The Express.
London, England, 1862-11-21 00:00:00

THE DISTRESS IN LANCASHIRE.

LAwtair gave notice that be should move at the next
court that a further aim of 1,0001. should be given by the
corporation in aid of the distress at present existing in lan-
mains. (Hear, hear.)

THE TRAFFIC IN THE CITY.

Deputy Lorr, the deputy-chairman of the Police Com-
mittee, moved the consideration of the bill that had been
already laid before the court, the object of which is to
regulate the traffic of public and other conveyances in the
City of London, with a view to remedy the mannveniences
that at present exist through the overcrowding of the prin-
cipal City thoroughfares. He said that the evils complained
of were increasing instead of diminishing, and it was abso-
lutely necessary that something should be done. He said
that he believed this bill, if carried out, would be attended
with very good effect, and he was ready to give all the in-
formation in his power with reference to the provisions
contained in it.
Mr. SNELLING wished to know whether the bill gave a
power to interfere with and direct the routes of private
vehicles and vehicles used for liminess?
Deputy Lore said that the bill did give a power to inter-
fere in these respects and also rave general powers to do
what might be considered necessary to remedy the great
inconveniences that at present existed, both with regard ti
business traffic and public and private conveyances.
Alderman Copeland expressed his opinion that the pre-
sent law was quite sufficient to effect all that was required
—(hear, bear)—and they bad no right to interfere with the
requirements of commerce, or to throw any impediment in
the way of carrying on the commerce of this great city.
Redid not believe that the legislature would evergrant them
the fresh powers they sought to obtain by this bill, and
therefore he trusted the court would not proceed any fur-
ther with the matter. (Hear, bier.)
Mr. H. L. TAYLOR said he was very glad to hear the ob-
servations that bad just been made by such a practical man
as Alderman Copeland. (Hear, hear.) He believed that if
they did persevere with this bill the whole trading com-
munity of the City of London would be up in arms against
it. What right bad the corporation to give directions as
to the mode in which • man was to carry on his business
(Hear, hear.) For his own part he was pleased to see the
extent of the traffic—it was an honour and a credit to the
City of London, and the corporation would be greatly ex-
ceeding their powers if they endeavoured to interfere with
it. He was anxious to put the extinguisher upon the sub-
ject at once, and he should therefore move, as an amend-
ment, that the recommendation of the Police Committee be
not agreed to. (Hear, hesr.)
Mr. SNELLING seconded the amendment.
Alderman LAWRENCE mid that in his opinion many of
the clauses of the proposed bill were most objectionable,
and he should therefore cordially support the amendment.
Deputy Josm said he was sorry to differ from his worthy,
alderman, but there could be no doubt that a crying evil
existed, and it appeared to him that it was absolutely
necessary something should be done in order to remedy
that evil. (Hear, bear.)
Mr. S. J. GIBBONS supported the amendment on the
ground that it Yrs, an improper interference with the trade
of the City of London.
Deputy Emicrrr said be was sorry to find that the
trading interest was not willing to give up a small portion
of its privileges for the benefit of the public generally, and
he would only observe with reference to the statement, that
the law as it at present stood wu sufficient to meet the
case, that if it were so, it was a great pity that it was
not acted upon, to remedy the terrible state of inconvenience
that existed at present. (Hear, hear.)
After some further observations by Mr. Saunders, Deputy
Bower, and Mr. Pedlar, in opposition to the bill, and from
Deputy Fry and Mr. Rowe, in its favour, the first mentioned
of these gentlemen suggested that it would be advisable to
refer the bill back for further consideration, and not to

reject it at once.
Deputy Lorr replied, and he urged that it was clear the
only opponents of the bill wore the great wholesale houses,
who did not choose to have their convenience interfered
with ; and be contended that the court was imperatively
called upon to do something to effect an alteration of the
present system. If they did not, he could tell them that
the evil was increasing every day, and before long they
would come to a dead block, and would be compelled to take

some steps in the matter. (llear. hear.)
The motion was then put, when the amendment was
declared to be carried. A division was called for, when
there appeared,
For the amendment
Against it
Majority against the bill
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-- • _
The whole of the aldermen present voted in the majority.
Deputy FRY then proposed as soother amendment., that
the bill should be referred back to the Police Committee
for further consideration, with a view to its provisions being
altered and made more in accordance with the feeling of the
court.
This amendment was supported by Deputy Pewtreas and
Mr. Lawley, and opposed by Mr. H. L. Taylor and Deputy
Harrison.
Deputy Lorr expressed his readiness to agree to the sug-
gestion of Deputy -Fry, and with reference to some observa-
tions that had been made by Deputy Harrison, he said be
wished it to be understood that the aldermen bad no power
at present to make any regulations for the traffic of the
City of London.
The amendment of Deputy Fry was then put and carried.