The magnificent front
which opens into Basnett-street has been universally
admired. It is of the Corinthian order, the pediment
being supported by four freed three-quarter columns,
the caps and architrave elaborately enriched and orna-
mented, and the spaces between the columns filled up
with large squares of glass: The interior is in accord-
ance with the exterior, and is filled up with.
halls, galleries, &C., above all of which rises an
elevated dome. Beneath are suspended three
elegant chandeliers, which light the whole building.
in the evening, producing a most dazzling effect. The
floors are covered with rich carpeting, and in the
windows is displayed a variety of articles, of the most
choice design and beautiful workmanship. The new
portion of this monster establishment will, we believe,
be opened for business on Monday next. The style
adopted is a free adaptation of the Italian, and corn-
prises a frontage of 55 feet, which is carried up five
stories, or 60 feet above the level of the street line, the
whole being. executed with stone from the Grinshil
Quarries, Shropshire. In architecture, we are told,
there are two general rules with respect to buildings of
this kind. One rule, dictated by utility, is that they be
firm and stable ; another, dictated by beauty, is that they-
also appeai• so ; and thus the pleasing emotions of beauty's,
realised. blow, Mr. Thos. Haigh, of Liverpool, who bas
been both the architect and builder, in this case has,
certainly acted up to the general rnie that every. building
Should be adapted in appearance and style to, the purPose
for which it is erected.' The. front of the gronnd floor
consists of massive polished bronze supports relieved with
bright brass. The heads of the windows and entrance
to this front are of elliptical form; and their spandrils
are enriched with scroll ornaments in bold relief. The

frlexp is bronze also, panelled
.and 'moulded, the
uames of the pfqprieturs I.lolg introduced thereon in
projecting letters. The plates of glass ill this front are
of larger dinierisions than hitherto used for similar pur-
poses. The first fluor will also be devoted. to business,
and consists of a range of segmental-headed windows,
having moulded and carved suppoils and archivolts, and
crowned with an enriched and panelled string course,
on which is inscribed the name of the establishment,

" Compton Houie." The second and third floor windows
have panelled' pilasters, frieze and cornices, moulded
ftrebitraves, and trips blocks. &Tie qqd ornamental
ifo4 iialcoiiies are attached to these windows; the front
is surmounted bybOld projecting cornice carried on
trusses, and the whole finished with a panelled nAdoPen
balustrade parapet.
We shall now briefly glance at the—internal arrange-
ments
.of the building ; and hara we may safely pro.,
nounce this a sumptuous edifice. One was very much
struck With the large.size of the principal rooms, which
are well proportioned to the 'size of the whole. The
internal arrangements of the buildings, on the basement,
ground, and first floors, are entirely appropriated to
business purposes, and occupy thrOughout the premises
411 411 of 4,10 q square yards= whilst the vortion applied
te-, domestic iise covers a spate of I.lpvirsirds of 6„ooqyairds.
Some idea of this extent May lie formed by the iinpro-
fvssim4l reader, if we state that, if reduced to a pavement
three feet-wide, pip affSitifBs pOrtiOn alcq would extend
three miles, ar from thvgkohaage t4e,Old Swan.
ThC domestic portion, if added, starting from the same
point, would reach the extreme 'end of Waterloo, a dis-
tance of six miles.

And' speaking of the domestic portion of the new erec-
tion bids us remember that the chief object of human
concern being health, pleasure, and convenience, these
three excellencies, have been studied with careful atten-
tion by the architects. Indeed there can be no doubt
but that, by the erection of this noble building, Messrs.
Jeffery, Monist', Jeffery, and Co. have done au infinite
service' to humanity, because the workpeople whom
they employ are numbered by hundreds ; and it -is a
source of but too common complaint that the business
establishments of our towns are most unwholesome.
This portion of the building contains a large; spacious,
ant well-ventilated library, which, in addition to being
well supplied with newspapers and the more enduring
periodical literature of the day, will be enriched with
upwards of 2,000 volumes of standard works, embracing
every department of science. Sitting-rooms of capacious
dimensions-and elegance are provided for the buyers and
superintendents—young men, young ladies, and appren,
tices respectively. And a commodious and superior room,
specially erected, is added as a smoking-room. Each
floor contains baths, &c., plentifully supplied with, hot
and cold water; all of which have- for their object the
improvement and elevation of the habits and character of
the young people employed. The interior decoration is
simple and chaste, the aim of the design throughout hav-
ing been the production of an edifice partaking more of
they " business and domestic" than of ornate character.
The rear of the new part of
.the building is lighted by a
well of, ample dimensions, 25 feet square and 62 feet
high, the upper portion of which is glazed with ground
and polished glass, and finished with a lantern light.
We may be pardoned here for reverting to the earlier
portion of our notice, for nothing can be more dis-
agreeable than to see a great glare of light in one part
of a roopl and. to End another part certainly in a strong

