Northern Times.
Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1859-02-11 00:00:00

THE NORTHERN TIMES, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 1859

TOXTETH PARK BOARD OF GUARDIANS.

Yesterday the usual weekly meeting of these 'guardians
was held in the Board-room of the Public °fees., Park-
road. The following guardians were present :---Thomas
Urquhart, Esq., chairman ; . Messrs. William Baynes,
John Moss, -William Leyland, John Wilson, Joseph
Wilson, Joseph %Harrison, Samuel Siddeley, William
Johnston, Arthur arindrod, William Henry Ogden,
David Craig, Henry Leyland, J. B. Hughes, : John
Rogers, and M. A. Johns.

The Board proceeded to the out-door relief of -paupers
chargeable on the parish. _ _ . •

The -workhouse report showed the' number of inmates
in the house to be-381 last week, this week 362 ; corres-
ponding week last year, 419 ; sick poor in the house
this week, 32.

Mr., Moss moved that cheques be granted—to the
relieving officers for L 135 ; for payment of poor labourers,
£3O ; and to Messrs. Kilpin and Montgomery £l,OOO, as
an instalment on the building ,in process :of beiug.erected.
He thought that they had not been. losinm time in the
erection of that building, though °
they had been com-
plained of as tedious, -consideruvr th# it was only four
months commenced, and in the winter season.
.The Chairman said, the neat business was the medical
officer's, case, which had he.en under, their notice last
week.

The Clerk read Mr. Archibald's opinion in the matter
as follows :

" I think that the medical officers have no legal claim
to retain their offices nntil. September next. The question
depends upon the construction to be given to the ordering
of the Poor-law Board. The second part of_ the
order is in this substance, that althotigh the appoint-
ment be a specified term, yet the guardians, if they
will, may provide for the continuance of the term;
but if they do not, the right of the officers to
exercise the office shall cease at the end of the
specified term. Here these officers were appointed on
the Ist October, 1857, to hold their offices until the 30th
"September, 1858. Their offices then determined, as no
provisions were made by the guardians for the con-
tinuance of the officers in their respective offices. The
guardians not having appointed other officers in their
places, according to the authority to that effect
in the second part of the orders, cannot, I think,
have the effect• of enlarging the term of office
of these officers beyond the " specified term
mentioned in their appointments; , the effect of that part
of the order is to enable the guardians to aPpoint other
officers to succeed the present ones, although the term
of office of the latter have not as yet expired, and
there is not as yet au actual vacancy. .UPon the who e,
I think the present officers 'are oa suffrage inerely;
that the guardians may put an end to that state,of thing's
at any time they please.

Mr. Moss said, that opinion would 'enable them to
satisfy the medical officers, as 'they could now give them
Mr. Archibald's opinion under the Poor-law ,Board.

Mr. Johns said, he could not understand it. If the
medical officers had been acting under suffrage they
would charge for what - they had done, and not on'
salary.

The Clerk suggested that a copy of the opinion be sent
to each of the medical officers. .

Mr. Moss made a motion to that effect.
Mr. 'Wilson moved, that they should proceed to adver7
tise for new medical officers.

The Chairman : There are several points which Nye will
require to take up first.
Mr. Hughes gave notice of a motion last board day,
which, I think, he will see the necessity of withdrawing
to-day.

Mr. Hughes withdrew the motion.
The Clerk read the following minutes of the medical
relief. committe • -

" Dr. Gilmour having beep requested to explain why
he had not attended to his duties, with respect to.twelve
paupers whose cases were brought before the guardians
at their last meeting, admitted that he had not visited
any patient under his. charge during the last fortnight,
in consequence of his having had to attend two, malig-
nant cases_of small pox. Dr. Gilmour also admitte
that during this period the signatures of his name to
the certificates were not genuine. " Resolved-7,that this
meeting be adjourned until Tuesday next, at four o'clock."
" The relieving-officer, 111 - Williams, having reported
that the whole of the cases (30 in number or thereabout)
which had, by direction of the committee, been visited
by him, had not been attended by Dr. Gilmour, although
the certificate relating to sick cases bore his name, it was
moved by Mr. Moss, and seconded by Mr. Craig, and
resolved—" That, in consequence of such reports, and in
consideration of Dr. Gilmour having admitted that he had
not attended any case daring the last fortnight, and that
the twetve cases before investigated were not genuine, it
be recommended that Dr. Gilmour be suspended from his
office, and that Mr. Drawbridge be employed to attend to
his district until the determination of the Poor-law
Board be known."

