The Northern Daily Times.
Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1856-10-09 00:00:00

working of the ferry, rendered a thorough repair of the boats
a work of necessity, and the expense has been kept at the
The pressure on our I space, yesterday, preciraeriis row Irstrerrrh-end-effteiency of work..
publishing ifie-COi;etipoildenee which had taken pace between maashiP• The
.cotnpletness of the repairs will render the
expenditure under this-The/0 •-mnch lighter for some time to
that board and the corporation; relative to giving increased
come
accommodation to the

BIRKENHEAD COMMISSIONERS

APP_ ROArHES TO THE LANDING STAGE.
Birkenfiead; .20M September; 1856,
_ .
TO WILLIAM SHUTTLEWORTII, ESQ.

• Dear. Sir,—l auLdeputgfl by4be 4.irkenhcad Com msssioners
the Wallasey Commissioners, the Birkenhead, Lancashire, and
Cheshire Junction Railway Company, and the Great Western
Railway Company, to request an interview with the Liverpool
Corporation on the following points :
First.—The crowded and dangerous state of the approaches
to the landing stage at the George's pierhead, and the necessity
of some arrangement to improve them.
Second,—The importance of affording proper communication
between the present stage and the new one proposed to be
placed at the Prince's pier.
Third,—The necessity, in any new arrangement; of providing
means for loaded carts and carriages having access to and from
the stages, to enable them to be passed across the water by
steamboats, without the delay and risk of unloading and loading
again.

Fourth,—Providing suitable dock and wharfage accommo-
dation, in Liverpool, for the increasing goods traffic from the
Birkenhead docks, and Cheshire side of the river generally, to
Liverpool.
The parties from whom I request the interview are anxious
that a day in next week should be named to receive a deputa-
tion to discuss the subject ; and Friday has been suggested as
a day likely to suit the convenience of your committee.
Should you deem it necessary that any of the Dock Com-
mittee should be present, I would suggest, to save time, that
Your committee might arrange that with the Dock Com-
mittee,--1 remain, dear sir, yours truly, JOHN LAIRD.

Tjwn-hall, Liverpool, 24th Sept., 1856.
My Dear Sr,—The Finance Committee will he &ad to
receive a deputation, on the subject referred to in your letter
of the 20th inst., at half-past twelve o'clock on Friday next.—
Yours very faithfully, WILLIAM SIICTTLEWORTH.
John Laird, Esq., Birkenhead.

Birkenhead, Ist October, 1856.
TO WILLIAM SHUTTLEWORTH, EsQ,
Dear Sir,—ln reference to the meeting with the finance
committee of the Corporation, on Friday last, when the follow-
ing gentlemen attended :—Messrs. W. H. Petitjean, J. H.
Holderness, W. Titherington, on behalf of the Birkenhead,
Lancashire, and Cheshire Junction Railway Company ; Mr.
Harold Littledale, on behalf of the Great Western Railway
Company; Mr. Penny, on behalf of the Wallasey Commis-
sioners; and myself, on behalf of the Birkenhead Commis-
sioners ; and in compliance with the request then made by the
finance committee, I am authorised by the deputation to send
you the following statement of the reasons that induced them to
wait upon the Corporation on the subject of the improve_
went of the aproaches to the present and proposed landing_
stages in Liverpool.
The points to which we deem it necessary to call the attention
of the Corporation are as follows :

.
First,—The crowded state of the approaches to the present
landing stage at George's pierhead, and the importance of soAne

improvement,

Second,—The alterations requ;sito when the new landing
stage !unposed to be placed at Prince's pierhead, for sea
going steamers, is complete, both with reference to the
access from that stage to the present one, and also as to
the various difficulties that will arise, when the new stage
is in operation, owing to the present over-crowded condi-
tion of thoroughfares leading to the George's and Prince's
pierheads, from Chapel street, Water street, and James
street.

