The Daily Times.
Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1860-11-23 00:00:00

xotk: SCOTIA istoikEtTle,

The followiwi teWerS were redeirimeriderfor accept..
ance :—For supply 7 of shovels, Messrs'. 14(Nielipi and
Co.; sheet iron, Messrs. Walker, linrker, and d 0..;
white grease; Mr. William Carson, and Messrs. 'Backer
arid' Co. f.and Huyton flags for Stanley Dock Ware-
houses; 'Mr; Thoniai,Thackeray, It was also recom-
mended that the tenders. of J).tessis. Henry Pooley and
'Co. be accepted for the constri'ctio'n' of three twenty-ton
weighing machines for the coal hoists at Birkenhead, at
the cost of £6B each.
Mr. MASON, secretary, read the heads of a report of
the sub-committee on the revision of the rents and tenures
of the Nov.a . Scotia property. The present rents, it
appeared, ametinted to £3,822; the proposed rents will
be £6,872. With reference to the Manchester Basin, in
the occupancy of the Duke of ,Bridgewater's trustees,

it was recommended that the use of acovered berth, and
Of three other berths along the quay, be granted to the
Birkenhead Railway Company. It was also recom-
mended that the working of the gates and entrances be
left under the charge of the Bndgewater Trustees at
present, and' suggested that the Railway Company pay
at the rate oC one-fifth of the actual expense ; the whole
of the tenancy of the Nova Scotia property to be subject
to removal on six months' notice. It was recommended
further that the Duke of Bridgewater's Trustees work
the space in the Egerton dock at Birkenhead, now used
by the Birkenhead Railway Company, at a charge of
£lO per week, subject to discontinuance on fourteen
days' notice.
A letter, it appeared; had beet received by the com-
mittee, enquiring the rent at Which land would be let
for the storage of coal near. the Great Float ; to Which
a reply had been given that the committee were not yet
able to fix it.

A letter had also been received from Mr..E. IVatkin,
manager of the Manchester, Sheffield, and Lincolnshire
Railway, applying for accommodation for that company
oh the margin of the Great Float ; to which an answer
had been sent that the committee would be glad to afford
him an interview:

Mr. BROCKLEBANk hairiVg ntoTed the confirmation
the proceedings,
_ _

- ,
'Mr. BOULT should like to ask for some further it/for-
mation as to the Manchester basin. He could not
gather from the report that they were to get for it any
increased rent at all.
The CHAIRMAN stated that there would, as proposed,
be a largely increased rental; but he thought it was
not desirable, in that stage.of the proceedings, that they
should discuss the separate amounts.
Mr. BROCKLEBANK said the sub-committee of works
had gone carefully into the enquiry, with the view that
an equitable rent might be fixed for the property. He
did not say that the rents which they had fixed might
not be subject to slight modifications, but they thought
that they bad taken a fair value of the property in
fixing the rental. Ris remark appertained to the
different tenements, which in number were about 118,
on the estate. With respect to the Manchester basin,

the board were perfectly aware that there had been an
issue as to the occupation of the basin between the
Duke of Bridgewater's Trustees and the Birkenhead
Railway Company. When that property came out of
lease, which it did a year ago, the Birkenhead Railway
Company applied for 'an independent location, stating
that they were in the habit of paying the Duke's
trustees more than the board had been receiving for the
rental of the property. The Duke's trustees.denied
that allegation. They stated that the inconvenience of
having that Ibinpany working in their basin was so
great, that instead of A profit, they had made a loss ;
and they had offered to submit their books to any
respectable person who might wish to examine
them, to. see who was right. ,The, board were aware
that a ' mass of documentary evidence, as well
as oral, had been submitted to the Com-
mittee of Works upon this subject, which had stood
over perhaps longer than was desirable; but it was
impossible to come to a decision sooner, as memorials
were coming in first from one body, and then from
another. This, though a small matter in itself, showed
the great importance which all the carrying companies
attach to having water-side accommodation; and it did
seem to him, speaking for himself, it was going to be a
question which would considerably embarrass the board.