shade. It is one of the great merits of this magnificent
structure that the windows are in proportion
to the dimensions of the rooms they are
intended to illuminate, and have a very pleasing
effect upon the eye ; indeed, there is an entire
absence of all deformity caused by an unequal distribu-
tion of light. The principle of artificial lighting is by
sunlights, and every attention has been paid to ventila-
tion. The whole building will be heated by steam
pipes, and, in a word, we 'may say that every modern
improvement that can add to the comfort and con-
venience' of the public, the supporters of Compton
House, and the employits of Messrs. Jeffery and Co.,
will be introduced.

'Liverpool in the past was great, in the present she is
great, and we must predict for her a future of magni-
ficence that shall win the admiration of all who pass
through her ample and splendid thoroughfares. That
future will be the result, to a greirt extent, of private
enterprise and munificence, such' as that , which has
shone so conspicuously in the case of the spirited
proprietors of Compton House.

SHIP DAWN OF HOPE.

(From the Melbourne Argus.)

This celebrated Black Ball ship, 1,214 tons, George
M'Kie, commander, which sailed from this port on the
18th of October last, arrived lately at Melbburne. She
experienced generally very fine weather throughout the
passage, except on the Bth January, in lat. 44 deg. 14
min. S., lon. 105 deg. 15 min. E., when she encountered
the last of .a hurricane, which continued' about four
hours. Every preparation, however, was made for it,
and she did not sustain any damage.
The cabin passengers consisted of Mr. and Miss Tate,
Mrs. Sinclair and family (2), Miss, Dolan, Captain H.
Morwick, Mrs. Morwick, and child, Miss A. Wright,
Rev. Mr. Begg, Rev, Mr. White, Messrs.. D. M'lntyre,
G. Barton, Dr. Rochlitzk ; and 200 in the steerage.'
W. H. Cheyne, Esq., surgeon. Bright Brothers & Co.,
agents.

The following testimonials were presented to the
captain before landing :

January 27, 1860.
•
To George M'Kie, Esq., captain of the ship Dawn of
Hope.
Sir,—We, the saloon passengers, fully appreciating
the benefits you have conferred upon us during this

voyage, are desirous of expressing our gratitude in such

a manner as may be acceptable to you. We are con-
scious that to you, chiefly, we owe our relief from the
many anxieties and discomforts incident 'to a voyage of
so many thousand miles. We may be allowed to remark
that we have frequently taken notice of your devotion

.
to your duties, your anxiety, your 'watchfulness, and
caution, in the management. of the ship; and seeing
these, we have felt that, to you, uuder God, we are

indebted for such a pleasant and comfortable voyage.
' Although, from the frequency
,of light winds and
continued calms, our passage cannot be reckoned among
the sliortest,lyet we have not felt it long; and we feel
assured that in similar circumstances there is no other
captain who could have made a 'shorter passage. We
have also had experience of your watchfulness and skill
in regard to the storm which overtook, µs on, the morn-
ing of the 18th of this month. Our escape, without
any loss or dathage, is, under God, entirely owing both
to your having the ship prepared for it, and to your
knowledge of the laws of these storms, ,
Your desire for our individual comfoxt, your' kind
sympathy, and your gentlemanly manners have given
you a lasting place in our respect and esteem.
In an addiess of ibis kind it would be culpable neglect
did we forget to mention your officers, Mr. Geale and
Mr. Morrison; whose faithfulness in the discharge of
their 'duties has not escaped our notice, and whose'
continued courtesy and kindness have merited our grati-
tude and respect; and also your whole crew, who have
shown so much civility and devotion to duty.
In closing this address to you; sir, permit us to
mention Mrs. .M4Kie, of whose disinterested kindness
and sympathising manners we all have had thefullest
experience.

