The Express.
London, England, 1850-03-02 00:00:00

EXHIBITION OF L\'DUSTRY OF ALL
NATIONS IN 1851.

The committee appointed by the royal Commission
to advise on " all matters relating to the building," having
received the sanction of the commission, are desirous of ob-
taking from all parties who an disposed to mist them,
suggestions for the general arrangement of the buildings and
minims required for this exhibition. Upon the general
formal the building in plan, the distribution of its par.', the
mode of access, end the internal arrangements and eontriv-
maces, will depend the convenience and general fitneu of such
a building ; and it is upon these points that the committee seek
information sad suggestions, and wish to encourage the most
extended competition in the preparation of plans. The com-
mittee do not propose to offer any pecuniary reward for.
seta plans; they rely upon the desire which men of all
semidries will feel to forward the objects of the proposed
exhibition. The committee think it probable that, when the
pleas are received, they may not be limited to the selection
of any one plan, bat may dens, useful ideas from many ; and
that the best plea may be determined upon by the help of
this general amistauce. As the credit of any such plan will
be due solely to the contributors, the committee propose to
make a report, in which they will acknowledge by name
those whose plans had bun ',holy or p,ruaT adopted,
cat who had afforded the most useful suggestions ; and
the committee hop* to be able to offer such other
honorary distinction to the successful contributors
es the circumstances may appear to warrant. In
order to guide the contributors in the preparation of '
such plans and. designs, and to facilitate the examination
and the comparison of them when freeeired, the committee
have enumerated coacisely; the principal "desiderata " for
such a building ; and have laid dowa certain rules end con-
ditions, to which they earnestly request the contributors to
conform; as the committee will be under the necessity of
abiding strictly by the regulation of not acknowledging any
plans which may be sent in • form inconsistent with these
roles. Copies of the engraved plan of the ground referred
to, may be had on application to the secretaries of the com-
mission, at the New Palace at Westminster.
The rule, and conditions to be 'Wetly observed in prepay 11
leg a ground plan and section of the building to be erected in
Hyde-perk, are
1. The communications from contributors must consist of
• single sheet of paper, not larger than the accompanying
engraving, with • simple ground plan upon a scale of
1.1,000 th of the full size, with such elevations and sections
only of the building, on the same sheet, as may be necessary
Ito elucidate the system proposed—such elevations and sec-
tions not being intended to convey more than • general
idea of the building, end not entering into details
of construction or of architectural decoration—to be
accompanied by a short written clear explanation of
the system recommended, on a sepirate sheet.
Any contributor wishing to send two dnigns must send
separate and distinct communieations, each conforming to
the above conditions. No communications made incon-
sistent with these conditions, or any plan prepared upon a
different scale from that prescribed, an be received. The
plans, dc. must be seat on or before Bth April next,
addressed to the secretaries of the exhibition, New Paiute,
at Westminster, London. It is suggested that the most
convenient mode of prepsnng the plan, elevation, and
section, would be to draw them upon one of the engraved
copies of the plan of the ground which accompany these
instructions.
2. The building is to be erected upon the space marked
A B C D and must not extend beyond the boundaries of
the shaded portion. The maps of trees shown on the plan
must be preserved. The pried* public approaches are by
the roads BIF and H. The read K L will be available
only for foot passengers. There will be no objection to the
formation of crossroads between the two last, U K sad
K L, if the design of the Dallas.: requires it.
3. The roofed portion of the building is to cover a space of
700,000 squire feet, or about 65,000 square metres; and the
whole building must not °soupy, including open spaces, en
area of more than 900,000 square feet, or about 84,000
square metres. The building generally will be of one story
only.
4. No space will be required for cattle, or for shrubs or
flowers.
6. It may be assumed, so far as it affects the ground plan,
that the light will be obtained entirely from the roof, and
the building will be constructed of fire-proof materials.
The general requirements ate simplicity of arrangement,
economy of space, capability of extending or curtailing the
building, without destroying its symmetry as a whole, or
interfering with the general arrangement,—it being impos-
sible to determine the exact extent of roof required until a
late period of construction; adaptation for the erection
of separate portions of the buildiug at different periods ; con-
veniences of ingress and egress, with facilities of acme to all
parts of the exhibition, either from the exterior or interior.
Means of classification of the various objects of different de-
partments. Wall space for the display of articles requiring
it. Means of affording private access and accommodation
for exhibitors, with counting-houres, if required, committee-
rooms, council-reoms, public refreshment-rooms, and all
other public and private accommodation. (This portion of
the building may be in two or more stones if required)
Internal aerangemeats, by which, under proper regulations,
large crowds of Tilden may circulate freely, and have con-
venient access to all parts of the exhibition, and uninter-
rupted means of examining the various objects exhibited.