A question arose, as to whether the resolution of the
committee should be read to Dr. Gilmour, as he was
in attendance, and wished to say something to the
guardians.
The Clerk said, he had already furnished Dr. Gilmour
with a copy of the resolution.
Dr. Gilmour was then called, and

The Chairman said, he supposed he was acquainted
with the circumstances of the case brought before the
board.

Dr. Gilmour said, h 3 wished to say a few
words to the board. He appeared before the
committee, and told them that he was very sorry that he
had allowed his assistant to take his place. He would
tell the board that his assistant was under three months
notice to leave, and that he would keep no person in his
place in future. He believed that the work had• been
well dose. He was not aware that he was doing any
wrong ; however, he would not put that' forward
as an excuse, but would say that it would • not
occur again so low" as he had any connection
with the board of guardians. *When he got a copy of the
resolution of the committee, he thought it was very harsh,
and he still thought so, as he was sure the work had been
well done. He had been twelve years crmnected with the
guardians, aria in the same district, and that was the first
complaint: . _ _

Mr. Wilson said, as chairman of the committee, and
Dr. Gilmour having expressed his regret that he had
allowed the matter to be in the hands of an assistant for
a fortnight, he looked back over the certificates as far as
November, and found the certificates signed-in the same
handwriting as that acknowledged by Dr. Gilmour
himself to be his assistant's, and Dr. Gilmour
'had said it was only fore a fortnight. That,
he thought, rather aggravated the matter. He, however,
thought it better to make-these remarks in D:. Gilmour's
presence,

- Dr. Gilmour said, he wished to correct the statement
made Mr. Wilson, as he did not state to the committee
that it was only for a fortnight. Ha made an excuse for
a fortnight only, because during that time he had two
cases of small pox to attend to, and that was the time
called in question. He would leave the matter in the
hands.of the guardians. He then retired.

Mr. Moss l'6'ok-ed upon the office of a guardian as one
entailing a double "responsibility—to care for the poor
people placed under their charge, and also the pockets of
the rate Payers. Now, Dr. Gilmour could not be other-
wise than aware that he was neglecting his duty ;
and, as a proof that he was attending to it, 'he was
to give a certificate under his own hand, and it
had been found that these certificates 'were all in the
handwriting of his assistant. It was too bad to think that
Dr. Gilmour, who was receiving a salary of nearly £2OO
a-year, for attending to the poor people; amongst whoni
was to be found all manner of disease that flesh is heir
to, entrusting it to a young and inexperienced assistant.
When they would look at the case in its proper light,
they would see that if the father of a family took sick
and died for want of any medical relief, his family would
be thrown chargeable on the ratepa,yers, and even if he
did get better ke would be unable to support. them for a
long time, in consequence of his long illness. He was sure
that under the 'circumstances there was not a man
in the room that would sanction such proceedings. lie
was very sorry to 1111V3 in the case of Dr. Gilmour, who
was his neighbotir, that the report of the medical com-
mittee be confirmed, and sent to the Poor-law Board,
and, in the meantime, that Mr. Drawbridge take his
place. '
Mr. Wilson seconded the motion, beCauso he thought
it would look very ridiculous on their part to do
otherwise.

Mr, Rogers gave his support to the confirmation of the
proceedings of tilt) commit-tee.
Mr. Harrison Moved an amendment, which he after-
wards withdrew.