Third, —The necessity of providing suitable approaches and
bridges on the present or new landing stage, to permit of loaded
eat is and carriages crossing from Liverpool to Cheshire and back

Fourth,—.The importance of providing a basin dock and
suitable wharfage accommodation ou the Liverpool side, to
improve and facilitate the working of the increased goods traffic
between the Cheshire Railways, the Hundred of Wirrall, and
town of Liverpool.
We consider that the most effectual way of remedying the
evils comprised in the first two points we have named will be
by filling up the George's dock basin, and leaving open a canal
or lock passage from the George's to the Prince's dock ; and
we are of opinion that this canal or lock, being on a fixed level,
and not subject to the variation of the tides, will enable a much
greater number of ships to he passed through the proposed lock
or passage, from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m., than can be at present while
the basin is only a tidal one.

There are difficulties it may be observed even now, in
vessels entering the George's basin, from the pocition of the
present landing-stage, and these will to greatly increased and
rendered almost iusuperuhle, when} the proposed new landing•
stage is fixed.

From 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. the bridges should not be opeped
or allowed to interfere with the traffic to the landing stages, as
by occasionally opening them at night all the accommodation
afforded by the present George's basin, as a passage from
Prince's to George's dock, will be amply preserved.
The same remark also applies to the bridges at the south
end of George's dock.

The access from the new stage to the present can, we
conceive, be best arranged by an intermediate stage to connect
the two. This will enable all passengers from or to the
seagoing steamers, or parties wishing to go by the ferry boats,
to pass along to their destination, without encumbering 'the
bridges leading to the landing stage'
We are aware that, at present, carriages and horses are
occasionally (with difficulty and danger to the foot passengers
using the bridges and landing stage) taken down and got on
board a steamer; but the accommodation we beg to suggest as
indispensably requisite, is that sort of accommodation provided
at various ferries in America and this country, by means of
which loaded carts and carriages can with safety to foot
passengers, and without unharnessing the horses, safely get on
board the steam ferryboat, and be conveyed accross the river.
The accommodation for goods traffic we consider can be best
provided in the Manchester or one of the other basins on the
land between the present lauding stage and the Albert Dock
gates.

Wage

1851 .. £5,323
1856 £6,733

Ferry, five
. - - • Increase - £1,410
This increase has arisen thus, an advance of two shillings
per week to each of the men composing the crews, £538
increase ; to three collectors at the contractors' gate and Monk.'Ferry,
the pay gates, ten shillings per week each (men having been
shillings per week each; and to seven collectors at
substituted for boys), £221 ; additional porter and coal
trimmers, £179; one crew more than in 1851, in con-
sequence of increased traffic, say £470 ;--in all, £1,408 per
annum.

The high price of provisions of all kinds, in 1854, induced
the ferry committee of that year to raiso the wages temporarily
of the men two shillings per week each, and the increase then
allowed has not since been withdrawn.
Coals . ........ 1851 . ..E2,305
. ..1856.. £4,377

Increase . ...... £2,072 or 90 per cent.
This increase has arisen in consequence of a rise in the price
of coals, the price in 1851 being from 68 61 to 6s lOd per ton,
and the price in 1856 being lOs 8d per ton, showing an increase
in price of about 66 per cent.
_ _ _

The trips run daily by the boats of the Commissioners have
also increased in number, the trips in 1851 being 187 daily;
in 1856 they were 256 daily, being an increase of 69 tripe,
which would cause a proportionate increase in the consumption
of coals. On this item, therefore, the committee cannot
promise any reduction, unless a drop occurs in the price of
coals.