(" Hear, hear " from the chairman.) As those present
were aware, trey all pressed for central accommodation,
—that it should be as near to the centre of the docks as
possible. They possibly might accommodate them to
some extent at the south : they had done so at the north ;
but the London and North-Western and the Great Wes-

tern Railway Companies, in fact all, pressed to be as near
the centre as possible. The board were aware that the
London and North-Western were tenants of the basin'
of the Shropshire Union Compauy, which was one of
the tenancies they were now dealing with. The Great
Western Railway had the Trafford Dock, of which it
made little use ; it was accommodated also in the Duke's
Dock. The Birkenhead Railway Company was the only
railwdy c4mpany which had not such accommodation;
but the Duke's trustees allowed them to work in their
basin. Well,.they having applied for an independent
position, the Committee of Works came to the determi-
nation that they should have an independent location at
a relit something in proportion to what they were about
to charge the Duke's trustees for the premises which
they occupy. They had had many representations
from the Duke's trustees of their increasing trade,
of the expense which they were going to in prosecuting
a trade, which they said was done in opposition to the
railway companies—an, independent trade. They had
been accused of holding. a monopoly of the business,
but he (Mr. Brocklebank) considered that .it was the
railway companies who were the great monopolists.
(Hear, hear.) And if they curtailed their accommoda-
tion to - the carrying companies, they threw a greater
monopoly into the hands of the railway companies.
(hear.) What he wanted fiir the benefit of the com-
merce of Liverpool was to get an opposition in carrying,
if he possibly could; but how that was to be brought
about, unless they did give accommodation to the water
carriers, he could not see. Well, with respect
to
,the working of that dock, the committee called
'upon the.barbour-master to give a report as to the pro-
bable cost of working it, provided the board took it into
their own hands. That, they found, could not be done
for less than £250,000 a year. The dock was worked
much more economically by the Diike's company; and,
from the evidence before them, it was worked more
sa,tisfactoriif by their own people, under their own
control, than it could possibly be worked by the officers
of the board. They had, therefore, come to the conchi-
sion that it was desirable to allow the Duke's trustees to
work the dock ab they had hitherto done; but allowing the
railway company, at a certain rent, to have an independent
location there, so that they could work their own traffic
if they thought proper. The board were aware
that since the report was made, the Birkenhead Railway
had passed into the hands of the London and North-
We!tern and Great 'Western Companies ; and those
having
local accommod'ation already, it was perhaps less
necessary that they should have that accommodation in
t.he Manchesterbasin which even' they were offering to
them now. (Hear, hear.) Many of the carriers by
water were anxious to increase their business ; and cer-
tainly the memorials which the board had had before
them would show, in his opinion at least, that it was
not desirable that the space occupied by the water car-
riers should be curtailed for what he considered the
benefit 61' 'the "fail w eu tnpu alto. The Duke's company
had heen'very anxious, to get a location on the other side
of the river. They were aware that a large space was
9Prepriated there for the railway companies—none for
the water carriers—and the board would have to give
serious consideration as to how the water carriers must
P 9 accommodated, for accommodated they must be, in
his opinion. At .present, supposing the railway com-
panies were about to relinquish accommodation' made
for them while the. Great Float was empty, and that
they
Cana return to .their own premises again, the
Committee thought that while it was not necessary to be
taken for the purpose of the works, they would allow
.the spate now occupied by them at the Morpetli Dock
to be occupied by the Duke's trustees. Mr. Brockle-
bank concluded by hoping that the board would confirm
the committee's recommendations.
Mr. BOULT said the remarks of the Chairman of the
Works Committee opened up two questions. The first
Was as to the amount of rent which they were to receive
from the Manche4er Basin. • He did not tell them what
it was to be ; but he gathered from what he said that it
had been arrived at by a rule-of-thumb calculation, not
by the bidding of parties, or putting the thing up to
auction.
Mr. BROCKLEBA.NK wished to correct Mr. Boult. It
bad not been arrived at by any rule-of-thumb calcula-
tion; but it was the calculation of Mr. Hartley as to
the value of the property by the square yard, which he
considered just.
Mr. BOULT—FIow many square yards does the dock
contain ? .
Mr. BROCXLEBANK was not prepared to state precisely.
The OrriritmAN—l would not go into detail,Mr. Boult.
Mr. Bourr still submitted that the committee had not
taken the right way to ascertain the-rent which could
be got, as he should have done if on the committee.
Considering all the circumstances, and the remorseless
manner in which the trade of Liverpool bad been fleeced
by those gentlemen, and considering the insufficient
accommodation received at their hands—for they knew
that within a few weeks the quays had been choked up
with produce, and' the railway companies had not
rolling stock to
'carry it off, or the Duke's trustees
flats enough to carry it away—he said under those
eircuristances those gentlemen deserved no grace or
favour at their hands ; and they should make
every penny they could of them in any legal manner, in
the dettmg of their land. (A laugh.) Now, in respect
to the distinction which had been drawn between rail-
way companies and water carriers,—any carrier, be he
great man or little man, who could show to the com-
mittee that lie was acting on his own foundation, inde-
pendeit of the combination' formed again't Liverpool,
and vith the express purpose of diverting_ trade.
frofn Liverpool to where those railways had branches,
and w.th the view of carrying at a fair and reasonable
rate—that man he should support to the utmost. There-,
fore he thought that the application which- had been'
read fom the Manchester, Sheffield, and Lincolnshire
Company should be listened to with attention, because
be beleved 'they were not in the conspiracy: (A laugh.)
But with 'respect 'to this matter they were making a
great trror, as far as he could understand—that if there
was iidependent action, it was on the part of some of
the niter carriers; and by letting that station at the
Manchester dock to the railway company, they were
in fad strengthening the hands of the London and
North Western and Great. Western Companies, who

