The Northern Daily Times.
Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1857-02-03 00:00:00

LIVERPOOL CHAMBER 01 COMMERCE.

The annual meeting of the Liverpool Chamber of
Commerce was held in the rooms, Exchange Buildings,
at one o'clock yesterday. The chair was taken by the
President, CHARLES HOLLAND, Esq. Among the members
present were Messrs. William Brown, M.P. ; H. A.
Made, John Torr, Richard Shell, Thomas Bondi, Kelly,
Forwood, Cooke, Wade King, J. King, J. Dixon, Reid,
C. Bushell, Clint, Watson, and Fisher.
The President called upon the Secretary, Mr. Tronsen,
to read the annual report.
The following report was read
REPORT,

The following is a summary of the proceeengs of the council
On the principal subjects brought before them during the year
1856 :

As the half-yearly reports are not eletnlated among the
members of the chamber, it becomes necessary to recapitulate
the subjects there noticed, with web alteration only as is
necessary to preserve the classitcation of the various matters
referred to, as follows :
BILL TO AMEND THE LAW OF PARTNERSHIp.—In
accordance with tie() resolution passed at the special general
meeting in it'eruary last, your council appointed a committee,
with full 'powers to carry out the opinions then expressed by
the chamber, and acting thereon, a deputation waited on the
Vier.apresident of the Board of Trade to enforce the views of
'ate chamber on the government. A petition against the bill,
signed by the president, was forwarded to Mr. Horsfall, M.P.,
and presented by him to the House of Commons. It will, of
course, be in the knowledge of members that the measure was
withdrawn. While referring to the law of partnership, it may
be stated that the council, in reply to a request from the
Manchester Commercial Association, have given their opinion
in favour of a compulsory registration of the names of all
persons composing partnership.
JOINT STOCK COMPANIES BILL.---YOUT council acted upon
the resolution of the chamber by petitioning parliament for
further time being given for the consideration of the numerous
clauses contained in this bill. The measure passed through
Several reprints before its third reading in the House of
Commons ; and your council took every opportunity of
introducing such amendments as appeared desirable. Though
all the suggestions made by the council were not adopted, it
is satisfactory to know that the moat important were embodied
in "the act—such as power to the local Courts of Bankruptcy,
- instead' of Chancery, to wind up joint stock companies,
And more especially the appointment of official liquidators
by the creditors or shareholders, in addition to those to be
appointed by the court.
JOINT STOCK COMPANIES WINDING-UP ACTS AMENDMENT
BlLL.—This measure confers power on creditors to meet and
choose- a person to represent them in all proceedings for
winding up companies not coming under the act named in the
preceding paragraph. The principal being similar to that
suggested by your council, they suppOrted the bill.
ACT TO AMEND THE LAWS OF ENGLAND AND IRELAvD
AFFECTING TRADE AND COMMERCE.--This measure is one
for the purpose of assimilating certain of the m'7ecantile laws of
England and Ireland to those of Scotland-, and being in general
accordanee with the views expre,so,-,:d b the mercantile law
committee of your chamber. ¶ hen consulted by the commis-
sion, it met the approval your council, with two exceptions,
viz ,-Ist. The pro-i,oaed repeal of the statute of frauds,
which requires entracte for a sum of £lO and upwards, to be
in writing and, 2nd., The clause making a guarantee to or for
a firm, to Cease 11.pon a change in the firm. The former excep-
tion was m;5 by the withdrawal of the clause ; but the latter,
your co,-anoil regret to say, was not modified in the way they
"'ea:dared necessary for the safety of merchants, or others
receiving guarantees. But one of the clauses to which your
council attached much value, was unfortunately thrown out in
committee of the House of Lords. Its intent may be
githere I from the heading, viz. :—" Presentment of bill of
exchange, if uuaccepted, to an assignment of the debt owing
. from drawee to drawer." Had this measure passed, it would
have haVe given additional security to the bill of exchange;
and, as your council believe, that whatever adds to the sectrrity
of the bill of exchange, is beneficial to commerce generally,
they regret that the clause miscarried.
JUDGMENTS, EXECUTIONS, &C., BILL.—A. measure to
!' enable executions to issue in any part of the United Kingdom
under judgments obtained in either England, Ireland, or
Scotland." Your Council regret that this bill was withdrawn,
" as the object of it is one which would be highly advant,geous
to the commercial community. But it is understood that it
= will be introduced again next session. In connection with
this subject, your Council are about taking steps to obtain the
introduction of a bill " to enable parties to bring actions in any
part of the United Kingdom, where the cause of actions arose,
against parties residing in any other part of the same," and the
desirableness of which was stronly urged by the Chamber, in a
report made by it to the commission on the assimilation of the
mercantile laws of England, Ireland, and Scotland, so far back
as 1854. Through the London Law Amendment Society (of
-which the Chamber has become a member), a draft of the bill
has been prepared, and your directors will act in conjunction
with that society for forwarding the measure.
The drafts on banker's bills, to explain the law as to crossed