WiShitig that you and Mrs. M'Kie may long enjoy
health and prosperity, and be 'the !Ileitis of conferring
upon others the same courtesies that you have shown
to us,'

We remain yours very respectfully,
Mrs. Sinclair, Duncan M'lntyre,
Grace Sinclair, 11. Morwick, -
Ellen Tate, D. Rochlitz Kalmark,
Charlotte Dorian, George Henry Barton,
Annie' Wright, Edward H. Tate;
Elizabeth Morwick, William E. White,
Andrew Begg, T. A. Sinclair.

Ladies and Gentlemen,—To one in such a position as
it has pleased God to place me during the last few
months, surrounded by dangers, with the lives of so
many under my care, and the anxiety of navigating a
ship over so many thousand miles, it is indeed a great
gratification to find that we are so near the end of our
voyage without a single mishap, and with a ship per-
fectly sound, and all the passengers in the enjoyment of
good health ; but how much is this gratification increased
by the additional pleasure of receiving from you an
address so kind and so complimentary as that which I
have just now had the honour of hearing read. I am
not conscious of having done anything to merit such an
address. It has always been my care to do my duty to
all the passengers, as well as to the owners; but, as it
has pleased you to express your 'gratitude in such a
manner, allow me to return you my warmest thanks.
Your kind approbation of the conduct of my chief
officers, Mr. Geale and Mr. Morrison, must be -to those
gentletnen, as it is to myself, exceedingly gratifying,
also your mention of lily crew ; and in their name, and
in the name of the' crew; I thank you.
For the complimentary manner in which you have been
Pleased to speak of Mrs. MlCie, I beg you to accept our
grateful thanks.
I cannot conclude without thanking Dr. Cheype for
the manner in which he has discharged the duties of vice-
chairman at this table, as well as for his readiness and
kind attentions to every passenger who stocd in any need
of his assistance. ,

•
With heartfelt thankfulness to Almighty God, who
has in his watchful Providence brought us safely thus
far on our voyage, let me, in anticipation of a safe and
successful landing, bid you farewell. And may each of
you enjoy a full share of happiness and prosperity in
these new and'rising colonies; and I trust
_that here-
after, whenever you recal this Toyage to, mind, you will
not think it too much to bestow a kind, thought on the
Dawn of Aope, and on
Your gratefq savant,
QKR,GkE MCK.tr.

To George M'Kie, Esq., Captain of the ship
Dawn of Hope.
- -Sir,—We, passengers on board this ship, beg to take
this opportunity of returning ow thanks to you for the
ability you have, by the goodness of God, displayed in
navigating the ship from Liverpool to Melbourne,
where in a few days.we hope to arrive.
We have much cause for congratulating ourselves
and the owners of the ship for the good fortune which
placed you in your. present difficult position, and im-
posed upon you the disagreeable duty of pleasing every
one—wherein, we believe by your urbanity and 'readi-
ness at all times to afford redrm fay. Tay grievance
properly brought beffi.e kup, ou b,ave, eucceavoured,
and certainly deserived to, qucced..
It N.y91114' be neglectful in us Were we to close this
addieas withent a warm, epTession Of thanks to your
chief officer Mr. Oeale., wlin las in his. intercourse with
us heen always IFind and polite while endeavouring to
act fairly between the ship, and the passengers ; nor
will we forget pour- second Wito htx.Morrison, the kind
good-natured huutawutu, find 'be well-conducted crew
of the ship.

Wishing you and them a safe voyage home, and every
success in life,

We are, sir, :your obedient servants,
(Here follow 1(1.IQ, sii,snMtges,)