had lad a great deal out of them already, for: they
had 4000 square yards of land something like rent-
free, it the other side of the water. Rent was
mone3paid for use of land. Now, the shilling a yard
whichthey were charged would not pay the interest of
the mrney which they had spent in making the land.
That icing the ease, he thought the recommendation to
let beths at the Manchester basin to the Birkenhead
ltailvay Company had better be referred back. It
seemel the chairman of the committee had rather altered
his vim about it ; and under those circumstances he
thought they should keep the control over it in their
own lands. He, therefore, moved that that part of the
procedings of the committee which recommended the
approiriation of the berths in the Manchester basin be
referrd back. .- - _ _ _

Th. CHAIRMAN said, perhaps Mr. Boult did not
notiecthe last item in the recommendation, that the

whole of the tenancies in Nova Scotia were is-F.-,4 sub-
ject to removal on six months', notice.
Mr. Bouvr—They should net.have it.
The CHAIRMAN—Does any gentleman second -Mr.
ifonli's motion ?--(No answer.)
Mr. -,Cf.;014-P--In sancti:ming the letting of the Eger-
tOnlDOok at, flit'll.!eniti•M to the Bridgewater Trust, are
3i?n:g-oiWtO t 4 ti
me Vit;itmliTid- people out, . and put
je!Ptike's people in ? . -•. i

;pis a
FprobjeLfixtriitlrs\aid the ihtentio sufficien

4~ qty
shown in Mt' recomniendation::--IThis the Chairman
read : "That the tft:tcds'of the Nice, of Biidgewater
be allowed to:use the space Offtlie Egerton
..pockat Bir-
kenhead, occupied by the BirkenlreadltailWay Coinpany,
0 soon as vacated by them."
Mr. AltrioldD desired Mr. Breeklebank to P'o'stpiethe the
consideration of the report till next weak, that ;le
board might get further information on the subject.
Mf. LirtitiseA.Lt would also be glad if he would.
Mr. AnNotti did not wish to object; but a good deal
had been kept back from the board:.
The CifsinisfiN-L7Wo will read-the whole of it, if
you like.
LooKrri—lf you will refer to the minutes of the
DAM an quays Committee, you will see that the
Morpeth Doak is to be 'worked hereafter _only as a half-
tide dock.
The CHAIRMAN had no &cite to'keep anything back.
The secretary had given them the total amount of the
rents as they stand now, and the total of the rents as
they should be ; but he did not think it desirable' that
each individual rent, not being quite arranged as yet,
should be discussed at the board.
Mr. BROCKLEBANK said the condition of letting that
space at Birkenhead to the Duke's trustees was, that
they were to be dislodged on fourteen days' notice at
any time, because it was possible it might, be required
at any time for the works, and they really did not know
whether the fake's trust would take it all or not.
Mr. LITTLEDALE—Then the other people will be glad
to remain in it.
This closed the conversation upon the subject. The
report was adopted, arid the other proceedings of the
Works Committee were confirmed.
The proceedings of the Warehouse and Marine Com-
mittees were nest read and confirmed. It appeared from
the latter that some damage had occurred to the sub-
marine era& between the Point of Ayr and Hilbre
Island, and that directions had been given to lay down
a portion of the spare cable on band in its stead.
THE rmollot COMMITTEE.