MERCANTILE CONFERENCE IN LONDON.—Th closing the
notice of the subjects having reference to commercial laws,
the council, have to intimate that, on the invitation of the
London Law Amendment Society, they appointed a deputation
to the conference which that body lately convened in London,
consisting of representatives of the chambers of commerce in
the principal towns in the kingdom, for die purpose of con-
sidering the subjects for futl:t.e commercial legislation. The
council forwarded a iLemorandum of subjects, which they
considered it wWardbe desirable to discuss, viz.— 1. The
Judgments and Execution Bill.-2. The United Kingdom
t3i11.-3. The Mercantile Law Amendment Bill, and
The Hegis'ration of Partnership, all of which have been
Noticed in this report,-5. The expediency of establishing
ledal commercial courts for the adjudication of mercantile
disputes, in conformity with the views already expressed by
the chamber.-6. The clauses of the Bills of Lading Bill,
1855, giving power to detain foreign ships for claims arising
under bills of lading or charter parties, which were s-ruck out
in the house of Commons, and-7. The Bankruptcy Laws
and their administration. Other matters were, of course,
brought forward, but your council having as yet received no
report.from the deputation, on account of the shortness of time,
they cannot acquaint the chamber officially of the results of
the conference. But, in the course of to-day's proceedings, it
is not unlikely some information will be given by ono or other
of the gentlemen who assisted at the congress.
MONETARY SYSTEM AND BANE CHARTER ACTS.—The
special committee on these important subjects has just pre-
sented its report, which has been printed. Copies aro laid on
the table for the consideration of members. As there is a
general feeling abroad of the necessity of reviewing this impor.
tent subject, it is probable that a parliamentary committee will
again have to examine into its merits.
MONTE VIDEAN LOAN OF 1845.—1 t is with pleasure that
the council remind the chamber that this long outstanding
question has been closed in a satisfactory manner, and they
repeat their thanks to the Earl of Clarendon for the attention
which her Maje.ty's government, and the British representa-
tive at Monte Video, Mr. Thornton, have bestowed on the
representations made by the chamber iu this matter.
SOUND DUES.—Your council has not been in a position to
make any further movement on this question ; but they availed
themselves of the opportunity of the • appointment of a select
committee of the Honae of Commons, to forward the views
taken by the chamber, which they are happy to say. are, in a
great measure in conformity with the recommendations of that
committee, " that it is highly desirable these dues should be
abolished." What steps government is about to take in the
matter remains to be seen, and your council will do all in their
power to aid in freeing commerce from so heavy an impost.
POSTAL COMMUNICATIONS.—The Council repeated their
representations to the Treasury and the Admiralty, in favour
of the establishment of a regular fystem of Postal communica-
tion with Australia—since which, a contract has been entered
into, and in a short time the arrangements will come into force.
Efforts were also made by the Council to procure the appoint-
ment of Liverpool as the port of departure and arrival of
steamers carrying the West Coast of Africa Mails—but without
success. The company owning those vessels have, however,
adopted Live-Tool as the port of loading; though Plymouth
still remains the port for receiving and landing the mails. As
to the site for a new post office, your Council have memorialised
the authorities in favour of the removal of the office to the site
proposed for the new public offices in Dale street, as one
offering the advantage of a most central position, and proximity
to all points of arrival and departure of the mails. Feeling the
great importance of this question, the Council are apprehensive
that any delay on the part of the authorities, in coming to
some definite arrangement as to the future site of our post
office, will only add to the difficulty of dealing with the sub-
ject ; and they would express their opinion, that prompt
action should be taken.
EXPORT TRADE.—It is gratifying to your Council to state
that tho exports from Liverpool alone during the year 1856
amount to fully £54,000,000; but, when it is considered how
large a proportion of this amount consists of cotton manufactures,
the diminution in the future supply of cotton wool, which is
now threatened, would be placed in a serious calamity. The
extension and improvement of the dock sheds having occupied
the attention of the Dock Committee, your
recommendations. Council avenot
failed to support the measure by its nrgentwhmi
Liverpool is
There is no amelioration in the positioni
placed
Manchester.
EXPORT BONDS. —Your Council are happy to report that,
after a lengthened communication with government, this
question, which was a source of much
annoyance and embar-
rassment to the commercial community, has been brought to a
satisfactory issue, the Collector of Customs having been
empowered to take the necessary steps for cancelling the bonds
given in the shipment of certain articles during the late war.
BRUSSELS FREE TRADE CONGRESS.--In accordance with
the resolution of the special meeting in September last, the
president attended the Congress to represent the chamber;

but, as time did not permit of the preparation of any documents
to lay before the Congress, his duty was limited to watching
the proceedings, which have been duly reported through the
press.

TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION WITH HOLT HE AD.
Your Council regret to observe that, Its yet, but little progress
has been made towards the establishMent of a system of
electric telegraph with Holyhead and the international coast.
It would appear that some legal difficulty prevents its
accomplishment but your Council trust the Dock Com-
mittee wi.ll not omit tho earlitst opportunity of making such
P.Ti important provision for the bonefit both of the shipping
interest and the Dock Estate.

HONDURAS INTEROCEANIC RAILWAY.—At the last half-
yearly general meeting, on the motion of the hon. member
for South Lancashire, your president was requested to
act as a member of the provisional board of directors of
the projected Honduras railway, and to report thereon to
the council. The influence which it was understood the
successful attainment of this undertaking was calculated
to have in the settlement of questions then pending
between our government and the United States, induced
the council to adopt the motion, and the council has been
apprised by the president that, after careful investigation,
the provisional directors are sanguine as to the realisation
of a project which will unite the interests of both parties,
and strengthen the bonds of amity between them. And
here your council cannot omit alluding to the late visit of
Lord ,Palmerston to Liverpool, and to the opportunity
which was thus afforded to the commercial community of
expressing, through the medium of your chamber, their
gratification of the satisfactory settlement of the questions
which had arisen between the governments of this country
and the United States; while, on behalf of the chamber,
your president expressed the sense your council entertain
of the attention which her Majesty's government have
evinced in all matters which the chamber has had occasion
to bring to their notice.

LlBitAßY.—The committee, appointed to select a library
for the use of the chamber, have collected several works
of note bearing on commerce; and there are now in the
library nearly 200 volumes, besides a large number of
blue books and other Parliamentary papers; As the
funds of the chamber permit further additions will be
made; but, in the Meantime, the Council will be happy to
receive contributions from such of the members as feel an
interest in promoting so important an acquisition to the
chamber.

RETIREMENT or DIRECTORS.—Daring the year one
vacancy has occurred at the board by the resignation of
Mr. Hamilton, which has been supplied by the election of
Mr. John Bibby. The following gentlemen retlo to-day
by rotation, and are ineligible for re-election this year,
viz. t—Messrs. John Atkin, Parnworth, Heath, Holland,
Hornby, Shand, Bhiel, and Stitt, and it will now be
necessary to elect eight directors in their places.
The Council again refer with pleatnire to the very im-
portant and valuable aid rendered to the chamber by the
members of Parliathent for the borough, and the southern
division of the county, in the various matters where their
p,ssi:stance has been solicited; and they beg to tender to
those gentlemen their best thanks.

