Northern Times.
Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1859-12-09 00:00:00

CONFERENCE OF REFORMERS.

The Star considers the Conference of Reformers, held
at the Guildhall Conference yesterday, of a satisfactory
character. Mr. Bright, alluding to the Government
measure of the coming session, said, that whatever he
himself and those associated with him might wish the
Cabinet to do, he did not think they could be asked to
do more than to carry out the intentions expressed ; and
if these intentions were fulfilled, he did not think that
an opposition would be expedient.
The Daily News says, another fall of 9d. to is. per
cwt. took place yesterday in tallow.
The Times city article, referring to the freight mar-

4.an city Jrnng .
ket, says the price offered for American ships to Aus-
tralia is about £4 per ton register : for fine English 10s.
per ton more.
In the case of "Meares v. Denison," the defendant
had pleaded a justification to the libel with which he
was charged. The cause was, yesterday, withdrawn, Mr.
Denison having abandoned his defence. The plaintiff
will, therefore, take a judgment by default.

LOCAL INTELLIGENCE.

A good, Playing Card for ls. 6d. Sold by Mawdsley
and. Son, 4, Castle-street. d 22
CHRISTMAS CHEM—Families residing within five
miles of Liverpool can be supplied with Burton mild
and bitter ales of the first brand, as also London stout,
in 41, 9, and 18 gallon casks, by sending their orders,
or calling at T. Bolton's, family ale and porter merchant,
110, Duke-street.
FATAL ACCIDENT AT B MIMI:LEAD. —Abo ut noon
yesterday, a youth, named David Pollock, who lived
at 12, Denbigh-street, was found dead at the bottom
of one of Mr. Laird's graving-docks, into which it
is supposed he had accidentally fallen. The boy was
employed in the yard, and was last seenabout six o'clock
in the morning.
A HINT TO EMPLOYERS.—Five of the employe's in
the service of Messrs. Mawdsley and Son, of Castle-
street, having joined one of the recently-formed local
rifle corps, those gentlemen have liberally defrayed the
whole cost of their outfit. . ,
Sr. BARNABAS'S DISTRICT.—The seventh os a course
of very interesting and instructive lectures, delivered
every Wednesday evening in .the school-room .of the
above district, was given on 'Wednesday evening by the
Rev. G. W. Warr, M.A., subject—" Our Colonies."
The-reverend lecturer was much applauded throughout.
The next Wednesday evening lecture will be given by
our much-esteemed and talented fellow-townsman,
Christopher Bushell, Esq., subject—" Reading."
SERIOUS AND FATAL ACCIDENT.—An inquest was
held yesterday, on the body of 'William Henry Vicars,
a little boy four years of age. The deceased left his
house on Saturday fortnight, taking with him a stick
pointed at one ,end. In a very few minutes he returned
with his eye blackened and protruding from his head.
He told his mother that he had fallen on the stick, the
sharp end of which had pierced his eye. A surgeon
was called, but the boy died on Tuesday. A. verdict of
accidental death was returned.
QUICK PASSAGES.—The fine clipper ship Helen
Ewing, Captain Pinder arrived here yesterday from.,
Bombay, having made the voyage out and home two
days within eight months. She sailed from Liverpool'
on the 9th April, arrived at Bombay 30th-June—pas-
sage 81 days ; remained at Bonibay, 71 days, sailed from
thence 14th September, and arrived. in Liverpool on 7th'
December, in 83 days-,in "all. 7 months 28 days. This
fino vessel is under the, management of Messrs. Robert-
son and Ewing.

ACCIDENT, YESTERDAY.—A man named Michael
Gallagan, a tailor, who resided in Stewart-street, while
waiting for a car to convey him to the hospital, fell
down the steps at his own door. He was taken up and
conveyed to the Northern Hospital, but was found to be
quite dead when the car arrived there.