A. memorial was read from the master pilots of the
port, setting forth that the pilot boats in the discharge
of their duties were subject to frequent collisions, the
effect of which it was important immediately to ascertain,
and they were required at all times to undergo regular
inspection, on which occasions boats had hitherto been
allowed to be, laid on unoccupied gridirons without
chafger They prayed that the exemption might be
continued:
Mr. girmate said there lad been a privilege for yachts
and pilot boats to be on the gridirons in the way
suggested; but' there had been some abuse of it, and
therefore the Docks and Quays Committee had come to
a resolution to charge every vessel lying on them. Now
that would be very detrimental to the pilot boats-, who
never interfered with the business of the gridirons if
engaged. It would be a great impediment to their
operations if they were deprived •of that convenience.
They never had paid anything for them, and they did
not occupy them in the way that vessels do. The object
was simply that they might be surveyed after every
casualty. Ile trusted, therefore, an exception would be
made in favour of the pilot boats.
Mr. Monde/ seconded the motion.
Mr. LOCKETT said the resolution was, that all using
the gridirons should pay, and he could not Sec why the
pilots should not pay. If they got advantage from the
gridirons, be did not see why they could exempt them
more than fishermen. If they made an exemption, it
must be threefold. Yachts did not pay, neither did
fishermen pay; but it was found that they were taking
advantage of the privilege ; and be did not see why
they, should not all pay the same as ether vessels.
Mr. SHAND said the pilots paid no dock dues ; they
were free, from the service which they rendered to the
port. If they went on the gridiron to repair a boat, then
they would pay, but they went on for a mere survey if
any casualty had happened to them. They very often'
could lie head or tail of a vessel already there. They
did it without inconvenience, or intention to interfere
with the occupancy of any vessel which had a right to
lay herself there.
Mr. EVANS considered the pilot-boats as instruments

in the service of the shipping in the port, and as such
they ought to have the priority they asked. It was an
absolute necessity. They were not to be looked at as
we would at the property of alnercantile concern which
was noting for its own interest only.
The CHAIRMAN agreed that the pilot boats should
have priority, but his feeling was, that they should pay
some charge. These pilot boats were private property,;
they paid large, indeed enormous dividends, and the
property descended from a pilot to his executor. It
might be reasonable that they should pay a less charge ;
but he thought some charge should be paid. As to
their real duties in port, they should have a preference
-in all cases; but if the board made no charge, it was
simply making an addition to the profits which the pilot
boats made,—neither more nor less.
Mr. BROCKLEBANK would take a wider view of the
matter. If the pilot boats paid no dock dues, ho thought
it ',mere higgling to make them pay for the gridirons.
He did not see why they should not pay dock dues.
Mr. BOULT said yachts, fishing boats, and flats came
into the docks, and they paid no dock dues ; but if any
of them used the graving docks and gridirons they had
to pay. It was known to the board that their graving
dock property was not a paying property, that it yielded
less return for the money it cost than ary other depart-
ment, and this no doubt,was partly'ewinz to the number
of exemptiOns which they had had. He thought the
pilots ought 'to pay; at the same, time they ought to
have a precedence in the first use of the gridirons when-
ever they 'required them.
Mr. DARBYSIIIRE thought the pilots were entitled to
all they ask, for they merely ran on to look at the
bottoms of their boats, and were off again. He looked

upon the pilots as part and parcel of the dock estate.
The CHAIRMAN thought the principle of exemption
was very bad; but for the small use, they might make
a small charge. -
Mr. LAIRD thought it perfectly right that they should
have priority, but they ought to pay something for the
gridiron—they ought to pay for the time they occupied
it so much per tide.
Mr. MONDEL said the boats were by act of Parlia-
ment the property of the pilots themselves, and though
it was said they paid large dividends they were costly to
those who purchased, therefore the dividend was not so
large as it appeared. Mr. Boult had said the graving-
docks were the, worst- paying part of the estate—that
they did not pay the interest of what had been expended
upon them ; but the gridirons were second to no part of
the estate in reference to the return for their cost. He

though it essential for the interests of the port of Liver-
pool that the pilot-boats, which were so subject to damage,
should have the privilege of going on the slips free of
charge.