DEVON AND EXETER SAVINGS BANE.—At the
annual meeting of the trustees aid managers of this estab
lishment, which was held in Exeter on Thursday, it was
stated in the report that the actuary of the concern had
mixed up his own accounts with those of the bank, and
that practice had tentinued from 1825, to December 1849.
In December, 1849, there was a balance due to the bank
of 1,4711. The committee required that that sum should be
immediately paid, which was done, and a detailed statement
since 1825 was furnished, by which the average monthly
amount due by the actuary to the bank was 1,3861. The
loss which the bank has sustained is the interest these sums
would have produced, if they had been invested with the
rest of the capital, and the committee suggest that
the actuary should be called upon to pay that interest.
The report also stated that the business of the bank was con•
ducted in the most admirable manner, and the concern was
placed upon as firm a foundation as any establishment of the
kind in the kingdom. The reeort also censured the Audi-
ton fur having overlooked the irregularities committed by
the actuary. The report was adopted.

THE GREAT CENTRAL GAS CONSUMERS'

BILL.

The following is an abstract of the new Gas Bill
now before parliament, and which hu already given rise
to so mad► disenseiea.

fisspesusble recites that by a deed of settlement, dated
Aug. 23, 1819, the persons therein named established them-
selves into a company, under the name and title of the
Greet Central Gas C.nsumers' Company, for the purpose
of manufacturing, purchasing, and supplying the City of
London, and the liberties thereof, and other places adjacent
thereto, with pa ; and the said Company had been com-
pletely registered under the Joint Stock Companies Act.
The fret clause incorporates the Compnies Clauses Act,
the Land Clauses Act, and the Gas Works' Clause. Act,
with the act.

11teind,3rd, 4th, sth, and 6th clauses provide that
powers for the compulsory purchase of land ,hell not be
seed. define the title and limit of the act, and the incorpo-
ration of the Company.
By clauses 7,8, and 9, the amount of capital is fixed at
250,0001., divided into 25,000 shares of 101. each ; and 21.
per share is the greatest amount of any one call on the
shareholders; two months to intervene between each all.
Clause 10 authoriees the company to borrow any sum of
money not exceeding 25,0001.
By clauses 11, 12, and 13, the qualification of directors
is limited to fifty shares, and the number of director, is to
be eleven, with a p.m.r to inertias or diminish the num-
ber to say number not exceeding sixteen, or ins than eight.
The persons who at the time of passing the act art the
directcrs, shall be the Ent directors of the corporation
thereby created.
By clause 14, contracts entered into before the passing of
the act may be enforced afterwards.
Clause. 16 and 16 authorise the porch ase of the land and
the construction of gee works.
By clause 17 it is enacted that all the gas 'applied by the
company shall be of such qaality u to produce from an
argand burner, having fifteen holes and a seven inch
chimney, and consuming five cubic feet of gee per hour. a
Brat equal in intensity to the light produced by twelve wax
candles, of six to the pound, bortuig 120 grains per hour;
and such gas shall be superior in quality to the gra in
common we.
Clause 18. The price of ass supplied by the company ie not
to exceed 4s. Der 1,000 cubic feet.
Clauses 19; 20, and 21, declare that contract' prior to the
set are binding, though not under seal, and provide against
interruption of the workmen, &c.
By clause 22 the company are not to break up the street; for
laying down their pipes, except between seven o'clock in the
evening and eight o'clock in the morning.
Clause 23 provides that notice shad be given to the Metro-
politan Commissioners of Bowers, of any interference with
their drake.