The President said he had now to move that the report
and statement of accoun's now read be received and
adopted, printed, and circulated among the mem
bers. He had not many remarks to offer upon the
report. A great many of the subjects had been
already treated, as the members were aware, in the half
year's report last August The questions which had
come before the council since, were first, the mercantile
conference lately held in London during the last week.
He trusted, that, before the meeting separated, his two
colleagues, Messrs. Heath and Bushell, upon whom
devolved a large portion of the duties when they were
in London, would make a brief report verbally to the
chairtnan, of the results of that conference. He might
state generally, that the question of the bankruptcy laws
and their administration, formed a very prominent topic
there, and that great unanimity cf feeling prevailed
among all the gentlemen present at the conference, as to
the necessity of a radical change in regard to the bank-
ruptcy laws and their administration. The points of
grievance were particularly elicited by some very able
papers. The reforms necessary, were agreed upon, and
a deputation was appointed to wait upon Lord Palmer-
ston, and to place before him in writing, a statement
of the reforms and the ch Inges which the conference
deemed to be absoletely necessary. He presumed Mr.
Bushell would he able to tell the meeting how Lord
Palmerston received the deputation, and whet assurance
he gave to them of meeting their n ishes. Other subjects
of great importance likewise came before the conference.
The registration of partnerships question brought for-
ward by the Manchester Commercial Association likewise
met with universal approval. Mr. Crawford read over
to them again his Judgments and executions bill, and
assured the meeting that he would this session again
bring it forward with a view to carry it. On behalf of
that Chamber of Commerce the deputation brought
forward the question of tribunals of commerce, or rather,
he should say, brought forward the question of obtain-
ing some more cheap, speedy, and efficacious mode of
settling commercial disputes than was afforded by the
nnesent state, and the present mode of admi-
munity of Liverpool and the provinces. The chair-
man of their law committee, Mr. Heath, read
a very valuable paper upon the subject, demon-
strating, or endeavouring to demonstrate, all the
arguments which this Chamber formerly advanced in
favour of local courts of compulsory jurisdiction being
established in the provinces. All these arguments he
reinforced, and placed in the strongest point of view, and
he was happy to say to the .meeting that he thought,
notwitstanding that professional prejudices, of
course could not be expected altogether to give way,
yet there was a very general concurrence on the part of
the meeting as to the necessity of soma great changes
being made in regard to the administration of the law in
the provinces. Lord Brougham himself concluded that
part of the discusseen by expressing his own strong con-
viction that the present state of affairs could not be
allowed to exist any longer, and that the demands of
the population in the provinces, particularly the com-
mercial classes, for a more speedy, cheap, and edeacious
administration of justice in commercial cases was abso-
lutely necessary, arid mast be conceded to them (hear,
hear). On all these points the Conference in London was
not only unanimous, but it possessed a weight and moral
influence which must necessitate that, whatever the
conclusions they came to, they would receive the attention
of the government. (Hear, hear.) The next question
which was included in the report was the baning act.
A committee, as the members were aware, was appointed
more than a year ago to report upon the bank act of
1844. That committee, he could assure the meeting, had
a very arduous task imposed npon it. He felt certain
that every gentleman who considered the question would
agree with him, that there was no question, perhaps, on
which unanimity of opinion was more difficult to be
arrived at, and that it was scarcely possible to meet any
two persons convessant with the question who quite
agreed in all their conclusions, and in their views of all
the bearings of the 'question. It was hardly to be
expected that the gentlemen who composed the committee
could arrive at a perfect unanimity on all the points
connected with it. However, he was happy to say that
they had, at all events, so far agreed that they had been
enabled to present to the council the result of their
labours in certain resolutions which were embodied
in the printed report which was now laid upon
the table. (Hear, hear.) They could not agree
upon any supplementary report as to the views and
reasons which each individual took in arriving at the
conclusions, some taking a more qualified, some a less
qualified view upon certain points connected with it. It
had, therefore, been deemed more advisable, that certain
draft reports presented to the committee by individual
members, having the sanction, perhaps, of one or two
members of the committee, should be appended to the
resolutions which were agreed upon, not as in themselves:
forming part of the report, but as being an addenda con-
taining matter which would show the chamber, that
very great attention, at all events, bad been given to the
question, and if, from different points of view, some
minds had adopted more qualified views of the question
than others, would show exactly hew the conclusions
had been arrived at. A parliamentary committee, would
no doubt, have to sit in the coming session, as it had
already been notified by Mr. Tile, that he would move
for a parliamentary committee to investigate the whole
subject of the Bank Charter. There would, there-
fore, be ample time and opportunity for the
chamber to express any opinion which they might
entertain upon the subject before that committee. With
regard to the removal of the Post Office, he was sorry to
say that the question still remained in state quo. He was
happy to see that there were gentlemen connected with
the Town Council present at that meeting, as well as the
indefatigable chairman of the postal committee—and he
was sure it was not owing to any lack of energy on the
part of that gentleman that the question had not made
more progress; but he believed that somehow the nego-
cainal theion
sbetween the Post Office authorities in London
Town Councilhich theret
was ll had
certainly
u ly progressed
desirablew it la
they
rapidity with which
should move. (hear, hear.) Every gentleman present
must be convinced of the great eligibility of the
site in
Dale-street which had been referred to, and the import-
ance, that not a day should be lost in endeavouring to
secure to the commercial community the advantages
which that site presented. There were some remarks
made in the report upon the export trade, embracingL
l from
the statistics of exports yearauringthveurytely.
a . mustverp h Liverpool,
of which he was not aware until
most gratifying to them all to see the remark upon the very
large amount of the exports from that port, 54 millions, or
proportionu r
e s, and
h ofu
t
in other words, something nearly half of the whole exports
of the United Kingdom. The report of the export com-
mittee went on to say, thatattcoonnsmidaenraubflaect
that amount consisted of cotton