Arr. SHAND said they never intercepted any other
vessel. They took the gridiron when no other vessel
could go upon it ; they stopped only a few hours, and
came off with an hour's flood, leaving the gridiron
vacant. Ile trusted they would not higgle about a small
matter of that kind.

Mr. BOULT said there was a regulation that they
should pay, and they were paying now.
Mr. SHAND believed they were not paying. They
said the Dock Trust had deprived them of all their
Beach: . They used formerly to lay themselves down on
a sandy beacb. Now they had occupied the whole with
the dock works, and there was. no place for them.
After some further conversation, it was agreed to
postpone .the .consideration of the matter for a week,
Mr. Shand giving notion of a motion—" That the pilot
boats be exempted from the regulation by which they
are required to pay rutty fui tieing thy t,iiduuuo, and
that they remain free from such charge, as they were
Previous to the passing of it."

• • THE DOCKS AND QUAYS COMMITTEE.
The proceedings of the Committee for the Manage-
ment of the Docks and Quays comprised a recommenda-
tion to remove the hydrants at Waterloo, Victoria, and
Trafalgar Docks from the inside to the outside of the
h;—to erect a transit shed on the quay of the Wel-
lingtonaeds
Dock, to be let to Messrs. Allan Brothers and
Co. for the sum of £350 per annum, rent ;—to issue an
advertisement inviting applications for the two situa-
tions of dock master, now vacant;—to. authorise the
harbour master to use the Morpeth Dock, Birkenhead,
as a half-tide dock for the present.
These recommendations were all confirmed.

THE GREAT FLOAT AND THE DOCKS AZ BIRKENHEAD.
A letter had been received from Messrs. Gibbs,
Bright, and Co., requesting the • withdrawal of the
indemnity required from masters of vessels entering the
Morpeth dock; on which the committee had resolved
that no alteration could be recommended till after the
3rd proximo, when the subject would be taken into con-
sideration.

Mr. LOCKETT called for a letter from the Harbour-
master to be read, in reference to making the Morpeth
dock a half-tide dock. It was as follows :
Harbour Master's Office, 31st Nov., 1860.
Sfit;—l beg to report that the level of the water in the Great
Float is now 10 feet above the level 'of the "Old Dock sill."
The acting-engineer informs me he will require the present
level to be retain-d until the 3rd proximo, after which he
intends to raise the water gradually to 15 feet above the level
of the "Old Dock sill," which will occupy three weeks. On
the let proximo the Float and Egerton D •ek must be worked
to the 10 feet level, to ace,nmnodate the tiftenhead Railway
traffic, consequently all :vessels drawing more than 16 feet
water cannot be taken into the Egerton Dock until the level
of the float is raised•to 15 feet.
As the Morpeth Dock will have to be worked as a half-tide
dock to the Float, I beg to suggest that before a vessel be
allowed to enter the Mprpeth Doek,Ao load or discharge in
that dock, the master or owner be required to sign the indem-
nification book. The same rule is carried out at all the half-
tide docks, for the protection of the board.—l am, sir, your
obedient servant,

Taos. llonosON, Harbour-mastef.
Daniel Mason, Esq., Superintendent.'
Mr. LOCKETT said that with a vessel drawing about
16 feet, that being used as a half-tide dock, the conse-
quence might be if proper care was not taken by obtain-
ing those indemnities, that the estate might be called
upon for any damage done.
Mr. LAIRD said the Great Float certainly could not be
worked without using the Morpeth and Egerton Docks
as half-tide docks. He was going to say something
about the depth of water, but he had spoken to the
Engineer, who said it was requisite that they should go
on cautiously; but in the coarse of three weeks the
=Until there was 22 feetgode
tgpirmoe
eaekt rad I vesselseaprtghe wschooiuluillda be attained, so that in the mean-
The general proceedings of the Docks and Quays
rotnh finishing their tnla et ihr e
oa
rdii) ne
tgh.
could not be fully loaded.
Committee were then confirmed.
MISCELLANEOUS COMMCNICATIONS—TIIE GREAT FLOAT
A.GAIN.
A letter was read from William Price, one of the
sufferers by the melancholy accident which took place
on the margin of the Great Float on the Ist instant, by
which two men were killed. Applicant's leg was broken,
his ankle putout, and his back sprained. lie petitioned
theboard
of
Works.forrelief. The letter was referred to the
Committee
n A letter Herbert,
ar returningessrs. w .
thanks
sfo was
r h
ssuperannuation. nett read from
next
s
A communication w.Mr.'
from
and H. Laird and other parties in the coal trade. It
was to the effect they had noticed that the water had
been admitted into the Great Float, but regretted that
no means had been provided by which they could make
use of the Float to load ships. No rails had been laid
down, and till those were provided, it would be impos-
sible to ship coal. Their trade had suffered great incon-
venience from want of accommodation in the crowded
state of the Morpeth and Egerton Docks for the last
twelve months. They asked for a speedy opening of
the Great Float, access to it by rails, suitable tips for