We consider, in bringing these matters under your notice,
that it is not a question merely affecting flheshire interests,
but those of Liverpool as well, looking to the importance of
giving the best approaches to the large stage for coasting and
foreign steamers now making at so large a cost, and to the
crowds of the working classes who cross to this side of the
water for relaxation and amusement.
The same remark applies also to the inhabitants of the
manufacturing districts of Lancashire, Yorkshire, and Cheshire,
who crowd down by thousands, and always make direct for the
landing-stage, to sail to Cheshire, Isle of Man, Bangor, or
elsewhere,

Sal o ries

....1851... £325
1856.. £693

Increase £36B
This increase is accounted for as follows t—Up to 1855, the
manager and consulting engineer only were paid by salary ;
subsequent to that time the treasurer, engineer, and goods
manager's salary were charged to the above account.
_ Rates and taxes _lB5l . , £289
„ —1856 41,105

Increase .
In 1851 no income tax was paid on the profits of the ferry.
The sum of £289 16s 4,1 includes local rates only; the only
sum of £1,105 9s 8d paid in 1856 includes local rates ; the
income tax dedueted from the rent payable to Mr. Price's
trastees, and the amount levied on the profits of the ferry for
that year. By order of the ferry committee,
B. liaßn, Manager.

To show the importance of this subject, I may state that I
have ascertained, that the numbers of passengers crossing at
Wooodside and Monks' Ferries are as follows :

FINANCIAL STATE OF THE TOWNSHIP,
At a recent meeting of this board, Mr. Rae, after giving an
elaborate statement as to the financial positian of the township
for the last five years, requested each committee to prepare a
return of their increase and expenditure, with a view of
placing the commissioners on a better foundation. The
following is the result, and shows the revenue and expenditure
in each department :

Improvement rate .
Lightirg and watching rate
Sewerage rate
Market rents

Slaughter-house rents

General rents

Estimate for
1855-6. 1856-7.
• 6,511 18 1 6,800 0 0.
• 3,957 2 1 4,233 6 8
.. 2,174 18 6 '2,266 13 4
.. 1,445 13 1 1,595 0 0
• • 217 0 2 217 0 0
. 871 0 9 970 0 0
. 616 0 3 135 0 0

£15.794 3 11 £16,217 0 0
The great di ffel ence in sundries is owing to new streets, and
the subscriptions to fire engines, being included in last year's
sundries, when no such items app6ar in the estimate of this
year, as the road and improvement committee have credit for
the sums payable on account of new streets.

EXPENDITURE,

In the six months from April to September, 1856-3,300, 000
Greatest number of passengers crossing in one day 45,000
Greatest number in one week 213,000
But it must be recollected that the proportion of passengers in
the summer months is much greater than in winter, and that
on holidays the number is greatly in excess of the average.
It may also be fairly assumed that, as many passengers as
cross to and from Woodside, cross by other ferries, this would
give the greatest number in one day at 90,000, or in one week
at 426,000.

1855-6.

] 856 67

Highways and scavengers 3 315 14 2 3,287 19 9
*Market establighm-nt 1,123 II 4 1,526 3 11
Slaughter house establishment 152 9 8 179 11 0
tPark establishment .... 752 10 11 954 15 8
Town hall establishment 364 19 6 365 0 0
Treasurer's establishment 572 18 11 604 13 1
§Surveyor's establishment
Law clerk's establishment 545 0 0 525 0 0
ltLaw ant parliamentary charges 560 7 4 1,427 6 6
ITNight soil contract „
**lnspectiun of lodging houses.. 103 0 3 120 0 0
ttLight and watching account..3,3Bo 5 8 3,291 13 11
Sewerage account
Now street account 271 3 4 283 0 0
Sundries ,

Many other points might be urged to iustify our applying to
the Corporation, but enough has progably been stated to
call their immediate attention to the subject ; and as the Finance
Committee appeared to think the Dock Committe greatly
interested in this question, and that wo should apply to them
direct, the deputation have arranged to send a copy of this
letter to them, and hope that a meeting may ho fined qt an
early day, when we can discuss the matter both with the Cor-
poration and the Dock Cemittec, and, we trust, bring about a
satisfactory arrangement of the question.—l am, dear sir, your
obedient servant,' JOIIN LAIRD.

