Northern Times.
Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1857-12-04 00:00:00

DOCK COMMITTEE.

The weekly meeting of the Dock Committee was held
at one o'clock yesterday, Mr. Charles Turner in the chair.
The:other members present were—Messrs. Rankin, Little-
dale, Bold, Lockett, Bathbone, Hubback, Chilton, Smith,
Holden, Clint, Barber, Anderson, Rounthwaite, Mondell,
and Robinson.

An application for relief was read from William Heath,
who stated that he had been employed for 18 years in the
service of the committee in one of the dock yards, where
he lost his sight, in consequence, as he stated, of working
in a yard SD dark that gas had to bs burned all through
the day. He stated that he was now 65 years of age and
in extreme destitution.

Mr. Ra hbone asked, was it true that the committee had
workshops so dark, that the men had to work there all
day by gas.
The Surveyor said it was not so now, it might have been
so in the old yards but not at present.
Mr. Rathb one said, if the man had lost his sight in
consequence of having to work by gaslight, he was entitled
to some consideration.
The Chairman stated that this case was before the com-
mittee, in May last. It appeared that the man had not been
consecutively employed in the service of the committee
for 18 years, but had, of his own accord, quitted their
service for a considerable time. On this ground the
committee did not feel warranted in recommending that
any grant should be made.
The subject was finally referred to the sub committee
for further consideration.

A Report was read from the Harbour-Master and the
police upon the praiseworthy conduct of Richard Griffiths,
gate-keeper of the Stanley-dock, who rescued a man from
drowatng iu the Collingwood-dock. The Harbour Master's
Commitee recommended that 20s should be given to
Griffiths, and any expenses he had incurred repaid, which
was agreed to. _ _

A. litter was read from Mr. Corkhill, traffic manager of
the Lancashire and Yorkshire railway company, stating
that the company had given instructions to have the
inconveniences complained of last Thursday, at the coal
high-level railway, avoided in future—so far as they were
occasioned by anything in connection with the company.
The Chairman stated that, the Finance Sub-Committee,
to whom the question of continuing the Liverpool office
in London was referred, recommended that the Dock
Committee should make the same allowance as the
Corporation-0100 a year.
Mr. Bold suggested that the allowance should be made
with the same condition attached as was attached by the
corporation, that they approved of the plan upon which
the office was to be conducted.

The suggestion was agreed to, and the recommendation
confirmed.

Applications for increase of salary was received from
Mr. John Evans, receiver of duties upon goods inwards, at
present receiving £3OO a year ; from Mr. Joseph F. Owen,
receiver of duties on exports, whose present salary is
£250 a year; and from Mr. Peter Capper, me Asurer of
foreign vessel; whose salary is £250 a year. An
application was also received from Mr. J. Curfey, master
of the Clarence-basin, to be allowed to occupy the house,
where he lives at present, free of rent.
Mr. Rathbone suggested that each of these applications
should be considered by the Board, and a recommendation
left for the new trust, in reference to each case where an
increase of salary seemed requisite. This would probably
amount to the same thing, but it would not tie up the
hands of their successors in the same way as if they now
made a regular increase of the salaries.
Mr. Bold thought it would have been very well if that
suggestion had been adopted in the first instance, but, as
the committee had already raise] the salaries of several
officers, it would be very unfair if they refused now to
entertain the application of others, equally deserving,
because they were made in December instead of October.
3.1 r. Smith thought there were many old servants
working at very small salaries, who had not
made any application, and wore well deserving
of increase. He suggested that the whole management,
with regard to salaries, should be considered.
Mr. Rathbone said, if the Finance Committee would
undertake the revision and leave a record of their opinion
it would be very valuable.

Mr. Rankin did not think these was sufficient time to
go through the salaries in so careful a manner.
Mr. Clint thought each of the applications ought to
be considered upon its own merit, and without reference
to the fact of the new trust coming in.
After some further conversation. it was suggests(' by
the chairman, and agreed, that the first three applications
should be referred to the Finance Committee, and the
fourth (regarding the remission of rent) to the harbour
masters' committee, to report upon.
A Memorial from several cart-owners, complaining that
the stand allotted to them on the west side of the Trafal-
gar and Clarence Docks, was inconveniently distant from
the gate in Waterloo-road, and suggesting another site,
was referrel to the Harbour-masters' Committee with the
Surveyor.

A letter was received from the secretaries of the Lanca-
shire and Yorkshire Railway Company, enclosing a
tracing of the property of the Dock Trustees near the
north timber dock, and shewing some new lines and three
cranes which the Company desired the Trustees should
furnish, to improve the accommodation for the loading of
large timber there. _

The letter was referred to the Works Committee.

A letter was read from the president and treasurer of
the St. Anne's Dispensary, soliciting a renewal of the
alnual grant of £3O in aid of the funds of that institu-
tion.

It was unanimously agreed that the application be
g,anted.
A letter was read from Messrs. Gibbs, Bright, and Co.,
cllling attention to the very serious inconvenience they at
present experienced in getting ships consigned to them,
with guano into the Birkenhead docks ; the writers added,
that it was not caused by the number of vessels discharg-
ing or taking in cat go, but by the number of those lying
idle.

Mr. Lockett said the Cmtmitte had no power to
remove Vies° vessels.

On the suggestion of the Chairman, .the letter was
referred to the Harbour-Master's Committee.

This concluded the general business.