ott mewors. of the ship DAwn of liope.
The testimonial which you have now presented to, me
affords me very greO pleasnre smd gratiii.cation.. It
conveys the expression of yonr esteem and grateful
regards for the services which I have had the privilege,
as well as the pleasure, of conferring on you; I sin-
cerely thank you for this expression of • your kindness,
and it will always give me pleasure to think that I have
teen the means in any way of contributing to your
passage, when comp red
413,9eil1:1q;Onft
light
9wrti.ensdtil
comfort during a voyage of so many thousand 4414 q.
the
The
experienced are taken into
conanclys itsdheeeertnamt iaaonnl;:nellealgulese:hCaalTi have experienced
that with} s och d
vantages, one of the shortest passages eould not be made.,
still, you must all have frequently noticed the steadiness
and comfort of this ship, which behaVed in the little
badweather we have had better than most ships do in
fine Weather.
You will also feel, as I do, grateful to the God of
Providence for such pleasant weather, and for the general
good health of all on board,
Ii also gives me very great pleasure to learn from
your address that my officers and crew have by the dis-
charge of their duties merited your esteem and grati-
tude. In their name I thank you for the recegtlitm of
their services,
I also feel gratified at having obtained the services of
such an experienced surgeon as Wm. A. Cheyne, Esq.
whose kind attentions, skill, and abilities you have expe-
rienced, and whose gentlemanly manners have gained
the, esteem and respect of all on board.
With every good wish for the future welfare and
'prosperity of you All, I conclude by again thanking you
for your very kind testimonial. G. Al,Rai.
Ship Dawn of }lope, Jannary 200800.

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LIVERPOOL EASTER VESTRY.

The annual general vestry of the ratepayers of the
parish of Liverpool was held in St.•Nioholas's parish
church at noon yesterday. The Rev. Rector Campbell
presided. The attendance was somewhat smaller than
on previous occasions, and the proceedings throughout
svere orderly, quiet, and decorous.
The accounts, which have already been published by
us, were taken as read ; and they were passed on the
motion of Mr. Bairstow, who congratulated the church.
wardens on the favourable state of the finances.
-Mr. J. W. Cropper was appointed senior church-
warden without opposition.
Mr. BAIRSTow moved the appointment of Mr. Thos.
Smith as junior churchwarden, which was seconded by
Mr. Critchley..
Mr. CROPPER moved, as an amendment, that Mr
Denton be appointed, which was seconded by Mr.
Chalk.
On being put to the vote, Mr. Smith's name was car-
ried. Mr. Chalk demanded a poll on behalf of Mr.
Denton, but ultimately withdrew the request.
Messrs. Tyndall and Livingstone were appointed sides-
men ; Mr. G. Nickson and Mr. T. J. Watkins, church-
wardens of St. John's; and Mr. J. R. Jeffery and Mr.
W. Roberts, churchwardens of St. Paul's.
Mr. CROPPER moved that no church-rate be laid for
present year, but that in place of it a voluntary rate of
a penny in the pound be levied. It had been paid
willingly and handsomely even by dissenters.
Alderman WOODRUFF, in seconding the proposition,
said he did so upon the firm conviction that after a trial
of the voluntary rate in this parish for five years, it had
proved satisfactory to the great bulk of the com-
munity. When the voluntary rate was first
collected, the amount received was only one half
what it had been last year; and if they found the parish
churches were largely attended and kept in better repair,
and that the voluntary rate was paid cheerfully, he did
not know how the most sanguine churchman could wish
such a state of things to be altered. (Hear, hear.) He
firmly believed they had sufficient resources in the
Church of England to maintain their own establishment
unimpaired, outwardly or inwardly. They could do it
without intrenching upon the funds of those who
differed from them; and he trusted there would still be
that spirit of liberality which would always stimulate
the members of the Church of En-gland to put their
hands into their own pockets and pay for that which
was a personal matter between themselves and their
God.

The motion was agreed to unanimously.
Mr. ROBERTS then, moved that the churchwardens be
authorised to expend about £lOO out of the voluntary
rate for supplying stoves, cushions, carpets, , and other
things necessary for the decent performance of divine
worship at St. Paul's Church.
Mr. CROPPER seconded the motion.
Alderman WOODRUFF did not think, that it was a
proper thing to defray out of the voluntary rate, which
was intended for the parish churches only.
Mr. JEFFERY (having been called upon to "say some-
thing" by his brother church Warden, Mr. Roberts) said
they found the church last year in a most deplorable state.
They found the clergymen differing and acting separately
and distinctly, and by no means pulling together. He
was happy to say, however, that that state of things had.
altered. The two clergymen who had to perform. the
duty of that church were now about to act in concert.
They had mutually arranged to officiate together, one
taking the reading-desk, while the other occupied the
pulpit. The Church Extension Committee of this town.
had also taken an interest in the services at St. Paul's
Church, and they had appointed a gentleman to occupy
the pulpit on Sunday evenings. Hitherto the attendance
had been excessively meagre, and any Churchman going