Mr. Moss read a letter which he had received from a
member of the body called Quakers, relative to the pur-
chase of a piece of land, for the purpose of
formitig a cemetery. The land adjoining SMithdown-lane
was the portion in question, which measured 6,540 yards,
andfor which they proposed to give £1,200, on the condi-
tion, that the guardians would join' them in building a
wall between the the two .properties, and run the water
out of the pit ; and also allow them to construct a drain
with that of the guardians.
Some discussion took place with regard 40 this
proposal, and it was finally agreed to offer the ground
for £1,300, and that the Quakers take all expenses on
themselves.

Mr. Harrison gave notice of motion, with regard to
electing a master and matron for the new workhouse.
This ended the business.

MONETARY AND COMMERCIAL.
_LivEiwoint, Thursday Evening.
The Liverpool Cotton Market has_ been very
active to-day, and a large business has ben done,
the sales reaching no 'less than 12,000ibales, of
which 4,000 have been taken up for speculation
and for export. Prices have had an upward
tendency, and closed fully a sixteentYof a penny
per pound above the quotations of Friday last.
The Liverpool Share Market :has been more
active to-day, and, with considerable business,
prices have improved for Many : of the leading
railway stocks. ~The following were the. transac-
tions :-Birkenhead, Lancashire, land. bheshire,
664 ; Caledonian, 881, 801; Great Western, 561 ;
Lancashire and Yorkshire, 964, 961, 96,1, '961 ;
London.:and-North Western, 964, .961 c, 961, 961,
961 c, 961, 961; do. one-eight > shares,: 8 ; Man-
chester, Sheffield, and Lincolnshire, 38, ;38,1,
381; 381 ; Midland Stock, 1021 ; 'North British,
621 South Eastern, 22 5-16, 224, 2240, 22 5.16,
221; Buffal; and Lake HUron, 71 • Dutch Rtenish,
54, 5 1-16, 5 d ; Grand Trunk of Cdnada, 74,
•15-.16; Great Luxembourg Constitnted, .'6l ;
St. Helen's Railway, and Canal .41 per cent.,
shares, 102; London and North Western Chestet
and Holyhead, 481; Union Bank, 13. After,
official hours, the following were the quota-1
tions :-Blackburn, 111, 111; .Chester and Birken-T.
head, 661, 671 ; Caledonian, 86, 861 ; Chester
and - Holyhead, 481, 481 • Eastern Counties,
12 7-16, 12 9716 ; East Tiancashire, 96, 965 ;
,Do. £9 shares,..,, 1. p ; Great Northern, 105;
106 ; Do. A, 88, 89 ; Great -Western, 561; 57 ;
Lancashire and Yorkshire Stock, 961, 961 ; Ditto
..19 shares, 3-, p' • London and. North Western
Stock, 961, 961 • Do. one-eighth shares, 4, 13-16 d;
Manchester, Sheffield, and Lincolnshire, 381, 381 ;
Midland Stock, 1021, 1024 ; North ,British„ 621, -
624 ; North Western, 13,5,- 131 ; North Staf-
fordshire, 41 xd, 45 d ; North Eastern-BerWick,
931, 94 ; York and North Midland, 781,, 79 ;
Leeds Capital Stock, 481,- 481 ; South Eastern,
and Dover, 22 5-16, 221 ; Dutch Rhenish, 5 1-16,
4 15-16 d ; Great Western of Canada, 161, 161 ;
Ditto New Shares, 41, 44 d ; Great 'Luxembourg,
6 11-16, 6 13-16 ; Grand Trunk of Canada, 71, 8.
At Messrs. Cunard, Wilson, and Co.'s sale of
ships this day, the ship Colima was sold for
£2,250, and the brigantine Marsella for £375.
The Riverdale was rapidly bid up to £2,310, but
was withdrawn at £2,500 for the owner ; and the
Thomas Connolly bid up to 1370 was postponed to ,
next Thursday, when this vessel will be put up
for peremptory sale.
In the Produce Markets, the business done has
not been large, but a better tone prevailed. The
transactions in Sugar were confined to 120 hhds.
at 40s. A large quantity of Linseed ; offered by
auction was withdrawn. 800 bags of Mustard-sold
at 59s to 60s 6d.
The Corn Averages, as made up 'for the week
ending the- sth instant, were as folloW :-Wheat,