tipping coals into flats and siliP.; as Wallas the speedy
completion of the hydraulic lifts in progress.
he CilkIRMxN--Perhaps you' will allies, this to go
to the W,tka Committee, and assure the gentlemen, tkat
the board are doing all to forward the works which they
possibly can.
Mr. Bourr asked, in refe4ne,. as' we understood, to
some former communication, v3hht; the' difficulty was
about finding land for coal yards nealthe Float.
Mr. BROcIELETANIC did not think the' Works Com-
Mittee would find any difficulty, ultimately, to ffnd coal
yards for those gentlemen; but at present it was hardly
[
possible to say how and where they would be best
accommodated, . He thought the memorial just read was
a little Unreasonable, because everything was being done
that could he done. They could not lay down rails,—
they could not hat;e 156,00€1 square yards of land in a
day', di' a' month, or six months---nor could they get
from llfessia:' Aimitrong the machines which had been
ordered, within areasouable period, seeing that they had
a patent of them, 'and' could de as they had a mind.
Till those things were sealed; it wag impossible to say
where the coal yards should be locftted. His impression
was, that between the lines of rails thq should have
enough space to accommodate everybody.
Mr. LAIRD thought it was quite clear the acconirLcoda-
tion which the coal trade have in Morpeth Dock might
be given in the Great Float already, if the rails were
laid down, and they could be got from any iron merchant.
By the resolution come to by the Works Committee they
would Virtually stop the trade, because large ships could
not load coal ; but by going on with the rails they
might give them: accommodation in the Great Float
within the nett fortnight.
The letter was referred to the Works Committee, and
the subject then dropped.
The proceedings of the Master Porterage Committee
were next read and confirmed, and this closed the public
business.

LIVERPOOL CHEMISTS' ASSOCIATION.

The fourth meeting of the twelfth session of this
association was held last night, in the Royal Institution,
Oolquitt-street. Previous to the opening of the busi-
ness of the meeting, tea and coffee, with bread and
butter and other necessary and substantial adjuncts,
were supplied to the members ad libitum, to the chemical
properties of which they did ample justice. The chair
was occupied by Dr. Edwards ; and amongst the large
attendance of persons present we noticed W. Brown, Esq.
The first business before the meeting was the election
of members. On the motion of the hon. secretary (Mr.
Thomas D. Walker), which was seconded and carried
unanimously, Mr. William Aylward, of Mount Vernon-
road, was elected a member. The chairman informed
the meeting that William Brown, Esq., had become an
honorary member of the society, an announcement
which was received with loud bursts of acclamation.
Several donations to the library and museum were then
handed in, among which were some crystals of a peculiar
nature, and also specimens of cocoa leaves, a decoction
of which resembled, in its taste and flavour, a strong
infusion of tea. This plant is said to have been, and is
at present, used by the Peruvians, as a mild beverage, in
the same way that European nations use tea and coffee.
The properties of it are sui generic, and they produce
on a person who drinks of a solution of the leaves symp-
toms almost similar to those caused by alcoholic