there would have distress of mind to see sucli a noble
edifice so thinly attended—an edifice which had cost thin
community, by a rate of a shilling in the pound at the
time, a sum amounting to £13,000 or £14,90—a noble
building, capable of accommodating from 1,800 to 2,000
persons. The attendance had been down as low as 44
during the past year, and at the highest 130. Since
the appointment of the gentleman to do duty on Sunday
evenings, the congregation had already doubled itself.
Re could not object to part of the voluntary rate being
expended, as proposed, on St. Paul's, if the public were
made clearly to understand it. Speaking for many dis-
senters, provided the Gospel was preached under that,
roof, and such an example was set as ought to be set by
ministers professing to be followers of Christ, the dis-
senters generally would be happy indeed that so much
of their contributions should be appropriated to the
requirements of St. Paul's.
The CHAIRMAN suggested that the resolution should
be worded thus :—That the churchwardens be requested
to assist out of the voluntary rates in the maintenance:
of St: Paul's Church, in such things as could not be
paid out of the parochial rate.

Mr. URQUHART objected to the voluntary rate ever
being applied to any but parish churches.

Mr. BRAXELL should like to know whether Mr. Ur-
quhart had ever paid anything towards the voluntary
rate. (Laughter.)
Mr. K. LIVERSEDGE was in favour of the proposition,
if it was not to form a precedent.
Mr. HAIGH, as a dissenter, would pay the voluntary
rate, and support the proposition. (Hear, hear.)
The CHAIRMAN said he was glad to hear that many
dissenters paid the rate ; but he was sorry to hear that
some who ought to be his friends did not pay it. The
rate, in this parish, always really was voluntary; it had
never been a compulsory rate in Liverpool, to his mind ;
Nobody ever was compelled to pay it. He did not be-
lieve that dissenters generally entertained anything like
enmity towards the Church. After all, the Church
ought to be, and he trusted they were, a valuable body
of men to the whole community. it bad been his wish
to tender all the service he possibly could to the whole
community, whether they belonged to the Established
Church or not and he ventured to say that a consider-
able portion of his time was employed in rendering ser-
vices just as valuable to dissenters as to members Rf t?he
Established Church. He wished, with a hilt heart
and soul, to live on the best temk of friendship. and
amity with all the paritsbioAers, whether they belonged
to the Established Church or. not. (Hear, hear.)

The motion, as, suggested by the. Chaikraan, was
agreed to.,
On the motion of Mr. et appo, a, tate of a farthing in
the pound was laid towards the completion of Walton
parish cemetery; and as to the, parochial rate, it was
estimated that the u.saal halfpenny rate would he the
assessment for the ensuing year,

Mr.; George Nicksou aid Mr. Thomas Wylie were
appoiUted assessors, and the collectors were re-appointed.
The, confiroaatiou of Mr. Edward Byford was carried
unanimously,
Mr. CROPPER moved Mr. John Lightbound in the
place of Mr. Archer, who had been disqualified by
reason of non-attendance.

Mr. CHALK proposed Dr. Whittle as an amendmm\t,
but meeting with no seconder, Mr. Liglitb,oußA was
declared elected.

Mr. Francis Lee Jones was elected a. member of the
Vestry in the plaou og• Mr. T. H. Satchell, who had
been apP4;trecA overseer.; and the- following gentlemen
were alo, elected• :—Messrs. Ambrose Byford, Joseph
Cafferata, Josepb Hughes, Qearge Melly-, Henry J.
Syred, and Sam* GOodaere,