40s. 10d. ; Barley, 335. 9d.'; Oats, 21s. 9d. ; Rye,
335. 6d. ; Beans, 40s. sd. ; Peas, 40s. 11d.
The Loudon market for English Funds and
Securities opened. with ,increased fimness, owing
to the improvement which had been reported in.
French and Austrian funds. A continuance of the•
upward movement would• soon lead. to a general re.;
covert' in English Stocks and Railway Shares, and
already an inclination is shown to speculate for an
advance, although'business at present is very quiet,
and the dealers are now occupied with the liquidation
of the account in foreign and railway securities.
Consols were' as high as 951, but a few
sales has, caused a slight relapse. and the receipt
'of later information from the Paris Bourse is
awaited with some curiosity. Altogether the
complexion of the several markets is more favour-
able than for several' days past. The New Threes
and' Reduced Annuities are at slightly enhanced
rates. The latest price of Consols is 951, 951 for
Money, and 951; 951 for the Account.
After twelve o'clock the English.. Stock Market
continues very firm at full quotations. Consols
were 951, 951 for Money ; and 951 buyers for
Account. The New. Threes and Reduced were
96, 964. New 21 per Cents., 791. Long Annuities,
181, 184: India Loan Debentures, 981, 981;
ditto Bonds, 20s to. 248 prem. ; and Exchequer
Bills, 33s to 36S prem. Bank Stock is 2271, 229.
, The Railway Share Market was active all day,
and closed very firmly,. The arrangements for
the adjustment of the Ancount are progreSsing
favourably. Eastern Counties have been done at
621 ; Great Northern, 1041 ; Great Western, 57 ;
Lancashire and , Yorkshire, 964- ; London and
North Western, 965; London and South Western,
951 ; Manchester, Sheffield and Lincolnshire, 381;
Midland, 1021 ; North Eastern-Berwick, 931 ;
South Eastern, 741. Indian Shares are firm ;
East Indian have advanced to 1021 ; Great Indian
Peninsula are 1001. Ceylon have been done at
51, 6. French Shares are improving. Lombard-
Venetian have been done at 64 ; and the Original
Issue, 91.
The Railway Traffic Returns for the past week
are as follows :-Bristol and Exeter, 5,4111; East
Lancashire, 6,4721; Great Northern, 23,3391;
Great Western, 26,9311;_ Lancaster and. Carlisle,
5,7931.; Lancashire and Yorkshire, 23,6341.; Lon-
don and Brighton, 11,9821; London and North
Western, 62,0091; London and South Western,
13,3751; Midland, 33;5174 S. Eastern, 16,170/; Man-
chester, Sheffield, &c., 10,503/ ; N. Stafford, 7,0001;
Oxford,Worcester, &c., 4,089 ; N. Eastern, 31,6511;
Great North of Scotland, 1,2131; Scottish North
Eastern, 3,5451; Edinburgh and Glasgow, 5,3621;
Edinburgh, Perth, and Dundee, 2,6151; Glasgow
and South Western, '5,9501; Dublin and Wicklow,
1,5711; Cork and Bandon, 3071; Newport, Aber-
gavenny, &c., 1,386/ • Gleat Luxembourg, 1,61t11;
Grand Trun of Canada, 6,7561; Great Western of
Canada, 5,7991; Sambre and Meuse, 1,1751; West
Flanders, 694/.
In explanation of the movement in Peruvian
Bonds, it is stated that the Peruvian Government
has in contemplation a new plan of finance
especially affecting the holders of the debt. There
is an idea of calling in the existing bonds of the
various classes, and issuing in exchange one
class of bands; redeemable within five
years, and' secured upon the whole, of the
guano revenue. This proposal- is said to be dic-
tated by the extreme difficulty experienced by
the government in procuring from time to time
the amount of bonds required for eaneelment under
the sinking fund. For instance, as already pointed
out, bonds of the Anglo-Peruvian Four and a Half
per Cent. Debt to 'the amount of about .£130,000
must be procured next month, and the Peruvian
agents scarcely know where to turn for the re-