STABBING CASE. - Yesterday, a labourer named
Joseph Myner, residing in Asley-street, while engaged
in a drunken squabble at a public-house in Great
Howard-street, was stabbed in the left side. He was
conveyed to the Northern Hospital, where he received
proper surgical attendance.
PATENTS. —The following patents, amongst others,
passed the great seal during the week ending December
6; 1859 :—W. B. Nation, for " Improvements in the
manufacture of superphosphate of lime;" M. H. Picei-
otto, for "Improvements in apparatus for producin or
obtaining motive power ;" Henry Doulton, for "Im-
provements in earthenware jars and bottles ;" A. Ches-
neau, for " Improvements in paddle-wheels ;" W. Cop-
pin, fOr " Improvements in apparatus for raising sunken
and stranded vessels and their cargoes, and for raising
and lowering other bodies into and out of the water,
part of which improvements are applicable to raising
weights generally ;" A. M. Ferry, for "Improvements
in the manufacture or production of oil, and in lamps
for burning the same ;" John Earle, for "Improvements
in arranging and applying harness to the draft of car-
riages."—Conimunicated fionz the Patent °Aces, Na. 4,
Clayton-square, Liverpool.

LECTURES AT ALL SAINTS' CHURCH, GREAT NEL-
SON-STREET.—On Wednesday evening last, the fifth of
a course of lectures, in connection with the Scripture
Readers' Society, to Working Men, was delivered in the
above church, by the Rev. J. R. Conor, incumbent of
St. Simon's. Subject: " Saturday Night,—the End of
Toil." The attendance of the class of persons for whose
benefit these lectures are more especially intended, was
very good. The rev. gentleman in the earlier part of his
discourse, gave a very humiliating account of the way in
which Saturday night is spent by -multitudes in large
towns. Then he proceeded to point out the way m
which it ought to be spent to be a suitable preparation
for the Sabbath ; and, in conclusion, he dwelt in a very
solemn and impressive manner on the importance of
being ready for the Saturday night of life, or of the
world or present dispensation. The next lecture of the
course is to be given by the Rev. H. Marlen, incumbent
of All Saints.

HISTORIC SOCLETY.—The literary section of the His-
toric Society met last evening in the grand jury room at
St. George's-hall, Mr. M'Quie in the chair. Several
donations were announced, and exhibitions made. The
paper of the evening was a continuation of that con-
tributed at the last meeting by Sir Edward Cust, the
president of the society, on the subject of " Chimeras."
The Rev. Dr. Hume stated that the denominational map
of England and Wales, which had been published by
him and presented to the House of Lords, had been
founded upon data supplied by Mr. Horace Mann, and
published in the Statistical Society's journal for 1855.
Now that map had been assailed as untrue, and that his
data was incorrect. But how was he to suppose that
editors of newspapers should have been ignorant of so
remarkable a paper ? He intended next week to read a
paper on the data upon which his map had been based.

