The Express.
London, England, 1864-06-21 00:00:00

IMPERIAL PARLIAMENT.

HOUSE OF COMMONS.—(THIS DAY.)
The anew took the chair at half-put 12 o'clock.
PRIVATE BUSINESS.

The following 1;i1la were read a third time end paned
Lanomater Canal Transfer; London and North Western
Railway (Additional Powers) ; London (City) 'Mhos ;
North Staffordshire Railway (New Works) ; North Stafford-
shire Railway (Silverdale, )adeley, and Drayton) ; Sheffield
Waterworks (Bradffold Inundation) ; South Wales Mineral
Railway ; Swansea Vale and Neath and Brecon Junction
Railway Tucatall Railway ; Wellington and Drayton Rail-
way; Wilts and Glonometershire Railway.

COURT OF CRANCERY (IRELAND) BILL.
The house west into eceomittee on this bill.
ILA sitting.]

EUROPEAN BANE.-(THIS DAY.)

A special meeting of shareholders was held at
1 o'clock this at ternooo, at the Loudon Tavern, Mr. C. B.
COLCHESTER in the chair, "for the purpose of declaring a
dividend."

The 61•111.11111 said in the ordinary course of events the
shareholders would not have been called together till after
the end of the financial year, which would be the 31st of
August ; but the amalgamation with the English and Irish
Bank had rendered that course necessary. In consequence
of that amalgamation the board were not in •
position to present a report or balance-sheet ; but the
directors had recommended that a dividend of 15a. per
share, being at the rate of 14 per cent. per annum, should
be declared. That dividend would leave • consider-
able balance in hand. A very satisfactory statement
would no doubt be preempted after the 31st August,
and • further dividend then be declared. The
business of the bank generally was, he was happy to say,
Ceiog satisfactorily, the board was enabled to select the
ctents, and the foreign branches were in • prosperous
condition. He concluded by moving a declaration of an
'interim dividend of 15s. per share, payable on the 6th of
July.
The motion having been seconded, was carried unani-
measly.
The CHAIRMLIf added that as many opportunities for
advantageous amalgamations presented themselves the
shareholders would shortly be convened for the purpose of
authoriaine ao lacrosse of capital.
The proceedings terminated with a vote of thanks to the
chairman and his colleagues.

SOUTH AUSTRALIAN BANKING COMPANY.

(THIS DAY.)

This afternoon the twenty-third annual general
meeting of this company wan held at the officio of the
bank, 54, Broadutreet, Mr. E. Drveer io the chair.
The report, an abstract of which has already appeared,
having been taken as read,
The enatauan, in moving the adoption of the report,
stated that the affairs of the bask were in the most favour-
able position. and be was gratified to state that Mr. Water-
house, tree of the local directors, had arrived from Australia,
and would be prepared to give them all the information in
his power respecting its progress in the colony.
Mr. Wsraaaoosz, in seconding the motion, stated that
the whole colony of South Australia was in a most r-
ow condition, in consequence of the fine harvest t ey had
had. The increased value of breadstuff in South Australia
was no less than half a million sterling, which was equal to
throwing an additional capital of some 70 millions into this
country. No doubt the great abundance would give rise to
speculation : but the local directors were prudent men, and
would take ample securities for any advance for mining or
other purposes. (Hear.) There was also a large and'pow.
big trade with India—especially in the exportation of cop-
per, of which 200,0001. worth were exported last year, and
it was probable that in future India would obtain the whole
or nearly all its copper from South Australia. The agricul-
tural interest was also flourishing, and much land, at pre-
sent valueless, would be eventually brought under cultirs.
tine.

The report and statement of account@ were then adopted,
and the retiring directors sod auditors r►elected.
Votes of thanks were given to the chairman, board of
directors, sod auditors, also to the local board, and to the
officers of the bank, and the proceedinp terminated.