£13,602 13 0E15,298 6 4
* The difference in this account may be attributed to £450,
being paid for painting and making two new entrances.
t Painting park railing, being the cline of so great
difference.

Birkenhead, Ist October, 1856.

-4t: Two items in this account, viz.,—secretary's salary and
rent of office, are strictly passed by the finance, all the others
by the market committee.

The surveyor's salary being greater this year.
II Parliamentary expenses being very great this year, and
payment of old account.
If The contract kr night soil being £6O this year more than
last year.

** This account includes £lO for registering deaths,
11, Fire engine was paid last year, causing lat.!:
account to appear greater than the present.

CLAUGHTON WATCH COMMITTEE

TO - DANIEL MASON

The annual meeting of the residents of South Claughton
was held on Tuesday morning last, at the Park Hotel, and was
numerously attended. Richard Stubbs, Esq., Was called to the
chair. After passing the treasurer's account for the last year,
and a vote of thanks to the treasurer and secretary, Mr. Carter
and Mr. J. H. Hind, a resolution was passed, that four night
policemen and one day policeman should be placed on duty at
once in the immediate districts of Slatey lane, Devonshire
road, Devonshire place, Grosvenor road, Shrewsbury road, and
Ashville road, and that the force should he under a committee
of management, consisting of Mr. Richard Stubbs, Mr. Henry
Bell, Mr. William G. Leeto, Mr. S. M. Blythe, Mr. William
Carter, and Mr. J. H. Hied.

ESQ., SECRETARY TO THE DOCX

COUNTY COURT

COMMITTER

-YESTERDA Y

(BEFORE J. POLLOCK, ESQ., JVDOE)
JONES V. KANNA. —ln this case the plaintiff was Mr. Thos.
Jones, a butcher, living at St. Asaph.'s, and the defendant was
Mrs. Manna, the keeper of a stall in St. Joh❑'s Market. The
claim was for £1 18e., the value of a barrel of herrings which
the plaintiff had purchased of the defendant, but which herrings
never had beers delivered. Mr. Gray appeared for the plaintiff,
From the statement of the plaintiff, it appeared that, in the
month of August last, he'catne to Liverpool, and purchased a
barrel of herrings for a fishmonger named Robinson.
he purchased theta, he told the defendant to send them t
Rhyl boat, and gave her a bill that she might see at what noun
the boat started. The next day he called and paid t l 17e 6d
for the herrings, and 6d for the cartage, and received the bill.
The herrings had never been delivered. The defendant pleaded
that she hail delivered the herrings to the plaintiff, and did not
know anything further about them. She denied that she had
charged anything for the carriage ; but alleged that she had
lent him a few shillings, and had given him a quarter of is
hundred of herrings, which accounted for the bill being LI !Eta
with the carriage. This statement the plaintiq most positive/Jr
denied. The defendant said she ooutd bring witnesses to
prove it. His Honour; I da riot believe one word
of your defence. I hold in my band your own written state.
ment, given at the time, in which you have put down the
carriage of the herrings at sixprnee. No witness can contradict
that. I shall give a verdict for the plaintiff for the full
amount claimed. The Defendant : You must give me time.
to pay it. His Honour ; I will not give you a single hour.
I think the defence most disgraceful.

Dear Sir,—l enclose copies of correspondence with the Cor-
poration of Liverpool in reference to the approaches of the
present and proposed landing-stages, and will feel obliged by
your laying it before your committee to-morrow, as the
parties with whom I am acting are desirous to have a meeting
with your committee, or a joint one with yout's and that of
the corporation, as soon asit'can be arranged.

Looking at 'the way in which the Corporation and dock
interests aro mixed up in any plan that may he proposed and
carried out, we consider a joint meeting would be more likely
to lead to a satisfactory result.—l am, dear sir, your obedient
JOHN LAIRD.