liquors.
The Chairman announced to the members that the
council would bold its first awersazione. meeting on the
20th of December next, in the Royal Institution.—The
Secretary then called on Mr. Joseph Outram to read his
paper on " Chemical Combinations."
The author of this communication commenced by
making an apology to the meeting for troubling them
with his paper; but still, believing that many of the
articles read before the association on previous occasions
were purely chemical, he thought that there were many
chemical combinations and decompositions left un-
touched, and that a discourse on these would not be
altogether out of place. At the present stage of the
session he felt emboldened to draw up an elementary
paper on the subject. To attempt to show them (the
audience, in a short lecture, the nature and operations
of chemical decompositions and combinations he felt
impossible; but he hoped the few remarks he had put
together would not be found uninstructivc or uninter-
esting to the younger members of the asso-
ciation. Chemistry commenced with the study of
Alchemy, the first writer on which was the cele-
brated Hermes Tresmigistus—a writer of very great
celebrity—who flourished in Egypt in the year of
the world 2076. The study of alchemy was for the
purpose of converting all metallic substances into gold,
by a process of transmutation both tedious and prolix.
Arabia next took up the subject, and an old author of
distinction, named Geber, first compiled a work on the
subject, the style of which, and the terms which he
applied to the carious branches of the science in this
quaint volume, were Unintelligible to any but those
initiated in the mysteries of the art., From this circum-
stance, and from the fact that Geber was the author of
this incomprehensible book of jargon, Dr. Johnson was
led to derive the English word " gibberish "—a term
synonomous with nonsensical and unmeaning talk.
s The lecturer was listened to with great attention, and
afforded both instruction and amusement. A vote of
thanks to the chairmanclosed the business.

Those members that have books or specimens to con-
tribute, or are desirous of reading papers, or exhibiting
articles of interest at any of the meetings of the society,
are particularly requested to give early information to
the secretary.

BA.ZAAIt AT etAIIGIITON.—A public bazaar in aid of
the special mission of the Reformation Society, was begun
yesterday, in the schoolroom of Christ Church, Claugh-
ton. A fine display of useful and ornamental work
graced the various stalls, which were presided over
chiefly by the lady teachers of the school. The day
being fine, there was a very numerous attendance, and a
brisk sale. The amount realised yesterday, however, is
expected to be nearly doubled to-day, when the bazaar
will be continued, and the remaining articles disposed of.

ANNUAL DINNER TO THE ENIFLOYEES OF MESSRS.
J. T. ELLERBECK AND Co.—One of those convivial
reunions between employers and employed, which so
frequently do honour to the extensive shopkeepers and
others of this town, took place on Thursday evening,
in the establishment of the Messrs. Ellerbeck
and Co., Bold-street. A sumptuous dinner was
provided, which was partaken of by the men
and their wives.,:. After the cloth had been
removed Mr. Ellerbeck took the chair, the vice-chair
being occupied by Mr. Murphy, foreinan binder to the
establishment. Among the toasts given were those of
" The Queen," "The Press," and "The Visitors ; "
the latter was responded to by the Rev. Mr. Steinthall.
The vice-chairman proposed the health of Mr. Eller-
beck, which was drank 'with much entlifisiasm, and
duly responded to by the respected chairman. Before
and after supper there was music and dancing, and the
company
." tripped it on the light fantastic tqe" until
about two o'clock in the morning, when the happy
meeting was brought to a close. Throughout the even-
ing merriment and good humour reigned supreme ; the
hospitality of Mr. Ellerbeck was rightly appreciated,
and his efforts to please all were successful in the highest
degree. We have in these columns more than once
expressed our opinion of such gatherings, and each suc-
cessive experience confirms that opinion, that they pro-
mote that fellowship and good feeling between class and
class which-are so essential to the gOod conduct of every
well-regulated 'establishment.

WESLEYAN BENEVOLENT SOCIETY.--The annual
meeting of this society was held last evening in the
Brunswick Chapel, Moss-street. The -meeting-having
been' opened With prayer and singing, Mr. Joseph
)feather was voted to the 'chair. He called upon the
secretary. to read the annual report, which, after setting
forth the object of the society, which was to render help
to the needy irrespective of sect, it proceeded to relate
many. inctanooc in which thn cnointy had boon the. marine
of bringing poor people to God. The treasurer then
read the financial statement, from which it appeared
that the balance in hand last year was £27 7s. 3d. ; this
year it is £29 3s. Bd. The chairman', the Rev.. Mr.
pickenpon, and other gentlemen then delivered addresses,
pointing out the necessity for the society's existence,
after which a collection was made, and the Meeting
terminated.