Clauses 24, 25, 26, and 27 provide for the alumna °foam
act, declare the penalties therein mentioned are not cumu-
lative, include the interpretation clause, and declare the
act to be a public act.
it is also intended, in the committae, to inject various
other clauses, insuring the most beneficial results to -the
public, and enabling the Board of Trade or the Commis-
sioners of Sewers to appoint inspectors to teat the quality of
the gas, and to audit the accounts of the company.

THE
MANUFACTURING DISTRICTS.

THE TEN HOURS' AGITATION.
MANCHESTER, MAUS 1.

-
The first public meeting which has taken pace in
this town on renewed agitation for a ten hours' factory act,
was held last evening in the Cora Exchange, a bu lding
capable of holding upwards of 2,000 persons • and the room,
which was from the first pretty well tried, afterwards
became crowded.

theiie;:6:ls WRAY, senior canon of the chapter, tact
the chair, and seeds lengthy address, in which he condemned
the shift system, observing that one object of the ten hours'
bill war, that both father and children might leave the mill
together, the father to enjoy his fireside and the children to
receive education. The system of working shifts entirely
defeated this object. Education to a certain extent wee as
necessary to them as to any other clap, and he called upon
them to persevere for an efficient ten hours' bill. (Applause. )
He said it had been stated that they wished fur 12 hours'
pay for their 10 bents' work. (Cries of " No." I Would they
De satisfied with 10 boon' pay for 10 hours' work ? (" Yes.")
J. BALLANTYNE, a workingman, moved
" That the recent decision of the Court of Exchequer
having rendered further legislation necessary, this meeting
declares its firm bet mast respectful determination never to
relax in their exertion till the intention of parliament,
when the bill of 1847 was passed, be carried int, effect ; and
that it is our opinion that nothing short of an efficient ten
hours' act of continuous labour, a Jay regulrion (except
meal times), be made the law of the land, will ever satisfy
the jest claims of the operative,."
Re had worked 30 years in factories, and he oottld say
with truth that he never was so comfortable u he ha, been
since the Ten Hours' Act bad been prated. He wee rj,:ite
111/re the operatives were determined not to give up this bit.,
and expressed a conviction that the agitation must be
seetemAil.

E. WORSLEY, an operative. seconded the resolution.
J. SUTTON, an operative, moved the second resolution
"That this meeting condemns, and is entirely opposed to
to the mode of working in factories by relays and shifts,
which compel youog pane= and women to go to work very
early in the morning, and to remain occupied or lingering
about the mill until a late hour in the evening; thus de-
priving them of time for the performance of their household
duties and that recreation and moral improvement which
the Ten Hours' Act was intended to insure to them."

HEPWORTH. GREEN, an operative, seconded the
motion.

