The Northern Daily Times.
Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1856-02-21 00:00:00

MARKET FOR THE NORTH END

Last night a meeting of the inhabitants of St. Paul's and
others of the north wards, was held at Mr. Bunbury's
public-house, 80, Oldhall-street, to consider the propriety
of memorialising the Town Council to establish a market
on the site of the Borough Gaol. There were about 100
persons present. The chair was occupied by Mr. Edis-
bury. Councillors Woodruff, Bradley, Nicholson, and
Ilaydock were present. The following were also pre-
sent:—Messrs. C. Doherty, John Rees, John Adams,
James Clarke Isaac Brunt, John Jones, Peter Barber,
Roger Haydock, James Thompson, Edward Pul-
ford, Edward Bradley, John Godfrey, Alex. Johnston,
Joseph Sharp, John Daly, Norman, Beattie, C. Barker,
J. P. Henry, Heckie, John Woodruffe, John Murdock,
Edward Fowler, Henry Hadley, B. Herrick, and Hemer.
The Chairman, in opening the proceedings, read letters
of apology from Mr. M‘Guffie and Mr. Holden, who were
prevented from attending, the one by a previous engage-
ment, and the other by indisposition.
Mr.:Bunbury moved the first resolution, which ;was to
the effect that in the opinion of the meeting an excellent
opportunity presented itself for building a commodious
market on the site of the gaol, and that the accommodation
of a market was much required by the inhabitants of the
north end. He said that he would be unwilling to do
anything which would in the least injure the shopkeepers
of the district, and that if he believed the establishment
of a market on the contemplated site would have that
effect he would be the last in the world to originate it.
He did not intend that the new market should be open to
parties who would compete with shopkeepers under
heavy rent and rates. (Hear, hear.) He would not have
bakers or bacon or egg sellers in it. (Hear, hear.) It
was a great inconvenience to the inhabitants of the north
end to have to go to St. John's Market for fish or vege-
tables, and he did think that they were entiled to some
consideration at the hands of the council, and that all the
funds of the town should not go to the improvement of
districts south of the Exchange. (Hear, hear.)
Mr. John Jones seconded the resolution, and in doing
so, urged that they should also have a street connecting
the district between Chisenhale-bridge and Leeds-street,
and Vauxhall-road.
Air. Woodruff then addressed the meeting. He said
that he had been invited to attend the meeting—he pre-.
sumed as a member of the council—and, as he felt it his
duty to be present at any meeting where the object was
the good, not only of any one particular ward, but of the
town generally, he had readily, and with pleasure,
accepted the invitation. (Hear, hear.) He should 'not,
however, feel himself justified at going at any great
length into the subject of their meeting, because, as a
member of the market committee, it might come before
him in another position, but he would ask a few questions
to enable him to arrive at a right conclusion in the matter.
He presumed, from the wording of the resolution, that
they had made up their minds, not only that markets
were desirable in themselves, but that it was desirable to
extend them in Liverpool. (Hear, hear.) If the existing
public markets were not sufficient for the wants of the
community, he knew no part of the town where a public
market was so much wanted, as in the north and north-
west part of the town ; but it was a matter of doubt,
whether the site of the Borough Gaol was the best one.
Ho thought that somewhere nearer the Clarence dock
would be a much better site, because they should remem-
ber that the population of the town was extending north-
ward, and that the inhabitants of the north end would
therefore require a more centrally situated market than
that now proposed. (Hear, hear.) He agreed in the
principle that markets should not be made into mere
shops to compete with tradesmen unnecessarily—(hear);
because, in having them so, they prevented shops from
being taken in different parts of the town, which would
be liable to be rated to the rates---(hear, hear) ;—but he
was in favour of markets when they were kept for their
legitimate use, in supplying the food of man, and control-
ling tho prices of the necessaries of existence. (Hear.)
In conclusion, Mr. Woodruff expressed it as his opinion
that they would have no right to expend the public money
on any building or establishment that would not pay the
interest on the outlay, and cover all expenses. Gill-street
market was a failure, and they should be taught caution
by it. As to the road to connect Vauxhall-road with the
district, he was quite prepared to go into the subject if it
were the wish of the meeting, but he believed it was their
intention to confine themselves simply;to the question of
the market.
The Chairman replied that that'was their intention,
and that they would enter into no second question.
Mr. Murdock said that he was in favour of a market
at the north end of the town, and his impression was that
if they memorialized the council for a site where the
market would be really useful, they would probably get
it. (Hear, hear.) He had, however, very great doubt
whether they would get the site now sought for. (Hear,
hear.) It was exceedingly valuable land; and further-
more, he thought that in a few years it would not be that
convenience to the north end of the town that they
desired. (Hear, hear.) It was too tar from the extreme
north end of the town, and a market there vvenld be of
small advantage, compared to what it would be, if in a
more central situation. (Hear, hear.)
The resolution was then put, and on a show of hands
being taken, the meeting declared it carried.
On the motion of Mr. Hamer, seconded by Mr. Doherty,
a memorial to the town council, embodying the wishes of
the inhabitants in reference to the matter, was unani-
mously adopted.
Thanks were then voted to the chairman, and the
meeting separated.

TRADE REPORT.-WEDNESDAY,