COUNTY COURT.—Yesterday, before Mr. W. A Hut-
ton, an action was brought by Mr. Benjamin BrOadbent,
cotton dealer, against Mr. Duckworth, for the recovery
of £4O. Mr. Grocotrappeared for the plaintiff, and Mr.
Campbell for the defendant. The circumstances of the
case are rather peculiar. In October, 1858, the de-
fendant received on account of the plaintiff the sum of
£4O from Messrs. Turner and Jackson, of Manchester.
Returning home in a state of intoxication he was robbed
of the money between Lime-street and Manchester-
street. Shortly afterwards the plaintiff brought an
action against Messrs. Turner and Jackson for the debt :
but, in consequence of the present defendant stating that
lie was authorised to receive the money on plaintiff's
behalf, the action was withdrawn. Subsequently plain-
tiff asked the defendant for the money on different
occasions ; but, up to this time, it has not been handed
over. The point in dispute 'legally was—first, had the
defendant been authorised to receive the money,—
secOndly, had he taken as much care of it as he would
have done of his own Money? Mr Campbell submitted
that he had not received:the plaintiff's authority, proving
his allegation by showing that he had not been paid for
his services. As to the other point, he called the
defendant, who stated that he accepted the money from
Turner and Jackson at their request ; and that be had
resisted the robbers. His Honour, commenting rather
severely on the case, gave a verdict for the plaintiff.
TOXTaTH BOARD OF GUARDIANS.—Mr. Alpass pre-
'sided at the weekly meeting of this board, yesterday.
The dther members present were Messrs. John Wilson,
Carter, Henry Leyland, M. A. Johns G. W. Hunter,
N. H. Ogden, Williani Leyland, William Baynes, Jos.
Wilson, J. Moss; A. Miller, Samuel Siddeley. J. B.
Hughes. The governor reported the number of inmates
in the Workhouse last week, to be 349 ; admitted since,
17 ;, discharged, 7 ; dead, 1. This week, 358. The
chairman stated that they had received the £3,000, and
were now in a position to settle with the builders and
Mr. Culshaw. Mr Moss rose to move the addition of
two names to the visiting committee. At the last
meeting he moved for a return of the attendance: of the
members of that committee, which was now produced.
lie said he had on several occasions recorded his opinion
that the visiting committee was of too 'exclusive a
character, and that it did not work well he thought the
return was sufficient proof. He believed several of the
gentlemen on that committee were so engaged in other
puisuits, that they could not find time to attends Two
of.the gentlemen had not attended one of the sixteen
meetings which the committee had held. He thought
those gentlemen should make way for-persons who would
attend, or not oppose the election of two others. Mr.
Hunter had moved j'oi. a return of the attendance at the
meneral Board;
from which it appeared that Mr. Moss
had attended only six times ; but that arose from the
indisposition of certain members of his family, a reason
which he was sure no gentleman would venture to
presume.° He then 'complimented Mr. Alpass and Mr.
Harrison upon their regular attendance at the committee
meeting, and moved the addition to the committee of
Mr. Baynes and Mr. Leyland. The former gentleman
represented the opinions of a large portion of the
inmates, and it was but fair to them
that he should be
.placed upon the committee. Mr. Wilson seconded the
motion. Mr. Hunter, Mr. Johns, and Mr. Hughes,
spoke in opposition to it. The latter gentleman remarked
that it was strange. Mr. Moss should so seldom attend
the board meetings, and when he did attend, it was only
to create opposition. Mr. Moss had no stake whatever
in the-township, and the business could be transacted'
well enough without him. Mr. Miller spoke in favour
of the motion. Mr. Moss then replied, after which the
' motion was put and lost by Bto 6. This concluded the
business.

ECCLESIASTICAL INTELLIGENCE.

BMVEFICES AND APPOINTMENTS VACANT.

RECTORIES:
Bincombe Broadway R, Dorset ; dio Salisbury : val £4Br
with residence : pats Gonville and Caius College. Cambridge
Rev T Dade, dec.
rshtoft, co and dio Lincoln : val £668 with residence : pats,
reps- of the late R, the Rev H Holdsworth. dec.

VICARAGE.
Holine-on-Spalding Moor, co and dio York : val £6OO with,
residence : pats St John's College, Cambridge : Rev C Yate,
dec.

PERPETUAL CURACIES.

Hale, Cumberland : dio Carlisle : val £B2 : pat Earl af Eons-
dale ;. Rev J Fox, dec.
Kender-Church, co and dio Hereford: val £5B: pat Earl of
Oxford.; R.& E L Davies, prom.
Killpeck, co and dio Hereford : val : pat Bishop. at Wor-
cester : Rev E L Davies, prom.
CURACIES.
Marsham, Norfolk : dio Norwich.
Melton, High, co and dio York.
Melborough, co and dio York.
Storrington, Sussex : dio Chichester.