Hr. JOHN FIELDEN, brother of the late M.P. for
Oldham, in supporting the motion, said he could say no-
thing that would add force to what had been already put
forth by previous speakers.
•J. DONOVAN, an operative, moved:
"That this meeting is firmly convinced than the Ten
Hours' Act, where honestly observed, has proved most
conducive to the interests of all concerned in factory labour,
sad therefore pledges itself to the most determined efforts
for securing for all young persons and women the entire
practical efficiency and integrity of that just and righteous
law • and this meeting most earnestly requests those menu-
hattin who have observed the Ten Hours Act as intended,
sad all others who think tea hours' labour per day suffi-
ciently long enough for females and young persons, to lend
as their powerful and undivided assistance in the ensuing
straggle on behalf of justice and humanity, and thereby
enure to themselves the good wishes and heartfelt thanks of
a grateful people."
He was glad to see so many of his fellow-workmen present
(though sorry for the occasion of it), hems, he recollected
the time when a factory operative would have been dis-
charged from his employment, for no greater a crime than
attending a meeting like this. He recollected the lime
when he worked from 6 in the morning, and when the mil
ran unoeuingly till 8 at night, except half an,hour for din-
ner, and when miserable slavery as this was be wu dis-
charged because he went to the employers to see if some
relief from it could not be obtained. Ile was proud to think
that now they could stand in a public meeting without those
feelings of awe towards the factory•owner which used to
be upon them.
Mr. PHILIP KNIGHT seconded the resolution.
Mr. RICHARD WALSII,..• manufacturer, in supporting
the motion, expressed his opinion that ten hours was long
enough to work in a factory, and called upon the operatives
to persevere in asking for the amendment of the act.
(Applause.)
Mr. JONES, another manufacturer, supported the
motion, and said he was convinced that ten hours was long
enough to work, though when he was a factory boy tney
had not a limit of ten house, nor twelve, nor fourteen, nor
seventeen hours a day. (Hear, hear.) He had gone at
half-peat two in the morning and worked till seven or eight
at night. There were no poor man's friends then.
MICHAEL BAXTER (operative) moved the adoption of
a petition to the House of Commons to be presented by
Joseph Brotherton, Esq., bI P., for Salford.
RICHARD ANDERSON (operative), seconded the 71“ o.
lution, and it was supported by Mr. Tear.
Mr. 6. FIELDEN (son of the late M.P. for Oldham), also
supported the motion, and said he was glad to see
that the working men were determined to stand
by their charter—the ten hours bill. (Cheers.)
They were not prepared to go to ten and a
half yet? (" No.") That was what brought him there.
It was more than probable that he might have to state what
were their holing; to night; and he was glad they wore de-
termined to stand by that good and righteous measure.
The resolulions were all cursed unanmoutl.v. and Mr
Grant having moved, Mr. Evens seconded, a vow of thanks
to the chairman,
The Rev. JOSEPH RAYNER STEPHENS, of Ashton,
was loudly called for, and said,—to talk about ten hours a
day, whether it be long enough; to talk about whether the
factory operatives were prepared to concede another Isen-
' hour or a quarter—aye, even a minute—for any man to
open his mouth against the sanctity, inviolability, lind finality
of that measure, must require more hardihood
than any one on that platform possessed. (Cheers.) On that
question he had not a word to say. lie bad risen to say that
though not going with them he did not go against them he
went with -Mr. Thomas Fielders, who wu an right houre'
man. (Cheers.) lie never could get more than eight hours
work out of a horse, and how could it be expected that a
man, much leas a child, could be capable of more work than
• hone ? (Cheers )
The meeting terminated at about half-past 10.

EItIORATTON.—During the last two daps our quay;
her been quite alive with emigrants and their friends pie-
p!ruag to start for Liverpool and from thence to America.
esterday morning, at seven o'clock, upwards of 100 per-
sons sailed, or rather steamed, on board the William lean,
sad at twelve o'clock about four hundred on board the
Foyle, Liverpool steamen. Should this expatriation conti-
nue for some months longer from the verions other ports of
Ireland in the same ratio as from this, our population will
not only be decimated, but demisted before the end of the
present year. Such is the extent of emigration from this
and the neighbouring counties that we are credibly informed
we shall shortly have American liners trading between Wa-
terford and New York.— Waterford
rgorosED LooGuto-llocses IN CIIELSE.I.—The
rector of Upper Chelsea, the Rev. Richard Bargees, has
arranged to build several lodging-houses in that parish, the
rooms in which, with various conveniences, will be let at
ts. 6d. per w,ck. The state of the London lodging-bowies
for the par calls loudly for legislative esisetaeat.—the
Builder.