ARRIVAL OF THE TORNADO AT NEW ZEALAND.—
The Australian mail brings the welcome intelligence of
the safe arrival of the " White Star " clipper Tornado
at Auckland, all well after a prosperous and pleasant,
though not remarkably rapid voyage. The Tornado, it
may be remembered, was the pioneer ship belonging to
Messrs. H. T. Wilson and Chambers' celebrated " White
Star" line of clippers, which was put into the New
Zealand and Liverpool trade. She took out a large
number of passengers, of a superior class, and it is
pleasing to know that her voyage was in every respect
satisfactory to her numerous and intelligent passengers.
Several other first-class ships have followed the Tornado,
and it will be seen from our advertising columns that
the magnificent and fast-sailing clipper Red Jacket is
put upon the berth, and will sail for Melbourne in
Australia, and Auckland in New Zealand, with passengers
on the 20th of January. The Red Jacket is one of the
most celebrated ships in the world, and in placing her
on the New Zealand line, Messrs. H. T. Wilson and
Chambers give earnest of their desire to develop the
trade with that colony by affording it every facility.
HENOLER'S CIRGUS.—In calling the attention of our
readers to this popular place of amusement, we should,
perhaps, apologise for our tardiness in so doing were it
not for the fact that the respectable audiences
which nightly crowd its walls must bear an infinitely
higher testimonial to the character of the entertain-
ments than the most glowing panegyric we could
produce. The public seldom err in the selection of
their amusements ; and if the inhabitants of Liverpool
by the support they have continually given to Mr.
Ilengler since his first appearance in this town,
have most emphatically pronounced a verdict in his
favour, we cannot be wrong in endorsing that decision.
There is nothing, however, like seeing for oneself, and
to those who have not yet paid a visit to Mr. Hengler,
we would strongly recommend to lose no time in doing
so. Those who have been present once will, we feel
sure, need no invitation to pay a second visit. The
cirque is now, if possible, more worthy than previously
of that patronage which has hitherto beeen so liberally
bestowed upon it. In addition to the usual excellent
equestrian entertainments which are a host in themselves,
the programme is now increased by additional gym-
nastic feats—Mons. Plege's wonderful performance on
the tight rope, and the -Elliot family in their tasteful
drawing-room entertainment. The " funny" part of
the business has also received an additional impetus by
the engagement of Dan Cooke, the popular Shakesperian
clown. An excellent brass band proves a fitting ac-
companiment to the feats of equestrianism, and completes
an entertainment of no ordinary character,
HEALTH COMMITTEE.—AIderman Dover presided at
the usual weekly meeting of the Health Committee
yesterday, and the other members present were—Messrs.
Shiel, Crellin, Hodson, Crosthwaite, Nickson, Ridley,
Haydock, Hoiden. The Borough Engineer, Building
Surveyor, and Inspector of Nuisances reported various
particulars of the operations in their several depart-
ments during the week, from which it appeared that
186 nuisances complained of by inhabitants had been
inspected, and means taken to remedy them ; 835
houses in the unhealthiest districts, containing
2,946 apartments, and 783 cellars, had been put
under examination, with the view of improving
their sanitary condition, and 253 lodging-houses
had also been examined and reported upon. The
medical officer of health reported that in the week
ending last Saturday, the deaths registered in the
borough were 167, being 28 less than in the previous
week, and 84 less than the corrected average of the same
week of the preceding ten years. Of 28 deaths caused
by zymotic' diseases, 8 were from hooping cough, 6 from
fever, 3 from measles, 2 scarlatina, 2 croup, 1 diphtheria,
1 syphilis. The deaths were 37 below the average.
From diseases of the lungs 73 deaths were registered.
Before the committee rose, the Mayor asked if anything
had been done in reference to the joint report of Mr.
Newlands, the borough engineer, and Mr. Duncan, the
water engineer, as to the formation of an artillery corps
amongst the employes of the Health and Water Com-
mittees.—The Borough Engineer said 400 men had
enrolled themselves.—The Mayor expressed his gratifi-
cation at the patriotism of the men referred to, and said
that although the Corporation could not assist them
with any pecuniary grant the general committee for
forming rifle and artillery corps would aid them.
(Applause.) The other business before the committee
was of a routine character.
MR. COLLINOWOOD'S LECTURES ON ART.—The Con-
cluding lecture of this course was delivered last night,
at the Collegiate Institution. The lecturer referred, in
the first place, to the various kinds of models which are
generally given to the young student of art. He
thought that natural models should always be used,
except in the drawing of the human figure, when busts
or drawings would be the most convenient models that
could be obtained. Many persons in commencing
.the study of drawing, distrusted their eyes. He thought
that this was one of the most serious errors into which
a person could fall, as success in drawing depended'
almost entirely upon relying on the eye, and trusting
very little to the judgment, as the eye, for that pur-
pose, was infinitely more to be trusted than the
.judg-
ment. A good drawer did not consist in being able to
draw one or two objects remarkably well, but in being
able to represent, faithfully, any natural or artificial
object which might be- presented. A sailor, thQugh he
might, and most likely would, be able to make a more
faithful representation of a ship than the most accom-
plished painter, could hardly be called a good drawer,
as his hand would be totally inadequate to the deline-
ation of a tree or a house. The lecturer next pointed
out the best, objects from which the amateur drawer
should endeavour to sketch. He described, with great
minuteness, the different steps through which the learner
should pass, and clearly showed that the art of drawing
was within the reach of all who would expend a little
time and trouble on its attainment,

