The Northern Daily Times.
Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1853-12-01 00:00:00

TOWN IMPROVEMENTS.

Mr. SUMNERS exhibited a very beautiful drawing and
model of improvements which could be effected in the neigh-
bourhood of St. George's Hall. He observed that about
three years ago, he had sent in a design to the town im-
provement committee, proposing certain improvements at
St. George's Hall, a high-level road, and providing sites
for a free library, and other public offices; but as he had
drawn up the plan on an independent course, the committee,
although admiring. the design, considered that it could not
be put in competition, inasmuch as it was not in accordance
with the terms of the advertisement. Since that time the
subject of town improvements had become one of general
interest, and much discussion had taken place on the ques-
tion of a high-level bridge. He thought it would be admitted
that the improvement of the West side of St. George's Hall
was now considered to be one of the best and most advan-
tageous that could be accomplished ; and on that accounthe felt
great confidence in putting before the meeting, his present
plan for improvement, which, he might observe, was based on
his former design. Mr. Sumners then proceeded to ex-
plain his plans, which our space will not permit us to des-
cribe in full. The principal features of the plan, however,
may be thus summed up :----He proposes to construct two
high-level roads, each 80 feet wide, from the north and
south portico of St. George's Hall, by :a high-level bridge
over the old Hay-market to Dale-street, and also a low-level
road from Byrom-street, through the old Hay-market, to
Dale-street. He proposes to remove St. John's church and
other property in the neighbourhood—to cover over the
burial ground there—to construct beneath the high-level roads
a central fire depot, and having obtained a grand and extensive
place in front of St. George's Hall, to group around it with
artistic effect the free library, the salt-aths, and the other
buildings contemplated in the town improvements.
Mr. BENNETT said that he had seen the plan only that
evening, and that he had looked at it with some anxiety to
see if it in any way interfered with the contemplated town
improvements ; but he was very happy to say that it did
not. (Hear, hear).
Mr. :PicroN thought that plans more beneficial to the
town in an architectural and economical view had never
been brought forward, and he therefore felt happy in
givinc, to the gentlemen who had designed them his meed of
approbation. Mr. Picton then jokingly alluded to the
position in which Mr. Robertson and the other memorialists
were placed, for instead of one high-level bridge they were
about to be visited with two. He principally admired the
plans because they did not interfere with the proposed im-
provements as respected Dale-street and Shaw's-brow. They
confirmed his views, as they must do that of any one fully
considering the improvement of the town at its eastern ap-
proach, that a straight road from Byrom-street to Dale•
street was one of the first objects that ought to be accom-
plished. Mr. Picton then referred to the various contemplated
town improvements, and said that without pledging himself
to the details of the plans, he thought them fully deserving
of consideration. There were some details connected the
them with which he differed, but it could not be expected
that they could be produced like Minerva from Jnpiter's
brain, fully armed and equipped at all points. Such an op-
portunity might possibly never again occur, and the subject
should therefore be brought before the town in every possible
way. No doubt, it was desirable that the lanes and alleys
should be cleared and opened up, but unless they concen-
trated their efforts they could accomplish nothing noble or
grand. (Hear, hear.) In conclusion, Mr. Picton expressed
his resolve to give the plans his cordial support, (Hear,
hear.)
Mr. J. R. :JFFFERY said that he had given this subject
every possible consideration ; and in considering the ques-
tion of town improvements, they should have regard to two
matters—first, that the improvements were adapted
to the requirements of the locality ; and secondly,
that they should avoid as much as they could
to depreciate the property at present in existence. (Hear,
hear.) In considering this matter in the committee they
were agreed that the straight road and natural thorough-
fare from the Lime-street station to the landing-stage, was
through Dale-street, passing the Exchange, and down
Water-street. And seeing th .t so much money had been
expended On that magnificent building, St. George's Hall, it
was naturally to be desired that every improvement should
tend to its embellishment, or rather to the making manifest
of its many beauties. Mr. Jeffery then proceeded at consi-
derable length to show how far Mr. Sumner's plans were
adapted to the contemplated improvements, and, in conclu-
sion, warmly eulogised them.
Mr. ROBERTSON and Mr. BRISTOWE declined entering
on the consideration of Mr. Sumner's plans, but observed
that they obviated much of the objections that applied to the
first scheme of the high level-bridge.
The plans and model are to be left at some public place of
resort, for public inspection.
The meeting did not break up until 10 o'clock.

The Duke and Duchess of Wellington have left Paris on
a tour in Italy during the winter.
The Marquis of Lansdowne has returned to Bowood, from
visiting Lord and Lady Ashburton, at the Grange. A
select circle are about to assemble at Bowood.
We regret to learn that the Earl of Kinnoul is still suf-
fering from indisposition at Brighton.

THE CONNAUGHT SCRIPTURAL AND INDUSTRIAL SCHOOLS.
---Last night, a public meeting was held in the Corn Ex-
change, Hanging-ditch, Manchester, in favour of these
schools, when there was a very numerous attendance. The
chair was occupied by Robert Barbour, Esq.
ATTEMPT AT ROBBERY.—Last night, a sailor somewhat
intoxicated, charged a lad with stealing his watch, in North
John-street. The sailor immediately shouted, " Police !"
But, as usual, when the services of those gentlemen are
required, no police appeared, and the thief thereof slipped
the watch into the sailor's pocket. Having regained his
property, he chastised the offender himself.
SHOCKING ACCIDENT. —On yesterday morning, at about
11, 30 a.m.' a carter named James Peirpoint, in the employ
of William Corfe, in unloading his cart, consisting of casks
containing fruit, into Herbert's warehouse, New-quay, one
of the casks, in hoisting with slings, not being properly se-
cured, gave way, and the poor fellow underneath received
the cask on his head, 'which caused death instantly. The
unfortunate man's remains were conveyed to the dead-house
to await a coroner's inquest.
A NEW SYSTEM OF RAILWAYS.—The Isle of Man is about
to become the nucleus of a new patent system of railways.
The cost of construction is to be half the present expense ;
the speed of travelling double that now common on rail-
ways; the safety of the passengers quadrupled; no wheels
(except " ONE PAIR to the engine), and no axletrees, springs,
or their adjuncts; all is to go on the " sliding scale"—gems
of sledges constructed to carry Two only in each compart-
ment, are to convey with noiseless motion, between Douglas
and Peel, the " happy pairs" who may cross per Fairy or
Mona's Queen to this ' pet-place," as well as her native in-
habitants. People are to glide over the surface of the earth,
like a bird on the wing; as if the voice of steam and.the
noise of many weighty wheels had sunk into sweet harmony,
or had given way to a silence seductive to the songs of birds.