The following report in reference to the dock-rating
question waa salunitted
"The Churchwardens and Overseers, to whom was
entrusted by. the parishioners, in general vestry
wisigpilled, on the 6th day of April, 1858, the volun-
tary rate then allowed, present the following report,
with reference to the present state of the dock-rating
question, together with a statement of their accounts.
"In the Parliamentary session of 1857-a, 4\ bit' was,
at thei instance of the then ChurchwuAen,a and o,ver-
seers, laid before the House o.t 09Mm9P.s, Which had for
its object the rating of Vic lover/Jo:Ai docks. This was
subsequently ahagonek it being considered by the law
advisgii of the Ruh to, be a preferable course-Ist. To
endeavour, to, obtain the insertion, in the dock bills then
before • Parliament, of 4 rating clause; and, 2nd. To
again bring Ware the superior courts the question .as to
the rateability of the (leeks. The, application for the
insertion of a rating clause was negatived by the Par-
liamentary committee, but the churchwardens and over-
seers were successful in obtaining the introduction of a
clause in the Mersey Docks Consolidation Act,
.to the,
effect that nothing in that act contained should .akect
the rateability of the estate. The question Y4ks then
raised by action. In the summer o 1,858, proceedings
were taken agaioo‘st the Mersey bock Board for payment
of that Xca.V.S raAe, theft due. A warrant was obtained
and seizure made; upon which the board commenced an
action of replevin against the ohurchwardens and over-
seers. 'This aetiau is still pending, and the church-
wardens awl overseers regret that, although they have
made every effort to expedite the settlement of the
question, they have, as yet, been unable to obtain a
decision.
" Shortly after the Dock Rating am was abandoned,
the corporate and parochial authorities, in many loca-
lities in which large Government establishments are
situate, commenced an agitation for the purpose of
bringing such establishments within the area of rate-
ability; A Select Qgmmittea of the Rouse of Commons
was appointed to consider the qpestion, and they report-
ing unanimously in favour of rating all property,
whether in the occupation of Government or of public
companies, the Government undertook to bring in a bill
embodying this principle, _ As it was not certain that
the tiovernment bill would cover the case of the Liver-
Taal Dock Estate, it was considered advisable to again
apply to Parliament, in the last session, for power to
rate both it and the property in the occupation of the
Town Council; and, accordingly, the churchwardens
and overseers, in co-operation with the corporate autho-
rities, and the overseers of Toxteth-park and Icirkdale,
introduced a bill for the purpose. T* hill was lost on
the second reading, ostentlibly on the .ground that the
question was 4411 Pending ill the la,w courts, and that
the Government measure, haying reference to the rating
of public property generally, was at that time before
the Douse.
" The bill introduced by the goyerument was, after
being read a second time, abandoned by them, in con-
sequence of the combined resistance of the manufactur-
ing interests, the Mersey Dock Board, and the trustees
Of charitable institutions. But the Government have so
far conceded the principle involved as to grant from the
public revenue large sums in aid of the rates in those
districts in which the large naval and military establish-
ments of the country are situated.
"The churchwardens and overseers are glad to be
able to state that they have' succeeded in obtaining

rates from the dock trustees in respect of certain of the
' permanent berths,' or such portions of the estate as
are appropriated to the exclusive use of mercantile
firms."

Mr. CROPPER moved that a halfpenny dock rate be
laid in the present year again, as proceedings in the
matter were still pending.

Mr. Scorr seconded the motion, which was agreed to
unanimously.

A vote of thanks to the rector for presiding brought
the proceedings to a close.

ENGLISH OPERA AT THE THEATRE

ROYAL.

"Dinorab," as we anticipated, attracted a large
audience. The theatre was crammed, and the audience
appeared pleased; but if we were not critical we should
be nothing; at the same time, it would scarcely be fair
to pronounce an unfavourable_ opinion on the work of a
celebrated composer, whose style is learned and elaborate,
on the first hearing, we therefore confine ourselves to
a record of our own first impressions, and the manifested
feelings of the audience. The overture struck us as
peculiarly unmeaning and ineffective, rind it 'certainly
produced no effect upon the audience. The opening
chorus, or rather the chorus before the opening—for it
is sung before the curtain is drawn up, as if it were part
of the overture,—is pleasing, but nothing more. It
recurs at the end of the opera with better effect, but
does not appear to be of either original or striking
character. The opera, strictly so to be called, that
is, after the curtain rose, dragged its slow length
along, until, in the second act, Miss Pilling sung the
goatherd's song, which is of very agreeable character,
and was executed with great taste and expression.
More than one bouquet was thrown to her, and the
song was called for again, when she repeated it with
equal effect, and brought down more applause and more
bouquets. After this the opera again lagged till the last
few bars, when the opening strain was repeated with
advantage. As an opera, the impression upon us was
most unsatisfactory, and certainly, except in the case of
Miss Pilling, to which we have referred, no enthusiasm
was excited .by the music. Mr. Harrison's acting, and
Miss Pyne's elaborate execution, kept up what interest
was taken by the audience, which certainly was not
excessive. We reserve any other particular criticism
until we have heard the opera again, as we presume i
will be repeated.