BigKEDTHEAD COMMISSIONERS.—AII adjourned, meet-
ing of the Birkenhead Commissioners was held yesterday
evening, for the purpose of sealing bonds and for com-
pleting the sale of some of the park land. Four
members only were present, and these not constituting
a quorum, there was not any business transacted.
ST. PAUL'S AND EXCHANGE WARDS READING-ROOMS,
EDMUND-STREET.—The subject of discussion at the
above rooms, on Wednesday evening last was, "Is the
system of pawnbroking beneficial to the working
classes." Mr. William Anderton occupied the chair.
The discussion was opened in the affirmative by Mr.
Patterson, and in the negative by Mr. Smith ; they
were followed by Messrs.aylor, Lowe, Gotham, White-
head, and other of the members. After an animated
debate the votes taken showed in favour of the affirmative.
ROYAL CHARTER.—We are informed that Joseph
Rogers, the seaman who so gallantly swam on shore
from the Royal Charter, has signed articles to sail in the.
Great Britain, which will leave Liverpool on Saturday
next. Previously "to his departure he and his friends
were generously entertained by our respected townsman,
Mr. Buggiani, 16, Whitechapel, to an excellent dinner,
Lie., last night, and the evening passed off most
humourously, every person present giving him their best
wishes on his new adventure.
LANCASHIRE VOLUNTEER RIFLES.—COMPANY ON
LORD ELCHO'S PLAN.—A ntteting of members and
persons wishing to join in the above company, was held
In the Common-hall, Hackin's Hey, for the purpose of
making arrangements for the future guidance of the
corps, Mr. P. Dove, jun., in the chair. The chairman
proceeded to explain that they intended to form a com-
pany, whose dress would be much cheaper than that of
other corps ; and it had been proposed that the dress
should cost each man two guineas, and that five shillings
was to he paid as entrance money. Rules were then
proposed and agreed to, and after some articles of
clothing had been shown as samples, a committee was
formed to attend to the general business of the company,
and the meeting broke up.
LECTURE ON ART.-A lecture on this highly-inter-
esting and important subject was delivered last night in
the lecture room at the Royal Institution, Colquitt-
street, by R. Westmacott, Esq., R.A. The room was
very well filled ; a considerable number of persons
interested in art being in attendance. Mr. Mayer,
silversmith, Lord-street, presided. The lecturer com-
menced by saying that the subject naturally divided
itself into two heads—the historical and practical. He
considered that Scripture had very great claims upon our
attention, inasmuch as it gives us the history of nations
and marks the progress of civilisation. Written records
may be tampered with, but sculpture gives us the his-
tory of the mind and its progress, as fresh to-day as it
was thousands of years ago. He then went on to show
some of the prominent characteristics of Assyrian and
Egyptian art, and detailed the materials most commonly
in use among the ancients in the production of their
sculptures. He had no doubt the first use of sculpture
was record, it then passed to hero worship, and finally
degenerated into idolatry and the sensual, which
is ever the ruin of art. He then traced the history of
Greek art through its various stages. It culminated in
the glorious productions of Phidias and Praxiteles, but
began to decay, though still grand and original under
Lysippas. The Romans had no taste for art, but they
had many conceits. All the great monuments left of
Roman taste were executed by natives of Greece ; but
even under Hadrian, the greatest patron of the fine arts
among the Romans, there was no originality, no marked
and distinguishing haracteristic. Mr. Westmacott con-
cluded a most interesting lecture, in which he displayed
a thorough acquaintance with all branches and phases
of this wide subject, by saying that, having conducted
them thus far in the history of art, they must now look
upon it as dead ; but he would tonight take occasion to
notice its recuscitation and its progress since. (Applause.)